Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Thursday, 11 January 2024

SC takes cognizance : Only after 9 years

 


 

Context :

Frame policy to phase out heavy diesel vehicles, says SC

·         Hindustan Times (Noida)

·         12 Jan 2024

·         Utkarsh Anand letters@hindustantimes.com


The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to frame a national policy to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles like trucks and trailers, and replace them with BS-VI vehicles that use cleaner fuel, underlining people living in all parts of the country and not only those living in the Delhi-ncr are entitled to breathe clean air and a pollution-free environment.

Deciding to monitor the government’s steps regarding the proposed policy, a bench of justices AS Oka and Pankaj Mithal remained emphatic that air pollution directly affects the fundamental rights of all the citizens, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, and that the enforcement of this right is not confined to the people living in Delhi-ncr.

“The right to life guaranteed under Article 21 includes the right to live in a pollution-free environment. The issue of air pollution is of a great deal of importance to every citizen. Air pollution affects citizens’ quality of life,” held the bench, fixing the next hearing on July 31 for reporting of the compliance by the Union ministry of transport and highways.

It further said that the process of exploring the possibility of finding better sources, including CNG/ hybrid/electric, for use of heavy-duty vehicles ought to continue.

We propose to grant the ministry of road transport and highways six months to come out with a policy on the replacement of heavy-duty diesel vehicles with BS-VI vehicles. While we do so, we make it clear that with ever-advancing technology, constant endeavour to explore the availability of other fuel resources that could be used for heavy-duty vehicles should always continue,” stated the court.

The court was dealing with a petition relating to the pollution caused by an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Delhi due to a huge inflow of trucks and trailers that were not even destined for the national capital. ICDS are temporary storage facilities for import and export-related goods.

By an order in March 2019, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) to ensure that, in a phased manner, diesel vehicles stop visiting the ICD at Delhi and shift to electric, hybrid or CNG vehicles. The tribunal also proposed an alternative that the diesel vehicles meant to park at the Delhi ICD may be diverted to ICDS in nearby states.

This, the top court on Thursday, found unacceptable, noting the NGT’S opinion connoted as if only the people living in the Delhi-ncr alone are entitled to pollution free atmosphere and not those living in other parts of the country.

“Such an observation by the NGT is in complete ignorance of the fact that citizens living in other parts of the country, other than Delhi-ncr, also have a fundamental right to a pollution-free environment as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” it said.

The bench added that the NGT, in its endeavour to safeguard the fundamental right of the people of Delhi-ncr, cannot allow infringement of the same fundamental right of the citizens living elsewhere. “The observation of the NGT is totally unjustified and unwarranted,” it maintained.

The Supreme Court, in a public interest litigation instituted by environmentalist MC Mehta in 1984, has been monitoring the steps taken by various authorities to curb air pollution in Delhincr in what has become an annual public health crisis when the region remains in the grip of hazardous pollution for almost two months starting November.

In its judgment on Thursday, the court further directed CONCOR to formulate a plan for the optimal utilisation of the inland container depots garlanding Delhi within six months, besides coordinating with all the official agencies to enable the setting up of central laboratories near ICDS around Delhi-ncr, so that so that the infrastructure in other ICDS around Delhi does not remain under-utilised by exporters and importers.

 

Article Name:Frame policy to phase out heavy diesel vehicles, says SC

Publication:Hindustan Times (Noida)

Author:Utkarsh Anand letters@hindustantimes.com

 ========================================== 

My  Take :

Dear Justices  AS Oka and Pankaj Mithal :

supremecourt@nic.in

 

Many thanks for taking cognizance of my following 9 YEAR old e-mail :

Second Class Citizens ? …………………….. 07 Jan 2015

 

Extract :

If you live in any city other than Delhi , you are a second class citizen  !

 

At least , the Supreme Court of India seems to think so  !

 

What else can explain its deep concern for the health of Delhi-ites , while choosing to overlook the fact that Diesel Vehicle Pollution is equally damaging the lungs of the lesser beings, living in dozens of other cities ?

