Perceptions of Justice:The Dichotomy between Ideal and Realised Justice.

Introduction:

The concept of justice holds a significant place in human societies, embodying the fundamental principles of fairness, equality, and moral rightness. However, the perception and experience of justice often differ between the idealistic notion and the practical realisation. The intriguing dichotomy that justice is not solely defined by its inherent qualities but rather by the outcomes individuals actually receive within a given societal context. Justice, as a fundamental principle, is often associated with notions of fairness, equality, and the rule of law. While subjectivity has been acknowledged as an inherent element in the interpretation and application of justice, the proposition that striving for objectivity in justice can enhance its integrity and alleviate potential biases should not be ignored. By exploring the factors influencing the interpretation of justice and examining the implications of this distinction, we gain valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape our understanding of justice.

Justice, as an abstract and multifaceted concept, is subject to diverse interpretations and contextual influences. It represents an ideal state of affairs, characterised by equitable treatment, impartiality, and adherence to ethical principles. However, the reality of justice is far from a universal experience, as it is contingent upon numerous socio-cultural, economic, and political factors. Let’s try to shed light on the intricate interplay between the ideal and realised dimensions of justice, emphasising the significance of outcome-based perceptions in evaluating the fairness of a given system.

Ideal Justice:

Ideal justice embodies the vision of a perfect and morally upright society, where every individual is treated fairly, rights are protected, and the rule of law prevails. Rooted in philosophical and ethical frameworks, this conception of justice serves as a benchmark against which societies measure the quality of the human existence. It encompasses theories such as distributive justice, retributive justice, and procedural justice, all seeking to establish a framework that ensures fairness and equality.

Realised Justice: Contextual Factors and Disparities:

The realisation of justice is contingent upon various contextual factors, including socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, historical legacies, and the functioning of legal and political institutions. The application of justice in practice often faces challenges such as bias, corruption, unequal access to legal recourse, and systemic inequalities. These factors contribute to the divergence between the idealised vision of justice and the outcomes experienced by individuals within a given society.

The Role of Perception:

Perceptions of justice are subjective and influenced by personal experiences, social conditioning, and cultural values. The gap between ideal justice and realised justice can lead to disillusionment, frustration, and a loss of trust in the system. Individuals’ perceptions of justice are shaped not only by their direct encounters with the legal system but also by societal narratives, media representation, and collective experiences. Moreover, the unequal distribution of justice can perpetuate social divisions, engendering feelings of marginalisation and injustice.

Perceptions and Subjectivity:

Individual perceptions of justice are subjective and can vary based on personal experiences, cultural background, and societal norms. The outcomes people receive directly impact their perception of justice, as they evaluate the fairness of the system based on the tangible results they observe or experience. Recognising the subjective nature of justice can lead to a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which individuals engage with and assess justice in their lives.

Implications for Justice Systems:

Embracing an outcome-based perspective on justice has significant implications for the design and functioning of justice systems. It highlights the importance of creating mechanisms that ensure equitable outcomes, rather than solely focusing on the procedural aspects of justice. This necessitates addressing systemic biases, disparities in access to legal resources, and empowering marginalised communities to ensure fairness in outcomes.

Promoting a Just Society:

Acknowledging the connection between justice and outcomes encourages a proactive approach to fostering a just society. This requires continuous evaluation, reform, and the pursuit of policies that aim to improve outcomes for all individuals. Efforts should be directed towards reducing disparities, addressing systemic injustices, and ensuring that the justice system operates in a manner that promotes fairness and equality.

The Societal Ecosystem: Elements and Interactions:

The societal ecosystem comprises various interconnected elements, including cultural values, norms, power structures, economic systems, and legal frameworks. These elements interact and influence one another, creating a dynamic environment that shapes the understanding and implementation of justice. Cultural beliefs and traditions, for instance, inform notions of right and wrong, while economic disparities can impact access to legal resources and representation.

Norms and Power Structures:

Norms, both explicit and implicit, play a crucial role in shaping societal expectations and behaviour. They contribute to the establishment of standards for justice, dictating what is considered fair and acceptable within a given society. Power structures within the societal ecosystem, such as political systems and social hierarchies, can influence the distribution of justice, often resulting in inequalities and differential treatment.

Legal and Political Systems:

The legal and political systems within a society serve as key mechanisms for delivering justice. These systems are designed to interpret and enforce laws, resolve disputes, and safeguard individual rights. However, the functioning of legal and political institutions is influenced by the broader societal ecosystem. Factors such as corruption, bias, and systemic inequalities can undermine the impartiality and effectiveness of these systems, impacting the realisation of justice.

Inequalities and Marginalisation:

The existing societal ecosystem can perpetuate inequalities and marginalisation, leading to a skewed distribution of justice. Discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or caste can create systemic barriers, limiting access to justice for marginalised communities. The interplay between societal power dynamics and justice can further entrench social divisions and contribute to the perpetuation of injustice.

Justice cannot be viewed in isolation from the societal ecosystem in which it operates. The existing social, cultural, economic, and political dynamics significantly shape the understanding, application, and realisation of justice. By recognising and addressing the complexities and challenges within the societal ecosystem, societies can work towards creating a more just and equitable system. Achieving justice requires a holistic approach that encompasses legal reforms, cultural shifts, and a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.

Implications and Moving Forward:

Recognising the gap between ideal and realised justice is crucial for fostering a more just society. Efforts should be directed toward minimising disparities and ensuring that legal frameworks and institutions are designed to deliver equitable outcomes. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the justice system is paramount. Additionally, promoting legal literacy and empowering marginalised communities can help bridge the divide between ideal justice and its realisation. In a nutshell, the understanding of justice goes beyond its conceptual definition. It encompasses the tangible outcomes individuals experience within the socio-cultural, economic, and political contexts in which they live. By acknowledging and addressing the disparities between ideal and realised justice, societies can strive towards a more inclusive and equitable system. Achieving justice requires continuous reflection, reform, and collective action to bridge the divide and ensure that justice is not just an abstract ideal, but a tangible reality for all.

Keywords: #justice, #ideal_justice, #realised_justice, #fairness, #equality, #perception, #socio-cultural_factors, #legal_system, #disparities, #social_divisions, #inclusivity.

Relationship: Religion, crime rate and mental health – General inquiry.

Introduction

The relationship between religiosity or spirituality and crime has long been debated. Some argue that religion promotes morality and ethical behavior, and therefore, countries with high levels of religiosity should have lower crime rates. However, recent studies suggest that this is not always the case. This paper argues that religiousness or spirituality doesn’t automatically bring down the crime rate in a country. In fact, the countries with declining religious beliefs are mentally more healthy and have less crime rate.

Religiousness and Crime

Religion has been seen as a source of moral values and social control. The idea that religion promotes ethical behavior is rooted in the belief that religious teachings provide guidance on what is right and wrong. In addition, religious institutions often serve as a source of social support and community engagement. These factors have led some scholars to argue that religiosity can lead to lower crime rates.

