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Showing posts from 2012

Random Thoughts

by D. Dhanuraj Three incidents in the last week shocked/encouraged me to write this edition of Random Thoughts. Incident 1: I was walking to South Block to find the status update of  the application that I had submitted with MEA(Ministry of External Affairs). I was issued Gate pass and went for security check. The officer on duty told me that I could not enter the premises with the laptop that was kept in my shoulder bag. I readily agreed. Then I told them that I did not want to carry my shoulder bag also but they should allow me to keep it somewhere. "It is none of our business"; she told me. I asked her what to do then. She asked me to keep the bag in the vehicle that I came by or keep it in the hotel  where I stayed. I did not have both the options as I was travelling from Cochin in the morning flight. Then I approached the reception. They had also the same reply but tone was different; that's all. I asked the security officer whether it meant I should go back t

JUDICIAL ACTIVISM IN INDIA- An Overview

By Arjun.M, Administrative Assistant, Centre for Public Policy Research                           Judicial activism can be described when the judiciary steps in to the shoes of the executive or the legislature and embarks on the works and privileges of the other two organs rather than interpretation of law. This topic has assumed immense significance because today everything from river pollution to the selection of the cricket team and even the disposal of waste has become the purview of Judicial Activism. The Supreme Court of India in a recent judgment on May 5, 2010 in Selvi v. Karnataka considered the constitutionality of the investigative  Narco analysis technique holding it permissible only when the subject consents to its use. The decision taken by the Supreme Court of India about the 9 th Schedule of the constitution deserves great attention.  It was an example of excessive judicial Activism. In this case, one of the most controversial judgments of the Supreme Court was

Clinical Establishments- Role of government and Healthcare Market

The Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration, Accreditation and Regulation) Bill, 2009 which was in the news recently has invited the fury of Medical practitioners, clinical institutions, labs, pharmacies, scanning centres and agencies, as it intended to curtail their freedom. The healthcare sector in Kerala which is one of the most lucrative sectors has been contributing to the state’s GDP and providing employment to many people, especially women in Kerala. This includes people who are employed in Specialised Scanning Centres to nursing homes for old aged. With huge demand and high private participation, the sector has grown exponentially in term of numbers, reach and revenue. If you take the number of nurses alone, who constitutes the major part of the sector; the numbers are quite immense, taking into account those working in Kerala or India and those working abroad. Relative figures of people employed in laboratories, Scanning/Detection Centres are not available.

Tryst with Indian Railways....

by D.Dhanuraj Couple of months ago, I had applied for Shubh Yatra card issued by Indian railways. Within a few days, the card was delivered at my office. Then I realized that I should be a frequent 2 tier (at least) passenger to make use of the benefits offered by the card. But I am happy with one aspect of the Shubh Yatra card which is nothing but, I don’t have to take platform tickets any more, while I am card member.  These days, I have travelled extensively in Indian Railways and many times I could reserve tickets using online Tatkal system thanks to some changes in the rules in the game. Yesterday, I wanted to book online another Tatkal ticket between Trichy and Ernakulam. I waited for an hour before I could realize that IRCTC server is down. It happens so most of those precious times for an online  tatkal booking passenger.  Since I was staying very near to Chennai Central Station (irctc code: MAS), I thought of walk into the reservation counter before the Tatkal qu

Emerging Kerala - critical perspective

By D.Dhanuraj India’s performance in London Olympics resulted in high TRP rates for Non-Crickers in the recent times. Many argued that India’s medal tally will be doubled and the country will be reckoned as a sporting power by next Olympics.  While analyzing the medals tally and toppers performance in the Olympics, one can easily figure out that each country has competed based on their strength and won the maximum number of medals in their strongholds. Many suggest that India should also focus on in the items like Boxing, Wrestling, Shooting etc to increase their tally in the coming games. Who knows what our Sports mandarians think about these strategies? Same is the case with ‘Emerging Kerala’ event organized by Kerala Government. By having this event, the Kerala Government wishes to present God’s own country as the most investment friendly State. Though I like the concept and intention behind the event, I have doubts about its outcomes and roadmap designed. The weakest link

Associations and Organisations in Film Industry- A case Study of Malayalam Film Industry

By Visakh Ranjith, Student of National Law University Bangalore and Intern at Centre for Public Policy Research  The Malayalam film industry is smaller than its Tamil and Telugu counterparts. However, the industry is unique in the sense that Malayalam films are based on more artistic values. Not all films are made for commercial value; aesthetic and cultural values are also given due importance. This can be seen from the fact that Malayalam films have won numerous national awards. The industry has also contributed excellent technicians to the Hindi film industry and some of its directors are highly reputed for their skills. On an average, the Malayalam film industry produces around 70 -90 films per year. [1] However, similar to Tamil and Telugu segments, many films are not released in the theatrical market owing to lack of market interest and a large percentage of films released fail to perform. The number of Malayalam films released from 2004 to 2008 has been declined from 6

Nehru Trophy Boat Race: An Outsider's Perspective

It’ s been in my wish list for a long time; To have a  glimpse of the Annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha, not in television, instead  live from the pavilion. Like any other Keralite, I have seen the event in television several times, taken part in ‘valamkalli song’ (traditional songs for inspiring the boat men) competition and wrote long essays in school about the boat race, its history, cultural relevance, Nehruvian connection and so on.  We have heard legends about those prime contenders for the trophy: karichal chundan, chambakulam chundan, sri ganesh etc etc, each representing a ‘kara’ (locality) in Alappuzha. But then, that sight of hundred feet long boats, competing each other with more than hundred rowers on board, thousands cheering for their favorite team and heading for a photo finish. Always wondered whether the best of LCD screens can recreate that image and ambience? At last the world conspired for me, and my dream came true. As we set out to Alappuzha las