Swamy Agnivesh a great Social Activist dies of multi organ failure in New Delhi today. He is aged 80 suffering from liver problem.The demise of Swami Agnivesh is a huge tragedy -tweets eminent lawyer Prasanth Bhushan.
He praises him as a true warrior for humanity and tolerence. Among the bravest that i knw, willing to take huge risks for public good. Was brutalised in Jharkhand by a BJP/RSS lynch mob 2 yrs ago . Liver got damaged – prasanth Bhushan mentions in his twitter handle. Swami Agnivesh followers and social activists associated with his agitations mourns througout the world.
Agnivesh has been taking treatment in the Institute of liver and Billary Sciennces Delhi. He died of multi organ failure which lead to cardiac arrest. He passed away today evening 6.30 as per the information given bythe spokes person of the Hospital
The Covid19 pandemic for sure disrupted the entire fabric of the society globally. Perhaps there’s no sector left that it hasn’t impacted! However, it doesn’t mean that this is the end of the road. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. From the states of shock and panicky we have now arrived at managing the situation and soon after the vaccine arrives, the element of fear would totally vanish. We are in the transformational phase and every time a transformation occurs, it is not so pleasant as we tend to resist the change. Many of us have witnessed the hue and cry of several state government, central government, PSUs and bank employees against computerization in the mid 80s. They resisted the change broadly for two reasons. One, the misconception that their employment would be lost and two, that they have to learn new skills at that age! Can any of those employees even dream of working without a computer in their office today or their kith and kin not having a computer at home?
We are living in the era of fast evolving technologies which calls for updating of information and upgrading of skills on a regular basis. Necessity is not only the mother of invention but also learning. All of us are a witness to this. The pandemic pushed all of us beyond the comfort zone and lots of innovative products including very low cost and portable ventilator, various types of test kits and personal protective equipment have seen light. We know that most of the innovations in the world happened during the world war- II which necessitated them. The recent lockdown has compelled both the young and old generations to learn newer skills such as using mobiles and computers including apps such as zoom. Several instances of hobbies hogging limelight through the social media too occurred during the recent lockdown. Many hidden talents popped out. What people even a few months ago considered fad or stylish such as carrying a sanitizer or wearing a mask and gloves turned out to be a common sight. In some educational institutions where carrying a mobile phone itself was punishable, carrying a mobile phone has become the new normal. A vast majority of those in the teaching profession who were reluctant to upskill themselves with computer knowledge are now compelled to turn tech savvy including imparting lessons using augmented reality to remain in the race.
Likewise, several technologies have evolved in the last few months, which eliminated the need for touch and feel thus catering to the need of the hour. None of us ever thought that hugs and handshakes with friends and dear ones would become a passé! While it took several decades to come out with a vaccine in the earlier pandemics, thanks to the scientific community, there are major breakthroughs across the world in just a few months during this pandemic. On the one hand while the pandemic has created a huge void between the privileged and the underprivileged financially, it also bridged the gap between the two through humanitarian service. The pandemic also exposed the success and failure of various governments globally in handling such crises. It made everyone realize with a jolt the importance of hygiene and humanity. But for the services rendered by the small vendors in each neighbourhood, people would have starved during the lockdowns and thus made everyone realize their need. While most homes had internet connectivity for a long time, the quality of it in terms of speed and uninterrupted service, was realized only after the work from home and online classes commenced.One doesn’t feel stressed upon embracing the change because change is the only constant in this universe.
Thomas Alva Edison,who was born in USA,could not go to school,due to his poor health.He read books,sitting at home only.He had invented and patented 1100 products.No other scientist,so for has beaten that record. He was born poor,but did not die poor.Being born poor,is not in our hands. But dying poor,is 100%,in our hands.Edison sold,news papers,in running trains,to earn money.
When we read,the biographies of scientists,we realise that,majority of them ,were born poor,and they did not go to any University,for higher studies,beyond schooling.Many were school drop outs.Some have not even seen the school. Following are the popular sayings of Edison: 1.I have not failed.I have just found,10,000 ways,that did not work. 2.Genius is ,one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration. 3.Our greatest weakness lies,in giving up.The most certain way to succeed,is always,to try,just one more time. 4.Many of life’s failures are people,who did not realise,how close they were,to success,when they gave up. 5.The first requisite for success,is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies,to one problem ,successfully. Edison was the one,who invented electric bulb.That has made the life of people,all over the world ,comfortable.We have to thank him for that.
