Does Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene & Cooking gas price hike affect the people

There are some commodities which affect the society on a very large scale in terms of economic as well as social fronts. Diesel, Kerosene and Cooking Gas come under such categories. While Diesel is used in industrial and agricultural work on a very large scale, Kerosene and Cooking Gas have direct relation to the last household of the country. Thus any increase in the price of these commodities directly affects the life of ordinary people. The very first consequence of diesel hike is increase in transportation charges that results in increase in price of almost all commodities and thus fuel inflation, which is already in double digit figure. Secondly hike in diesel price directly increase the cost of production of the farmers as diesel is used in almost all agricultural activities from irrigation to cultivation and transportation. Any increase in diesel price thus push farmers backward as there is no immediate relief, like increase in MSP (Minimum Support Price) or increased market price to their crops, to them. Hence any increase in diesel price has a very big impact on the society and worst affected is the poorest section. Increase in price of kerosene and cooking gas directly raise the price of meal and light to the citizens resulting more problems for the society already grappling with price rise and poverty. Cooking gas price rise also hamper Governments plan to promote the use of clean fuels for cooking in rural areas since people would not prefer costly cooking gas to other cheaper domestic alternatives (i.e. woods and uplas). On the other hand increase in petrol price doesnt have any direct impact on the poor, it raises the fuel charges of personal vehicles, thus force people to move to the other cheaper options (i.e. diesel, LPG) which again increase subsidy burden on the government and cause misuse of subsidy given for welfare of the ordinary and poor people. As India import almost 75% of its petroleum needs, it is not possible for the government to maintain low prices of these commodities for a very long time when price of petroleum products increase day by day in the international market. It would increase subsidy burden on government and would result in more fiscal deficit. Hence to curb the negative impact, of such price rise, on the ordinary people we should change our policies regarding subsidy and APM (Administered Price Mechanism). We should identify the priority consumers and their need of a certain commodity and then make some blocks of consumers and decide adequate and different subsidy percentage for them (different for each block as per their capacity and need). Along with this, direct transfer of subsidy amount to their accounts will curb misuse of subsidies and lower the impact of such price rise on the most vulnerable section of the society. Promoting use of unconventional fuels for lighting and cooking (as solar power) will reduce the dependence on petroleum products and thus would also curb the impact of price rise of these products on the society. Thus it is obvious that any hike in the price of Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene and Cooking gas affect the society but by taking preventive and precautionary measures the impact on larger section can be reduced.

RISE IN OIL PRICES; AN ENCOUNTER

There was a time when global oil prices reflected changes in the real demand and supply of crude petroleum. The current oil price spike reflects not only current economic conditions and perceptions of future activity, but also world political situations. Crude oil price increased five-fold in five years: from $22 per barrel in 2003 to $110 per barrel in March 2008. Cost per barrel was $100-115 in April-May, 2011. A country like India that imports three-fourths of its oil cannot ignore global price trends for very long. However, repeated fire-fighting to douse the oil surge has adverse effects on people. Already burdened by inflation, hike in oil price directly or indirectly enters into all other prices, leaving a consumer unhappy. The repercussions will be far-fetched: an increase in the price of diesel, the economy's main transportation fuel, will push up the cost of cloth and food items, including fruits and vegetables, eggs, and many other perishables that are moved largely by truck. A hike in transportation costs usually has a cascading effect on food prices already reeling under food inflation. Transported raw materials will raise input costs, thereby, production costs. Eventually, end consumer takes the blow in the form of cost push inflation. A common man can find an increase in fares charged by public transport system in order to offset the price rise as recently was the case with APSRTC. The cement industry has a large part of its transport through roads. Cement prices will be impacted by about Rs. 3-4 per 50 kg bag and consequently a dearer infrastructure leading to hike in user fees. The recent fuel price hike has had a cascading effect on the packaged drinking water industry as well. According to manufacturers of packaged drinking water around the city of Chennai, the price has been hiked by Rs.5 per 20-litre bubble-top container by the dealers. As per census 2001, 12,528,916 Indians use kerosene as a cooking fuel; significantly rural. As for the increase in the price of kerosene ---- the poor woman's fuel ---- there have been reports that a significant proportion of the fuel obtained from the public distribution system is being diverted for adulterating diesel and other more expensive fuels. Clearly, an access made difficult. Even cooking gas users ---- primarily of middle class or above poverty level (APL) ---- were not allowed to save their neck. A recent increase of Rs. 50 on a LPG cylinder of 14.2 kg is deeply resented. Now considering a petrol price rise, in India two-wheeler density is more than 75% while the passenger vehicle is only 15%. Petrol is the only fuel for two-wheelers. Hence, proportion of two-wheeler users affected by petrol price rise is several times more than car and big car users. Such cost pressures have another consequence: they push governments to inflation control measures, such as higher interest rates. In many countries this worsens the chances for the already fragile economic recovery after the crisis. So people across the world face lower real incomes and may face reduced employment opportunities. From the above it is clear that we encounter the percolation effect of oil surge into every possible sector. Oilonomics has gone haywire. Strong oil reforms, especially in pricing, subsidies and retailing in place could unleash the burden of consumer. Kiranmayee Manikyam