However, empirical evidence suggests that the relationship between religiosity and crime is not straightforward. For example, studies have found that there is no correlation between religiosity and crime rates in the United States (Barker, 2018). Similarly, a study conducted in the Netherlands found that there is no relationship between religiosity and criminal behavior among adolescents (Hoffman & Warren, 2012).

One possible explanation for the lack of correlation between religiosity and crime is that religion can also contribute to conflict and aggression. For example, religious beliefs have been used to justify acts of violence and terrorism throughout history. In addition, religious differences can lead to social tension and conflict.

Declining Religious Beliefs and Mental Health

Despite the lack of a clear relationship between religiosity and crime, there is evidence to suggest that countries with declining religious beliefs are mentally more healthy. For example, a study conducted in the United States found that individuals who identify as non-religious have better mental health outcomes compared to their religious counterparts (Johnstone et al., 2012). Similarly, a study conducted in Europe found that countries with higher levels of secularism have lower rates of depression and suicide (Zuckerman et al., 2008).

One possible explanation for the relationship between declining religious beliefs and mental health is that religion can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. In addition, religious institutions may stigmatize mental illness and discourage individuals from seeking help. By contrast, secularism can promote a more open and accepting attitude towards mental health.

Declining Religious Beliefs and Crime

In addition to promoting mental health, declining religious beliefs may also be associated with lower crime rates. For example, a study conducted in Sweden found that crime rates have decreased as religious belief has declined (Gärdenfors et al., 2017). Similarly, a study conducted in the United States found that states with higher levels of religiosity have higher rates of violent crime (Ellison et al., 2010).

One possible explanation for the relationship between declining religious beliefs and crime is that secularism promotes a more tolerant and accepting attitude towards diversity. By contrast, religious beliefs can sometimes promote intolerance and discrimination. In addition, religious institutions may sometimes serve to reinforce social inequalities, which can lead to feelings of alienation and frustration.

Conclusion

The relationship between religiosity or spirituality and crime is complex and multifaceted. While some argue that religion promotes ethical behavior and social control, others suggest that religion can also contribute to conflict and aggression. Despite this, there is evidence to suggest that countries with declining religious beliefs are mentally more healthy and have lower crime rates. This may be due to the fact that secularism promotes a more open and accepting attitude towards diversity and mental health.

Extreme Politics

In recent years, the extreme politics has been a cause for concern across the world. With its emphasis on nationalism, anti-immigration, and authoritarianism, this phenomenon has gained traction in many countries, from the United States to Hungary and Brazil. Let’s try to understand this trend, its consequences, and possible solutions.

Causes of the Trend

There are several factors that have contributed to the rise of extreme politics. One is economic inequality, which has left many people feeling left behind and frustrated with the political establishment. Another is the fear of immigration, which is often portrayed as a threat to national identity and security. This fear has been exacerbated by the refugee crisis and the rise of Islamist terrorism.

In addition, many extreme movements have been able to capitalise on the power of social media, which has allowed them to spread their message and recruit followers more easily than ever before. This has been particularly true of populist movements, which often appeal to people’s emotions rather than their reason.

Finally, there is evidence that some political leaders have deliberately stoked nationalist and xenophobic sentiments in order to gain power. This has been seen in the rhetoric of leaders like Donald Trump, Viktor Orbán, and Jair Bolsonaro, who have portrayed themselves as strongmen who can protect their countries from perceived threats.

Consequences of the Trend

The rise of extreme politics has several negative consequences for society. One is that it can lead to increased social division and conflict, as different groups are pitted against each other based on their national identity or ethnicity. This can lead to the scapegoating of minorities and the marginalisation of vulnerable populations.

Another consequence is that it can erode democratic norms and institutions. Many extreme shift movements are authoritarian in nature, and they often seek to undermine the free press, the judiciary, and other democratic institutions that are essential for a healthy democracy. This can lead to a situation where the rule of law is weakened and the rights of citizens are threatened.

Finally, the rise of extreme politics can have negative consequences for international relations. Nationalistic and isolationist policies can lead to increased tension and conflict between countries, as well as impeding cooperation on issues such as climate change and global poverty.

Possible Solutions

There are several possible solutions to the rise of extreme politics. One is to address the underlying economic and social factors that have contributed to this trend. This could involve policies that reduce inequality and promote greater social inclusion, as well as addressing the root causes of immigration and terrorism.

Another solution is to promote greater media literacy and critical thinking skills, which can help people to recognise and resist propaganda and misinformation. This could be done through education and public awareness campaigns.

Finally, it may be necessary to address the role of political leaders in fuelling nationalist and xenophobic sentiment. This could involve holding leaders accountable for their actions and words, as well as promoting greater transparency and accountability in the political process.

The rise of extreme politics is a worrying trend that has negative consequences for society. However, there are several possible solutions to this problem, including addressing the underlying economic and social factors, promoting greater media literacy and critical thinking skills, and holding political leaders accountable for their actions. By working together to address this issue, we can create a more inclusive, democratic, and peaceful world.

Hariyali Aur Rasta: TUNNEL THROUGH HARIYALI IS THE ONLY RASTA- Published by: Pune Times Mirror 10/4/2023

Former Municipal Commissioner of Pune and Former Principal Secretary, Maharashtra, Mahesh Zagade believes that Vetal Tekdi should be saved at all costs but a road should be carved through its bosom!

….

Firstly, I congratulate the citizens who are spearheading an impressive campaign without any public figure at the helm. I also congratulate the media which is supporting their cause to save the environment and the ecosystem of the Vetal Tekdi hill, particularly Pune Mirror with its innovative and heart-warming series titled `Hariyali Aur Rasta.’ I am very proud to see that youngsters in large numbers are supporting this noble movement.

This particular road alignment is as old as nearly four decades, having begun in the late 1980s. In 1987 it was included in the Development Plan (DP). People did not come out against it, then. One must understand that, as per law, objection to the alignment should be raised at the proposal stage in the DP itself. A statutory objection is far more powerful than a subsequent objection. Since the proposal was not deleted and it was never implemented but languished in the DP, the proposal again raised its head in 2017. Had it been objected to at that time, the political leadership and bureaucratic fraternity would have perhaps thought about it.

Unarguably, the lungs of the cities are shrinking all around the world. It is not possible to make a forest cover after brutalising forest cover. Hence, we must retain what nature has given, in abundance, in various areas. One must remember that the very objective of the DP is to identify and guard open spaces like playgrounds but they are instead being struck down, so the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has failed on this count.

However, one can’t object to roads, particularly in a city like Pune. I have tracked my time of travel and I take one hour for commuting 12-18 kms depending on the time of the day. So, Pune needs more roads to minimise travel time so that one can spend more hours with family and for one’s health. Instead, we spend more time on roads leading to a waste of energy and suffer from various ailments, that are often stress related.

