Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Live
“
“
Voices from the corridors

Whispers Forum

Debates, reader views and sharp takes on the issues shaping governance — a new conversation every week, archived by date.

0 posts 0 months Latest: 31 May 2018
  Browse by date   All posts3210
  2026213
  2025357
  2024357
  2023357
  2022351
  2021342
  2020349
  2019340
  2018332
  2017212

May 2018 29 posts · page 1 of 3

Clear filter
Thursday, 31 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 31 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
Obviously only Mukesh Ambani can be Trump of India. Age factor is in his favour and after achieving in business, he must be having political ambitions.
Girja Shankar
DEBATE (2)
The political scenario of India is quite different from USA. Indian democrats have more faith in full-timer politicians than businessmen roped in politics. The business barons of India are the least interested in joining politics. I don’t buy the theory that the big businessmen would join Indian politics and act in line with USA President Donald Trump.
Rajesh Kumar
Trying moments
''Sir, orders have been received to stop the five ladies in Nawanshehar,'' lady SSP was telling me on the walkie talkie at about 10.30 AM. The SSP was a young brave girl from Andhra Pradesh. ''Where is their location at the moment,Neerja?'' I asked hurriedly. I was fully conscious of the enormity of the event.SSP was also in great hurry and said, ''They have crossed Nawanshehar city and we are in their pursuit now. I will keep you apprised of the situation.'' I immediately rushed back to my office from Khatkar kalan, speaking to all the concerned officers on the way, to make all emergency arrangements to meet the situation. In the meanwhile, Principal Secretary to CM had also informed me of the details and the action to be taken to stop the ladies from proceeding to Chandigarh and diffusing the problem amicably. There have been news reports for more than a week that five widows of 1984 carnage at Delhi, would proceed to CM residence on June 6, after Ardas at the Golden Temple. They would immolate themselves in front of his house ,as the government had not done justice to them and not fulfilled their demands. Hardly had I entered my office, when my old friend and then DIG intelligence S Hardish Singh Randhawa and S Hardyal Singh Maan SP intelligence also came in. Randhawa sahib told me that the jattha has been stopped at Birowal and the situation was under control. I immediately sent SDM, Tehsildar and CMO with ambulance and medicines to Birowal. Randhawa sahib told me that we would negotiate with them as their major demands could be met. My SDM, after reaching Birowal told me that the ladies had entered a religious place on the roadside and the situation was manageable and under control. He further informed that the ladies had tyres with them, which they intended to put around their necks and ignite them. This diabolically dangerous situation was very worrying. At about3.30 PM,I also reached the site. There were about 100 people inside the religious place including the media and not much crowd outside.SDM told me on my arrival that 2 ladies had struggled to put tyres around their necks and had been stopped with great difficulty by the lady police. Along with SSP, I entered the religious place, where media wanted me to answer various quarries. I kept my cool and concentrated on meeting the ladies. Some media -men were showing resentment, as i was not paying much heed to them. I went to the ladies and touched their feet and told them that their life was very precious. Some organisers also came nearby. I told them that the govt was ready to negotiate with them and also consider positively their major doable demands, which were possible at the state govt level and also press with the centre govt concerning demands with it. The brave ladies started weeping and wailing for their lost kin at Delhi. The organisers also seemed to relent. The date of the meeting was fixed with the Principal Secretary to CM. When we came out with the ladies, some TV channels wanted some bytes, some channels wanted to record conversation on phone, but we could not oblige them as we could not keep our attention away from the ladies .We faced their boycott threats to our great relief. That was 15 years back , on 6thJune.In the morning, I had prayed to Guru Arjan Dev ji, who had sacrificed his life for the humanity, then i had gone to the village of Shaheed-e -Azam S Bhagat Singh and in the evening, I had seen great ladies, who were ready to sacrifice their life for their cause. A great coincidence!
Surinderjit Singh Sandhu, Amritsar
Wednesday, 30 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 30 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
I am of the view that Ratan Tata will not join active politics at the ripe old age of 80, but he could be picked up for the post of President of India instead of installation of Ram Nath Kovind. The Tatas personally remained untainted in Tata dynasty in the country. Indian people, from poor to rich, pay great respect to the Tata family as its contribution to the development of country is unforgettable.
Sunil Kumar
DEBATE (2)
Amongst all the names only Anil Ambani has political acumen because of his interest in politics.
Giriraj
Attacks on IAS officers a serious matter of concern
The attacks on IAS officers in Odisha and other parts of the country by politicians are serious matter of concern. It is direct attempt to defy the constitutional values. The behaviour of Union Minister, Petroleum & Natural Gas who personally targeted as senior IAS officer of the State Government at a function cannot be condoned. The both States and Central Government should take such cases serious and prosecute the politicians so as to deter them.
Rajesh Kumar
Tuesday, 29 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 29 May 2018

