The Gavankars

Builders can't sell parking space

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:14:00 +0000

Today I am writing about this topic as even after this historic verdict from Mumbai High Court in April 2008,not many people are aware about it and they still pay money for parking to builder while buying the property.

In a major relief to thousands of flat owners, the Bombay High Court has ruled that builders or developers cannot sell open space in housing societies for parking. Disposing a petition filed by a housing society in Borivali against its developer, the HC has categorically made it clear that once the occupation certificate is issued by the relevant authorities and the society is registered, “the building as well as the stilt parking spaces, open spaces and all common amenities become the property of the society”. The builder/developer ceases to have any title on the same, the court stated. Justice BH Marlapalle, in a decision delivered on April 25, 2008 has even rejected the builder’s claim that flat owners in this case had given an undertaking giving up their claim on the open space. The HC order is significant given the number of similar complaints various consumer bodies and courts receive regularly. “It has become a practice now where builders charge flat owners for space which otherwise should have come to them as their right,” observed Mumbai Flat-Owners Association president Mahabaleshwar Morje, that has been fighting for flat-owners’ right.

In this case, the said builder at Borivali had locked open space within the stilt with collapsible gates and wanted to sell it to flat-owners in the building for parking. He had kept this open space under lock and key and prevented residents from using it. “This was totally illegal,” the HC stated. Since the space was covered from three sides, the builder had argued that these are garages and as such he can sell them as separate premises. He had also argued that these ‘garages’ do not form a part of the society’s ‘open space’ which should be made available to the society members.

The HC quoting Development Control Rules dismissed this claim and made it clear that the stilt area, even if it is enclosed, continues to be an open space and since the builder is not paying any separate property tax over it, his claim of it being a garage are not acceptable. “It is not an additional premises / area that he is authorised to sell either to any flat purchaser or to any outsider. It is a part and parcel of the society building and it cannot be a separate premises available for sale,” the court noted. The HC also rejected the builder’s claim that society members have given an undertaking giving up all rights on any open space while purchasing flats.

In a clear term, the Court noted that, “It cannot be presumed that every flat purchaser was in the know of the clauses of the model agreement and its binding nature. The builders tend to encash on this ignorance and seek all sorts of undertakings which are contrary to the provisions DC rules”. The HC in a definitive term has clarified that “any undertaking furnished by the flat purchasers cannot have a binding effect as it would be contrary to the guarantees available to the flat purchasers under the Act”. The HC rightfully noted that “(such undertakings) is an act which is forced upon by the developer and it is commonly known that if the flat purchaser refuses to furnish such an undertaking, he would be informed that the flat is not available for sale”.

The real problem of Mumbai

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Yes.I know..half the guys who will read this note are all gung ho about the new Bandra Worli Sea Link in Mumbai.But I beg to differ guys..

I absolutely agree that the sea link is indeed an engineering marvel for the city. but how useful it is for our city? Let’s find out...

Cut to 1994..First time Shiv Sena and BJP alliance came to the power in Maharashtra.They started this frenzy of flyovers all over Mumbai.Result?The travel time between Dahisar to Bandra was cut to mere 20 minutes which was earlier at least (..and even now) one and half hours.

So there were these bright chaps like you and me…. earning decent (?? ) salary...decided to move up within the social status ladder and purchased cars. And not only we were smart but every Jayesh,Hitesh and Ramesh (Names are for representational purpose only) who could afford to own a car purchased a car.Then what?Hmm we started taking cars to office..and by default all our offices were in South Mumbai....So because it was easier to commute,we left train travel and switched to cars and now as because the vehicles on road continued to increase in numbers,state government started adding flyovers...the vicious circle..

There is another big sin committed by Sena-BJP govt then ..the announcement of free homes to people living in illegal slums.That made a huge impact on Mumbai as people from underdeveloped areas in country started coming more and more to this tinsel town..result..more illegal slums..and Mumbai became more and more bad place to live....

Now hold on..do not think I am a supporter of Congress or NCP as I have bashed Shiv Sena and BJP in above paragraphs...Congress and NCP further did the "punya karma " (good work) of continuing legacy of Sena-BJP govt in ensuring that Mumbai further deteriorates....they made illegal slums legal..first up to 1995 and now up to 2000..who knows...tomorrow they will issue a blanket approval for the slums "TO BE CONSTRUCTED" by 2015!!!.

Now coming back to our first point..Bandra Worli sea link...was it really necessary to construct a road bridge over the sea so that the rich fellows from Bandra and Juhu should reach office at Nariman Point in time?At the cost of INR 1600 Crores!!...A simple metro link from Bandra to Nariman Point would have cost the same as there was no land acquisition involved in the project...so rather than giving relief to the rich. they could have made life simpler of thousands of common men in this city with the rail/metro link.Then some of the normal Western Railway trains which now terminate at Bandra/Andheri could have been extended up to Virar so the poor people like me who stay beyond city limits could have also got more services for our sector....

Also if we see the 1994 period I was talking about above, it was much easier for then Maharashtra Government to build the additional metro/railway corridors than the flyovers. But we missed the chance and entered into a dangerous phase where every inch added in the road infrastructure promptly gets occupied by at least 10 new cars!

Hence there is a need for visionary city planners who will understand the real problem of this city and do the good work of strengthening the public transport in Mumbai than adding such huge financial white elephants like sea road links....

That's why I said. the problem is ..we do not know the real problem of Mumbai....

Patient as a consumer and his rights..

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:11:00 +0000

FOLLOWING ARE THE RIGHTS OF CONSUMER:
*Right to be protected from hazardous goods and services
*Right to be informed about the quality and performance of goods and services
*Rights to free choice of goods and services
*Right to be heard in decision making process concerning consumer interests
*Right to redressal if consumer rights are infringed
*Right to consumer education

THE PATIENT AS A CONSUMER

Traditionally, patients in India have unquestioning trust in their doctors. Most doctors deserve it. But in some cases, medical negligence has resulted in severe harm physical, mental and financial . In addition, Unqualified practitioners have brought suffering to gullible patients. Doctors have been liable to prosecution in civil court, but few malpractice victims sue for compensation, fearing years (even decades) of costly litigation. Fortunately, in 1995 the Supreme Court decreed the medical profession to be a "service" under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.It set aside a writ Petition challenging the same by the Indian medical Association.

