You know what's the cost of an Indian life for an American MNC? 40 cents. That's it. And, guess what, the government of India agrees with this value. All Indians - all 1.1 billion of us - are worth 40 cents. So, if you vaporize into thin air in a Chernobyl-like nuclear accident, that's what your family (if they survive, that is) would be paid. If you think I am talking through my hat or making all this up, here are a few facts. A few scary facts.
The government of this country is in the process of tabling a bill in the parliament which will give a guarantee to all the MNCs willing to invest money and technology in India's nuclear reactors that in case of an accident, they don't have to pay more that $450 million in compensation. That's the limit. The compensation has been capped at $450 million. Divide 450 million by 1.1 billion and you get 40 cents. That's what the companies bringing their nuclear reactors will pay if there is an accident at a nuclear reactor (Of course, no nuclear mishap can affect all the 1.1 billion people of this country, but a nuclear calamity can inflict a huge social, economic and environmental damage to generations of Indians. And keeping our track record in mind - Bhopal 25 years ago; Kaiga three weeks back -- the chances of an accident can't be ruled out.)
A couple of weeks back, the Union cabinet okayed the draft of the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill, fixing the civil liability at Rs 2,500 crore ($450 million). It was a strong message to the business lobby in Washington, which have been eyeing the Rs 60,000-crore plus market in India in the next 5-10 years. That's a huge amount of money. There's no cap on profit these MNCs can make in this poor country, but there's a cap on compensation they have to pay in case of a mishap.
And what about the criminal liability? The bill is silent on it. We have been the victims of the worst ever industrial accident ever. Twenty five years ago this month - on the night of December 3-4 - the Union Carbide (an American MNC) factory in Bhopal began spewing a poisonous gas that killed and maimed thousands. Those people are still suffering. They are still camping at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, waiting for compensation and justice. In Bhopal, frail and weak women are still giving birth to children with congenital heart condition. The people of the city are still drinking contaminated, poisoned water. And the criminal in chief behind this atrocity, Warren Anderson, is living life kingsize in a plush New Jersey mansion. We can't touch him.
And, now, with this new bill, the Indian government is giving an assurance to the Americans: go to India, set up your nuclear plants, mint money; if there is an accident we guarantee you that you won't be touched; and you can pay 40 cents for every life lost. In short, they have been guaranteed that they will get away with murder.
But, people, particularly civil society groups, are already speaking up against the bill. A brilliant report by Greenpeace India has not only exposed the major flaws in the bill, it has actually proved that this bill is "anti-people" and against the "Constitution of India." The Greenpeace report says that "the responsibility for paying this compensation will rest on the operator (likely to be the Nuclear Power Corporation) and not the supplier or foreign companies building and installing reactors in India... In a nutshell, this means the supplier-foreign companies like France's Areva SA, Russia's Rosatom Corp and US giants GE and Westinghouse -- will reap huge profits by setting up nuclear reactors and selling their technologies, but will not be required to pay compensation in case of a nuclear accident at their plants."
The Greenpeace sent its report to Soli Sorabjee for an Opinion. Sorabjee is not only one of the best constitutional experts we have in this country, he is also India's former attorney-general. This is what Sorabjee said in his Opinion: "There is no warrant or justification for capping nuclear liability, as is sought to be done. Any such move will be in defiance of the Supreme Court judgments and will be contrary to the interest of people of India and their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution."
Violation of people's rights. Violation of Supreme Court verdicts. Violation of safety norms. For what? 40 cents. And you will get it, when you are dead.
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Comments:
Sort by: Oldest | Newest | Recommended (85) | Most DiscussedDecember 10,2009 at 11:41 PM IST
...And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.
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December 10,2009 at 11:56 PM IST
Are you right.
The compensation should be four cents as hidden slides would show the distribution procedure and expenditure incurred on the cases and handling charges etc to be compensated from the compensating amount. Time frame of awarding compensation should also not be fixed, let it drag on,on..
The drafting of bills normally leaves loopholes to be exploited later by concerned parties. These loopholes may be pro powerful and anti poor.
Clever copanies will manage to contest even four cent compensation on the plea that it is uneconomical to distribute and may be exempted..
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December 11,2009 at 12:47 AM IST
A single nuclear accident is not going to kill all of India's 1.1 billion people. Nuclear reactors are usually situated in isolated areas away from large cities, so civilian casualties would be down to a minimum. I'm sure there are exceptions, but any new reactors that come up will likely be at a safe distance. I don't agree with the cap on liabilities in the event of an accident, but I don't think it's justifiable to assume that a single nuclear accident would wipe out all of India's 1.1 billion population.
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(Reply to William)-
dhananjay
says:
December 11,2009 at 09:14 AM IST
@ William you may be right why 1.1 billion. But try to understand we are not talking about one generation, a nuclear calamity of this sort will have an ever lasting impact on coming generation. Bhopal gas tragedy vitims are still sufferring even after 2 decades. And in India not all death are accounted for. We just need to make sure any such tragedy is not occurs in first place & for that to happen utmost measures should be taken.
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(Reply to dhananjay)-
SB
says:
December 11,2009 at 04:26 PM IST
Mr. William...I am sure you know what happens in case of a nuclear blast. How would you feel to imgine yourself or your near and dear ones getting literally melted? I dont need to mention the effects the coming generations face because of this. People in Hiroshima and Nagasaki still see the effects of the blast in their children. Are you OK with that? It may not kill 1.1Bn people...but that doesn't dilute the gravity of the situation.
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(Reply to William)-
Vivek Vishwakarma
says:
December 11,2009 at 05:07 PM IST
R u an A** hole Williams,The concern raised by Shibhna is very much right,Incase of even a single death resulting from nuclear reactors is reported ,that wud be shame.