2G Scam
First CWG, then 2G scam and now one called S band scam threatens to be even bigger than first two. What is your take on corruption and what kind of steps should be taken to ensure transparent and clean governance? Corruption is a major problem facing all the countries across the globe in general and India in particular. Corruption is sure to mar the future of any country, developed or developing and sucks the blood of even the law abiding citizens. Its important to know that corruption is a part of development. No country can altogether do away with corruption. It exists in different forms in different countries. Can we say that China, an emerging superpower or U.S.A, a leading superpower is corruption free? No while public drinking water is corrupted in China, other manifestations of corruption prevail in U.S too. But do we hear about the corruption in China as frequently as that in India? No. It is not because of the magnitude of corruption but because of the fact that there is censorship in China whereas in India, there is no such ban on the media as a result of which they convert a mole hill into a mountain. It is only when we do some research about the countries that we find out about the corruption there while the corruption in India is projected by the media throughout the world. It is high time that India should take adequate steps to prevent corruption lest the future of our country should be in danger. The greed to come to power makes politicians corrupt as they use illegal ways to build their vote banks. Corruption does indicate or signify our demise it is our passport to the future because by preventing corruption, India can attain great heights. So.now is the time to start our battle, a battle against corruption. Corruption can be substantially reduced by creating awareness amongst people. India is a democratic country where people have the right to speech. Citizens of India should be encouraged to raise their voice against the corrupt politicians. A strong judiciary is indispensible for a corruption free country. Judiciary should be independent and free of any external influence. It should be capable of taking strong action against the corrupt politicians. While severe punishment is given to a poor village officer when he takes a bribe of Rs10, politicians who cheat the public and earn crores are many a time let free by the court of law. They should be given rigorous imprisonment as instead of representing the public they are exploiting the poor people who have put them in power with a lot of hope and desire. Another way to stop corruption is to avoid the coalition form of governance. A single party must be allowed to rule the country independently without seeking the support of innumerous minor parties. In the notorious 2G spectrum case, the accused, A. Raja is a representative of DMK which is supporting the congress. In such a situation, an able and efficient prime minister like Manmohan Singh could not take action but had to inadvertently support him as otherwise they would have withdrawn their support and thus follows an utter rout for the congress. All the citizens of India should come together and strongly fight against corruption. Now it is only we, who can stop such injustice. We can play our little part by creating awareness amongst the people and thus paving the way for a new INDIA JAI HIND. GOPIKA JAYAN

