India Specific Liberalization

[satinder gambhir]

When we say, we are liberal or are working for
liberalism, then it often comes in mind, what is liberalism all about?
What kind of liberty we want and from whom? This concept of “whom” is
one word which we must answer. Yes we are liberals, we want freedom.
But we want this freedom from state or society? This question is
crucial especially when we talk Liberalism for Indian state. Before
going in detail here are some elaborations for liberalism.
Liberalism emphasizes individual rights and equality of opportunity.
The word "liberal" derives from the Latin liber ("free, not slave"),
and is associated with the word "liberty”.Marcus Aurelius, in his
Meditations, writes about "the idea of a polity administered with
regard to equal rights and equal freedom of speech, and the idea of a
kingly government which respects most of all the freedom of the
governed". Adam Smith (1723–1790) expounded the theory that
individuals could structure both moral and economic life without
direction from the state, and that nations would be strongest when
their citizens were free to follow their own initiative.
The editors of the Spanish Constitution of
1812, drafted in Cádiz, may have been the first to use the word
liberal in a political sense as a noun. They named themselves the
Liberals, to express their opposition to the absolutist power of the
Spanish monarchy.
Political Liberalism refers to support for
liberal democracy (either in a republic or a constitutional monarchy),
over absolute monarchy. Cultural liberalism refers to support for
individual liberty over laws limiting liberty for patriotic or
religious reasons. Social liberalism refers to support for equality
under the law, and relief provided by the government from suffering
caused by poverty or natural disaster. Cultural liberalism generally
opposes government regulation of literature, art, academics, gambling,
sex, prostitution, abortion, birth control, terminal illness, alcohol,
and cannabis and other controlled substances. Most liberals oppose
some or all government intervention in these areas. The Netherlands,
in this respect, may be the most liberal country in the world today.
The essential elements of Liberalism are tolerance,
tolerance of dissent, is basic. Whether an issue is religious,
communal, regional, and national or pertains to small groupings like
caste and linguistic groups, tolerance of the other point of view and
willingness to argue about it are, of the essence of Liberalism. In
the mind of Liberal, there are many separate places and there is room
for everything. The Liberal always believes in a pluralistic society.
A state where there are checks and balances between different organs
of government, such as the executive, the legislature, the press and
the judiciary. In a federal form of government, there have also to be
checks and balances between the federal government on the one side and
the state government on the other. In the case of countries with multi-
religious, multi- ethnic and multi-lingual groups, such as India, the
Liberal believes in the protection of the rights of the minorities.
The Liberal is a modernist. He is an advocate of change. He welcomes
and cheerfully accepts modern technology with all its implications. He
stresses the role of managerial skills in industry and business and
other walks of life. He accepts the importance of science in modern
society. It is not an accident that technology only thrives in freedom
and, where freedom is denied to the scientist and technologist, there
is stagnation. Liberty and individual responsibility are the
foundations of civilized society. The State is only the instrument of
the citizens it serves. Any action of the State must respect the
principles of democratic accountability. Rights and Duties go
together, our right is others duty, every citizen has a moral
responsibility to others in society. A peaceful world can only be
built upon respect for these principles.
The Liberal position on the economy
is very clear. The business of the State is not business but
governance. In a liberal State, the individual is supreme and the
State must work to further his or her potential. Therefore, the State
will focus its activities on maintaining law and order, defence,
physical and social infrastructure, health, education and a social
safety net.
India's great Liberal Gopal
Krishna Gokhale spelt out the Liberal dream when he said: "I recognise
no limits to my aspiration for my motherland. I want our people to be
in our country what other people are in theirs. I want our men and
women, without distinction of caste or creed, to have opportunities to
grow to the full height of their stature, unhampered by cramping and
unnatural restrictions. I want India to take her place among the great
nations of the world." Another outstanding Indian Liberal D. V.
Gundappa, even while spelling out the global nature of liberal values
cautioned: "It has been India's habit all through history to turn to
every corner of the globe for the light of truth and blessedness of
wisdom. But she must be selective in taking things from others."
The role of the Indian State, which
has jettisoned State Capitalism of the communist variety and embraced
Market Economics, is on the one hand, to create an enabling
environment for growth by unshackling the remaining vestiges of
control, eliminating regulations that creates bottlenecks for
development and do away with the 'inspector raj'; and, on the other,
to build the confidence of the nation in the rule of law and in the
legislative and legal systems. It is the task of a Liberal State to
provide them opportunities for growth irrespective of their caste,
creed or status - economic or social. The State is the enabler,
providing the required social and physical infrastructure. These
include basic primary education, primary health care, easy
availability of safe drinking water or water for irrigation, decent
roads for easy connectivity, speedy justice and the maintenance of law
and order. In an equitable society the individual matters. Hence
Liberals seek growth with equity.
Successive governments have attempted
to meet the basic needs of people by spending large sums of money on
various subsidies and a variety of employment generation and poverty
alleviation schemes. While these schemes have impoverished the state
treasury, the intended benefits to the targeted groups could not be
ensured and there was hijacking of the benefits by the non- poor.
Similarly the reservation policy, instead of leading to a level
playing field within a time frame has led to the perpetuation of the
caste system and the promotion of vested interests.
In pre-independent India, politics meant service and self- sacrifices.
While the primary aim was to overthrow foreign rule, those who led the
freedom struggle did not ignore the fact that they had simultaneously
to wage a struggle against social and economic backwardness and the
evils of caste, superstition and ignorance. And their motivation was
not prospects of self- advancement but selfless public service. With
freedom attained, politics entered a new phase. It got closely linked
