From Red Tape to Fast Track: 

Maharashtra Turbocharges Industrial Approvals

Maharashtra sets new benchmarks in industrial efficiency with time-bound

 approvals for land, utilities, fire safety, and occupancy. A 15-year-old vision finally

 takes flight.

Maharashtra has just hit the accelerator. In a move that may redefine “ease of

 doing business,” the state industries department has notified strict time-bound

 targets for granting essential approvals to industrial units. These include land

 allotments, utility setups, fire NOCs, occupancy certificates, and more — all

 streamlined under a governance model built on speed, accountability, and digital

 oversight.

📋 What’s Changing?

According to the Hindustan Times article, the new regime enforces precise delivery

 timelines:

Process	New Time Limit
Land Allotment (Post Auction)	Within 2 days
Plot Transfer	Within 15 days
Subletting / Surrender	7–30 days
Electricity Supply Restoration	8–18 hours
Meter Replacement	Within 1 month
Water Meter Installation	Within 2 weeks
Fire NOC	Within 15 days
Occupancy Certificate	8–15 days

These timelines are not just advisory — they’re enforceable under the Right to

 Services Act, with regular monitoring from the Commissioner and the Chief

 Minister’s Office.

🌱 My 2015 Vision — Revisited

In my 2015 blog post titled “From Single Window to Single Day,” I argued that

 real reform would come not from fancy portals, but from ruthless simplification

 and hard deadlines

 

“Why stop at a single window? Why not ensure all approvals are granted within a

 single day?”

A decade later, this idea seems to have found wings. Maharashtra’s turbocharged

 governance model may not hit one-day approvals across the board, but it has

 achieved something even better — predictable delivery, with some services

 available within hours.

⚙️ Real-World Impact

- Startups: No more waiting months for fire clearances or utility hookups.

- SMEs: Plot transfers and expansions are now on a stopwatch.

- Investors: ₹5.88 lakh crore worth of MoUs are already in execution — and

 counting.

📌 Key Takeaways

- This is not just bureaucratic reform — it’s industrial logistics reimagined.

- The future of economic acceleration lies in hours, not months.

- The state is no longer a gatekeeper; it’s becoming a catalyst.

🧭 What Next?

Let’s go further. Could this model be extended to:

- Environmental clearances?

- Labor registrations?

- Export facilitation?

Maharashtra has shown what’s possible. The rest of India — and perhaps other

 developing economies — should take note.

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

With regards 

Hemen Parekh 

www.IndiaAGI.ai / www.HemenParekh.ai / www.My-Teacher.in 

 July 24, 2025

SEEM – The SAVIOUR

A Smart Energy Meter That Rewards You for Saving Power, Not Just Using It

In an age where electricity consumption is skyrocketing and energy waste is

 becoming unsustainable, the world needs a device that not only tracks your

 usage — but rewards you for saving. 

 

Back in March 2021, I wrote a blog proposing exactly that :

 > a SMART METER that would usher in a new era of carbon-financed

 energy savings.

📖 Read: Carbon Finance through Carbon Credits (March 2021):

 https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2021/03/arbon-finance-through-carbon-credits.html

Since then, the idea has matured into what I now call SEEM – Save Energy, Earn

 Money. It’s not just a catchy acronym. It is a simulation-backed, fully envisioned

 system that blends smart energy monitoring, behavioral nudging, and carbon

 credit accounting—into a single household meter.

What if your electricity meter showed you more than just a unit count?

What if, appliance by appliance, it showed you:

- Which ones are efficiently operating within limits ( GREEN  bars)

- Which ones are wasting power above thresholds ( RED  bars)

- And how much you saved or earned in carbon credits this month?

This is precisely the concept behind the SEEM Energy Meter—a tablet-like

 dashboard mounted on your wall.

Each household appliance—be it a refrigerator, geyser, AC, or microwave—is

 monitored through time-of-use based thresholds. Any usage below the

 stipulated  limit earns you Carbon Credits

 Any above the cap results in a debit. You’re incentivized, every day, to shift

 behavior.

 

📰 Read the article: Enlog Device Reduces Power Wastage, Cuts Bills –

 https://thebetterindia.com/473509/bharath-rnkawat-enlog-device-reduces-power-wastage-cut-electricity-bills/

🌐 Visit Enlog’s Website – https://dev.enlog.co.in/

Clearly, Enlog is a promising start, but SEEM is the next leap forward—

merging technology with climate finance and national grid-level accounting.

