Constitutional morality trumps Social morality: "Three 77" to "Free "77""

I wonder how  LGBT community had been  bearing the brunt of criminalization for their sexual orientation for so long. The community which has root in "Ardhnarishwar" and sustained long acceptance in the Indian society fell prey to "Victorian morality". The British law transmuted into IPC 377 criminalised the carnal intercourse calling it unnatural (and colonising other was natural, hypocrisy at best!).

But, irony is that this community lived on margin even after Independence. Everybody relished political freedom but LGBT still remained chained in 'biopolitical power' of the state. Perhaps, Who could know this pain better than famous philosopher Michel Foucault who was himself a gay and understood this phenomena closely. In his books, "History of Sexuality" and "punishment and discipline", he opined about the 'biopower' with state which could dictate the sexual behaviour of an individual. Here the very 377 is, perhaps,  the manifestation of the same assertion. Even choosing of this number "77" was a cruel joke for the community to remind them always that this number resembled to their physical orientations.

Today, in the landmark judgment, the same Supreme Court corrected its 2013 judgment and unanimously affirmed the right to life and liberty of this wretched section. Now,point is who will take the responsibility of this long injustice? The state overpowered by conservatives, or so called natural moralist? Who will compensate the irreparable cost for thier ostracization for more than a century and half? Elizabethian ilk or our colonial mindset still having hangover?

We are yet to realise what cost this community is paying or have already  paid.The collective social morality of ours, so called mainstream, have deprived them of any sort of education, good health, or just a bare minimum respectful employment; therefore forced them to beg on traffic signal/train compartment or live in ghettos or find a livelihood in brothel. And,  this in turn have been annoying us, so called elite conscience keeper of Indian society.

Though our constitution makers aptly prescribed "sex" can never be a ground for any sort of discrimination, succeeding political leaders could not think meaning beyond the binary of male and female. Even conservatives who keep on referring culture and religious texts could not recall then that our sanskrit( Dev vani) literature well recognises third gender( Neuter , Napunshak ling).

 Even Dr. Ambedkar,  the main architect of the Constitution was obsessed mostly with caste atrocities, though he did aver " the contradiction" India was entering into. He vouched, "On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality. In politics we will be recognizing the principle of one man one vote and one vote one value. In our social and economic life, we shall, by reason of our social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man one value. How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions? How long shall we continue to deny equality in our social and economic life? If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril. We must remove this contradiction at the earliest possible moment or else those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of political democracy which this Assembly has so laboriously built up."

Though this community was never so empowered, neither in number nor otherwise to revolt against society or state, the simmering undercurrent could not be suppressed long. The solution was bound to come from the Constitution itself, only it was the appropriate time awaited to see the light of the day.

 Nevertheless, we couldn't mean Ambedkar's assertion beyond caste consideration and women backwardness.Perhaps the competitive politics of vote bank could not ever let political leaders imagine about this LGBT as vote bank. Even Shabnam Mausi Bano, a Transgender legislature of Madhya Pradesh(1998-03) unprecedentedly risen on political scene, could not scale up her success in politics for Queer community. Today, the disparate 2.5 million population may not even constitute any  substantial political force, yet, can India as an emerging modern society afford to ransom this section any longer in the 21st century when the concern for human rights, minority rights  and more is at its acme? Perhaps, No.

The SC, today, emphatically accepted, we owe a lot to this section, any furtherance of this law is indefensible and a slur on our collective human conscience. Though it was lately realised, the custodian of our constitution, judiciary started to hint wayback in 2009, thanks to Delhi HC and Naz foundation,a civil society. Later, NALSA judgment and right to privacy case paved the way for " achhe din" for this section. Hope, clash for credit shall not start among political vultures.

Now,  it's time to go beyond constitutional morality. The  herculean task is to align social morality with this new reality. Various fears unwarrantedly raised need to be assuaged by collective social will and  by showing the society bigger picture. We have to increase our space to accommodate  them well in all spheres. We have to understand even so called  "natural order" is not above humanity. Every evil becomes banal and common sense when practised for longer as we  had "sati" and else, but we did overcome. We have recognised human right of each, so is this case now and "sex" is the most fundamental need in even Maslowian need hierarchy, so how can they be deprived for any more moment . And, they are just asking for their expression in their own world.

A tribute to beloved Vajpayee ji from "teens of the new millennium"