to power. Political power gave control over the vast resources of the
country. The use of these resources for development or for the
distribution of favors and patronage was now in the hands of those who
wielded authority. This led to what came to be known as the 'license-
permit-quota raj' and to corruption on a scale that permeated every
level of administration.
Acquisition of money by any means
available became the legitimate function of politicians. Obliging
unsocial elements like smugglers, black- marketers, and gangsters in
return for the use of their money and muscle power in elections became
the accepted modus operandi in electoral politics. It was not long
before criminal elements openly entered politics and many even got
elected to the legislatures as candidates of national and state
parties. The situation was summed up accurately by Achyut Patwardhan
an eminent participant in the freedom struggle who, disgusted with the
turn of politics after independence gave up public life and turned to
education and matters of the spirit. He said: "Today the State has
lost all moral authority. It is viewed as the creation of crooks, by
crooks, for crooks. Nothing seems to work without the use of money,
muscle power or influence. So even if we have achieved a little
prosperity, people think it is 'inspite' and not 'because' of the
State. Back in 1947, you could distinguish between bandits and
politicians, not now. That is a measure of how far we have fallen."
These elements, that are in positions of authority show scant respect
for parliament, legislative assemblies and other elective bodies. In
fact some of them have openly declared their contempt for such bodies.
This is what happens when law-breakers usurp the seats of law-makers.
Disorderly behavior, screaming and shouting when not ripping out
microphones and using anything else that is handy to throw against one
another to settle differences (as if the legislature is one big boxing
or wrestling ring); showing scant respect for the presiding officer,
sometimes even threatening him with physical violence, have become the
rule rather than the exception. And, all of this in front of
television cameras for all of India to see. See what happened in J&K
assembly , when senior leader of one party snatched away the MIC of
Speaker and threw it away and whole of India saw all this on there
televisions.
We all know that forty years of socialist planning has failed to solve
the twin problems of poverty and unemployment. Instead of equality,
the system in India has created inequalities and corruption on such a
massive scale that the future of civil society is itself in peril. It
is true that towards the end of the eighties economic reforms were
introduced and the economy freed from some government controls but
limited economic liberalization by itself does not ensure a liberal or
free society. In a liberal society, individual liberty and a free
economy go hand in hand.
Given all this definition of liberalization, now we want to discuss
whether and what kind of liberalization we are looking for Indian
society. In India after every 50 miles dialect of people changes, even
dress code and customs changes after say 100 miles and so is
preference of people. No doubt today people of India are in
transition, from one socio-economic mindset to another. There
preferences are changing fast. In this changing period no political
party is comes at there expectations. Parties, which are either based
on religion like BJP or language like Bal Thakrey`s or Communist who
speak for labor class and state monopoly for everything or regional
parties, all were rejected outright in recent elections. Congress
which is now ruling over India by having alliance with many parties
under the umbrella of UPA, also is not a clear choice of people but
choice over scale of who is more liberal among all of them. Mean there
is a vacuum. Space for a new, transparent, honest group of
professionals who are liberal and can comes to expectations of
emerging, developing Indian state and its people are welcome as a
liberal political party. In this regard the need of hour is hard work,
clear cut and time bound policy frame work, lot of time and most of
all clean persons at the disposable of that new entity 24x7
People of India want a new, clear and positive approach to all issues
facing there life. At the same time, one must keep in mind not only
emerging middle class who is more demanding for liberalization but
seldom come to vote, but also below poverty line who are more
concerned with there daily needs but vote enmass. Even middle class is
now divided between too, Higher Income Group and lower in come group
and have there different set of preferences while lower middle class
is working hard to get one step further. Now given this Income
disparity, plurality, language barriers, religions and other social
stigmas new entity, if make the things clear among its all fellow
members about what and up to what extent can be done towards
liberization so that people of India stand for them at the time of
countdown.
We are liberals to our thoughts we can`t hurt the feelings of
others. We can`t allow beef in Indian markets no matter how liberal we
are? Same is true with Black bucks. But yes we can talk for religion,
that no religion is above law and all are equal and there can`t be no
subsidy, grant or anything like. Here one point worth further
discussion is, do liberal believe in God and if yes, then up to what
extent? Does the believer liberal will have to respect the centuries
old customs? If the talk is of India specific then answer is yes, This
question also gains moment when we combine it to see, the purpose of
life and purpose of freedom or liberty. I personaly endorse the
feelings of other fellow Indians that some kind of intelligence and
law is working behind us. Our minds and bodies are working in such a
fascinating way that shows creator does exist. We must respect and
honor the feelings of billions if the target is political gains! Next
is policy for reservation which can also be discussed not only on the
basis of caste or sex but criteria should be economic only . moreover
Manifesto of all political parties should be accountable and if after
coming to power there work is not in the spirit of there manifesto
with in first hundred days then they must be noticed and if after one
year of goverence there is nothing to show they be derecognized as
political party and chance be given to next party excluding there
numbers in parliament. So that country doesn’t face midterm elections
on account of irresponsible government. This will save huge sum of tax
payers. This clause will definitely fascinate voters, who vote for
issues believing the manifesto and parties play with there dreams.
Another issue is death penalty, what new liberal party wants to do
with it keeping in mind suicide is banned in our country when one has
no right or say liberty to die? Why and how state can take a life
which she can`t give back. New political party must ensure that all
citizens, whatever there job is respected equally in all
matters .Respect for all citizens will ensure clear major vote bank.
In this regard, a real story concerning President Lincoln is worth