What was not questioned at the time of formation of DP was how more FSI has been unlocked and TDR generated and what is the potential of that newly unlocked FSI/TDR that would attract additional population in the city. Therein lies the true reason for the city’s congestion. Due to hectic building construction, we are going to have a very large population residing in the city in the future. Thus, it would become imperative to have more and more roads and creation of public transport system.

My suggestion is to make both ends meet we should have an underground tunnel instead of a road through Vetal Tekdi Hill. I know there is opposition to tunnel roads too for reasons of the hill having a large amount of water recharging. The water table in such a vast geographical area would not be detrimentally affected as, all over the world, tunnel roads, metro links etc are established underground as an alternative to surface routes. The underground tunnel roads being currently constructed as a part of Coastal Road project of Mumbai and Pine-Mumbai Expressway viz Malabar Hill and Khanadal Ghat tunnels are the examples of such necessities. In addition the recharge potential and its relevance due to basaltic strata of the locality would not be significant to affect region in terms of water table depletion. In any case, if you look at the mega picture of the water table in the city, the Runoff Co-Efficient has already exceeded 0.74 due to faulty city planning. The citizens of Pune, therefore , must insist that City planners should work out design modalities to for reduction of the Runoff Co-Efficient throughout the city and consider it as a macro problem rather than engaging citizens with such agitations. This would help in balancing water table of the city.

The traffic congestion also leads to more of carbon emissions, increased probability of generation of PM 2.5, in loss on man-hours etc and, therefore , roads at every opportunity should be ingrained in the mobility plan of the city. The people should keep on questioning the efforts undertaken by the PMC for reduction of carbon footprint through various developmental tools available and the same should be integral part of the annual statutory Environment Status Reports(ESR) . During the preparation of 2011 ESR, one expert had commented that to sequester carbon emissions of 50,000 cars a forest cover equivalent to the area of Pune city would be required!

Hence, for minimising pollutants, an underground tunnel is a safe option. It would save Vetal Tekdi from any damage. Of course , underground road would require more funds than the surface road. I suggest that the State Government should make available such additional funds because the city makes substantial contributions to the Central and State exchequers and small fraction of it can definitely be made available for such essential and environmentally important projects. The City is represented by eight MLAs and it would not be difficult for them convince the Government of Maharashtra. I

I also agree that there should be an effective public transport system which will then discourage the use of private vehicles. Also e-buses should replace conventional fuel buses. One should not be so myopic as not to want roads at all. There should be a balance of sustainability and development.

(The author is former municipal commissioner of Pune and former principal secretary of Maharashtra and a noted newspaper columnist).

पेशंट-केअर” धोरणाकडून “आरोग्य” धोरणाकडे.

( मा मुख्यमंत्री, महाराष्ट्र राज्य यांना दि १७.६.२०२१ रोजी लिहिले पत्र.)

दि 17/06/2021

प्रति,

मा. मुख्यमंत्री

महाराष्ट्र शासन,

मंत्रालय, मुंबई. `

विषय: “पेशंट-केअर” धोरणाकडून “आरोग्य” धोरणाकडे.

सन्माननीय महोदय,

कोरोना साथीने गेले वर्षभर जो जगभर धुमाकूळ घातलेला आहे तो सर्व जण अनुभवत आहोतच. अर्थात, गेल्या दोनशे वर्षांमध्ये जी शास्त्रीय संशोधनाची प्रगती झाली व त्यामधून इतर गोष्टींबरोबरच वैद्यकीय क्षेत्रात देखील मोलाची कामगिरी राहिल्यामुळे भारताचे सरासरी आयुष्यमान स्वातंत्र्यापूर्वी ३२-३४ वर्षे होते, ते आता एकूण ६९ वर्षे झाले आहे. औषधांचे शोध, औषध निर्मिती कारखाने, अँटिबायोटिक्स, औषधांची मुबलक उपलब्धता, सरकारी आणि खासगी इस्पितळे आणि दवाखाने, वैद्यकीय शिक्षण क्षेत्रातील प्रचंड वाढी यामुळे देशात दर हजार लोकसंख्येमागे डॉक्टरांची वाढलेली उपलब्धता, स्थानिक पातळीपर्यंत शासकीय आणि निमशासकीय आरोग्य यंत्रणेचे पसरलेले जाळे व त्यासाठी मोठ्या प्रमाणात अंदाजपत्रकातून निधीची तरतूद इत्यादींबाबतच्या “रुग्णांवर उपचार” करणे हा मूळ गाभा असलेल्या धोरणांचा अवलंब या देशाने गेली सत्तर वर्षे अव्याहतपणे केला आहे. अर्थात, असे भारतातच नव्हे तर जागतिक पातळीवर सर्वत्र अशीच आरोग्याची धोरणे असल्याचे वारे गेल्या शतकाच्या सुरुवातीपासूनच वाहू लागले. त्यामध्ये मग साहाजिकच भांडवलशाहीवर आधारित व्यापाराची संधी म्हणून पण या क्षेत्राकडे पाहण्याचा दृष्टिकोन सुरू झाला आणि त्या व्यापारीकरणाने हे आरोग्य क्षेत्र कधी काबीज केले ते कोणाच्याही लक्षात आले नाही. या व्यापारीकरणाचा पुढचा अध्याय म्हणून मग आरोग्य विमा सुरू झाला आणि आता तर हा सर्वच खेळ त्या दिशेने जगभर केंद्रित होऊ लागला व त्यास भारत कसा द राहू शकेल? पाश्चात्त्य देशांचे अनुकरण हे ठीक; पण आपण अंधानुकरणामध्येही मागे नाही, ही आपली ओळख झाली.

हे आता चर्चेत घेण्याचे कारण म्हणजे आरोग्य क्षेत्रात इतकी देदीप्यमान प्रगती होऊन लाखो लोक करोना महामारीत का मृत्यू पावले? लोकांना हॉस्पिटलमध्ये रुग्ण म्हणून का भरती व्हावे लागले? जगाची अर्थव्यवस्था कोलमडून पडण्यापर्यंत का परिस्थिति चिघळली ? रोजगार बुडून जगण्याची भ्रांत निर्माण होण्यासारखे परिस्थिती का उद्भवली? याची उत्तरे शोधावी लागतील.

मानवाने गेल्या दोनशे वर्षांत जी प्रगती केली आहे आणि जीवन अधिकाधिक सुखकर करण्याकरिता ज्या सुविधा निर्माण केल्या आहेत, ते सर्व मानवाचा एकत्रितपणे काम करण्याची क्षमता याचा परिपाक आहे. हे एकत्रीकरण इतके झाले आहे की त्याच्या चांगल्या परिणामांबरोबरच दुष्परिणामदेखील वाढले आहेत. हे दुष्परिणाम शोधून त्या बाबतीत सर्व जगानेच पुन्हा एकदा जगण्याकरिता काही मूळ संकल्पना आहेत त्यावर लक्ष केंद्रित करणे आवश्यक आहे.

