India has been independent since 1947 itself. This
independence and democracy has been an example for the entire world, and the
world regards that people in India have freedom in lot of aspects. India has been
successfully been able to fulfill the fundamental rights to large extent that
it has mentioned in the constitution. Even if it is not applicable in cent
percent, the progress rate is growing gradually. It has now been four complete
months that I have stayed in Andhra Pradesh. I am student of MBA, came from
Nepal under Silver Jubilee Scholarship provided by Indian Embassy, Nepal.
Thank God! My hostel had wi fi feature, through which I could
communicate with my family back in Kathmandu. I seriously need to thank God, because,
only after I came to this place I knew that there are amazing rules that exists.
You can't get the SIM Card unless you have Andhra Card. 'What? How can I have
Andhra Card?' I said.
'We can't help sir, that is company's policy!'The
shopkeeper replied.
'I have passport, I have citizenship of my country!'
'Sorry sir, but we can't even grant SIM Cards to those
who don't belong to this state. Nepal is a different country!'
I had no option, than going through illegal means. I had
to buy SIM card paying extra money to some local around. They bought the SIM
card on their name, using their Andhra Card, and gave it to me charging some
higher price. One month later, I went to Banglore. There was similar rule
existing. However, they would charge double and sell the activated SIM card
there at least. Had I been in Banglore, at least I would get the SIM card
paying some extra charge. Now this was confusing. What is the rule meant for?
Okay, maybe for handling the frauds and illegal cases around, but will this rule
stop it? Any person can get SIM card paying extra charge, and that would be not
under their name too. Had they allowed some other means of identification, even
my passport's Xerox, that would at least help them know who the real customer
was. But, they lack that. And, how can they have so narrow frame that would
make them feel that any person not from Andhra would not require a SIM card at
all?
There are rules of alcohol ban in states of India.
Gujrat, where my friend currently stays, he drinks it frequently. The only thing
is he has to pay extra charge there.However, at least he drinks the spirit
there. So, what does this rule actually mean for? When we talk of 'freedom' and
'democracy' the first concern should be about reducing the rules. There has to
policies for the illegal means, however, not rules that has no meaning and
weight. Banning spirit in Kerela is kind of demotivating for Tourism there.
Such rule indeed is something hurting one for tourism industry.
Strict policies in states for getting SIM cards means not
entertaining peoples from other states and even other countries. Policies and
frameworks, rules and regulations are crucial factor for maintaining
discipline. However the designing process should not be one way process. It is
not static decision either and should be modified with the changing time. They
have to be implemented in the manner that the rule maker as well as the one who
has to follow it should all accept it and respect it. The practical feasibility
should be examined and only then implementation should be done. Feedback is one
important factor in these issues, that should not be ignored from any aspect.
(Writer is a freelance writer from Nepal,
who spent couple of years for his MBA
under JNTU(A) in Andhra Pradesh,
Chittoor)
Published in State Times of Jammu and Kashmir, dated Jan 19, 2017.
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