Debate (1)
Indian tycoons are unfit to be CEO of the country. They have no political acumen. Only business sense. They are obsessed with wealth creation, income tax evasion, controlling media houses. Opportunistic, freely distributing illegal wealth for exploiting the political class. All misfits. India will never be happy. A well-advised chaiwallah Prime minister with humble background is better suited.
A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)
DEBATE (2)
Low key Sajjan Jindal can be Trump of India. He is intelligent, non- controversial usinessman acknowledged Internationally. He is a non-aligned person.
S Singh
Trying moments..
‘Sir, orders have been received to stop the five ladies in Nawanshehar,’ lady SSP was telling me on the walkie talkie at about 10.30 AM. The SSP was a young brave girl from Andhra Pradesh. ‘'Where is their location at the moment, Neerja?'' I asked hurriedly. I was fully conscious of the enormity of the event.SSP was also in great hurry and said,’ They have crossed Nawanshehar city and we are in their pursuit now. I will keep you apprised of the situation. I immediately rushed back to my office from Khatkar kalan, speaking to all the concerned officers on the way, to make all emergency arrangements to meet the situation. In the meanwhile Principal Secretary to CM had also informed me of the details and the action to be taken to stop the ladies from proceeding to Chandigarh and diffusing the problem amicably. There have been news reports for more than a week that five widows of 1984 carnage at Delhi, would proceed to CM residence on June 6, after Ardas at the Golden Temple.They would immolate themselves in front of his house ,as the government had not done justice to them and not fulfilled their demands. Hardly had I entered my office, when my old friend and then DIG intelligence S Hardish singh Randhawa and S Hardyal Singh Maan SP intelligence also came in. Randhawa sahib told me that the jattha has been stopped at Birowal and the situation was under control. I immediately sent SDM, Tehsildar and CMO with ambulance and medicines to Birowal. Randhawa sahib told me that we would negotiate with them as their major demands could be met.
Surinderjit Singh Sandhu
Monday, 28 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 28 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
Amongst all top level business magnate, it can be only Mukesh Ambani. It is very different, manipulative, discreet and knows how to play his cards. His ambitions are to reach not only the sky but the mars and the moon.
Satish Agrawal (DGP ) Retd
DEBATE (2)
Comparing Donald Trump with Indian business icons as mentioned, Ratan Tata can be a better choice for the President because of his leadership skills & bold moves. Majorly his age, aura, background, communications skill & vision make him the top choice.
Vivek Dhawan
Blind support of such brutal incident
When people are killed by police in a protest for their livelihood, it is sad how you allow people discussing issues blindly supporting such a brutal incident without understanding anything. People killed is something no one could digest and it is atrocity.
Rajaraman
Saturday, 26 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 26 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
I would like to see Ratan Tata on that top administrative political post. He may even prove better sincere righteous person and would serve the country without any personal motive like Modi.
Dr Deepika Agarwal
DEBATE (2)
Anil Agrawal can be suited for the job because of his International stature.
V K Jain
China-Pakistan Axis, a permanent pain in the neck
First thing first! Pakistan is continuously targeting Indian forces in J&K killing civilians and jawans by continuous shelling and sniping . Even an eight month old infant was not spared by Pakistani snipers on May 22, 2018 . All is at the behest of China. While, It is time to be pro-active, India remains reactive. The overused rhetoric : “Muh todh jawaab “ by union home minister does not inspire confidence. For how long should we keep watching the killings as mute spectators. Tough military action is called for. The stone-pelters,aided and abetted by Kashmiri separatists , are incurable. They do not deserve mercy and compassion . An interesting dimension . The book co-authored by former ISI chief Durrani with the former RAW chief A S Dulat and an Indian journalist - “ The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace” , cite interesting anecdotes. The authors want India to roll out the red carpet for Pakistan military chief General Qamar Bajwa . I am not into any competitive patriotism debate with the spymasters. But, the suggestion for inviting Pak General to India, is condemnable. How is this possible? India would welcome a stable, democratically elected government in Pakistan instead of the remote-controlled nominal establishment. Now consider China. Its massive mining operations for minerals extractions close to Arunachal Pradesh, poses a direct threat to India’s security. China has colonized the area with massive presence of PLA forces, military equipment, ostensibly to secure its miners. Reminiscent of Dokalam’s face off. Its hidden agenda is to increase frequency of incursions into Arunachal Pradesh by digging underground tunnels under the garb of excavation.
A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)
Friday, 25 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 25 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
Trump is businessman but has political acumen. In India, all the businessmen mentioned for debate can’t be ruthless like Trump.
B K Nageshwar
DEBATE (2)
Style of Anand Mahindra is like Trump. He can be Trump of India.