कोरोनाने जगाला खरे तर आतापर्यंत मानवाने चांगले काय केले आणि तो कुठे चुकला, याचे आत्मचिंतन आणि आत्मपरीक्षण करून त्यामध्ये सुधारणा करण्याची संधी दिलेली आहे. ही संधी जर दुर्लक्षित केली तर मानवासारखा हुशार; पण तितकाच अभागी प्राणी मानवच राहील. हा विषय far मोठा आहे, त्यावर व्यापक मंथन आणि विशेषतः कोरोनासारखी भयंकर आव्हाने आणि चौथ्या औद्योगिक क्रांतीमुळे होणारी आमूलाग्र स्थित्यंतरे यावर लक्ष केंद्रित करुन जागतिक आणि देशपातळीवरील धोरणे ठरवावी लागतील. आता आपण फक्त या कोरोनामुळे जी परिस्थिती उद्भवली ती उद्भवण्यापूर्वीच आपण ती थांबवू शकलो असतो का आणि तसे असेल तर आपले काय चुकले व या चुका भविष्यात कशा सुधाराव्या लागतील, यावर विचार करूया.

कोरोनामुळे जे मृत्यू झाले त्या आकडेवारीचे विश्लेषण केले, तर ते प्रामुख्याने 70 टक्के मृत्यू हे अशा रुग्णांचे झाले की ज्यांना अगोदरच उच्च रक्तदाब, मधुमेह , हृदयविकार, अवाजवी लठ्ठपणा, मूत्राशयाचे व इतर अवयवांचे विकार अशा व्याधींनी ग्रस्त होते. दुसऱ्या शब्दांत सांगावयाचे म्हणजे ज्या व्यक्ती कोणत्या ना कोणत्या आजारामुळे अगोदरच रुग्ण होत्या, त्यांच्यात मृत्यूचे प्रमाण फारच जास्त आणि अवाजवी होते. त्यांना या व्याधी नसत्या तर त्यापैकी कित्येक कोरोनामुळे मृत्यू होण्यापासून वाचू शकले असते. आजपर्यंत जगात सुमारे 35 लाख लोकांचा कोरोनामुळे मृत्यू झाला झाल्याची आकडेवारी आहे. वर नमूद केलेल्या व्याधींनी जर जे रुग्ण ग्रस्त होते ते तसे नसते तर कदाचित लाख लोकांचे प्राण वाचू शकले असते. अर्थात कोरोना नसतानाही या हृदयरोग, उच्च रक्तदाब, डायबिटीस, अपघात, आत्महत्या, तंबाखूसेवन इत्यादींमुळे कित्येक कोटी व्यक्ती अनैसर्गिकरीत्या मृत्यू पावतात. या सर्वांचे प्राण वाचण्याकरिता जागतिक आरोग्य संघटन तसेच सर्वच देशांच्या “रुग्णांवर उपचार करून त्यांना बरे करण्याबाबत” धोरणे आहेतच. त्यामध्ये संशोधनातून रोगाविरुद्ध प्रभावी औषधे शोधणे, त्याची भरपूर निर्मिती करणे, रुग्णांना ते उपलब्ध करणे, त्यांचे दर किफायतशीर ठेवणे, इस्पितळे-दवाखाने, हॉस्पिटल बेड्स, डॉक्टर्स, नर्सेसची संख्या वाढवणे, वैद्यकीय शिक्षणाचा व्यापक विस्तार करून त्यांची सर्वदूर उपलब्धता वाढवणे, हे सर्व नियंत्रित करण्याकरिता आरोग्यकरिता प्रशासकीय यंत्रणेचे जाळे उभारणे, विमा कंपन्यांमार्फत उपचार आणि औषधांचा खर्च भागवणे या गोष्टीचा अंतर्भाव असलेली धोरणे आखून त्यांची अंमलबजावणी करण्यावरच गेल्या शतकामध्ये भर राहिला. अर्थात, एकट्या-दुकट्या रोगासाठी लसीकरणाचा कार्यक्रम राबवून त्या रोगाचे रुग्ण तयार होणार नाहीत, असेही रोगप्रतिबंधाचे कार्यक्रम अपवादाने आहेतच; आणि त्याचे दृश्य स्वरूपात चांगले परिणाम जगाने पाहिलेही आहेत. पण एक बाब प्रकर्षाने स्पष्ट होते की, जगाचे सामूहिक आणि देशपातळीवरील आरोग्यविषयक धोरणे ही केवळ “रुग्णांवर उपचार” करून बरे करण्यावर केंद्रित राहिली आहेत. याकरिता “पेशंट-केअर” हा शब्द यासाठी रूढ झाला आहे. त्यामुळे जगाची धोरणे आरोग्याची नव्हे तर पेशंट केअरचीच आहेत, हे प्रथम सर्वांनी समजून घेणे आवश्यक आहे.

खरे म्हणजे या धोरणांवर आधारितच व्यवस्था आणि सरकारी किंवा खाजगी क्षेत्रात इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्‍चर निर्माण झाले आहे. त्याला किंवा वैद्यकीय शिक्षणाला ‘आरोग्य क्षेत्र’ असे संबोधणे हाच मुळात दुटप्पीपणा आहे आणि तसा दुटप्पीपणा मानवाने निर्बुद्धपणे गेले शंभर वर्षे अंगीकारला आहे. ज्या पद्धतीने गेल्या दशकात काम झाले, त्या पार्श्वभूमीवर जागतिक आरोग्य संघटनेचे नाव जागतिक आरोग्य संघटने ऐवजी जागतिक “पेशंट केअर” संघटना तसेच देशाच्या आरोग्य मंत्रालयांना किंवा विभागांना रुग्ण मंत्रालय किंवा रुग्ण विभाग हीच नावे चपखलपणे बसू शकतात!