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(Reply to Vivek Vishwakarma)-
Debata
says:
December 12,2009 at 03:09 AM IST
Such a disaster may even be affected more people
when it will contaminate sea water and air afflicting people of several countries.
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(Reply to William)-
satyam
says:
January 19,2010 at 09:47 AM IST
it should be noted that it is very much possible that a nuclear mishap may wipe out 1.1 billion people not all at once but gradually. the reason for this is -"the after effects of a nuclear disaster."wat has been proposed is certainly not in the best interest of the the people and a serious amendment is the call of the hour.
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(Reply to William)-
Ranjeet Rain
says:
February 02,2010 at 07:26 PM IST
William, actually you are right. So let's say there will be a couple of such accidents in a span of two years. They would cost these companies no more than 2 billion dollar but would make sure that a large part of billion population will die, and coming generations would be born with several deceases.
Brilliant, ain't it. Just a few billion dollar and you have the license to finish India, signed legally by the government of India.
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December 11,2009 at 01:04 AM IST
Why do you have to divide the total amount by 1.1 Bn people. There needs to be a cap so that different companies can evaluate the risk and operate in India. $450Mn is for the area affected, for example if we implement it for Bhopal then this amount us for people who got affected during the Bhopal gas tragedy not for whole of India. So please reconsider before making big statements.
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(Reply to Manish Chauhan)-
Pavan
says:
December 12,2009 at 06:33 AM IST
The point is why are companies seeking such a cap ...are they planning on an accident?
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December 11,2009 at 01:33 AM IST
the government of india whether now or before has always cheated the indian people ever since 1990. We have become so used to the follies and cheating that we pay no heeds and hounds to the working of overnment. we have just become the arm chair critics who yell at others but never try to do something for the cause. So whatever is happening i think its just the interest of the mistakes that we as citizens of india have commited. This will continue to happen untill we overcome our Alzheimer's symptoms and repaying bck what the politicians have done to the countrymen so long.
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December 11,2009 at 02:27 AM IST
Why work for an MNC? Many Indians are already discovering for themselves that there is much more to be made than 40 cents, when they work directly for overseas clients, using the Internet.
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December 11,2009 at 05:40 AM IST
Your math is funny. Why divide $450 million by the entire population of India? Unless of course you are assuming that one nuclear accident will affect the entire population of India, which is utterly impossible.
On a more important note, it is not just the MNCs think Indian lives are cheap, the Indian government thinks so as well. How else do you explain such miserable statistics as these:
1) 47% of all Indian children under the age of six are malnourished and stunted.
2) Each year, 2.5 million Indian children die before reaching the age of three.
3) 41% of Indians live below the International Absolute Poverty Line.
4) 400 million Indians do not have access to electricity.
5) Diarrhea kills 1000 children EVERY DAY.
6) Functional literacy rate stands at barely more than 50%.
7) 160 million Untouchables remain oppressed and shunned and lead a sub-human existence.
Let's admit it, the Indian lives are cheap, since their own government is treating them like the cheapest of all commodities. Sad, but true.
How did this happen in a democracy?
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(Reply to JeffAsh)-
JAKE
says:
December 11,2009 at 05:24 PM IST
ASH
Before making an assessment of Indian lives, calculate the worth of your worthless life. U will get to know that it is less than not just
40 cents, but also 5 cents, not fit to pay for even a loaf of bread. U need to be subsidized by Chinese Govt for purchasing a bread to meet the pangs of your worthless hungry stomach.
===
Ensure that you do not purchase FAKE Chinese goods that are flooding the market. Maybe the Statistical junk you heaped here comes from your using the FAKE Chinese stuff.
---
Be careful, don't write against fake Chinese stuff else u will land up in Chinese concentration camps
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(Reply to JAKE)-
Jay
says:
December 11,2009 at 07:12 PM IST
Strange!!!! then why still you guys are paying 30-40 lakhs to come to US? Why you guys down graded US life....do you know Indians and Chinese are responsible for Global recession? How many Indian illegal stays in US? You guys are begging for everything? I have seen that even if you guys are making million a year..still looking for 99 cent stuff....that shows your lower level of life...and you know that's called CHEAP....
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(Reply to Jay)-
JAKE
says:
December 11,2009 at 08:39 PM IST
JAY
Funny to hear comedy stuff from you. You must be drunk to talk like that.
==
Why is USA called the land of immigrants? Is it for keeping guys like you in a seduced state? From where did you get this that US life is getting downgraded OR Indians and Chinese are responsible for global recession? Have you heard about Lehmann Bros or Bears Sterns and Fannie Mae, etc?? The collapse of these banks led to the recession, it was the greed of the men in these banks that led to the recession mess. The men were all whites like Madoff, etc who swindled millions of dollars and caused the mayhem across the world.
==
Illegals come from all nations and not one nation alone and as for begging, you must be out of your mind to say that. Regarding guys making million a year and looking for 99 cent stuff, affix that to guys like Madoff and that Lehman Bros CEO, Guys like that. Those are the ones who are not satisfied with even a trillion dollars and hunger for more. Ain't that cheap??
===
Wake up and make out what you're talking about. Don't just get pissed off and dump trash just like that.
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(Reply to JAKE)-
Sriram
says:
December 12,2009 at 12:13 AM IST
JAKE you are absolutely true about the facts. But as you know truth is bitter, many may not like it.
You are a great and your thinking is unquestionable.
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(Reply to JeffAsh)-
Niti Gupta
says:
December 11,2009 at 10:57 AM IST
@JeffAsh It is a matter of statistics...But there is a difference in what is a mere game of numbers and what the reality is or atleast what we aim for. We know the real problems facing India, but it gives no right to any person, nation or any entity to decide the price of Indian life or for that matter any other life.Stastical games can be played in all directions and people can throw statistics at Europe or other Western countries, area, rights of minorities...etc But the truth is we are a real democracy where people are really free.
