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Journalism of Courage
After the Satyendra Dubey and Jessica Lal murders, the government of the day is again in danger of failing to recognise the depth of public anger over increased reservations. Contrary to what a few opportunistic politicians are saying, the sentiment is not against backward classes, but one for a merit based system. Competition for admission to the best schools and colleges and professional courses already requires absurdly high scores and is driving students to suicide. Yet, the very politicians who manipulate the political system to extract the best and most expensive education or health facilities for themselves and their progeny are attempting to create a cynical pro-reservation platform which could only end up with blood on the streets. The contrast between the two groups is clearly captured by television cameras. The anti-reservation activists are all bright young students, while the pro-reservation group is packed with people in their 30s and 40s who can hardly be in the race for professional seats. While the pro-reservation lobby is herded together by failed politicians seeking a cause, the anti-reservation group is smart, networked and often acts spontaneously without a clearly identifiable spokesperson or leader. They are now putting in place forums in cyberspace and blog spots such as youth500.com/reservations to formulate action plans and share opinions. This may make them more organised and effective in future.
Resolving Conflict
Games bankers play
The Reserve Bank of India has set up a committee to look into the transparency and fairness of charges levied by banks in India. Will the committee also look at the fairness of tricks that the banks employ to wangle extra money from the customer? For instance, A.K.Bahl says that his credit card company bundled an insurance policy along with the card and began adding the premium to his monthly bill. The customer noticed the Credit Shield deductions after a few months and questioned the bank. He was stunned at the reply. The foreign bank official said that he had a two month free 8216;look-in8217; period when he should have rejected the Credit Shield? Why should a consumer put up with such coercive policies? What if he was ill and had no time to study his bills for a couple of months? Or, as the consumer says, 8216;8216;Did I ever inform them that I needed the Credit Shield? Must I respond to their each and every unsolicited and unwarranted message/action, failing which I end up paying something to someone? Who has given them authority to impose such onerous obligations on the card holders?8217;8217; Will the RBI or its committee for once look at the issue of compensating those who are victimised and harassed by such actions or goof-up on the part of banks?
Advance warning
8216;8216;When the shoe-shine guy gives you stock tips, it8217;s time to get out,8217;8217; said Joseph Kennedy, father of John F.Kennedy and he made a pile of money by getting out just before the legendary stock market crash of 1929 that was followed by the great depression in America. Our reader, V.Malik says, 8216;8216;When the barman and waiters at the frequent flyer8217;s lounge for a new airport complain that their investments had turned negative on May 15, as compared to two months ago, it means something is very wrong with the stock market 8230;8217;8217; Those who heard them and did a Joe Kennedy would have saved themselves a lot of grief last week.
8211;suchetadalalyahoo.com
