Shortcomings of Didi's Draft Land Bill

On draft Land Bill of West Bengal govt:
So far as compensation to land losers in her land bill is concerned Didi has taken cue from the central counterpart.Proposed offer is uniquely good.But where will money come from to fulfil the commitment as the govt is cash trapped?Similar argument might be tagged with the offer of providing employment to the land losers.That apart, compensation at flat rate irrespective of quantum of land as suggested in the clause may not appear rational to the land owners.

The clause that asks the private companies to buy 100% land from the owners directly even for public purposes and govt would in no way participate in the process will certainly create more problems than it solves.Incidentally,this clause is applicable to P-P-P projects also.It's not possible for the industrialists to approach the land owners individually particularly in a state like ours where land is fragmented in innumerable small plots after land reform.So land sharks will rule the roost as seen in vedic village scandal.That apart, some land owners themselves might ask for exorbitantly high price or might be unwilling to sell out his/her plot for some reason or other.It will disturb contiguity and the buyer would have no choice but to abandon purchase of the tract of land on which a small factory or a big industry that could generate employments was to come up.In short the present clause is not industry friendly.There's another aspect too.As govt has no control on private purchase, a buyer might lure a farmer to give away his multi crop land and it'll affect our food production badly.So this clause need to be reviewed and govt in some way or other should participate in such land deal.

Another clause that needs reconsideration is the purchase of land by the govt for public purposes like laying of railway tracks, construction of hospitals , roads etc.Here the consent of 100% owners is a must.In practice it's not possible.For a tract of land some owners might be unwilling to give away their plots..In that case, govt will have to backtrack.So the general rule should be if majority(say 80% as in central bill) of the land owners agree to part with their land, whole land can be acquired.

--

Dissolution of Executive council

Mentor group vs.Executive Council:
It's a bad beginning for Presidency University.Little did Mamata Banerjee think when she initiated the move to create Mentor group for the better functioning of this university that it'd lock horn with the existing Executive Council(EC) on various issues instead of working in tandem.Both Mentor group and EC have eminent personalities as their members.EC is more powerful in the sense that it's executive power while the Mentor group is only an advisory body whose advice,however, is no binding on EC.In view of on- going conflict between the two bodies govt has decided to dissolve the present EC and form a new one inducting the present members of the Mentor group in it.What's interesting,Mentor group will also co-exist with EC with more or less the same members manning the two bodies.Now, what is the necessity of Mentor group if it's members common with those of EC?Even if the members of the mentor group are replaced by new members in future, is there any guarantee that both the bodies would work in unision without any difference of opinion as of now ?In fact,what's the harm if there's no Mentor group at all?Too many cooks just spoil the broth.

However, the saddest part of the story is the unceremonious dismissal of brilliant personalities in their respective fields, who consented to be members of EC on request from the earlier govt for their emotional attachment to this premier seat of learning.They'll definitely feel insulted and humiliated.

Not in jest!

(1)Political Rally!
Son:Dad, High court has summoned a political party for bringing school children to participate in their rally.
Dad: I know, my son.
Son: Why has court intervened in this matter,dad?
Dad: Because child lifting is a criminal offence, my boy.

(2)Teesta treaty!
Son: PM claims Didi was consulted in Teesta water sharing issue till the last moment.So Didi could have cancelled her visit earlier.
Dad: PM is right my, son.
Son: Then, Didi must be wrong, dad.
Dad: No, my son.Didi's is correct too.
Son: How,dad?
Dad: It's simple, my son.PM made the controversial change in the draft at the last moment.

(3) Terrorists' attack!
Son: Our lives are at the mercy of the terrorists, dad.
Dad: No, my boy.We rather mercy the terrorists.
Son: How dad?
Dad: Because we allow them to effortlessly strike us and escape unscathed in most cases.

7/9 Delhi High Court Blast!