Consider this we could have gone the China way and limited our population by force, but people have rights...
No other country can boast of democracy, certainly not the western nations with their long histories of intolerance, discrimination and inequality against varied communities, so think before punching statistical figures
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(Reply to JeffAsh)-
JAKE
says:
December 11,2009 at 02:37 PM IST
Ashy, Itâs your MATH that is funny. YOU NEED To get your HEAD and not MATH calculations right.
Maybe itâs your life that is cheap and worthless and hence you put that to Indian lives. Pathetic that your life has come to a shape and that can be understood since you are staying in a oppressive country like China.
At least the Indian figures are transparent and open to the world. The ones stats u are talking abt is all exaggerated and it all too easy to make one such survey and put it as so and so. But what abt China? Everything is closed and shunted off to a concentration camps. The world hardly gets to know what is what in China. The most number of executions, the most number of peopleâs voices suppressed, heavy media and internet curbs, and so on. How did u get to come on Indian blogs? Are there no Chinese blogs that allows u to freely to put up your crap? Are u restricted? OR is it we are too free and u are too free to load your shit here??
Thatâs democracy and its beauty. Where you have the freedom to say what you want and write. Not like China where u are whipped and sent off to concentration camps.
Let's admit it, the Chinese lives are DIRT CHEAP, since their own government is treating them like the cheapest of all commodities. Sad, but VERY TRUE. This is what happens in a totalitarian set upâ¦
So ASHY, your life is worthless. Hit your worthless head hard before putting your crap here.
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(Reply to JAKE)-
Sandeep
says:
December 11,2009 at 11:22 PM IST
Jake are you in some kind of mental turmoil....were abused? what?
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(Reply to Sandeep)-
JAKE
says:
December 12,2009 at 10:45 AM IST
Not at all. Neither abused nor in some kind of turmoil
Just cant take bull crap from people who talk all crap that have no logic nor truth
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(Reply to JeffAsh)-
sughosh bansal
says:
December 11,2009 at 04:49 PM IST
Statistics is a tool by which one intelectual can befool a millions of other intellectuals. Any one can cite another set of statistics data to establish where India is lagging and why. The issue is whether or not the Bill of capping the liability of a Company in the event of nuclear disaster is right and our discussions should be limited to this only. Consider the following areas and gather statistics, before making any comments - (1) How many accidents have occured around the world and during what period (at best could be 64 years) involving nuclear reactors, be it for civil purpose or military purpose; (2) Similar information involving Indian Reactors; (3) How many people were affected in such accidents; (4) Whether or not India as a country has to go in for nuclear power generation given the limited resources of coal and hydrocarbons; (5) If india requires to generate Power through Nuclear reactors, wherefrom the money could be arranged - Is indian Government capable of investing such a large sum OR do we have investors in private Indian industry who is prepared to make such an investments; (5)Why should an investor (irrespetive or whether an MNC or Indian) make an investment in an area with unlimited unforseen liability. To start with let us cope with these parameters though I am sure there could be many more which should be considered before we arrive at a decision. And where do we reach? Mr. Saxena and Mr. JeffAsh- Let us be realistic while stating any numbers and i am sure you understand what I am saying. Please come forward with the statistics on the parameters identified by me and then do the calculations as to what is the cost of an Indian Life.
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(Reply to JeffAsh)-
Ranjeet Rain
says:
February 02,2010 at 07:38 PM IST
Okay, since you are so dumb you can't understand this I will explain - even if 1.1 billion people will no die, let's say 1 million die. In case the people who die are men, they will leave their family and dependents behind with no income. It is better if the whole family dies than the earning member alone. And you should know in India mostly men work and women look after the household. Unlike your country where both men and women have to work their ass out in order to make the ends meet and have some money to spare to buy gadgets and plan a yearly travel.
And I am not going to tell you that the effects of nuclear mishaps are felt for decade and centuries may be. But I bet you didn't study Chemistry much, so you don't know about it.
Oh yes, your stats didn't impress me. I know my country has a long way to go and do a lot on health care and stuff, but that doesn't mean the government of India has to be so stupid to accept a cap and give freedom to these MNCs to operate carelessly (after all it won't cost more than $450). Why are the MNCs asking for a cap in first place?
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December 11,2009 at 06:43 AM IST
The contention conveyed in this article is quite distorted. Any calamity of any nature will not affect all the 1.1 billion Indians. In fact, the author himself claims that some relations of the victim will remain alive to claim the compensation of 40 cents. I am sure, there many more like the author, who wait for an opportunity to oppose. Industrial accidents do taken place, not only in India but in every country in the world. May be Bhopal Gas tragety was a very big tragedy for the country, but that does not mean that no similar industry should be permitted. Let us remember that thousands of people die in the country through electric shock, does it mean that we should stop producing electricity. Many more people die because of road accidents, should we stop all the vehicles. Let us remember that India is one amongst very few countries (both developed and developing countries included) which have never been able to meet its power requirements. So let us not support all these meaningless hurdles. For once, let our common man enjoy the benefits of uninterrupted power supply.
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December 11,2009 at 06:56 AM IST
Indians themselves dont value human life, how can they expect MNCs to show any value. Look at desi IT companies, they are supposed to be run by more educated Indians, they also dont treat Indian employees with respect.
Our culture itself has to improve in terms of how a living and dead human being is to be treated.
Compensation is still a far off thing, my dad has to pay the babu for getting his pension increments all the time. He served the govt as officer for 36 years to deserve the pension. If he is so helpless infront of the system, I doubt how others would be managing their day to day life.