India is ramping up its smart meter rollout across states. But if these meters are

 limited to digital readings and remote billing, we are missing a major opportunity.

Instead of making the user a passive bill-payer, let us make her a partner in

 climate action. By enabling carbon saving visualizations, thresholds, and

 incentives, SEEM turns every household into a carbon accountant.

🤝 To startups like Enlog: 

     You’ve built the engine—now let’s add the fuel of Carbon  Finance.

     

🤝 To government ministries and DISCOMs: 

      Let SEEM be your blueprint for the next phase of India’s energy

      transformation.

 

🤝 To every citizen: 

     Wouldn’t you rather earn money for conserving energy than just pay for

     consuming it?

Let’s build a world where saving power isn’t just responsible—it’s rewarded.

🔗 Related Reading:

- SEEM – Save Energy, Earn Money (Project Overview):

 https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2025/07/seem-save-energy-earn-money-project.html

- Carbon Finance through Carbon Credits (2021):

 https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2021/03/arbon-finance-through-carbon-credits.html

- Better India article on Enlog: 

https://thebetterindia.com/473509/bharath-rnkawat-enlog-device-reduces-power-wastage-cut-electricity-bills/

- Enlog Website: https://dev.enlog.co.in/

Formalise domestic

 

Formalise domestic workforce to fix wages, benefits: study

Extract from the article:
A recent study reveals the stark realities faced by domestic workers in Maharashtra, highlighting their overwhelmingly female demographic. Approximately 99% of the surveyed domestic help are women hailing from the state itself, and a distressing 20% of these women are widows. These women shoulder immense responsibilities, with 40% being the sole earners in their families. The study also brings to light the paucity of skill development opportunities for these workers — only 5% have received any form of training. Yet, there is a palpable willingness to upskill, with 20% expressing an interest in acquiring new skills.

The research unearths a grim potential exit route primarily dictated by old age, suggesting a life of vulnerability and limited economic mobility for domestic workers. The lack of formal mechanisms for training and career advancement in this sector keeps these women trapped in a cycle of precarious employment and economic uncertainty. Their contributions, though crucial, remain undervalued both socially and economically, underscoring the pressing need for systemic interventions.

My Take:

A. Domestic Workers Survey : a Seven Year Itch ?
Reflecting on my 2021 blog about the inaugural All-India Survey on Domestic Workers, I realize just how pertinent it remains in light of this latest Maharashtra study. Back then, I underscored the significance of robust data collection to understand the socioeconomic fabric of domestic workers, alongside the necessity to delineate their wages, employment status, and living conditions.

What resonates deeply now is the persistent gap between data collection efforts and tangible improvements on the ground. While surveys can offer valuable insights, the fact that a mere 5% have received skill training exposes a chasm between intention and implementation. My earlier reflections about ‘left hand not knowing what right hand is doing’ strike a chord here — it’s emblematic of systemic inertia where policies are initiated but fail to translate into meaningful upskilling or empowerment initiatives. It’s a clarion call for governments and NGOs to evolve beyond data collection and catalyze concrete, skill-focused interventions that can gradually extricate these women from economic precarity.

B. Domestic Workers - Use and Abuse
Revisiting my 2011 discourse on domestic workers, the historical context points to a longstanding neglect of this vast workforce, which official estimates peg at 4.75 million but could, in reality, be a staggering 20% of India’s total workforce. In that blog, I highlighted vital protections championed by the International Labour Organization’s convention — ranging from minimum wages to maternity protections and complaint investigations.

The Maharashtra study’s findings, particularly the prevalence of widows and sole earners trapped in low-skill jobs with scant pathways for advancement, reaffirm that the promises embedded in those international frameworks remain largely unfulfilled. The lack of training opportunities contrasts sharply with the convention’s focus on social security and protection measures. This reiterates that bridging policy frameworks and ground realities is an ongoing battle. I had argued that economic empowerment and job security have to be foundational — a sentiment that continues to echo in today’s situation, urging renewed commitment and activism.

C. DEAR SHRI BHUPENDER YADAVJI : A SMALL NOD FROM YOU WILL SAVE THOUSANDS OF CRORES OF RUPEES
" Addressing the Labour and Employment Minister directly, I once urged for swift government action to expedite the domestic workers’ survey and translate its findings into actionable policy measures. This appeal stemmed from the belief that the marginalization of domestic workers is not only a humanitarian issue but also an economic imperative — proper recognition and investment could potentially save thousands of crores in social welfare and upliftment.