Michael Faraday,was the one,who laid the foundation,for developing electric motor,generator and transformer.He lived with one loaf of bread,for a week.He used to cut that loaf,into 14 pieces,and ate two pieces a day ,with little butter.He did not go to school,since he could not afford that.He earned his lively hood,by binding books,in a circulation library.Such was his poverty.But his interest in inventing things,made him a scientist.He was born in England.We have to thank him for his inventions,which had helped,in modernising industries.
Edward Jenner,who developed the vaccine for small pox,was born in Scotland.He hardly did his school education.During his time,people were dying in thousands,all over Europe,due to small pox.Jenner did not study medicine,to become a doctor.He worked as an assistant to a doctor.The death rate of people in Europe,due to small pox,forced him to develop the vaccine for small pox.Doctors,refused to recognise his vaccine,in the beginning.They laughed at him,for the vaccine,he developed.But ,that is the only vaccine,till date ,being used all over the world.We thank Jenner,for the life saving vaccine,he developed.
Wright brothers,who developed the aeroplane,were born in USA.They were not born in a rich family.Their father was a pastor and mother was a school teacher.Their mother gave them the sketch to make a sledge,which won them first prize,in a gliding race.Similarly,they modified an ordinary cycle,to win the prize in the cycle race,based on the idea,given by their mother.They decided to make an aeroplane,seeing a bird flying.Their father was against that idea,since already,one person had died,while developing an aeroplane.But those brothers did not give up,till they made the plane.Thanks to Wright brothers.To day,we are able to cover a distance of 12,000 kms (Dubai to Seattle in USA) in 14 hours,in a non stop flight. So,what inspires a person,to become a scientist? Lack of wealth or education does not stop,any one ,from becoming a scientist.If one has the interest and inspiration,to achieve something in life,he or she would become a scientist. Foundation for Rational Thinking
We are listening to several adverse repots against private hospitals, particularly Covid Centres in private hands. These hospitals are exploiting Covid patients who are scared of Corona infection. None of these hospitals are following government instructions with regard to charges and treatment protocol. If at all, one are two hospitals are good in this respect patients do not have information about it. Because they care for the patient not for publicity.
It is true that in the hour of crisis we should not blame individual doctors who are treating the patients at the risk of their lives. But at the same time nothing would prevent us to bring the bad hospitals to books.
Over 60% of beds in private hospitals will be dedicated to Covid-19 patients and will be provided at subsidised rates.
Now no private hospital will be able to exploit the patients in this pandemic. pic.twitter.com/vOr0byNjoM
It is painful to observe this organised dacoity. In fact Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provisioned establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority, which is empowered to investigate in to such matters. As this authority is newly born still it is in teething problems. Unfortunately many of the Consumer Commissions in the country are defunct. Despite all these setbacks, consumers and consumer organisations must be vigilant on the nefarious activities of these hospitals. They can bring these activities in writing to the District health officials, District Collectors, A.P. State Covid-19 Nodal officer. Depending on the gravity of the problem they should call for a press meet.
Patient in a hospital is a consumer and he can question deficiency of service, abnormal hospital charges, frauds committed by hospitals, and even on unnecessary diagnostic tests, illegible writing on prescriptions and other health records. Individual consumers do not venture to file a complaint in the Consumer Commissions. In such a situation they can as well approach a consumer organisation to support him.
In these changing circumstances consumer organisations also have moral responsibility to protect consumer interests. It is really a good opportunity to prove that they are force to be reckoned with, than paper tigers.
while the discussion on why and how to impart sex education in Indiais going on, Kerala’s Rehana Fatima’s experiment lead her to a court litigation. She is apprehending arrest for crimes under POSCO and IT acts. She asked her children to paint her half-naked body with some pictures. A case was filed on her in June for uploading that video in to social media. “The petitioner, while being semi-nude, has allowed her body to be used a canvas for her children to paint on and there can probably be nobody, except a pervert, who would be aroused to sexual desire by seeing the nature of the work,” argues advocate Renjith Marar who filed petition against her. A case was filed under POSCO act.