Globalization and the Pollution

Globalisation is an universal phenomenon which was introduced with the aim of integrating societies,economies and cultures through a common link of trading policies,technology and communication.With the advent of globalisation though the standard of economy has improved,it also brought many new issues into concern. Brain drain,pollution and spread of diseases are the major problems the world is facing today.For a large extend the factor behind this is globalisation.Each day we could hear new forms of pollution and hundreds of people are becomming victims of this. As a result of globalisation large number of industries were setup all over the world.For setting up of industries newer areas had to be discovered,so people started destroying large forest lands. Rapid destruction of forests caused serious threat to both plants and animals .Many species of plants and animals have become extinct and many are endangered.Reports reveal that a major portion of forest area is being decreased every year.This can create far reaching consequence on the environment.Due to decline in the number of trees,the temperature of earth is going high.This phenomenon is termed as Global Warming.Many environmentalist have come forward raising this issue,but still nobody could find a way to tackle this problem.Temperature rise causes the polar ice to melt and increase of sea level.This is a major threat to the entire living world. The next problem to be taken into account is the industrial waste.Each industry produces a huge amount of harmful waste material every day.And many of them have no proper means of waste disposal.They either dump the wastes into the sea or river or in some land mostly banks of rivers.As a result the land and water is being polluted.Many of the water resources have been contaminated and become unfit for drinking.Even the fishes are

dying off in mass amount .Due to these reasons the problem of drinking water scarcity has turned out to be fierce.Also the outlet gases from industries are highly dangerous which includes poisonous chemicals like sulphur oxides,nitrogen oxides,carbon monoxide,toxic metals like lead,cadmium etc..This adds to air pollution.Air pollution has far reaching effects on human health.Mostly it affects the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system.Inhalation of polluted air negatively affects the functioning of lungs and other organs of our body.It can lead to minor breathing problems to severe respiratory disorder as the degree of exposure to pollutants increases. Sulphur oxides reacts with atmospheric water producing sulphuric acid and thus forming acid rain which causes heavy destruction to historical monuments.Such incidents have already been reported in the case of Taj Mahal.Another harmful chemical which appeared on the screen in recent times is chlorofluro carbons (CFCs).CFCs are considered ideal for many industrial,commercial and household applications like coolants for commercial and home refrigeration units,aerosol propellants,electronic cleaning solvents and blowing agents.CFCs were found to be the major reason for the depletion of ozone layer.Depletion of ozone layer can inturn be very destructive for the living beings as it protects our earth from the harmful radiations from the sun which can lead to serious skin diseases. Over a few decades,the agricultural production has increased tremendously with the use of hybrid varieties of plants and highly effective fertilizers and pesticides/insecticides.Such chemicals are hazardous to human well being.Strong evidences of neurological defects have already been reported . If this pace of globalisation continues,we will have to witness dramatic environmental changes.So we will have to adopt certain eco-friendly techniques to bring down the side effects of globalisation.Of course,some programmes have been introduced like Vanamahotsava and Montreal Protocol.Vanamahotsava aims for planting more number of trees and creating awareness about the importance of trees and forests in the proper environmental balance.Also, strong laws have been imposed against deforestaion.The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by bringing down the use of CFCs and replacing it by some less harmful chemicals.Its the duty of each and every citizen to save our mother earth.So combined effort must be taken in this regard.

Globalization and the Pollution

Globalization can be defined as the process of making the world smaller and keeping it connected with one another. It is only through globalization that now in the present scenario we can come to know whats happening in the other part of the world. Indian markets were allowed to enter global market in the 90s.these led to drastic changes in the thinking, standard of living of people, and also in the economic scenario of India. It sort started a new type of industrial revolution in India or it can be said that it gave a new start to the already existing industries in India. There as also been an increase in the rate of pollution at an alarming rate in the past decade. It can be said that the rate of globalization and the rate of pollution are inter-related, as the rate of globalization increases, the rate of pollution also increases Due to globalization the competition among nations to become the super power has become at a very high rate. This as led to fast development of the nations. The development is not being done in a proper way which for time being wont show its effects, but in the long run will cause a major damage to the world. The degradation of ecological system can be defined as pollution. As the world progresses, it is destroying the wonderful fauna and flora that exists directly and indirectly. Large pieces of land covered with trees are being wiped out to make way for industries, residential complexes etc. As the trees provided for the habitat to large variety of birds and animals, these animals could not survive the change in the environment and got extinct. Many of the industries are situated near water bodies to release their chemical effluents in the water. but this in turn effects the flora and fauna in the water bodies, also making the water unfit for any use ,specially for drinking. There also has been an enormous increase in the air pollution, through increase in vehicular movement, poisonous gases let out from industries as waste gases and through many other ways harm is being caused to the nature. The damage due to this destruction has already started showing. It is seen in the form global warming. But this is only the starting of the damage, if we continue in this way we have to be ready to witness a lot more changes and that will for the worst. Globalization is not harmful; it is one of the best ways to improve the country, if followed in a proper and systemic way. We should try to improve our country by utilizing the facilities of the other developed countries and our resources in a well planned manner, so that the future generations also have the resources to utilize for their better development. Shruti Garg

