Papers by DINESH KUMAR KAPILA
Punjab faces a crisis as educational standards plummet
on it) North West India has some of the worst affected districts in the country as regards female... more on it) North West India has some of the worst affected districts in the country as regards female foeticide and ranks quite low on female nutrition rates and other gender related issues. The Gender Equality Indices rank North West India uniformly low. Economists are of the view that this would ultimately impact adversely the socio economic development of the region quite seriously. But what does an average person in the towns and rural areas of North West India perceive to be gender related behaviour-how does he or she know which attitude or cultural trait is correct or wrong or needs to be rectified. Secondly, even the well to do segments of society in North West India are observed to mostly exhibit the syndrome of feudalism (Some call it the kakaji syndrome) and related to it a bias against women. A discussion on women foeticide or equality or change in mindset at times turns into a discussion, sometimes heated, that next property rights and a share in property would be asked for by women. Sadly women themselves seem to accept the status quo, often because they do not have a holistic perception of their individual attitudes and their actual impact or are resigned to the prevailing norms. An example would suffice, at a largish village, women members of Self Help Groups told me that the menfolk would often celebrate the birthday of a male child by distributing sweets and snacks but for a girl child, the paying of obeisance at the gurudwara was enough. This triggered off in me the identification of such behavioural traits as more often than not, they impact the responses and cultural reflexes of the child. Gradually, it was observed that the urban centres often exhibited the same syndrome, only the veneer of sophistry had to be ripped off. Based on observations and insights gleaned from discussions from such discussions, as also my own observations of various families during my journeys, I developed-The Kapila Gender Sensitivity Test (pardon the immodesty !)-the objective is to enable the administration of the test independently and to decide / identify where an individual stands in the context of gender sensitivity. The questions are so designed as to awaken us to the traits we exhibit or camouflage or seek to downplay, we then would be questioning ourselves. The twenty five questions as below are to be attempted honestly and then the scoring key accessed for knowing the rating and then analyzing your own self. (Note-Testing of the sample by me at two seminars on gender issues in district Hq towns often provoked angry reactions and mutual accusations with participants often becoming emotional before settling down to accepting the need for change. If administered in a group for provoking reactions, careful handling is thus required. Second Comment-Amongst men, those who had only daughters or only one child who was a daughter were the ones who showed the maximum gender sensitivity at the seminars or wherever I spoke. Last Comment-In my own family reactions were quite mixed to my observations!!).
The obsession with the Male Child in Punjab. A close look. In my own way.
1. We cannot reduce the time period to sow as that is related to the lowering of the water table.... more 1. We cannot reduce the time period to sow as that is related to the lowering of the water table. Plus as per feedback the farmer has only 15 to 20 days to prepare his fields for the changeover to the next crop. And I am not discussing here doing away or minimising the cultivation of paddy, that is too drastic a prescription as of now. 2. The farmers constraint is the reduced time period post harvest of paddy. 3. The answer obviously lies in the utilisation of mechanisation and technology to remove the Stubble post harvesting by combine harvesters. 4. We need to encourage Farmers to turn entrepreneurs by acquiring the equipment to remove the Stubble or to plough it into the field. 5. The farmer Entreoreneur needs to be commercially oriented and ready to move to where the demand is. For example one Entreoreneur in Punjab moves from South Punjab to Haryana to Rajasthan. 6. We need the entrepreneurs-Farmers to be guided or rather in a collaborative mode with a Model where one group assesses demand and rates and then puts the farmer in touch with the entrepreneur farmer who will process the Stubble. 7. It's not rocket science as such and if Farmers turn entrepreneurs they will know which combination of machinery would work in a particular area. 8. Paddy Straw can be used as feed but with a combination. That itself will consume a large part in this dairy oriented region but requires cultural reorientation. Just compare the rates of fodder to paddy Straw. Gaushalas can also use it. 9. Tie ups with Bio Mass processors preferably entrepreneurs would be preferable also. They can address supply up to 35 kilometres or so from the plant. 10. Subsidy or incentives have to be transparent and coupled with sensitisation and inputs on being commercial in orientation. 11. The farmer also incurs a financial cost on Stubble Burning inclusive of imputed cost and would prefer alternative arrangements. 12. The farmer and his family face the health hazard too and need guidance and suitable alternative mechanisms. 13. Agriculture machinery manufacturers faced problems in manufacturing suitable equipment and breakdowns were frequent earlier. This impacted demand. Now the quality has certainly improved. 14. Farmers Entrepreneurs have to be mechanical in mindset too as machinery would need to be attended to in the field across remote areas. They have to know their machines.