Delhi high court blast is the same story of administrative callousness.This time ,of course, security lapses are unpardonable and unbelievable too.It was only on May 25 this year Delhi high court experienced a blast at one of its entrances.It was a stroke of good luck that the blast was of low intensity.It was an abortive attempt on the part of the terrorists to engineer a high intensity blast.But nevertheless no security measures were adopted since then though it was planned to do so.Administrative bungling reportedly stood in the way of installation of even CC TVs at the court premises, a minimum requirement for security measure.That apart, metal detectors too were non functional.It's alleged there was a broad based intelligence report of possible terrorists' attack at Delhi and there was no specific information.Now the blame game would start as usual and enquiry would be initiated with a slim chance of tracking down the miscreants.Even if the culprits are apprehended, would we get back the lives of the victims?Imagine how many families would be ruined.Delhi people still complain even in the wake of such a tragedy administration is yet to react properly.A sense of insecurity has engulfed them.Red alert has been promulgated in other metro cities also.But in reality we notice no extra security measures worth the name in Kolkata.Perhaps,situation is no better at other metros also.So far as security is concerned we've resigned to our fate.Now we know we'll live so long as the terrorists will allow us to.Since the twin tower tragedy in America not a single incidence of terrorist activity has ever taken place.Admittedly,in a poor and largely populated country like ours, we can't afford high tech security measures like America but we can't even do what we're capable of doing.People here are so attuned to such tragedies like terrorists' attacks, they take them in their stride and forget these incidents in a few days, of course except those who've lost their near and dear ones or survived this tragedy and remain maimed for life.

Teesta Water Treaty

Mamata's refusal
Last minute refusal of Mamata Banerjee to accompany PM, Dr. Monmohan Singh to Bangladesh to sign Teesta water treaty, among other things. baffled many.Only the other day Mamata was quite enthusiastic about her visit to Bangladesh with PM but she revised her decision at the eleventh hour.Mamata has alleged final draft of the water treaty is radically different from the earlier one that was brought to her knowledge.In the earlier draft Bangladesh was to get 25% of Teesta water which she agreed to but in final draft it was changed to 50%,which would jeopardise the interest of our state. What's more,the change was brought in without taking her into confidence. But why did center make this major change in the final draft without informing Mamata? Did it take Mamata for granted as her party is an ally of UPA-II govt?Or was it a benevolent gesture from a big brother to a small neighbouring state?Left too claim they had reservation against Teesta water treaty.In that case, center should have proceeded more cautiously posting Mamata on any major modification incorporated in the final draft.If the treaty is prejudicial to the interest of our state people would hold Mamata responsible for it and she'd would be poltically on the back foot.Decision to abandon a long awaited and much sought-after treaty at the last moment would not send a good message to the international community.PMO is responsible for inept handling of the situation.Unfortunate, indeed.
Dr.Ujjal.K.Pal,

An unfortunate decision!

Enquiry into Susanta Ghose's 'overstay' in hospital:
Govt's decision to form a three-man committee headed by the departmental head of Cardiology, R.G.Kar medical college, Kolkata to enqurire if Susanta Ghosh,former minister of Left Front govt now accused in Garbeta Skeleton case was retained in SSKM hospital by doctors for more days than required to examine his health when he complained of physical indisposition during interrogation in CID custody is unfortunate.Perhaps never before in our state, such a thing has ever happened.Govt suspects Mr. Ghosh was intentionally allowed to over stay in the hospital to avoid or delay CID interrogation.But it's not understood why doctors would unnecessarily detain Ghosh in the hospital in the name of medical examination.Do the govt think it's politically motivated and the team of doctors who examined Susanta belonged to a particular political party?In fact, such a decision would send a wrong signal to the medical fraternity.More over, it's unlikely that the doctors manning the enquiry committee would submit any adverse report against their colleagues
--

Free-for-all admission to pvt enggn colleges!!

It'd prove judicious if govt backtrack on its decision of admission of students who're poor rank holders in WBJEE and even those who've simply passed XIISc with minimum 45% each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics to elite institutions like Besu and J.U as well.Such a decision is unthinkable to the academic circle, let alone to the authorities of the two premier institutes of engineering education in our state.As expected, they've refused to compromise with merit and requested the govt to reconsider its decision.They're, however, unwilling to go in collision course with govt.

For private engineering colleges, however, the case is altogether different.Seats are lying vacant in many colleges and it inflicts financial loss on the owners of these colleges.So quite normally they'd try to fill up these seats by any means even by giving a go-by to merit.Govt has come to their rescue and lowered the norms of admission even to the XIIsc pass level.Money permitting even the most ordinary students who're not even fit for studying pass course in general stream would be admitted to these colleges.and might find it difficult to continue and ultimately drop out.Nevertheless those who'd be able to carry on are unlikely to finish with good results.Certainly, there are exceptions.WBJEE is a one day game where many good students fared badly.Similar is the case with XII exams or any examination in general.However,exceptions don't prove the rule.That apart. those who recruit engineers also consider the performance of the candidates in board examinations too.What's more to study engineering in private colleges is pretty costly now.Some take education loans.But after managing to have passed engineering exams some how if these ordinary students who are referred to here can't afford to have a job,will not they suffer from frustrations? Our private engineering colleges would also earn bad name.So govt should reconsider its decision of almost free-for-all admission rule for private engineering colleges in the interest of education and also for reputation of our state.