The high court did not agree with Fatima’s argument that her intention was to teach sex education to her children, with that purpose to paint her half-naked body. The high court did’t heed the logic of imparting sex education to her children in that manner. But her contention is that female nudity can not be considered as obscenity and mother allowing here children to paint her body can noway be taken as child abuse. Of course during the court arguments some reference case like Bobby Art International v. Om Pal famously known as the Bandit queen case were refered.
Leaving all the legal entanglements to the litigants and Court, We shall concentrate on the method of introducing sex education to our children. Already cyber revolution made available a lot of nude pictures, videos where and when needed. Psychologists also opined that there is no relationship between sexual crimes and nude viewing. Children of this generation are more enthusiastic, active than the present old generation. We cannot treat them with the same yardstick we are using for determining what is moral and immoral. Its for kids not unusual to touch their genetial parts and feeling pleasure. If they don’t have the knowledge of sexual biology, impact of hormones on the body -they cannot understand the feelings touching their mind. Then only they can understand the reason why such a such felling coming to their mind. Otherwise, they cannot understand the reasons for fantasies- sexual or otherwise. Fatima Rehana as a social activist may have started an experiment with an intention to impart some understanding of female sexuality to her children. She may have the intention of revealing her experiment to the public-just to raise a discussion. It may be a loud thinking of her on the imparting of sex education to kids.
The Supreme Court also dismissed Rehana Fatima’s plea seeking anticipatory bail in cases against her. The Supreme bench comprising of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Krishna Murari said’ this kind of thing was unthinkable and would leave the society in a bad taste.’ Shankaranarayanan counsel for Fatima Rehana argued that, if a man stands half nude there is nothing obscene but if a woman does so, then there are troubles. He said the court as search and seizure has been done in the case and the statement has been recorded, then what is the need for custodial interrogation in the case. He also brought to the notice of the court that children are clothed, even then how can the sections of the pornography be added.
Of course expect some progressive judges -legal system judge such new experiments only through legal lenses. That is laws that prevailed today. We have changed so many laws and so many obsolate colonial laws hanging on our head even today.The Supreme Courtalso dismissed Rehana Fathima’s plea seeking anticipatory bail in cases against her. The Supreme bench comprising of Arun Mishra, B.R. Gavai and Krishna Murari said’ this kind of thing is unthinkable and would leave the society in a bad taste.’ Shankaranarayanan counsel for Fathiba Rehana argued that , if a man stands half nude there is nothing obscene but if a woman does so, then there are troubles. He said the court as search and seizure has been done in the case and the statement has been recorded, then what is the need for custodial interogation in the case. He also brought to the notice of the court that children are clothed , even then how can the sections of the pornography be added.
Fatiba Rehana’s experiment raised some more questions to govt,. NGO’s , policy makers who are seriously indulged in the making of sex education syllabus. Now Policy makers, NGO’s, Educators should think of, need for laboratories, or such things as Biological modelling invented by Fatima Rehana. Then ultimate moral questions arises – Is such Biological modelling violates our laws, culture and moral values.
Seniors scientists, rythu leaders wrote an open letter to the Chief Minister of Telengana expressing their grief for t he tragic fire and explosion incident at Hydro power station in Srisailam. This letter emailed by Dr EAS Sarma, Former Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI to Sri K. Chandra Sekhara Rao signed by so many senior scientists and activists and experts.In this letter while these prominent citizens and experts while expressing thier grief for the tragic incident, they brought out certain failures and lapses. They categorically criticised this incident if the result of complete lack of safety culture in TSGENCO. They listed out point by point the reasons they believe caused the tragic loss of 9 lives of young engineers and technical personnel.
These deaths were a result of inadequate safety provisions in the design of the hydropower station building. There is no evidence that this hydropower station was built to international standards such as “Recommended Practice for Hydroelectric Generating Stations, NFPA 851” in absence of any national standards. No safety up gradation was done to meet the current safety standards after two previous flooding incidents (1998 & 2009) and one fire accident in 2019 at the right bank station.
There is no mention of any fire alarm alert to the employees after noticing the fire. All powerhouses require a fire alarm system designed to meet NFPA 72 standard. Were there smoke, heat or flame detectors in the station?
It appears that no fire hazard risk assessment was carried out for the station. Did the station obtain fire safety permission and renewed it regularly?
No emergency action plan and employee training for emergencies such as fire or flood exists. We come to this conclusion based on the failure of the employees to properly conduct an evacuation as per predetermined plan. Life safety comes first in such situations.