It happens rarely in a nation's political life that the demise of a leader evokes so much emotion across the nation, across the political spectrum. And, that also for whom who organizationally affiliated to a party representing the right most end of politico-ideological continuum. It must be unprecedented in  comparison to a pan India appeal for Gandhiji, an individual All -in- One.
Sir, we, the teens of new millennium,  started to develop the political consciousness when you were leading the troubled , chaotic coalition after a 'stable hiatus' of sri Rao period. This period engendered a lot of "national curiosities" in blooming minds.Perhaps ,this period of 13 days, 13 months and 'desired 13' years was an era of last political churning having reminisces of "Nehruvian consensus" which you epitomized to give even oppositions an equal space.
Our political formative age took shape by each of your act whether it be bold  "operation Shakti- Buddha smiled again" , 1998 nuclear testing defying westen hysteria or giving befitting reply to pakistan in 1999 Kargil war. You dared to come out of "hesitation of history" and filled vigor in the entusiasm of growing teens who could take pride in their leaders. Your "jai jawan , jai kisan , jai vigyan" sloganeering paved path for technological rise which got manifested in IT boom and later our recognition as nuclear tech power giving way for desired NSG waiver. we  truly found an apt  leader in you to lead our country in the new millennium when high aspirations were rushing among all of us.
Sir,your enthralling speech making capability enchanted everyone. You unique way of taking long pause is still mysterious. Your pause gave your lovers to take 4-5 sips of tea hurriedly without loosing the thread of speech in shrilling whisper of lips and hot tea; you made political commentators to bet with each other for what would be your subsequent lines; you confounded oppositions to speculate what you will dwell upon; you made budding teens like us think that radio/TV got technical snag, but you were just strategizing what to speak so that all get proven otherwise in their calculations. Sir, it was the most hilarious part of your personalty.
Sir, you were epitome of temperance even amidst polarisizing incidents such as Gujarat riots, Parliament attack etc. happened in your regime. Your enunciation of "Raj Dharma"  was itself a clarion calling insertion in the political lexicon which must keep on guiding politicians for generations to come.
Sir, you gave the call of "shining India" ,it  raised high hopes for even  people at the bottom of pyramid by Gram sadak yojna ,Antodaya yojna and ambitious Golden Quadrilateral to connect farmers/rurals ending "bichaulia" who hindered the farmers' produce due to lack of connectivity.
Sir, even pakistanis too have high words for you despite your affiliation to the party which they may never want to come in power. Your "lahore Bus journey" in 1999 ," Agra summit" in 2001, "composite dialogue" in 2004 et al make them believe that you did make sincere effort to invoke bonhomie between two. This is when residual grudges of kargil war, nuclear testing in thier backyard etc. were residing in their minds. Sir,Your calling of " insaniyat, kashmiriyat and jamoohriyat" even made disgruntled  kashmiris believe that you were the best PM so far.
Sir, you led ministry of external affair wayback post emergency period, troubled 1970s reminisces, when cold war period was in new ascendency after a brief détente. Later, in 1994, PM sri Rao chose you to lead the team ,defending the allegation of human right violation, in J&K at the UN ,by pakistan, despite you being then on the other side of political table . Sir, we doubt present political dispensations will even imagine about such gestures. We feel you were the last column of such stature in our political history.
Sir, we, as a school going teenager ,used to be frequently asked whom we idolize the most as a living national figure. Most of us were invariably falling for Kalam sir. Sir, it was you who gave us such a beloving president who inspired young generations relentlessly.
Sir, you are physically no more with us but your political wisdom laced in poetic verses will always reverbate across the Indian sociopolitical space and beyond. Perhaps, you are needed the most today when there is increasing abdication of Raj Dharma, Coalition Dharma, and Manav Dharma.
Sir, now most of us are in late twenties or early or mid thirties, prepared to embark on your footprints, we miss your "moral compass" to look upon always. May you rest in peace,sir!!!

Men's sociobiological power: Rape an invented tool to terrorize women's world

    Men's sociobiological power: Rape an invented tool to terrorize women's world
Susan Brownmiller, in her  celebrated book, "Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape" writes that men have invented "rape" as a tool to intimidate and put women  under perpetual fear. The very developed fear psychosis is so deeply entrenched that women fall prey to every masculanist demand. Ironically, she further asserts, everybody extracts 'puritanical pleasure' out of rape like episode in which  even media too capitalize on  by giving sadistic detail to serve masculanist mental pervertness.
The present mayhem going on after Kathua, Unnao or even recent past of Badayun and Nirbhaya is to create only a transit tremor and with passage of weeks things will get settle down as usual. But, only advantageous section would  be "political entRAPEneurs after polarizing the society on the line of religion,region ,caste and idiotic ideologies. So much discussion about rape and aftermath mudslinging on each other  will only trivialize the graveness of the issue. Sadists will slide away making sexist remarks such as  short skirt , late night outing, women are meant for sexual subjugation etc. like leacherous logic.
The sustained fuedal patriarchal mindset and excessive soap opera analysis followed by no fundamental change in either behaviour or attitude will only cause "Banality of evil". Here,Hanna Arendt, a political commentator, cites that such banilty episode trivializes the graveness of crime as there happened reckless persecution of jews  by Nazis during interregnum war period without any societal sanction. Therefore, here too, such  repeated mindless act of politicization of rape will make the issue weak, and there would be no strong sociopolitical sanction rather patriarchal perverts will cash in the occasion to flex their malicious masculine muscles to sound louder.
The history is self evident and replete with the examples of rape as a tool to tormentize the society and state. Whereas Chengiz khan made it a regular affair during his winning spree of  various kingdoms, Tamur left no stone unturned in furthering his brutality by the act of raping hapless fairer sexes. Even, present act of war is not breft of war crimes like military rape where women/ girls in the war zone have been regular"fetish fodders" of terrorists and miltaries.
Cynthia Enloe, a strong feminst voice, in her shrilling account " Banana, Bases and Beaches" has talked about  plantation women workers, women at miltary bases, and diplomatic wives who serve mostly  forced bodily need of  their male counterpart. And, this in turn only institutionalizes the rape culture which is well visible in Afghan war, ISIS act, Middle East crisis and even sporadic reporting from our North -East and J&K insurgent regions where Armed Force Special Power Act ( AFSPA) is sometimes made an alibi  to do such inhumane ghastly act.
In fact, the act of rape has been used as a tool not only to tormentize that female individual but also to ransom her whole  family as we see it very often  on our silver screens  when villains do so reflecting our societal reality. The very taboo attached with this bodily sanctity is so high that most of girls/ women bear this outrage in silence. Recent compaign of self confession "Me too" brought this dark story at fore, though it was reflection of  minuscle representation.
In last few years high reporting of Dalit rape, Minority rape like cases go beyond the normal criminal act. These are to highlight the biopolitical power of the state( party in power) and its affiliated  fringe machinaries which make every effort to discipline the deviating sections like minorities and dalit who have got increased political numeric clout amidst fractious electoral calculus. In this context invoking Michael Foccault would not be unwarranted who has understood well the " biopower" of the state and its legitimate/illegitimate machinaries which try to control the behaviour of the population. In kathua case, it is alleged that police and party( few individuals) at dispensation were involved to do this inhumane dastardly act. They wanted to send a chilling message in the valley to make it tow the line of raucous extrimist fringe group with alleged tacit approval of parent party. And, also the very aftermath of this reflect the underpinned gory picture where there has been further use of state muscle to threaten the concerned guardians and supporters of the victims.
Despite all these cacophonies and media melodramas , the outcome and learning is not going to be very different unless we really stand together to save the humanity honestly. Each such incident should not be responded as others problem but should be seen as if meted out  to oneself. I will advocate here for tweaking "Gandhian Talisman"- each action/reaction of ours must be to conform  how it would impact us if we were  at victim place. True empathy and respect for humanity can only bring behavioural change. And , a sense of stakeholdersip in each event in the society can only bring each of us out of our comfort zone because today's others problem may be tomorrow ours.