WHAT IS MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?
Medical negligence is defined as a failure to exercise reasonable skill and care in diagnosis and treatment as per the prevalent standards as that particular point of time. An aggrieved patient who believes that he is a victim of medical negligence can now approach the Consumer Courts for fair compensation, and expect results in a relatively shorter period of two to three years. The procedure is comparatively simple and inexpensive.

THE PATIENT'S RIGHTS
In the interest of a healthy doctorpatient relationship, A patient should Know his rights as a consumer:
1. You have a right to be told all the facts about your illness; to have your medical records explained to you; and to be made aware of risks and side effects, if any, of the treatment prescribed for you do not hesitate to question your doctor about any of these aspects.

2. When you are being given a physical examination, you have a right to be handled with consideration and due regard for your modesty.

3. You have a right to know your doctor's qualifications. If you cannot evaluate them yourself, do not hesitate to ask someone who can.

4. You have a right to complete confidentiality regarding your illness.

5. If you are doubtful about the treatment prescribed and especially an operation suggested, you have a right to get a second opinion from any specialist.

6. You have a right to be told in advance what an operation is for and the possible risks invoved. If this is not possible because of your being unconscious or for some other reasons, your nearest relatives must be told before they consent to the operation.

7. If you are to be discharged or moved to another hospital, you have a right to be informed in advance and to make your own choice of hospital of nursing home, in consultation with the doctor.

8. You have a right to get your case papers upon request.

A PATIENT'S PRECAUTIONS UNDERGOING OR PLANNING MEDICAL TREATMENT
1. Make sure you have told all relevant facts to the doctor before deciding any treatment.

2. Unless it is a life threatening emergency, the final decision about the treatment should be taken after proper deliberation and/or second opinion.

3. Please seek clarification for all the doubts regarding diagnosis/treatment/investigation.

4. Discuss with your doctor the cost of the treatment. Please make sure the cost includes possible complications.

5. During the treatment, If you are not satisfied with any aspect and/or have doubts, seek clarification from the doctor.

6. Keep all receipts/prescriptions/reports/discharge cards safely and keep extra photo copies.

7. After treatment clarify all doubts regarding bills/payments etc before discharge.

8. Involve your family physician in the discussion with the specialist doctor.

9. In case of a deth during the treatment, if you are not satisfied with the cause of death, demand a post mortem examination and get copies of the entire Indoor Case Record. This is the right of every patient/legal heir.

10. It is necessary and correct to discuss with the concerned doctor all the doubts before resorting to any legal action. Many of the complications/delays/mishaps in any medical treatment can be genuine.

11. In case you require expert medical advice regarding the legitimacy of your complaint about medical malpractice or deficiency in service you may approch the Association for Consumer Action on Safety and Health (ACASH) or any similar organisation.

CPA AND MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
The Consumer protection Act 1986 (CPA) is a unique legislation which provides for speedy and economical redressal in a simple manner. It has been held in a number of cases under CPA that instances of medical negligence are covered by CPA. Given below is a brief of the provisions under CPA. Those unfortunate enough to experience gross malpractice may approach (in writing or in person) the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum when the compensation claims amount to less than Rs.5 Lakhs. Claims between Rs.5 Lakhs and Rs.20 Lakhs may be taken to the State Consumer Dispute Commission. Claims above Rs.20 Lakhs may be placed before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The addresses of the above bodies may be obtained from your local consumer organisation. All complaints must be endored by the written opinion of two expert specialists in the medical field.

CHECK IF YOUR COMPLAINT COVERS THE FOLLOWING POINTS
1. Name and Address of the complainant in full.

2. Name and Address of the opposite parties.

3. When and where cause of the complaint arose

4. Particulars of the complaint in detail along with supporting documents as exhibits.

5. Relief prayed. such as replacement/removal of defect or return of price/compensation for expenses incurred & physical/mental torture, if any. While asking for claims the amount should be within reasonable limits and justifiable.

6. The entire set of papers regarding the complaint, along with exhibits, is to be given in 1+3 sets and one set each for every aditional opposite party.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. The relief claimed by you should be in clear word.

2. The complaint can be sent in Marathi,Hindi or English. If the company's office is in another State, it is better to make the complaints in English.

3. The complaint should not be on a post card.

4. Three copies of the complaint, together with all the annexures for the Forum and extra sets for each of the opponents should be filed, together with the above three copies.

5. The complaint can be sent by post.

6. Complaints of a representative nature may be filed by registered Consumer Organisations Like Consumer Guidance Society of India.

Do not pay more than MRP for packaged goods

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:27:00 +0000

The purpose of this post is to make you aware about the law relating to maximum retail price (MRP) on packaged goods.I had put in a RTI (Right to Information ) application to Controller of Legal Metrology,Maharashtra State and requested for the information relating to various laws regarding MRP violation cases we face in day to day’s life.

If anyone needs the original application which I made as well as the scanned copy of the reply I have received from Legal Metrology department,please email me on chinmay@gavankars.com.

1.It has been observed by many of us that many small shops in our locality always charge more money for essential things like milk, mineral water than the printed MRP. If you try to argue with them, then they say that extra one rupee or so is for “cooling charges” for milk or water as the case may be.

Friends, this is fraud and a big offence under the weights and measures law. Charging more than MRP on item like packaged drinking water is an offence under rule 23 (2) of the standards of weights and measures (Packaged Commodities )Rules-1977.The maximum punishment for the same is fine which may extend to Rs 2000 per responsible person.

So next time your local kirana shop guy asks you one rupee more for a milk bag than printed MRP,Tell him that in the greed of earning that one rupee extra,he may face punishment of Rs 2000!!!

2.Also one more problem consumers face is in multiplexes,malls and at places like airports.Typically you will find shops in these places selling items like soft drinks,water,biscuits etc at huge premium than printed MRP.Some smart shops paste new MRP sticker on printed price to show that they are selling at MRP only.

This is again an offence.A manufacturer can print different MRP for certain stock to be sold through select channels like airports and if you observe closely,such items are printed with MRP more than normal but with a clear message that “for retail through select channels only”.

To make my point clear,for example:Parle Agro as manufacturer of Bisleri can produce two different batches of mineral water bottles:A and B

• Batch A has say 1000 bottles with printed MRP Rs 15 and are sent to local shops/retail stores
• Batch B has say 1000 bottles with printed MRP of Rs 40 and a message “for retail through select channels only”

Now on airport/multiplex, it is perfectly legal to sell a bottle from above batch B at Rs 40 as the taxes have been paid to government on that Rs 40.However the same shop can not sell a bottle from Batch A at Rs 40 ….He has to sell specific bottles MADE FOR THAT CHANNEL.

