"Swaraj" Power to the people

"Swaraj"

Power to the people

         -Arvind kejriwal  IAC(India Against Corruption)

This is my summarized review of the book "Swaraj" by Mr.Arvind Kejriwal

The book is nicely presented with editorial cartoons that depict the true reality of the present political ,economical,social conditions of India.The chapters are well planned.

  Starting with the first chapter it states the motive of the book.It shows the present political situation and the suffering of the people. How the Government policies are framed to benefit Industrialist and to fill pockets of the politicians associated.It also shows why the honest government officials become helpless.It reminds people of there rights,which is the prime motive of the book.
    The book puts light on the helplessness of the people facing government officials.How govt hospital doctors don't provide medical support,PDS Distribution people don't distribute,police don't register the complaints and many examples like this.How the 'janta' faces corruption at every level of the government.The land acquisitions by government from the farmers on the name of bringing development to the country.How the crop producing land is snatched away from farmers at meager amount."A farmer can live his life with the crop he produces but a meager allowance of 2 lac rupees for 2-3 acres of land will last just for few months,What after that!!???". Privatization of the mineral resources being exploited by private companies. 'Adivasis' who lived in jungles from centuries are termed illegal in there own homes.They are not allowed to take wood ,fruits from jungle,there own jungle but in same jungle trees are razed illegally with permission of government officials and politicals. Is this justice!!??? Water,the neccessity of life is not given to people. There are dams full of water but still villages have droughts ,why?? because water is being transferred to cities..Is this democracy where the people dont have a say for their resources ,there basic neccesities of life,there land...
     Next, author takes us back to history where our country had 'jantantra' and people decided the policies and king was just an authority.This worked till 1806 AD until the East India company came to India.They understood that jantantra is hindrance for them,so they banished the 'Gramsabha' and brought 'Collector' system.
 Moving ahead the book discusses the drawbacks of the present 'panchayati raj' system.Author also suggests some changes,introducing 'lokpal' and organizing 'Gramsabhas'.
  As we read further into the book ,the author discusses many drawbacks of Indian policy making. How the irrelevant policies are framed.Here's an example : A village was given fund, support for 'Drought' whereas the village is affected with 'Floods' .The village does not need water storage solutions but how to save themselves from the flood water. Therefore the author says that policies should be framed at the village level. How can we expect a person sitting in plush AC rooms,far away from the village,in Delhi offices to make policy for the village. In a country where languages ,culture ,geography changes every mile ,how can the policy be same for all villages!!????

Further author writes why just villages ,we can have 'mohalla gramsabhas' in cities where needs and requirements of the city people in that 'mohalla'(locality) can be addressed by the people and for the people.

The author has encouraged people to rise up against corruption .The book is not an ordinary book .It is draft to show how a 'Democracy' should function.It reminds the 'janta',we the people of India about our rights....

I recommend this book for young generation ,for us,read along and discover what power resides in our hands...and how we can bring a change....

स्वराज्य
-pavan more