Indian Express is angry with its benefactor, the Congress party. In a barely-veiled attack, it argues for NGOs to squander function without accountability, as they’re now doing.
[Harsh] Mander is a media-savvy activist who gets his voice heard in several fora but for countless NGOs across the country, the Home Ministry’s proposed Foreign Contributions Regulation Bill 2006 — it’s currently before a standing committee, chaired by Sushma Swaraj, which meets next week — has come to stand for a draconian licence raj, giving a raft of discretionary powers to bureaucrats (see below) and, in the name of national security and checking terror, threatens to choke the voluntary sector.
Admittedly, the UPA is not exactly known for having brains. But that it’s set up this committee has stacked some points in its favour.
Last year, a highly-explosive book that revealed the stellar work of several NGOs and hundreds of one-man NGOs like Sandeep Pandey, and also disturbing media accounts of these worthies must’ve woken up even the dinosaur-like creatures in the UPA.
I guess the source of Indian Express’ anger is rooted in Sushma Swaraj’s heading the committee. Yechury or other comrades would’ve fitted better…and the tenor of this article would’ve been…well, you can fill in the rest.
Also, the same article says flattering things about a familiar Harsh Mander. Interesting tidibit about the man here.
As an example, take Harsh Mander, and his simultaneously holding on to his IAS seniority while drawing a princely sum from the NGO ActionAid. Not to mention the fact that allegations of conversion activities apparently disappeared as soon as Mander became head of ActionAid. Curious coincidence, isn’t it?
When the article considers Stalinists like P.R. Dasmunshi quote-worthy, there’s not much left to be said.
Tags: Commentary, Indian Politics, Media Watch, Pseudo Secularism Hall of Shame, Society & Culture, War on Communism, Weblogs
On 07.28.07 Ot says:
Many NGOs are communist and Christian evangelist fronts. Communists use NGOs as conduits to attract and recruit ‘talent’. Government jobs have dried up, and white-collar jobs in the private sector require professional qualifications. Where does that leave the articulate, ambitious multitudes that graduate in history, political “science”, “Postcolonial Studies”, “postmodernist literature” and other such “liberal” arts disciplines?
(You might have heard this one.
How does a PhD in Sociology greet an engineer? “Welcome to McDonald’s, sir. May I take your order?”)
So that’s the problem. You have these people who think humdrum jobs are too lowly for their great intellect but not finding better jobs in India’s competitve job market. That’s where commie NGOs step in. Sell your soul to the party, spout human rights and “Narmada Bachao!” and you can live an easy life. The money may not be great, but you feel you’re important because you’re screaming a lot, getting to meet high government officials, and you get media coverage. Which is all better than making an honest living working ten hours a day in the finance or HR department of a corporate entity being just another face among many and earning the same or less amount of money.
There is the usal commie contradiction here. If you read commie ‘literature’ — such as it is — you see a lot of wailing against “unproductive” classes and castes. But what do these NGOs produce? What is their contribution to GDP? Zilch. Nada. They just live off donor or tax-payer money.
Ok. I might seem like rambling but my central thesis is that this parasitic existence is not without challenges though, one of which is to constantly justify that existence. NGO interests have infested media because the NGOs know that their racket is ever in danger of getting busted, and so media support is crucial. Indian Express is an especially favorite haven of NGOs.
I also expect Tehelka to raise a lot of stink over this issue, because our fading Sensation was funded with rupees one lakh each by well-heeled commies.
On 07.28.07 shadows says:
>>> Where does that leave the articulate, ambitious multitudes that graduate in history, political “science”, “Postcolonial Studies”, “postmodernist literature” and other such “liberal” arts disciplines?
Very true.. I second that.. Not that it is the fault of graduates in these disciplines.. Many of these disciplines study material written by dyed in the wool commies and pseudo-seculars..
But why is India churning out graduates in these disciplines in such large numbers.. Its like “apne hee pairon par kulhadi maarna”.. Are we not producing commie sympathizers , if not commies themselves?
You remind me of a movie - I dont recall the name - Kamal Hassan was a MPhil graduate in such subject that you mention above, but still he did not have any job, so he becomes a barber. One of his roommates has to indulge in blackmarketing of International film festival movie tickets(read semi-porn movie tickets) to earn money, and another one goes mad.
The movie so rightly portrayed the mental desolation, corruption and helplessness during those oppressive Indira -Rajiv Gandhi eras..
On 07.28.07 Palahalli says:
Sandeep,
Is it possible for government to take over NGO responsibilities/activities? Can the Indian Govt do this? Or keep the commitment?