mentioning here. The very first day when Abraham Lincoln was about to
start his inaugural lecture in senate, One man stood up and said,” Mr.
Lincoln, you should not forget that your father used to make shoes for
my family, “Whole the members of senate laughed but Lincoln Looked at
the man, who was rich aristocrat and said, “ Sir I know that my father
used to make shoes in your house for your family, and there will be
others here. Because the way he made shoes; no body else can. He was a
creator, his shoes were not just shoes, he poured his whole soul in
it. I want to ask you, have you any complaint? Because I know how to
make shoes myself, if you have any complaint, I can make another pairs
of shoes” That was the spirit and that is what Indian labor class
want! “Proud to be in work”
At present there are so many things about which Indian Liberals are
not liberal to the scale of linearization Nepalese and Bhutanese are
welcome in India and even they can get govt. jobs but not
Bangladeshis. Doctors of India or any other nationality can work in
Canada if they have proper WHO recognized medical degree; there is no
clause that they must be Canadian citizens. Where as Medical Council
of India state that a foreign national without Indian heritage or
citizen cannot obtain a permanent license to practice medicine in
India. We need qualified and experts in all professions and we must
ensure same rules for all.
There are so many other issues which need the
attention. lot of ground work, then draft policy after that manifesto
this is what policy makers keep in mind and start thinking on like
Housing policy .To clear slums, policy makers must draw a
comprehensive housing policy . It can be high rise buildings more then
15 storeys, and one room set be given to all BPL families without
ownership rights as and when they pay back the amount rights can be
given and price of these units if we make in all proper planning will
not go beyond 3 lac. Minus land. People who will work over there will
be given preference at the time of allotment. Similarly health,
education remain free till the age of 16 for all and free food be
supplied to all in schools. For all this land can be acquired by
notifications or fee land can be utilized and for funds various UN
policies can be checked. Rather before making policies there is a need
to know the source of funding for the all existing schemes , be it
NREGA , National Polio Plan , Watershed Plan, Tourism Policies, Clean
water, Drinking water, Building of new roads , maintenance of
monuments and all other social, economical and infrastructural
development schemes launched time to time by Govt. of India. Are the
funds coming from International bodies, donors? If yes then let the
people of India know the reality that taxpayers’ income is going some
where else
Policy on religion must be very clear that no any new building for any
religion will be allowed without proper building bylaws and all
religious places must come under IT net. Military training must remain
compulsory for all citizens and those who availed the free education
etc must work for at least there years in forces as an intern and not
full time paid job. It will curtail defence budget and reimburse
education funds. Similarly proper planning for infrastructure,
electricity must be done. For electricity we can follow the model of
self sufficient cities, mean separate, smaller power generation units
for each city. Where there is wind setup up windmill, where there is
water setup hydel, where there is solar, setup solar plant, where
there is rice husk, agriculture waste etc setup up brick fuel plant
and so on. Nuclear, Coal, Gas based plants are another option where
there are no local energy source are available.
It can consume not more then one year to come up
with a final policy paper if we have just one honest competitive
professional in all these sector which are not more then thirty,
including from foreign affairs to Panchyats.. Then time is with
liberals. And India always stands for change. If we will keep in mind
the aspirations versus liberalization of all economic classes of India
then two years are sufficient to make a full and clear manifesto.
Manifesto include, the source of funds for the projects,
implementation criteria etc. Once manifesto is released there will be
no dearth of either leaders or voters or other stake holders. Today
need is for manifesto which suits all fellow liberals and masses, not
leaders. Manifesto will lead us. Indians today want everything on
paper in clear black and white. They will choose on issues not on
personalities. If Dr. Singh is having some respect in Indians today,
then it is not that his is mass leader or he can deliver good
speeches, but for his work which he did, worth mentioning is RTI and
NREGA. Also we must not oppose just for the sake of opposition we must
acknowledge the works of others and try to prevail upon them if need
so arise so that we may get best minds. E Sridharan , Sam Pitroda are
others to name a few, list is too long and we can start now! Instead
of looking for leaders, no doubt that is continues process and we must
go on with the current pace and also with other innovative techniques,
in my personal views we concentrate more on policy. First we divide
the whole of Indian population in ten groups on the basis of income,
beginning with people who earn more then 1000 Cr. a year to people
who earn nothing at all and live on alms, rag picking etc. then
establish there numbers , all this can be done by existing data
available with national sample survey of Govt. department to
independent surveying organizations. Thereafter, making a list of
separate policies, for each segment, to be implemented when in power.
Top groups` problem is not housing at all and bottom groups’ immediate
problem is also not housing. Top groups aspirations will be, a say in
policy making and bottom level groups aspiration will be food for
coming night. This point is further discussed,elaborated with all
stake holders opening up there mind. We can offer top group a platform
so that they remain in some extent part of Govt. and also offer same
facility to bottom end people, so that they also feel they are part of
Govt. but with full of stomach!
Lastly keeping in mind, Indian culture, values,
diversity etc. answer to my question at the very first start is, from
whom and what kind of liberty we want is, from state! If the goal of
any new entity is to rule the state by forming new political party. We
Indians need liberalization from state, liberalization from black
conventions, and customs like child marriage, cumbersome laws, liberty
to trade, work, and live with dignity and so on. If, I am simple man
with modest earnings I also can be a member of FTI or IPI given I have
same taste of thoughts. Under these parameters if any new entity wants
to enter political scenario in India then it will won and come in
power like a miracle, in shortest possible time. 2014 is for liberals
of India for India. Questions is, how many of us love India as it is
today? If we love her, as she is today, ready to live here in present
setup and want to bring change then only we will get the vote of
orthodox India!