आता कोरोनाने अंतर्मुख होऊन मानवास आरोग्याबाबत नवीन धोरणे आखण्याची आणि जुन्या चुका सुधारण्याची संधी दिलेली आहे. गेल्या शतकातील अनुभव विचारात घेता आता खडबडून जागे होऊन जगाने एका शब्दात सांगायचे तर लोक आरोग्यदायी कसे राहतील आणि त्यांचे रुग्ण होण्याचे प्रमाण कसे कमीत कमी ठेवता येईल, हा गाभा असलेली नीती अंगीकारणे व आरोग्य वर्धन धोरणे तयार करून ती राबविणे हे एकमेव उद्दिष्ट ठेवणे आवश्यक राहील. त्याकरिता मग जागतिक पातळीवरील धोरणे, जागतिक आरोग्य संघटनेच्या कार्यात बदल, सर्व देशांची धोरणे, शिक्षणपद्धती, प्रशासकीय यंत्रणा, त्या दिशेने संशोधन, तसे इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर इत्यादींचा समावेश करून एका नवीन अध्यायाची सुरुवात करावी लागेल. सरकारे सध्या जो “आरोग्याच्या” नावाखाली पेशंट केअरवरच बहुतांश खर्च करतात त्यामध्ये बदल करून आरोग्य सुधारण्याकडे हा निधी वळवणे किंवा नव्याने उपलब्ध करून द्यावा लागेल. ज्या देशामध्ये रुग्णसंख्या जास्त त्या देशाचे सकल उत्पादनावर देखील काही प्रमाणात विपरीत परिणाम होतो, असेही संशोधन आहे. त्यामुळे हा रुग्णसंख्या घटविण्याच्या धोरणांचे नवीन वारे जगभर सुरू केले तर त्याचे सर्वच बाबतीत चांगले परिणाम दिसू लागतील. अर्थात, कुटुंबाचा आणि सरकारांचा जो खर्च औषधे”, डॉक्टरच्या फी, वैद्यकीय चाचण्या, हॉस्पिटलायझेशन, हॉस्पिटल व दवाखाने उभारणे यांवर होतो, त्यामध्ये प्रचंड बचत होऊ शकते. उदाहरणार्थ- जगात आज 70 लाख कोटी रुपयांचा खर्च नागरिकांच्या खिशातून औषधावर प्रत्यक्ष किंवा अप्रत्यक्षरित्या कररूपाने जातो. त्यामध्ये माझ्या अंदाजाप्रमाणे या खर्चात साठ-सत्तर टक्के बचत होऊ शकते.

ही “रुग्ण संख्या कमी करण्याची” धोरणे आखताना जे निर्णय घ्यायचे आहेत त्यामध्ये निधीपेक्षा नेतृत्वाची धमक आवश्‍यक राहील. उदाहरणार्थ- रस्ते अपघातामुळे तयार होणाऱ्या रुग्णसंख्येत घट करावयाची असेल, तर रस्त्यामधील सुधारणा, चालकांवर शिस्त ते येथपासून ते तंबाखू पिकावर बंदी, कंपन्यांवर कडक निर्बंध, अन्नभेसळीचे निर्मूलन, खाण्याच्या संस्कृतीमध्ये पैसे कमावण्यासाठी आलेल्या व्यापारी प्रवृत्तींना आळा अशा अनेक गोष्टींवर लक्ष केंद्रित करावे लागेल. क्षुल्लक गोष्टींमुळे रुग्ण तयार होतात त्याचे उदाहरण म्हणजे तोंडाला लावण्याच्या पावडरपासून ते गुटख्यामुळे होणारे कॅन्सर टाळता येतात. हेही आपण अनुभवले आहे.

माणसाने कोरोनाच्या धक्क्यातून सावरताना अंतर्मुख होऊन अशा चुकलेल्या वाटा बदलून नव्या धोरणाच्या माध्यमातून जगाला वाचवणे आवश्यक राहील. त्यामुळे सध्याच्या पेशंट केअर धोरणऐवजी “रुग्णसंख्या कमी करणे” हेच आरोग्य धोरण महाराष्ट्र राज्याने देखील पुढाकार घेऊन तयार करावे आणि भविष्यातील पिढ्यांच्या आरोग्य सुरक्षिततेसाठी ते वापरावे हि विनंती. असे धोरण तयार करण्याकरीता काही मदतीची आवश्यकता भासल्यास मी सदैव तयार असेल.( या विषयावर माझा दि १७/०६/२०२१ रोजी दै लोकसत्ता मध्ये लेख प्रकाशित झाला आहे.)

आपला आदरपूर्वक,

(महेश झगडे)

The Peril of a Market Society Built on Lies.

In today’s fast-paced world, societies are becoming more and more transactional, with the market driving many aspects of our daily lives. But what happens when this market mentality seeps into the very fabric of society, and lies become the new currency? We end up with a society that is sick and dysfunctional.

A society that values profit above all else creates a breeding ground for deception, where lies are masqueraded as truth, and the unscrupulous are rewarded. When deceit becomes the norm, the very foundations of trust and morality are eroded, leading to a dangerous and unstable environment where individuals are pitted against each other, and social cohesion is lost.

We see the devastating effects of such a society all around us. In politics, lies and propaganda are used to sway public opinion, and elected officials use falsehoods to gain power and maintain control. In business, companies cut corners, misrepresent products, and deceive consumers, all in the pursuit of profit. And in the media, misinformation spreads like wildfire, often going unchecked and unchallenged.

The consequences of a society built on lies are dire. Trust is eroded, divisions are deepened, and social inequality is exacerbated. In such a society, it is the vulnerable who suffer the most, as they are the ones who are most likely to be exploited and manipulated.

To combat this sickness, we need to rethink our priorities and shift away from a market-driven mentality that rewards deceit and unethical behavior. We must work towards a society that values honesty, integrity, and the common good. This means creating systems of accountability and transparency that hold individuals and institutions responsible for their actions. It also means promoting critical thinking and media literacy, so that individuals can better discern truth from falsehood.

The road ahead will not be easy, but the alternative is far worse. We must take a stand against a society built on lies and work towards a more just and equitable world. Only then can we truly say that we have created a society that is healthy and thriving.

जागतिक स्तरावर राजकारणाची भांडवलशाही शक्तींपासून मुक्तता.

गेल्या काही दशकांमध्ये, जगभरातील राजकारणी अधिकाधिक भांडवलशाही शक्तींच्या अधीन झाले आहेत. अनेक राजकीय नेते आणि पक्षांनी स्वेच्छेने सामान्य लोकांचे हित अथवा त्यांचा कल्याण याऐवजी कॉर्पोरेशन आणि धनाढ्य व्यक्तींच्या हितसंबंधांशी जुळवून घेतले आहे. भांडवलशाही वर्चस्वामुळे राजकीय क्षेत्राचे स्वातंत्र्य नष्ट झाले असून लोकशाही कमकुवत झाली आहे.

राजकीय क्षेत्राच्या ऱ्हासाचे व अधीनतेचे मुख्य कारण कॉर्पोरेशन आणि धनाढ्य व्यक्तींनी त्यांच्या अफाट आर्थिक सामर्थ्याद्वारे जगावर जे अधिराज्य निर्माण केले ते होय. राजकीय मोहिमांना निधी देऊन, राजकारण्यांशी लॉबिंग करून आणि स्वतःचे राजकीय पक्ष स्थापन करून राजकारण्यांवर प्रभुत्व निर्माण करण्यासाठी ते त्यांच्या अफाट संसाधनांचा वापर करतात. याचा परिणाम सामान्य जनतेच्या गरजा आणि इच्छांपेक्षा या श्रीमंत देणगीदारांच्या हितसंबंधांना अनुकूल अशा धोरणांमध्ये होतो.