I C Jain
Benami Transaction Act - anomaly in contrast to Indian Culture?
It is surprising that the BJP government of the day does not recognize the fact that sons and daughters can buy property whether immovable or otherwise in the name of their parents. The provisions of the Benami Transactions (prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016 recognize only that parents can buy property for their children but not the vice versa. Its strange that in Indian society where originally the culture and now even law provides for compulsory care of the parents by children (and now the government says that even son in laws and daughter in laws will also be brought under that law) but the children cannot pay for buying anything immovable or movable for their parents? If they do so it is Benami! If you have any doubts read the following relevant sections of the act which provide only limited exemptions as below-
(9) "benami transaction" means,—
(A) a transaction or an arrangement—
(a) where a property is transferred to, or is held by, a person, and the consideration for such property has been provided, or paid by, another person; and
(b) the property is held for the immediate or future benefit, direct or indirect, of the person who has provided the consideration, except when the property is held by—
(iii) any person being an individual in the name of his spouse or in the name of any child of such individual and the consideration for such property has been provided or paid out of the known sources of the individual;
(iv) any person in the name of his brother or sister or lineal ascendant or descendant, where the names of brother or sister or lineal ascendant or descendant and the individual appear as joint-owners in any document, and the consideration for such property has been provided or paid out of the known sources of the individual.
Will the Government at the Centre pay attention to this anomaly in contrast to Indian Culture?
M Prasad
Thursday, 24 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 24 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
Ratan Tata can be Trump of this country because of his inherent leadership qualities and credibility.
V singh
DEBATE (2)
Mukesh Ambani has traits of Governance
Ratan Tata is too straight but Mukesh Ambani has a traits of Governance.
D P Devgan
BJP is doing what congress did
I am in complete agreement there is certainly something fishy with state election results after BJP came to power, but in larger context, BJP is doing what congress did. Congress through blunders brought BJP from 2 to 276, BJP is repeating those blunders, it will give more political mileage to congress in the long run including 2019 elections.
Harish Kumar
Is it IIMC or PIMC ?
This is another example of Government apathy towards good institutions. It is difficult to understand Why there is a staff crunch-particularly when we have large unemployed persons !! Government intention appears to Privatise all such good government institutions. It is time to question this.
S Gopal
Amitabh Verma is also a contender for CS post in Bihar
Doing so will go a long way in proving that the present Govt is transparent & has regard for seniority.
Amrendra
Wednesday, 23 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 23 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
Only Mukesh Ambani can be Trump of India because he rules the stakes of millions in this country.
Lalit Shastri
DEBATE (2)
The only Indian businessman who is capable of becoming a good politician is Ratan Tata. He is not only an Indian industrialist and investor but also a philanthropist who values principles and an honest and disciplined life.
Neeraj Hastings
Banking Sector
The NPAs of PSBs is due to corrupt GM's ED's and CEO to get promotion and other benefits. After Retirement they join in Pvt Sector. Many of NPA accounts holders are the fraud businessmen like Nirav Modi and they had link with politicians and bureaucrats. What ordinary Bank officers will do? Put all corrupt top and retired top of bank to be put behind bars and attach their property and auction them and deposit in the bank atleast NPS's will be reduced. it is shameful that ordinary employee should be made scape goat for all the nonsense due to top corrupted.
Prasad
Congratulations !
Hearty Congratulations to Mrs Rina Ray on her elevation. Regards
Pradeep Kumar
Tuesday, 22 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 22 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
I would say Ratan Tata is the fittest choice if he decides to enter politics through the Rajya Sabha to one day become President of India.
Rajesh Mehta
DEBATE (2)
Industrialist Anil Ambani can be Donald Trump of India. He has also been a Rajya Sabha member. He was elected as an independent member in June 2004 with the support of the Samajwadi Party.
Surendra Kumar
“Big Boss Watching”
Civil services probationers do not normally take the Foundation course at LBSNAA seriously. All remain busy in search of life partners and romance. All are now under IB's scanner. And, thro them the PMO. Now, the job of Services allocation of probationers will be made by the cadre authorities based on overall assessment of performance in Foundation course and the UPSC merit list. Bahut Na-Insaafi hai.
A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)
Feudalistic mentality IAS officers still exist
There are still a number of feudalistic mentality IAS. They feel that they are the 'Rajas' and all others are 'prajas'. They cannot tolerate dissent and sporting arguments in office. They use words 'gardan kaat daalonga' , 'neeche fekh doonga', 'mujhse kuon nahin poocha' etc.
BBS
Monday, 21 May 2018
Forum