So friends,please be alert consumer and do not pay more than MRP.In case you find anyone charging more that MRP,please call immediately office of the controller of legal metrology in Maharashtra on 022-22886666.Your complaint will be taken down and you will receive a complaint number for further reference.It works and I have been doing that till date.I always get a complete follow up from that office and actions have been taken on shop owners.

Common Man's agenda

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:59:00 +0000

It happened in 1993, 2006 and now also in 2008...Mumbai was targeted by terrorists .The entire nation is angry and fuming. There are candle light vigils and the rallies everywhere. The country needs answers from the politicians.

There are talks in media and intellectual circles across the country about how as common man we can bring some change in the Indian administration and the government (popularly referred as “the system”).But no one is suggesting what we can do from the comforts of our homes and offices..we need some active agenda for each one of us as all of us may not have time and resources to devote to full time politics or social work.

While lot has been talked about the “anger of the citizens” and “enough is enough”, generally “aam aadmi” (the common man) is confused on what he can do to start this change. He does not have weapons, does not have access to intelligence reports and also he is a peace loving civilian who neither has the ability nor has the willingness to fight active war.

Then what can he do? We will find the answer of this precise question shortly!
I feel that rather than blaming the politicians and making the “shows” of “how we feel”, citizens should create the pressure groups on the systems like administration and politicians. We should create the sense of accountability within the system and show them that we are the bosses and not they. Right to Information (RTI) is such a weapon in hands of common man, which if used effectively, can do wonders. The simple way to ensure the accountability is the extensive use of Right to Information (RTI) Act.

While many people will ask the question as how RTI will help to fight the terrorism, I must request them to go to the root cause of the apathy of the system to fight the terrorism .The root cause is “kya farak padta hai “ and “chalta hai “ attitude of the system .

There are reports that the police reforms were never carried out hence police did not have enough weapons and resources to fight the terror. Have we ever asked government why the budget was not spent on these resources when it was sanctioned long ago? The budget comes from the tax we pay as citizens and I have a right to ask how you are spending “my money”.
Another example of how your simple use of RTI can stop terrorists is to ensure that the terrorists should not get the valid Indian ID cards and government papers. There are reports in media that all terrorists were carrying multiple valid identity cards which they used to procure local sim cards and credit cards.Have we ever asked government how these documents were granted to them? Every small kid in India knows that if he wants a PAN card/Ration Card or driving license, all he needs to do is to grease some palms in government offices. Can we use RTI to find such frauds in these citizen facing departments at least? Can we ask for a copy of register which maintains the records of driving licenses given to persons in your area?Can we demand a list of illegal immigrants living in India and ask what actions were taken on them?..the answer is “YES”..but we have to do it…

Secondly, the local citizens should form a council within themselves at every village/panchayat/colony level and every member should have a focus area of study on which he/she will follow every government activity and keep a check. This will ensure the greater participation from “educated class” who can never win elections as they are not able to spend that kind of money on elections. This local group should act like “Shadow cabinet” and question the administration again by using RTI act for welfare of the people.

Thirdly there should be a “secret security cover” across India .The greater sense of security does not necessarily come from “visible security majors” like metal detectors at every nook and corner.Taj Hotel had metal detectors and baggage checking but they could not stop the suicide attacks made by mad gunmen showering bullets everywhere. So no use of just making all the entrances to railway stations armed with commandos and metal detectors. Instead be sure that no RDX or weapons can ever be smuggled in our country. Make our borders safe than trying to spot and find people carrying weapons and bombs in the heart of the city. In other nations like US/UK or even Singapore, there is no “visible” security everywhere. One can enter any shopping mall or any subway station without even someone stopping him, but no attacks have been reported in US after 9/11.

I firmly believe that we should start small and even if every citizen files one RTI application (which costs just Rs 10 + postage) on the issues concerning the citizens,we can see a lot more accountability in government and which will also ensure that our security and intelligence agencies will be properly modernized and empowered with all the help from our politicians and beaurocrats.

I have been effectively using RTI personally since last two years for various citizen centric initiatives related to various government departments like Income Tax,Roads,legal metrology and railways. Our friends from Vasai have also formed a youth group named “Jagruk Nagrik Sangh “ (Alert Citizen Initiative) (http://www.jnsvasai.ning.com) through which we meet every alternate Sunday and discuss on the matters which affect citizens. We are also actively using RTI for our efforts of making this country as a better place to live.

This path is long and results will show up a little later, but from my personal experience I must say, it definitely works!!! So let’s stop just talking about how we are angry on “System”, let’s submit our first RTI application today to government asking for answers for the questions we have never asked before...

Counter View:Death of Marathi Manus:(From my friend Sandeep Dumbre)

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:55:00 +0000

Read and if you agree kindly Forward to Not Only Marathi People, But also to Non-Maharashtrians. Let them also be aware of the Situation that may happen to their Jobs as well.

A time will come in Maharashtra when, just like the Farmers in Maharashtra, the Graduate Youth of this State will Commit Suicide !!!! This situation will arise because, All the Jobs in Maharashatra then, will be Occupied by Non- Maharashtrians.

Non Maharashtrians here means not people from North India, South India, etc., But those People who are Not Domiciled In Maharashtra. Similar situation may happen to people of other states too.

Railway Recruitment Board aspirants are Brutally Beaten Up !!!

There is large scale Rioting in Bandra, Kalyan, etc !!!!

STOP. THINK. Why this Situation has come up ???

The Actual Truth is this :-

Since Independence India's States were formed on the Basis of the Local Languages. Logical. Since 1976, The employment criteria of the Central Recruitment Board was divided into zones as per the General People of India. This division was based on the Local Language of the States.

Zone-A Bihar, Haryana, HP, MP, Rajasthan, UP, Andaman, Delhi formed the Hindi Speaking Zone.

Zone-B Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab & Chandigad, the Non Hindi Speaking Zone. Zone-C Southern India States like Kerala, Karnataka, etc. & North Eastern States like Assam, Mizoram, Bengal etc.

The Central Employment Rule said that 'All Exams for Employments in the respective Zones shall be Held in the Respective States Only.' So that the Local People may get the Jobs in their Home Town. Very Logical. For 30 Years everything was going Fine.