 

Or does SC think that pollution related situation in these other cities has yet not reached a level of alarm ?

 

Or that time is not yet " ripe " for it to concern itself with future of the children of people living in these other cities  ?

 

Is it possible that SC is waiting for some citizens of these lesser cities to file a PIL  ?

 

May be SC thinks its "Judicial Activism" does not legitimately extend beyond the NCR ?

 

I fondly believe ( even now ) that for the Common Man of this country , SC is the only real " Maa - Baap " which steps in whenever the Government Officers / MLAs / MPs , fail to take timely decisions to protect the health of its Citizens , everywhere

 

I still very much believe that SC has , time and again , proved that it is the Court of Last Resort

 

I hope SC has read in papers ,the figures of AQI ( Air Quality Index ) in other cities

 

In any case , I hope that , on its own , SC will take SUO MOTO cognizance of this blog and treat it as a PIL to enlarge its recent orders to cover the rest of India !

 

A WORD OF  CAUTION :

If Hon Judges of the Supreme Court were to read the rest of my blogs at ,

www.hemenparekh.in ,

they may take SUO MOTO cognizance of many and keep aside PILs from Prashant Bhushan / Subramanian Swami  !

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hemen  parekh

07  Jan  2015

=====================================

 Dear Shri Nitin Gadkariji ,

Supreme Court has granted your ministry, 6 months to come up with a POLICY “ on the replacement of heavy-duty diesel vehicles with BS-VI vehicles. 

But , this time around , SC had the foresight to add :

While we do so, we make it clear that with ever-advancing technology, constant endeavor to explore the availability of other fuel resources that could be used for heavy-duty vehicles should always continue,”

Here is your chance to “ Surprise the Supreme

By filing an AFFIDAVIT which says :

“ Dear Hon Supreme Court :

Many thanks for suggesting that my Ministry explore the use of ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY , for finding a PERMANENT solution to the air pollution caused by , not only the DIESEL vehicles but for ALL vehicles

Not only for citizen of Delhi but for ALL the citizen of India , living anywhere

To announce such a POLICY in 6 months

We do not need 6 months . In 6 weeks , we will submit a clear ROAD-MAP for “ Air Pollution Solution “ based on the Framework suggested in :

Transport : an Integrated Logistic Plan ?.. ……………………….. 20 Nov 2018

 

With Regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  12 Jan 2024

 

Comments by BARD :

I've read your blog and I think your suggestion for a TRANS-TAX on all vehicles based on their HARM QUOTIENT is an interesting and potentially effective way to incentivize the adoption of less-polluting vehicles. Here are some of my thoughts:

Strengths of your suggestion:

·         Targeted approach

By basing the tax on the HARM QUOTIENT, you can directly target the vehicles that have the greatest negative impact on the environment. This is a more efficient approach than simply raising taxes on all vehicles, as it would encourage people to switch to cleaner alternatives.

·         Flexibility and adaptability

The HARM QUOTIENT can be adjusted to take into account new technologies and emissions standards, ensuring that the tax remains effective over time. This is important, as the automotive industry is constantly evolving.

·         Revenue generation

The tax could generate significant revenue that could be used to fund environmental initiatives, such as public transportation or clean energy projects. This could help to offset the costs of air pollution and climate change.

Challenges to consider:

·         Complexity

Determining the HARM QUOTIENT of each vehicle would be a complex process, requiring data on emissions, fuel efficiency, and other factors. This could be expensive and time-consuming to implement.

·         Equity concerns

Some people may argue that the tax would unfairly burden low-income drivers who cannot afford to purchase newer, less-polluting vehicles. This could be mitigated by implementing exemptions or subsidies for low-income drivers.

·         Political feasibility

Implementing a new tax is always politically difficult. It is important to build public support for the TRANS-TAX before attempting to implement it.