The Bhopal gas tragedy would have made some of the Indian ministers multi millionaires and all the money would have been deposited in Switzerland or other secret banks outside India. As truly rated, India is the most corrupt land in the world ruled by the most corrupt people. Sonia Gandhi says she does not own a car and have only few lakhs in banks, She does not clarify how much in secret banks outside India. It has been revealed that $1.4 trillion of Indian money are deposited in foreign secret banks, I am sure the actual amount is triple of that.
Only God can save my country.
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(Reply to Sharad)-
Sana
says:
December 11,2009 at 11:01 PM IST
now this is SAD, but very TRUE. Thinking of all the reality one may wonder that how is India even this stable, provided all the ccorruption we have. It can be shattered any moment.
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December 11,2009 at 07:09 AM IST
Then why don't u publish this in all the regional languages so that it reaches the masses who can at least get up, unite and revolt. If the govt' is treating its citizens like rotten eggs then what is the use of such a treaty.....Bhopal disaster is still simmering, people are actually abondoned without any help what so ever!
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December 11,2009 at 08:02 AM IST
Jago re India
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December 11,2009 at 08:54 AM IST
Mr Shobhan, It was really nice to read your points respecting the value of Indian life. But I doubt govt will read your column and do anything?
I wish these good columns would fetch some modifications in the ugly rule that says "There's no cap on profit these MNCs can make in this poor country, but there's a cap on compensation". As a result, there is no cap on the amount of hate these MNCs would be receiving from Indian public.
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December 11,2009 at 08:57 AM IST
This is a ridiculous argument dividing the compensation by the entire population as if entire india will die from a potential accident.
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December 11,2009 at 09:31 AM IST
Its a wonderful article and must be published nationally so that every one becomes aware of their value in the hands of these MNC's.Bhopal tragedy has its adverse aftermaths and not defyinf this bill and raiisng voice agianst the bill ,we are sure to head into another such tragedy with no remedy.So we the people of INDIA have to stand up for ourself, our nation.
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December 11,2009 at 09:55 AM IST
For all those saying that he shouldn't divide 450000000 by 1.1 billion, maybbe you're right, but divide it by 500000, which is the number of people killed by the bhopal gas tragedy, then you get 900. This is INR 41,908.27. Are you kidding me? Is this what is to be given to victims of such a disaster?
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(Reply to Parry)-
Mumbaikar
says:
December 11,2009 at 11:33 AM IST
Also, what if such tragedy happens in a city like Mumbai which also has civil nuclear facilities. If suck kind of disaster happens here, jst imagine the impact it will have on Indian economy. Almost 35% of Indias GDP comes from Mumbai. We Indians just cannot afford suck kinda idiotic bill to be passed and let away the foreign MNC get away!
Note: This is my personal view, take it or throw it!
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(Reply to Mumbaikar)-
Sughosh Bansal
says:
December 11,2009 at 04:55 PM IST
Mumbai has the distinction of having the oldest nuclear reactor in India and we never heard of any accident so far worth mentioning. Then what are the chances of having an accident now when the technology had become much more advanced and safer
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(Reply to Sughosh Bansal)-
Indian
says:
December 11,2009 at 06:06 PM IST
If there has been no accident in the past is that enuf reason to believes that there will be none in future? Technology may have become better but this stupid cap will ensure that enuf and sufficient care is not taken for avoiding such accidents because the cost of the accident is virtualy NIL!!!!
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(Reply to Mumbaikar)-
Jane Doe
says:
December 12,2009 at 04:15 AM IST
Good then all the jobs that were taken away from Americans for cheaper labor will return to America.
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December 11,2009 at 10:12 AM IST
This is just the beginning of pushing India towards further poverty. First it was the British (Gore), now its Congress under the guidance (influence of) Sonia Gandhi another (Gori), who are eating away India's wealth.
In my another comment I wrote our leaders have not changed, during British rule our leaders were second rate leaders, today they are still second rate leaders, spineless.
They must have made millions for themselves in this deal. On the second thought, their European mistress must have ordered them to present this bill and our spineless leaders must have been licking her soles.
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December 11,2009 at 10:34 AM IST
And all this only because a man called Manmohan Singh wanted to secure his next 5 years as PM (vs Yuvaraj Rahul Gandhi). US and MNCs know that Manmohan Singh can be very easily manipulated because he wants to push n-deal at any cost during his tenure because he has made it his prestige issue. If a few million Indians die here and there how does it matter to him?
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December 11,2009 at 10:37 AM IST
with the newly acquired outlook .. i think i better get a heaftier LIFE INSURANCE done.. lol !!
Thank and appreciate the perspective shown by Shobhan ..
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December 11,2009 at 10:47 AM IST
Contents of this article and its argument is well taken and deserves to be taken very seriously.
While Govt may have tabled a proposal....question is what we as citizen value each other. Is it not the way we set precedents and social justice in a democracy?
What value have we palced on ourselves each one of us. The smallest and yet vital and strongest institution in any given society is FAMILY We have reneged our social responsibilities and as a people not set the standards in society and therefore democratically given the rights to others to set a value for ourselves
Social Justice...Good Social Policies....Valued social programs is the best public education we can instill so our parents men and women of all ages children and future generations realize our true value not only material....humanity....human rights....and citizenship
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December 11,2009 at 10:48 AM IST
Really,
I'm still confuse that our why governments are supporting all these MNC, Is there mean like we don't have values of our life in front of these MNC or is there any other matter..!!!???
Just a simple and genuine request to our government "please value our self, we are not just a 40 cents people!!!"
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December 11,2009 at 10:51 AM IST
Hats off to you for such a useful information.
NETAS are saying about to generate patriotism in every indian, but why should people love their country, if they are loving their country than too do government love them??
If yes than 40 Cents....is it a really worthy amount??
Govt. should propose them for no accident and if accident occurs they cant operate their business deals in any of the country.That company does not have rights to kill anybody.