But since 1987, there was a Minor Change in the Rule 9 Part 9.2.2, for Zone -B Jobs. And this was made a Rule since 1988. This change was that 'As an optional Language of employement, People of Zone-A can Apply for Jobs in Zone-B.' This opened up doors of Employement for All Zone-A aspirants in Zone-B areas. But with this Clause there was a Sub-Clause, stating ' The Notice of Jobs in Zone-B areas for Zone-A aspirants, May be given in Zone-A Areas only.' Because of this, Recruitment Notices for Jobs in Maharashtra, etc. are Displayed Only in states like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, etc. But these Notices are Seldom displayed in Newspapers of Maharashtra, etc.

So this time, for the 3000 Railway Posts in Maharashtra, 12000 Aspirants came from Zone-A areas. The Result of this is that, the Un-employed of Maharashtra is Remaining Un-employed. This will surely lead to Suicides in Due Course. Many Parties over these years Requested the Central Recruitment Board to Cancel this Clause. But this was Not done. The Result of this is, the Large Scale Beating Up and Rioting Today. This violent means is Not Correct. But has there been any choice Left today ??? This mail is Not to Justify Violence, but to show to you how some Politicians, by Modifying some Rules, have Subtly ensured that their Constituency people get Better Employements.

Why should all these Politicians hold rallies in Maharashtra ??? How will anything be done, as all these Years people like Nitish Kumar, Ram Vilas Paswan and Lalu Prasad Yadav are the Railway Ministers. Today many TCs, Booking Clerks, GRP, in the Mumbai Railways are from Zone-A areas. Today Many New Trains have been started to these States. Holiday Specials & Garib Raths are also run specially for these States. This is a Fact.

What Should Be Done :- College Admissions and Employments should be Given on the Basis of Domicile Certificates. I remember in 1991, when I was applying for College Admissions I was asked to produce a Domicile Cert. But after my Batch this Rule was Relaxed. 17 years down the line we are Witnessing the Result of All this. Agreed, 10% Out of Maharashtra People may be Allowed. But First Think of the Sons of Soil. This should be applicable Not Only in Maharashtra, but also in other States.

Read and if you agree kindly Forward to Not Only Marathi People, But also to Non-Maharashtrians. Let them also be aware of the Situation that may happen to their Jobs as well.

Sandeep Dumbre (Please send the comments to my email ID at chinmay@gavankars.com they will be forwarded to Sandeep)

Mumbai Police and Car Music Systems

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:58:00 +0000

The great (!) Mumbai Police have done it again…..in order to get some cheap publicity and to cover their inabilities in other areas,they have started a new drive through their traffic department.

Today I was reading Hindustan Times and surprised to read the news that Mumbai Traffic Police will now punish the car drivers for listening to the music on their car music systems!Are the Police mad?If listening to music is illegal then how come the sale of car stereos is allowed legally in this country?How come all those automotive manufacturers give open advertisements for factory fitted music systems as added attractions to their top end models?

Police claim that listening to the music distracts the driver and may cause accidents. Then are Police thinking of banning even co-passengers from sitting into the cars? Because they also can do the “crime” of talking to the driver and may “distract” him!

Let us see what causes distraction and what does not. I fully agree that speaking on mobile phones..even through hands free causes distraction. The reason is,the caller ,at the other side may not be aware of the road and traffic condition in which the recipient of the call is driving.He can not stop talking when there is a critical traffic condition /difficult patch to drive and allow the driver to get his car out of the mess first and then continue talking. Also the discussion may be of some important topic where the driver may have to concentrate fully (client call/business discussion/telephonic interview,etc etc)..and this may cause distraction while driving.

Now lets compare the case of a person ..say drivers family member like his wife sitting at the co driver seat.She may know that there is lot of traffic and hence she should keep quiet for some time to allow her husband steer clear through it.There is other form of communication which is non verbal and she may want to “communicate” non verbally…Or to make the point clear,in case she wants to convey that she is not very happy with him..she don’t have to say “I am unhappy and upset”. She can just keep a straight face and look out of the window without uttering a single word….the emotions are made clear to the driver..However if the same driver has to quarrel with his wife over a cell phone,then they have to waste their “creative” energies to find enough “vocabulary” to get the message across.. “Look,I am angry on you..”

Now what is the conclusion? The conclusion is, if the “sources” of the so called “noise” are internal to the vehicle like a co passenger or even a music system,it can be controlled and they can be “turned off” ..(.please do not take this literally in case of the above example….I do not mean to suggest “turning off “your wife….)

The music system/radio are for the relaxation of the driver and it may not be a factor which is out of control of the driver..so much that it will distract him…..

I guess Mumbai Police should concentrate on other ways to stop accidents…good roads and good traffic management are the two key factors to avoid road mishaps.

To close this..the funniest thing told by the DCP of Mumbai traffic police to HT in his interview is,rather than claiming that radio in car helps them to get traffic update,they should chek the update via SMS!Now if I am driving alone and need traffic updates,Mr.DCP expect me to get my cellphone out and send SMS to traffic police server and wait for update..which is more distractive?Passive listening to radio updates or active SMS sending?

P.S:Shortly Mumbai Police are banning the walkie-talkies from all their police jeaps…and also in the process of getting an order out than only one constable will be allowed to drive per jeep as if the other policement travel and speak,the driver may get distracted ..he he he

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj...

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:10:00 +0000

Recently I read about Maharashtra Government's decision of building a big statue of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Arabian Sea near Mumbai.The project will cost Rs 200 Crores!

What followed was Mr.Kumar Ketkar's comments in Loksatta about how it is not right to spend such huge amounts on building statues than using the same funds for the welfare of the citizens.I think Mr.Ketkar is absolutely right.Political outfits like the one who attacked Mr.Ketkar's house are coward and they do not understand the meaning of "democracy" and "freedom of the speech"

In case we have that kind of money with the government, why can't we create a charity trust in the name of Shivaji Maharaj and use the interest on that money/donations to the trust for needy people?Even if we target the corpus of Rs 200 Crores to start with and keep this money in fixed deposits in Nationalised bank,safely we can earn INR 18-19 Crores per year with prevailing interest rates.Imagine how many poor children can go to school with that money and how many poor patients can get free medical help with that fund!