Is it also possible or desirable to have government direct NGO activities? I know there is some amount of direction today…but should this be made mandatory? We can well imagine what will happen next.
The IE is clearly wrong if it opposes financial audits of NGOs. However, what would be the contours of “Action” Audits? The Vigil article speaks along the lines of an ideological demarcation. Is this desirable? If yes, how will this executive power be controlled?
My extended family sponsors an NGO in Bangalore. The NGO runs a chain of schools for slum dwelling children. Land and building has been “donated”. The NGO is run by highly educated people. Not by social wrecks.
A cursory “browse” of qualification desired for NGO volunteers will tell us about existing capabilities/skill sets. There can be no gossip about this.
Of course there are money spinners/makers. A corporate I worked for is sponsoring an orphanage. Monies were collected and some sort of accounability asked for. We also got to know that the said orphanage administrators…had fattened on the funds. When some interested employees dug further, they realized that a lady in charge of the orphanage was going around with a top honcho with the corporate. One of the many things that can and do go wrong.
NGOs are run by both “Hindu” and non-Hindu organizations.
On 07.30.07 sanajy choudhry says:
Palahalli
“NGOs are run by both “Hindu” and non-Hindu organizations”
Any particular reason for putting the word Hindus in quotes? Do you think Hindu, Chrisitan and Islamic charities are driven by same objectives?
Also, can you fathom the reason why Russia and China are paranoid about foriegn funded NGOs and have draconian laws to control them and audit their spending?
On 07.30.07 Palahalli says:
Sanjay:
1. The reason why “Hindu” is in quotes comes from my experience. “Hindu” is not a primary identity. It is by and large secondary. Primaries could constitute Caste, Region etc. But mainly Caste.
2. On objectives, I know that there are charities that are dedicated toward serving “own” communities. I also know that Christian and Islamic *to a much lesser extent* charities serve in the larger/wider community, driven by their “faith motive”. Unfortunately, “Hindus” cannot match, yet, the Christian scale in community service. On the plus side, this ensures great support in terms of education and medical care. On the negative side, we worry about conversion. However, I do not feel banning such charities is the best strategy against conversions…if one is against it in principle.
3. China and Russia are paranoid about a lot of things. They, by and large will remain paranoid even if such charities cease to exist. It’s built into their system and then thought process in the case of Russia. However, China has better historical reason. But isn’t this paranoia something we Indians feel proud not to share? Their kind of “controls” lead to their kinds of killings and inner State Terror. That only means they have very less trust in their own citizenry.
I think we remain democratic because we have more faith in our people’s sense of judgement. I know that the Indian “educated” love to think of themselves as big brothers of the unwashed..We think that somehow, we know what is correct and right, for “their” lives. I do not think we have earned “their” trust just yet. There is good work being done on those lines…but not there yet. Finally, when we have, then we still won’t need the “controls” you might have in mind. Obviously.
Of course inflow of funds and expenditure have to audited and balanced. Of course inspections are a must. All charities must be made transparent.
Because of our tendency toward “greasy palms”, a more “committed” regime might think of banning these charities alltogether. That is the reason I asked if the State was in a position to take over from there? Because, I feel it would not be less than criminal if we ban and then not replace.
Good discussion. I await your response.
On 07.30.07 Palahalli says:
The latest news from China - http://www.china.org.cn/english/government/196740.htm
On 07.30.07 Sandeep says:
Palahalli,
>>Is it possible for government to take over NGO responsibilities/activities? Can the Indian Govt do this? Or keep the commitment?
It is possible but not desirable for roughly the same reasons why the government should keep out of business.
>>Is it also possible or desirable to have government direct NGO activities? I know there is some amount of direction today…but should this be made mandatory? We can well imagine what will happen next.
Again it is possible but what is desirable is that the govt brings in some level of serious accountability into the current NGO scene where virtually NOTHING is known about where the money is coming in from or where it goes. Sandeep Pandey is a good example as is Harsh Mander. For example, from the Rediff link on Mander, how could Mander get away with being in govt service and doing his NGO bit? Micro-tracking isn’t called for but accountability is.
On 07.30.07 rahul thukral says:
Please send me the detail life sketch of Subrata Roy of Sahara Parivar
Where he born
his father name etc at the above email address
On 07.30.07 Ot says:
The reason why Comrade Halli puts Hindus in quotes is that when very young he was indoctrinated into the cult of communism by his “father”. He has since then led himself to believe that rigidly imposed uniformity in external symbols defines identity. Therefore Comrade Halli stupidly believes, just like his “father”, that “Muslims” constitute an unified identity because they listen to mullahs and have a single prophet and have a single book that tells them what to do and what not to do. That is simething that the followers of communist religion can relate to, because they also have sacred books, “prophets” and a fanatical, irrational belief in dogma, even if that dogma has, just like Nazi dogma, led to mass murders all over the world.
