my IAS interview 2009
my IAS interview 24/04/2009
Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com
I entered the room and wished the Chairman and members, collectively, a good afternoon. The Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took the seat.
Khan: What’s your correct name? is it SHAID or SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it’s Shahid but in matriculation records it was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the same for CSE
Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that. It happens. But there is a procedure to get it changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have submitted the revised document now.
Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.
Khan: That’s nice. See how a single alphabet changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid appeared to me as “Perhaps” but you are witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir
Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is the computer which makes the result so make it sure some else Shahid may not take away your good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.
Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is known for some border related tensions. What problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-Border terrorism has created a lots of problem for the people. The town is only eight kilometers away from LoC and many times has remained in eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles along the LoC have really inflicted serious damage to the daily life of the people there.
Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development has been a greater reason which was reflected in lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover the opening up of the borders has played a major role : people have come to know the situation on the other side well.
Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been critical of the secessionist movement and did never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this the terrorists inflicted serious damages like repeated massacres at many places. Moreover their movement to highland pastures also go hampered.
DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors, unemployment and poverty had been major reasons which helped the secessionist and militants to misguide the youth.
( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87 LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947, JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE BASICS …BUT THAT’S UPSC PRESSURE TO WHICH WE SCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS. BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)
DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are there but these were reasons which helped terrorist to gain local support when the secessionist misguided the youth.
DSM: Do you think elections have to play any role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987 seven elections were the most rigged elections ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses. The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were declared defeated and those were the persons who lead the militant movement there. Hizb chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as a watershed event there. The kind of overwhelmeing response in the transparent elections has shown the way. Development has been a major reason for this.
DSM: So you think democracy can make or break your state.
SI: Certainly sir.
DSM: You mentioned, EARLIER, development and other measures. What are they and how they have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north south divide in Kashmir and opened up new avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and movement of people. The plight of people on other side of line has opened up the eyes of our people. The condition of livelihood and HR. Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee), Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement 210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things matter.
DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round. Precious timber like deodar used to be transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return of money. There had been a trade like that. Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True, money is a big game for them. Even drugs business is growing under their patronage)
DSM: What are the problems of animal husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock. But the problem is with the numbers. We have some 2 million non-producing animals at any given point of time. The tribal people do keep more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.
DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem obviously.
Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA. ( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too where a made a team of my range staff, and I used to play with them in free time. (feels happy over this)
MT: How many team members are there? What are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by the Net at half I.e 1.5m
MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have seen people playing during a tour, Beach volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is played in coastal areas.
MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.
MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi. What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.
MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don’t have an exact idea about it!!
MT: Which other Game event of this level was held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but frankly I don’t remember the exact year. Says it was 1982)
MT: You are a running champion!! (smiles) so many kilometers are there in Marathon?
SI: well, i have not been into marathon till now but i feel it would be 40Km or so.
( MT: Yes yes, it is 42Km. oh i see you have been into 10KM. SI: Yes Sir.
MT: What Programme has Army taken up in border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one “Sadbhavana” mission under which roads, bridges, schools, community centers, etc have been built. This has been a major contribution. It has certainly changed the image of army there.
MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a security measure, the LoC fencing?
MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration from Gurez area yesterday. There are inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not help. But certainly it has improved the things on this side.
Member Four: What are the basis of constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of LS.
MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in proportion to population, but I am missing the exact scheme.
MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by drawing members from both LS and RS. They are entrusted with works related to various ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill. So the committees see into pros and cons, suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure required etc.
MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is introduced then after the diss………..Chairman interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to answer that’s why. Question repeated. I said: I don’t have clear idea. Chairman explains that they work during budget session.
MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as elections were round the corner. So, I think demands for grants was approved…..something like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)
MF: But you should have studied it in GS for Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact scheme. Economy had always been weak in my case….(.smile.)
MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.
Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at 4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was non-committal about IRS. But now I have decided I will not join any service other than IAS.
MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS. And have done very good work, gained experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IFS I will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all about personal preference. (smile)
MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I have got a great exposures and have come out of that comfort zone thinking.
MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.
MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow colleagues in other services and a culture of teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme. Personally I learned photography and got a skill of writing.
Member Five: Difference Between plants and animals?
)
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize and animals do not. And the like things……………
M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don’t remember exactly. It’s been a long time I was at cellular level last!
M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.
M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don’t know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!i thought......i just skipped the date)
M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in India.
M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture, because till recently Forest department was under Ministry of Agriculture.
M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure) (M5: Yes almost then)
M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.
M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I don’t know. (Says: Oh You don’t know DGF, I said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)
M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!! pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO NAHIN!!!!)
MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON’T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about other instts)
M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for post-2012.
M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense questions he is asking)
M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to play. It has chain of research and training institutes across the regions in India, where research is done. It collaborates at international l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a council at National level for coordination between states as well as I/N level. It serves as a resource for state forestry personnel too.
M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre. ( KISWAN KI TO BIRTH PLACE, FAMILY STRUCTURE, HOBBIES, DRESS CODE BHI BATA DUN, JUST ASK ME MAN: I FELT!!!!!!!!!!!!)
M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN. (LIKE I AM SITTING IN WITNESS BOX AND HE IS TELLING CHAIRMAN: YOUR WITNESS PLEASE!!!)
Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I have studied it only as a part of curriculum till metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for classroom purpose!!!!
Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.
Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh you already told u studied only as a part of curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG DAAG (Something …..i don’t remember), said Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion he said this?
Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this ( WITH A FADING AND HAPLESS FAKE SMILE, WHICH MIGHT BE APPEARING AS SADDAM HUSSAINS LAST ANGRY SMILE CAPTURED ON CAMERA)
Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice talking to a polished gentleman ( I know perhaps he is hitting hard for my few nonsense answers and shortly going to spoil my IAS aim…..God Forbid. I STARTED THINKING WHAY HE USED THESE WORDS, PERHAPS I DID SOMETHING WRONG? NO POSITIVE FEELING IN BOARD ROOM ANYWAYS….WILL THINK LATER). Thanks a lot.
SI: Thank You sir, (slightly bowing before all gentlemen in 180 degree movement of my neck). Closed the door with great respect, as if it is going to fetch me few more marks!! Gave small look inside, chairman was looking at file, others looking him, but the man M5 who was hell bent to spoil my interview, and did it, was keenly looking at me.
Barring the answer on militancy other things were smooth. Actually answering that question I was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth or the false information they want. So I bought time by saying existing factors etc, but could recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry Day. Forestry Institutes were though little embarrassing but I could say NO very politely and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But concluding remarks of the Chairman and the overall interview, to some extent makes me feel it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195
“ KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE, CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE”
AND
“ DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE GHODE HUM NE”
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
CHOOSING CIVIL SERVICES AS CAREER
ARTICLE: ON CIVIL SERVICES
PUBLISHED IN : GREATERKASHMIR - J&K'S LEADING DAILY NEWSPAPER
----------------------------------------------------------------
Choosing Civil Services as a Career
By
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IFS
The system of public administration has sailed through thick and thins of the world history, be it democracies or dictatorships, and is here to stay as the most viable and only mechanism of good governance with evident deliverables. Although differences may remain about choice of variants of public administration but the bottom-line remains that administrative machinery can hardly be dispensed with. The organization of working within a system may range on a scale from formal to informal. Scholars like Max Weber have stressed upon the formal bureaucratic system to the contrary of Etizioni suggesting existence of informal organization within a formal system for efficient governance and achieving the goals set thereupon. Alvin Gouldner and Peter Blau citing example of Federal Bureau of Investigation and that of Gypsum workers in America have proved that organizations with an informal relationship within the formal structure of administration have higher success rate and easier achieving of the goals. Many sociologist and public administration scholars have highlighted that too much of rules and regulations, that is formal system, lead to displacement of goals for which the society at large suffers and moreover it has been stressed that bureaucrats in a formal system lose the innovativeness and can’t take independent decisions. From capitalist, socialist to communist states the requirements of the administrative machinery differ. But the bottom-line of course remains that the aspirants endeavoring to join the administrative machinery have to be sensitive to the changing needs of times along with the challenges and opportunities this system offers therein. In India, as in other developed and most developing countries, the civil services represent the administrative framework of the country under the control of political leadership. Governments comes and go but this permanent framework has to stay, it is in this backdrop we have to underline that civil services has to be chosen as a full time career option by our youth and not merely a source of elite employment based on tough competitive examinations at national as well as state level. Only then our next generation administrators will withstand challenges ahead and respond resiliently. The civil services ought to be given the top most priority in the career selection as well only then we can have win-win situation both for the administration as well as the administration.
Few days back the Jammu and Kashmir State Public Service Commission notified about four hundred vacancies in state administration to be filled up based on the performance of eligible graduates in the forthcoming combined services competitive examination. Days after the newspapers were flooded with advertisements offering coaching classes and so on. Interestingly another private institute made a diagrammatic presentation of region-wise final selections in the previous three examinations conducted by the public service commission. Clubbing Jammu with Ladakh it highlighted the dismal performance of Kashmir province with only about 15-20% seats to its kitty. Based on it the institute gave a “wake up call” to kashmiris to join the coaching and reverse this trend. The figures were convincing but the approach was not. Jammu certainly performed far better than Kashmir province in the previous competitive examination bagging 110 out of the total 137 selections. But going through the list critically one finds that a major chunk of the seats have gone to aspirants from remote areas of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Billawar and the like. The urban areas had comparatively low performance in Jammu even. Candidates from rural areas did perform better in almost all categories across the services. Here is the point to ponder that what went wrong resulting such a skewed distribution of selections in the state administration. It is certainly not all about a Jammu Vs Kashmir story but one has to bear in mind that individual efforts make upto the final list and analyzing the macroscopic trend we miss out the basics of the examination which aspirants fail to take cognizance of. First of all we have to appreciate those individual efforts behind the success and tracing these paths along with introspecting the reasons of failure.
In this regard, the first question that comes to mind is about the right time of opting for civil services. Although there is no universally agreed upon criteria but going by the efforts it require to crack the tough competitive examinations the students in higher secondary school should have decided to take on the civil services examination and then decide the path to be traversed accordingly. Some would like to go through the professional colleges and others through general degree course and many even sit at home doing correspondence course (Distance Learning) and preparing for civil services. The last lot is the one which misses out the college life altogether but the life after that compensates more than that. But still it is not advisable to go upto that extent since one has to keep an alternative option in mind to fall back. Those entering the professional colleges have an added advantage. Having decided to take on the competitive examination after the degree course one channelizes the energy in professional college accordingly by opting the professional subject for the examination as well as keep abreast with the current happenings in the country as well as around the globe. By the time this lot reaches the final year of college they are already prepared to take head on the tough nut and also have become the right stuff for shouldering the responsibility of being an administrator. They are rightly termed as Bureaucrats-cum-Technocrats. The other category is of those aspirants who opt for general subjects of either science or humanities and keep preparing for the mega examination along with their college challenges. Their performance is fairly good enough. Going by the UPSC statistics the highest success ratio has been attributed to the professional subjects like Veterinary Science, Medical Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and also Psychology. But this high success rate is of course because of a meager number of candidates opting these subjects. The most commonly opted subjects like sociology, political science, public administration etc have a low success rate in terms of number of candidates appearing in the preliminary examination but the competition is softened as compared to the technical subjects. But the issue remains that at about 18 years of age or so the student is not aware of complexities of this examination and also is not mature enough to take independent decision about career option so one has to deliberate upon it within the peer group, with parents and teacher. Parents in deed have the ultimate role to play in helping the child to choose the career and if civil services is chosen as a career option then deliberate upon the path to be adopted , that is via professional college or otherwise. All alternate options have to be born in mind before taking the final decision.
Having decided so the next step is choosing optional for the competitive examination and that depends to a greater extent on the degree course one had decided to go through. Many candidates have done engineering and mathematics degrees, also those from the chemicals and physical sciences, do opt for the core humanities subjects like sociology, political science, public administration, anthropology etc and the vice-versa is can, of course, not be the case. Another category of professionals from medicine, veterinary and agriculture go ahead with their own subjects often with a very high success ratio. But the general trend remains that of opting for the general subjects often coupled with a general degree course. Chose optional is the toughest decision to be made, even tougher then choosing civil services as a career, because once being a year or half into the preparation it is difficult to revert back and for doing so one has to make some uncalled for sacrifices of time as well as money. Here counseling matters a lot for which the aspirants can consult seniors, successful candidates and better those who could not make it to the final list. Parents again have a major role in this. If one spends a couple of months in choosing the optional that is always better than reverting after a year into the preparation.
But the decision making process does not end up here, one has to take decisions at every step in the run up to the final selection, as do one has to make decisions as an administrator for the rest of service life. The ambit of this examination is too vast and for the general studies it is said that anything under the sky could be asked, especially in the preliminary examination. Given these circumstances one has to make a fool-proof strategy to decide what to study and also what not to study, the latter being more important when one has to choose from an ocean of study material available in the market today. The civil services examination over past two decades has given rise to an industry all over the country with coaching institutes mushrooming in every nook and corner; and also a variety of study material circulated in the market. One has to be too selective in choosing the study material as one can observe that most of the competitive magazines printed in lacks of numbers appear just similar tomatoes in the basket so the question is how to be different while study as well as during the examination. To be noticed one has to do some smart work apart from the hard work and it is this smart work which with its added advantage makes the difference. For both selections of study material as well as coaching institute one has to be very selective and take decision after consulting the relevant persons in this field. Coaching helps only when one has completed the study at own and looks for that extra mile which includes writing style, mock tests, group discussions and so on. Also beginners can opt for coaching especially in general studies if they feel not well versed with the demands of this examination because as stated above ‘what not to study is more important than what to study’ in this examination. Often students have a tendency of not sharing their thoughts or notes with others but it is largely felt that group study by means of its complimentarity is helpful both in terms of time saving as well as the richness of study material or notes being prepared for the examination. Since the examination is conducted to choose the administrators to take up the responsibilities of the public administration and good governance so the examiners definitely give attention to the administrative acumen of the candidates reflected in their writing, that is how effectively they put their innovative ideas into writing the answers. It means one has to be different to be noticed therein and that call for a pragmatism of highest approach in a holistic manner. The organized preparation not only makes the examination a smooth sailing but also makes the right kind of administrative stuff among the aspirants. Another important point to be kept in mind is that success and failure are two sides of same coin and the outcome will depend on how tossed it. If such an organized strategy as adopted for preparation of this examination, ranging over a couple of years, it is sure that even in case of failure what is gained during the process is not going to be lost, instead it will get reflected in once personality as an evident feature. But on the other hand if this challenge is taken only as just another job opportunity then failure may be a complicated and permanent loss, which has to be avoided to ensure the human resource development in any case. For a slaughterhouse it is said that “except the last cry of the animal nothing goes waste” which means how efficiently each and every part of the slaughtered animal is converted into a valued product for direct or indirect consumption or for the commercial purpose. A similar analogy can be drawn for this preparation as well, if it is done in the right way, holistic manner, under proper guidance, not even a word learned will go waste irrespective of the outcome of the examination.
