Board: Ms. Kilemsungla Ma'm
Date of Interview: 21/05/2015
(The transcript is created based on memory. The interview actually was more unstructured and I fumbled with member 4 and member 2)
Me (reaching at the chair) : Goof Afternoon Ma'm, Good afternoon sirs
Chairman: Please sit
Me: Thank you ma'm
Chairman: What is the economic policy of India?
Me: At the moment?(how can she ask such a subjective question in the beginning only)
Chairman: Yes
Me: (thinking a while) Economic policy of India is towards indicative planning, where govt. is facilitating the private individuals to start with economic activities and involve in manufacturing and services. With the new govt. coming to power after last year elections, emphasis has been led upon manufacturing which has not been given due emphasis to. Emphasis has been given towards fulfilling gaps in infrastructure.
Chairman: Will Land acquisition will bring development into India?
Me: (Such a debatable topic) Yes man
Chairman: Why you feel so?
Me: It will increase the manufacturing and mining activities, which will create jobs and enable movement of disguised employed in agriculture to more productive activities. The concern is there regarding lack of inclusive growth which for long decreased faith of locals into these developmental activities whose concern should be taken care of. They need to be benefited from these activities.
Chairman: Corruption is very acute problem of India despite presence of RTI and Lokpal....(some more enlightening words) ...What do you think?
Me: (forgot the gist of question, only corruption remained in mind) Ma'm Corruption is existing because of shortcomings from both supply and demand side. (Seriously, what I have said, just now) From demand side, institutions need to be strengthened reformed to implement the provisions like Lokpal more effectively. While from supply side, general public still not aware of benefits of RTI and need to be aware.
Chairman: (clarifying his question over my vague answer) But why these institutions are not being successful?
Me: (thinking for a while) Institutions and stakeholders need reforms in human resource management which should provide them motivation to ensure transparency and accountability by setting targets and linking them to their growth inside organization. (Why I am saying all this, such a vague answer)
Chairman passed it to Member 1
M1: (Very well dressed, cordial and elegant) You have billiards as your hobby. But it is said, billiards is a proficiency of misspent youth. Do you agree?
Me: (Unable to get his questions) Sorry Sir, can you please repeat the question (smilingly)
M1 repeated it again
Me: No Sir, I don't agree with it. Billiards is a sport that teach us a lot from concentration to a balance between body posture and sport. Although, the infrastructure required for the sport is expensive and not easily available in general. And available only at few selected clubs.
M1: What do you think US foreign policy is? I am giving you four options: moral, pragmatic, self interest and stupid?
Me: (Don't know why I misinterpreted it as US economic policy) Sir, Can I take some time to think over it.
M1: Yes Sure, you can have some water also.
Me: No Sir, Thank you. (after a while, realized my lips were dry like hell). I think I should. (drank whole glass of water with everyone watching me closely)
After a while
Me: Sir, US economic policy is more towards self interest where capitalism is the main guiding principle. It's main emphasis on individuals to start with their firm and business.
M1: But I asked you about foreign policy? (asking smilingly)
Me: Oh, Sorry sir. I am very sorry. I feel US foreign policy is guided by self interest.
M1: And why do you think so?
Me: Sir, the US action in Iraq and Middle East in early part of last decade was motivated with oil diplomacy. with no development of shale reserves in US. But in later half, with shale oil development, they refrain from interfering into Yemen crisis. (some more lines on saudi arabia interference into Yemen)
M1: And what's the other?
Me: US forming Trans Pacific Partnership in pacific ocean with countries like Japan, Phillipines but sidelining China. As China is seen to be a growing competitor to US.
Passed on to member 2
M2: Are you aware of the electricity charges collected by distributing firms? What is the mechanism behind the tariff rates?
Me: Sorry Sir, I am not fully aware of the mechanism behind this. I know that there is electricity regulatory authority which decides upon the limit of tariff and if distributing firms have any issue with tariff, they bring it to authority
M2: What is ponzi scheme?
Me: Ponzi scheme is the practice of alluring investors with huge return with no underlying asset, where money is returned to first set of investors from money garnered from second set to claim authenticity and chain continues. At the end, the scheme is wrapped overnight. (didn't able to remember clear definition, so explained what I knew then).
M2: Why its in news recently?
Me: It's in news because of scams like Saradha in west bengal.
M2: What is microfinance?
Me: Microfinance is the practice of lending small loans to poor people of society like village vendors, rickshaw pullers in order to start a micro businesses and have a dignified life.
M2: Any other countries where it has revolutionize the living of poor people?
Me: Yes Sir, Our neighbour Bangladesh is a clear example of this
M2: Which is the organization involved?
Me: It is probably Grameen Bank
M2: Who is the person involved?
Me: I am not sure, Sir, but probably he is Mohammad Yunus.
M2: Do you know, who is Thomas Piketty?
Me: Yes Sir, infact at the moment I am reading his book "Capital in the 21st century" but not finished it yet.
M2; (smiling and looking at ma'm) And what's it about?