These are memories of a personal kind from the 1971 War
written March 2022
Maybe a Lesson Dinesh K Kapila In life and in any profession we have to have a sense of direction... more Maybe a Lesson Dinesh K Kapila In life and in any profession we have to have a sense of direction. A plan, a back up, a way forward, but always with a sense of purpose. The objective, how so ever nebulous, has to be there and then follows the execution. The long term objective, even if nebulous, can always be planned for by having short term and medium term objectives. Even if it's not ideal to have a concrete plan, after all life can be full of surprises, but we need to have an intended goal at least. The objective or goal has to be executed too, where comes in the realistic process of self assessment and analysis. We must know ourselves, plain and simple, and with no delusions. This should include the ability to stay the course and to have what it takes to stay the course. Not that it assures any positive results always but it does impart a certainty to the pathway. After all, I once counselled a young officer who appeared for the civil services no less than nine times but never went past the first stage. He had spoilt his current career and did not make the next too. Realistically he should have acknowledged his own limitations. Know your ability and the inherent capabilities required as also which can be imbibed to push ahead. This has to be supplemented by a feeling of positivity and a recognition that a certain time period has to be undergone and felt through to move on the pathway to the objective. If you cannot assess yourself do look for a confidante who can put you wise. And retain your humility. Always. Life has many a lesson and adventure to dish out and that too unexpectedly. Even if we cannot factor it in, it's reality has to be somewhere in the mind, so that we can face it with equanimity. I would like to supplement this by a short story. A person was returning to his village after many many years. He had left for a better life but after twenty odd years away, he felt the need to recharge himself. By again reaching for his roots. As is life, we think we know the way but at times we don't. The middle aged man realised he had to walk a long way from the road to reach his village. He was suddenly confronted with the thought if he was actually on the right path and the distance just eluded him. The years had made him forget the distance and time required. Evening was approaching and he had to make haste. His mental confusion was impacting his judgment. He then saw from the pathway, where it bifurcated, a man working intently in the fields. He decided to approach him for assistance. The farmer was so intent and focused on his work that he did not notice the now city bred guy till he was near him. The man asked the farmer the way to his village and more importantly the time to be taken to reach it. He got no response. Surprised, he asked again and though he could
, the name is taken to imply a prosperous state where the concept of SHGs is alien and not requir... more , the name is taken to imply a prosperous state where the concept of SHGs is alien and not required as in the comparatively under developed parts of India. This is a myth; the concept is required, there is a deep hunger for credit and easy access to credit amongst its women and once shown the pathway; the concept is adopted enthusiastically. The only difference, if any, is in the quantum of funds sought for from banks or vide internal loaning as also subscribed to; both are higher than the conventional amounts in most parts of India. Normal subscriptions will often start at Rs 100/-per month; loans from banks or the demand for a loan would also start at Rs 25,000/-or so; but the overall concept is certainly adhered to. The normal perception around 2000-02 was that Punjab could not have a vibrant SHG movement, however, field level experience based on efforts to grow the movement since then indicates that within the economic success of Punjab, the women are still in need of empowerment and look forward to being members of SHGs, once the concept is understood and internalized. The three success stories below and the short report on the varied interactions with SHGs and officials that follows provide an insight into the SHG concept in Punjab, with the caveat that these are partially semi hilly districts with parts which lack in infrastructure as compared to some other regions of Punjab. The profile of the SHGs featured would have changed as the groups evolve over the years and officials involved move out on transfer, but the lessons learnt remain relevant. This has been illustrated in two parts; Part A contains the three success stories and Part B the report based on interactions. It is to be noted that though the number of SHGs is over 2500 in Rupnanagr and Nawanshahr districts by 2009, they were however age profile wise on the younger side. This article would reflect the needs and aspirations of SHGs as they evolved so to say.