Compliments to Prakas Bajaj&Aranab Goswami

Prakash Bajaj,
Editor,
Times Of India,Bombay.

Thank you a lot for your sincerest active support to Anna's crusade against corruptions.No words are sufficient to praise your efforts to mobilise public opinion for this noble cause through your sustained campaign.Your social commitments and concern for social malaise should deserve praise from all those who like to see corruptions minimised in India.

The way you've boldly lashed out at corruptions of the politicians by name in your open letter to the Prime minister is unbelievable.You've not spared even the Prez of India.Really very few editors have the courage and conviction to do so.I once again thank you specially for this brave job.

I would fail in my duty if I skip, on behalf of all well meaning people, to extend thanks to Arnab Goswami of Times Now, a TV channel belonging to Times of India(if I'm not wrong) for successfully making people identifying with Anna's war against corruptions by his electrifying anchoring skill that was surcharged with rare combination of emotion and logic at the same time.
Wish you best of luck.
With Regards,

Dr.U.K.Pal,
Kolkata

Anna drama-a historical moment!

Anna drama ends with a happy note punctuated with some tense moments.Anna's triumph is people's triumph.Govt's reaction to Anna's demand for a stronger and effective Lokpal Bill was initially very rigid.It stuck to its own version of the Bill.Anna threatened to go on indefinite fast.Govt had an experience of Anna's earlier fast and the unprecedented mass support it enlisted.But it couldn't dare to foil Anna's fast the way it put an end to Baba Ramdev's movement against black money by midnight swoop either.So it tried to beat Anna before Anna could beat it. Govt put Anna behind the bar even before he could start his fast.Little did it think that Anna could start fast even in jail.Yes, he did and refused to leave jail unless he was permitted to fast in Ramlila ground.Govt conceded to Anna's demand.Then parliament was in session and govt had to face the opposition .On the other hand people started pouring in Ramlila ground from across the country.As days rolled on support to Anna grew tremendously.Entire nation seemed to have rallied behind him.Govt was put on the spot.It'd to suffer twin pressures-one from Anna team another from the opposition. Bouts of negotiations continued among Anna team,govt and the opposition.Now the problem boiled down to incorporation of three points in the Bill namely inclusion of lower bureaucracy,formation of Lokayuta in the state and introduction of Citizen charter.Anna claimed if these three points in Anna's Lokpal Bill were not accepted by the parliament he would not break his fast. Talk continued .Some times it seemingly resulted in break-through and sometimes in break-down.Oscillation between hope and despair breath takingly continued.At last parliament accepted Anna's three sticking points on the 11th day of his fast.Anna broke his fast on the 12th day.He said only half the battle was won.Whole nation watched the drama with bated breath.

Besu and J.U too!

Lowering the standard of Enggn education:
State govt's insistence on premier institutes like Besu and JU to admit candidates who've got lower ranks in WBJEE is really deplorable and unthinkable too.These institutes are well known for their excellence in Engineering educations and are normally first choices for very high rank holders in WBJEE.For campus violence, of course,BESU has, of late, earned bad reputation.But in academic excellence it still stands out as one of the best institutes in the country.To admit poor ranking students in these institutes just to fill up some empty seats in mechanical and civil engineering is a copromise on their standard and it merits no justification on any count.It's a long standing process for an institution to attain a high standard and it's all the more difficult to sustain it.For an academy to maintain its reputation it essentially needs good students apart from a good faculty.Govt should desist from imposing this unjust decision on these institutes particularly when it's put its best foot forward to make Presidency University a world class one.Incidentally,mentors of Presidency university have called such a move of the education department is quite unjust.