Me: Sir, It is about economic inequality which as per book has been increased in the last two three centuries.
M2: And how he explained that?
Me: He explained that rate of return on capital being in the hands of affluent group has been higher than the growth rate of the economy which decides the growth rate of middle and lower income group of people.
M2: Is there any learning from that?
Me: Yes Sir
Passed on to member 3
M3: (explained about water shortage in Gaya and Palamu) Because of which there is poppy cultivation being practised. (Me surprised look with this fact) Are you aware of this?
Me: Sorry Sir, I am not aware of this. But it is opium cultivation?
M3: Yes it is opium cultivation. What do you think it should be allowed or not?
Me; (thinking for a while) No Sir, I don't think it should be allowed.
M3: Why?
Me: This region is marred with lack of development, illiteracy, lack of employment. And with easy availability of opium locally, it would be a greater social problem in the future.
M3: But, it would be a loss of income for poor people?
Me: But there are other opportunities also like there are crops which can be grown in less availability of water. Also with government programmes implemented honestly, it can be contained.
M3: As a DM, What would be the 3 steps being taken by you?
Me: Three steps: 1. Implementing govt. social welfare programmes specially in those regions like MGNREGA, IAY. 2. Rejuvenation of closed industries of the region like cotton mill in Gaya and cement factory in Daltonganj.....
M3: Don't you think, you should implement legal measures against opium cultivation?
Me: Trying to explain my point on providing better options to them.
M3: (Getting furious) Don't you think it's necessary to implement legal measures?
Me: Yes Sir, there is the need of that one. Thank you Sir
Passed on to member 4
M4: What do you think of reforms in Indian Agriculture? Tell three in priority order.
Me: 1. Investment into agriculture infrastructure
M4: What do you mean of agri infrastructure?
Me: irrigation, availability of roads, warehouses. 2. Investment in R&D, and bringing them on to field (explained a bit) 3. Uniform national market to enable farmers to get benefited directly.
M4: (explained about potato shortage in West Bengal) Bengal govt has restricted export of potato. Is it justified?
Me: In the emergency situation, this is justified.
M4: But don't you think that it will against the federal structure of India. Tomorrow, Orissa can say that it will restrict Chickenpea.
Me: But Sir, This is an emergency situation and concerns of local states need to be taken care of.
(A lot of conversation was there with M4 and M5 too)
Chairman: Thank you
Me: Thank you Ma;m, Thank you Sirs Thank you Sirs
The best part was "Chalo beizaati to nahi hui naa". And no questions on personal, which was a big relief.
Date of Interview: 21/05/2015
(The transcript is created based on memory. The interview actually was more unstructured and I fumbled with member 4 and member 2)
Me (reaching at the chair) : Goof Afternoon Ma'm, Good afternoon sirs
Chairman: Please sit
Me: Thank you ma'm
Chairman: What is the economic policy of India?
Me: At the moment?(how can she ask such a subjective question in the beginning only)
Chairman: Yes
Me: (thinking a while) Economic policy of India is towards indicative planning, where govt. is facilitating the private individuals to start with economic activities and involve in manufacturing and services. With the new govt. coming to power after last year elections, emphasis has been led upon manufacturing which has not been given due emphasis to. Emphasis has been given towards fulfilling gaps in infrastructure.
Chairman: Will Land acquisition will bring development into India?
Me: (Such a debatable topic) Yes man
Chairman: Why you feel so?
Me: It will increase the manufacturing and mining activities, which will create jobs and enable movement of disguised employed in agriculture to more productive activities. The concern is there regarding lack of inclusive growth which for long decreased faith of locals into these developmental activities whose concern should be taken care of. They need to be benefited from these activities.
Chairman: Corruption is very acute problem of India despite presence of RTI and Lokpal....(some more enlightening words) ...What do you think?
Me: (forgot the gist of question, only corruption remained in mind) Ma'm Corruption is existing because of shortcomings from both supply and demand side. (Seriously, what I have said, just now) From demand side, institutions need to be strengthened reformed to implement the provisions like Lokpal more effectively. While from supply side, general public still not aware of benefits of RTI and need to be aware.
Chairman: (clarifying his question over my vague answer) But why these institutions are not being successful?
Me: (thinking for a while) Institutions and stakeholders need reforms in human resource management which should provide them motivation to ensure transparency and accountability by setting targets and linking them to their growth inside organization. (Why I am saying all this, such a vague answer)
Chairman passed it to Member 1
M1: (Very well dressed, cordial and elegant) You have billiards as your hobby. But it is said, billiards is a proficiency of misspent youth. Do you agree?
Me: (Unable to get his questions) Sorry Sir, can you please repeat the question (smilingly)
M1 repeated it again
Me: No Sir, I don't agree with it. Billiards is a sport that teach us a lot from concentration to a balance between body posture and sport. Although, the infrastructure required for the sport is expensive and not easily available in general. And available only at few selected clubs.
M1: What do you think US foreign policy is? I am giving you four options: moral, pragmatic, self interest and stupid?