Reflecting on the current Maharashtra data, I’m reminded of how critical ministerial nods and policy prioritization are for systemic change. The willingness among 20% of women to seek skill training presents a ripe opportunity — one that can’t be ignored any longer. The minister’s role is pivotal to bridge the gap between survey insights and tangible initiatives, including scalable skill development programs, social security schemes, and job formalization processes. The reemergence of these issues underscores a vital lesson — policy leadership paired with ground-level follow-through can spark transformation in this largely invisible workforce.

Call to Action:
To the Honourable Labour and Employment Minister, Shri Bhupender Yadavji — this study on domestic workers from Maharashtra is a clarion call demanding immediate policy attention. The glaring gaps in skill training and socio-economic security for these women require an urgent, targeted intervention. I urge the Ministry to expedite not only the completion of the All-India Domestic Workers Survey but, crucially, to fast-track the creation and implementation of comprehensive skill development schemes, social security benefits, and empowerment programs tailored for domestic workers.

The fact that 40% of these women are sole earners and a significant fraction are widows underlines the vulnerability and the moral imperative to act. Your nod and stewardship can metamorphose data into dignity and resilience, transforming the lives of millions and freeing them from the cycle of precarity. Together, let us convert statistics into social justice for the invisible backbone of countless Indian households.

With regards,
Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Most Indians may not know about AI

 

Most Indians may not know about AI, but can't wait to find out

Extract from the article:
The recent Google study highlights a crucial insight into India’s ongoing, yet nascent, relationship with artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the global AI fervor, approximately 60% of Indians remain largely unfamiliar with AI technologies, underscoring a vast knowledge gap across the population. Only 31% have engaged with generative AI tools, exposing the infancy stage of AI adoption at the grassroots level. This lack of familiarity is not merely a consequence of technological lag but points to systemic issues of awareness, education, and accessibility.

Yet, amidst this unfamiliarity, there shines a beacon of opportunity—the latent, robust interest among Indians to harness AI for personal growth and productivity improvements. The data clearly reflects a readiness to embrace this transformative technology, provided effective outreach and educational measures are undertaken. This growth potential suggests that India is poised at the cusp of a technological revolution that could democratize access to AI’s capabilities, redefining productivity paradigms and fostering an innovation culture previously limited to elite strata.

My Take:

A. Shri Ashwini Vaishnawji, Provide Accelerated AI Awareness & Inclusion
"AI allows us to extract patterns and insights from data, shaping them into new knowledge, generative AI goes beyond that. It uses that data to generate more data. And that isn’t even its most profound implication. The fact that its usefulness manifests at the consumer level will change everything. Anyone can use generative AI to create new data. We’re living in an unprecedented era of creative expansion. What historically has been reserved for the few is now within reach for anyone with a computer and internet access. Most people are still unaware this technology exists, but it won’t be long before it becomes mainstream. It’s easy to access and use, super cheap, and extremely versatile. And it improves fast. Generative AI’s potential at the individual level is huge, but at the collective level, it’s life-changing. At that level, what matters most is scale— not as in large enough to solve a problem, but as in large enough to cause one. The fast-paced development combined with transversal usefulness."

Reflecting on these words penned back in 2023, it is striking how prescient this understanding was in light of the Google study’s revelations. The gap between AI’s transformative potential and public awareness remains a stubborn divide. This gap is not just a technological shortcoming but a call to arms for policymakers and educators alike to democratize AI literacy. It is precisely the consumer-level penetration of AI that will usher in the next wave of socio-economic shifts—an evolution that India cannot afford to lag behind on. The collective, grassroots embrace of generative AI could ignite a creative crescendo across sectors—education, agriculture, healthcare—which makes awareness acceleration an imperative.

B. Might Interest You
"The word on the streets of India’s start-up world is that any mention of artificial intelligence (AI) makes venture capitalists drool. From Sequoia India to Tata Sons Ltd’s chairman emeritus Ratan Tata, reputed investors are adding companies working on AI to their portfolio. This is only to be expected, given that the entire tech world can’t stop talking about how AI, machine learning and neural networks will completely change the world over the next few decades. But it’s also a daunting task for Indian companies, given that all the big global players are pouring massive resources into the space. There are several Indian companies that have taken AI out of the lab and found real-world applications for it."