India on wheel: Plight of Homeless

        Perhaps, we all may not empathise well with persecuted Rohingyas, homeless Palestinians, ostracized Srilankan Tamilians, and asylum seeking Tibetans but the trials , tribulations and traumas they undergo can well be felt  while we travel  by train either in waiting list or without ticket(under forced circumstances). This group or individual, I will call "refugees on wheel", feels the same sort of "microcosmic brunt" which those real life refugees do (in loose sense).
       Though Railway itself is a "running  mini India on wheel"  which reflects the Indian ethos( tangible as well as intangible) in all sense whether it be implementation of affirmative action for needy section to ensure justice or reflecting myriad of  diversity or all way "administration on  wheel", the underpinned dynamics on its journey is itself awestruckingly mesmerizing . It is true replica of India's "kaleidoscopic composite culture" where people are set on to be  entwined  with common goal to reach their destination while establishing  "live brotherly bonhomie".
       However, amidst all such "hunky-dory" story there is a section which seems to be frightened, scared, insecure, deliberately humble, meek, overt generous in its all way behaviour. It is none other than "refugees on wheel". Why are they so? Because they want to be received/embraced well, accepted easily among well settled fellows  and given a little piece of berth to rest their restless bumps. The hanging swords of black coated inspectors( TTE) keep on wracking ticketless individuals` nerves. A lot of thoughts rush in their mind to just survive the journey let the comfort journey be aside.
       Ironically, waiting list individuals(counter ticket) pay the same much amount still are  maltreated or seen as untouchables, outsiders, intruders. They are seen suspiciously, and can easily be pointed out for any material loss in the compartment. They are at receiving end throughout the journey.
      They are found to be helping others to just create conducive environment so that there be theirs sustained acceptability. I remember, during my one winter vacation, I was coming(in waiting) from Nagpur to Patna ,throughout the journey, teaching an overtly eager parents`s  slyly unwilling 10th standard child about future engineering prospects, though I was myself confounded with my choice after 4th semester( when my honeymoon period with mathematics got over, math was the reason to choose engineering..haha). 
      Similar situations (but on serious note) can be drawn for  the real life refugees too, who are at receiving end for any deviant development in their vicinity. Recent, Rohingya refugees like  episode and unleashed stories thereafter reflect the gruesome plights they undergo. They crave for a respectable physical and humane space but bear the brunt of military brutality. They deserve the same space on earth as any other individual does for just being a human but world is over blinded by the notion of nationality, sovereignty, citizenship which undermine their peaceful existence. Unlike the  train there is vast space and possibilities to be accommodated on territorial terrain still they are doomed to die on margin. 
      Here, drawing parallel of real refugees with those on wheel would be oversimplistic and even trivialization of their complexities .Our limited/ bounded compassion for such sections have not pushed us beyond a limit of "armchair advocacy". 
      These refuged sections are vulnerable to be engulfed in all radical rousing terror activities. They are easily branded to be aligning the lines of all miscreants/criminal syndicates like berthless or ticketless mortals who are  mostly first to be pointed on for any mishaps.
      However, miseries of real life refugees are found to be further aggravated when there is invocation of "communal colour". The very notion of clash of religious/ethnic civilization has exacerbated their problems when there is rising case of selective "cleansing". Thanks to the  intact moral mooring of  our Indianness which is yet to be muddied by such  malicious malices  and hence, no such primordial sanction during our train travel. Our Gandhi might have faced it ( thrown out of train despite relevant class ticket) owing to his tanned colour and  their "racial arrogance" but such inhumanity is yet to be crept in moving "MinIndia".

What are the major factors which lead to corruption in India?

Corruption , if taken as siphoning public fund, influencing decision to benefit few, seeking rent for public work, not doing delineated duty, moral turpitude etc.then there are many factors internal n external involved....
1. Tolerant attitude of our society, state, judiciary...being corrupt is not strong taboo...the very prevalence at all level trivializes the corruption as a menace.."Banality of Evil" ...perhaps our tolerant Hindu culture which accommodates evil, good all ...
2. Law enforcement doesn't work  as deterrent , slow criminal judicial system, executive inertia n legislative lassitude make overall law enforcement ecology weak n hence emboldens corrupts..
3. It's alleged that low salary makes officials to be corrupt..i find it an excuse... There is no indication of increased salary by 7th pay commission or 6th pc has decreased the case of corruption..
4. Lack of accountability tools like putting technology or e- governance, involvement of people as in social auditing, clear cut stipulation of people to be caught in case of deviation is not in most cases, media not active except in sensational cases...
5. The very competitive party politics on account of money use in election has caused reckless generation of black money n hence corrupt environment everywhere..
6. Ethics, morality in governance is still to be inculcated, moral code of conduct in clear cut is lacking ...grey area in civil servants' n legislatures' behaviour n its non-scrutiny causes so....
7. The rise of public private participation culture n embedded discretion of public officials have given a lot of space for corruption...
 8. CBI, CVC etc. are politicised bodies:; lokayukta , lokpal are non functional, CAG  is weak n civil society is unconcerned....

Is the beef ban a political issue in India's politics?

Aristotle rightly identified man as political animal. Politics is an arena of contestation for power share in state, governance, policy, decision making, determining course of the society.In this context, beef ban too can be said to be  a contestation between majoritarian Hindu and demographically minor muslim.

Yes, it's true that cow is a religious symbol for Hindu because of its mentioning in texts as well as in practice like godan, lord Krishna's animal,mother like treatment for its milk giving etc.However, whether it's coincident or by design that muslim use it as food like any other animal, not clear, but the very existing situation is antithetical.

This contestation has got political tone because of our communal past between hindu and Muslim.Now ,when there is competitive politics sometimes ideological and mostly for vote bank politics as by minority appeasement by so called secular parties and majoritarian mobilization by right wingers, the beef ban has become mostly political act and cow as  a political animal.

The very article 48 , a Gandhian DPSP is being interpreted as per one's own convenience, so the varied policy as per government in the state.It could have been a cultural issue and true adherence to art 48 but the very dirty politics has trivialized the issue and hence, no sight of reconciliation - a trivialization of Indian ethos...."sarva dharma sambhavah...."

Why is Nalanda important?