For private engineering colleges too govt's decision to fill up the vacant seats, if needed, even by students who passed class XII Sc with mere 45% marks each in Physics,Chemistry and Mathematics is also utterly unfortunate and impractical .Such a move is probably made with a view to making good the financial loss incurred by the corporates who own these colleges for quite a large number of seats are still falling vacant even after the counseling is over.Except a few private Eng colleges in our state most private colleges are yet to reach the desired level in terms of faculties and infrastructure.Now if no holds barred system is allowed for admission to such colleges, what message does it send to the corporate world that recruits engineering graduates?.
--

Banning Bandh

To Editor, TOI
Dear sir,
I beg to differ from Times view (25 August) that bandhs be banned.Nor do I think bandh be called at the drop of a hat as once Didi herself did.Bandh is a democratic tool of protest that should be used as a last resort.Fortunately, there're now fewer bandhs in our state.No political party except TMC would support the move to make bandhs illegal.However,I fully share your view regarding road blockade, rallies etc. in the city.

What's very interesting is once Didi called bandhs on flimsy grounds and now when in power she's campaigning for banning bandhs.It's still remembered how her supporters blocked a busy and very important high way like Durgapur Express Way for days together(15days) totally throwing traffic movement out of the gear during her Singur stir.It's also fresh in people's memory how her MLAs went on the rampage at Assembly house and ruthlessly broke furniture and other properties of the house.However,it's heartening that at last good sense has dawned on her

On Arundhati Roy's comments on Anna Hazare

Arundhati Roy has said nothing new.She's only echoed what the govt is saying.Does she think Lokpal Bill that govt has approved could be capable of combating corruptions?Since Independence we've seen umpteen instances of scams.But how many of scamsters have been punished?Perhaps not many or none.Immediately after India won freedom one of our national leaders assured us that black marketeers would be hanged at the lamp posts.But so far how many of such people have been awarded punishment by our law enforcing authorities?Definitely the number is too small to mention.In fact, the corrupt people have a free run in our society and common people watch it helplessly.Lokpal Bill that was conceived in 1969 languished in parliament for last 43 years.Corruptions have been way of our life and for those in high places they are mind boggling.Sad to say, many of our elected representatives who're in the corridor of power are abjectly corrupt.Raja and Kalmadi are just tip of the iceberg.When we, common people, resigned to fate that perhaps our country was destined to be one of the most corrupt countries of the world ,it's Anna Hazare who came like a god send and launched his movement against corruptions through his fast unto death.It gave a jolt to the govt and a knee jerk efforts were made to draft Lokpal Bill.Then where was social activist Arundhati Ray?It's easy to criticise Anna's movement and try to vilify his honest effort.Mind it's for nothing almost the entire nation has rallied behind him for a strong Lokpal Bill.These people are no fools as you think them to be.It's Govt Bill that is intended to pamper and perpetuate corruptions.Do you support this Bill simply because it has been approved of by our people;s representatives.Have you ever thought why people have lost faith in our elected representatives and reposed confidence in Anna whom you might criticise as extra constitutional center of power?Because our representatives have betrayed us and let us down.Unfortunately, nevertheless they enjoy the patronage of people like you in the name of supremacy of parliamentary democracy.Really sad!

Escape Route!

Lokpal Bill
Anna Hazare's fast falls on the 6th day today.Anna looks quite steady and cheerful. Effect of fast seems not to have yet touched Anna.Many others who're fasting with him have fallen ill and are suffering from dehydration.Anna is physically no superman but his extraordinary determination and power of will keeps him going.Nevertheless with days rolling on fast would take its toll and the septuagenarian might fall ill.Though initially the Gandhian leader was on indefinite fast but later he's declared he is on fast unto death.His fast would continue till his Jan Lokpal Bill is accepted by the govt.However, govt is yet to bend perhaps waiting for Anna to fall ill so that he could be removed to hospital.It is thought absence of Anna would dampen the spirit of the crowd who'll gradually thin out.But by all indications it's not going to happen and rather the opposite might happen with more people pouring in the capital to see Anna at hospital.Then it would be a trying time for Delhi administration to control the crowd which could turn violent.It's the electrifying presence of Anna that has restrained the crowd and no untoward incident has not so far taken place despite the presence of unprecedented mobilization of people.

What's unfortunate is the mood of the govt is one of confrontation and it's unwilling to open dialogue with Anna team though the latter has offered to sort out the matter through negotiation.Govt is rather unwilling to pay any special weightage to Anna as it argues Lokpal Bill as approved by the cabinet is now its property.It seeks people's opinion on the Bill by giving ad of the bill in print media and has decided to discuss the Bill only in the Standing Committee.What now govt tries to bring home to all is that there's no practically any difference between Anna and ordinary people of the country.They weigh equally the opinion of the civil society and that of common men.However, govt at heart knows it's consciously ignoring the ground realities and is at the receiving end in view of of the overwhelming support Anna is receiving from all sections of people.Now govt in fact tries to bail out of the present situation honourably and is groping for an escape route.Now the best option for the govt is to get the Lokpal Bill modified by the Standing Committee in the light of Anna's suggestions and passed in parliament.Hopefully, political parties wouldn't object to the provisions of the Bill in parliament considering the popular mood of the country.