A tribute to the emotions of a war as experienced by my father
Raman is my first cousin, we are close. He joined the Army in the Infantry (Rajput Regiment) and ... more Raman is my first cousin, we are close. He joined the Army in the Infantry (Rajput Regiment) and when the terrorism cum insurgency arose in the early 1990s, he was in the thick of it with multiple stints in the Mountainous regions of the Jammu Region and in Kashmir. He had his fair share of successes and at times failures or rather what military men style as setbacks. This does happen, more so, in a fluid and ever changing scenario as it was then, it was chaos and confusion as the units adjusted themselves. Then it was Pakistani Army regulars often being inducted to train and motivate and to set up the camps and units. They were committed and gave no quarter and firmly believed a change was on the cards.
This is the most difficult part of teaching entrepreneurship, specially as often the faculty has ... more This is the most difficult part of teaching entrepreneurship, specially as often the faculty has itself very limited hands on experience of entrepreneurship or exposure to a business. The concept, the laws, the mode of raising resources and recruiting staff is often easy to impart but on the financials there is always a fine line. Marketing and sales also normally sails through. Though it would be better picked up by experience. But the hustle, in attracting and retaining customers and more importantly on arriving at the margins and sales cost, Is often a major concern. This can often mean being satisfied with a minimal surplus while a sharp entrepreneur could spot the areas to hustle and enhance margins and even identify opportunities for a spike in pricing with a few tweaks of the product or service. This comes by experience and delving deep into the area by way of the knowledge of the trade / supply chain and it's intricate working. But the actual value to be arrived at is always a concern for an entrepreneurship venture. To undercut, discount or match or go premium are always open to discussion plus in a start up more so. Revenue has to flow in and more so a steady surplus. And relationships have to be cultivated and maintained over the long term alongside and repeat orders and footfalls ensured. Mutual satisfaction and at the same time maintaining margins and planning for premiums within a category is the key. Once I read a short piece about being effective in the hustle of a business. The author argued that she actually left her position at a then start up in the cab aggregator business as she felt uncomfortable with the value being extracted and the hustle in the business. She was comfortable with the analysis of data and spotting opportunities but the hustle involved in the actualisation of the opportunity and generating a surplus made her uncomfortable. Being a DFI guy I discussed this with my brothers, both senior executives in private sector large businesses. Their immediate response was what's a business without a hustle. As long as it's within the law and general principles of business, it's all in the game if entrepreneurship. It's like a weaver I know from the southern parts of India. He sells his Sari say for Rs 16200/-to some one I have recommended him. The same sari is also being sold by an aggregator for Rs 21500/-. And at a good sari shop for Rs 25000/-and at a premium store for Rs 30000/-nearly. All are making money. After all even at Rs 16200/-the weaver made his money. All are happy. I mean the entrepreneurs ! Going forward, as a lady running a beauty parlour (post training and among the better ones) told me long back it's a cream Of Rs 15/-and a massage of Rs 100/-. She had picked it up fast. One relation in a major textile company told me if they changed just the weave and pattern they would extract more value within the same range as the customer perceived it as a better product ! Lawyers and Doctors in independent practice are also entrepreneurs. While the doctors do charge a uniform fees per consultation, a lawyer has to decide his own value before naming his fees for a particular case. Starting out often a young lawyer is under stress about the amount to be quoted and often underplay themselves. And a doctor once told me he was fretting and fuming as the previous patient had stated he was over charging. He told me you pay a lawyer the quoted fees but with a doctor you at times do not perceive our value as medical advisors. Here also I know a doctor who hands out imported products along with the advise and then charges a hefty premium but often patients pay up with a feeling of gaining a premium service. Interesting is what a young doctor did on setting up his own practice. He requested his cousins and friends to sit in his reception room so that an outsider felt he was busy. Or a lawyer who would keep the lights on and air conditioner on to project he was busy and doing well. Watch the packages of the telecom companies-to give a wide range of services but all the same designed so well that they lead you to the enhanced revenue streams. And to end it off, here is the story of a farmer who could hustle. From the times when The Gods walked the Earth. Which place and which religion is not relevant. The Gods had been told about this financially wise farmer and they approached him to test him. They stated 50 % of what he grew and harvested was theirs. The farmer decided not to make it an issue but stated would their condition