If they are not sure about whether accident will occur or not better to not start the work.
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December 11,2009 at 10:58 AM IST
Actually I agree with some of the views in here, the views that say that indian government does not care about the indian people. Although the idea of the article was to question the same it came out in a different light. The country needs to know the importance and sancticity of life. Today we see so many cases of killing and rape in India and that is because the government does not care. With such a government one cannot expect them to do anything good for the people. Look at the stupidity of our masses. We elect people who think of problems like having a state for a section of people and worry on those things when the basic amenities are not there. Electoral candidates spend millions in hotels when another part of the country is hit with starvation and flood. We the people have no business to comment on anything when we are the people who elect such idiots into our parliament. So suck it up and dont complain that is all I have to say because at the end of the day it is each individual who is writing this who made sure that their life is worth only this much.
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December 11,2009 at 12:44 PM IST
The compensation amount $450 million may be acceptable by the parliament, because in a coalition government the maximum number of MPs in the government may be 300, plus 150 from the opposition who can be hired for passing the bill. So $ 1 million each for an MP is not bad in India. Then how can you offer 40 cents for me and you? Bhopal tragedy reveals that human beings are the cheapest commodity in the world. We have a system that always susceptible to Temple and Mosque syndrome. Netas and babus are least bothered about our basic problem like this. More than 15,000 people killed with many thousands suffering from blindness to cancer is not at all a case of shaking their conscience. Bhopal victims are no longer vote bank items. And our democratic spine is more flexible to prostrate before the multinationals and imperialism. We have a mark of wart on our neck as a result of having been the carrier of the yoke of imperialism since very long. So we still feel that invisible yoke and are susceptible to bow down to the West for everything they dictate
Whatever the ideas you preserve in the blog are not at all utopian in their real sense. But you dish out these to many of our Kumbhakarnas in the parliament house. Kumbhakarna, five years they eat the exchequer if they are in the government, and five years they sleep, if they are in the opposition. Recently somebody suggested we have to lead the Commonwealth. Why should we do that, when koda like people loot our common wealth? At present we ranked 84th in the corruption index. And the recent opinion poll of 83.4% seems to be authentic. If the situation goes like this, the Swiss coffers will be impregnated with our common wealth. We can wake those who are in slumber, but we cannot those who pretend to be asleep. That is the excruciating agony for the true citizens.
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December 11,2009 at 12:50 PM IST
The anguish is understandable but to whom the blame is targeted is not clear. Who is inviting the MNCs, being well aware of their motive to make investment in India or any foreign country for that matter? Who is making the bargain and feels the pleasure to sign the contract document on the dotted line? Who feel the pleasure to celebrate the entry to the nuclear club? Who feel proud in claming growth of FDI figure? Who gets elated in writing sonorous editorials and edifying blogs on growing so called friendly relation with the largest super power in the present day world? The author of the article must be knowing that every thing has a price. There is no free lunch in this vale of tears.I don't remember who said "it is business stupid" or some thing like this; a prophetic utterance indeed.Be kind enough to give up pretension. Be "bold and beautiful".
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December 11,2009 at 02:01 PM IST
Great observation but in case of an accident in India neighboring countries may just as well be effected so why not include their population also to make your point better --- like 0.01 cents taking entire south Asian population into consideration.
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December 11,2009 at 02:39 PM IST
Excellent article. I didnt know about this till i read your article. Thanks for bringing it to our notice. Shame on Indian politicians who are selling us cheap to these MNCs..
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December 11,2009 at 03:12 PM IST
It is a very lopsided analysis.Bad way of calculating numbers like a bad politican to highjack the agenda.If you are so worried about all the indians dying then why ask MNC's or foreign companies for their help/technical knowhow.You in your own capabilities are not able to do the job,want MNC's to help and pay you unlimited compensation in case of a mishap.What a nice way to ask help.Such a notion of fear of accident will not let us move anywhere.
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(Reply to PJS)-
Sughosh Bansal
says:
December 11,2009 at 05:08 PM IST
This exactly is hitting the last nail in the coffin. We the indians alwasy believe in what our saints taught - Simple living and high thinking. Either we the investors in india do not have the financial and economical muscels to make such an investment and we ask foreigners to make investment in our country to make our lives a bit easier. And we tell them to assume all the risks. is it a logical stand? If you are so wary of colour of MNCs (gore), then why do you want to invite them to do business in our land? Why do you not open your safes and provide money for investment in development? Why do we not want to pay the eligible taxes honestly providing enough resources for investment. I am sure that if just for one year every indian becomes honest in paying its respective tax dues, the Government shall have to sit on table and wonder what should they do to spend such a huge amount received. And for God's sake do not start arguing that we do not pay the taxes honestly because in any case it shall fill the pockets of corrupt Babus and politicians. That is one of the most silly arguments. For a change any body and every body which oppposes development come forward honestly, pay the taxes dues, and thereafter start arguing.
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(Reply to Sughosh Bansal)-
graficsgirl
says:
December 13,2009 at 10:30 PM IST
It's not really the point that India doesn't have the techinical knowhow to setup a nuke reactor. The point is that in case of an adverisity, if the MNCs who setup the nuclear reactor are at fault, they pay out enough compensation atleast for the rehabilitation of the affected population. We all remember Bhopal Gas disaster two decades ago. Union Carbide and now Dow Chemicals hasn't compensated enough to people of Bhopal for their misery. Union Carbide had a little mishap here in the U.S. and only 14 people were affected. Guess what the payout was in the US? The company was ordered to compensate around 1 billion dollars to be divided among 14 victims.
I am not saying that the compensation amount should be so exorbitant that it repels any MNC to build a reactor in India. But Indian government is not getting its business right. American MNCs don't have much business in the U.S. They need to invest elsewhere. It's the same case with the French and the Russians. If there is competition then the question remains that why is the Indian government not taking advantage of it.