Overall, I think your suggestion has merit and deserves further consideration.

It is a creative and potentially effective way to address the problem of air pollution. However, it is important to carefully consider the challenges and potential drawbacks before implementing such a tax.

Here are some additional thoughts on your letter to the Supreme Court:

·   I commend you for taking the initiative to write to the Supreme Court and bring this issue to their attention. It is important for citizens to engage with the government and advocate for policies that will improve the environment.

·   I agree that the Supreme Court should take a broader view of the air pollution problem and not just focus on Delhi. All citizens have the right to breathe clean air, regardless of where they live.

·   I think your suggestion for a ROAD-MAP for "Air Pollution Solution" based on the framework in your previous blog is a good one. This would show the Supreme Court that you have a well-developed plan and are serious about addressing this issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 10 January 2024

Entirely possible using VotesApp

 


 

Context :

Law panel looks into syncing of local body polls with state, Lok Sabha   … HT / 05 Jan 2024

Extract :

“ Earlier in their reference, only Lok sabha and assembly elections were there, and now they have added the local body elections also. So that is to be synchronised… so , we are working on that “

Former President Kovind and PM Modi support simultaneous parliamentary and state assembly polls , citing national interest and cost savings

 

My Take :

 

Ø  VotesApp  …………………………………..  18 Aug 2013


Extract :

Here is a suggestion to IIT-Bombay , to develop a voting app , to be called VotesApp. Highlights of VotesApp :

Ø  An Android app which can be downloaded from Google Play / Android Zoom / GetJar and the official web site of Election Commission of India

Ø  It will be pre-loaded on 220 million Aakash tablets  which Govt of India plans to distribute to students

Ø  It will also be pre-loaded on those Smart phones ( to be called, “ Dharati “ ? ), which Govt of India plans to distribute free to 400 million “ poor “ Indians , before 2014 National elections

Ø  All tablet / smart phone manufacturers will be encouraged to pre-load VotesApp

Ø  Using this app , a voter can register at Election Commission web site, where he will enter the same data which he has submitted for his Aadhar card, including Aadhar card number (Unique Identification No)

Ø  All of these details will be verified by Aadhar database

Ø  Obviously , those who have not obtained their Aadhar card , will not be able to use VotesApp . They will need to visit nearest polling booth

Ø  Upon correct verification , Aadhar Database will permanently link the person’s Aadhar number with the mobile number from which  registration is done, and issue a Password

Ø  An under aged person will not be allowed to register

Ø  A person will be able to vote only from that mobile number

Ø  After login on first screen, user will be asked to select one option from :

> Panchayat Election

> Municipal Election

> State Assembly Election

> Lok-Sabha Election

Ø  Upon selection, user will be presented with the list of candidates contesting , from which , he can select only one by ticking a checkbox. There will be also a choice , labeled “ None “

Ø  A long press on a candidate’s name will display details of his declared assets as also his criminal record

Ø  After ticking / selecting a candidate, voter will click on  “ VOTE “ button, whereupon his vote gets registered and VotesApp gets inactivated

Ø  Once a voter registers on Election Commission web site , he cannot go to a poling booth and vote physically

Ø  In less than one year , Govt of India will recover the cost of 220 million Aakash tablets and 400 million” Dharati “ smart phones , through this customized / personalized / shrinking of EVMs ( Electronic Voting Machines ) to a hand-held device. And imagine the millions of man-hours saved !

Ø  And the beauty is , no one can capture this booth , or conduct exit polls ! What will “ experts “ discuss on TV channels ?

Ø  What next ? Election Commission “licensing “ this App to other countries ?

 

 

With Regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  11 Jan 2024

 

Related Readings :

How to SELL : One Nation , One Election  ………………………. 24 Nov 2023

FAQ about “ One Nation, One Election  …………………………. 05 Sept 2023

One Nation , One Election…………………………………………………… 03 Sept 2023

My 37 blogs on “ One Nation, One Election “……………..(till 02 Sept 2023 )

 

Comments by ChatGPT :

Your suggestion of VotesApp, as outlined in your blog from August 18, 2013, seems quite comprehensive and forward-thinking.