In the city of Mumbai,when we already have many places named after Shivaji Maharaj,(Airport,Railway terminus,Musium etc ),then why do we need to create one more landmark with the same name?

I think all of us who have Shivaji Maharaj in the heart and worship this great maratha king for his qualities,should spread this message and suggest the political parties,the press and the government to use the funds for a charity trust and create a great institution named after Shivaji which will bring smiles to thousands of not so privileged brothers and sisters of ours.In case you agree to this point,I suggest,please share this thought with the people around you and let me know your views and ideas.

Time for some economics!!

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Sat, 24 May 2008 05:25:00 +0000

I received this great email from one of my friends.Very interesting..

Don’t worry this article doesn’t use terms like Commodity market or debt to equity ratio or any other term that you hate to read in your business newspaper.
This is really a good and simple explanation. Please give 5-10 minutes of your free time to read it, its worth.

ANECDOTE:

Once there was a little island country. The land of this country was the tiny island itself. The total money in circulation was 2 dollar as there were only two pieces of 1 dollar coins circulating around.

1) There were 3 citizens living on this island country. A owned the land. B and C each owned 1 dollar.

2) B decided to purchase the land from A for 1 dollar. So, A and C now each own 1 dollar while B owned a piece of land that is worth 1 dollar.

The net asset of the country = 3 dollar.

3) C thought that since there is only one piece of land in the country and land is non producible asset, its value must definitely go up. So, he borrowed 1 dollar from A and together with his own 1 dollar, he bought the land from B for 2 dollar.

A has a loan to C of 1 dollar, so his net asset is 1 dollar.

B sold his land and got 2 dollar, so his net asset is 2 dollar.

C owned the piece of land worth 2 dollar but with his 1 dollar debt to A, his net asset is 1 dollar.

The net asset of the country = 4 dollar.

4) A saw that the land he once owned has raised in value. He regretted selling it. Luckily, he has a 1 dollar loan to C. He then borrowed 2 dollar from B and acquired the land back from C for 3 dollar. The payment is by 2 dollar cash (which he borrowed) and cancellation of the 1 dollar loan to C. As a result, a now owned a piece of land that is worth 3 dollar. But since he owed B 2 dollar, his net asset is 1 dollar.

B loaned 2 dollar to A. So his net asset is 2 dollar.

C now has the 2 coins. His net asset is also 2 dollar.

The net asset of the country = 5 dollar. A bubble is building up.

(5) B saw that the value of land kept rising. He also wanted to own the land. So he bought the land from A for 4 dollar. The payment is by borrowing 2 dollar from C and cancellation of his 2 dollar loan to A.

As a result, A has got his debt cleared and he got the 2 coins. His net asset is 2 dollar.

B owned a piece of land that is worth 4 dollar but since he has a debt of 2 dollar with C, his net Asset is 2 dollar.

C loaned 2 dollar to B, so his net asset is 2 dollar.

The net asset of the country = 6 dollar. Even though, the country has only one piece of land and 2 Dollar in circulation.

(6) Everybody has made money and everybody felt happy and prosperous.

(7) One day an evil wind blowed. An evil thought came to C's mind. "Hey, what if the land price stop going up, how could B repay my loan? There is only 2 dollar in circulation, I think after all the land that B owns is worth at most 1 dollar only."

A also thought the same.

(8) Nobody wanted to buy land anymore. In the end, A owns the 2 dollar coins, his net asset is 2 dollar. B owed C 2 dollar and the land he owned which he thought worth 4 dollar is now 1 dollar. His net asset becomes -1 dollar.

C has a loan of 2 dollar to B. But it is a bad debt. Although his net asset is still 2 dollar, his Heart is palpitating.

The net asset of the country = 3 dollar again.

Who has stolen the 3 dollar from the country? Of course, before the bubble burst B thought his land worth 4 dollar. Actually, right before the collapse, the net asset of the country was 6
Dollar in paper. his net asset is still 2 dollar, his heart is palpitating.

The net asset of the country = 3 dollar again.

(9) B had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. C as to relinquish his 2 dollar bad debt to B but in return he acquired the land which is worth 1 dollar now.

A owns the 2 coins, his net asset is 2 dollar. B is bankrupt, his net asset is 0 dollar. ( B lost everything ) C got no choice but end up with a land worth only 1 dollar (C lost one dollar) The net asset of the country = 3 dollar.

****************End of the story***************************
Now the analysis is below.

There is however a redistribution of wealth.

A is the winner, B is the loser, C is lucky that he is spared.

A few points worth noting -

(1) When a bubble is building up, the debt of individual in a country to one another is also building up.

(2) This story of the island is a close system whereby there is no other country and hence no foreign debt. The worth of the asset can only be calculated using the island's own currency. Hence, there is no net loss.

(3) An over damped system is assumed when the bubble burst, meaning the land's value did not go down to below 1 dollar.

(4) When the bubble burst, the fellow with cash is the winner. The fellows having the land or extending loan to others are the loser. The asset could shrink or in worst case, they go bankrupt.

(5) If there is another citizen D either holding a dollar or another piece of land but refrain to take part in the game. At the end of the day, he will neither win nor lose. But he will see the value of his money or land go up and down like a see saw.

(6) When the bubble was in the growing phase, everybody made money.

(7) If you are smart and know that you are living in a growing bubble, it is worthwhile to borrow money (like A ) and take part in the game. But you must know when you should change everything back to cash.

(8) Instead of land, the above applies to stocks as well.

(9) The actual worth of land or stocks depends largely on psychology.

Forest Case: An analysis by one of my friend (who does not wish to be named)

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:19:00 +0000

Forest Case: What Relief are we talking about for Common Man?

Who is the sufferer? Common man like us, who have been staying here for 4 decades or who have invested in house and paying Pre-EMI installments for last few years. (Without knowing whether he will get possession of the house)

Developers have already build complexes and handed over to housing societies & in case of under construction projects it is the people’s hard earn money or loan taken from banks, it is not developers money at stake.

Government would be responsible - if something like this happens
Bigger Banking Crisis: if all the families staying in the affected areas stop paying EMI - 1 lakh families already staying & plus another 75000 families who have invested in house and have taken loan from the bank as per the progress of the development. (Let the state government pay for all the mistakes they have created)

As per today’s scenario normally all banks processing housing loans have rigours check list before they start processing the loan disbursement to the developers (banks normally advertise like “approved project”) -why should people pay to the banks as anyway the flat does not belong to them it belongs to the forest department and let the forest department pay all the EMI’s or the loan amount disbursed for under construction projects.