[Sanjeev Sabhlok]

Thanks, Satinder
I assume this is your article for the next issue of IPU? I'll look at it in about two months time for the next issue. In the meanwhile there is a lot of material here relevant for FTI. I'm cc.ing FTI members for their info.
Regards
Sanjeev

--
sanjeev sabhlok
Skypeid: sanjeevsabhlok
http://sanjeev.sabhlokcity.com/

[satinder gambhir]

Yes Sir, If you think this is upto mark and folows the legacy of IPU ,
further I will like to see what other fellow members of IPI sugest,
comment and recomeneded along with FTI team. ( I think I am also a
memeber of FTI ) After getting response I ll try to elobrate and
discuss further, on the issue of why we need clear cut policy on each
and every issue which attracts humankind from food to power more then
finding leaders. And how can we achieve our target in shortest
possible time.

On Aug 3, 11:34 am, Sanjeev Sabhlok <sabh...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks, Satinder
> I assume this is your article for the next issue of IPU? I'll look at it in
> about two months time for the next issue. In the meanwhile there is a lot of
> material here relevant for FTI. I'm cc.ing FTI members for their info.
> Regards
> Sanjeev
>
> On Mon, Aug 3, 2009 at 3:59 PM, satinder gambhir

> <satindergamb...@gmail.com>wrote:

> ...
>
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