There is no fire suppression system. Portable extinguishers were used to fight panel fire. Fire can double in size every 30 seconds and fire extinguishers are inadequate after initial stages of fire. If the employees were trained in fire safety and had at least a rudimentary understanding of fire science, they would have attempted to exit the building immediately after failing to contain fire with extinguishers.
We wonder why a fire engine is kept at the station when water at adequate pressure is available just outside the station. “Hydroelectric facilities have an advantage over their fossil fuel – fired cousins by virtue of having an unlimited supply of water for fire protection at their fingertips. Medium- and high-head hydroelectric facilities have an added advantage: The water is already under sufficient pressure for fire protection use.” “The application of water to a generator may appear counterintuitive at first glance, but there are no known cases where a properly designed water spray system has caused any significant damage to a generator.” (Dominique Dieken, Power, 2009)
Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) requires: “The employees or attendants of assembly occupancies shall be trained and drilled in the duties they are to perform in case of fire, panic, or other emergency to effect orderly exiting.”
No adequate means of egress. Situation was similar to the Watts Bar plant as described in the fire investigation report. “Personnel working within both the control building and the powerhouse faced challenges in exiting during the fire. As described earlier in this report, the layout and design of the control building resulted in a limited means of egress for personnel in the control building. In the case of this fire, personnel had to pass above the fire to reach the exit. Had there been any significant delay, personnel in the building could have been seriously harmed trying to escape.”
Lessons learned from Watts Bar hydroelectric plant fire in USA in 2002: “One of the most important lessons learned from this fire is the importance of compliance with the Life Safety Code. … There are very few means of egress from the powerhouse, and several places where an employee could be trapped and seriously injured or killed. Worse, there was no emergency lighting, and employees were plunged into total darkness when the power failed. Only the quick thinking of a floor supervisor ensured the safe exit of employees. As a result of this fire, TVA has realized the importance of the life safety code, and plans to bring all of its hydroelectric plants into compliance.” Conditions in Srisailam plant are similar.
There are standard limits to the maximum distance to a fire escape from any where in the plant based on the fire risk. Exit routes should have adequate emergency lighting for 1.50 hours after the alarm for evacuation is given. Two alternative routes of evacuation are to be provided for escape for each floor.
Fire protection doors with at least two hour fire rating are required to isolate the evacuating personnel from fire and smoke. According to article in “Power’ published in April 2009 on “Fire Protection in Modern Hydropower Stations”: “Powerhouses, other than small ones with only one or two levels, generally require two enclosed stair towers with a two-hour fire rating.”
Investigation report in to Watts bar plant fire shows that similar problems affected the personnel working at the plant during fire. Lack of “frequent training on and demonstrations of emergency and evacuation procedures” at Srisailam led to tragic deaths. “The design of the powerhouse also contributed to existing problems. The building is a large windowless structure, with heavy 3 machinery and other dangers located throughout. It, too, has very limited means of egress, with exits to ground level on the west end and an exit to the top of the dam on the east end. The powerhouse has several levels, both above and below the waterline, with exits located on only one level. (emphasis added) When power to the building was lost, workers were plunged into complete darkness. Personnel would have had to rely on their knowledge of the building and their sense of touch and hearing to exit the building. Luckily, a supervisor on the floor had a flashlight, and was able to find people and lead them safely from the building. TVA’s review of life safety issues will likely include increased exit lighting per NFPA 101 7.8.1.”
When the generation was shut down without any provision for standby power to emergency services like ventilation and lighting, the effect of smoke became predominant in absence of any exhaust ventilation. Fire also exhausted oxygen to the levels that humans cannot sustain breathing. . There are several combustibles like hydraulic and lubrication oils in a hydropower station and they contribute to fire and smoke. Smoke is more harmful than fire as it incapacitates a person in two subsequent breaths without leaving anytime to react. Those remaining in the station were overwhelmed by the smoke and lost life. Proper escape route would have saved those lives. In light of several lapses listed above, any investigation into the accident should involve an independent body of experts in fire protection engineering, fire safety, fire hazard assessment, power generation and related disciplines who do not have any conflicts of interest. Nowhere in the world are such industrial accidents investigated by police officers and career bureaucrats. Fire at Watts Bar Hydroelectric plant in 2002 was investigated by US Fire Administration. Purpose of any investigation is not to blame individuals but to identify human and systemic causes for such incidents to take corrective action to prevent future accidents.