भांडवलशाही शक्तींच्या तावडीतून राजकीय क्षेत्राचे स्वातंत्र्य पुनर्संचयित करण्यासाठी, अनेक पावले उचलली पाहिजेत. राजकारणातील पैशाचा प्रभाव मर्यादित करण्यासाठी प्रखर नियम/कायदे तयार करून त्यांची अंमलबजावणी स्थापना करणे ही याबाबत पहिले आणि सर्वात महत्त्वाचे पाऊल असेल. यामध्ये राजकीय मोहिमांवर खर्च करता येणारी रक्कम आणि कॉर्पोरेशन आणि श्रीमंत व्यक्तींकडून स्वीकारल्या जाणाऱ्या देणग्यांची मर्यादा यावर प्राथम्यक्रमाने आणि अत्यंत तातडीने लक्ष केंद्रित केले पाहिजे. याव्यतिरिक्त, राजकारण्यांनी निधीचे सर्व स्त्रोत उघड करणे आवश्यक आहे, जेणेकरुन जनतेला हितसंबंधांच्या कोणत्याही संभाव्य संघर्षांची जाणीव होऊ शकेल.

आणखी एक महत्त्वाचा टप्पा म्हणजे राजकीय प्रक्रियेत पारदर्शकता वाढवणे. यामध्ये सर्व राजकीय निर्णय आणि वाटाघाटी सार्वजनिक करणे, तसेच राजकारणी आणि लॉबीस्ट यांच्यातील सर्व बैठका सार्वजनिक छाननीसाठी उपलब्ध करून दिल्या जातील याची खात्री करणे समाविष्ट आहे. हे बॅकरूम डील रोखण्यात मदत करेल आणि हे सुनिश्चित करेल की राजकारणी त्यांच्या श्रीमंत देणगीदारांऐवजी ते प्रतिनिधित्व करत असलेल्या लोकांसाठी जबाबदार आहेत.

शेवटी राजकीय प्रक्रियेत सर्वसामान्यांचा आवाज बळकट करणे आवश्यक आहे. मतदारांचा सहभाग वाढवून आणि लोकांना राजकीय उमेदवार आणि समस्यांबद्दल माहिती मिळवणे सोपे करून हे केले जाऊ शकते. याव्यतिरिक्त, तळागाळातील संस्थांच्या विकासास प्रोत्साहन देणे महत्वाचे आहे जे सामान्य लोकांच्या गरजा आणि इच्छांसाठी समर्थन करू शकतात.

शेवटी, राजकीय क्षेत्र भांडवलशाही शक्तींच्या अधीन होणे हे लोकशाही आणि लोकांच्या कल्याणासाठी गंभीर धोका आहे. राजकीय क्षेत्राचे स्वातंत्र्य पुनर्संचयित करण्यासाठी, मजबूत नियम स्थापित करणे, पारदर्शकता वाढवणे आणि सामान्य लोकांचा आवाज मजबूत करणे आवश्यक आहे. एक महत्वाचे, कि आपले लोकप्रतिनिधी निवडतांना ते सर्व नागरिकांच्या हितासाठी खरोखर काम करणारे आहेत कि केवळ सत्तास्थापनेच्या लालसेपोटी भांडवलदारांच्या कह्यात जाणारे आहेत याची जनजागरण मोहीम जागतिक पातळीवर तीव्र करून लोकशाही सुदृढ करण्यासाठी DiEM25 सारख्या मोहिमा राबविणे आवश्यक राहील.

Restoring the Independence of Politics: Breaking Free from Capitalistic Forces.

Over the past few decades, politicians around the world have increasingly become subservient to capitalistic forces. Many political leaders and parties have willingly aligned themselves with the interests of corporations and wealthy individuals, often at the expense of the common people. This trend has resulted in a loss of independence of the political arena and has weakened democracy.

One of the main reasons for this subjugation is the immense financial power wielded by corporations and wealthy individuals. They use their vast resources to influence political outcomes by funding political campaigns, lobbying politicians, and even establishing their own political parties. This often results in policies that favor the interests of these wealthy donors over the needs and desires of the general public.

To restore the independence of the political arena from the clutches of capitalistic forces, several steps must be taken. The first and most important step is to establish strong regulations to limit the influence of money in politics. This includes limiting the amount of money that can be spent on political campaigns and the amount of donations that can be accepted from corporations and wealthy individuals. Additionally, politicians should be required to disclose all sources of funding, so that the public can be aware of any potential conflicts of interest.

Another important step is to increase transparency in the political process. This includes making all political decisions and negotiations public, as well as ensuring that all meetings between politicians and lobbyists are made available for public scrutiny. This will help to prevent backroom deals and ensure that politicians are accountable to the people they represent, rather than to their wealthy donors.

Finally, it is essential to strengthen the voice of the common people in the political process. This can be done by increasing voter participation and making it easier for people to access information about political candidates and issues. Additionally, it is important to promote the development of grassroots organizations that can advocate for the needs and desires of the common people.

In conclusion, the subjugation of the political arena to capitalistic forces is a serious threat to democracy and the well-being of the people. To restore independence to the political arena, it is necessary to establish strong regulations, increase transparency, and strengthen the voice of the common people on the lines of DiEM25 movement in Europe. Only then can we ensure that our politicians are truly working for the benefit of all citizens, rather than just a select few.

भावी पिढ्यांची सुदृढता.

कोणत्याही राष्ट्राचे भवितव्य घडवण्यासाठी शिक्षणाचे महत्त्व अनन्यसाधारण असते याबाबत दुमत असूच शकत नाही. भारताची वाढती लोकसंख्या आणि झपाट्याने प्रगत होणाऱ्या तंत्रज्ञानाच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर आपल्या शाळा आणि महाविद्यालये तरुणांना भविष्यातील आव्हाने आणि संधींसाठी तयार करत आहेत कि नाहीत याची खात्री करण्यासाठी आम्ही पुन्हा एकदा सखोल विचार करणे गरजेचे आहे. भविष्यातील आव्हाने आणि संधींसाठी जर भावी पिढी तयार करावयाची असेल तर मग हे आपण आपल्या शैक्षणिक व्यवस्थेचे पुनर्मूल्यांकन केले पाहिजे आणि त्यापेक्षाही महत्वाचे म्हणजे देशातील अभ्यासक्रम हा या पिढयांना वैचारिक, आर्थिक , सामाजिक , सांस्कृतिकदृष्ट्या सक्षम करून जागतिक पातळीवर आपले वर्चस्व निर्माण करणारा आहे का हा खरा कळीचा मुद्दा आहे. तसा तो अभ्यासक्रम नसेल तर देश एक कधीही भरून न निघणारी गंभीर चूक करीत आहे.