Globalization will kill Small-Scale Industries in India

Globalization is the metamorphosis of the individual nations into an integrated entity by means of their interconnection on an economic, social and cultural level, fuelled by easy transport and communication among them. It is the modern renaissance that makes ideas, goods, services, trade, technology and culture permeate into the entire geography of the world thus turning it into a global village.

While globalization is a large scale phenomenon, small scale enterprises are a local phenomenon but having effects of dimensions as large as its global friend and foe. Friend- because both globalization and small scale industries are the two wheels of the vehicle of economic growth and prosperity; foe- because some argue that given the developing nation that India is, Small Scale Industries(SSIs) can suffer and strangulate to death by the fierce competition put up by globalization. Let us observe and decide. Micro and small scale enterprises have existed in India since ages in the form of traditional skills and knowledge based products made by people for the self sufficiency of rural India. Today as per the government definition, An industrial undertaking in which the investment in fixed assets in plant and machinery whether held on ownership terms on lease or on hire purchase does not exceed Rs. 10 million, can be categorized as small scale undertaking. After independence, the Indian government made various laws to help revive and flourish the SSI because of the employment potential it had at a low capital cost. It needed mediocre technical knowledge and minimal infrastructure to set up. Thus it was and is the most ideal form of employment opportunity for both the urban and rural population. It not only encourages entrepreneurship among people but also makes them self reliant. Govt. funding, support and intensive promotion has aided people to participate more in this successful phenomenon making SSI the second largest employment sector after agriculture. It forms about 45-50% of our exports. The products also form a large percentage of our domestic market too with SSI producing a number of products like confectionaries, spices, beverages, natural essence oils, dyes, sports goods, wooden furniture, glass, ceramic and earthen wares, cotton and woolen knitted products, silk and synthetic wear, leather shoes, bags, garments and novelty items, plastic items, survey instruments, auto parts, clocks and watches, musical instruments, lab chemicals, basic metallic and non-metallic mineral products. They are the dynamic sectors of our economy. It also leads to the preservation of many traditional and indigenous skills and products our country is famous for. It is the road to rural industrialization and rural urbanization thus creating a regional balance. India was self reliant and self sufficient but with the march of the world towards industrialization India found its closed policy of trade leading to an impending economic crisis. The main reason behind this was the focus of efforts on heavy industries and lack of it on the consumption goods. From 1991 India witnessed a major change as the govt. introduced liberalization, privatization and globalization reforms to pep up the economy. Soon the world realized what a big 1billionpopulation-market India was. They brought their goods to India which were mass produced and therefore cheaper and of better quality than the local goods. They started challenging the SSI and thus posed an end to them. Further with the introduction of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the MNCs were facilitated with areas with liberal economic and trade laws, round the clock facilities and concessions to enhance foreign investments and promote exports. This endangered the existence and survival of SSIs. But this is not the complete picture. A lot of foreign entrepreneurs who do not have the time or funds to build the infrastructure for their own manufacturing unit in India engage a number of SSI owners to produce goods for them in a short span of time and sell them to cater to the international demand. In other words they outsource the manufacturing to the Indians. Thus it leads to more labour absorption and growth of SSIs. Many of the SSIs have turned into LSIs this way. Also the demand for SSI goods will never finish as a lot of their products are not lucrative options for the MNCs. For example, the incense sticks or agarbatties, bangles, pickles, etc. are not a catch for LSIs but have a constant demand and thus SSIs have a great opportunity in identifying such areas. So it can be said that both globalization and SSIs are the essentials of Indian economy and India must make efforts to promote, sustain and aid both in a fair and unbiased way. A fruitful measure would be to reserve certain goods for production exclusively by the SSIs and their intelligent outsourcing by the govt. to ensure maximum benefits. Also the govt. should advertise the indigenous goods worldwide so that the foreign folk also go in for the ethnic items produced here like khadi, silk, wool, statues, gems, ornaments, etc. as these represent the traditional art form and culture of the region. As far as the financial aids are concerned, the govt. is doing good work to make things simple and possible for the interested individuals by funding and financial support. Also the setting up of institutes for technical training and skill enhancement of the workforce is helping in a big way. While globalization has put us on the map of superpower countries, SSIs have empowered the common man to walk with the same stride as the big-wigs. For India to be a superpower, it is must make efforts to strengthen each and every thread of its economic fabric to make the flag of its success fly high Anubha Gupta