Me: (Don't know why I misinterpreted it as US economic policy) Sir, Can I take some time to think over it.
M1: Yes Sure, you can have some water also.
Me: No Sir, Thank you. (after a while, realized my lips were dry like hell). I think I should. (drank whole glass of water with everyone watching me closely)
After a while
Me: Sir, US economic policy is more towards self interest where capitalism is the main guiding principle. It's main emphasis on individuals to start with their firm and business.
M1: But I asked you about foreign policy? (asking smilingly)
Me: Oh, Sorry sir. I am very sorry. I feel US foreign policy is guided by self interest.
M1: And why do you think so?
Me: Sir, the US action in Iraq and Middle East in early part of last decade was motivated with oil diplomacy. with no development of shale reserves in US. But in later half, with shale oil development, they refrain from interfering into Yemen crisis. (some more lines on saudi arabia interference into Yemen)
M1: And what's the other?
Me: US forming Trans Pacific Partnership in pacific ocean with countries like Japan, Phillipines but sidelining China. As China is seen to be a growing competitor to US.
Passed on to member 2
M2: Are you aware of the electricity charges collected by distributing firms? What is the mechanism behind the tariff rates?
Me: Sorry Sir, I am not fully aware of the mechanism behind this. I know that there is electricity regulatory authority which decides upon the limit of tariff and if distributing firms have any issue with tariff, they bring it to authority
M2: What is ponzi scheme?
Me: Ponzi scheme is the practice of alluring investors with huge return with no underlying asset, where money is returned to first set of investors from money garnered from second set to claim authenticity and chain continues. At the end, the scheme is wrapped overnight. (didn't able to remember clear definition, so explained what I knew then).
M2: Why its in news recently?
Me: It's in news because of scams like Saradha in west bengal.
M2: What is microfinance?
Me: Microfinance is the practice of lending small loans to poor people of society like village vendors, rickshaw pullers in order to start a micro businesses and have a dignified life.
M2: Any other countries where it has revolutionize the living of poor people?
Me: Yes Sir, Our neighbour Bangladesh is a clear example of this
M2: Which is the organization involved?
Me: It is probably Grameen Bank
M2: Who is the person involved?
Me: I am not sure, Sir, but probably he is Mohammad Yunus.
M2: Do you know, who is Thomas Piketty?
Me: Yes Sir, infact at the moment I am reading his book "Capital in the 21st century" but not finished it yet.
M2; (smiling and looking at ma'm) And what's it about?
Me: Sir, It is about economic inequality which as per book has been increased in the last two three centuries.
M2: And how he explained that?
Me: He explained that rate of return on capital being in the hands of affluent group has been higher than the growth rate of the economy which decides the growth rate of middle and lower income group of people.
M2: Is there any learning from that?
Me: Yes Sir
Passed on to member 3
M3: (explained about water shortage in Gaya and Palamu) Because of which there is poppy cultivation being practised. (Me surprised look with this fact) Are you aware of this?
Me: Sorry Sir, I am not aware of this. But it is opium cultivation?
M3: Yes it is opium cultivation. What do you think it should be allowed or not?
Me; (thinking for a while) No Sir, I don't think it should be allowed.
M3: Why?
Me: This region is marred with lack of development, illiteracy, lack of employment. And with easy availability of opium locally, it would be a greater social problem in the future.
M3: But, it would be a loss of income for poor people?
Me: But there are other opportunities also like there are crops which can be grown in less availability of water. Also with government programmes implemented honestly, it can be contained.
M3: As a DM, What would be the 3 steps being taken by you?
Me: Three steps: 1. Implementing govt. social welfare programmes specially in those regions like MGNREGA, IAY. 2. Rejuvenation of closed industries of the region like cotton mill in Gaya and cement factory in Daltonganj.....
M3: Don't you think, you should implement legal measures against opium cultivation?
Me: Trying to explain my point on providing better options to them.
M3: (Getting furious) Don't you think it's necessary to implement legal measures?
Me: Yes Sir, there is the need of that one. Thank you Sir
Passed on to member 4
M4: What do you think of reforms in Indian Agriculture? Tell three in priority order.
Me: 1. Investment into agriculture infrastructure
M4: What do you mean of agri infrastructure?
Me: irrigation, availability of roads, warehouses. 2. Investment in R&D, and bringing them on to field (explained a bit) 3. Uniform national market to enable farmers to get benefited directly.
M4: (explained about potato shortage in West Bengal) Bengal govt has restricted export of potato. Is it justified?
Me: In the emergency situation, this is justified.
M4: But don't you think that it will against the federal structure of India. Tomorrow, Orissa can say that it will restrict Chickenpea.
Me: But Sir, This is an emergency situation and concerns of local states need to be taken care of.
(A lot of conversation was there with M4 and M5 too)
Chairman: Thank you
Me: Thank you Ma;m, Thank you Sirs Thank you Sirs
The best part was "Chalo beizaati to nahi hui naa". And no questions on personal, which was a big relief.
