SHOULD INDIA LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING?

By Vaibhav Bhosle 

I wasn’t shocked when the spot-fixing scandal broke in the country. But, I was much more amazed to know that IPL 6 was worth Rs. 20,000 Cr. in the betting world.

Most of the bookies operating in the market are connected to the underworld and the sum generated from betting is funded for terrorist activities. The money which is used by Indians is used against the Indians (Blame yourself for the next terrorist attack if you were involved in betting).

Keeping aside the moral issues, if Gambling is legalized in India it will generate huge amount of revenue for government through heavy taxation. The amount which is now used in destructive manner can be used effectively by government. The revenue generated from taxation on betting can be constructively diverted for health and education in the society.

But, doesn’t betting destroy homes? This question might be quite difficult to answer. But, there are so many things openly sold in the market that are way more detrimental than betting, whether legally or illicitly. And how much force will government apply to eradicate it completely and even if government succeeds what is the guarantee that it won’t arise in no period of time.

Gambling, if made legal, provision can be made to keep it confined to high income group and are willing to bet their riches. License can be issued for betters. This will avoid any catastrophe caused amongst the poor and the middle class (Although, alcohol addiction has effectively destroyed all the classes).

Keeping a check on illegal sources will also be quite convenient. It will also help in curbing spot fixing or match fixing as the detection and investigation of such issues will be trouble-free. This will also drive away the illegal sources for Gambling. But, betting should be restricted for sports itself and should not be allowed for any national or personal issue. E.g. Bets were also placed related to Sanjay Dutt’s arrest in 1993 Mumbai serial blast case (Don’t be shocked to know that bets were placed on the IST on which he would be arrested).  

The Public Gambling Act 1867 came into effect during British Raj. Today, the betting industry in U.K is worth 6 Billion Pounds i.e. 0.5% of their GDP and it generates 700 Million Pounds in taxes. It’s high time, the Indian government should think about revision of the outdated law. 

WAKE UP WOMEN!

By Vaibhav Bhosle

How often do we get to hear the news of gang-rapes, acid attacks, molestation and a dozen other atrocities committed on women? Maybe more than corruption cases emerging every month in this developing India; that too in a media dominated era. So, if media wasn’t as powerful as it is today, would we ever come to know about these heinous acts (recent Delhi rape case)?

The point here is not about comparison between the crimes against women and corruption or about the prevalence of media in our society. But, the crimes committed against women have become so common, that one day it will surpass the records of pick-pocketing and chain snatching cases.

So, do you people think that Indian men have becoming more and more insensitive towards women?

The fact is Indian society has always been insensitive and less bothered about women from long-time. Scriptures like Manusmriti serve as firm evidence to it. Indian social structure has always been biased against women.

After so many debates and discussions, a culture change seems an apt solution to this problem. But, it is never going to happen overnight. It might happen only in the case if all the men in this world cease to exist.

But, why wait till the men realize that woman is not just a substance to be used (abuse). Imagine, if the black folks would have kept on waiting till the awakening of the white folks’ morals. Practically, such situation never arises where the oppressor realizes his viciousness and suddenly becomes merciful. History tells us, that change doesn’t take place without a revolution.

The women should not expect men to respect them; instead they should make men to respect them. It’s the women who should rise against atrocities committed against them, in spite of waiting for a cultural change to happen. 

In India, still most of the women are dependent on men for their livelihood. Until, this scenario changes, men will continue to dominate and be insensitive towards women. The oppressor doesn’t wake up till, the oppressed begins a revolution. The revolution doesn’t need to be violent or aggressive, it can be serene.

Women should try to become independent and live on their own terms instead of succumbing to men’s needs. Only then there will be a cultural change leading to betterment in social status of women.