Indianomics!

I had read in the Mumbai Mirror about this initiative called Meter Jam.

Because strikes need a strike back!  We’re tired of meter that always reads more than it should, drivers who refuse to ply and demand return fare whenever they want. And if all that wasn’t enough, now we have to deal with strikes too, any time the ‘unions’ decide!

Everyone is holding the janta to ransom. How much more will we pay? It’s time to turn the tables.

So on 12th August, shake your head and say NO if an auto driver offers a ride!

Meter Jam

Meter Jam

Very true to the core, this initiative is much appreciated for all the trouble we face in our day to day lives. Everyday I have to travel by rick and each day, I get a different meter reading. On an average, I have to pay Rs. 40 for one way travel but at times, the meter reading exceeds it and I end up paying Rs. 75!!

When I question it, he directly shows the meter and there is no way I can protest. The police too are hand in glove and others of the same fraternity rush to rescue. With this, you hardly have a voice to speak up to. While I go back, I have to ask atleast 10 to 12 Rickshaws to know if they can take me or not.

According to rules, they have no option to say no to any distance which is permissible according to RTO regulations. There are a lot of cases where Auto / Cab drivers are come up with innovative ideas of avoiding ferrying passengers.

There is a sect who are also on the softer side, who asks us to think why would a Auto Rickshaw driver earning in ’10s would not ferry any passenger. Well, to all of those who think this way, come to my place and try to hire a rick.

However today I saw a lot of people ferrying ricks, a lot of professionals doing the same. Its not because they don’t care, its because they don’t have an option.

For example, for me to get into a BEST bus from Kanjurmarg is next to impossible. I see a lot of people standing on the foot board and traveling since there is no way to get in. The buses are jam packed already. What Meter Jam should also have promoted it as a protest against the government utilities too, and not only against the Rickshaw walahs and Cab walahs. This way we could spread the message that we need better transport alternatives than facing these rowdy rickshaw walahs and cab walahs.

I hope more protestants join the force and get along with this initiative.

Its been some years now that we are facing this linguistic divide. Tamil Nadu being the first state to give its regional language more importance than the National Language. This still consider that Tamil should have been India’s national language as against Hindi.

However atleast in the name of their language, they had not beaten anyone who reside in their state. Their obsession was only with their language being recognized than not accepting people who dont know the language.

A similar but deadly event similar to this one is what Mumbai is facing now for some 20 years. The son – of – the soil funda is just getting wee bit over. The fact that two sicons of one family are now fighting for the same people from different parties makes things complex. Its very risky to step out today knowing that Rahul Gandhi is visiting Mumbai and he is threatened by Shiv Sainiks goons. The Sainiks & MNS goons have much more control over the Mumbai than even Mumbai Police.

Lets just hope that day passes calm.

Well, this isnt what the Noble prize committee saying… but our own Environment Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh’s words.

He is right when he says that our municipality do not have proper mechanism for cleaning the garbage left behind by the citizens. Now how does that explain the efficiency?

I have a slightly different opinion on this.

Its people should also contribute by following proper disposal ways. Indians have a habit of taking things for granted. We all do throw things out in open and then we claim that the municipality isn’t doing its work. Secondly, there is no one who will stand infront of the municipality and question their work.

The babus have so much become accustomed with taking bribes, that for everything, they need something. Without which, your work request will keep lagging. I have heard so many stories, which makes me not to even approach anyone.

Come Sunday and all the F1 fans can feast their eyes with a RBR F1 car doing rounds on the recently inaugurated Bandra Worli sea link. The RBR 02 2005 car of David Coulthard will cruise on the sea link. The authorities had given their NOC to the event management company for the event with a raider. The election commission has to also approve since the state elections are just so close. Initially plans were put on hold but with their approval coming, the car can zoom.

But there is a catch. The Red Bull team will not be able to display the true speed. David will have to run the car just 20kmph above the pit land speed. That is not exceeding the 100 kmph. This might be a bit disappointing for all the F1 fans and Red Bull. Hope to catch the glimpse of the RBR.

After my visit to Kerala last month, I was finally able to see those temperatures come down here in Mumbai. The mercury has certainly come down on the scale. I just love the fact that even at home, I no longer sweat like anything which was the case earlier. It so felt like it rained for the first time. The aroma of sand kicks my brains which suddenly goes back to the time I spent in Kerala. Its a welcome move by Rain gods. The Thunder and Lightening are just amazing to listen and see. Hope this continues for a week which will hope fully cool down the humid and hot environment.