India perceived as more corrupt after CWG scam

India has slipped to 87th spot in Transparency International's latest ranking of nations based on the level of corruption, with the global watchdog asserting that perceptions about corruption in the country increased in the wake of the scam-tainted Commonwealth Games. Transparency International's 'Corruption Perception Index' report covering the public sector in 178 countries shows that India fell by three positions from its ranking of 84th in 2009. With an integrity score of 3.3, India is now ranked 87th in the world in terms of corruption. Neighboring China is ahead of India in the list at 78th place, with a score of 3.5. It was at 79th position in 2009. "India has gone down in the ranking as well as integrity score and this is a matter of concern and regret. It appears that the level of governance has not improved despite India having a skilled set of administrators," Transparency International India Chairman P S Bawa said in New Delhi. The rankings, on a scale of 0 to 10, are based on the extent of corruption and each government's ability to punish and contain corrupt activities, among other criteria. A score of zero is perceived to be highly corrupt while 10 would indicate the lowest level of corruption.

According to the report: "The perception about corruption in India seems to have increased primarily due to alleged corrupt practices in the recently held Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Delhi." As many as four investigating agencies - the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) - are looking into allegations of corruption against the organisers of the CWG, which concluded here earlier this month. The top three countries with the lowest level of corruption globally, as ranked by Transparency International, are Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore. Denmark was ranked first in the report, with an integrity score of 9.3, while New Zealand and Singapore came second and third with a similar score. Bhutan was the best performer in the South Asian region and was ranked 37th, with an integrity score of 5.7. However, other SAARC nations are ranked below India. Pakistan is ranked at 143th in the list, with an integrity score of 2.3, while Bangladesh is at 134th, with a score of 2.4. Sri Lanka was ranked 91st in the list, with an integrity score of 3.2, while Nepal was 146th (2.3) and Maldives joined Pakistan at 143th place (2.3). Afghanistan, the newest SAARC member, was ranked 176th in the list with an integrity score of 1.4. The world's largest economy, the USA, garnered an integrity score of 7.1 and was 22nd in the list. Among BRIC countries, Brazil was at 69th position with a score of 3.7 and Russia was 154th, with an integrity score of 2.1. Transparency International is organising Anti-Corruption Day on December 9 to sensitize the public on this issue. The report is based on 13 surveys conducted throughout the year by various international bodies, including the World Bank, the European Union, the International Monetary Fund and the Freedom House Foundation.

Kalmadi, others charge sheeted by CBI in Commonwealth Games scam; Kalmadi sent to Tihar Jail.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed its first chargesheet in a Delhi court against sacked CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, describing him as a "main accused" in a corruption case relating to irregularities in awarding a games-related contract to a Swiss firm. The probe agency, in its over 50-page chargesheet, has accused Kalmadi as the key person with all the powers to take decisions regarding award of contracts. "Kalmadi is the main accused as he was the person with all supreme powers. He had the supreme over riding powers in the Organising Committee of the CWG, 2010," the chargesheet said.