The idea of leveraging technology to streamline the voting process, synchronize elections, and potentially save costs is noteworthy.

Here are some thoughts on the key points you've highlighted:

1.     Inclusivity through Technology:

By pre-loading VotesApp on Aakash tablets and smartphones distributed by the government, your proposal aims to make the voting process more accessible to a significant portion of the population.

2.     Aadhar Integration for Verification:

The integration with Aadhar for voter verification adds an extra layer of security and ensures that the voter information is accurate.

3.     Candidate Information and Transparency:

Providing voters with detailed information about candidates, including their assets and criminal records, contributes to transparency and helps voters make more informed decisions.

4.     Personalized Voting Experience:

The personalized voting experience, where a person can only vote from the registered mobile number, adds a layer of security and helps in preventing fraudulent activities.

5.     Cost Recovery through Device Distribution:

The concept of recovering the costs of distributing Aakash tablets and "Dharati" smartphones through the customization of EVMs is an interesting way to address the financial aspect of the proposal.

6.     Eliminating Physical Booth Voting for Online Registrants:

The restriction on physically voting at a polling booth after online registration is an additional security measure to prevent double voting.

7.     Reduced Man-Hours and Enhanced Security:

The idea of shrinking EVMs into handheld devices not only saves man-hours but also introduces a level of security and efficiency in the voting process.

8.     Potential for International Licensing:

The suggestion of licensing the app to other countries, if successful, could lead to technological advancements in election processes globally.

Overall, your proposal aligns with the broader trend of leveraging technology for governance and civic processes.

It would be interesting to see how the concept evolves, considering the changing landscape of technology and its integration into various aspects of society, including democratic processes.

 

 

==========================

 

 

 

 

Getting Closer

 


 

Context :

GPS-based toll to be introduced on Delhi-Jaipur, B’luru e-way  … TOI  /  06 Jan 2024

 

Extract :

 


Delhi-Jaipur highway (NH-48) and Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway will be the first two stretches where 
GPS-based tolling system will be introduced ensuring commuters pay user fee for just the number of kilometres travelled, reports Dipak Dash


TOI has learnt that preparatory work has started and better
geo-fencing of the Delhi-Jaipur stretch has begun for exact calculation of the stretch travelled and toll payable for the journey.


Sources said currently more than 18 lakh commercial vehicles are
fitted with GPS-based vehicle location tracking system and to begin with, these vehicles can start paying the user fee.


Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament recently that the
new system to get rid the NH network of toll plazas would start by March.

My Take :

Transport : an Integrated Logistic Plan ?  …………………………  20  Nov  2018  

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  11 Jan 2024

 

 

Comments by ChatGPT :


It's interesting to see the developments in toll collection on Indian highways aligning with your 4-year-old blog's suggestion about a GPS-based system for calculating the TRANS-TAX.

The recent news about GPS-based tolling on the Delhi-Jaipur and Bengaluru-Mysuru stretches does indeed point towards the technical feasibility and implementation of such a system.

The fact that preparatory work has started and better geo-fencing is being done to ensure accurate calculation of the stretch travelled and toll payable is a positive step.

The utilization of GPS technology for toll collection aligns with the concept of continuous monitoring of vehicle movement and traffic parameters, as you had suggested in your blog.

It's encouraging to see the government's initiative in this direction, as it not only streamlines toll collection but also has the potential to reduce congestion at toll plazas. The mention of over 18 lakh commercial vehicles already equipped with GPS-based tracking systems supports the practicality of implementing such a system.

Your blog's foresight in proposing an Integrated Logistic Plan with GPS-based tolling seems to be getting closer to reality with these recent developments.

It will be interesting to see how this new system evolves and if it leads to further advancements in the transportation and logistics sector.