Looking back to this snippet from 2016, its relevance today is sharply evident. The excitement around AI in India’s startup ecosystem was palpable even then, yet the Google study surfaces a disconnect—the market enthusiasm hasn’t entirely translated to broad-based familiarity or adoption. It reveals a dichotomy: India’s cutting-edge ventures are at the frontier, but vast swathes of the population remain uninitiated. This divergence underscores how critical it is to build bridges between high-tech innovators and ordinary users to foster inclusive AI growth. Encouragingly, the presence of real-world applications back then planted seeds that can now blossom into widespread consumer use if supported by effective outreach and user education.

C. A Nightmare About to Come True
"Patterns and insights from data, shaping them into new knowledge, generative AI goes beyond that. It uses that data to generate more data. And that isn’t even its most profound implication. The fact that its usefulness manifests at the consumer level will change everything. Anyone can use generative AI to create new data. We’re living in an unprecedented era of creative expansion. What historically has been reserved for the few is now within reach for anyone with a computer and internet access. Most people are still unaware this technology exists, but it won’t be long before it becomes mainstream. It’s easy to access and use, super cheap, and extremely versatile. And it improves fast. Generative AI’s potential at the individual level is huge, but at the collective level, it’s life-changing. At that level, what matters most is scale—not as in large enough to solve a problem, but as in large enough to cause one."

The irony in this ominous framing rings louder in the light of the Google report. The “nightmare” of widespread unawareness is exactly the scenario being described—massive potential hampered by limited diffusion and education. The fear that generative AI’s power could wreak havoc without adequate understanding or governance must drive a dual approach: spur rapid inclusion in education and simultaneously develop frameworks for mindful, responsible use. Only by enabling the majority to harness AI knowledgeably can we avert dystopian futures where the technology’s power is monopolized or misused. This blog’s earlier caution remains deeply relevant as India stands at this AI inflection point.

Call to Action:
To the leaders shaping India's AI future—whether in government, education, or technology sectors—it is imperative to catalyze a nationwide AI literacy campaign. Initiatives must prioritize accessibility, demystification, and hands-on engagement with generative AI tools, especially targeting marginalized and underserved populations. Only through concerted effort can we transform latent interest into impactful usage. It’s time to build bridges from AI innovation hubs straight to the everyday citizen, ensuring that India harnesses this transformative wave inclusively and responsibly. Together, let’s accelerate AI awareness, because the future belongs to the informed and empowered.

With regards,
Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

A Case of 900 Million Orphans

 

Yesterday’s headline from Bloomberg screamed:

“Google Seeks Licensing Talks With News Groups, Following AI Rivals”

This "revelation" has sent ripples across the media world. Apparently, Google —

 like OpenAI and Meta — now wishes to pay news publishers for training its AI

 models on their content.

But this isn’t the headline that caught my attention.

My headline is different. It reads:

"A Case of 900 Million Orphans"

Who are these orphans?

They are you and I — ordinary Google users — billions of us worldwide, but

 especially the 900 million+ Indians whose personal data, search history, voice

 clips, face prints, location trails, and behavioral patterns fuel the machine.

We get no licensing deal. No negotiations. No compensation. Not even consent.

While news publishers are being wooed with payments, and politicians cheer them

 on (perhaps because their public profiles depend on those same media houses),

 the true fuel of AI — human data — remains unrecognized.

I said this back in February 2024, in my blog:   Rajeevji, No Big Deal?

I warned then that governments, including ours, were trivializing the theft of data

 — especially from Indian news platforms.

Now they are waking up… but only for the powerful content creators.

Ask yourself:

- Who lobbies for the school teacher in Ranchi whose YouTube history trains

 YouTube’s next-gen algorithms?

- Who negotiates on behalf of the teenager in Surat whose voice prompts are used

 to improve Google Assistant?

- Who files for copyright when your Gmail habits fine-tune email summarizers?

No one.

Because you and I, dear reader, are data orphans — used, but not counted.

And yet, Google earns billions off the trails we leave behind every day.

So the question isn’t whether AI should license news content.

The real question is:

“When will the people who are the data — get a seat at the table?”

Or are we forever to remain the unseen workers of the AI age — orphaned by design ?