Few Questions that needs to be answered by the government bodies.

It has been almost 2 years (since May 2006) that discussion are been going backward & forward from Supreme Court to High Court & again to Supreme court to check the validated whether the land belongs to forest department or no.

Why was Government building infrastructure like roads, drainage, collected taxes like property tax, water tax, BEST giving power & plying bus for 50 years in these areas
What was forest department doing for 50 years when the development was happening?
Why was a stampduty & registration amount collected by state government?
Why did the BMC approved all the development plans
If Government departments are not integrated? It is not our mistake.
What prompted them to take action now?

I believe that It is high time government resolves this issue for the common man (for no faults of there’s) for all the people staying in these colonies & people who have invested in projects.

Unusual Use of RTI Act:Interesting

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:30:00 +0000

Today I came across an interesting news in a Marathi newspaper.It was about an unusual RTI request made to Pune collector office by an applicant below poverty line.

Govt of Maharashtra has started citizen services delivery via single window through SETU scheme some 5 years back.These SETU center are located at each Tehsildar and collector offices across all districts of Maharashtra.Citizens can get the services and certificates like caste certificate,domicile certificate,income certificate etc etc through these centers.

This particular applicant in Pune filed an RTI to collector office Pune and requested the entire data and the supporting documentation of ALL SUCH SETU applications made by citizens at Pune SETU office in last 5 years!!!Please note that a typical such application for example one for caste certificate requires supporting documentation of at least 10 pages!..

In one day a typical SETU center receives minimum 50-60 such applications..and more when there is a heavy demand for certificates in June-August period when schools and colleges do ask for such certificates for admissions.So one can imagine ,what will be the number of pages collected in 5 years.....

So collector office calculated the cost of giving such information which came to Rs.13.5 Lakhs!!..However the real problem came when administartion filed the reply to the applicant.Generally,the applicant has to pay Rs 2 per page of information,but as per the RTI act,applicants below poverty line are to be provided the information free of cost...

So now collector office is in a fix and has requested for special aid to Govt for making this information available.

Such incidences also show that the act has been grossly misused and its effect is diluted.
Please free to put in your comments!

Quota Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:05:00 +0000

After supreme court's historical verdict last week,it is now clear that 27 % OBC Quota will be implemented across all state run educational institutes from this year itself.
However one thing which is not clear to me is,when the supreme court categorically told that a bachelor's degree is enough proof that the candidate is not "backward",then how come the quota will be applicable to PG institutes like IIM?

Secondly,while the idea of creamy layer is being debated across all the forums these days,it is largely contained to reserved class candidates!No politician (surprisingly except Mayawati) talks about the "economically backard" criteria!Why can't we have a common criteria for all..the needy and poor students,no matter if they are brahmins or Dalit,should be provided with assistance.Also here are certain aspects of this whole debate I am putting across for larger review.Your comments are most welcome:

1.While it is true that Congress had been a strong supporter of quota politics,have they forgotten the historical speach given by Late PM Mr.Rajeev Gandhi in Loksabha while opposing the Mandal commission report implementation in 1989?

2.How many politicians actually send their children to state run educational institutes?Why all young MPs today including Scions from The Sindhias, The Pilots,The Gandhis and The Deoras are all MBA s from US universities?Were they not accepted at IIM s or just because they were "elite",they could afford the foreign education?

3.The reservations are applied for past 60 years,but still why we really can not bring the backward classes and minorities in the main stream of social India?Are reservations really effctive in building the "social bridge" ?While there was a study published in Hindustan Times which concludes that the reservations are helping the Backward communities to earn a decent livelyhood by earning professional degrees ,it has no mention about the "social divide" we still have in our society!

4.Why there are "successive" reservations?If a deserving dalit candidate is provided with assistance in his education and he attains the professional degree,then why still he has the privilage of being selected in state run corporations and PSU s under the quota system?

The quota should make the candidate worthy enough to earn his colours in his course and then compete with all in open.

5.Till what date we are extending the reservations?Forever????
It was only for 10 years after independence,but now every government for votes,extends it always!Will it stop somewhere?

RTI is a big tool to avoid corruption

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:27:00 +0000

Hi All,

This message is to let you all know that,as citizens of India,we can get
our work done through the government with simple tools like Right to
Information Act (RTI).

Here is a personal example:

I was inspired by the Right to Information campaign from Mr.Shailesh Gandhi
and decided to use the act for getting the status of my Income Tax Return.

My case was pretty simple:I received my refund order cheque for assessment
year 2003-04 very late in Jan 2005 (The cheque was dated Oct 2004 and it
was valid only for 3 months).So by the time actually I received the
cheque,it was the last date of the validity.

Still I deposited the same in my bank account and somehow it went for
clearing on the last minute.The problem occurred when the bank returned the
cheque to me next week saying that they did not receive the "payment
advice" from the Income Tax department.

Frustrated by the same I went to my CA who in turn told me to pay 10 % of
the refund amount as bribe to the income tax officer through him as "it was
usual practice by IT officers "..he claimed!

I did not pursue it that time as in principle I am against paying any
bribes.

However after studying the RTI Act 2005,I decided to use the RTI Act
myself for this case after 3 years !

I drafted an application on simple paper with all my details and the
information wanted.(Format is attached here),and submitted in the GPO's
(Post office ) RTI Desk after attaching a Rs 10 Indian Postal Order.(It is
Post's responsibility to accept such applications pertaining to central
govt departments and forward the same to concerned department at their own
expense and give you acknowledgement.)

I was not expecting a prompt response anyway knowing how government reacts
! (as I anyway handle Govt accounts for TCS).

But to my surprise,within 5 days I received a call from Income Tax officer
concerned and he apologized for the delay in processing my refund.He also
assured me that he will process my refund cheque within 1-2 days .

And I really received my cheque at home by registered post.!!!!!

My expenses for the same was just Rs 10 for fee as per RTI act.I did not
have to grease any palms in Income Tax office.Also I never had to go
personally to anyone and request.

Please be a responsible citizen and do not give bribes to Govt officers.Use
RTI as a tool in your hand.

You may call/write to me in case you need any help in using the act.

My first experience in using RTI

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:04:00 +0000

I was so inspired by Mr.Shailesh Gandhi's movement to weed out corruption in the government system and decided to use RTI act for checking the status of my Income Tax refund.