The 45 Cavalry fought fierce and successful battles during the Bangladesh War in 1971 and earned ... more The 45 Cavalry fought fierce and successful battles during the Bangladesh War in 1971 and earned a very good name for itself as a fighting unit. The 45 Cavalry was placed under the command of 2 Corps, which attacked erstwhile East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh) from the Western side. 2 Corps had two Divisions, 4 Mountain Division and 9 Infantry Division which were to attack East Pakistan from the Western side. The main objective was to advance towards Dacca. The 4 Mountain Division consisted of the 7 ,41 and 62 Mountain Brigades. I commanded the 62 Mountain Brigade during the war and the "A" Squadron of 45 Cavalry was allotted to the Brigade for some Operations during the 1971 Bangladesh War. The "A" Sqn was ably commanded by Maj PK Batra (later Maj Gen Batra). Maj Batra, a capable and a brave Squadron Commander as I distinctly remember, provided close and effective support to every action / attack launched by my Brigade and the various Battalions of my Brigade as well as to the Battalions of 7 and 41 Mountain Brigades as and when tasked to do so.
My father (MaJ Gen Rajendra Nath, PVSM, (Retd) Commanded 62 Mountain Brigade in the 1971 War in ... more My father (MaJ Gen Rajendra Nath, PVSM, (Retd) Commanded 62 Mountain Brigade in the 1971 War in now Bangladesh. This is a condensed version of his campaign.
The Tricity - Chandigarh and Panchkula and Mohali have to evolve as cities with a strong entrepre... more The Tricity - Chandigarh and Panchkula and Mohali have to evolve as cities with a strong entrepreneurial culture
to try to reduce the textual and subjective element. But many Governments and their associated or... more to try to reduce the textual and subjective element. But many Governments and their associated organisations continue to persist with the textual orientation. Now by virtue of sitting on varied Boards or Review Bodies over the years in some capacity or the other, one seeks any diversion from some boring meetings by perusing the CRs, if they are being discussed. No matter which State you work in, over the years these have provided even entertainment, the seriousness of the issue notwithstanding. Even if not directly involved, it does provide some diversion from many routine issues being taken up, Before I really share, duly hiding any means of identifying the organisation involved, I have over years really and honestly admired the deft way in which some reviewing officers and reporting officers have sought to write the CRs without conveying much or rather conveying a lot without saying so. "The Officer is tall, has a presence, has a good deep voice and a lot of confidence due to his connections. This is his main plus point and describes him well, his connections which he cultivated with the VIPs. It indicates his self confidence and networking. This is at times helpful to the Organisation also while he uses them for his own benefit ". I have read this gem. Then another, "The Officer has remained very busy in attending to multiple items of work as stated by him, but results and achievements are not on his agenda. But he does appear to be always very serious about his work and always states he is too busy to even attend to routine supervision of his subordinates. He has a wide circle of friends and contacts and remains very occupied in attending to them even in office hours at times, this also indicates his popularity and social skills". I came across these gems as these officers had been appealing these observations while the reporting officers stood their ground ! Stating where is the negativity, we have been so fair !. I had a good time during discussions, even if not directly involved, the officers concerned were applying pressure while we knew the facts. But this takes the cake. What I shall now reproduce with some editing. This is a real gem. I have never seen this and I doubt most would. I could not believe what was placed before us. On Intelligence and Ability the officer (being reported upon and incidentally it was accepted by the Reviewing Officer) is stated to be "Average" while on Honesty and Integrity it is stated to be "Doubtful". His Attitude towards the Weaker Sections is stated to be "Extremely Biased". And his Result and Target Orientation and Focus on achievement is rated simply as "Missing Entirely"! There are more gems, such as "Very Casual and Non Serious" as regards attitude, As to Knowledge about his Work Processes and Procedures it is stated to be "Almost Nil". I was totally taken aback. But there is more, much more. The pen picture, which I have been treasuring for the last so many years is wonderful, some excerpts, "A very hostile demeanour and disposition and
Cycling policy
The concept of cycling in a tropical city must be tempered with other policy initiatives
Women's Day