All people of Telangana are stakeholders in the investigation into the incident. Any investigation should involve public consultation. We the undersigned are willing to interact with the investigating expert team and give our inputs online or in person. Investigation reports should be made public. We are also unable to agree with valuing the dead differently in payment of compensation. Real world is suffering from severe social and economic inequalities that are causing concern to eminent economists like Prof Stiglitz, Thomas Pikety, Emanuel Saez, Herman Daly and others. We have conditions that reflect the description in Charles Dickens’s “Tale of Two Cities”. Let us at least treat all the dead in the incident as equals. All Indians are equal as enshrined in our constitution.
We urge the government of Telangana to begin safety audit for the hydropower stations in our state and implement all relevant international safety standards as highlighted in points above at all these stations. We humbly urge you to understand our anguish and concern at the loss of lives and property and a desire for a professional investigation as is done in the developed world. Development is not merely increasing wealth. It also implies developing a culture that sustains that wealth generation.
Projects In this letter they clearly highlighted the lack of safety measures and absence of proper training to the staff etc. They urged the government of telengana to beging safey audit for the hydropower stations and implement all relevant international safety standards . They also expressed their desire for a professional investigation as is done in the developed world. Hope Chief minister of Telengana took in to consideration the advise of the elders and experts to avoid such incidents in future.
The other prominent gentleman signed are Justice Chandra Kumar, President, Telangana Rythu Sankshema Samithi Dr Sandeep Pandey, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee,Capt J. Rama Rao, Indian Navy (Retd)Sagar Dhara, Former UNEP ConsultantShankar Sharma, Power Policy ExpertHimanshu Thakkar, South Asia Network on Dams and River Projects Dr Lubna Sarwath, General Secretary, Socialist Party of India, Telangana Scientists for PeopleHuman Rights ForumJana viignana VedikaIndia March for Science, TelanganaTelangana Vidyavantula VedikaNational Alliance of Peoples Movements, TelanganaSouth Asia Peoples Action on Climate Crisis(Dr K Babu Rao) (Dr K Venkat Reddy)Scientists for People.
The history of India,written by the British historian,did not reflect,all the facts, that took place in India.They did not record about Jainism and Buddhism,which were popular in India,before the arrival of Britishers.The reason for that was,Saivites and Vaishnavites hated ,both Jainism and Buddhism,since those two religions,did not propagate worship of god.Buddha’s preaching against blind beliefs of common people as well as animal sacrifices,in the name of yaagaas,were disliked by aaryans.Indian Historians,to re-write Indian History,with all facts,and remove all untruths and fictions,with which it is filled up,at the moment.
India did not have a geographical map,till the arrival of Britishers here_.It is they,who consolidated the land,and called our country,as India.But,Britishers,also did not rule,entire India.They ruled,only four regions of India.They first captured and ruled Kolkata region.Then they captured and ruled both Mumbai and Chennai regions.The fourth and the last region,which they captured and ruled was Delhi region.They called each region,as a Presidency,for which they appointed a British Governor.Those Governors,reported to the Viceroy,whose office, was at Kolkata in the beginning and later shifted to Delhi. The rest of India was ruled by 500 and odd Hindu and Moghalai kings.Britishers wanted to know,the history of India,so that,they can establish themselves,properly in our country.They engaged a British historian,to write the history of India.That historian,took the help of revenue officials,to write the history.But the information given by those officials,was in bits and pieces.They knew Sanskrit language,better than common people’s language,which was Praakritham.
Buddhism,was followed in India,for almost 1100 years,till Sivites and Vaishnavites,uprooted the same.They demolished the monasteries of Buddhists.Many monasteries were converted into Hindu temples,later on.It is now,upto As per scientists,homo sapiens,started walking with two legs,about fifty thousand years ago.That means,before,fifty thousand years,homo sapiens,predecessors of human beings,should have walked,with four legs. Only,ten thousand years ago,humanity learnt to produce fire.Since,then only,they started eating cooked food. As per puraanaas,the world had passed through,three yugaas,already.They are namely,Kritha,Dwaapara and Thretha yugaas.Each yugaa was made up of lakhs of years,as per our puraanaas.The duration of Thretha yugaa alone was,thirteen lakh years. As per scientist,homo sapiens,started walking with two legs,only fifty thousand years ago.Then,it is upto the scientists,to establish the shape of Homo sapiens,during the three yugaas,which the world had passed through.People,believed for 1500 years,whatever the Italian scientist,Ptolemy told,about earth and sun.As per him,the earth is stationary and the sun,goes around earth. It was Copernicus,the scientist from Poland,who established the fact,that sun is stationary,and the planets,including earth,go round sun,in an elliptical path,which is called as Solar system.People changed their opinion,in this matter,subsequently,as per the new findings.So,history has to be corroborated with facts and evidences.At the moment,Indian history,is filled with more fictions than facts,which needs correction.Please think.