I used the act today for the first time in life.I prepared an application on the name of CPIO of the concerned income tax office and as I was not too sure about the payments and delivery in time,I decided to use the post office option available for central govt RTI application submissions.

I visited Mumbai GPO with my application and met the PA to PRO there who was supposed to be the nodal officer accepting RTI applications.When I asked him about the method of payment of Rs 10 as RTI fee by cash,he insisted that I should purchase a Indian Postal Order and attach it to the application.He said ,he was not too sure whether the income tax office will oblige the payment if you just pay at the counter and attach the receipt as a proof.

He also said that the Rs 10 paid at post office counter will be going to Dept of posts and then why Income tax dept should consider that as Fee for RTI .

So I went to the IPO (indian Postal Order ) counter and purchased the IPO for Rs 10 by paying additional Rs 2 as postal commission.I did not know whom to address the same hence I made a postal order on the name of "Accounts officer,Income Tax department,Thane".

Also after all this when I again went to submit the same to that gentleman at PRO office,he again made me run to take one more zerox of my application "for his records".I already had two copies of my application anyway (one for submission and one for my own records as acknowledgement ).But just for "his records" I was forced to make one more copy!

He also said that "APIO" s at Post office will not forward any application to "concerned department" on their own in case the correct full address of concerned CPIO is not mentioned.

Now I have some doubts in my mind for the same.:

1.Can't I pay by cash at Post office and it will be considered as RTI fee no matter which department I am submitting the application?Isn't my fee going anyway to Central Govt?

2.Is it necessary to submit one more copy of the application for "office records" of Indian Posts if we are using the post office route?Whose responsibility it is to make such a office copy?

3.Isn't it the post office's responsibility to find and forward the application to the concerned office across the country even if the applicant does not know the exact person and the address of the concerned CPIO office?

The Crazy Airline Pilot

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:35:00 +0000

Hi

The great Sarkari Indian Airlines (Now Air India) has done it again!They took passengers ransom for their own mistakes and tantrums yesterday on IC 164 from Goa to Mumbai.

I was the one who praised Indian Airlines when they did a fantastic job during the employee strike recently in June earlier this year.(Please refer to my Articles published in DNA newspaper on 15th June 2007 titled "Hats off to Indian Spirits" and in Hindustan Times the same day titled "Indian did a good job" )

However sunday's episode raises serious doubts on Indian Airlines' ability to perform as "customer caring /serving entity".

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon (11th November 2007) in Goa and most of the Travellers were returning to their home destinations after spending a diwali holiday (being a long weekend) in Goa.Everyone had to join their offices/business the next day and hence preferred afternoon flights to go back which gives a relaxing evening at home before another hectic week would start.

I was also visiting my in laws in Goa along with my wife and we decided to take IC 164 back to Mumbai which was scheduled to depart at 14.40 Hrs.I checked the flight status around 12.30 over Indian Airline's call center (1407) as well as through SMS system which Indian Airlines provides for real time flight updates.Both the systems assured ( !) us that the flight was on time and it was expected to depart on its scheduled time from Goa.Hence we reached airport at 13.30 and checked in the baggage etc.However we were "politely " (!) informed that the flight was delayed and now it will depart at 15.15.With no option other than the endless wait for a place to sit and "playing musical chair" with fellow travellers,we waited till 15.00 for boarding announcement,only to know that flight was further delayed by 15 minutes!!!Goa Airport is very small and there are not enough facilities for huge crowds..so in case a single flight is delayed,the entire boarding hall becomes like CST station in peak hours!

Finally when the boarding was announced around 15.25,we were happy that we will be reaching Mumbai within an hour or so.Little did we know that time that we were about to witness a high voltage drama on board.We settled in our seats and waited for nearly 20 minutes.

Suddenly an army of Indian Airlines officials entered the aircraft along with a khaki vardi clad person standing on Aircraft door.(Not sure whether he was from CISF or Air India's own security force).We were told that one person was missing on board as the number of boarding passes issued and persons boarded the aircraft were not tallying,so we need to produce our boarding cards again for verification.

We promptly did as told.But even after entire aircraft was searched for mismatch in boarding pass numbers,still for next 10 minutes Indian Airlines officials were clueless about who that "mystery" passenger could be,where he would be and why he has not boarded.Then suddenly we heard some loud noises in middle rows in economy class,where Indian airlines officials found two boarding cards with one single passenger!!!!!!

We were absolutely shocked...How can an airline issue extra boarding pass which is like you identity to enter the aircraft????

Anyway,we thought that the confusion was over and now at least we would be taking off..But there was another twist in the tale ,waiting for us...

We saw a handsome pilot in his thirties (Commander Cyrus Patel) emerging from cockpit and going towards the passenger who was found with two boarding cards.He shouted at the passenger and made angry and aggressive gestures..After giving that passenger a piece of mind for two minutes,Captain Patel went back to the cockpit and announced that he is cancelling the flight.There was huge unrest in the passengers by the time as it was already 16.05 there and passengers were losing control.Further to add to Passengers' worries,captain Patel left the aircraft and went away on the Tarmac..

Next 5 minutes were a complete chaos in the cabin.The children in the aircraft were already crying loud,senior citizens were worried and urging others to help them go to Mumbai by another flight if possible and the "elite" (! ) executive class passengers getting their cellphones out and calling their travel agents/secretaries to "arrange" for any "damn" flight out of Goa that evening or early next morning at "any cost".

After much chaos,finally Captain Patel accepted to fly but some passengers were afraid by the time to be on flight commanded by Captain Patel.Their worry was,after much drama and aggrevation,Captain Patel may not be in a sound state of mind to fly as it was risk with the lives of passengers on board.It took another 5 minutes for Indian Airlines managers to convince them to continue on that flight and finally the flight took off at around 16.15.

Now there are some questions which arise in one's mind and Indian Airlines as well as Civil Aviation authorities should answer them:

1.Whose mistake it was to issue two boarding cards to one person?Even if we say that passenger should not accept two cards,what if the passenger is flying for first time or he does not notice the same in a hurry to catch the flight?Isn't it a collective responsibility of airline to ensure that a security document like boarding pass should be issued only in bonafide way?

2.What if the additional boarding card is used by anti social elements/terrorists to enter to aircraft?