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

With Regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.IndiaAGI.ai / www.HemenParekh.ai / www.My-Teacher.in / 23 July 2025

Optimised Learning

 

Optimised Learning

AI and the cost of optimised learning

Extract from the article:
The article meticulously dissects the evolving paradigm of education through the lens of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that the financial cost of optimising learning correlates closely with the integration of AI in educational frameworks. It points out that this cost is intrinsically tied to the increasing adoption of AI-driven technologies aimed at improving the pace and quality of human learning. Rather than viewing AI as simply a tool, the article frames the phenomenon as a paradigm shift—a fundamental reimagining of what learning entails in the digital era.

This shift accentuates the dual nature of AI’s role: while it acts as an enabler for optimised, personalised learning experiences, it also demands sustained investment that parallels traditional education expenses. The article suggests that the rise of AI in learning is not merely a technological upgrade but a cultural and cognitive transformation, reshaping how educators, students, and policymakers approach knowledge acquisition. Ultimately, it intimates a new ecosystem where cost, efficiency, and adaptive learning intertwine, challenging entrenched educational orthodoxies.

My Take:

A. Child Learning Skills
"Repetition is a crucial aspect of learning in both cases. Your note mentions that the learning process involves repetition, with each repetition etching the memory deeper. In the NYU study, the researchers collected data from a child's play sessions, mealtimes, or reading sessions on a semi-weekly basis, providing sufficient repetition for the AI model to learn. Your note introduces the concept of a human expert (in this case, the mother) initiating the learning process by establishing references or benchmarks."

Reflecting on this, I see a prescient alignment between early insights from years ago and current explorations into AI-augmented learning. My early contemplation stressed the indispensable role of iterative exposure and expert guidance in shaping learning experiences—which is precisely what the article confirms with contemporary AI technologies. This convergence bolsters my belief that human-AI symbiosis in education isn’t about replacement but enhancement, where repetition, expertly scaffolded, forms the backbone of deep learning.

B. Low Cost AI Models Absolutely Matter
"Both emphasize the importance of developing AI models for specific tasks and problems, rather than attempting to build large, general-purpose models. Both advocate for the creation of AI models that are efficient and require minimal resources to run, making them more accessible and affordable for wider adoption."

In this context, the article’s examination of cost parallels my advocacy for lean, task-specific AI solutions. The economic viability of integrating AI into learning is paramount; if the solution is prohibitively expensive, widespread adoption stalls. The push for tailored, affordable AI underscores a vital principle: optimisation is not just about performance but also about pragmatism. My earlier focus on demystifying AI to make it accessible anticipates today’s necessity for educational technologies that balance sophistication with economic feasibility.

Call to Action:
To educators, policymakers, and technologists at the forefront of educational reform—embrace the challenge of designing AI-powered learning ecosystems that marry cost efficiency with pedagogical rigor. Invest in creating narrow, cost-effective AI models that complement human expertise and can be scaled affordably across diverse educational contexts. Recognize that this is not merely a technological upgrade but a transformative opportunity to sculpt a future where optimised learning is accessible to all, transcending socioeconomic barriers.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

SC seeks centre's report

 

EV targets not met, claims plea; SC seeks centre's report

Extract from the article:
The Supreme Court of India has recently directed the central government to submit a detailed status report on the implementation of electric vehicle (EV) policies it had envisaged over the past decade. Despite ambitious targets set as early as 2012, including the installation of 2.27 lakh charging stations across the country, the actual progress has been drastically short, with merely around 27,000 charging stations operational nationwide. This glaring gap not only undermines the government’s commitment to green mobility but also casts a shadow on the policy’s efficacy and implementation rigor.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the growing public and judicial scrutiny of the government’s pace in adhering to sustainable transportation goals. The underachievement points to systemic hurdles ranging from infrastructural bottlenecks to bureaucratic delays. The lack of robust charging infrastructure severely impacts consumer confidence and the market adoption rate of EVs, thereby hampering India’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable mobility paradigm. The court’s demand for a comprehensive report is a clarion call for renewed focus and accountability in the EV ecosystem.

My Take:
A. SC to examine plea for e-vehicles to replace govt fleets
"Looking back at my blog post from January 2020, I delved into the Supreme Court’s evaluation of an urgent plea to transition government fleets to electric vehicles. Even then, I highlighted the monumental logistical and financial challenges involved—purchasing and maintaining up to 5 lakh electric vehicles was no small feat. It was clear that while intentions were noble, execution was fraught with hurdles, from delivery delays to high costs."