But going by the present trend it is evident that civil services is mostly considered as another job opportunity by most of the educated youth hence the approach adopted is not the one would come true on the scale of administrative efficiency. The approach has to be different, it has to be professional only then one can contribute religiously to the service of humanity through the public administration. Right kind of preparation methodology will serve both purposes viz a fool-proof preparation for the examination as well as proving as an efficient and dedicated administrator beyond the selection hurdle. The bottom-line remains that the younger generation has to organize effectively to take this challenge in a right way under proper guidance and also keeping in mind the alternative lines of action as well as opportunities to be explored. If such an approach is adopted by the students only then they can expect a comfortable sailing through the multi-staged competitive examination as well contribute towards an innovative administration as discussed in the opening paragraph above.
Therefore the situation calls for bringing a change in mindset of the students and initiating a movement across the valley if the population here has to make its presence felt in the state administration as well as at the national level. The responsibility has to be equally shared by the aspirants, parents, teachers, administrators, and concerned members of the civil society here. There is no denying the fact that the equitable development of region would also include an equitable power sharing also and any region left out of the decision-making circles of the administration always carries a risk of being ignored. It is not because those at the helm of affairs would ignore the areas unrepresented but the specific needs and problems may go unaddressed for lack of sensitization up to the required level. Those from outside are of course thought to be value neutral in their approach but at the same time the local needs are many times under the danger of being ignored, so we have to make it a complimentary process. All this would be possible only when there is an awakening among the younger generation to shoulder these responsibilities towards the society. This is the high time we should make the schools, colleges and universities here as the epicenters of such an awakening by organizing workshops and awareness programmes for the students in this regard. We owe a lot to the society which cannot be ignored and this, perhaps, would be one among the best ways to pay back to the society in a better way. Still we have options and alternatives at our hands but in Baba Amte’s words “the silent majority will have to speak until it is made to exist as a silenced majority.
(The author is an IFS officer presently posted in Srinagar. Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com)
PUBLISHED IN : GREATERKASHMIR - J&K'S LEADING DAILY NEWSPAPER
----------------------------------------------------------------
Choosing Civil Services as a Career
By
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IFS
The system of public administration has sailed through thick and thins of the world history, be it democracies or dictatorships, and is here to stay as the most viable and only mechanism of good governance with evident deliverables. Although differences may remain about choice of variants of public administration but the bottom-line remains that administrative machinery can hardly be dispensed with. The organization of working within a system may range on a scale from formal to informal. Scholars like Max Weber have stressed upon the formal bureaucratic system to the contrary of Etizioni suggesting existence of informal organization within a formal system for efficient governance and achieving the goals set thereupon. Alvin Gouldner and Peter Blau citing example of Federal Bureau of Investigation and that of Gypsum workers in America have proved that organizations with an informal relationship within the formal structure of administration have higher success rate and easier achieving of the goals. Many sociologist and public administration scholars have highlighted that too much of rules and regulations, that is formal system, lead to displacement of goals for which the society at large suffers and moreover it has been stressed that bureaucrats in a formal system lose the innovativeness and can’t take independent decisions. From capitalist, socialist to communist states the requirements of the administrative machinery differ. But the bottom-line of course remains that the aspirants endeavoring to join the administrative machinery have to be sensitive to the changing needs of times along with the challenges and opportunities this system offers therein. In India, as in other developed and most developing countries, the civil services represent the administrative framework of the country under the control of political leadership. Governments comes and go but this permanent framework has to stay, it is in this backdrop we have to underline that civil services has to be chosen as a full time career option by our youth and not merely a source of elite employment based on tough competitive examinations at national as well as state level. Only then our next generation administrators will withstand challenges ahead and respond resiliently. The civil services ought to be given the top most priority in the career selection as well only then we can have win-win situation both for the administration as well as the administration.
Few days back the Jammu and Kashmir State Public Service Commission notified about four hundred vacancies in state administration to be filled up based on the performance of eligible graduates in the forthcoming combined services competitive examination. Days after the newspapers were flooded with advertisements offering coaching classes and so on. Interestingly another private institute made a diagrammatic presentation of region-wise final selections in the previous three examinations conducted by the public service commission. Clubbing Jammu with Ladakh it highlighted the dismal performance of Kashmir province with only about 15-20% seats to its kitty. Based on it the institute gave a “wake up call” to kashmiris to join the coaching and reverse this trend. The figures were convincing but the approach was not. Jammu certainly performed far better than Kashmir province in the previous competitive examination bagging 110 out of the total 137 selections. But going through the list critically one finds that a major chunk of the seats have gone to aspirants from remote areas of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Billawar and the like. The urban areas had comparatively low performance in Jammu even. Candidates from rural areas did perform better in almost all categories across the services. Here is the point to ponder that what went wrong resulting such a skewed distribution of selections in the state administration. It is certainly not all about a Jammu Vs Kashmir story but one has to bear in mind that individual efforts make upto the final list and analyzing the macroscopic trend we miss out the basics of the examination which aspirants fail to take cognizance of. First of all we have to appreciate those individual efforts behind the success and tracing these paths along with introspecting the reasons of failure.
In this regard, the first question that comes to mind is about the right time of opting for civil services. Although there is no universally agreed upon criteria but going by the efforts it require to crack the tough competitive examinations the students in higher secondary school should have decided to take on the civil services examination and then decide the path to be traversed accordingly. Some would like to go through the professional colleges and others through general degree course and many even sit at home doing correspondence course (Distance Learning) and preparing for civil services. The last lot is the one which misses out the college life altogether but the life after that compensates more than that. But still it is not advisable to go upto that extent since one has to keep an alternative option in mind to fall back. Those entering the professional colleges have an added advantage. Having decided to take on the competitive examination after the degree course one channelizes the energy in professional college accordingly by opting the professional subject for the examination as well as keep abreast with the current happenings in the country as well as around the globe. By the time this lot reaches the final year of college they are already prepared to take head on the tough nut and also have become the right stuff for shouldering the responsibility of being an administrator. They are rightly termed as Bureaucrats-cum-Technocrats. The other category is of those aspirants who opt for general subjects of either science or humanities and keep preparing for the mega examination along with their college challenges. Their performance is fairly good enough. Going by the UPSC statistics the highest success ratio has been attributed to the professional subjects like Veterinary Science, Medical Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and also Psychology. But this high success rate is of course because of a meager number of candidates opting these subjects. The most commonly opted subjects like sociology, political science, public administration etc have a low success rate in terms of number of candidates appearing in the preliminary examination but the competition is softened as compared to the technical subjects. But the issue remains that at about 18 years of age or so the student is not aware of complexities of this examination and also is not mature enough to take independent decision about career option so one has to deliberate upon it within the peer group, with parents and teacher. Parents in deed have the ultimate role to play in helping the child to choose the career and if civil services is chosen as a career option then deliberate upon the path to be adopted , that is via professional college or otherwise. All alternate options have to be born in mind before taking the final decision.
Having decided so the next step is choosing optional for the competitive examination and that depends to a greater extent on the degree course one had decided to go through. Many candidates have done engineering and mathematics degrees, also those from the chemicals and physical sciences, do opt for the core humanities subjects like sociology, political science, public administration, anthropology etc and the vice-versa is can, of course, not be the case. Another category of professionals from medicine, veterinary and agriculture go ahead with their own subjects often with a very high success ratio. But the general trend remains that of opting for the general subjects often coupled with a general degree course. Chose optional is the toughest decision to be made, even tougher then choosing civil services as a career, because once being a year or half into the preparation it is difficult to revert back and for doing so one has to make some uncalled for sacrifices of time as well as money. Here counseling matters a lot for which the aspirants can consult seniors, successful candidates and better those who could not make it to the final list. Parents again have a major role in this. If one spends a couple of months in choosing the optional that is always better than reverting after a year into the preparation.
But the decision making process does not end up here, one has to take decisions at every step in the run up to the final selection, as do one has to make decisions as an administrator for the rest of service life. The ambit of this examination is too vast and for the general studies it is said that anything under the sky could be asked, especially in the preliminary examination. Given these circumstances one has to make a fool-proof strategy to decide what to study and also what not to study, the latter being more important when one has to choose from an ocean of study material available in the market today. The civil services examination over past two decades has given rise to an industry all over the country with coaching institutes mushrooming in every nook and corner; and also a variety of study material circulated in the market. One has to be too selective in choosing the study material as one can observe that most of the competitive magazines printed in lacks of numbers appear just similar tomatoes in the basket so the question is how to be different while study as well as during the examination. To be noticed one has to do some smart work apart from the hard work and it is this smart work which with its added advantage makes the difference. For both selections of study material as well as coaching institute one has to be very selective and take decision after consulting the relevant persons in this field. Coaching helps only when one has completed the study at own and looks for that extra mile which includes writing style, mock tests, group discussions and so on. Also beginners can opt for coaching especially in general studies if they feel not well versed with the demands of this examination because as stated above ‘what not to study is more important than what to study’ in this examination. Often students have a tendency of not sharing their thoughts or notes with others but it is largely felt that group study by means of its complimentarity is helpful both in terms of time saving as well as the richness of study material or notes being prepared for the examination. Since the examination is conducted to choose the administrators to take up the responsibilities of the public administration and good governance so the examiners definitely give attention to the administrative acumen of the candidates reflected in their writing, that is how effectively they put their innovative ideas into writing the answers. It means one has to be different to be noticed therein and that call for a pragmatism of highest approach in a holistic manner. The organized preparation not only makes the examination a smooth sailing but also makes the right kind of administrative stuff among the aspirants. Another important point to be kept in mind is that success and failure are two sides of same coin and the outcome will depend on how tossed it. If such an organized strategy as adopted for preparation of this examination, ranging over a couple of years, it is sure that even in case of failure what is gained during the process is not going to be lost, instead it will get reflected in once personality as an evident feature. But on the other hand if this challenge is taken only as just another job opportunity then failure may be a complicated and permanent loss, which has to be avoided to ensure the human resource development in any case. For a slaughterhouse it is said that “except the last cry of the animal nothing goes waste” which means how efficiently each and every part of the slaughtered animal is converted into a valued product for direct or indirect consumption or for the commercial purpose. A similar analogy can be drawn for this preparation as well, if it is done in the right way, holistic manner, under proper guidance, not even a word learned will go waste irrespective of the outcome of the examination.
But going by the present trend it is evident that civil services is mostly considered as another job opportunity by most of the educated youth hence the approach adopted is not the one would come true on the scale of administrative efficiency. The approach has to be different, it has to be professional only then one can contribute religiously to the service of humanity through the public administration. Right kind of preparation methodology will serve both purposes viz a fool-proof preparation for the examination as well as proving as an efficient and dedicated administrator beyond the selection hurdle. The bottom-line remains that the younger generation has to organize effectively to take this challenge in a right way under proper guidance and also keeping in mind the alternative lines of action as well as opportunities to be explored. If such an approach is adopted by the students only then they can expect a comfortable sailing through the multi-staged competitive examination as well contribute towards an innovative administration as discussed in the opening paragraph above.
Therefore the situation calls for bringing a change in mindset of the students and initiating a movement across the valley if the population here has to make its presence felt in the state administration as well as at the national level. The responsibility has to be equally shared by the aspirants, parents, teachers, administrators, and concerned members of the civil society here. There is no denying the fact that the equitable development of region would also include an equitable power sharing also and any region left out of the decision-making circles of the administration always carries a risk of being ignored. It is not because those at the helm of affairs would ignore the areas unrepresented but the specific needs and problems may go unaddressed for lack of sensitization up to the required level. Those from outside are of course thought to be value neutral in their approach but at the same time the local needs are many times under the danger of being ignored, so we have to make it a complimentary process. All this would be possible only when there is an awakening among the younger generation to shoulder these responsibilities towards the society. This is the high time we should make the schools, colleges and universities here as the epicenters of such an awakening by organizing workshops and awareness programmes for the students in this regard. We owe a lot to the society which cannot be ignored and this, perhaps, would be one among the best ways to pay back to the society in a better way. Still we have options and alternatives at our hands but in Baba Amte’s words “the silent majority will have to speak until it is made to exist as a silenced majority.
(The author is an IFS officer presently posted in Srinagar. Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com)
EXPANDING ROADS NETWORK IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
ARTICLE :
PUBLISHED IN : EPILOGUE MAGAZINE
---------------------
Development and Environment
Expanding Road Network in Jammu and Kashmir
Are Development and Environment Complementary, or they stand antagonistic, analyses Dr Shahid Iqbal CHOUDHARY, IFS
When we come across two words “Development” and “Environment” together, there is a temptation to in public discussions, forums and even in policy circles to think of them in antagonistic terms. But before jumping to such a conclusion we ought to think that what for both development and environment strive, that is whether they have different goals for human community or planet earth as a whole, or they have some overlapping or things in common. Both development and environment aim to achieve a quality of life and also that of our surroundings, be it an urban conglomerate, a rural hinterland or even a core wilderness. So when both development and environment strive for a better quality of life on planet earth then one need not jump to conclude that development and environment are antagonistic. What we need is a balanced development and a stable sustainable environment, in perpetuity, with none hampering the progress and stability of the other. When we think of development it has to be accountable for what it takes from environment or society and hence it must pay towards a social or environmental responsibility also. Similarly the environmental gains should also be quantifiable and not overemphasized in an attempt to hamper the development directly or indirectly. Connectivity is a backbone of economic development and better roads, rail and air network is a major contributor of economic production and growth. When the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance started levying cess on petrol and diesel there was a hue and cry across the country about rise in fuel prices but when looked into the motive behind that move it revealed that how important the road network is. The cess on fuel was to generate some 10000 Cr rupees in a year which was to be utilized for betterment and expansion of road network in the country. The North-South and East-West corridors, connecting the entire country, and also the mega expressways were a result of the resources generated from the cess levied on fuel. Economist explained that due to bad condition of roads the annual losses owing to enhanced freight cost were far more than the total cess levied. Thus the tax money saved the cost of transportation through improvement of road network. That explains how important the road network in is for a competitive economy and better livelihood. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) had also been a novel idea of connecting all the villages of country by the year 2009. And it is pertinent to mention here that this scheme has also been blamed for the greater damage to the forests as the rural hinterland was brought on the map of road network. In this backdrop we analyze the expanding road network in Jammu and Kashmir – whether it is in tandem with the environment or at the cost of environment.