Even to-day,Indians do,many things,blindly.In South India,people hang an ash gourd,at the entrance of their house or shop.People,who hang that gourd,believe that,it would divert,the attention of people,who look at the house or shop.How for,scientifically,that look of any body,would affect the prosperity of the house or shop,has not been studied yet. I have neither seen,nor heard,any Westerner doing,this kind of hanging
.Basically,Westerners would question,themselves,before doing anything.They would do anything,only if they are convinced,about their action.As Indians,we do not have,that questioning habit.Right from childhood,our parents have brought us up,with fear.They taught us to do things,blindly.We are used to that.We pass on the same tradition,to our children.We expect them,to follow our habits,blindly.
I have written in an article,earlier,how I used to crush,four lime fruits,by keeping them below,four wheels of our car,on Aayudha Pooja day.I have stopped that practice,since five years.After stopping that practice,no accident took place to our car.I did that crushing of limes,because ,I have seen my father doing it,right from my childhood,at my native place,at Arakkonam,in Thamil Naadu.I followed that,for 43 years,after coming to Hyderabad.Education,is not making Indians,think ,rationally. In Western countries,children are given the independence,to think rationally,right from their childhood.Parents do not compel them,to do anything blindly,like we do in India.Even,children born to Indian parents,living in West,think and behave like Western children. I can give a live example,for that.This happened,twenty five years back. My college room mate’s sister was living in New York.She visited our house at Shaantinagar,Hyderabad,with her son,who was about five years old.We all sat in the front room of our house.My wife was busy,discussing with the guest,about their life in New York. I was watching,the little boy.He was looking at the roof of the room,all the time.With curiosity,I asked that boy,what is that,he is looking at the roof,all the time.He promptly replied,saying that,he is watching the lizard,at the roof.He was wondering,how that lizard was walking,with legs up and body down,without falling on the ground?
How many children born in India,would get such a doubt,I do not know.Even,grown up people in India,would not get such doubts Scientifically,we know the reason,how lizards are able to walk,with legs up and body down,on the roof.But that small boy getting that doubt shows,how children,in Western countries,question,each and every event ,which we think as unimportant.
In India,if our child raises,such a doubt,we would only,make the child,shut its mouth,saying,”do not ask such silly questions”.We do not encourage,the inquisitiveness of a child.That is why,we produce very few scientists,in India,inspite of having,one fifth population,in the world.Like ash gourd is hung,people hang,coconut,lime fruits and chillies,in a string,at the entrance to the house or shop.All the above hangings are done,with blind beliefs.There are no scientific evidences,for the benefits,we would get,for such hangings.We are only wasting,all the above food materials,on account of blind beliefs.Please think,before you hang,such things,next time.
JN DAMODHAR ,FOUNDATION FOR RATIONAL THINKING, HYDERABAD
Cox & Kings Ltd a leading teavel agency cheated Banks to thousands of Crores. It cheated YES bank and diverted funds to Alok Industries and Founder of Yes Bank Mr. Rana Kapoor. Now all of a sudden banks are queuing to claim their debts with Cox &Kings . Axis Bank claimed a fraud of Rs.1030.00crore, Kotak Mahindra Bank Rs.174.30 crore and IndusInd bank Rs.249.00 crore . . Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing investigating the cases of fraud by Cox & Kings.
Cox & Kings was started in the year 1758 as a Travel Company to facilitate officers travel from England to India. Now it has offices in 22 countries including US, UK, Canada, Netherlands etc. It started as Eastern Carrying Company in India on 07-07-1939 in Mumbai. Later converted to Cox & Kings Travel Ltd on 23-2-1950. The travel services company went for a big public issue in December 2009 for USD 160 million and succeded to raise capital. From then it was viewed as a big provider of Flight tickets and hotel rooms booking in entire World from 22 countries offices. The promoters & directors of Cox & Kings are Ajay Ajit Peter Kerkar , his wife Mrs Urshila Kerkar and Anil Khandelwal .