Nalanda is a place in Bihar, now a full fledged district having district headquarter in Bihar sharif.

it is important because-

1. it has been the greatest learning centre in the ancient time ( 5th century AD- 12th century AD) not only for India but people from rest of the world too came like chinese traveller Huen Tsang has talked about it in detail.
2. it’s been also centre for Buddhism, Lord Buddha spent significant amount of time there. Interestingly, Budhha and Mahavir were contemporary and lived in the region at the same time. Pawapuri is the place there where Mahavira got mahaparinirvana.
3. it's been also a place for the capital( Rajgriha) of the Magadha empire , so a glorious past this land is having. First buddhist council meeting held in Rajgriha itself.
4. Presently, there is a lot of emphasis on rebuilding the Nalanda university, which has got formal shape very near to the remains of the old Nalanda university. Support of south east Asian countries like Japan, china, singapore etc. have helped expedite the process of making it  the university of global status.
5. Nalanda is one of the prominent tool in cultural diplomacy vis -a- vis East Asian countries and beyond. it is helping soften aggressive china because of the religious connect.
6. Nalanda university complex after being declared as one of the UNESCO world heritage site has become a prominent tourist destination which will help accrue revenue to the state.
7. It is agriculturally important for record production(per hectare) of potatoes and the use of some of techniques like SRI which put it at the agri map of the country. In general in terms of horticulture the region has high potential.
8. Politically , it's important place being it home constituency of incumbent CM Sri Nitish kumar.
9. Here, Rajgir is a good place for eco-tourism, it’s having hot spring, flourishing mountain, mythical places like Jarasangh ka akahada, swarn bhandar, also, rope way to vishwa shanti stupa at the top hill of mountain, Japani Garden, venu van and famous rajgir cultural festival etc.
10. Geographically, it’s at mid point of two prominent cities Patna and Gaya

Can an Indian politician ever become like American politician?

Santosh Kumar, Indian Railway Account Service(IRAS) at Ministry of Railways, India (2017-present)

Answered Mar 23

1.India and the USA both are among leading democratic countries of the world. The democratic fervour in both the countries are aroused by the politicians who mostly reflect the society/constituency they represent.

2. Whereas the USA is a developed country on multiple account, India is sandwiched between primitive and modern values, so a prismatic or developing country. Politicians are too so who on one hand reflect their primordial beliefs of caste, religion, region, ethnicity etc., and on other hand vouch for modern ideas, development, inclusive growth, gender equality, multiculturalism, value pluralism etc.

3. Also, the level of development of society and mostly  the life factors are  determined by market economy in the USA make people empowered, less influenced by state driven service delivery, so politicians can't influence citizen beyond a limit, while people in India are highly dependent on state ,so, easily manipulable by politicians. So, it can be said the very ecology of the state, people and their level of development determine the quality and characters of its politicians.

4. As India  will become  developed on multiple account, it will too have politicians with varied modern outlook as the USA might be having. But the corruption, crookedness, and similar other deviant behaviour can no less be seen in the USA when they subscribe for neocolonialism, interference on the name of war on terrorism, islamophobia, dubious stand to play proxy war and advancement of unethical hegemony…..

5. Our inferiority complex may be because of most of our political act is very much confined to domestic imperatives and hence petty act of polarisation, cortuption, criminalization which are themselves heniuos for large  hapless Indian population.

6. Nevertheless, we don't need to look out much beyond a limit when a galaxy of revered leaders had led country by examples in the past. learning from within and taking appropriate cue from outside will make our politicians too a man of global stature but with ethical outlook

Why do Indians worship civil servants although the result of 60 years of bureaucracy is one of the most backward nations on the planet?

1.India inherited colonial British model of administration because it evolved on Indian land during long British stay which in turn got imprinted in Indian psyche. The very Weberian notion of MERIT BASED LEGAL RATIONAL system further made it more acceptable for India like society where favouritism based on primordial identities ( caste, religion, language) could have been easily found.
2. It’s true that despite state and its administrative machinery commanded the whole socioeconomic and political life for decades, it could not bring a genuine reprieve to vast section of people at the bottom of pyramid. Multidimensional poverty, hunger, corruption, apathetic administration, low quality of service delivery, brutal police administration ,Neta-Lala-Babu nexus at all level, and even slow and insensitive judicial administration prevailed for long and still there seems no end.
3. However, Civil servants garner a lot of respect across the society despite lean role of state because of market economy, global integration, increased role of non governmental organisations etc.
Reasons can be put forth -
a. A larger number of population still look towards state for their day to day survival. Programs, policies, schemes are implemented by civil servants who command a lot of discretion despite increasing provision of right based approach. people don't have bargaining or assertive voice which can question the very accountability of civil servants despite laws on papers.
b. The market and NGOs lack legitimacy and their pasts too have been tainted with corruption or predatory pricing. They also lack the resources and protracted machineries, outreach unlike government , so they can’t be dependable when most of the times they have profit in their mind. Compassionate capitalism is lacking and people lack purchasing power to go to market. Therefore, civil servants become ,again, important to reckon.
c. Becoming civil servant itself is not easy in a country like india where hangover of colonial legacy  "mai baap" notion of collector is imprinted indelibly on Indian psyche. The very exam to select civil servants is quite uncivil in term of toughness, competition and rigorous preparation. All these create a sense of awe among masses and hence a lot of respect it invokes.
d. It would be over simplistic and disrespecting the whole generation of civil servants who really played prominent role in upholding rule of law, keeping vibrant democracy intact despite a lot of chaos. Post partition containing bloody civil war sort of situation plus rehabilitation of refugees and putting whole india again under same fabric were unprecedented which was ably done by the civil servants in which even Sardar patel had immense faith, so did he emphasize to continue with the steel frame.
4. If India is still backward, only civil servants can’t be blamed. A state is not only governed by civil servants. The democracy demands active citizenry who be not just passive recipient of doles, freebies but who can question the tyrants, dare to not fall for short temptation, who can elect representatives rising above narrow primordial concern. Even corruption is not done one sided , one should dare to bear the pain of standing in queue rather slyly break the queue greasing palm of functionaries.
5. Yes, the bureaucratic machinery can always be tweaked, more electronic interface can be put to reduce discretionary power of civil servant and legal- rational face of administration can be made “ ethical -legal -rational” to make it more Indian but the very role of civil servant can’t be discredited.
6. State is manifestation of society. The developed society will have right tools to make state govern as per ethos, aspiration of the society not vice-versa, so, need would be to bring development from within and put civil servants under check rather seeing them awestruckingly and unnecessarily making them master in place of servants of people.