Road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir is major issue of concern. The present connectivity between Kashmir valley and Jammu, and also rest of the country, is the one and only National Highway 1A, which too remains closed for days together in the rainy season or snowfall during peak winter. The clearance work done on war footing during the landslides or snow avalanches ensures connectivity between the twin capital cities which otherwise would be next to impossible. There is also connectivity problem in the rural districts like that between capital cities but in the former case the road clearance operation would obviously not that quick thus facing a connectivity disadvantage. The total road network maintained by different agencies as on March 2008 has crossed 40,000 Kilometers in the state. Both central and state government agencies maintain these roads under their respective jurisdiction or areas of activity in the state. The lead player State Public Works Department mans some 16000 Km road in the state excluding the National Highway component which is maintained by the Border Roads Organization. The Border Roads Organization is responsible for more than 5000 KM of the National Highways in state. Three major Projects of BRO in Jammu and Kashmir state are Project Beacon, Project Himank and Project Sampark respectively connecting two capitals, Kargil and Leh, and border districts. Apart from organizations responsible for construction and management of road network in the state, that is public transportations, roads are also constructed by few departments for their own developmental requirements which also adds to connectivity in the rural areas. The Forest Department has a total of more than 10000 KM roads, called Forest Roads, which have been constructed for management of and working in forest areas. But most of the forest road is unsurfaced, as is about 40% of total road in the state. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department too needs its own connectivity network in priority areas where work has to be done every year to control flood or manage irrigation, thus having a road network of about 500 KM to its credit. Compared to that Rural Development Department, also known as Community Development and National Extension Scheme Department, alone has constructed a road network of about 3500 KM in the state. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has enlarged the connectivity to the villages in state as is being done in the entire country under this scheme. PMGSY aims at connecting villages with a population of 1000 and 5000 in plains and hilly ares respectively. For tribal majority villages the qualifying figures for PMGSY connectivity has been kept at 500 and 250 respectively, thus the expanding road network in the rural hinterland could be anybody’s guess.
The Forest Department has received most of the proposal of land diversion from the PMGSY in the last year. The expanding road network has a definite bearing on the local ecology and environment which needs to be compensated and restored so as to maintain an environmental balance. The Forest Conservation Act strives for that by ensuring compensatory afforestation in lieu of the land diverted to indenting agencies for construction of roads. Double the land area diverted for development or construction has to be brought under compensatory afforestation as per the directions of Hon’ble apex court in T. N. Godavarman Vs Union of India case. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) which came into being on Supreme Court directions has a key role to play in deciding the diversion of forest land throughout the country. Forest Bench of supreme court has been termed as green bench but the recent judgments give an indication that the golden era of Godaverman is fading out. May be it is due to unsatisfactory compensatory afforestation or undue environmental breaks on development but the bottom-line remains that environment should not be held hostage for the increased needs of development. Jammu and Kashmir state has its own Forest Conservation Act of 1997 under which the land diversion clearance methodology has been provided at different levels. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Principle Chief Conservator of Forests and the J&K Government Advisory Committee are three level or authorities which give clearance for diversion of forest land depending on the area involved.
If diversion of forest land could be an indicator the quantum of expanding road network can judged. But at the same time neither all the forest land diverted is for roads alone nor all the roads constructed involve forest land diversion. So the environmental cost of development in the state can be fairly analyzed accordingly. Ending 2005 a total of 283 cases of forest land diversion stood sanctioned at various levels involving a total forest area 8159 Ha diverted for development. The major indenting agencies involved in road construction seeking road diversion are GREF, PMGSY, Public Works Department and National Highway Authority of India. Other agencies in favor of whom forest land stands diverted are National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Northern Railways, Konkan Railways, Air Force, Irrigation Department and Army as well. For the land diversion a relative amount as compensation for forest land involved is recovered from the indenting agencies before the land is diverted. During 2004-05 the total forest area diverted was about 482 Ha and against that the compensation amount charged was about Rs 26 Cr. Similarly in 2005-06 about 1400 Ha land stood diverted for which the compensation amounted to Rs 123 Cr and the figure stood at about Rs 70 Cr for 2006-07 from a total of 82 cases. This involved diversion for hydroelectric projects and connectivity networks in majority. The amount so realized is used for compensatory afforestation to offset the harmful impacts on the environment owing to developmental activities.
The Mughal road had been into controversy owing to the stretch passing through Hirpora wildlife sanctuary and the stalemate as an outcome of issue erupted in Poonch regarding damages to forests by the Hindustan Construction Company. But later the Supreme Court gave a go ahead for construction of road across Hirpora wildlife sanctuary as well and the road is supposed to be made motorable later this year. It will provide an alternate connectivity between the twin capital cities, but will be of most importance for twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Moreover it will have a greater bearing on economics and business as it is set to alter many dimensions prevailing at present owing to no alternate connectivity between valley and Jammu, or even rest of country. So what we contested in the opening paragraph seems to be true, focusing on the quality of life can help us to generate a common understanding not only of the development but also of the environment which undoubtedly plays a central role in our lives. But the success will depend on how efficiently the environmental glory is restored alongside the ongoing expansion of road network in the state.
Amartya Sen has pointed out in his book ‘Development and Participation’ that “Development is Empowering and that Power Can Be Used to Preserve and Enrich the Environment, and not just to decimate it”. The substance of this statement is of a great relevance and holds true when the developmental empowerment is utilized for preserving as well as enhancement of environment. Development is an ongoing phenomenon so should be the endeavor to preserve the environment to ensure a sustainable and healthy livelihood on the plane. The concept of distributive justice has to be kept in mind in deciding the so called conflict between development and environment. And it will be of a greater importance not to view development and environment in antagonistic terms but as two parts of a same process with common goal of quality of life. It will not be out of place to mention here that the relationship between the Development and Environment needs to be seen an adequately broader way, taking note of constructive prospects as well as destructive possibilities. And those having mandate to preserve the environment need not be seen as anti development but as facilitators of that quality of life which the Development too strives to achieve. In the present competitive world road connectivity in deed is indispensible but at the same time we have to collectively bear in mind that environment too is a global issue of concern today and we cannot afford to turn a blind eye towards environmental issue as well. The developmental agencies need to pay due attention towards the environmental responsibility as well, as the environment is giving in to development it should also be restored to sustainable level. The social and environmental responsibility of development can hardly be undermined. Present environmental trends appear to be incompatible with the basic requirements of a sustainable development so the time calls for a developmental strategy cohesive with the environmental preservation and development. Environmental irresponsibility is often blamed to have roots in the political and ideological roots, this may not be without substance but at the same time we need to accept our individual and corporate responsibility towards the environment.
(THE AUTHOR IS AN IFS OFFICER POSTED IN SRINAGAR AND CAN BE REACHED AT SHAHIDIQBALC@GMAIL.COM)
PUBLISHED IN : EPILOGUE MAGAZINE
---------------------
Development and Environment
Expanding Road Network in Jammu and Kashmir
Are Development and Environment Complementary, or they stand antagonistic, analyses Dr Shahid Iqbal CHOUDHARY, IFS
When we come across two words “Development” and “Environment” together, there is a temptation to in public discussions, forums and even in policy circles to think of them in antagonistic terms. But before jumping to such a conclusion we ought to think that what for both development and environment strive, that is whether they have different goals for human community or planet earth as a whole, or they have some overlapping or things in common. Both development and environment aim to achieve a quality of life and also that of our surroundings, be it an urban conglomerate, a rural hinterland or even a core wilderness. So when both development and environment strive for a better quality of life on planet earth then one need not jump to conclude that development and environment are antagonistic. What we need is a balanced development and a stable sustainable environment, in perpetuity, with none hampering the progress and stability of the other. When we think of development it has to be accountable for what it takes from environment or society and hence it must pay towards a social or environmental responsibility also. Similarly the environmental gains should also be quantifiable and not overemphasized in an attempt to hamper the development directly or indirectly. Connectivity is a backbone of economic development and better roads, rail and air network is a major contributor of economic production and growth. When the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance started levying cess on petrol and diesel there was a hue and cry across the country about rise in fuel prices but when looked into the motive behind that move it revealed that how important the road network is. The cess on fuel was to generate some 10000 Cr rupees in a year which was to be utilized for betterment and expansion of road network in the country. The North-South and East-West corridors, connecting the entire country, and also the mega expressways were a result of the resources generated from the cess levied on fuel. Economist explained that due to bad condition of roads the annual losses owing to enhanced freight cost were far more than the total cess levied. Thus the tax money saved the cost of transportation through improvement of road network. That explains how important the road network in is for a competitive economy and better livelihood. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) had also been a novel idea of connecting all the villages of country by the year 2009. And it is pertinent to mention here that this scheme has also been blamed for the greater damage to the forests as the rural hinterland was brought on the map of road network. In this backdrop we analyze the expanding road network in Jammu and Kashmir – whether it is in tandem with the environment or at the cost of environment.
Road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir is major issue of concern. The present connectivity between Kashmir valley and Jammu, and also rest of the country, is the one and only National Highway 1A, which too remains closed for days together in the rainy season or snowfall during peak winter. The clearance work done on war footing during the landslides or snow avalanches ensures connectivity between the twin capital cities which otherwise would be next to impossible. There is also connectivity problem in the rural districts like that between capital cities but in the former case the road clearance operation would obviously not that quick thus facing a connectivity disadvantage. The total road network maintained by different agencies as on March 2008 has crossed 40,000 Kilometers in the state. Both central and state government agencies maintain these roads under their respective jurisdiction or areas of activity in the state. The lead player State Public Works Department mans some 16000 Km road in the state excluding the National Highway component which is maintained by the Border Roads Organization. The Border Roads Organization is responsible for more than 5000 KM of the National Highways in state. Three major Projects of BRO in Jammu and Kashmir state are Project Beacon, Project Himank and Project Sampark respectively connecting two capitals, Kargil and Leh, and border districts. Apart from organizations responsible for construction and management of road network in the state, that is public transportations, roads are also constructed by few departments for their own developmental requirements which also adds to connectivity in the rural areas. The Forest Department has a total of more than 10000 KM roads, called Forest Roads, which have been constructed for management of and working in forest areas. But most of the forest road is unsurfaced, as is about 40% of total road in the state. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department too needs its own connectivity network in priority areas where work has to be done every year to control flood or manage irrigation, thus having a road network of about 500 KM to its credit. Compared to that Rural Development Department, also known as Community Development and National Extension Scheme Department, alone has constructed a road network of about 3500 KM in the state. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has enlarged the connectivity to the villages in state as is being done in the entire country under this scheme. PMGSY aims at connecting villages with a population of 1000 and 5000 in plains and hilly ares respectively. For tribal majority villages the qualifying figures for PMGSY connectivity has been kept at 500 and 250 respectively, thus the expanding road network in the rural hinterland could be anybody’s guess.
The Forest Department has received most of the proposal of land diversion from the PMGSY in the last year. The expanding road network has a definite bearing on the local ecology and environment which needs to be compensated and restored so as to maintain an environmental balance. The Forest Conservation Act strives for that by ensuring compensatory afforestation in lieu of the land diverted to indenting agencies for construction of roads. Double the land area diverted for development or construction has to be brought under compensatory afforestation as per the directions of Hon’ble apex court in T. N. Godavarman Vs Union of India case. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) which came into being on Supreme Court directions has a key role to play in deciding the diversion of forest land throughout the country. Forest Bench of supreme court has been termed as green bench but the recent judgments give an indication that the golden era of Godaverman is fading out. May be it is due to unsatisfactory compensatory afforestation or undue environmental breaks on development but the bottom-line remains that environment should not be held hostage for the increased needs of development. Jammu and Kashmir state has its own Forest Conservation Act of 1997 under which the land diversion clearance methodology has been provided at different levels. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Principle Chief Conservator of Forests and the J&K Government Advisory Committee are three level or authorities which give clearance for diversion of forest land depending on the area involved.
If diversion of forest land could be an indicator the quantum of expanding road network can judged. But at the same time neither all the forest land diverted is for roads alone nor all the roads constructed involve forest land diversion. So the environmental cost of development in the state can be fairly analyzed accordingly. Ending 2005 a total of 283 cases of forest land diversion stood sanctioned at various levels involving a total forest area 8159 Ha diverted for development. The major indenting agencies involved in road construction seeking road diversion are GREF, PMGSY, Public Works Department and National Highway Authority of India. Other agencies in favor of whom forest land stands diverted are National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Northern Railways, Konkan Railways, Air Force, Irrigation Department and Army as well. For the land diversion a relative amount as compensation for forest land involved is recovered from the indenting agencies before the land is diverted. During 2004-05 the total forest area diverted was about 482 Ha and against that the compensation amount charged was about Rs 26 Cr. Similarly in 2005-06 about 1400 Ha land stood diverted for which the compensation amounted to Rs 123 Cr and the figure stood at about Rs 70 Cr for 2006-07 from a total of 82 cases. This involved diversion for hydroelectric projects and connectivity networks in majority. The amount so realized is used for compensatory afforestation to offset the harmful impacts on the environment owing to developmental activities.
The Mughal road had been into controversy owing to the stretch passing through Hirpora wildlife sanctuary and the stalemate as an outcome of issue erupted in Poonch regarding damages to forests by the Hindustan Construction Company. But later the Supreme Court gave a go ahead for construction of road across Hirpora wildlife sanctuary as well and the road is supposed to be made motorable later this year. It will provide an alternate connectivity between the twin capital cities, but will be of most importance for twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Moreover it will have a greater bearing on economics and business as it is set to alter many dimensions prevailing at present owing to no alternate connectivity between valley and Jammu, or even rest of country. So what we contested in the opening paragraph seems to be true, focusing on the quality of life can help us to generate a common understanding not only of the development but also of the environment which undoubtedly plays a central role in our lives. But the success will depend on how efficiently the environmental glory is restored alongside the ongoing expansion of road network in the state.