For big private companies generally private banks offer a green leaf by providing huge loans .it roped Yes Bank lead in yjr begining. Yes bank offered huge limits of Rs.2267 crore, Without noticing the promoters share of just 12.20%Cox & Kings started a subsidiary in 2009 – Holiday Brake Education Ltd in London to provide education services in London.
The travel agency also started Malvern travel in 2009 at London with 49% stake in the company. That company in London started in 2000 year three subsidiary companies 1. Super Brake Mini Holidays Ltd, 2. Late Rooms Ltd and 3. Malvern Travel Technology . Some where in 2004 Cox & Kings started fully owned subsidiary Prometheon Enterprise Ltd – UK.
After seeing roaring business Axis Bank sanctioned loan of Rs.1030 crore five years bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank Rs.170 crore and finally IndusInd bank gave Rs.249.50 crore. The leading director Mr Anil Khandelwal of Cox & Kings has his brother Mr Sunil Khandelwal as director with 20% share in Alok Industries found suitable partner to divert the huge funds given by banks. A loan of Rs.589.00 crore given to Alok Industries Ltd by Cox & Kings in some where in 2015.
In 2017 Alok Industries became NPA for Rs.29,500 crore by a consortium of bank led by SBI . SBI with RBI consent filed case in National Court of Law Tribunal ( NCLT) for a resolution to sell the company to recover the huge dues. NCLT called for Resolution of Alok Industries . The highest bidder was Joint venture of JM Financial& Reliance Industries Ltd for Rs.5050 crore only. As no bidder coming forward more than that amount the case settled banks got Rs.5050 crore and filed case against Alok Industries.
Cox & Kings went bankruptcy in 2019. Yes bank has removed Rana Kapoor as MD and sought Forensic audit from Price Waterhouse Cooper against Cox & Kings .Chilling and heart braking findingscame out in Forensic Audit submitted in January 2020. They verified transaction from last five years. The facts as follows :
Total loan given by Cox & Kings to Alok Industries was Rs.1100 crore. But not shown as Related Party dealings in the both balance as Khandelwal brothers were directors in each company.
In 2014 to 2019 till liquidation sales were overstated by Rs.5278 crore from 147 customers ( travel brokers)who doesn’t have GST also.
From 2016 to 2019 sales of Rs.3908 crore to 15 customers who were non- existant . No travel agency or brokers were working in those addresses . But to dismay the company showed Rs.2548 crore collections from these 15 customers, but no credits in the bank accounts. Probably employees were used for this operation. CBI arrested 16 employees in this regard.
It seems sales were jokeyed only to get m ore loans based on sales growth as a factor.
For FY 2018-19 cash on hand and Bank was shown as Rs.723 crore. If it were true why loans instalment not paid with those Rs.723 crores?
In the balance sheet shown only loans of Rs.2000.50 crore where as all loans were Rs.3600 crore.
Credit card dues of Rs.750 crore not shown in balance sheet . Many people couldn’t understand this. May be to tally the balance sheet conveniently omitted.
In 2018 october the travel agency declared and sold the education tour business in Europe for USd 467 million ( Rs.4387 crore at that time ) to reduce the bank loans . But funds were siphoned to elsewhere.
Prometheon Enterprises Ltd went bankruptcy for £ 157 million ( Rs.1460 crore) in 2018.
Cox & Kings gave Rs.589 crore to 11 related parties ( promoters & executives ) without any agreement .
Malvern and its three subsidiary also found bankruptcy in 2018.
There are so many doubts in the sanctioning of Bank loans . How London subsidiaries were financed from India ? Is a big question.Based on receipt increase or sales increase in a year outside India ( 22 countries ) financing done blindly in India.Company should have been asked to go for consortium of banks for above Rs.500 crore loan as per RBI guidelines.
First only Yes bank filed case of fraud against the firm . Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank transactions came off late.Whether some more banks financed without informing first lender Yes Bank to be seen? Already CBI investigation going on Yes Bank for taking via media route through IDBI Bank by sanctioing loan to IDBI Bank , which in turn financed more than 20 companies of Founder Director of Yes Bank Mr Rana Kapoor . What happened to Rs.1100 crore loan given to Alok Industries by Cox & Kings , where it landed? The questions are increasing day by day . It seems a big chain of Fraud was hatched for years and executed . Let us wait and watch for more thunders in this case.