State's name

After much fanfare West Bengal is renamed Paschimbanga.It's helped the state to ascend only a few steps in alphabetical ladder.Only for this marginal gain the hassles of changing the name of the state should not have taken.In fact, the name Paschimbanga is irrelevant as there's no Purbabanga now, only Banga could have been chosen.In that case in alphabetical order it could go much higher up.Even simple Bangla couldn't be a mean choice.It's no excuse that Bangla would be confused with our neighbouring state Bangladesh.Again,Bengal could be another option.If our country is called India and Bharat,why not our state be called Bangla and Bengal?I think Pachimbanga is rather an inferior choice to other names mentioned above, so a second thought may be given to the matter by the appropriate authority.

Anna's Fast

Govt has ultimately bent down.They've permitted Anna Hazare to go on fast for fifteen days at Ramlila Maidan ,Delhi. Anna would start indefinite fast today and not fast unto death as was his program on earlier occasion.It means he'd continue fast as long as his health would permit.This decision is communicated to press and public by Kiran Bedi, a member of Anna's team.

Interestingly,Anna is capable of continuing fast for nine consecutive days without any serious health problem, a social activist doctor closely associated with Anna claims.Incidentally,Anna is a patient of high blood pressure and takes anti hypertensive medicine regularly.That apart,he's a patient of peptic ulcer too.Still so enormous is his mental strength he'd manage to continue fast for days together putting govt on the spot.

However,a section of people in UPA govt think otherwise.They expect at this age Anna would not be able to continue fast for long as he'll fall ill and be hospitalized.When Anna will be in hospital, his supporters will thin out and as a result Anna's movement will lose momentum and might ultimately die down.

Perhaps those who indulge in harbouring above facile optimism are in fools' paradise.Popular discontent against corruptions is so intense and support to Anna is so spontaneous and overwhelming this anti-corruption stir will not tone down until parliament passes a strong Lokpal Bill to arrest corruptions.

What's most shocking is some people have started vilification campaign against Anna.They question Anna's honesty and integrity.Some even smell foreign hand behind the present movement.However, the Gandhian leader is made of sterner stuff.Nothing can stand in the way of his mission.

In view of the prevailing unrelenting popular mood against corruptions govt should shun its ego that whatever be the suggestions of Anna and the civil society regarding Lokpal Bill it's the parliament which would decide the final form of the Bill, no matter the legislation is not strong enough to take on corruptions effectively.The present unrest should not be allowed drift any more and it's high time govt could reach a compromise formula through dialogue with Anna and his team so that parliament can pass a strong Lokpal Bill as desired by millions of people of our country.

In lighter vein only!

On anti-corruption movement:

(1)Mayawati joins Anna's movement!
Son:Dad, Mayawati has extended support to Anna Hazare for his crusade against corruption.
Dad:I think Lalu prasad too would soon follow suit.
Son:May be, dad.
Dad:It's high time Anna could revise his decision of continuing fast.

(2)UPA on tiger's back!
Son: They say Anna's put UPA govt on a tiger's back making it difficult to alight by refusing to leave Tihar Jail.
Dad; But govt is behaving like a tiger still roaring against Anna's demand of Jana Lokpal Bill.
Son: If so, it reminds one of Bikram-Aur-Betal.

(3)USA behind anti-corruption movement
Son:Dad, UPA claims America is behind Anna's movement against Corruptions
Dad:Then we should be grateful to USA in helping us fighting corruptions.

--

Message on 65th Independencen Day

Have my heartiest greetings on the 65th Independence Day of our nation.Many of you've not seen the British Raj but fortunately or unfortunately I did.I can proudly claim I happened to be a witness to historic event of transfer of power from the British and emergence of an independent and sovereign nation India.On this auspicious day I can't help striking a discordant note like our Prime Minister that India has earned the dubious distinction of emerging as one of the most corrupt countries of the world in 65 years also.What's most worrying is our elected leaders fail or don't like to realize this home truth.So they're reluctant to weed out corruptions and instead endeavour to pamper them.It's people who can bring them to senses.Perhaps those days are not far off.We have to find solace in such optimism,may it be a wishful thinking.Thank you.