Amartya Sen has pointed out in his book ‘Development and Participation’ that “Development is Empowering and that Power Can Be Used to Preserve and Enrich the Environment, and not just to decimate it”. The substance of this statement is of a great relevance and holds true when the developmental empowerment is utilized for preserving as well as enhancement of environment. Development is an ongoing phenomenon so should be the endeavor to preserve the environment to ensure a sustainable and healthy livelihood on the plane. The concept of distributive justice has to be kept in mind in deciding the so called conflict between development and environment. And it will be of a greater importance not to view development and environment in antagonistic terms but as two parts of a same process with common goal of quality of life. It will not be out of place to mention here that the relationship between the Development and Environment needs to be seen an adequately broader way, taking note of constructive prospects as well as destructive possibilities. And those having mandate to preserve the environment need not be seen as anti development but as facilitators of that quality of life which the Development too strives to achieve. In the present competitive world road connectivity in deed is indispensible but at the same time we have to collectively bear in mind that environment too is a global issue of concern today and we cannot afford to turn a blind eye towards environmental issue as well. The developmental agencies need to pay due attention towards the environmental responsibility as well, as the environment is giving in to development it should also be restored to sustainable level. The social and environmental responsibility of development can hardly be undermined. Present environmental trends appear to be incompatible with the basic requirements of a sustainable development so the time calls for a developmental strategy cohesive with the environmental preservation and development. Environmental irresponsibility is often blamed to have roots in the political and ideological roots, this may not be without substance but at the same time we need to accept our individual and corporate responsibility towards the environment.
(THE AUTHOR IS AN IFS OFFICER POSTED IN SRINAGAR AND CAN BE REACHED AT SHAHIDIQBALC@GMAIL.COM)
JAMMU KASHMIR EMERGING ON GLOBAL CARBON MARKET MAP
ARTICLE: J&K ON CARBON MARKET MAP
PUBLISHED IN : EPILOGUE MAGAZINE
----------------------------------------------
J&K on Global Carbon Market Map
BY Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IFS
The word “Carbon” attracts varying reactions from developed and developing worlds as regards its effects on the environment especially global warming. There had been a much larger debate on the evidence behind global warming and the developed countries, major contributors of Greenhouse Gases, had refused to join the multilateral cooperations in the field of mitigating global warming by way of cutting emissions as it would mean a loss in economy for them. Two major developments in the present decade wrote a glorious chapter in the history of environmental activism and a great step towards recognizing and sharing a mutual responsibility for a safe environment across the globe. Firstly Russia ratified the Kyoto protocol in 2004-05 a decade after it came into being, and hence the Kyoto Protocol took effect from 2005 when the basic requirement of participation of member states totaling a global share of 51% GHG emissions ratifying the protocol was met. The Kyoto protocol aiming at phased reduction of GHGs was delayed by a decade due to USAs non-committal attitude about the protocol and with USA being largest emitter of GHGs (more than 20% of world) the minimum requirement for Kyoto implementation was missing which was narrowly fulfilled by Russia’s ratification after a decade. Second major development was the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report about global warming which proved beyond any doubt that the GHG emission was the major cause of global warming hence fixing the responsibility of major emitters that is developed countries. The Noble Peace prize for IPCC further strengthened the cause and all these developments became the reasons of USA softening the stand at the Bali Conference organized under the aegis of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Nusa Dua, Bali. This was the backgrounds which lead to a resurgent Global Carbon Market by means of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) came a blessing in disguise for the developing countries which contribute very less to the global warming given their low level of industrialization or otherwise. The methodology of Carbon Trading is today known to everybody and member states are competing in carving out larger benefits, on either side, that is ,both developed and developing countries. Carbon Sequestration has come to be an accepted methodology which, for a lay man, would mean “the more you reduce carbon emission or increase storage the more you ear”.
The carbon trading market has expanded across the globe, be it saving energy, using alternative fuel combinations or afforestation/reforestation and the like. Initially India selected four states as priority states for taking up the Clean Development Mechanism activities. This list included the state of Jammu and Kashmir and later a couple of other states was also included. Jammu and Kashmir put its first step towards exploring the CDM benefits with a high-level one-day workshop titled “ Setting up of Research Priorities & Piloting Activities for Carbon Sequestration in Jammu and Kashmir”, March last year. The workshop was attended by state ministers, bureaucrats, scientists, scholars and officers from various technical departments apart for a galaxy of senior officers having experience in CDM and scientists drawn from across the country. this marked the beginning of the CDM in state. Based on the recommendations of the workshop a Core group of officers of forest department was decided to be set up headed by the Conservator of Forests, Research Circle J&K. Further it was decided to establish Carbon Cell under the J&K State Forest Research Institute was proposed to be established in the state which is underway at SFRI’S Jammu campus. The carbon cell once functional will serve as nodal centre for CDM in J&K state and also a resource pool for anybody in the state wishing to learn about the Clean Development Mechanism or entering the carbon market with proposing such projects especially Afforestation and Reforestation Projects for larger chunks of land in the state. The state of the art Carbon Cell will have a round the clock internet facility, library and high speed data transmission soon. The officials manning the Carbon Cell will be from the core group and special invitees or associates of the SFRI as and when called to share the technical expertise.
The officers from the Forest Department and other allied departments under the Ministry of Forests, Ecology and Environment as well as other line departments and stake holders across the state will be trained at the Carbon Cell aiming at high level capacity building and knowledge dissemination as far as carbon sequestration and global warming issues are concerned.
In almost an year since the first workshop organized in Jammu the State Forest Research Institute organized a score of meetings and interactions of core group apart from prioritizing a roadmap for CDM in Jammu and Kashmir. The institute has also entered into collaboration with Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University and Sri Mata Vaishno Devi University in various CDM methodologies and joint projects. The Rajouri campus of BGSBU recently been taken up as green campus by SFRI for plantation across hundreds of kanals of land which will help in carbon sequestration apart from rehabilitating the hilly campus area. Apart from that many workshops were also organized for stakeholders across the state. Recently the a team of GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) interacted with state forest officers at SFRI on 16th-17th February 2009 to discuss project formulation and feasibility of the areas to be taken up wherein they also visited the forest areas along with Core Group and other forest officers. The high-level meeting on 5th-6th March 2009 will be counted as major step forward when officials from Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India and their counterparts from State Government put the record straight about emergence of Jammu and Kashmir state on the Carbon Market Map by means of carbon sequestration. Meanwhile the SFRI has under consideration two research studies respectively on Methane Production Estimate of Jammu and Kashmir with strategies to reduce it through livestock up gradation and second on Biogas Potential Village Mapping of Rajouri District which will serve as baseline for taking up CDM projects and also serve as livelihood strength for the rural poor.
But a question in mind would be – whether it is feasible to venture into the Carbon Market in the times of recession across the globe? Before narrating a straight answer we need to weigh the various dimensions of global carbon market and associated issues. There is no doubt that in the recession hit global economy afforestation and reforestation projects under CDM will not be much beneficial for those eying at earning carbon credits in the global carbon market. Reason being that a certifier emission reduction (CER) at present fetches roughly US $ 2-3, which is less attractive given the long gestation of forest crops and only 1 % of CERs attributed to forestry projects across the globe. Other methods of CDM, like shifting to alternative fuels, saving energy by shift towards energy conservation etc would be easier and quicker as compared to forestry projects. But at the same time the importance of forestry projects under CDM can hardly be undermined given their unique benefits as the trees serve as carbon sequestration machines and also provide livelihood options apart from a dual cleaning process of the environment. The Carbon Market could be compared to the Futures and Options in the stock markets where the persons holding the shares or bonds can sell them when the prices are high in the market, in short the Bear and Bull mechanism. Likewise the price of one CER will not be static for all the times to come but fluctuate hopefully towards a higher end in the times to come once the economies are back on the track. At present the environment crusade seems to have taken a back stage with shattering economies worldwide but it cannot be ignored in toto instead we can call it a stage in the developmental cycle. So, by the time the crops mature the CERs are expected to be attractive in the global market so it is advisable to go for short gestation forestry projects of 20-30 years which will give annual returns over a longer period of time thus outweighing the present down trend in carbon market owing to a host of factors.
It is a fact that today only one forestry project stands sanctioned under the CDM across the globe that too from China. But the picture is not dismal for India with 31 projects registered and at various stages in the approval pipeline under CDM mechanism. So with other states having submitted a reasonably good score of forestry CDM projects J&K cannot be a mute spectator as it is not time to discuss whether or not to go for CDM projects the carbon market has become an established fact and we too need to be competitive enough to ensure smooth sailing in the emerging carbon trading thus harnessing a host of benefits for the people. It is fact that India signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and ratified it in 2002. And today under the clean development mechanism India has emerged as a leader in terms of country approved CDM projects across the globe. The Designated National Authority (DNA) under CDM established in 2003 at Delhi has been successful competition in the country as regards submission of forestry CDM projects, which is evident from a greater number projects submitted for approval by private sector across the country. Today India has become a leading destination among non-Annex-I countries with regards to CDM implementation. But the majority of registered project in India are renewable energy project focusing on hydropower, and wind energy, so there is a need for putting greater thrust on the forestry CDM projects as well which also fulfills the resource need of the country and J&K can prove as preferred destination for such projects. Jammu and Kashmir, as per the estimates of GTZ, has an expansion potential on 12.5% of its geographical area thus figuring among top potential states thus the benefits from CDM projects in the state can be analyzed to be of a greater extent.
It is rightly said that the journey of thousand miles must begin with the first step and that first step has been taken by the J&K state in the global carbon market. Now the outcome will depend on as to how the stakeholders across the state come forward to avail the opportunity and work ahead in letter and spirit to showcase the state on Global Carbon Market Map. The State Forest Research Institute has taken a lead to emerge as a nodal centre in the beginning and it does not end here because there has to be a continuing process coming true to emerging expectations whether in the field of technology or livelihood demands. Newer CDM projects can offer a greater number of self-employment to the rural youth which is the need of the hour. Also it will generate a sense of technical competition at one hand and growing a culture of green entrepreneurship on the other. The State Forest Department has a lot of avenues which can be explored under the Clean Development Mechanism, not only under Afforestation and Reforestation category but also those like Biofuel crops cultivation, alternative energy techniques like harnessing wind and solar energy for community benefits, and so on. What all will be needed in the times to come, for making CDM a success and make Jammu and Kashmir glow on the global Carbon Market Map, will be a highest degree of professionalism, innovativeness and collaboration between different organizations, departments and stakeholders across the state. The CDM should not merely end up as a glorified environmental slogan but should proceed in such a way to produce visible deliverables for the stakeholders and the community in larger perspective. Small innovations does matter, to cite an example, like the Uttarakhand State Forest Department took up water harvesting initiative in its establishments across the state which proved to be greater success generating community interest as well, the West Bengal State Forest Corporation took up eco-tourism in a different way – trekking in the areas being worked for wood harvesting and construction of mud houses and tents which helped them to deliver their duty well apart from generating huge resources especially from visiting foreign tourists who loved the moments in mud house in wilderness for anything between Rs 10000 to Rs 20000 per night. The government had a vision and this showcased a real eco-tourism apart from generating huge resources which were utilized in strengthening the department and created additional infrastructure for tourism. In Jammu and Kashmir there is no dearth of resources, efficient manpower and highly qualified professionals and experienced administrators but what we need is a vision and collaboration between different organizations and departments because these are not the initiatives which could be carried out in isolation as the works are overlapping so are the resources.
Similarly the Carbon initiative in the state needs to be taken on a multi-sectoral approach to achieve success for state as a whole. The centers of excellence should emerge as knowledge centers to disseminate the latest advances in technology, methodologies as well avenues and opportunities. Moreover training the manpower needs to be an ongoing phenomenon as skill up gradation has to be a part of the overall endeavor to achieve success in this field because every now and then newel technologies and methods are coming into field or market and the stakeholders must be abreast with the latest developments. The coming two years will be crucial for the state to emerge prominently on the Carbon Market Map and for that the government has to go for a holistic and muti-pronged approach to woo the private sector on one hand and extract efficiency from various departments / organizations on the other. At present there may be reservations about or opposition against the perspectives of CDM in state but to come to a conclusion the concerned corners have to come across the table to discuss pros and cons, opportunities and threats, strengths and weaknesses of the methodology and then put a common front based on a kind of common minimum program for CDM in Jammu and Kashmir state. When Slumdog Millionaire can bag record eight Oscars making India proud there is no doubt that Jammu and Kashmir can also emerge as a leader in CDM in India, as India is emerging globally.
PUBLISHED IN : EPILOGUE MAGAZINE
----------------------------------------------
J&K on Global Carbon Market Map
BY Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IFS
The word “Carbon” attracts varying reactions from developed and developing worlds as regards its effects on the environment especially global warming. There had been a much larger debate on the evidence behind global warming and the developed countries, major contributors of Greenhouse Gases, had refused to join the multilateral cooperations in the field of mitigating global warming by way of cutting emissions as it would mean a loss in economy for them. Two major developments in the present decade wrote a glorious chapter in the history of environmental activism and a great step towards recognizing and sharing a mutual responsibility for a safe environment across the globe. Firstly Russia ratified the Kyoto protocol in 2004-05 a decade after it came into being, and hence the Kyoto Protocol took effect from 2005 when the basic requirement of participation of member states totaling a global share of 51% GHG emissions ratifying the protocol was met. The Kyoto protocol aiming at phased reduction of GHGs was delayed by a decade due to USAs non-committal attitude about the protocol and with USA being largest emitter of GHGs (more than 20% of world) the minimum requirement for Kyoto implementation was missing which was narrowly fulfilled by Russia’s ratification after a decade. Second major development was the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report about global warming which proved beyond any doubt that the GHG emission was the major cause of global warming hence fixing the responsibility of major emitters that is developed countries. The Noble Peace prize for IPCC further strengthened the cause and all these developments became the reasons of USA softening the stand at the Bali Conference organized under the aegis of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Nusa Dua, Bali. This was the backgrounds which lead to a resurgent Global Carbon Market by means of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) came a blessing in disguise for the developing countries which contribute very less to the global warming given their low level of industrialization or otherwise. The methodology of Carbon Trading is today known to everybody and member states are competing in carving out larger benefits, on either side, that is ,both developed and developing countries. Carbon Sequestration has come to be an accepted methodology which, for a lay man, would mean “the more you reduce carbon emission or increase storage the more you ear”.