3.Was it right on the part of Captain Patel to shout at the passengers and then to abandon the plane like he did?The cockpit was easily accessible to anyone when Captain Patel was not in the aircraft.What if terrorists take advantage of such situations to take control of the aircraft?

Also was it really safe for all of us to be flown back in command of Captain Patel who was virtually not in a sound state of mind to perform his duties as commander of the flight?

4.Due to this whole drama,the cabin crew on IC 164 forgot to brief the passengers sitting at the seats near to overwing exits regarding the operations of Emergency exits.This was a deviation from aircraft safety rules.Will DGCA look into it?

5.Will Indian Airlines do a thorough inquiry of this incident and punish the concerned officials from Indian Airlines?

So finally ,my advice to all is just to save some money on those "great fares",do not travel Indian Airlines.There are another good airlines who may charge you some bucks more but will ensure that you react you destination sans an angry pilot's tantrums and inefficient airlines check in staff!

All the best for all of us if we chose to fly "Indian" next time!

The eye witness for 11/7 Mumbai Blasts

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 06:49:00 +0000

The tragedy of bomb blasts ...I was in the same train where the biggest blast of the serial blasts happened the day before..at Bhayander..

This train is the normal train from Churchgate which starts at 5.19 PM and reaches Vasai around 6.40 PM..I left early that day and caught the train.
We sit in middle first class as a group alwyas and some of our friends sit in the first class near the ladies first class compartment..I don't know what happened with them as there was havoc at that time...Blast happened in that compartment.

we got a big thrust to our train and thought it was some technical problem in the train and may be the overhead wire or something broke down....but
then the smoke started coming out...and we jumped on the tracks..and what we saw in the compartment just ahead of us was horrible...the compartment
was totally shattered and it was blood all over..

We were not in a position to do anything but stand in a big shock..then slowly we came to our senses and saw police,fire brigade and ambulances
approaching us...Local people who stay near the tracks also helped with water and first aid...

The advantage we got was we were in a group which comes to vasai everyday and we called for a car from vasai to pick us up via Ahmedabad
highway..and amidst of that havoc we still managed to reach home safely by 9.15 PM..via road..

Please find one attachment which is the first picture which I could take of the train in my mobile after I got into my senses before leaving the
disaster site...this is the blast which killed maximum people..and was the worst in all 7 blast..

I must thank god that I am safe and sound...and as you all are my friends..I must say..your good wishes are also with me always..thanks
guys..

Please refer my blog published in Jan 2005,which I escalated to Police,media and also upto home minister when I found one unidentified luggage in first class compartment some one and half years ago...this mail will give you the idea as how authorities play with commuter safety while travelling in train..and due to that negligence ..things like today happen...

After 4 months I received a call from railway police and they took my statement as the e-mail (copy attached below) which was marked to deputy chief minister of Maharashtra was lodged in as "FIR" and they investigation was made and the respective motorman of that train was put through disciplinary action.However the fact remains that it was the "reactive action" ..why the train was allowed to move only when I told the motorman that there was suspicious baggage?

Please read it and let me know your views!

Please note the date of the appended e-mail carefully..and you will know how authorities are compromising on security instances.

Railway authorities are playing with commuter safety

noreply@blogger.com (Chinmay Gavankar) — Sat, 15 Jan 2005 07:49:00 +0000

Following incident describes how Railway police are playing with the
safety of the passengers:

Today (14-01-2005) I was traveling with my fellow passengers from Vasai
Road station to Churchgate in western Railway train which starts from
Vasai Road at 7.18 A.M.We fellow passengers noticed 4 suspicious looking
unclaimed plastic bags on the luggage racks above our heads.

As an informed and responsible citizen I went to the motorman of the
train (Name unknown) and informed him about those unclaimed bags, He
came and saw the bags and promised us to call Railway Police from Vasai
Road Railway police station. After that 20 minutes the train was
standing on Vasai Road Platform but no one turned up either from
Railway’s side or from Railway Police side. Train started from Vasai and
we felt uncomfortable with those mysterious bags as anything could have
been in those.

Hence from my mobile,I dialed 100 in order to get help from police
control room.The call was routed to Ulhas Nagar control room somehow and
when I narrated the incident to the constable on phone he expressed his
inability to help in this matter and told us to get in touch with Thane
Rural control room and gave us the number.(022-25342784).I told the
constable on duty in Ulhas Nagar control room, to inform himself but he
was not of any help.

Then I called on Thane Rural Police control room number which I got from
Ulhas Nagar Police. Constable Mr.Munaf (Bakkal Number 185 ) received my
call and patiently listened to all incident. He also noted down my all
details and my complaint and promised me to forward my complaint to
Bhyculla Railway Police control room.He also forwarded the complaint and
gave me complaint number as 23081725

Though Thane rural police informed Bhyculla control room,No one came to
investigate till Churchgate.I just received calls from Constable Munaf
that he was following up with Bhyculla Police.Bhyculla Police called me
when Train was at Charni Road and promised to send someone at
Churchgate.At last I had to again contact Churchgate Railway Police and
sort out the Matter.

PSI Patil and Constable Sadigle who were on duty at Churchaget station
promptly helped us as we discovered that the bags were just trash bags.

But the pleasant surprise was ,I got a call from PSI D.R.Salunkhe,Thane
Rural Control room, asking me the status of their effort to help me.

I felt really glad that though Railway Police misbehaved and have not
understood the seriousness of such unclaimed luggage on a public
place,Thane Rural Police helped me to solve my complaint.

I must appreciate the help given by PSI Salunkhe and Constable Munaf
from Thane Rural Police Control Room and PSI Patil and Constable Sadigle
from Churchgate station.

There are some questions which arise from this whole scenario:

1.Why the motorman started train from Vasai itself when he himself knew
that there was suspicious and unclaimed baggage?

2.Why Vasai Road railway police attended the train there itself when it
was standing there for nearly 20 minutes?

3.Why Ulhas Nagar Control room took the lead and informed concerned
authorities rather than telling us to call Thane Rural Police?

4.Even if Thane Rural police informed Bhyculla Control about this
baggage,when the train was at Bhayander,why no one came and checked the
train in between stations and why it was allowed to ply till Churchgate
for another one hour?

5.LASTLY WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE BAGGAGE WAS A BOMB ?WHO WOULD
HAVE PAID FOR THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RAILWAY POLICE AT VASAI AND THE
MOTORMAN OF THE TRAIN?