In all fairness, I should add that Comrade Halli doesn’t admit to to being a commie. There’s hope in it, because it requires a bit of shamelessness in this age to openly profess a genocidal cult such as communism. That is why I hope it’s possible to redeem Comrade Halli, his “father” and “people” of his ilk and reclaim them for humanity.
On 07.30.07 Palahalli says:
Sandeep…we are in agreement.
Ah! I see Lord Haw Haw is here!
“In all fairness, I should add that Comrade Halli doesn’t admit to to being a commie. There’s hope in it, because it requires a bit of shamelessness in this age to openly profess a genocidal cult such as communism.”
- Lord…when according to you, Islam is a genocidal faith and we have over a billion people not just “professing” it but practicing too…I see no reason why a Communist should hide(?), Do you?
Oh…maybe all those Muslims are “shameless” too…according to dear Lord Haw Haw….
On 07.30.07 Niketan says:
Palahalli
You have some interesting comments. Here is my take on them.
“Hindu” is not a primary identity. It is by and large secondary.
Are Muslim and Christian primary identities? It would be interesting to see why in spite of such a primary identities there is so much hatred and genocides - Catholic vs Protestant and Sunni vs Shia - Not to mention other genocides even within their own sects - Pakistanis in Bangladesh - (one of the biggest genocides that ranks with the Holocaust or the Khmer Rouge genocides). Genuinely interested to know your take on this one.
Another point - You mention the ‘Hindu’ NGO’s and state that the primary identity is caste.Now Hindu NGO/charities - Vivekanand Kendra, DAV, Sai Societies, the different mathaas or even RSS do charity work irrespective of caste or even religion. Has there been any case of these charities not helping any particular caste or anything similar. This is unlike some other Non Hindu charities that have covert agendas. So again why emphasize Hindu and say it is not a primary identity
Regards your other comments:
However, I do not feel banning such charities is the best strategy against conversions…if one is against it in principle.
- Any suggestions as to what can be done otherwise. Conversions is the tip of the iceberg. What starts of as charity work morphs into other big agendas such as political ones influencing vote banks etc. So better to nip such things in the bud. Tomorrow if Al qaeda sponsored NGO’s begin to do charitable work among Muslims in India, should the govt just sit quiet?
3. China and Russia are paranoid about a lot of things. They, by and large will remain paranoid even if such charities cease to exist. It’s built into their system and then thought process in the case of Russia. However, China has better historical reason. But isn’t this paranoia something we Indians feel proud not to share? Their kind of “controls” lead to their kinds of killings and inner State Terror. That only means they have very less trust in their own citizenry.
- Looking at the track record of ASHA, AID, Sandeep PAnday and others, I think some amount of paranoia would be a good thing. China learns from its History. A Chinese once told me that it was missionary activity that ruined China. India does not seem to learn.
I think we remain democratic because we have more faith in our people’s sense of judgement. I know that the Indian “educated” love to think of themselves as big brothers of the unwashed..We think that somehow, we know what is correct and right, for “their” lives. I do not think we have earned “their” trust just yet.
- Have missionaries, Sandeep Pandey and others earned that trust? If yes then why do they cry when something like the Graham Staines incident happens?
I agreee - Good arguments
On 07.30.07 Ot says:
Comrade Halli puts a poser:
“see no reason why a Communist should hide(?), Do you?”
No doubt Comrade seens no reason why a (neo)Nazi should hide too.
On 07.30.07 Palahalli says:
Lord Haw Haw…
“No doubt Comrade seens no reason why a (neo)Nazi should hide too.”
- Kitne (neo)Nazi the Haw Haw?!? Kitne???!! Ungliyo par gin sakte ho to gino!
….until later buddy
On 07.30.07 Palahalli says:
Niketan - Please allow me time till later today to respond.
Thank you Sir.
On 07.31.07 Palahalli says:
Niketan:
Are Muslim and Christian primary identities? It would be interesting to see why in spite of such a primary identities there is so much hatred and genocides - Catholic vs Protestant and Sunni vs Shia - Not to mention other genocides even within their own sects - Pakistanis in Bangladesh - (one of the biggest genocides that ranks with the Holocaust or the Khmer Rouge genocides). Genuinely interested to know your take on this one.