The carbon trading market has expanded across the globe, be it saving energy, using alternative fuel combinations or afforestation/reforestation and the like. Initially India selected four states as priority states for taking up the Clean Development Mechanism activities. This list included the state of Jammu and Kashmir and later a couple of other states was also included. Jammu and Kashmir put its first step towards exploring the CDM benefits with a high-level one-day workshop titled “ Setting up of Research Priorities & Piloting Activities for Carbon Sequestration in Jammu and Kashmir”, March last year. The workshop was attended by state ministers, bureaucrats, scientists, scholars and officers from various technical departments apart for a galaxy of senior officers having experience in CDM and scientists drawn from across the country. this marked the beginning of the CDM in state. Based on the recommendations of the workshop a Core group of officers of forest department was decided to be set up headed by the Conservator of Forests, Research Circle J&K. Further it was decided to establish Carbon Cell under the J&K State Forest Research Institute was proposed to be established in the state which is underway at SFRI’S Jammu campus. The carbon cell once functional will serve as nodal centre for CDM in J&K state and also a resource pool for anybody in the state wishing to learn about the Clean Development Mechanism or entering the carbon market with proposing such projects especially Afforestation and Reforestation Projects for larger chunks of land in the state. The state of the art Carbon Cell will have a round the clock internet facility, library and high speed data transmission soon. The officials manning the Carbon Cell will be from the core group and special invitees or associates of the SFRI as and when called to share the technical expertise.
The officers from the Forest Department and other allied departments under the Ministry of Forests, Ecology and Environment as well as other line departments and stake holders across the state will be trained at the Carbon Cell aiming at high level capacity building and knowledge dissemination as far as carbon sequestration and global warming issues are concerned.
In almost an year since the first workshop organized in Jammu the State Forest Research Institute organized a score of meetings and interactions of core group apart from prioritizing a roadmap for CDM in Jammu and Kashmir. The institute has also entered into collaboration with Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University and Sri Mata Vaishno Devi University in various CDM methodologies and joint projects. The Rajouri campus of BGSBU recently been taken up as green campus by SFRI for plantation across hundreds of kanals of land which will help in carbon sequestration apart from rehabilitating the hilly campus area. Apart from that many workshops were also organized for stakeholders across the state. Recently the a team of GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) interacted with state forest officers at SFRI on 16th-17th February 2009 to discuss project formulation and feasibility of the areas to be taken up wherein they also visited the forest areas along with Core Group and other forest officers. The high-level meeting on 5th-6th March 2009 will be counted as major step forward when officials from Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India and their counterparts from State Government put the record straight about emergence of Jammu and Kashmir state on the Carbon Market Map by means of carbon sequestration. Meanwhile the SFRI has under consideration two research studies respectively on Methane Production Estimate of Jammu and Kashmir with strategies to reduce it through livestock up gradation and second on Biogas Potential Village Mapping of Rajouri District which will serve as baseline for taking up CDM projects and also serve as livelihood strength for the rural poor.
But a question in mind would be – whether it is feasible to venture into the Carbon Market in the times of recession across the globe? Before narrating a straight answer we need to weigh the various dimensions of global carbon market and associated issues. There is no doubt that in the recession hit global economy afforestation and reforestation projects under CDM will not be much beneficial for those eying at earning carbon credits in the global carbon market. Reason being that a certifier emission reduction (CER) at present fetches roughly US $ 2-3, which is less attractive given the long gestation of forest crops and only 1 % of CERs attributed to forestry projects across the globe. Other methods of CDM, like shifting to alternative fuels, saving energy by shift towards energy conservation etc would be easier and quicker as compared to forestry projects. But at the same time the importance of forestry projects under CDM can hardly be undermined given their unique benefits as the trees serve as carbon sequestration machines and also provide livelihood options apart from a dual cleaning process of the environment. The Carbon Market could be compared to the Futures and Options in the stock markets where the persons holding the shares or bonds can sell them when the prices are high in the market, in short the Bear and Bull mechanism. Likewise the price of one CER will not be static for all the times to come but fluctuate hopefully towards a higher end in the times to come once the economies are back on the track. At present the environment crusade seems to have taken a back stage with shattering economies worldwide but it cannot be ignored in toto instead we can call it a stage in the developmental cycle. So, by the time the crops mature the CERs are expected to be attractive in the global market so it is advisable to go for short gestation forestry projects of 20-30 years which will give annual returns over a longer period of time thus outweighing the present down trend in carbon market owing to a host of factors.
It is a fact that today only one forestry project stands sanctioned under the CDM across the globe that too from China. But the picture is not dismal for India with 31 projects registered and at various stages in the approval pipeline under CDM mechanism. So with other states having submitted a reasonably good score of forestry CDM projects J&K cannot be a mute spectator as it is not time to discuss whether or not to go for CDM projects the carbon market has become an established fact and we too need to be competitive enough to ensure smooth sailing in the emerging carbon trading thus harnessing a host of benefits for the people. It is fact that India signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and ratified it in 2002. And today under the clean development mechanism India has emerged as a leader in terms of country approved CDM projects across the globe. The Designated National Authority (DNA) under CDM established in 2003 at Delhi has been successful competition in the country as regards submission of forestry CDM projects, which is evident from a greater number projects submitted for approval by private sector across the country. Today India has become a leading destination among non-Annex-I countries with regards to CDM implementation. But the majority of registered project in India are renewable energy project focusing on hydropower, and wind energy, so there is a need for putting greater thrust on the forestry CDM projects as well which also fulfills the resource need of the country and J&K can prove as preferred destination for such projects. Jammu and Kashmir, as per the estimates of GTZ, has an expansion potential on 12.5% of its geographical area thus figuring among top potential states thus the benefits from CDM projects in the state can be analyzed to be of a greater extent.
It is rightly said that the journey of thousand miles must begin with the first step and that first step has been taken by the J&K state in the global carbon market. Now the outcome will depend on as to how the stakeholders across the state come forward to avail the opportunity and work ahead in letter and spirit to showcase the state on Global Carbon Market Map. The State Forest Research Institute has taken a lead to emerge as a nodal centre in the beginning and it does not end here because there has to be a continuing process coming true to emerging expectations whether in the field of technology or livelihood demands. Newer CDM projects can offer a greater number of self-employment to the rural youth which is the need of the hour. Also it will generate a sense of technical competition at one hand and growing a culture of green entrepreneurship on the other. The State Forest Department has a lot of avenues which can be explored under the Clean Development Mechanism, not only under Afforestation and Reforestation category but also those like Biofuel crops cultivation, alternative energy techniques like harnessing wind and solar energy for community benefits, and so on. What all will be needed in the times to come, for making CDM a success and make Jammu and Kashmir glow on the global Carbon Market Map, will be a highest degree of professionalism, innovativeness and collaboration between different organizations, departments and stakeholders across the state. The CDM should not merely end up as a glorified environmental slogan but should proceed in such a way to produce visible deliverables for the stakeholders and the community in larger perspective. Small innovations does matter, to cite an example, like the Uttarakhand State Forest Department took up water harvesting initiative in its establishments across the state which proved to be greater success generating community interest as well, the West Bengal State Forest Corporation took up eco-tourism in a different way – trekking in the areas being worked for wood harvesting and construction of mud houses and tents which helped them to deliver their duty well apart from generating huge resources especially from visiting foreign tourists who loved the moments in mud house in wilderness for anything between Rs 10000 to Rs 20000 per night. The government had a vision and this showcased a real eco-tourism apart from generating huge resources which were utilized in strengthening the department and created additional infrastructure for tourism. In Jammu and Kashmir there is no dearth of resources, efficient manpower and highly qualified professionals and experienced administrators but what we need is a vision and collaboration between different organizations and departments because these are not the initiatives which could be carried out in isolation as the works are overlapping so are the resources.
Similarly the Carbon initiative in the state needs to be taken on a multi-sectoral approach to achieve success for state as a whole. The centers of excellence should emerge as knowledge centers to disseminate the latest advances in technology, methodologies as well avenues and opportunities. Moreover training the manpower needs to be an ongoing phenomenon as skill up gradation has to be a part of the overall endeavor to achieve success in this field because every now and then newel technologies and methods are coming into field or market and the stakeholders must be abreast with the latest developments. The coming two years will be crucial for the state to emerge prominently on the Carbon Market Map and for that the government has to go for a holistic and muti-pronged approach to woo the private sector on one hand and extract efficiency from various departments / organizations on the other. At present there may be reservations about or opposition against the perspectives of CDM in state but to come to a conclusion the concerned corners have to come across the table to discuss pros and cons, opportunities and threats, strengths and weaknesses of the methodology and then put a common front based on a kind of common minimum program for CDM in Jammu and Kashmir state. When Slumdog Millionaire can bag record eight Oscars making India proud there is no doubt that Jammu and Kashmir can also emerge as a leader in CDM in India, as India is emerging globally.
EDUCATION LOSES TO STRIKES IN KASHMIR
ARTICLE ABOUT: IMPACT OF STRIKES IN KASHMIR ON SCHOOL EDUCATION
PBLISHED IN: GREATER KASHIR - JAMMU AND KASHMIR'S LEADING NEWSPAPER
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Op-Ed
And we suffer a huge loss
EDUCATION
As the political uncertainty continues to rule Kashmir, education gets sidelined and students suffer in the process, writes Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
Education is one of the institutions that make up the social structure of any society and it has been described varyingly by scholars of different leanings and eras. Talcott Parsons and other sociologists belonging to the ‘functional school’ of thought have called schools as grounds for proving the worth of children that is their mental capacity and caliber, based on which they are allotted positions of importance in the society. Emile Durkheim calls schools as miniature societies in themselves which prepares the child for generation replacement; and at the other end come scholars like Karl Marx, who criticize the education system as being a design of the dominant classes to perpetuate the norms and values held by them as the ones desirable for society. Whatever may the differences among the scholars of different ages or the citizens, there is no denying the fact that education remains an indispensable social institution; it remains to be a single most potent tool of development around the globe. Education measured in percent literacy rate very rightly serves as an indicator of development and inclusive growth in the country. But again we must keep in mind that a fairly good level of literacy rate in the country does not indicate the disparities within. The region disparities, class and caste disparities, gender and other disparities often go unnoticed when we appreciate a cumulative picture for the country.
The disparities in education system are inherent and the Governments, both union and state, have taken ample steps for a larger expansion of the education base in Jammu and Kashmir, as in other states. Jammu and Kashmir, along with North-Eastern states and Sikkim, is included as a special category state for allocation of funds and setting up modalities of the centrally sponsored schemes. Hence special emphasis has been given to the specific needs of Jammu and Kashmir State in various schemes and programmes on education funded by the Central Government. And the results, no doubt, have been showing healthy trends but as already mentioned disparities do creep in as no scheme or programme can be fully fool-proof. Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors play a role in the outcome of education process in the state. The seriousness of the political community towards education can be realized by the fact put forward by political experts across the state that no political party has made education as a visible agenda in the manifesto for the ongoing assembly elections in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
A fact remains that education process in Kashmir has been held hostage by the ongoing controversies and unsettled issues, taxing the nerves of an average Kashmir. Curfews, strikes, protests, bandhs (shut down) and the like have become an order of the day due to a host of factors that keep on challenging the resilience of Kashmir day in and day out. At an average, two to three days in a week, the educational institutions remain closed and thus a discontinuity in the education process also creeps in. The current year has seen a painful loss of tens of thousands of education-days (number of days spent by a student in the educational institutions) owing to these protests, shut downs, clashes and resultant curfews. If one just multiplies the number of students in the valley with the number of days lost, the figures will be astonishing. As we calculate loss of days of workforce to arrive at losses in economic terms, we also need such a calculation for loss of education days in the Kashmir valley in socio-economic losses as well as deprivation of the Right to Life, which has rightly been interpreted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court as the Right to a dignified life.
Going by the literacy rate, which is the visible and quantifiable indicator of education level, the Jammu and Kashmir state stands at bottom along with sates like Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh. The state ranks 32 out of the 35 states and union territories taken together. As per the 2001 census, which has the most authentic figures, the literacy rate our state stood at 55%, slightly better than Jharkhand and Bihar. The literacy rate for the women stood at a dismal 43% as compared to 66% for males, both far below the national average which is a serious cause of concern. Given these realities, the education system ought to be class apart to at least catch up with the nation average, but it is evident that we could not do anything extraordinary in past seven years since the last census document was made public. The efforts made by the concerned agencies of change can not bring the desired results until and unless the mass support to the endeavors of education extended overwhelmingly across the state.
The Amarnath land row and the resultant shutdowns across the state, especially in valley, badly affected the education system. It remains a fact that past six months had been nothing less than a disaster for the education system of the valley, and the losses will surely percolate down. This is only one instance to mention in the present context but there are ample examples of incidences which severely affected the education system for over two decades now.
Problems creep in with every passing day by but the million dollar question is: whether we articulated our concern for deteriorating education system? The shut down during shrine land issue was criticized by one and all for the reason of economic losses or delay in completion of developmental works, but the concern for loss of opportunity to attain knowledge for the student community was hardly articulated by any organization forcefully. Education in valley suffered silently, hardly noticed by the civil society. Now we need to develop a political consensus on education and express maturity of thought, while giving calls for strikes or bandhs or even clamping curfew to avoid law and order problem. A consensus should be arrived at that the schools and educational institutions shall be kept away from any political conflict, and all the stakeholders need to extend active cooperation for smooth running of the education system. Schools colleges and other educational institutions along with their movable and immovable infrastructure should not only be spared from such calls but active cooperation needs to be extended so that education does not suffer because of political protests or the like. This will need the highest degree of political maturity, strong feeling for a social commitment, support from the executive and mass awareness about the superiority education over all other affairs.
By victimizing the education sector we will be victimizing our future generations, advertently or inadvertently. So the need of the hour is that education should be given the top priority by all the citizens as well as all the organizations and institutions. If education keeps on suffering at the present scale, Kashmir will surely die a silent death, with all those responsible standing as mute spectators. Apart from that, the education system needs to be strengthened through skill up-gradation and innovative techniques which will be possible by active cooperation and participation by all of us.