Reflecting on the current Supreme Court directive, it’s evident that some of the same issues ripple through today’s policy implementation challenges. The bottleneck isn’t just about setting ambitious targets but also ensuring practical mechanisms for infrastructure development and stakeholder coordination. I had cautioned that without accountability and proactive engagement, the transition towards e-mobility risks stagnation. Today’s judicial scrutiny validates that early foresight and the necessity to embed such concerns into policy frameworks.

B. National EV Policy
"Back in March 2023, in my analysis of the parliamentary committee’s recommendation for a comprehensive national EV policy, I underscored the critical importance of learning from past experiences like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020. The report lamented the shortfall in EV sales targets — only 1.4 million instead of the expected 6-7 million units by 2020, revealing a significant policy implementation gap."

Relating that insight to today’s focus on charging infrastructure shortfalls, it reinforces the notion that piecemeal approaches won’t suffice. A cohesive, multi-dimensional policy that addresses supply, infrastructure, consumer incentives, and market readiness holistically is indispensable. Without this, goals remain aspirational rather than attainable. It’s a reminder that policy drafting must align with pragmatic ground realities to catalyze meaningful progress.

C. Congratulations
"In mid-2021, I emphasized the strategic pivot within Maharashtra’s EV policy towards infrastructure, especially the roll-out of charging stations and related facilities. I stressed affordability and sufficiently robust infrastructure as dual pillars for encouraging EV adoption, highlighting plans to integrate e-charging in residential complexes, government establishments, and public transport."

The Supreme Court’s recent concern over the abysmally low charging station count echoes this prior analysis. It’s not enough to have policy statements; their rigorous implementation, especially infrastructure development, is imperative. The disconnect between policy design and on-ground outcomes must be bridged through stronger governance frameworks, incentivization of private stakeholders, and transparent monitoring systems. This remains a vital lesson for all policymakers involved in advancing India’s EV revolution.

Call to Action:
To the Honourable Central Government and the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, this is a pivotal moment to demonstrate commitment beyond rhetoric. It is essential to expedite the establishment of charging infrastructure, particularly by leveraging public-private partnerships, streamlining regulatory approvals, and enhancing consumer awareness programs. I urge the government to present a transparent, detailed, and time-bound action plan in the Supreme Court, focusing on measurable milestones. This concerted push will not only honor judicial expectations but also cement India’s position as a global leader in sustainable mobility.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Saving Lives

 

Respected Shri Vaishnaw ji,

Subject: 

A Low-Cost, AI-Enabled EMP-Based Deterrent to Prevent Track Crossing Deaths

Namaskar .

This is to draw your kind attention to an urgent and persistent challenge that has

 plagued Mumbai's lifeline for years — deaths due to track-crossing and

 overcrowding on local trains. Despite your ministry’s commendable strides in

 safety (such as the KAVACH system for train collision avoidance), the human cost

 on suburban routes, particularly in Mumbai, remains alarming.

A quick look at the most recent 3-year data tells the story:

Year	Total Deaths	Deaths from Crossing Tracks	Deaths from Falling off Trains
2022	2,507	~1,200 (estimated)	~550 (estimated)
2023	2,590	1,277	590
2024	2,468	1,151	570

This shows that over 3,600 lives have been lost to track-crossing in just three

 years — preventable tragedies that deserve urgent attention.

In 2016, I had suggested a radically simple idea:

What if we could make crossing the tracks digitally fatal to the offender’s mobile

 phone — without harming the person?

The concept involved installing low-intensity, pulsed Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)

 devices along the tracks. When activated (say, once per second), they would

 incapacitate any active mobile phone in the immediate area — turning a “near-

miss” into a digitally punishing experience.

With today's advances in AI, sensor networks, and miniaturized electronics, this

 idea may be more feasible, economical, and scalable than ever before. In fact,

 the technology landscape now offers multiple deterrent options, which I tabulate

 below for your kind consideration:

S.No	Technology Suggestion	Feasibility (2025)	Estimated Installation Cost
1	Track-mounted Controlled EMP Pulse to fry mobile circuits of trespassers	High	Low (~₹2–3 lakh per station)
2	AI-based Track Trespass Detection Cameras + Sirens	Very High	Moderate
3	Train-mounted High-Pitch Ultrasonic Crowd Repellers	Medium	Moderate to High
4	Rail-side Miniature Sound Cannons for high-decibel burst as train approaches	High	Low
5	AI-triggered Alerts to Nearby Phones via Cell Broadcast / Flash SMS	High	Negligible
6	Flashing Red Track Lights + Strobe Warning System	Very High	Low
7	Physical deterrents like steel spike strips (retractable)	Medium	Moderate

All of these can be pilot-tested within 3 months at select high-death zones like

 Kurla, Dadar, Borivali, and Kalyan.