Probably Cox & Kings might have prepared 3 or 4 different balance sheets every year for the last Five years to suit to each banker loan . Banks should have verified the balance sheet from ROC website and down load . Each company has to load the audit balance sheet by October month in ROC website of the Govt.
When Bifurcation Act of AP was placed in Loksabha on the last day of the last session before election by UPA government it was passed successfully. Neither Telugu Desam party, Nor YSR party nor BJP or any one leader sought benefits or packages for AP reorganization state. Not a single statement was given by all the above parties either in the Parliament or before or after passing of the bill in Loksabha. The reason was known to all , if they ask any benefit for Andhra area they loose votes and seats in Telangana area.
Only in Rajya Sabha when the bill of AP state Bifurcation act was presented neither TDP nor others raised objections . The Issue of Special Status was raised by BJP MP Mr. Venkaiah Naidu garu was fully supported by his party colleague Mr Arun Jaitley . Then PM told that as requested by Mr Venkaiah Naidu garu 9 Central Education institutions like IIT, IIM , Institution of Science etc will be added in HRD department, Revenue Deficit also will be paid for first year . Then PM promised that The Special Status will be given to AP by his party after winning the election next two months.
At that time ,only Northeast states from Assam to Tripura, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were enjoying Special Status category, which enables these states to have 60% cost of all central Schemes and Projects from the Central Government. So state enjoying Special Status to bear only 40% of the cost. Apart from this Revenue Deficit also will be fully provided by Central Government.
In Election campaign We have seen the issue of Special Status in Election Campaign in 2014 and again in 2019 . Both Telegu Desam party and YSR party canvassed this. TDP made a big fight with BJP in 2013-14, after sitting pretty for four years and sharing power at Central Government. As TDP feared that Special Status canvassed by Mr Jagan Reddy garu may bring power in AP. TDP could not turn the tables either at Central level and State level as estimated. Just like in 2004 election TDP got very very less seats than estimated .
YSR party repeatedly told in election campaign of 2019 “whichever party gives Special Status to AP will be supported blindly to form Government at centre”.YSR party got 151 MLA seats out of 175 and 23 MP seats out of 25 in 2019 election. BJP got 303 MPs out of 524 seats and formed Government comforatably . It was blessing in disguise for Mr Jagan Reddy.Even on Indepence day ( last week) Special Status issue was raised the Honourable Chief Minister Mr Jagan Reddy.
What is criteria for Special Status Practically all the states enjoying Special Status are Critically backward as they are borders to our country. Generally in borders of a country no body establishes big factories nor business complex. So incomes of these states will be very low. All states have Revenue Deficit also that means taxes collection by state Government is not sufficient for establishment cost of offices and employees.
What is the position of AP.
Income tax, Customs duty, Excise Duty collection from companies , trusts, persons and associations , during 2018-19 year ended 31-3-2019 were declared by Direct Tax Commissioner were as under Total direct taxes in entire India for FY 2028-19 were Rs.11,37,685 crore .
Of course Maharashtra Rs.425,390 crore (37.3%), Delhi Rs.166,405 crore ( 14%) and Karnataka Rs.119,796 crore ( 10.5%) are leading the table.We can see from the above that there are six states with less tax paid status than AP , including Telangana.
As per 2011 censes there are 33 cities in the 13 districts of AP , with a population of above one lakh people. But in the Telangana state only 11 cities are there including Hyderabad and warangal.
Gross Domestic product ( GDP) was declared for all states for FY 2019-20 by Central Government.
The above figures indicate that in GDP A P is at seventh place followed by Telangana at eighth place . Bihar at 15 th place and Odisha at 16th place in GDP that is why many Bihar People and Odisha people come to work any where in South India for less salary also. By seeing these figures Some people and analists are forecasting that in Bihar State elections in November will be won by RJD + Congress combo easily as lakhs of people walked hundreds of Kilometres to reach Bihar two months back.
The above figures indicate that Special Status is not possible for AP even in Dream also. It is economically far ahead of many big states. Let us wish every state a good growth with out a vast economical disparity.