(The author is an IFS officer presently posted in Srinagar, Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com)
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PBLISHED IN: GREATER KASHIR - JAMMU AND KASHMIR'S LEADING NEWSPAPER
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Op-Ed
And we suffer a huge loss
EDUCATION
As the political uncertainty continues to rule Kashmir, education gets sidelined and students suffer in the process, writes Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
Education is one of the institutions that make up the social structure of any society and it has been described varyingly by scholars of different leanings and eras. Talcott Parsons and other sociologists belonging to the ‘functional school’ of thought have called schools as grounds for proving the worth of children that is their mental capacity and caliber, based on which they are allotted positions of importance in the society. Emile Durkheim calls schools as miniature societies in themselves which prepares the child for generation replacement; and at the other end come scholars like Karl Marx, who criticize the education system as being a design of the dominant classes to perpetuate the norms and values held by them as the ones desirable for society. Whatever may the differences among the scholars of different ages or the citizens, there is no denying the fact that education remains an indispensable social institution; it remains to be a single most potent tool of development around the globe. Education measured in percent literacy rate very rightly serves as an indicator of development and inclusive growth in the country. But again we must keep in mind that a fairly good level of literacy rate in the country does not indicate the disparities within. The region disparities, class and caste disparities, gender and other disparities often go unnoticed when we appreciate a cumulative picture for the country.
The disparities in education system are inherent and the Governments, both union and state, have taken ample steps for a larger expansion of the education base in Jammu and Kashmir, as in other states. Jammu and Kashmir, along with North-Eastern states and Sikkim, is included as a special category state for allocation of funds and setting up modalities of the centrally sponsored schemes. Hence special emphasis has been given to the specific needs of Jammu and Kashmir State in various schemes and programmes on education funded by the Central Government. And the results, no doubt, have been showing healthy trends but as already mentioned disparities do creep in as no scheme or programme can be fully fool-proof. Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors play a role in the outcome of education process in the state. The seriousness of the political community towards education can be realized by the fact put forward by political experts across the state that no political party has made education as a visible agenda in the manifesto for the ongoing assembly elections in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
A fact remains that education process in Kashmir has been held hostage by the ongoing controversies and unsettled issues, taxing the nerves of an average Kashmir. Curfews, strikes, protests, bandhs (shut down) and the like have become an order of the day due to a host of factors that keep on challenging the resilience of Kashmir day in and day out. At an average, two to three days in a week, the educational institutions remain closed and thus a discontinuity in the education process also creeps in. The current year has seen a painful loss of tens of thousands of education-days (number of days spent by a student in the educational institutions) owing to these protests, shut downs, clashes and resultant curfews. If one just multiplies the number of students in the valley with the number of days lost, the figures will be astonishing. As we calculate loss of days of workforce to arrive at losses in economic terms, we also need such a calculation for loss of education days in the Kashmir valley in socio-economic losses as well as deprivation of the Right to Life, which has rightly been interpreted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court as the Right to a dignified life.
Going by the literacy rate, which is the visible and quantifiable indicator of education level, the Jammu and Kashmir state stands at bottom along with sates like Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh. The state ranks 32 out of the 35 states and union territories taken together. As per the 2001 census, which has the most authentic figures, the literacy rate our state stood at 55%, slightly better than Jharkhand and Bihar. The literacy rate for the women stood at a dismal 43% as compared to 66% for males, both far below the national average which is a serious cause of concern. Given these realities, the education system ought to be class apart to at least catch up with the nation average, but it is evident that we could not do anything extraordinary in past seven years since the last census document was made public. The efforts made by the concerned agencies of change can not bring the desired results until and unless the mass support to the endeavors of education extended overwhelmingly across the state.
The Amarnath land row and the resultant shutdowns across the state, especially in valley, badly affected the education system. It remains a fact that past six months had been nothing less than a disaster for the education system of the valley, and the losses will surely percolate down. This is only one instance to mention in the present context but there are ample examples of incidences which severely affected the education system for over two decades now.
Problems creep in with every passing day by but the million dollar question is: whether we articulated our concern for deteriorating education system? The shut down during shrine land issue was criticized by one and all for the reason of economic losses or delay in completion of developmental works, but the concern for loss of opportunity to attain knowledge for the student community was hardly articulated by any organization forcefully. Education in valley suffered silently, hardly noticed by the civil society. Now we need to develop a political consensus on education and express maturity of thought, while giving calls for strikes or bandhs or even clamping curfew to avoid law and order problem. A consensus should be arrived at that the schools and educational institutions shall be kept away from any political conflict, and all the stakeholders need to extend active cooperation for smooth running of the education system. Schools colleges and other educational institutions along with their movable and immovable infrastructure should not only be spared from such calls but active cooperation needs to be extended so that education does not suffer because of political protests or the like. This will need the highest degree of political maturity, strong feeling for a social commitment, support from the executive and mass awareness about the superiority education over all other affairs.
By victimizing the education sector we will be victimizing our future generations, advertently or inadvertently. So the need of the hour is that education should be given the top priority by all the citizens as well as all the organizations and institutions. If education keeps on suffering at the present scale, Kashmir will surely die a silent death, with all those responsible standing as mute spectators. Apart from that, the education system needs to be strengthened through skill up-gradation and innovative techniques which will be possible by active cooperation and participation by all of us.
(The author is an IFS officer presently posted in Srinagar, Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com)
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Article on Media : Daily GreaterKashmir
TOWARDS A RESPONSIBLE MEDIA : GREATER KASHMIR (20.02.2009)
JAMMU AND KASHMIR'S LEADING DAILY
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Op-Ed
From Part Reality to Mass Reality
.
TOWARDS A RESPONSIBLE MEDIA
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary (IFS) urges media to be responsible for bringing a positive change in the society.The term media has wider connotations in different fields, be it social science, biological or chemical science or even social engineering and the like. But the agreed understanding is that media plays much similar role in different fields under “ideal conditions” be it a science or society itself. For the sake of communication we regard print and electronic modes of mass communication as media, and it is the explanation or definition which strikes our mind the very moment we hear the word “media” – perhaps that indicates our social responsibility and concern as well. The print and electronic media has undergone a tremendous transformation process especially in past decade and a half viz-a-viz technology, duration of transmission, outreach, and broader coverage, lightening speed of communication in electronic media and fundamental transformation of the print media as well. With electronic media attaining new heights the print media has not been left behind but the latter has created its own niche and a committed section of readers comprising majority of population in the country. Moreover there is no denying the fact that the media has come to stay in our present society as an opinion-maker and leader of the masses. When the media has made deeper inroads into the rural hinterlands and has become an unalienable part of urban society it is pertinent for every concerned citizens and media professional that whether media is coming true to the expectations of it being a responsible and effective tool for social change and social transformation? Whether the media has contributed its share to the inclusive development of the society? Or it has displaced the commonly accepted social goals as well as ideals enshrined in the constitution. The answers will be of varying degrees which can definitely be arranged on a scale from the worst to the best or from irresponsible to responsible. It is the time to introspect what role media ought to play for an equitable development of the society and enable all-round development of citizens. After the executive, legislature and judiciary it is the press (media) which has rightly been termed as the fourth pillar of democracy. It enjoys tremendous freedom of expression but should also withstand the social scrutiny at the same time. The vital role of media in progress of the world’s largest democracy can hardly be undermined but at the same time as responsible citizens we have to take care that in the name of freedom of speech and expressions fallacies are not propagated against any section of the society or any particular region which we have witnessed in past couple of months in a section of media across the country. It is the need of the hour that the common citizen reminds media of its social responsibility and the later does it best for a social transformation and social change. The impact media can make on the lives of the citizens can best be understood in its outreach across the demographic and geographic dimensions. With the technological innovations, competitive economy and healthy promotional policies of the government starting 1990s the media has crossed all the geographical, demographic and linguistic barriers to reach the remotest areas and majority of the population in the whole country. Today radio covers more than 95% of the rural population and satellite television coverage pockets 80% population and approximately 90% of the geographical area. More than a dozen round-the-clock major news channels are on an “exclusive-news” spree every moment everyday and apart from that regional channels especially private and also DD Regional Kendras have mushroomed over a period of time. Today we have more than hundred round the clock channels with often nothing to watch. The figures speak a lot about the possible impact of media on the “Indian mindset” and there is a larger debate going on, every now and then, in the intellectual circles that whether perceived notions and part realty are presented as facts or the media is fair enough to present the distributive justice and stand tall on a public scrutiny of the contents presented either for mass consumption, creating awareness, presenting facts, or propagating perceived notions even. The constructive and destructive role of media is understood by each one of us and at the same time we are aware that in the garb of freedom of speech and expression many misgivings are also propagated and media also in many instances has been used as an effective shield by the rich and the powerful. The question arises: has media become an elite luxury or is here to stay for betterment of masses? The answer becomes evident if one switches to the news channels on the air. Any able-minded person could make out the special leaning followed by many of the channels which is unhealthy for a democracy to work. A particular news item will be presented from different angles by different channels – though each one of us has an opinion on the happening and need not necessary that we think alike as we have to have a health critic and right to differ but at the same time false realities should not be imposed of the public at large. This is a serious cause of concern. The arrest of an influential goon in a metro will be termed as such by some, harassment of responsible citizen by other, and presented with religious intolerance angle by many others. There are only a few private news channels which can be termed a holistic and all-inclusive for a healthy society, with almost something for everyone to watch and a fair trial of the news, views and analysis. The Government owned Doordarshan and its chain of regional Kendras has done fairly well but unfortunately considered by most of us as having outlived its utility in the fast moving cable television. The golden era of Doordarshan may be over but still it has come up a long way and diversified across the country with respect it coverage, content and reach. And as we have observed in past many years media, especially at the national level, has often been biased against a one particular section or the other, thus the objectivity and value neutrality went missing in many cases of serious concern for the society in general and the affected people in particular. Another flaw affecting the media has been the presentation of part reality which of course is bound to be presented out of context in a vague manner which causes misinterpretation leading severe differences of opinion and brewing hatred. Is that the role media should play? Or it should work out a constructive role for social transformation. At the same time media has a role in exposing the misgivings of those who willfully ignore the facts to present a damaged picture of the facts to substantiate their argument. Few days back I had an opportunity to see a debate on an Islamic channel with a renowned scholar replying to the queries of the people gathered there belonging to different faiths and religions. A question was posed regarding talaq, the person asking question seemed to have concluded that Muslim women are treated the worst in the world and can be given talaq at any moment on bare discretion of the husband without any justified reason. Ironically the person got that picture form a book written by the nationally acclaimed author and senior BJP leader Arun Shourie in his book released a year back wherein he has quoted from the holy Quran that women ought to be treated that way and are at the mercy of husband. About a thousand audience in the hall and tens of thousands watching television at homes across the countries would have bought that ideology propagated by Mr Shourie and quoted by the person posing query at this function had the scholar not presented a right and convincing reply that too in the light of holy Quran and the same chapter and verse quoted or misrepresented by Mr Shourie. The reply was that the author had taken a part of a particular verse and presented it out of context. To draw an analogy he contested that one can say that in holy Quran it is mentioned that “don’t offer prayers” and question why Muslims offer prayers. He went ahead to say that, yes it is written there but it goes like this: “don’t offer prayers when your are unclean or in bodily pollution” and to put it that holy Quran impresses upon the Muslims not to offer prayers still they do, will be a cruelest sin. This was just a minor example to show that how minor things can snowball into wildfires with issues not let to settle down claiming the peace, tranquility and brotherhood in a secular society. Similar things are done by media many times thus the very concept of social cohesion is held hostage for the convenience and desire for recognition, by any means, for few. So, instead of creating such controversies and giving push to fallacies by presenting part realities out of context it is high time the media should seriously take up the social responsibility in letter and spirit. The freedom accorded to media should not prove detrimental to the public good and social welfare but it should complement and add-on for a peaceful and progressive democratic society. Technological innovations have made the news broadcast even faster than our thought process and it is a given fact that we easily take up whatever is presented by the media in most of instances so the latter should always feel obliged towards this responsibility of the faith reposed by the public in free media. It has rightly been said that it is media which can bring change without book, that is a change without formal education but it definitely adds to the education process as well. The long list family serials on the satellite channels apart from presenting thrillers and many times glorifying western culture undermining our own rich cultural heritage, should also think if presenting a message for society through these serials. It is worthwhile to mention here the newly released film Ghajini which has emerged as movie standing apart from the traditional Bollywood love stories, with e social message against child abuse and human trafficking and shows how some socially concerned persons do not care about their own life when it comes to social responsibility. And all of us know that the actor-producer Amir Khan is known for producing too less movies but with a bigger social message, be it Lagaan, Taare Zamin Par or the latest Ghajini. Many more actors and producers in the industry are also surely doing that but at the same time glorifying violence and attributing terror to a particular community or region also has been a Bollywood bastion which could hardly be ignored. Some television are specially designed for education like Gyandarshan and others also present dedicated programmes on social themes and rural development. In the era of global village we ought to think how best the benefits of advanced information and communication technology could reach the masses. Media should effectively deliver on the front of information and awareness creation and dissemination. The best tool to awaken the masses to take up their responsibility as well as to be aware of their rights and duties is none other than the print and electronic media. It remains an effective tool of socialization and social education by means of propagating societal norms and values as well as presenting newer advances in different fields, presenting their different aspects so as to make the public best judge to decide on the issues therein. The constructive role played by media will prove to be a boon for society otherwise it can well be a bane. Since it is a given fact that everyone of us has taken something from the society and we owe a lot to society so little contributions one must make to social well being taking it as a social responsibility and for media it can be termed as Media Social Responsibility since media definitely draws its freedom and strength from the society of which it is part and should not be seen as separate entity in conflict with the social norms, values and morals or those of a particular section of the society.
(Dr Shahid Iqbal, IFS is Dy Conservator of Forests)
4
4.0
Rating:
JAMMU AND KASHMIR'S LEADING DAILY
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Op-Ed
From Part Reality to Mass Reality
.