I strongly believe that even a few “fried phones” or a painful sonic warning

will change behavioural psychology more effectively than caution boards or

 awareness campaigns.

 

Shri Vaishnaw ji,

- the KAVACH initiative shows your firm commitment to technology-first safety

 solutions. Here lies an opportunity to extend that spirit to pedestrian safety, using

 simple innovations that can save thousands of lives annually with minimal

 investment.

If required, I would be happy to elaborate further or help present this idea to your

 technology teams or RDSO.

Warm regards, 

Hemen Parekh 

www.HemenParekh.ai | www.IndiaAGI.ai

 

Delhi's EV carbon credit rollout

 

Complexities cloud Delhi's EV carbon credit rollout

Extract from the article:

The Delhi government is on the cusp of unveiling an innovative angle within its Electric Vehicles Policy 2.0 — the prospect of awarding carbon credits to buyers of electric vehicles (EVs) in the capital city. This initiative is poised to bolster the shift towards tail-pipe emission free modes of transport, aligning with broader national and global efforts to mitigate air pollution and combat climate change.

However, the path to implementing this carbon credit scheme is veiled in complexity. Industry experts voice scepticism regarding the operational feasibility, the mechanism for accurate credit allocation, and the possible unintended consequences arising from the nebulous dynamics of carbon accounting in the EV space. Questions linger about how these credits would be monitored, verified, and traded, casting a shadow of uncertainty over this promising yet intricate policy move.

My Take:

A. Can We Rise to EU Challenge?

"While the Delhi government's recent proposition to award carbon credits to EV buyers may appear groundbreaking, it resonates deeply with ideas I have championed several years ago concerning the creation of a structured Indian Carbon Market. In that early discourse, I underscored the necessity for a well-outlined framework where registered entities could receive incentives based explicitly on their carbon footprint reductions. Back then, I advocated for the CCTS as a foundational body to streamline these processes, foreseeing the hurdles that arise from nebulous policy outlines."

Reflecting on this today, it’s evident that without a concrete, institutionalized monitoring and verification framework like the one I envisaged, such policies risk being symbolic rather than substantive. The current skepticism flagged by experts in Delhi isn’t surprising—it underscores a chronic gap in transforming good intentions into actionable, scalable schemes. Having predicted these bottlenecks, I feel passionately that the government needs to institutionalize carbon credit valuation and trading mechanisms before widespread rollout.

B. Re: Dear Shri Gadkariji, It Is Time to …

"In conversations years prior, I proposed that carbon credits linked to electric vehicles should not only reward end-users but also be tightly connected with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and the manufacturing lifecycle itself. I elaborated on an incentive schema where credits could be calculated based on model specifications and monthly dispatches, thereby enabling a direct transfer of benefits from dedicated EV finance funds to manufacturers. This would synergize demand with supply-side incentives, accelerating EV adoption holistically."

Bringing this notion into the present debate, it strikes me that Delhi’s nascent policy of carbon credits for buyers tackles only one side of the equation. The broader ecosystem — including manufacturers and recyclers — merits equal attention. Without incorporating such multi-stakeholder incentives, policy risk remaining fragmented. My hope is the authorities look beyond consumer credits and sculpt a comprehensive carbon credit policy that catalyzes the entire EV value chain.

C. Vehicle Charger cum Carbon Creditor?

"My earlier work passionately advocated for the government to couple subsidies like FAME II with carbon credit incentives specifically for EV two-wheelers, proposing innovative concepts such as charging devices that also double as carbon credit allocators. The crux was to enable owners not just to benefit directly but also to monetize or trade their carbon credits, morphing the transition to electric mobility into a financially rewarding venture."

Today, as Delhi grapples with the intricacies of awarding carbon credits for EV buyers, this blueprint feels strikingly relevant. The challenges stem largely from operational ambiguity and lack of clear benefit channels to end-users. If the government revisits my framework — embedding carbon credit functionality at the charging infrastructure level and facilitating credit trading — it could overcome current complexities and incentivize a rapid adoption curve, especially for the vast two-wheeler market segment that remains underserved.