Whispers Forum — 21 May 2018

DEBATE (1)
Ratan Tata best choice for political innings if he desires. He carries the rich Tata legacy of India’s successful industrialisation and growth. A very suitable choice if he decides to play a decisive role in Indian politics.
Shekhar Ghosh
DEBATE (2)
RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani may not join politics but he can atleast be a Member of the Rajya Sabha and participate in governance.
Subhash Khatri
“The Great Top Bureaucracy of India : Self Before Country”
NN Vohra, the present Governor J&K, is the direct beneficiary of "loss" of his report on politico-bureaucratic-police-business having terror links.
Longest serving bureaucrat post-retirement, euphemistically called the " Field Marshal of bureaucracy " who had headed the committee as union home secy with inputs from CBI, IB, RAW.
Annexures, containing names of influential politicos, bureaucrats and their secret terror links, are more important than the main text carrying explosive details. Leakage of sensational details will destabilise all political parties across the board.
Criminalisation of politics and the nexus among criminals, bureaucrats and politicians. Their roles in Mumbai serial blasts of March 1993 and links with Dawood Ibrahim is proved beyond doubt.
Now, even, Nawaz Sharif ex-PM Pakistan has woken up from deep slumber to spill the beans about Pakistan ISI’s total involvement in Mumbai blasts. India did not need a certificate from him who maintained total silence all these 25 years.
For fear of getting caught, no attempt was made by successive political dispensations either to retrieve the " lost" report or hang those responsible for its safe custody. The infamously called Vohra committee report was submitted to the then political dispensation in October 1993 in the wake of March 12,1993 Mumbai serial blasts.
All former Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries to PM, Union Home Secretaries, Senior officers posted in MHA’s internal security wing must be privy to details. All acted at the behest of their political masters and were richly rewarded with political sinecures, Constitutional appointments, tribunals etc.
Hamamm mei sab...
Will PM Modi take the call in the national interest ? The country wants to know.
A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)
Saturday, 19 May 2018
Forum

Only Mukesh Ambani can be Trump of India. With his money and power, people of this country would accept him as leader.

A Aporia
Anil Ambani can be more successful as politician like Trump. He has the background of his father Dhiru Bhai Ambani, the King Maker.
Rajesh Agrawal
We are oblivious about safety standards
The tragedy at Varanasi once again shows that we as a nation are oblivious about safety standards. Actually we are so casual in not following requirements of safety be it on roads, construction work ,crowd handling at railway stations or at different festivals in temples. Overloading buses and boats (other day in Andhra more than 30 people were drowned as the boat capsized due to overloading),riding on the roof of the train or hanging at the doorways are common sight in our country. Stampedes are regular affairs. At Varanasi, it was indeed criminal negligence to let the traffic flow underneath when the flyover was under construction. It could have been stopped at least when the girder was being lifted by crane to be placed above. If only those handling the work were safety conscious so many lives would not have been lost so tragically. Instead of admitting the failure of the Bridge Corporation, the Managing Director has termed the tragedy as natural disaster. It was not a natural disaster but a manmade disaster for which the U.P Bridge Corporation is responsible.
Aarti Khosla
Friday, 18 May 2018
Forum

Only Ratan Tata is capable to run this country.

R G Mathur
Only Anil Ambani has a practical approach. With his political experience he can manage the affairs of the country.
Dinesh Sethia
All services other than the heaven born IAS are very happy with the Modi government's well thought out policy to give some representation to the services other than the IAS in the central government. Though long overdue, no government could come out of the clutches of the IAS to do so. Now these services have to perform and come up to the expectations of the government.
Vijay Kumar
When information about corruption is received under the RTI Atc, we forward it to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for taking necessary action. The most funniest part is that CVC considers the information as anonymous. They forward it to the concerned Ministries/Departments for taking appropriate action. CVC also writes to the person who has obtained RTI information to verify his/her identity. When something is black & white the CVC should become pro-active and not treat the information received under the RTI Act callously.
BBS