TOWARDS A RESPONSIBLE MEDIA
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary (IFS) urges media to be responsible for bringing a positive change in the society.The term media has wider connotations in different fields, be it social science, biological or chemical science or even social engineering and the like. But the agreed understanding is that media plays much similar role in different fields under “ideal conditions” be it a science or society itself. For the sake of communication we regard print and electronic modes of mass communication as media, and it is the explanation or definition which strikes our mind the very moment we hear the word “media” – perhaps that indicates our social responsibility and concern as well. The print and electronic media has undergone a tremendous transformation process especially in past decade and a half viz-a-viz technology, duration of transmission, outreach, and broader coverage, lightening speed of communication in electronic media and fundamental transformation of the print media as well. With electronic media attaining new heights the print media has not been left behind but the latter has created its own niche and a committed section of readers comprising majority of population in the country. Moreover there is no denying the fact that the media has come to stay in our present society as an opinion-maker and leader of the masses. When the media has made deeper inroads into the rural hinterlands and has become an unalienable part of urban society it is pertinent for every concerned citizens and media professional that whether media is coming true to the expectations of it being a responsible and effective tool for social change and social transformation? Whether the media has contributed its share to the inclusive development of the society? Or it has displaced the commonly accepted social goals as well as ideals enshrined in the constitution. The answers will be of varying degrees which can definitely be arranged on a scale from the worst to the best or from irresponsible to responsible. It is the time to introspect what role media ought to play for an equitable development of the society and enable all-round development of citizens. After the executive, legislature and judiciary it is the press (media) which has rightly been termed as the fourth pillar of democracy. It enjoys tremendous freedom of expression but should also withstand the social scrutiny at the same time. The vital role of media in progress of the world’s largest democracy can hardly be undermined but at the same time as responsible citizens we have to take care that in the name of freedom of speech and expressions fallacies are not propagated against any section of the society or any particular region which we have witnessed in past couple of months in a section of media across the country. It is the need of the hour that the common citizen reminds media of its social responsibility and the later does it best for a social transformation and social change. The impact media can make on the lives of the citizens can best be understood in its outreach across the demographic and geographic dimensions. With the technological innovations, competitive economy and healthy promotional policies of the government starting 1990s the media has crossed all the geographical, demographic and linguistic barriers to reach the remotest areas and majority of the population in the whole country. Today radio covers more than 95% of the rural population and satellite television coverage pockets 80% population and approximately 90% of the geographical area. More than a dozen round-the-clock major news channels are on an “exclusive-news” spree every moment everyday and apart from that regional channels especially private and also DD Regional Kendras have mushroomed over a period of time. Today we have more than hundred round the clock channels with often nothing to watch. The figures speak a lot about the possible impact of media on the “Indian mindset” and there is a larger debate going on, every now and then, in the intellectual circles that whether perceived notions and part realty are presented as facts or the media is fair enough to present the distributive justice and stand tall on a public scrutiny of the contents presented either for mass consumption, creating awareness, presenting facts, or propagating perceived notions even. The constructive and destructive role of media is understood by each one of us and at the same time we are aware that in the garb of freedom of speech and expression many misgivings are also propagated and media also in many instances has been used as an effective shield by the rich and the powerful. The question arises: has media become an elite luxury or is here to stay for betterment of masses? The answer becomes evident if one switches to the news channels on the air. Any able-minded person could make out the special leaning followed by many of the channels which is unhealthy for a democracy to work. A particular news item will be presented from different angles by different channels – though each one of us has an opinion on the happening and need not necessary that we think alike as we have to have a health critic and right to differ but at the same time false realities should not be imposed of the public at large. This is a serious cause of concern. The arrest of an influential goon in a metro will be termed as such by some, harassment of responsible citizen by other, and presented with religious intolerance angle by many others. There are only a few private news channels which can be termed a holistic and all-inclusive for a healthy society, with almost something for everyone to watch and a fair trial of the news, views and analysis. The Government owned Doordarshan and its chain of regional Kendras has done fairly well but unfortunately considered by most of us as having outlived its utility in the fast moving cable television. The golden era of Doordarshan may be over but still it has come up a long way and diversified across the country with respect it coverage, content and reach. And as we have observed in past many years media, especially at the national level, has often been biased against a one particular section or the other, thus the objectivity and value neutrality went missing in many cases of serious concern for the society in general and the affected people in particular. Another flaw affecting the media has been the presentation of part reality which of course is bound to be presented out of context in a vague manner which causes misinterpretation leading severe differences of opinion and brewing hatred. Is that the role media should play? Or it should work out a constructive role for social transformation. At the same time media has a role in exposing the misgivings of those who willfully ignore the facts to present a damaged picture of the facts to substantiate their argument. Few days back I had an opportunity to see a debate on an Islamic channel with a renowned scholar replying to the queries of the people gathered there belonging to different faiths and religions. A question was posed regarding talaq, the person asking question seemed to have concluded that Muslim women are treated the worst in the world and can be given talaq at any moment on bare discretion of the husband without any justified reason. Ironically the person got that picture form a book written by the nationally acclaimed author and senior BJP leader Arun Shourie in his book released a year back wherein he has quoted from the holy Quran that women ought to be treated that way and are at the mercy of husband. About a thousand audience in the hall and tens of thousands watching television at homes across the countries would have bought that ideology propagated by Mr Shourie and quoted by the person posing query at this function had the scholar not presented a right and convincing reply that too in the light of holy Quran and the same chapter and verse quoted or misrepresented by Mr Shourie. The reply was that the author had taken a part of a particular verse and presented it out of context. To draw an analogy he contested that one can say that in holy Quran it is mentioned that “don’t offer prayers” and question why Muslims offer prayers. He went ahead to say that, yes it is written there but it goes like this: “don’t offer prayers when your are unclean or in bodily pollution” and to put it that holy Quran impresses upon the Muslims not to offer prayers still they do, will be a cruelest sin. This was just a minor example to show that how minor things can snowball into wildfires with issues not let to settle down claiming the peace, tranquility and brotherhood in a secular society. Similar things are done by media many times thus the very concept of social cohesion is held hostage for the convenience and desire for recognition, by any means, for few. So, instead of creating such controversies and giving push to fallacies by presenting part realities out of context it is high time the media should seriously take up the social responsibility in letter and spirit. The freedom accorded to media should not prove detrimental to the public good and social welfare but it should complement and add-on for a peaceful and progressive democratic society. Technological innovations have made the news broadcast even faster than our thought process and it is a given fact that we easily take up whatever is presented by the media in most of instances so the latter should always feel obliged towards this responsibility of the faith reposed by the public in free media. It has rightly been said that it is media which can bring change without book, that is a change without formal education but it definitely adds to the education process as well. The long list family serials on the satellite channels apart from presenting thrillers and many times glorifying western culture undermining our own rich cultural heritage, should also think if presenting a message for society through these serials. It is worthwhile to mention here the newly released film Ghajini which has emerged as movie standing apart from the traditional Bollywood love stories, with e social message against child abuse and human trafficking and shows how some socially concerned persons do not care about their own life when it comes to social responsibility. And all of us know that the actor-producer Amir Khan is known for producing too less movies but with a bigger social message, be it Lagaan, Taare Zamin Par or the latest Ghajini. Many more actors and producers in the industry are also surely doing that but at the same time glorifying violence and attributing terror to a particular community or region also has been a Bollywood bastion which could hardly be ignored. Some television are specially designed for education like Gyandarshan and others also present dedicated programmes on social themes and rural development. In the era of global village we ought to think how best the benefits of advanced information and communication technology could reach the masses. Media should effectively deliver on the front of information and awareness creation and dissemination. The best tool to awaken the masses to take up their responsibility as well as to be aware of their rights and duties is none other than the print and electronic media. It remains an effective tool of socialization and social education by means of propagating societal norms and values as well as presenting newer advances in different fields, presenting their different aspects so as to make the public best judge to decide on the issues therein. The constructive role played by media will prove to be a boon for society otherwise it can well be a bane. Since it is a given fact that everyone of us has taken something from the society and we owe a lot to society so little contributions one must make to social well being taking it as a social responsibility and for media it can be termed as Media Social Responsibility since media definitely draws its freedom and strength from the society of which it is part and should not be seen as separate entity in conflict with the social norms, values and morals or those of a particular section of the society.
(Dr Shahid Iqbal, IFS is Dy Conservator of Forests)
4
4.0
Rating:
my IAS interview 2009
my IAS interview 24/04/2009
Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com
I entered the room and wished the Chairman and members, collectively, a good afternoon. The Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took the seat.
Khan: What’s your correct name? is it SHAID or SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it’s Shahid but in matriculation records it was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the same for CSE
Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that. It happens. But there is a procedure to get it changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have submitted the revised document now.
Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.
Khan: That’s nice. See how a single alphabet changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid appeared to me as “Perhaps” but you are witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir
Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is the computer which makes the result so make it sure some else Shahid may not take away your good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.
Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is known for some border related tensions. What problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-Border terrorism has created a lots of problem for the people. The town is only eight kilometers away from LoC and many times has remained in eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles along the LoC have really inflicted serious damage to the daily life of the people there.
Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development has been a greater reason which was reflected in lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover the opening up of the borders has played a major role : people have come to know the situation on the other side well.
Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been critical of the secessionist movement and did never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this the terrorists inflicted serious damages like repeated massacres at many places. Moreover their movement to highland pastures also go hampered.
DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors, unemployment and poverty had been major reasons which helped the secessionist and militants to misguide the youth.
( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87 LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947, JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE BASICS …BUT THAT’S UPSC PRESSURE TO WHICH WE SCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS. BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)
DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are there but these were reasons which helped terrorist to gain local support when the secessionist misguided the youth.
DSM: Do you think elections have to play any role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987 seven elections were the most rigged elections ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses. The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were declared defeated and those were the persons who lead the militant movement there. Hizb chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as a watershed event there. The kind of overwhelmeing response in the transparent elections has shown the way. Development has been a major reason for this.
DSM: So you think democracy can make or break your state.
SI: Certainly sir.
DSM: You mentioned, EARLIER, development and other measures. What are they and how they have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north south divide in Kashmir and opened up new avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and movement of people. The plight of people on other side of line has opened up the eyes of our people. The condition of livelihood and HR. Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee), Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement 210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things matter.
DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round. Precious timber like deodar used to be transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return of money. There had been a trade like that. Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True, money is a big game for them. Even drugs business is growing under their patronage)
DSM: What are the problems of animal husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock. But the problem is with the numbers. We have some 2 million non-producing animals at any given point of time. The tribal people do keep more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.
DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem obviously.
Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA. ( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too where a made a team of my range staff, and I used to play with them in free time. (feels happy over this)
MT: How many team members are there? What are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by the Net at half I.e 1.5m
MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have seen people playing during a tour, Beach volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is played in coastal areas.
MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.
MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi. What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.
MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don’t have an exact idea about it!!
MT: Which other Game event of this level was held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but frankly I don’t remember the exact year. Says it was 1982)
MT: What Programme has Army taken up in border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one “Sadbhavana” mission under which roads, bridges, schools, community centers, etc have been built. This has been a major contribution. It has certainly changed the image of army there.
MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a security measure, the LoC fencing?
MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration from Gurez area yesterday. There are inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not help. But certainly it has improved the things on this side.
Member Four: What are the basis of constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of LS.
MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in proportion to population, but I am missing the exact scheme.
MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by drawing members from both LS and RS. They are entrusted with works related to various ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill. So the committees see into pros and cons, suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure required etc.
MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is introduced then after the diss………..Chairman interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to answer that’s why. Question repeated. I said: I don’t have clear idea. Chairman explains that they work during budget session.
MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as elections were round the corner. So, I think demands for grants was approved…..something like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)
MF: But you should have studied it in GS for Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact scheme. Economy had always been weak in my case….(.smile.)
MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.
Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at 4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was non-committal about IRS. But now I have decided I will not join any service other than IAS.
MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS. And have done very good work, gained experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IFS I will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all about personal preference. (smile)
MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I have got a great exposures and have come out of that comfort zone thinking.
MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.
MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow colleagues in other services and a culture of teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme. Personally I learned photography and got a skill of writing.
Member Five: Difference Between plants and animals? (He was a bas####)
)
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize and animals do not. And the like things……………
M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don’t remember exactly. It’s been a long time I was at cellular level last!
M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.
M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don’t know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!) (M5: But a senior forest officer should know it)
M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in India.
M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture, because till recently Forest department was under Ministry of Agriculture.
M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure) (M5: Yes almost then)
M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.
M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I don’t know. (Says: Oh You don’t know DGF, I said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)
M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!! pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO NAHIN!!!!)
MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON’T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about other instts)
M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for post-2012.
M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense questions he is asking)
M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to play. It has chain of research and training institutes across the regions in India, where research is done. It collaborates at international l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a council at National level for coordination between states as well as I/N level. It serves as a resource for state forestry personnel too.
M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre. ( KISWAN KI TO BIRTH PLACE, FAMILY STRUCTURE, HOBBIES, DRESS CODE BHI BATA DUN, JUST ASK ME MAN: I FELT!!!!!!!!!!!!)
M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN. (LIKE I AM SITTING IN WITNESS BOX AND HE IS TELLING CHAIRMAN: YOUR WITNESS PLEASE!!!)
Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I have studied it only as a part of curriculum till metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for classroom purpose!!!!
Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.
Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh you already told u studied only as a part of curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG DAAG (Something …..i don’t remember), said Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion he said this?
Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this ( WITH A FADING AND HAPLESS FAKE SMILE, WHICH MIGHT BE APPEARING AS SADDAM HUSSAINS LAST ANGRY SMILE CAPTURED ON CAMERA)
Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice talking to a polished gentleman ( I know perhaps he is hitting hard for my few nonsense answers and shortly going to spoil my IAS aim…..God Forbid. I STARTED THINKING WHAY HE USED THESE WORDS, PERHAPS I DID SOMETHING WRONG? NO POSITIVE FEELING IN BOARD ROOM ANYWAYS….WILL THINK LATER). Thanks a lot.
SI: Thank You sir, (slightly bowing before all gentlemen in 180 degree movement of my neck). Closed the door with great respect, as if it is going to fetch me few more marks!! Gave small look inside, chairman was looking at file, others looking him, but the man M5 who was hell bent to spoil my interview, and did it, was keenly looking at me.
Barring the answer on militancy other things were smooth. Actually answering that question I was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth or the false information they want. So I bought time by saying existing factors etc, but could recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry Day. Forestry Institutes were though little embarrassing but I could say NO very politely and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But concluding remarks of the Chairman and the overall interview, to some extent makes me feel it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195
“ KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE, CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE”
AND
“ DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE GHODE HUM NE”
Feedback at shahidiqbalc@gmail.com
I entered the room and wished the Chairman and members, collectively, a good afternoon. The Chairman Mr I M G Khan smilingly welcomed and offered me the seat. I thanked him and took the seat.
Khan: What’s your correct name? is it SHAID or SHAHID:
SI: Sir, it’s Shahid but in matriculation records it was wrongly entered as SHAID so I quoted the same for CSE
Khan: Ha Ha…Some Babu must have done that. It happens. But there is a procedure to get it changed too?