Proposed Agitation Against Lokpal Bill

It's shocking after passing a toothless and spineless Lokpal Bill that is to all appearances intend to perpetuate corruptions instead of eradicating them some of the high profile cabinet ministers vociferously demand any law passed by the parliament can't be objected to or adversely criticized by the civil society or any attempt to go in for agitation to modify the law in favour of their demand is an affront to parliament.Whatever is passed in parliament is not sacrosanct and so to contest it is no sacrilege either.The argument put forward by our elected leaders are not only silly but it's an attempt to take people for a ride. We have elected some people to parliament by electoral process who're entrusted with the power to pass legislations.It's expected they'd frame the appropriate law to suit the purpose and make no mistake deliberately or otherwise to serve some vested interest.So in case the law is found wanting in merit to tackle the situation people has every right to protest against such an impotent law as in case of Lokpal Bill.Delhi administration should in no way prevent Anna Hazare and civil society from launching agitation against Lokpal Bill.

Presidency University:Mentor group vs Council

Perhaps every institution has teething trouble when it starts functioning.So Presidency university might not be an exception.There has arisen a difference of opinion between the Presidency Council and the mentor group over opening of new courses at post graduate level though both members of the council and mentors are trying hard to make Presidency university as one of the best universities of the country by redeeming the lost glory.True, Presidency authorities have already taken decision to open PG courses in six new subjects like mathematics, statistics, history, political science, sociology and philosophy.But the decision can be reconsidered in view of the mentors' suggestion not to launch these courses because of lack of infrastructure.Though mentor group is only an advisory body and its suggestion is no binding on the council, it does not augur well for the new born university to respect the mentors more in defiance than in observance from the very beginning.Nor does it send a good message to people at large.It's expected the council and the mentor group would work in tandem.What 's worrying again Prof.Suranjan Das, vice- chancellor of Calcutta University who is member of the Presidency Council has contested the decision of the Council to open new courses at Post graduate level.It sadly reflects lack of coordination even among the members of the Executive Council.Any way, a spirit of confrontation between the members of the council and those of mentor group is extremely unfortunate and if it continues as such, the purpose of forming the mentor group to aid and advise the executive council for better functioning of the latter will be lost.So the problem should be sorted out as early as possible in the interest of the university.Other wise, it would only bear out the old saying:too many cooks spoil the broth.

Derailed Railways

Indian Railways are now in complete mess.It seems there's no administration worth the name to look after such massive network like Railways.Rail carries millions of people and is considered the main life line of our country.Rail is also the largest employer in public sector.What's very alarming is the safety and security of Railways are at the receiving end and so Rail is plagued with frequent accidents People now fear to board trains.Those who're on long journey by trains remain worried all the way and thank providence when they reach their destination safely. In fact, no body can assure a passenger that he/she would travel safe and reach the destination.What's very worrying again is more often that not faults in railway tracks are found to be root cause of accidents as they're not well maintained.In the recent derailment and head on collision between Guwahati-B'lore and Azimganj-Malda Passenger near Malda soil below the railway track was found to have subsided due to rains.It was not earlier detected for sheer lack of supervision.

Again, railway men sometimes badly lack their sense of responsibility.In the accident referred to above the guard of Guwahati express who remained unhurt after the accident didn't allegedly care to inform the station master of the nearest station with the help of his walkie talkie so that he(station master) could halt Azimganj Passenger there.Or he could show the in-coming Azimganj Passenger red signal from his lantern.In fact, he did none of the two.What a callousness!

Most of the Railway accidents now occur because of human errors.In post accident rescue operation and other related crisis management activities Rail's performance is far from satisfactory. Introduction of large number of new trains without upgrading infrastructure to bear the burnt has made the matter worse and also contribute to frequent accidents.

Rail has decreased man power sufficiently and so there're fewer people to check tracks and railway equipments regularly or properly.What's unfortunate, Rail has failed to press into service the much talked about anti-collision devices as yet reportedly due to lack of fund.It's difficult to think Rail stakes people's lives for financial constraints.

Passenger amenities have also touched almost rock bottom.Quality of food served from Railways pantry cars are normally poor and some times inedible.What's more,incidences of passengers being roughed up by employees of pantry car services of mail or express trains are now almost daily occurrences.New Railway minister is expected to take proper initiative to address the problems and put the Railways on right track.