Call to Action:

To the Honorable Delhi Government and policymakers driving the Electric Vehicles Policy 2.0 — your vision to integrate carbon credits into EV adoption is commendable and timely. However, I urge you to take a holistic approach grounded in robust frameworks for carbon credit monitoring, verification, and trading. Consider expanding incentives beyond mere buyers to include manufacturers, recyclers, and charging infrastructure providers. Collaborate with experts to institutionalize transparent carbon accounting mechanisms that guarantee the credibility of credits awarded. Only through such a comprehensive lens can Delhi’s policy transcend complexity and become a beacon for clean transport innovation nationally and globally.

With regards,
Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

AI revolutionising edu

 

From interview to personalised learning, AI revolutionising edu

Extract from the article:
The article sheds light on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) within the educational landscape, particularly in how it is revolutionizing traditional processes like interviews and customized learning paths. AI-enabled systems are now facilitating personalized learning experiences by adapting to the individual needs and competencies of students, especially those with special educational requirements. These advancements mark a paradigm shift from one-size-fits-all approaches toward more tailored, student-centric pedagogy that amplifies learning efficacy and inclusivity.

More based on Below Blog Create multiple a realistic Image:over, the article highlights AI’s expanding role beyond education into formative assessments such as interviews, where AI algorithms can analyze behavioral patterns, cognitive abilities, and emotional cues, thus providing deeper insights into candidates than conventional methods. This suggests a future where AI acts as an enabler and augmentor in decision-making processes, blending data-driven insights with human instincts. The ongoing integration of AI technologies promises to democratize education and recruitment, while unlocking latent potential among learners and job aspirants alike.

My Take:

A. How JOBS and INTERVIEW landscape will change
"The hiring landscape, long resistant to digital disruption, is undergoing tectonic shifts thanks to AI-powered tools designed to evaluate candidates more holistically and objectively. Years ago, I wrote about Elias, a robot teacher fluent in 23 languages, who customizes learning to student capabilities and feeds performance analytics back to human instructors. Likewise, Vera, a robot interviewing blue-collar workers, exemplifies AI’s capability in recruitment. This foresight now dovetails perfectly with today’s reality as AI personalizes education and brings unprecedented precision to interviews."

Reflecting on these observations from years back, it’s clear how those predictions have materialized robustly. The AI revolution I highlighted then presaged the granular personalization and analytic depth now evident in educational and recruitment ecosystems. It is gratifying to see these conceptual threads evolve into tangible technologies that empower both students and employers, validating the vision of AI as a synergistic force enhancing human potential rather than supplanting it. As we witness this convergence, it compels us to reconsider how skill evaluation and learning can be reconceptualized holistically.

B. NITI Aayog will be very receptive
"The AI ecosystem’s collaborative future, involving startups, academia, and industry, was something I underlined as critical to reshaping India’s educational and professional training paradigms. Initiatives like leadingindia.ai and the integration of labs such as Amazon’s Intelligent Devices Lab with universities signal an invigorated push towards research and practical applications in AI-driven education and skill development. This aligns seamlessly with the article’s depiction of AI-driven personalized learning and assessment evolving within institutions."

Looking back on that blog, the emphasis on multi-stakeholder engagement as a catalyst for AI adoption was no idle prediction. It foresaw the necessity of institutional alignment around AI innovations to effectively nurture talent that meets modern needs. Today’s educational AI advancements represent the fruition of that collaborative spirit. The article’s focus on customization and adaptive learning is precisely what emerges when academia and industry coalesce around AI’s promise. This confirms my conviction that orchestrated effort among policymakers, educators, and innovators is indispensable for AI’s meaningful impact.

Call to Action:
To educational policymakers, school administrators, and recruitment leaders: the AI revolution in personalized learning and interview methodologies is no longer futuristic speculation—it is actively reshaping how we cultivate talent and assess capability. I urge you to embrace AI-enabled tools and frameworks within your institutions and organizations. Invest in training educators and HR professionals to work symbiotically with AI, thereby unlocking a new echelon of personalized, equitable, and data-informed decision-making. Let us collectively pioneer education and hiring paradigms attuned to individual potential, fueled by empathy and powered by intelligent technology.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in