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

Monday, 23 September 2024

Fund startups after poll win : Rahul

 

Will Fill Vacant Govt Posts, fund startups after poll win : rahul

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Extract:

 

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has made sweeping promises if his party, the Congress, is voted to power.

 

These promises include ensuring jobs for youths, a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, social security for gig workers, and establishing a 5,000 crore fund for startups.

 

The focus on youth employment, agricultural support, and startup ecosystem development reflects the party's agenda towards addressing crucial socio-economic issues like unemployment and farmer welfare.

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My Take:

 

We Are Not Bribing Voters……..10/01/2017

 

In my blog from 2017, I emphasized the significance of parties making promises that are feasible and in line with the Model Code of Conduct.

 

The recent promises made by Rahul Gandhi regarding job creation for youths and MSP for farmers align with the idea of responsible governance.

 

By adhering to the guidelines set by the Election Commission, the Congress party is showcasing a commitment to ethical campaigning and sustainable policy-making for the betterment of society.


Congress Poll Manifesto………25/10/2013

 

Back in 2013, I suggested that the Congress manifesto should focus on creating jobs, combating corruption, and boosting the economy.

 

Rahul Gandhi's current promises resonate with the vision I outlined years ago, particularly the emphasis on job creation and economic revitalization through targeted investments.

 

This continuity in agenda showcases a long-term commitment to addressing key issues facing the country.


A Promise to Empower the Poor……26/03/2019

 

In my blog addressing empowering the poor through skill development rather than doles, I highlighted the importance of providing sustainable solutions for uplifting the underprivileged.

 

Rahul Gandhi's recent announcement of social security measures and job guarantees for marginalized sections echoes the idea of empowering individuals through skill acquisition.

 

This approach signifies a shift towards enabling self-sufficiency among the disadvantaged population, aligning with the essence of my blog.

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Call to Action:

 

To the political leaders and authorities mentioned in the article, I urge a continued focus on sustainable promises and policies that prioritize the long-term welfare of the citizens.

 

It is imperative to ensure that electoral pledges translate into tangible benefits for the youth, farmers, and vulnerable groups.

 

Let's strive for governance that uplifts the nation as a whole and fosters inclusive growth.


With regards, 

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in

Sunday, 22 September 2024

How to leverage One Nation, One Election

 


 

A few days ago , Central Govt announced acceptance of Kovind report on ONOE [ One Nation , One Election ]

Of course , before it becomes a reality , there are many hurdles to cross – main being, convincing most political parties regarding many benefits of implementing . Since millions of words have been spoken and written by the experts on this subject { for and against }, I have only one “ Benefit “ left to voice, viz :

ONOE will vastly reduce the job of Manifesto writers

Instead of having to write ( over 5 years ) , 28 State Assembly Election manifestos and one Lok Sabha Election manifesto , now they will need to write only 2 manifestos ( one for Lok Sabha and one covering all the States )

And obviously a Political Party cannot promise Rs 1000 pm to “ Ladki Bahens “ in one state and Rs 1500 pm to “ Ladli Bahens “ in another State !

They cannot offer Rs 5000 pm scholarships to Dalit youth in one state but nothing in another state !

That would guarantee losing election in one state or other !

 But then, our politicians are an “ Imaginative Tribe “. We can never predict what they might come up with !

However , along with ONOE , there should be another reform in the form of my following earlier suggestion :

Ø  Dear PM : Promise PIPPPA – not Freebies……………………….. 21  March 2024

 

Extract :

( 1 )  Preamble

( 2 )  Name of the Act / Prevention of Irresponsible Promises by Political Parties Act 

( 3 )  Objective

( 4 )  Punishment for breaking Law

( 5 )   Examples of typical Freebies ( not comprehensive / Items to be added or deleted )

( 6 )  Process

( 7 )  Coverage

( 8 )  Accountability

 

Against each and every item ( in Poll Manifesto ), there must be mention of :

#  Amount of Money / Funds required ( One-time CAPITAL amount for Infra

    Projects / Recurring Annual revenue expenditure for WELFARE measures for 5

    years )

   

#  How the Party proposes to “ finance “ ( eg: by raising existing taxes / levying

    NEW taxes / Borrowing etc )

 

Dear Fellow Citizen :

This is your ( last ? )  chance to speak up and  write to all MPs  that you expect :

Ø  Simultaneous enacting of PIPPPA

Ø  Lok Sabha and Assembly Election manifestos to incorporate the last 4 columns shown below

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in   /  23rd Sept 2024

 

 

1. Free Electricity

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹200 per month

Delhi Assembly Election

Free electricity up to 200 units per household.