भारतातील सध्याची शिक्षण व्यवस्था पारंपारिक दृष्टिकोनावर आधारित आहे कि जी घोकंपट्टी आणि माहितीची ओळख करून घेण्याच्या तत्वांवर आधारित आहे.(Focuses on rote learning and memorization of facts.) भूतकाळात जरी याचा फायदा झाला)असे काहींचे मत असले तरी ते आता भविष्यकाळासाठी निरर्थक झाले आहे. (भूतकाळातदेखील ह्याचा फायदा होण्याऐवजी प्रचंड नुकसानच झाले हे माझे ठाम वैक्तिक मत आहे.). आता भविष्यासाठी अभ्यासक्रमात सर्जनशीलता (Creative thinking) यावर मुख्य भर असलेली व्यवस्था तयार केली नाही तर आपण जागतिक स्पर्धेतून बाहेर फेकले जाऊ शकतो. जागतिक अर्थव्यवस्थेत स्पर्धा करण्यासाठी, आमच्या विद्यार्थ्यांकडे विज्ञान, तंत्रज्ञान, अभियांत्रिकी आणि गणित (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics : STEM) शिक्षण, तसेच क्रिटिकल थिंकिंग आणि समस्या सोडवण्याची कौशल्ये यांचा भक्कम पाया असणे आवश्यक आहे व तसा अभ्यासक्रम तयार करून तो जगातील सर्वात अद्ययावत अभ्यासक्रम म्हणून गणला जाईल असा डिझाईन करणे अपरिहार्य आहे.

त्याचबरॊबर भविष्यात बहुतांश कामे हि ऑटोमेशन आणि कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्तेच्या वर्चस्वार आधारित असतील आणि त्याकरिता आपल्या शिक्षण व्यवस्थेने पहिलीपासूनच विद्यार्थ्यांना या वास्तविकतेसाठी तयार करण्यासाठी अनुकूल केले पाहिजे. कोडिंग, डेटा विश्लेषण आणि डिजिटल साक्षरता यासारख्या उच्च मागणी असलेल्या शिक्षण कौशल्यांना आम्ही प्राधान्य दिले पाहिजे. आमच्या अभ्यासक्रमात उद्योजकता, सर्जनशीलता आणि नाविन्यपूर्ण अभ्यासक्रमांचाही समावेश असणे आवश्यक आहे, जेणेकरुन आमचे विद्यार्थी त्यांच्या संबंधित क्षेत्रात जागतिक नेतृत्व करण्यास सक्षम होऊ शकतील.

STEM शिक्षणाव्यतिरिक्त, आपण सामाजिक विज्ञान आणि मानविकींच्या महत्त्वावर देखील जोर दिला पाहिजे. आज आपल्या जगाला भेडसावणाऱ्या गुंतागुंतीच्या सामाजिक, राजकीय आणि आर्थिक समस्या समजून घेण्यासाठी आपले विद्यार्थी ज्ञान आणि कौशल्याने सुसज्ज असले पाहिजेत. इतिहास, राज्यशास्त्र, अर्थशास्त्र आणि समाजशास्त्रातील अभ्यासक्रम विद्यार्थ्यांना व्यापक दृष्टीकोन विकसित करण्यास आणि माहितीपूर्ण आणि व्यस्त नागरिक बनण्यास मदत करतील. अर्थात हे विषय करियर म्हणून नव्हे तर चांगले नागरिक म्हणून त्यांचे व्यक्तिमत्व वृद्धीसाठी या गोष्टीकडे पहिले जावे.

भविष्यातील अभ्यासक्रम तयार करण्याचे हे महत्त्वाकांक्षी उद्दिष्ट साध्य करण्यासाठी, आपण नोकरशाही , राजकीय नेतृत्वावर दबाव आणणे आवश्यक आहे आणि त्यासाठी एक व्यापक मोहीम समाजाने घेतली तरच काहीतरी साध्य होऊ शकेल. अर्थात याबरोबरच , शिक्षक प्रशिक्षण आणि पायाभूत सुविधांमध्ये गुंतवणुकीला प्राधान्य दिले पाहिजे. शिक्षक अद्ययावत अध्यापन तंत्रांनी सुसज्ज असले पाहिजेत आणि त्यांच्याकडे तंत्रज्ञान आणि संसाधनांमध्ये प्रवेश असणे आवश्यक आहे जे त्यांचे शिक्षण वाढवतील. भविष्यवेधी शैक्षणिक वातावरण निर्माण करण्यासाठी आपल्या शाळा आणि महाविद्यालये आधुनिक सुविधा आणि संसाधनांनी सुसज्ज असणे आवश्यक आहे.

शेवटी, भारतातील भविष्यकालीन शाळा आणि महाविद्यालयीन “भविष्यवेधी अभ्यासक्रमाची” गरज निकडीची आहे. आपल्या शिक्षण व्यवस्थेने आधुनिक जगाच्या बदलत्या गरजांशी जुळवून घेतले पाहिजे आणि हे प्रत्यक्षात आणण्यासाठी आपण आपल्या शिक्षक आणि पायाभूत सुविधांमध्ये गुंतवणूक केली पाहिजे. 21व्या शतकात आणि त्यापुढील काळात आपल्या विद्यार्थ्यांना यशासाठी तयार करणारी शिक्षण व्यवस्था तयार करण्यासाठी आपण एकत्र काम करू या.

The future-enabled generations.

The importance of education in shaping the future of any nation cannot be overstated. With India’s growing population and rapidly advancing technology, it is imperative that we take steps to ensure that our schools and colleges are preparing our youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future. To achieve this, we must re-evaluate our educational system and update our syllabus to be more forward-thinking and innovative.

The current education system in India is based on a traditional approach that focuses on rote learning and memorization of facts. While this may have worked in the past, it is no longer adequate to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. To compete in the global economy, our students must have a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The future of work will be dominated by automation and artificial intelligence, and our education system must adapt to prepare our students for this reality. We must prioritize teaching skills that are in high demand, such as coding, data analysis, and digital literacy. Our syllabus must also include courses on entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, so that our students can become leaders and innovators in their respective fields.

In addition to STEM education, we must also emphasize the importance of social sciences and humanities. Our students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand the complex social, political, and economic issues facing our world today. Courses in history, political science, economics, and sociology will help students develop a broader perspective and become informed and engaged citizens.

To achieve this ambitious goal of creating a futuristic syllabus, we must prioritize investments in teacher training and infrastructure. Our teachers must be equipped with the latest pedagogical techniques and have access to technology and resources that will enhance their teaching. Our schools and colleges must be equipped with modern facilities and resources to create a stimulating learning environment.

In conclusion, the need for a futuristic school and college syllabus in India is urgent and cannot be overstated. Our education system must adapt to the changing needs of the modern world, and we must invest in our teachers and infrastructure to make this a reality. Let us work together to create an education system that will prepare our students for success in the 21st century and beyond.

Never ignore the warnings of danger

(A short story for children)

Once upon a time, nestled deep in the heart of a dense forest in Africa, was a peaceful village. The occupants of village were very hardworking and always cooperated with each other during the difficult times.

The village was surrounded by tall trees and had a tranquil atmosphere. All the houses in the village were made up of thatched walls and roofs, which made them highly vulnerable to fire. Despite this fact, the villagers were content with their simple way of living.