Gig Economy: A new shrill in the Employment market

https://yourstory.com/2018/02/gig-economy-labour-welfare/

1.What are your initial thoughts about gig-economy or freelance movement culture? Is India among the world’s leading gig economies?

Gig economy or peer to peer economy or shared economy or collaborative economy indicates increasing trend of

- preferences for work hour flexibility,

-freedom  of choice of work,

-use of technology, Apps, mobile and internet services

-micro entrepreneurship due to unleashed risk taking ability,  knowledge base, institutional support like start up, stand up India, self help group like micro credit led venture

-disruption in existing employee- employer relationship as during command height of state led economy as in India pre 1990s

- search for skilled, efficient workers which are scarce, so few are hired to serve at multiple places

- surge of knowledge based  economy as service sector ruling the roost all over world

- automation in industry laying off retrenchment, so individual searching for job at many places

- nuclearization of family structure, break of joint family causing  need of domestic workers  who in turn working at many places

- weakening of labour unions( idea of communism n socialism  getting dent from  onslaught of market fundamentalism)

Gig economy corresponds to culture of contracting out as in outsourcing of work, project based employment, and public private partnership etc- all such development is on assumption of such customized hiring of workers is more efficiency/profit//quality oriented. The very culture of consumerism and market economy, profit seeking by hook and crook has led to informalization of work culture at the cost of long term organizational culture. New norm is fragmented loyalty of employees towards multiple enterprises at a time or with none at the same time. It has trade off in terms of casual work culture, no social security support, no sense of stakeholdership, violation of labor laws, loss of bargaining power of workers, no emphasis on skill/long term career plan.

India is one of the largest emerging economies where there is simultaneous display of formal as well informal sectors. The very sheer demographic size trivializes the effort of formalization effort of employment. The need of 1million job each month is unmet by paltry growth of formal employment at rate of 1-2 lakh each month. So, huge workforce is getting casual, informal work and is getting involved in freelancing and that in turn gigging the economy.

Besides , the automation, technology inclusion, penetration of internet and mobile technology, entrepreneurial forces unleashed by incubating centers, microcredit support, government endeavors as in start up, MUDRA schemes, skill India, Digital India etc. are fuelling the Indian Gig economy which potentially seems to blow up to $350 bn plus economy b 2025.

The philosophical tone of Gig economy is to conform the idea of capitalism, individualism, liberalism, meritocracy, marketism, so for developing countries like India this trend may be in infancy in comparison to EU and USA and other developed economies where 30-40% of work force are involved in Gig economy. Nevertheless, the very volume of large  workable population does indicate such trend.

                         

2. What’s rate at which gig economy/ informalisation of work is growing in India?

3.About 24% of the global freelance workforce comes from India. What are the reasons it is catching up so fast and why is it so popular among the employers?

Reasons for catching up—

1. . Flexible work hours in comparison to mechanistic 9-5 pm , so a sense of freedom, disposable time to get involved in recreation socialization,

 2. Burgeoning aspiring youth populace fantasized by the idea of entrepreneurship,

3. Technology getting in every hand spurring the growth trajectory,

 4. Women folks so far suppressed by social sanction finding such flexibility a way of asserting individuality,

 5. A value to merit being recognized, good earning from multiple sources with less obligation as in formal employee-employer relations,

6. Informalization of work due to unmet rate of employment,

7. Booming of service sector as in tourism, real estate, transportation, insurance, hospitality etc..

8. Foreign intervention due to globalization, global players like uber, Arnbnb coming up to tap Indian market,

9. Government is too soft to ensure ease of doing business as in its labour law to give power of hire and fire policy (raising the threshold of number of employee to let law be applied)

Becoming popular among Employers---

1 .Employers find it as an alibi for mandated labor laws, wage and  social security law, factor laws etc.  Which were undue policing by government.

2. No need to invest on skilling employees,

 3. The increased efficiency, qualitative outcome from skilled workforce on competitive basis increased the credibility of products and enterprise, so more profit, good will.

4. You think the gig economy is recklessly eroding the social welfare objectives of various labour legislations?

Gig economy encourages an individual based work culture; it doesn’t binds an individual to any one enterprise, so the obligation of the enterprise to look after the employee gets trivialized. It is not bound by labour laws as in factory act to ensure good working condition, or social security act as maternity benefit to women in terms of paid leave etc, or gratuity act to pay a lump sum amount for working with enterprise for long or provident fund and miscellaneous act to ensure secured future or a call for pension to support lifelong not only for the employee but for his/her dependents.

For India like country who has obligation as per “directive policy of state policy”(DPSPs) must meet the mandates of article 41, 42,43,46 etc. which is socialistic in nature not compatible with Gig like culture which leaves an individual on his/her own fate.

 As Gig economy disrupts the formal employer-employee relationships, so the erosion of the idea of social welfare. No enterprise will feel genuine obligation for wandering loyalty as an employee out of better deal work at many palaces as part time.

However, there is need to remap the trend and legislate the need of social security for a developing countries like India where most of the workers don’t have negotiating power vis -a vis wage and better working condition.

5. What do you have to say about the size, scale and loopholes associated with the gig economy, particularly against the background of unionization?

Unionization has been a natural sociopolitical development out of labor led economy. The very recognition of ILO as a prominent international organization working for better deal of workers signifies unionization or unity of labors. However, the growth of  “individual pursuit” in labor market has broken the unity of workers, so the collective loss in terms of getting due pie from profit share, better negotiating power, and a “say” in management.

Gig Economy discourages institutionalization of work culture and hence a randomness in overall work dynamics. So, the seeming freedom, flexibility, meritocratic culture like attributes out of Gig Economy ma not suit to each socioeconomic setup.

6.The freelance movement is also hampering the livelihoods of many labour communities who were heavily dependent on permanent nature of jobs. E.g., Railway caterers effected by the digitization of food orders, auto drivers losing out becoz of Ola & Uber etc… In this context, how is it detrimental to the labour class?

It is well known “technogical intervention” is double edge sword. In service sector it is removing intermediaries and as sense of “customer sovereignty” is being felt. But the backlash of automation or technological interface can be seen on employment of those who were doing those jobs.