In case of an accident, whoever is responsible should be made to take accountability and should be made to compensate for the mishap. If it is the operator who is found primararily responsible of not following operating procedures then the operator should be made to pay a resonable compensation to the victims. On the other hand, if a fault is found with the initial setup in the plant, then MNC should be held responsible and should be made to compensate for the full rehabilitation of victims and their families.
Just because India underpriviledged, it doesn't give right to its politicians or the MNCs to short change its people's lives.
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December 11,2009 at 03:24 PM IST
The comments made by the writer are baseless and hypothetical.If ou country has to progress we have to open more and more doors of liberalisation.India is a countr of more than one billion people.To fullfill their daily needs we need to push nuclear deal.suppose as writter comments if their is accident and all Indians die then what is the use of 40 cent,who will get?this is useless predictions.
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December 11,2009 at 03:29 PM IST
If the story is not just story then definitely itâs going to become an indefinite time bomb for all Indians. It a universal fact that the 123 agreement had lots of loophole and are open for exploitation. Its now in the hands of law maker and our great parliament to scrutinize new / amend laws for proper establishment of new power houses. Defining max limit of compensation before any accident will not help.
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December 11,2009 at 03:36 PM IST
As Mr. Manish Chauhan said, there needs to be a cap so that different companies can evaluate the given risk and operate in India.
In this case, I have a feeling that, in all probability, the multi-national companies prevailed upon our govt. to agree to a cap because Indira Gandhi earlier reneged on the deal made with the Canadian Govt. that India would use their nuclear technology only for peaceful purposes and not to test a nuclear device (Pokhran).
Almost all contracts have a risk-limiting factor. Similarly, many successful companies limit their liabilities by registering themselves as "Limited Liability" companies. Without this option, we would have monopolies in business and trade where only the very cash-rich would venture into business. Also, there would be little growth, if companies are not able to hedge their risks.
Let us also be practical insomuch that we would also attempt to insulate ourselves from any risk, should we invest in any venture in another country.
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December 11,2009 at 04:24 PM IST
kkk
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December 11,2009 at 04:29 PM IST
The blogger has stated 40 cents is the cost of an Indian life for an American MNC. I may add that only the life of VVIPs matter in India. So many security guards are deployed to see to it that they are not killed and so many security arrangements are made for the same purpose. But what about the life of an average Indian? It is not even 40 cents. It is just nothing. 64% Indians just live a sub human existence. It is actually immaterial for anybody whether they live or die. While even the dust of the earth has some cost, the cost of these average Indians is just nothing. They live because they are born. That is all. Their deaths mean nothing more to the Government than the death of the dogs of the streets. Govt. announces compensations when media draw attention to some accidental deaths or deaths at the hands of the terrorists but these compensations are seldom paid.
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December 11,2009 at 04:57 PM IST
If you are talking about the cost of nuclear power generation, I must say that the cost of not having nuclear power generation will be much higher than the cost of having nuclear power facilities. India has planned for a massive nuclear capacity addition primarily because the country understands that the growing demand for energy can not alone be met by conventional hydro carbon sources. Even the new and alternative sources will also not be able to contribute substantially. In this regard nuclear will need to be a key source of power generation. And now, if the author feels that all the nuclear power facilities that are going to be constructed will explode like a nuclear bomb I will not buy that argument.
The author could have talked a bit more in detail about nuclear insurance and how civil nuclear liability in other nuclear power countries are working now (do not tell me about space constraint). This would have certainly avoided the confusion. I would advise the readers to go through details on the same in WNA or IAEA sites.
But, if the author just wanted to mislead the readers and sensitize this...I am sure the article has done its job.
Today the main problem India's nuclear sector face is lack of sufficient awareness on this field. Despite this, none are bad at forming anti nuclear opinion, which is often capitalized by political sections.
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December 11,2009 at 05:17 PM IST
JAGO INDIA JAGO..
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December 11,2009 at 05:25 PM IST
First of all let me say that it is a nice article. Makes us aware of many things and raises questions on Government.
I would like to add some more details on nuclear plants being set up in different regions of our country.
Nuclear power plant being setup at in Maharashtra i.e. Jaitapur has many villeges near by. Many of the villegers are mango cultivators and some of them are fishermen. They are protesting the plant as it will definitely affect their business and might affect their lives in case of any mishap. Some of them are exporters of their cultivation and foreign businessmen are saying they won't accept their cultivation if there is nuclear power plant near by. So it is like, some one has to pay the price to get electric energy. I don't understand why that location was finalized. We have deserts in our country where our government can think about installing green energy sources like Solar power or Wind power instead of Nuclear power. Such setup would not cost any one else at least.
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December 11,2009 at 05:31 PM IST
Another comment on the value of Indian Life. A few minutes back i read a news item stating that the Allahabad High Court has commuted the death sentence awarded to the killers of Manjnath, an IOC Sales Manager. Some one, who was caught adultrating the Petrol or Diesel, murders an aspiring management graduate at the prime age of 27 and he is found fit for relaxing the penalty awarded to him. And in all likely hood, he would be set free in the next stage of legal battle. Mr. Saxena, this is the live case where the intellectuals like you should fight for justice. But you have chosen to write on a matter which carries more ifs and buts than the entire storey. The case of Manjunath is indicative enough to establish that the life of an Indian is not even worth 40 Cents and ironically no MNC is involved in this case.
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(Reply to Sughosh Bansal)-
PJS
says:
December 11,2009 at 06:35 PM IST
Very well said.
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December 11,2009 at 06:36 PM IST
U know, even that 40cents wont be reached to people that will shared across by politician and finally may reach4 cents. We are living in this kind of country...