I am going absolutely as it comes on this. What do we mean by Women's Day. That is stated in the ... more I am going absolutely as it comes on this. What do we mean by Women's Day. That is stated in the end of this post and was so stated last year. I did post that this year too but it left me unsettled. Honestly. Tell me, when we look at women giving interviews to the audio visual media, we are judging their confidence too. That makes us realise their self confidence and assess the faith and passion they have in what they espouse. While I do not seek to uphold all that is sourced from the Western World as correct and worth emulating, after all there is something called cultural heritage too, but I draw the line at personifying confidence. What do you perceive when a woman or lady speaks from the typical western mindset. She stands up straight and looks at the camera directly or at the interviewer. The voice comes clear and so does the eye contact. I have spent time on this over the years requesting and advising women to look at me or t the camera or whoever it may be and to make eye contact while speaking. The idea is not to make the uncomfortable but rather that their looking down or elsewhere and then making a point just won't do. Even while walking I find many women looking down partially, why not look into the distance directly. The women have to evolve and develop the confidence in themselves to demonstrate their level of confidence. I agree that the situation is much improved but we are a nation and society at varying levels of development. Within every social and economic class or community the degree of empowerment varies and varies deeply. It's a flux and this can be a very difficult process as we transition to another level. From varying levels and cultural contexts. We are all on a journey of discovering including of ourselves, particularly the women. They perhaps know what they seek but are held back by the backers of status quo and self styled norms. Social order, the threat of chaos, mixing up religion with empowerment are all thrown into the mix of seasoned arguments to oppose the evolution towards empowerment. This is a fact. We have the example of some quoting from their religious texts to justify that empowerment and self confidence are qualities already spoken for and hence so embedded. They forget it's typical of the mindset we have in our nation that to say is to have executed it. Not so. As we are generally not able to execute projects in terms of timelines etc so is there a wide gap between the thoughts and ideals espoused in the religious texts which we quote and the process of actual empowerment. Else our nation would not have required laws on female foetecide. Minor or rather mini revolutions are occurring across rural and semi urban India but so are the votaries of stubs quo. The opposition will take time to move to a broader level of acceptance of the rights of women. Even in urban India, as urbanisation is a recent phenomenon, the mindset of status quo has ventured in. This emanates from the entrenched social mindset most have come from, after all it's a nation with a huge history in flux. Even one aberration or incident from one self confident young woman can be latched on to browbeat the vast majority. I met a Professor. A lady at that. Fully convinced that many girls going abroad to study were letting their families down. I was dazed to hear that she actually believed it fully. It took me time to put it through to her that many were seeking to move on from too many perceived social controls. Perhaps our political and social leaders need to speak out more openly and honestly on the need to empower women and to rein in strong patriarchal mores. This would work more effectively rather than many of us doing our bit as the acceptability for many of us is limited. I am very fortunate to have worked over thirty three years in an institution where I could work first hand on this issue as also observe it closely. I once met a lady from a deprived rural background at Kangra. She was, way back in 1999 or so, committed to the concept of SHGs and realised its value for empowerment. Then we invited her to Shimla for speaking on the subject, she was at a loss, slowly she gained her confidence as she shared her personal evolution and growth. A decade later, she had arrived, truly as she motivated countless women in her area. I have in Ropar sat with Father Joseph, a Moses like figure, as we let ladies swing away to Punjabi Songs after sharing how inspite of social restrictions, they were attempting to push ahead, simple dreams, education, grace, respect and a say in the family on decisions. Including crucially on financial issues and a wider exposure to the immediate environment, including the local banks and maybe visits to small hotels. There have been disappointments too. Such as entering a Government School, upto Class XII, where the School Principal, a lady, was deferring to her husband, who sat in the office only. I had to shoo him out, bluntly. The Government does its part, but we have to evolve by understanding we need to change. I just received a call from a medium level political figure, he invited me to a function. Actually his wife is the Zila Parishad Chief, but as he put it, the Government may reserve the position for a lady but I only would run the show from behind the scenes. It sort of disturbed me, we really need to evolve, I mean hearing this after all these years again. It's a slow slow path to moving up. One additional point, many ladies, teaching, working in Banks even, if I share news such as on opening a DMAT account, or a new Government avenue for investments, tell me to share it with their husbands. Why should I do so, they ought to know this aspect too. They may not work on it, but atleast be aware.