Labours have always been tools to meet the end of profit and customer satisfaction. There has not been any emphasis on empowerment of means as here on labours rather there have been systematic efforts to resize, retrench, prune, lean the work force to decrease the input cost. So, the the ideas of Gig Economy is definitely detrimental to labour class when it is- breaking the permanency of employee-employer relations, abolishing the social security system, hanging a sword of retrenchment and no system of career based employment.

Nevertheless, It gives opportunity to labour class to come out of comfort zone, reorient itself, skill for higher pay up. Here, in context of UBER it cant be denied the idea of technological intervention is good in terms of finding customer at tap of an App. Yes, the role of UBER in terms of fees it charges, employer- employee relationship etc. can be better determined to sustain the business model for win –win situation for each. The so called each driver is a partner with UBER is a camouflage undermining the sanctity of employer- employee relationship and hence violation of various laws concerning it.

 7.Which are the sectors where informalisation of jobs is rampant? You think our government schemes also promote contractualisation of work which don’t aim at upliftment of our labour class?

Informalization of jobs is rampant in-

1.       Agriculture sector as there is no established set up to make agriculture as industry, so no labor law upholds here,

2.       Construction sector- the increasing need of infrastructure to meet economy, housing to house population, establishments to sustain the growth of the country etc. have attracted a lot of workers without proper regulation or formalization because of time bound construction activity and no apt law to deal with this loophole in labor ecology.

3.       Tourism sector

4.        Hospitality and hotel

5.       Domestic workers

6.       Illegal Mining

7.       Kiln Industry

8.       Cottage Industry

9.       In general service sectors like online tutoring, counseling, and individual start up etc.

10.   Media

Government in new ethos of New Public Management is too adopting market led work culture to make it competitive and cutting the cost. The culture of contracting out, PPP Model, Outsourcing, project based job creation, Ad hoc employment etc. which don’t aim to uplift labour class. As said earlier labour class is means which is only refined to cut the cost rather taken as obligation as in past the public sector culture had emphasis to create employment in hinterland. The external forces of globalization, global treaty as in WTO etc are influencing government labour policy. The Right to work as in NAREGA like schemes avail only 100 days work that also unskilled one work as only stop gap arrangement and spurs the culture of informalization.

Nevertheless, new labour laws, Apprenticeship act, draft on social security code etc. collectively emphasize on formalization of work culture.

8.Freelance jobs are often marketed as being flexible because they allow for better work-life balance, especially in the IT industry which depends on major outsourcing of work. However, what are the long-term implications of this trend?

Long Terms implications are-

1.       Non emphasis on skill enhancement of work force

2.       A threat to intellectual property right or business secrets like thing which can be used to undermine competitiveness when a worker is working for multiple enterprises

3.       Social security system in ad hoc manner a burden on state exchequer at later stage

4.       Growth of the economy would be haphazard, concentration of wealth in few hand

5.       It will create bubble as such chaos of ad hoc and random work culture will not be predictable

6.       Big enterprises will net in all talents at high pay roll so a dent to democratic dynamics in market

 9. Freelancing as an employment option has not yet penetrated the rural landscape in India. Are there chances this trend can soon expand?

The idea of freelancing is yet to percolate down to primarily agriculture based rural economy.  Still the ethos of individualism, breakage of joint family culture, end of feudalism etc. are yet to take deep root in hinterland, so the freelancing or assertion of individuality is a far thing.

Nevertheless, the increasing penetration of mobile/internet/digital literacy, agriculture and allied sectors taking a shape with government as well as corporate intervention, service sector getting a prominence with rural tourism etc. can potentially pave the way for freelancing as an employment when aspiring youth are restless to be integrated with globalised world even in rural counterpart.

The very paradoxical situation of India’s growth profile doesn’t easily predict the chances of it getting expanded due to multiple supporting and opposing forces act at the same time. Various schemes like start up, stand up India, skill India, microcredit support to SHGs, faster technological penetration do indicate so.

10.What does this trend mean to the limping Indian Economy in general? Where are we headed next on the employment map with this fast emerging gig trend?

1.       An encouraged , talented youth will have plethora of opportunity to cut a niche in labour market but this deal will not be available to big chunk of labour, so a demographic backlash would be felt impacting Indian economy in terms of unutilized labour pool available at low cost, so a dent to competitiveness.

2.       Indian economy despite being connected to developed world cannt affords to overlook the societal reality where state led compassionate care is a ever felt need as the very legislation of Right to work exemplifies it.

3.       Gig Economy flourishes in a well developed set up where people are capable to look after themselves for most of the basic needs. Such trend in developed world can be seen but for Indian economy such trend will create a social chaos.

4.       The outgrown service sector contributing upto 60 % of GDP with only around 20-25% workforce engagement enhance chance of gigging when IT sector is in its prominence here.

5.       Even hinterland too can see the gigginess of economy when facilitating development like agri based service sector will take the shape.

6.       Indian economy will miss the bus of manufacturing sector development when neither automation will develop well nor labor based industry will take shape depending highly on service sector and its gigginess.

Read more at:
https://yourstory.com/2018/02/gig-economy-labour-welfare/
//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61108572.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

http://www.indianeconomy.net/splclassroom/416/what-is-gig-economy/

http://www.dqindia.com/service-sector-embracing-gig-economy-india-fastest/

http://www.forbesindia.com/article/column/satyajit-das-mythbusting-the-gig-economy/48673/1

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/296375

http://www.rediff.com/business/interview/the-gig-economy-is-going-to-be-the-future/20170620.htm

https://www.clearias.com/gig-economy/

Menstrual Mayhem

                                                           

                 Christine Lagarde,  Managing Director IMF, in her “WEF, Davos talks” concludes that there would be 27%  increase in India’s GDP if Indian women be truly put along with their men counterpart vis- a- vis  work participation. But ,how can it be possible when women are destined to bear the wrath of their own recurring bodily issue which put them for no significant use for five days every month. This work day loss accrues to two months in a year and around 6 years in whole life (assuming 12-48 menstrual age years) and that also during most active age. It’s other matter women live longer than men; may be such inbuilt pain bearing abilities develop stronger physical and emotional resilience.