SI: Yes Sir, I did that recently and have submitted the revised document now.
Khan: What is the difference between Shaheed and Shahid?
SI: Sir, Shaheed is Martyr and Shahid is Witness.
Khan: That’s nice. See how a single alphabet changes the meaning of name. So, Shahid appeared to me as “Perhaps” but you are witness?
SI: (SMILING), Sir
Khan: Just be careful about your name, as it is the computer which makes the result so make it sure some else Shahid may not take away your good score!! Do write many letters to Secretary UPSC citing your correct name!!! I am serious!!
SI: OK Sir, I will do the needful.
Khan: You are posted in Poonch. The district is known for some border related tensions. What problems do the people face.
SI: Sir right now I am posted in Srinagar and having served in Poonch I feel that the Cross-Border terrorism has created a lots of problem for the people. The town is only eight kilometers away from LoC and many times has remained in eye of the storm. The cross-fires and battles along the LoC have really inflicted serious damage to the daily life of the people there.
Khan: Has there been decline in militancy? What are the reasons?
SI: Certainly Yes, Sir. I would say development has been a greater reason which was reflected in lack of local support to the militancy. Moreover the opening up of the borders has played a major role : people have come to know the situation on the other side well.
Khan: What problems do the Gujjars and Bakkerwals face from militancy?
SI: Sir, traditionally the Gujjars have always been critical of the secessionist movement and did never lend support to the militancy. Irked at this the terrorists inflicted serious damages like repeated massacres at many places. Moreover their movement to highland pastures also go hampered.
DS Mathur: What are the causes of militancy in J&K?
SI: Sir, apart from the historical factors, unemployment and poverty had been major reasons which helped the secessionist and militants to misguide the youth.
( WHILE ANSWERING I COULD FEEL HOW COULD A PERSON LIKE ME GIVE SUCH A RUBISH ANSWER TO SUCH A GENERAL QUESTION? 87 LECTIONS, PLEBISCITE DEMAND, 1947, JAGMOHAN AND SO ON…………….I KNEW THE BASICS …BUT THAT’S UPSC PRESSURE TO WHICH WE SCUMB SOMETIMES, BUT LUCKILY I COULD RECOVER IN NEXT TWO QUESTIONS. BUT THE DISAPPOINTIMENT OVER MY ANSWER KEPT TAXING MY NERVES TILL I GAINED MY FORM BACK AFTER 5MIN OR SO)
DSM: But poverty and unemployment do exist in UP too, there is no militancy, then why in J&K?
SI: Sir, I meant to say that historical factors are there but these were reasons which helped terrorist to gain local support when the secessionist misguided the youth.
DSM: Do you think elections have to play any role in this?
SI: Certainly sir. It is a known fact that 1987 seven elections were the most rigged elections ever held in JK. This disappointed the masses. The popular leaders who had to be MLAs were declared defeated and those were the persons who lead the militant movement there. Hizb chief is a by-product of 1987 rigging only. On the contrast we see 2002 and 2008 elections as a watershed event there. The kind of overwhelmeing response in the transparent elections has shown the way. Development has been a major reason for this.
DSM: So you think democracy can make or break your state.
SI: Certainly sir.
DSM: You mentioned, EARLIER, development and other measures. What are they and how they have helped?
SI: An example to cite would be the Qazigund-Bramulla rail link which has bridged the north south divide in Kashmir and opened up new avenues. Second the cross LoC trade and movement of people. The plight of people on other side of line has opened up the eyes of our people. The condition of livelihood and HR. Economy too. Wheat floor is Rs 12/Kg in JK it is Rs 65/Kg in PoK. (Khan exclaimed : My Goodness, INR OR PR? I replied Indian Rupee), Meat here is Rs 120/Kg, and 275 in PoK, Cement 210/bag and 490/bag respectively. These things matter.
DSM: Do you think militancy saved forests? As they were out of bound for people?
SI: Sir, I think it was the other way round. Precious timber like deodar used to be transported to Pakistan through Jehlum in return of money. There had been a trade like that. Terrorists also encouraged local smugglers. So I think it damaged the forests more. (Khan: True, money is a big game for them. Even drugs business is growing under their patronage)
DSM: What are the problems of animal husbandry there? And what about diseases?
SI: Diseases like Rinderpest and FMD were a problem. Rinderpest has been eradicated but FMD remains a serious problem for the livestock. But the problem is with the numbers. We have some 2 million non-producing animals at any given point of time. The tribal people do keep more numbers as a matter of prestige only. I have seen in certain instances 4-6 producing animals in a herd of 150 or so. Its alarming.
DSM: That means a serious grazing pressure?
SI: Of course Sir. It is a serious problem obviously.
Member Three: You Play Volleyball. Where u picked up the Game?
SI: Sir, I started playing at LBSNAA and IGNFA. ( and after that?). well sir I did play in Pooch too where a made a team of my range staff, and I used to play with them in free time. (feels happy over this)
MT: How many team members are there? What are dimensions of court?
SI: Six players of each side. Court is 9 BY 9 on each side and a 3M Middle portion divided by the Net at half I.e 1.5m
MT: Whats difference between Volleyball and Beach Volleyball?
SI: I have not played beach volley ever but have seen people playing during a tour, Beach volleyball has a team of 2 compared to that of six in standard game. Moreover the solid ground in standard game is replaced by sand!!! It is played in coastal areas.
MT: When was it included in Olympics?
SI: I believe in 1960 or so.
MT: Some major game event coming up in Delhi. What and when?
SI: Commonwealth Games in 2010.
MT: What was its earlier name?
SI: (SMILED). Sorry sir, I don’t have an exact idea about it!!
MT: Which other Game event of this level was held in Delhi and when?
SI: Sir, Asian Games in early 1980s. ( Asks which year. Sir I think it is 1984 or so, but frankly I don’t remember the exact year. Says it was 1982)
MT: What Programme has Army taken up in border areas? And its impact?
SI: There is one “Sadbhavana” mission under which roads, bridges, schools, community centers, etc have been built. This has been a major contribution. It has certainly changed the image of army there.
MT: There was another programme along LoC?
SI: Not a developmental programme but a security measure, the LoC fencing?
MT: Yes, yes. What about it. Is it successful?
SI: Yes sir, to a greater extent. But you cannot fence the whole state!! Like we saw infiltration from Gurez area yesterday. There are inaccessible terrains also where fencing can not help. But certainly it has improved the things on this side.
Member Four: What are the basis of constituencies, like that of LS or Assembly?
SI: A uniform ratio of electorate to representative. Roughly eleven lakhs in case of LS.
MF: What about ST, SCs? What percentage.
SI: Reservation is there for ST/SC. Perhaps, in proportion to population, but I am missing the exact scheme.
MF: What are Parliamentary Committees? Whats the need?
SI: Sir, these are committees constituted by drawing members from both LS and RS. They are entrusted with works related to various ministries.
Since it is not possible for the parliament to go into the basics of everything, say a Forests Bill. So the committees see into pros and cons, suggest measures etc, also budget/expenditure required etc.
MF: When do they work?
SI: (I MISSED THE QUESTION AND STARTED ANSWERING WRONGLY) sir when the bill is introduced then after the diss………..Chairman interrupts(NO NO)…..i said, Sorry I missed the question. Chairman says : You are in hurry to answer that’s why. Question repeated. I said: I don’t have clear idea. Chairman explains that they work during budget session.
MF: How was the Budget this year?
SI: No budget was presented this year sir, as elections were round the corner. So, I think demands for grants was approved…..something like that…. (FORGOT VOTE ON ACCOUNT)
MF: But you should have studied it in GS for Mains?
SI: Perhaps I am unable to recollect the exact scheme. Economy had always been weak in my case….(.smile.)
MF: What are your service options/preferences?
SI: Sir, IAS, IPS, IFS. But I will join only IAS.
Chairman: But you have also mentioned IRS at 4.
SI: Sir, at the time of filling up mains form I was non-committal about IRS. But now I have decided I will not join any service other than IAS.
MF: Why not IFS? Is it about seniority?
SI: no Sir. I have already put 4 years into IFS. And have done very good work, gained experience too. In IAS I would be starting from a threshold, as job is more or less similar. In IFS I will have to start from Zero. Moreover its all about personal preference. (smile)
MF: If you get Nagaland cadre?
SI: I will join sir. Cadre is not a problem for me today. In 2005 I was committed to leave service if I get any cadre other than JK. But since then I have got a great exposures and have come out of that comfort zone thinking.
MF: Which awards you won in LBSNAA?
SI: Sir, in Photography and Essay writing.
MF: What you learned at LBSNAA?
SI: For me, it was interaction with fellow colleagues in other services and a culture of teamwork, be it trekking or cultural programme. Personally I learned photography and got a skill of writing.
Member Five: Difference Between plants and animals? (He was a bas####)
)
SI: Animals can move plants cannot, they can eat and plants do not, plants photosynthesize and animals do not. And the like things……………
M5: But they differ at cellular level too. Do you know what centrosomes are?
SI: (FEELING HELPLESS) Sir I don’t remember exactly. It’s been a long time I was at cellular level last!
M5: Oh yes, I forgot. That might be the reason.
M5: When is the World Forestry Day?
SI: Sir, I don’t know exactly (BLUNDER!!!!!) (M5: But a senior forest officer should know it)
M5: Who was Brandis?
SI: A German forester. Was appointed first IG Forests in 1850s. Started scientific forestry in India.
M5: Under which Ministry Mr. Brandis worked?
SI: Sir, I think it was ministry of Agriculture, because till recently Forest department was under Ministry of Agriculture.
M5: Absolutely right. So tell me when was your Ministry of Environment and Forests created?
SI: Sir, I THINK it was in 1985 ( was not sure) (M5: Yes almost then)
M5: Who is IGF now?
SI: Sir, now we have DG Forests, and many IGs.
M5: Who is DGF?
SI: Sir, Mr J C Kala was in 2007, thereafter I don’t know. (Says: Oh You don’t know DGF, I said out of sight out of mind perhaps, after academy I concentrated more on affairs in state)
M5: That is a history. Kala retired long back.
M5: Who is Director IGNFA?
SI: Sir, a Haryana Cadre IFS officer was posted recently. Yes, Mr Jakati, Mr B D Jakati. (Thank God, kisi ka naam to aya, wo be ludak ludak k!!!!! pata nahin hai k wo be retire ho gya TO NAHIN!!!!)
MF: What are international forestry institutes?
SI: I DON’T HAVE MUCH IDEA SIR. ONE IS ITC NETHERLANDS WHERE FORESTERS UNDERGO GIS RS TRAINING.( Rejects and explains about other instts)
M5: What is importance of 2011 for Foresters?
SI: One is regarding Climate Change. A protocol to replace Kyoto has to be ratified by then for post-2012.
M5: OK. But 2011 has been designated by the UN as I/N Year of Forestry.
SI: ok sir. (sad feeling. What all nonsense questions he is asking)
M5: What is ICFRE? Do we need such a council?
SI: Sir, it is Indian Council for Forestry, with HQ at Dehradun. Certainly ICFRE has major role to play. It has chain of research and training institutes across the regions in India, where research is done. It collaborates at international l evel too. I think we certainly rquire such a council at National level for coordination between states as well as I/N level. It serves as a resource for state forestry personnel too.
M5: Who is DG ICFRE?
SI: Sir, Mr Jagdish Kishan, an IFS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre. ( KISWAN KI TO BIRTH PLACE, FAMILY STRUCTURE, HOBBIES, DRESS CODE BHI BATA DUN, JUST ASK ME MAN: I FELT!!!!!!!!!!!!)
M5: POINTS TOWARDS CHAIRMAN. (LIKE I AM SITTING IN WITNESS BOX AND HE IS TELLING CHAIRMAN: YOUR WITNESS PLEASE!!!)
Khan: Shahid, do you know Urdu? Have you studied poetry?
SI: Sir, I have only working knowledge of Urdu. I have studied it only as a part of curriculum till metric standard. Poetry too I studied but for classroom purpose!!!!
Khan: Ok. Ok, name some poets you have studied then?
SI: (PLAYING SAFE!!), sir as I mentioned only as a part of curriculam, I studied, Mirza Galib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi among others.
Khan: o i see. So recite some couplet of Faiz. Oh you already told u studied only as a part of curriculam. So let me recite for you. YE DAAG DAAG (Something …..i don’t remember), said Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Do you know on what occasion he said this?
Khan: He expressed his pain over the partition of India.
SI: OK Sir, now I will remember this ( WITH A FADING AND HAPLESS FAKE SMILE, WHICH MIGHT BE APPEARING AS SADDAM HUSSAINS LAST ANGRY SMILE CAPTURED ON CAMERA)
Chairman: smiles, so Mr Shahid, it was nice talking to a polished gentleman ( I know perhaps he is hitting hard for my few nonsense answers and shortly going to spoil my IAS aim…..God Forbid. I STARTED THINKING WHAY HE USED THESE WORDS, PERHAPS I DID SOMETHING WRONG? NO POSITIVE FEELING IN BOARD ROOM ANYWAYS….WILL THINK LATER). Thanks a lot.
SI: Thank You sir, (slightly bowing before all gentlemen in 180 degree movement of my neck). Closed the door with great respect, as if it is going to fetch me few more marks!! Gave small look inside, chairman was looking at file, others looking him, but the man M5 who was hell bent to spoil my interview, and did it, was keenly looking at me.
Barring the answer on militancy other things were smooth. Actually answering that question I was quadruple minded whether to tell the truth or the false information they want. So I bought time by saying existing factors etc, but could recover shortly. Questions like DGF. Forestry Day. Forestry Institutes were though little embarrassing but I could say NO very politely and with a helpless fake smile. While M5 was asking questions I felt at the lowest ebb. But concluding remarks of the Chairman and the overall interview, to some extent makes me feel it was good in deed. BUT A THREAT, OF UPSC BEING MOST UNPREDICTABLE, STILL LOOMS LARGE.
So expectation: 180-195
“ KUCHCH ISS TARAH SE HUM NE TAE KARI HAIN MANZILAIN, GIR PADE GIR KAR UTHE, CHAL DIYE AUR CHALTE RAHE”
AND
“ DASHT TO DASHT HAI DARYA BHI NA CHHODE HUM NE, BEHER-E-ZULMAT MAI DAUDA DIYE GHODE HUM NE”
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