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December 11,2009 at 07:44 PM IST
Notwithstanding the calculations and all the numbers and other arguments in favour/against, I am unable to understand the motivation for this law? Are the MNC companies that have to invest in nuclear technology in India saying they won't do it unless the GOI comes up with some law like this one to protect their liability? Also, were an India company to invest for exactly the same cause, is this law applicable to that company too? Or are we saying the Indian company will not ave this privilege or will be even more immune to their transgressions and failures to provide safety?
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December 11,2009 at 08:35 PM IST
Shobhan - Like many out here - I dont agree with the math. But you do bring up an interesting point. If a nuclear plant were to be built in US and 450 mil is the cap on casualty the house ans the senate would have roared in laughter. if such a tragedy were to occur in US - even 1 mil per family is really low.
But sadly India is a thrid world country - the corrupt leaders are eyeing for kickback money ( think Enron). Any company setting up a power plant here would bring in huge money for their Swiss bank accounts. 450 mil is an attractive gimmick for getting them setup shop. We all profit from such venture- MNC get all the profit with low risk, political leaders get kickbacks and their reign continues and well about the people they get HOPE - one day we shall have electricity in our homes and villages.
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December 11,2009 at 09:27 PM IST
Britishraj was better!!!!
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December 11,2009 at 09:46 PM IST
Why is the Indian goverment limiting liability for a nuclear accident to 450 million dollars? If the liability was lifted to 2 billion dollars then all the nuclear operating companies need to do would be to take out insurance to cover the added liability.
The Indian goverment places little value on the lives of its citizens.
How much did the Chernobyl disaster cost and how much more is it going to cost?
Given the chalta hia attitude of Indians and their capacity to screw things up one would not want to live within 1000 kilometers from an Indian nuclear power plant
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(Reply to hortense vaughan)-
PORKI
says:
December 11,2009 at 10:40 PM IST
HORTENSE
It is because of traitors like you, things get screwed up in India and nothing works. Not only are you unfit to live anywhere in India,(fit to live only in Taliban land or Porkistaan aka Pakistan), but also unfit to comment on things of which you have no knowledge.
-
Better you kick yourself out of India and dive headlong into the sea for ever, never to be heard again.
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December 11,2009 at 11:07 PM IST
Reading this article it seems India is becoming day by day vulnerable to unpredictable calamities which may wreak havoc on a big scale.Before entering in to any such project first thing to be taken in to consideration is people`s welfare and if this is not seen then it is bad governance.
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December 11,2009 at 11:38 PM IST
I was shocked, disturbed and frustrated after reading this blog. Shocked to know that the Indian government can do such a fraud to its own people. Disturbed to realise that that the world outside India doesn't know anything about this injustice. And frustrated by some comments which are more interested in nitpicking the math side of the argument. This article is the best I have read on any Indian website. Shobhan, with this blog, you have raised the bar for all Indian journalists and bloggers. Keep it up.
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December 11,2009 at 11:46 PM IST
Hi, First off all why do we need to allow some one from out side of our country(US, Russia etc..) to establish Nuclear plants in India. I think anything related to energy should be under the control of government. Allowing some one else from outside of our country for establishing Nuke plants and allowing them to gain more profits and making government responsible for any accidents. First the government has to think before privatising such crucial and critical sectors. There should be an open public debate in this kind of issues. It's government responsibility to handle these kind of issues in more diligent and accountable way.
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December 12,2009 at 02:52 AM IST
If we do not value our own life beleive me that no body will give a hoot to your life. We start from our own home. hav't you ever seen a whole family unit riding on a motor bike without halmet? You all must have seen this all over India. I proved my point that if you Indians do not value your life why should a foreigner should give a damm abouit it.
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December 12,2009 at 08:27 AM IST
The writer wants to raise the concerns over the amount of compensation, I guess the debate is not on price of Indian citizen but the amount of compensation, I totally agree with the writer the amount is very less , it should be much higher, keeping in view of the distribution system ( not exist at all ), there is no clear disaster polices & guidelines. The most important part is that no transparency on the money utilized.Until and unless these things are fixed , govt set what ever amount , its as good as non existent. BIGGEST EXAMPLE IS BHOPAL.
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December 12,2009 at 10:33 AM IST
I will want to leave aside the figures that is being reflected by your article and rather will want to concentrate upon the grave reality that we all are facing in the name of development, globalisation, etc.
It is truly inspirational when people like you write such educating and eye-opening articles. I think we should try to take your message to the masses and make them also realise of the situation around all of us.
Enjoyed reading it. Thank you so much :)
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December 12,2009 at 10:56 AM IST
Shobhan, after reading this post, which was sent to me by a friend in Oxford, I read your other posts as well. Simply brilliant. Being an academic specialising on South Asia, it's wonderful to see an original and authentic voice emerging from India. I won't hesitate to call you Robert Fisk of India. Great writing and great opinions. I am looking forward to reading your next post.
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December 12,2009 at 06:14 PM IST
#1: Liability shall rest with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, not with the suppliers or contractors. It's NPC that will pay your 40 cents each out of GIC insurance, the suppliers won't pay (unless we sign the CSC, in which case they'll pay a little).
#2: Additional compensation - if required (and it very likely won't, since a real world 'nuclear disasters' using modern technology would typically involve the irradiation of site personnel, not the extinguishing of civilisations)- shall be paid from tax payers' money
#3 - Asking for corporate money for nuclear disasters is pointless because the cost of insurance shall make nuclear power hopelessly expensive on a per-unit-of-electricity basis.
#4 - In conclusion, if we want nuclear energy we have to live with the fact that compensation for a catastrophe will have to come from tax rupees.
#5 - The Bill is not unconstitutional and Supreme Court verdicts can and are overturned by legislative enactments - economic channeling of tort liability is a well-understood and frequently implemented concept, as is the capping of no-fault liability.