                However, this trauma is not confined to economic loss rather this is manifested in multiple  societal disabilities it brings out. During period she has to undergo a number of sanctions which differ across societies. Whereas in Jain community one is made to sleep on the floor , in other one is not allowed to enter into even kitchen, let the hallowed place unimaginable. The very hue and cry for women’s temple entry in Shani Signapur too takes route in this menstrual mayhem.

                 After all why so strong notion of purity and pollution when it is just another fluid coming out of body? Yes, the sheer long stay of this period makes the issue aggravated when it gets reflected in day to day activities. Many a times the crept in abnormality in its cycle further exacerbates the problem. Menstrual hygiene is such an issue which 55-60% of women population face it on day to day basis still it is a matter of taboo, not to be discussed openly. Everyone confesses women are the best creation of God but is unable to digest the complication it comes up with, and the  need to handle it compassionately, humanely. 

               
                 The recently released movie “ PadMan” boldly  tries to bring the issue at fore. The biographical adaption shows the real life super hero Arunachalam Muruganatham who dares to peep in women world. I can imagine his trial and tribulations he might have undergone in his maverick audacious venture when he had to experiment for his low cost sanitary napkin.In a conservative society, such biosocial experimentation was unimaginable but he dared to defy the ostracization, social boycott and stigmatization emanated from his own people. It is always easy to experiment in the air-conditioned lab and even though it is on some animal which doesn’t raise questions beyond bioethics but experimenting on a  socially sacred woman body despite all good intention was no less than outraging the societal modesty. Nevertheless, he dared and brought social revolution amidst myriad oddities.

                Woman and man are two specifics creation of nature, but ,yes, such binary is not only creation in human world. The very idiosyncrasy gets manifested in various other forms as LGBT and similar “n” number of permutation and combinations. As we evolve more humane , we recognize multiple such manifestations which go beyond “biological binaries” rather we identify societal and psychological preferences of an individual. Similarly, there should not be biological limitations on women beyond a certain point and such menstrual episode should not be a reason of handicap. The technological innovation must defy such socially imposed disabilities.

                 Presently , there is sociotechnological churning going on throughout the world especially in developing societies which are in perpetual flux. There is confluence of ideological upsurge, technological diffusion and societal upheaval, so amidst this, the  need is to streamline the constructive energy emanating from these to have course correction which can pave way for more humane society where especially women be mainstreamed. There is ever increased need to have tremendous social innovation, social entrepreneurship to ameliorate the lives at the bottom of pyramid.

  
                 However, it would be tantamount to advancing meta narrative and falling into slippery slope of science if every solution will be sought out of technology, still it is bulwark against all societal malices which are crippling our society especially related to women.  The very objective and simple solution of science extricates even complex issues. Whether it be sanitary napkin or institutional delivery or smokeless chulha or easy access of water in vicinity from solar pump or mechanized farming to ease the physical burden women undergo, all such manifestations empower women and dent the notion of "feminization of  human miserability"

I advocate for more innovation from women side itself to cross over all socioreligious barrier. Male may not understand the women world better and such sporadic innovation like PadMan may not be adequate to solve innumerable issues of theirs.

                 The voice of feminism has really echoed in the man's world but tangible manifestation can be ensured only with technological development. The best bodily as well heavenly creation of God  should not be the curse for women rather it should be a tool to assert positively and complement the man’s world convincingly.

Civil Services Examination Interview/ Personality Test

CSE Interview/ Personality Test

It is the third and final stage of the CSE Comprising 275 marks. Candidates get marks in the range of 120-220 in general. On an average most of the candidates fall in conservative range of 160-165. This interview goes on an average for 25-35 minutes. There would be around 7 boards each comprising 5 members including   UPSC member as chairman of these boards. In U/C- shape panel candidate will face interviewers one by one moderated by chairman.

Mostly candidates are tested over a number of issues related to written words in DAF (Detailed Application Form) having relevance of current affairs. However, major things they will focus upon---

1.       Name of candidate- its meaning, any similarity with any famous personality or anything famous, e.g. “Santosh” can be asked about first  Indian woman to climb Himalaya or about “ Santosham param sukham” like sukta if taken from some ancient text

2.       Date of Birth- if it is falling on some important day say 22^nd December, National mathematics day in honour of Srinivas Ramanujan or may be due to winter solstice.

3.       Place of Birth- if it`s famous one like some born in Nalanda  may be asked about the historical significance of place followed by minute things of Buddhism, Jainism or Old Nalanda university etc

4.       Candidates’  district, state might be asked for many things e.g. a candidate from Bihar can be tested over various issue-

·         Why Bihar has come to such a situation from its glorious past?

·         What are strengths and weaknesses of Bihar?

·         Why is it unable to attract investment, industrial growth?

·         Why is so less urbanization, only 10%?

·         To what extent law and order issue is still prevalent, including the menace of Naxalism?

·         Why is there no strong step for stopping migration of laborers, students?

·         Presently, what are different schemes going on in the state for socioeconomic empowerment?

·         What is your take on liquor ban? Is it a political gimmick or really a well intentioned move even at the cost of big revenue loss? Do you have any idea about its real implementation or just illegal sell is still prevalent?

·         In recent the “Manav Srikhla” (Human chain) against dowry, child marriage and intoxication has been arranged. Do you think such drive will bring some change?

5.       Optional subject, one can be tested over basics of the subject to see its relevance with contemporary development for example, a political science and international relation candidate can be really asked a number of question over India’s relation with various countries or any particular events going on like Syrian crisis, Afghan issue, Israel –Palestine issue, Brexit, WTO and controversies around it vis –a-vis developing countries, UNSC relevance, North Korean crisis etc..

Similarly on Indian politics s/he can be tested for recent development in politics like parliamentary secretary as office of profit, death penalty, right to privacy, and various Supreme Court judgments pertaining to civil liberty, social justice, electoral reform etc.

Even s/he can be asked over some theoretical questions like favorite political philosopher- western as well Indian. Even the very basic like whether political science is truly science or art or just a discipline- in- confusion can be put forth.

Even the relevance of this optional for the administration can be asked, so a well rounded argument must be shaped to put it rightly.

So one must be well equipped with such questions basics of optional seeing its general significance.