- The reason I put “Hindu” within quotes is not because they kill or do not kill each other. It is merely because “Hindu” is NOT the identity that comes to one’s mind when asked…”who are you?”. Even if it is, it does not bring satisfaction to one’s mind. I want to know..what “Caste”…which Region….etc. Then…I start to feel comfortable and at home. There are exceptions…but I wager that this is the general rule. Amongst the Muslims and Christians…and even the Jews…where their religion has segmented into various sects, the reverse is true.
******
Another point - You mention the ‘Hindu’ NGO’s and state that the primary identity is caste.Now Hindu NGO/charities - Vivekanand Kendra, DAV, Sai Societies, the different mathaas or even RSS do charity work irrespective of caste or even religion. Has there been any case of these charities not helping any particular caste or anything similar. This is unlike some other Non Hindu charities that have covert agendas. So again why emphasize Hindu and say it is not a primary identity
- I have not linked Caste to “Hindu” Charity. But the fact that this indeed is a point of importance…”to surpass the bounds of Caste” to each of these organizations..adds weight to my argument.
******
Any suggestions as to what can be done otherwise. Conversions is the tip of the iceberg. What starts of as charity work morphs into other big agendas such as political ones influencing vote banks etc. So better to nip such things in the bud. Tomorrow if Al qaeda sponsored NGO’s begin to do charitable work among Muslims in India, should the govt just sit quiet?
- Niketan…when we start “nipping” buds…there is a danger that we forget what is a weed and what is a plant we want to grow. It is difficult to very difficult, to control such “bud nipping”. I would like to allow for due process to take place in each case. Let there be financial and Action audits. Let a case be made.
******
Looking at the track record of ASHA, AID, Sandeep PAnday and others, I think some amount of paranoia would be a good thing. China learns from its History. A Chinese once told me that it was missionary activity that ruined China. India does not seem to learn.
- And you know the path China took. Unless we want to get on “that” path, we will act wisely. If there is incontrovertible evidence of wrong doing under law, on the part of organizations and individuals you have mentioned, we have corrective procedures that can be pursued. Let’s allow for the law to take its course.
******
Have missionaries, Sandeep Pandey and others earned that trust? If yes then why do they cry when something like the Graham Staines incident happens?
- I hope we are not justifying what happened to Staines and his sons.
Regards,
On 07.31.07 Shailendra Mathur says:
“Are Muslim and Christian primary identities? It would be interesting to see why in spite of such a primary identities there is so much hatred and genocides - Catholic vs Protestant and Sunni vs Shia - Not to mention other genocides even within their own sects - Pakistanis in Bangladesh - (one of the biggest genocides that ranks with the Holocaust or the Khmer Rouge genocides).”
Palahalli, from what I understand of identities (and you won’t find much insight in Amartya Sen’s book which was hastily cobbled together as a response to Huntington) is
that a person can assume different identities to deal with different situations and events. It is very rare for a person to stick to one single identity for all time. So while Islam is a Muslim’s primary identity when (s)he deals with non-Muslims, that identity changes when that person deals with other Muslims. Then that Muslim will assume the identity of Shia, Sunni, Ahmadiya, Bohri etc.
This also explains why violence does not cease in countries like Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan even when they are completely Islamised. They turn upon the other sects of Islam in that case.
On 07.31.07 Palahalli says:
Mathurji: ” It is very rare for a person to stick to one single identity for all time.”
- You are a good one for excellent insights
I completely agree with you there. This is to our advantage against Islamists.
I reckon Islamists bank on the “fact” that we will put all eggs in one basket…good and rotten. That is the only way their project can succeed. They too have their “near” and “far” enemies. “Near” being fellow Muslims who do not comply and “far” being external to the community.
Again, let us be mindful of the existing tribal differences/loyalties amongst Muslims. That is the scene in Pakistan and its neighbourhood. Remember, the US had Afghan allies against the Taliban.
How can we use such obvious chinks in their *Islamist* armour?
Btw - I am hoping to respond to your “Aavarana” post in a couple of days.
On 07.31.07 Shailendra Mathur says:
Yeah, I have always believed that left to themselves the Muslims will destroy themselves - they are a much more violent community than any other
That is why one of the solutions I envisage to the Islamist problem is to stop all migration from Muslim countries to non-Muslim countries, and let them stew in their own juice. Deport as many of the existing Muslims in infidel lands as possible. If they start killing each other, as is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, we should just let them.
On 07.31.07 Palahalli says:
^^^^
A response to this…and such…Mathurji, will be published soon
On 08.02.07 B Shantanu says:
Here is a little something on Dr Sandeep Pandey:
http://satyameva-jayate.org/2007/05/10/dr-pandey-gandhi-giri-terrorism/