Cheers
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December 13,2009 at 06:08 PM IST
A well-written article. MJ
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December 14,2009 at 08:27 AM IST
Hey man!!! How can you forget reservations in India. SC/ST/OBC will get additional 20 cents and other will get only 20 cents.
I don't understand why SC/ST/OBC persons never come up and say that they do not need reservation and they wanto to face the challenge. It is really shame for SC/ST/OBC.
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December 15,2009 at 02:11 PM IST
It's not really the point that India doesn't have the techinical knowhow to setup a nuke reactor. The point is that in case of an adverisity, if the MNCs who setup the nuclear reactor are at fault, they pay out enough compensation atleast for the rehabilitation of the affected population. We all remember Bhopal Gas disaster two decades ago. Union Carbide and now Dow Chemicals hasn't compensated enough to people of Bhopal for their misery. Union Carbide had a little mishap here in the U.S. and only 14 people were affected. Guess what the payout was in the US? The company was ordered to compensate around 1 billion dollars to be divided among 14 victims. I am not saying that the compensation amount should be so exorbitant that it repels any MNC to build a reactor in India. But Indian government is not getting its business right. American MNCs don't have much business in the U.S. They need to invest elsewhere. It's the same case with the French and the Russians. If there is competition then the question remains that why is the Indian government not taking advantage of it. In case of an accident, whoever is responsible should be made to take accountability and should be made to compensate for the mishap. If it is the operator who is found primararily responsible of not following operating procedures then the operator should be made to pay a resonable compensation to the victims. On the other hand, if a fault is found with the initial setup in the plant, then MNC should be held responsible and should be made to compensate for the full rehabilitation of victims and their families. Just because India underpriviledged, it doesn't give right to its politicians or the MNCs to short change its people's lives.
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December 15,2009 at 09:24 PM IST
To sum we need to find following answers.
Do we really need nuclear energy?
In case of unlimitied unforseen liability would we ourselves be investing a single Rupee of ours?
Would be bying shares of a company where liability is unforseen & unlimited ?
Why the people who think that their life is worthy.... buy a personal insurance product?
If we disbelief on government; why can't their be a system of common voting by all indians (or the inhabitants of the particular area) given the choice of making their votes for a decision which is crucial to their life.....?
Why we are not ready for generating power from other sources.............?
Why still we are not trying to develop a system in which their will not be any theft of electricity?
Are their options which would define that if any accident would happen it will be very short. like operating neculear reactors in small capacities...
Will the system would allow people with reservation (the preference over cast or color) so that the less-capable person would be operating these plants........... lead to a danger......?
Basically I undertand these systems must be designed with an approach that their should not be any chance of accident. or in case any accident happend...........it should be automated that the accident would destroy the plant in such a way (Self destrutive mode) that no human life would be at cost.........?
the last but again.................
Do we really need nuclear energy..............why not go for a common voting...........why let the goverment should decide.................why not the people should decide..................let election commision give some more power.............
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December 16,2009 at 12:48 PM IST
"You know what's the cost of an Indian life for an American MNC? 40 cents"
But this cap is result of Indian eagerness to build more reactors and is being tabled by GOI. How are MNCs at fault ?
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December 16,2009 at 12:53 PM IST
"Do we really need nuclear energy?" YES
"why not go for a common voting...........why let the goverment should decide.................why not the people should decide..................let election commision give some more power............."
Why people still starve? Why politicins are corrupt? Why there is inequal distribution of wealth..bla bla bla.....yawwnnn
why dont you come back to Reality ?
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December 19,2009 at 06:20 PM IST
1)I think the author is only trying to create a panic by making wrong caculations. If every body is to die, to whom the compensation will be made. Moreover if this kind of accident takes place, other neighbouring countries will also be affected. Add their population also. The amount will be much less, these neighbouring countries also have a right to cry..
2) In case this type of plant is put by any Indian Industrialist,what compensation the affected persons will get in case of an accident?
3) Further, because of the FOOD & MEDICINE ADULTERATIONS BY THE INDIAN BUSINESS CLASS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE INDIAN POLITICAL CLASS, LAKHS OF PEOPLE ARE GETTING SICK/ PARALYSED EVERY DAY AND BILLIONS ARE SPENT IN TERMS OF MEDICINES AND GENERAL WELL BEING( REPORTS ARE AVAILABLE). We hardly have any law to check this?. And how many culprits have been brought to books and and got Punished?
There is hardly any compensation to such affected people in India. In Countries like America the punishment for adulteration is so huge, and there are so many checks before and after, hardly any business person can think of adulteration.
4) Moreover,If there is such a big threat, why at all put such plants.
Regards
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December 26,2009 at 12:33 AM IST
Thanks to the author for writing this blog and letting people know of this naked truth.
We and our 1.1 billion population means nothing developed countries or our elected leaders. Our politicians will take all their black money and flee this country at the first sign of trouble. I wonder how much MNCs paid the Congress Government people to make sure this bill is passed in its current state ? Oh well ! At-least a Gandhi offspring would not have to worry about money no more for the next 1000 years :X
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February 03,2010 at 02:40 AM IST
If the 40c reaches the right person, we have to feel glad abt it.... :-(
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June 15,2010 at 03:08 PM IST
dear all i am surprised by all of ur comments for n aginst but above all just think is any thing is more precious than a life of a living things can money born a new baby or good life to a children. if nothing will be left what u ll do with money. think if some thing happens what ll happen to the next generation than talk.i am not aginst of any one thought but i feel nothing is more important than a human life. if u have a power to give birth or to make human alive again than do it.
i request my indain government authorities to not indulge such kind of act if the general people will awake then u wont be able to run....
first think for common people like than act.JAI HIND
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