Just before the rainy season, the people of the village were busy repairing the houses wherever needed. Some were engaged in their routine life while.

Suddenly, a forest fire of epic proportions broke out, spreading rapidly and making its way towards the village.

The fire started to surround the village. Most of the people were oblivious of the catastrophe looming large because of the fire. They were unaware of the impending danger and continued with their daily tasks, repairing the thatched houses.

Only a few villagers were aware of the danger and tried to warn the others. Unfortunately, their warnings fell on deaf ears. The villagers were too occupied with their work and did not realise the severity of the situation. They did not realise that the fire was going to engulf the village and destroy it.

As the fire grew closer and the heat intensified, some of the villagers finally realised the danger. However, it was too late. The fire had spread too far, and the village was quickly engulfed in flames. The villagers were in a state of shock and disbelief as they watched their homes and everything they had worked for being destroyed by the fire.

In the end, the village was obliterated by the fire, leaving nothing behind but ash and rubble. The people had paid a heavy price for their ignorance and lack of preparedness. They had been too focused on their day-to-day tasks and had not taken the necessary precautions to protect their homes and their village. The lesson was clear: always be prepared for the unexpected, and never ignore the warnings of danger.

(Marathi Translation by the system)

धोक्याच्या इशाऱ्यांकडे कधीही दुर्लक्ष करू नका.

(मुलांसाठी एक छोटी कथा)

आफ्रिकेतील घनदाट जंगलाच्या मध्यभागी वसलेले एक आटपाट शांत गाव होते. गाव उंचच उंच झाडांनी वेढलेले आणि शांत वातावरणात वसलेले होते. गांवकरी अत्यंत कष्टाळू होते आणि वेळप्रसंगी एकमेकांच्या मदतीला धावून जायचे. गावातील सर्व घरांच्या भिंती आणि छपरे हि काट्याकुट्या पासून

बनलेली होती, ज्यामुळे त्यांना आग लागण्याची शक्यता होती. ही वस्तुस्थिती असूनही गावकरी त्यांच्या साध्या राहणीमानावर समाधानी होते.

उन्हाळ्यामध्ये गावातील लोक गरज असेल तिथे घरांची दुरुस्ती करण्यात व्यस्त होते तर बहुतेक जण दैनंदिन कामात मग्न होते.

अचानक जंगलात आग लागली, ती वेगाने गावाच्या दिशेने पसरू लागली. आगीने गावाला वेढा घातला. आगीमुळे मोठ्या प्रमाणात होणार्‍या आपत्तीबद्दल बहुतेक लोक अनभिज्ञ होते. त्यांना येणार्‍या धोक्याकडे दुर्लक्ष करून त्यांनी त्यांची दैनंदिन कामे व विशेषतः घरांची डागडुजी करण्याची कामे सुरूच ठेवली.

काही गावकऱ्यांना धोक्याची जाणीव होती आणि त्यांनी इतरांना सावध करण्याचा प्रयत्न केला. दुर्दैवाने, त्यांच्या इशाऱ्याकडे बहुतेक गावकर्यांनी दुर्लक्ष केले. गावकरी त्यांच्या घरांची डागडुजी करण्याच्या कामात खूप व्यस्त राहिले आणि त्यांना परिस्थितीची भयानकता लक्षात आली नाही. ही आग गावाला घेरून ते नष्ट करणार आहे हे त्यांच्या लक्षात आले नाही.

आग जसजशी जवळ आली आणि उष्णतेची तीव्रता वाढत गेली, तसतसे गावातील लोकांना धोका लक्षात आला. मात्र, खूप उशीर झाला होता. आग खूप दूर पसरली होती आणि गाव आगीच्या ज्वाळांनी वेढले गेले. आगीमुळे त्यांची घरे आणि सर्वस्व सरतेशेवटी, नष्ट झाले. राखीच्या ढिगाराशिवाय काहीही शिल्लक राहिले नाही.

लोकांनी त्यांच्या अज्ञानाची आणि तयारीच्या अभावाची मोठी किंमत मोजली होती. त्यांनी त्यांच्या दैनंदिन कामांवर खूप लक्ष केंद्रित केले होते आणि त्यांनी त्यांचे घर आणि त्यांचे गाव सुरक्षित ठेवण्यासाठी आवश्यक ती खबरदारी घेतली नव्हती.

धडा स्पष्ट होता: अनपेक्षित गोष्टींसाठी नेहमी तयार रहा आणि धोक्याच्या इशाऱ्यांकडे कधीही दुर्लक्ष करू नका.

Of tomatoes and onions!

The rural economy in Maharashtra, like the rest of the country, is facing tremendous stress due to the disproportionately low per capita income of people engaged in agriculture compared to those dependent on the secondary and tertiary segments of the economy. Despite the government’s continuing efforts, this remains one of the major challenges before the country. The plight of the farmers is a matter of great concern, and it is not uncommon to see news reports of farmers throwing away their produce on highways due to unremunerative prices in the market. This is particularly true for crops like tomatoes and onions, which are highly perishable and prone to sudden gluts.

To address such scenarios, it is proposed that start-up ventures, supported by subsidies, could be conceptualized. One such program could be “Surplus Agri-Produce Processing Units”. These units could be designed to assimilate governmental benefits and subsidies as well as CSR funds. The main aim of these units would be to process surplus agricultural produce into value-added products, thereby reducing waste and increasing the income of farmers.

The concept of surplus agri-produce processing units is not entirely new. Similar initiatives have been taken in other parts of the country, and they have proven to be successful. However, there is a need to expand such initiatives in Maharashtra, given the state’s large agrarian population and the frequent occurrence of gluts.

The first step in implementing this program would be to identify potential locations for the processing units. These units should be located in areas where there is a high concentration of farmers and where surplus agricultural produce is likely to be available. The units should also be equipped with modern processing equipment and technologies that can convert raw agricultural produce into value-added products such as canned fruits and vegetables, pickles, jams, and juices.

To ensure the success of these units, it is important to provide technical assistance and training to the farmers. They should be taught how to identify and select the best quality produce for processing, how to store and transport the produce, and how to manage the processing units. The government and private organizations can also provide support in marketing the processed products to local and national markets.

One of the main advantages of this program is that it can help in reducing food waste and losses due to oversupply. The surplus agricultural produce that would otherwise have gone to waste can be converted into value-added products and sold in the market. This, in turn, can increase the income of farmers and improve their livelihoods.

In conclusion, the concept of surplus agri-produce processing units has the potential to bring about a positive change in the rural economy of Maharashtra. By reducing waste and increasing the income of farmers, these units can help in addressing some of the major challenges faced by the agrarian sector. The government and private organizations should work together to provide the necessary support and funding to implement this program and make it a success.

Mahesh Zagade, IASx

I act because I must….

Author Archives: Mahesh Zagade,IASx, xPrincipal Secretary to Government of Maharashtra