Party B

50% subsidy

Punjab Assembly Election

50% subsidy on electricity bills for low-income families.

Party C

₹1000 per month

Karnataka Assembly Election

Free electricity for farmers.

2. Free Food

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹500 per family

Bihar Assembly Election

Free ration worth ₹500 per month for below-poverty-line families.

Party B

Free Meals

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election

Free midday meals in all government schools.

Party C

₹1000 per month

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election

Subsidized food for senior citizens.

3. Free Housing

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹5 lakh per house

Maharashtra Assembly Election

Free housing for economically weaker sections.

Party B

100% free housing

Gujarat Assembly Election

Free housing for homeless individuals.

Party C

₹2 lakh per house

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election

Subsidized housing for low-income families.

4. Free Education

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹50,000 per student

West Bengal Assembly Election

Free education up to 12th grade.

Party B

Full scholarships

Rajasthan Assembly Election

Scholarships for higher education.

Party C

₹10,000 per year

Kerala Assembly Election

Free vocational training for unemployed youth.

5. Free Healthcare

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹2 lakh coverage

Haryana Assembly Election

Free medical treatment up to ₹2 lakh per annum.

Party B

Free medicines

Assam Assembly Election

Free essential medicines for low-income families.

Party C

₹5 lakh insurance

Telangana Assembly Election

Free health insurance coverage.

6. Free Transportation

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

Free bus rides

Delhi Assembly Election

Free public transport for all.

Party B

50% fare subsidy

Maharashtra Assembly Election

50% discount on train and bus fares for students and seniors.

Party C

Free shuttles

Karnataka Assembly Election

Free shuttle services for workers.


7. Free Water

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹200 per month

Delhi Assembly Election

Free water up to 200 liters per day per household.

Party B

50% subsidy

Punjab Assembly Election

50% subsidy on water bills for low-income households.

Party C

Free water for farmers

Karnataka Assembly Election

Free water for agricultural use.

8. Free Wi-Fi

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

Free city Wi-Fi

Delhi Assembly Election

Free Wi-Fi in all public spaces in the city.

Party B

Free hotspot areas

Mumbai Municipal Election

Free Wi-Fi hotspots in major public areas.

Party C

Subsidized internet

Hyderabad Assembly Election

50% discount on internet charges for low-income families.

9. Free LPG Cylinders

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

12 per year

Gujarat Assembly Election

12 free LPG cylinders per year for every household.

Party B

50% subsidy

Rajasthan Assembly Election

50% subsidy on LPG cylinders for low-income families.

Party C

Free gas connections

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election

Free new LPG connections for poor households.

10. Free School Supplies

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹1000 per student

Delhi Assembly Election

Free school uniforms, textbooks, and stationery.

Party B

Full subsidy

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election

Free school supplies for all government school students.

Party C

₹500 per year

Assam Assembly Election

Subsidized school supplies for children in rural areas.

11. Free Mobile Phones

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹5000 per person

Rajasthan Assembly Election

Free mobile phones for students.

Party B

100% subsidy

Karnataka Assembly Election

Free smartphones for women in rural areas.

Party C

₹3000 per year

Punjab Assembly Election

Subsidized mobile phones for low-income families.

12. Free Entertainment

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹500 per person

Maharashtra Assembly Election

Free movie tickets for students once a month.

Party B

Free cultural passes

West Bengal Assembly Election

Free passes for cultural events for senior citizens.

Party C

₹1000 per year

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election

Subsidized access to entertainment for low-income families.

13. Free Legal Aid

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹50,000 per case

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election

Free legal aid for low-income families.

Party B

100% free legal aid

Bihar Assembly Election

Free legal services for women and children.

Party C

₹10,000 per case

Kerala Assembly Election

Subsidized legal services for senior citizens.

14. Free Pension

Political Party

Amount Promised

State/Central Election

Details

Estimated Annual Recurring Financial Burden

How does Party's Manifesto plan to raise these extra funds?

Will implementation lead to any increase in the State/Central per capita Public Debt?

If so, how much?

Party A

₹3000 per month

Haryana Assembly Election

Free pensions for elderly citizens.

Party B

50% subsidy

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election

50% subsidy on pensions for retired government employees.

Party C

₹2000 per month

Telangana Assembly Election

Free pensions for widows.