The Boy Alone
This refuses to go away from my mind. I thought perhaps writing it down would help me move on. It... more This refuses to go away from my mind. I thought perhaps writing it down would help me move on. Its nearly a month since we travelled on the Sapsan Train from Saint Petersburg to Moscow. The train (Sapsan-a Russian word-is a type of Falcon which flies the fastest) covers the distance of 700 kms in nearly four hours. We, my wife and I, were ushered in most politely though I was surprised that the luggage of all passengers was passed through the baggage check machines twice. As we settled down, we got chatting and watching the passengers coming in. This particular compartment had seats both ways, starting from each end, at the centre there was a common table with four seats around it, two seats on each side facing each other across the table. We were seated just on the row behind, on the opposite side and could see the table clearly. A young boy walked in, cap pulled tightly over his head, looking for his seat. He realised he had the side seat, towards the aisle. He quietly pulled off his rucksack, settled down, quietly looking around. He was dressed in simple clothes, with a light jacket thrown on. I noticed he was all alone and was feeling it. He sat quietly, waiting for the train to pull out. Another family walked in, husband, wife and a young boy, and made their way to the three vacant seats. The young couple were on the quiet side, as it seems are all Russians, but the young boy or rather kid would be loud all the way through, whether eating or sketching or talking.
Rural Areas - Start Ups / Tech Transfer
The challenge in rural areas is to scale up, networking possibilities are rare and the ecosystem... more The challenge in rural areas is to scale up, networking possibilities are rare and the ecosystem to mentor is also missing. These issues are yaken up.
Management Office Politics etc
This is how the game of life plays out. Including in our professions. A colleague, miles junior i... more This is how the game of life plays out. Including in our professions. A colleague, miles junior in age and obviously in hierarchy messaged me to say that his Departmental Head often stole his ideas. He said he did not mind, only with grace it could be stated that XYZ had suggested this course of action or interpretation. A couple of them rang up from far off offices to ask or rather sound me out, if what they were doing was in principle ok or logical, one was in a jam and wanted a way out. Being active on some platforms has often led to youngsters (at times much senior) request I should read through or listen to their concerns and issues. I find the issues and concerns remain the same. Mostly it is about Bosses ignoring suggestions or stealing suggestions, colleagues not cooperating, non responsive Bosses or a hierarchy closed off from its field staff etc. I honestly don't want to be an agony aunt, but I also don't want to just ignore if a person mails or messages or calls up and says all he / she wants is a listen and advise.
Financial Inclusion in a hilly state
Firstly compliments to the RBI for the theme of the meeting-Credit Discipline and Credit for Form... more Firstly compliments to the RBI for the theme of the meeting-Credit Discipline and Credit for Formal Institutions. Again compliments to the Central Bank of the nation for reaching out to the grassroots as also for the crisp and clear presentation. I have been associated with all the seminars of the RBI at various ROs since many years. The topic of today is most important as we need to expand the credit outreach but with recovery as required. The sub-sectors such as credit score, responsible borrowing and financial discipline are important by themselves. The outlines are well delineated but we need to keep up the sensitisation through the year. The concern of the Special Secretary (Finance) GoHP on credit dispensation plus discipline are well taken.
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Papers by DINESH KUMAR KAPILA