6.       Graduation subject to test one’s basic understanding and awareness about the discipline for example a mechanical engineering g graduate may be asked about recent trend in automobile sector, IC engine, basics of Machine, Air-conditioning working in room- split vs. window one, power plant sector, robotics, manufacturing sector, make in India vs. make for India vs. made in India, Electric car, mechanics of train….they may not ask very difficult questions but articulating satisfactorily will not be easy unless one has thought these things prehand.

Further, the famous question for IITians, NITians  or even normal professional graduate from Management, Medicine, why do you want to come in administration when already you had spent so much and even Government spent so much for such education.

Also, how will you use these engineering skills in the IAS or for central services like IDAS, ICAS etc.

So, an honest and multidimensional analysis prehand is desirable to develop clarity of thought else on extempore you may say many things which may invite a number of harsh counter questions derailing the interview.

7.       Hobbies and Extracurricular column invites interviewers’ attention without fail because it is personality test, one’s hobby reflects a lot about one’s personality. It’s expected one must be pursuing it sincerely, so, Question may range from very technical to very general. For example, one’s hobby of watching movies may invite question from one’s favorite movie to CBFC controversy to evolution of women’s role in Indian film industry. So, one must be having a good and holistic understanding about movies and contemporary dimension like “Padmaavat” movie generating controversy in various corner. Even right to freedom of artistic expression can be brought to judge one’s critical legal acumen.

8.       Achievement in school, Colleges or extracurricular can be asked if any attention seeking is mentioned like one mentioning “reward for child education initiative”. He may be asked about RTE, National Education Policy, and various issues regarding education sector as well as child as section for its education, child labour, various schemes for nourishment etc….

Further, if one mentions a rank holder in Mathematics Olympiad, s/he can be asked about difficulty in learning mathematics, why is it phobia for many, India’s contribution to world in mathematics etc.

 Further, a Bihar Board topper may be asked about cheating in exam, toppers scam and so many malpractices prevalent in education sector. So, the dimension may keep on evolving from trivial facts to policy level question testing one’s capacity to give detailed and comprehensive view over any issue.

9.       Leadership in school, college is also asked to know about one’s ability to lead. Suppose one who led a “social service club” in one’s college or school may be asked about learning there and difficulties/crisis faced and how one resolved it. So, it would be desirable to recall well   at prehand.

10.   Sports section is another area to test one’s sporting attitude, being a team man, being extrovert and understanding well about losing and winning situation coming in the way. However, question of general nature is mostly asked including some technicalities. For example, one mentioning Badminton may be asked about India’s performance in Olympic, Indian Badminton League, emerging women in this sport etc.

11.   Work experience is another most important area where candidates are asked questions at length. In fact it opens a new vista where more than one member can pick up question. For example one working or worked in Coal India can be asked about Privatization of public sector, Coalgate issue, problems of mining area, safety issues, pollution issue, mine and mineral act, pricing of coal, import of coal issue, renewable energy, new coal technology, Paris deal to SDG etc.. and regular job related one`s organizational experience and learning. Also, about location of work may be asked. A coal mine based in Orissa may invite question for tribal in hinterland of Orissa and even a comparative perspective of two different places where one has lived. So all facets must be recalled well.

Once one has mentioned anything in DAF, one should be well prepared to answer rather being defensive. They will hardly ask very difficult question except one or two, which too can be polity accepted for being ignorant.

12.   School/ college- name, its motto, vision, mission, alumni, recent major development regarding it. For example, a candidate from Visevesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur may be asked about Sir M. Visvesvaraya, his contribution, his birthday as Engineering day.

Further about Nagpur, some trivia may be asked along with serious issue of Vidarbha- farmer suicide, drought, Bt cotton issue etc.

Also, about NIT, various aspects can be asked.

13.   Current affairs is one of the inevitable area to be tested but mostly prominent issues of the week or day or most talked about issues (and with high probability if its connected to candidate in any sense) would be asked. So, a thorough opinion making on relevant issue is desirable.

Economy and International issues are invariably asked across the background, so broader issue in the news must be prepared.

Some more on personality test

1.       It is more about testing one’s mental alertness, confidence, articulation with clarity and integrity. Integrity means there must be coherency in argument and overall honesty in confessing mistakes, asserting right thing politely and not loosing temper despite provocation.

2.       Sustained smile must be carried to lighten the ambience despite tough face off.

3.       It really matters to create first impression, so walk calmly, confidently and wish them sending positive vibes.  If a lady member in panel and seeing you (while u r about to wish) along with all, then u should wish her first else chairman and then combinedly all. Sit confidently, straight and maintain eye contact with all giving much time for the one who is asking question at the moment (3:1).

4.       Excessive anxiety will back fire, so, at all cost just maintain coolness. Trust me being confident and calm will sail you through smoothly. As there is no mercy in giving marks by the board, so just one needs to be sound and aptly confident. No need to be too apologetic if not knowing even good number of questions. Handle it well by directing interview in your comfort zone. Bring those areas and issues where you are comfortable.

5.       Regarding language, one must try to be very clear, simple and well articulated. English if chosen and finding difficulty in it, one must practice it well and speak with medium pace reflecting body language. Language should be such which should be used as medium rather it be itself a challenge. So, either Hindi or English or regional language in which one feels comfortable, one should opt for interview. One must work on speaking part if really finding difficulty. Use mirror, mock interview or informal group to correct it. Listen some good interview or panel discussion.

6.       Regarding dress and look- try to look decent, well groomed and well dressed. Wear suit if u can (not necessary) along with well knotted tie. These things really don’t matter much as long as one is sounding relevant, confident, and honest however one must work on look and attire part to create a sense of completeness.

For lady candidate, sari is preferred. Its choice should be to serve the purpose of occasion. Some ladies even prefer to appear in salwar kameez. So one must see one’s comfort level. In mock interview all such decisions can be taken to find suitability.

7.       All documents, photos, ID card must be well carried. These small things should not divert the attention, so it should be kept well in advance.

To conclude, personality test is the last step in selection process, so it must be too taken seriously. Yes, it’s personality test so one may not change much in short span but an objective preparation of it will do wonder. As 25-35 minute is not a long duration ton asses an individual’s true personality, so preparation on all said topics/ areas can make it quite predictable. Only part left would be to present and articulate well which too can be finessed with good practice.