Commonwealth Games (CWG) Scam 2010: Infrastructure Failure

Another important raising aspect of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) Scam 2010 was the infrastructural support that couldn't bear up the best part of the CWG Games 2010. Actually certain projects like Airport Metro Express construction delayed out because of various aspects and was unable to complete the project on time which gave a big issue again to Delhi Government. Various eventual problems like event analysis and improper functioning of the support of various games in CWG Games 2010 just did not give the best credit to side which had seen to be CWG Scam 2010. What hearted the main issue to CWG Scam 2010 was the various equipments and venues that were even not signed and maintained up even before the game so there were some horrible aspects of foreign sportsmen at the CWG Games 2010. The Commonwealth Games(CWG) Scam 2010 also gave inside into the various Spots Associations to pitch down the line in making the best out of the international event but before there could have any improvement in building up the CWG Scam 2010 more, issues regarding Organization Committee saw a defending actions and saw a big loss in sporting events. Though the committee did not expressed the views right thought the event, it was later discover top meet the aspect of CWG Scam 2010.

Commonwealth Games (CWG) Scam 2010: Security Concerns

Since everyone knows the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010 to go international, therefore there Security concerns had a heavy issue rising to such aspects. The raising security issues have been tumbled out badly because there were a total wipe out of various issues and this did not give good sights to measure up the CWG Scam 2010. Since New Delhi is renowned for all the activities of politicians and terror attacks sometimes, so there could be the possibility that we could have heard about the ramming terror attacks that could have broken into the city with the outraging Commonwealth Games (CWG) Scam 2010. There would have been total injustice if there could have been supported up with a good security support concerns without any rising issues of terror attacks in New Delhi during CWG Games 2010. Debacle of surprise was noted, in the swimming of CWG 2010, there were reports of many swimmers being fallen ill, it may be due to the quality of water or maybe due to some faulty works of swimming men. Whatever the reasons may be, we were reported not to have maintained the dignity of CWG Games 2010. This led to what is known to be the worst effect leading up for Commonwealth Games (CWG) Scam 2010. Audit Report of CWG On the basis of the audit report of CWG, the CAG had sent a questionnaire to Prime Ministers Office (PMO) and Cabinet Secretariat (CS). Since the administrative hold of the CWG was in the hands of the CS as well as the PMO, the audit agency has sought information as to why this scam took place when the two offices were looking minutely into each detail. Policy decisions of the CWG were in the hands of the Cabinet, while CS had the responsibility of administrative monitoring and both are function under the PMO with Singh at the helm of affairs. Under the administrative structure, it was difficult for Singh to keep himself away from the ongoing probe, the sources said. There is complete silence in the PMO and CS over the CAG queries. However, few meetings have been held in the CS, which is witnessing a lot of turmoil. Besides probing into the expenditure details of the Games, the CAG is also looking at pinning the administrative responsibility for the blatant lapses. The CAG after going through all the documents related to the CWG has asked several questions from the PMO related to the administrative aspects that include the matters related to the formation of Organising Committee (OC) and working of the group of Central ministers looking after organization of the Games. The OC was formed with the consent of the PMO and the CS and the decision of the Group of Ministers was changed and it is then that Sports Minister Sunil Dutt was replaced and Suresh Kalmadi was given the charge of the OC. The Union Cabinet Committee, which was formed prior to the hosting of the Games and was headed by its first president late Arjun Singh, was functioning under the PMO and the CS. During the Games, Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy headed this committee, the functioning of this body and the effort it took to check the corrupt practices in the Games have also become the part of the probe. During the Games, the PMO had monitored the preparations of the Games and directly intervened into it. Besides, the PMO had also given instructions for day-today monitoring of Cabinet arrangements looking at the delays and controversies related to the Games. The sources added that the CAG has sought all the details related to the monitoring also.