Can a husband send his baby with his father across state lines?

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Mother is in a mental institution for a five-day evaluation. According to my mother, my brother informed her of his intention to send the baby home to be taken care of by my father, my husband and I and my mother while he is working (he’s a Coast Guard and has to be on the boat).

It has already been established by my brother and my father upon his arrival that the mother (19 years old, diagnosed with depression with suicidal tendencies and alcoholism, who has been hanging with people affiliated with gang members and my brother thinks she may have joined because is wearing their colors) is unstable and unfit to care for the child.

My brother also caught his wife cheating after coming home a day early from the boat.

She drinks Hennesey straight out the bottle and uses marijuana (we fear she may be on other drugs because she weighs about 85lbs – was always slim but now it’s very gaunt)

Question: Legally, can my brother send the baby to Michigan from Missouri?
Hex-Currently, the father and mother have equal custody. Baby is 2 months old. Mother still lives with husband. No divorce has been filed or seperation…
Hex-Been married for about a year and a half. Brother signed paternity papers. All are residents of Missouri. Brother is in USCG if that makes a difference.
Hex-Thank you for the info.

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what is a non-custodial mother’s right? My sister’s x-husband remarried & is leaving the state w/her daughter

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

My sister is not a drug addict or alcholic etc… he just makes much more money than her and they lived a few blocks from each other. He promissed it didn’t mean a thing who has residential custody since they shared her daughter equally. Now he re-married and is relocating to Florida with their child. The baby is only 3years old and a little girl. Little girls need their natural mothers! What can she do? She hired an attorney, much she doesn’t have his type of money.

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Does my child’s mother have the right to leave the state of California against a judges order if we have joint?

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Unfortunately, my 9 year old daughter’s mother is a heroine addict and was ordered by the judge on Dec 31st not to leave the County of San Diego without written permission from me. On January 6th I came home from work and she left a letter stating that she left with my child. she took everything. I have exhausted every possibility. For example, I showed up at the court house on Friday at 6:45am, I waited over 9 hours, at 4pm the ‘extremely rude’ lady peeked her head out and said they will not be seeing anybody else and to not come back until Wed. because they are very busy. I have called the police, the DA’s office. I can not get past the Red Tape, can somebody please get my daughter back. I am losing faith in our justice system. I am about to lose my job because of the toll this is taking, and I am just plain fed up!

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Does my child’s mother have the right to leave the state of California against a judges order if we have joint?

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Unfortunately, my 9 year old daughter’s mother is a heroine addict and was ordered by the judge on Dec 31st not to leave the County of San Diego without written permission from me. On January 6th I came home from work and she left a letter stating that she left with my child. she took everything. I have exhausted every possibility. For example, I showed up at the court house on Friday at 6:45am, I waited over 9 hours, at 4pm the ‘extremely rude’ lady peeked her head out and said they will not be seeing anybody else and to not come back until Wed. because they are very busy. I have called the police, the DA’s office. I can not get past the Red Tape, can somebody please get my daughter back. I am losing faith in our justice system. I am about to lose my job because of the toll this is taking, and I am just plain fed up!

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What is a rank of judges in the State of Louisiana?

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

My brother went through a vicious court battle for custody of his kids (where the mother is a lunatic and drug addict and won custody because she is the mother) and that judge made the WRONG decision. Anyway, who is the superior of a First Judicial Judge? Does anyone know?

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What happens in the state of Indiana if a baby is born addicted to drugs?

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

In the state of Indiana, if a mother delivers a baby who is addicted to heroin, what will happen?
No, I am not about to deliver a baby addicted to heroin. I’m trying to find out the Indiana State guidelines as to what happen to the baby born to a mother who is addicted to heroin, or any drug for that matter. Is the baby placed in foster care or is the baby placed with a member of the family?

Any help will be appreciated, as I can’t seem to find any information online. Please only answer if you know the Indiana State Laws. I’m using collective information for a support group meeting I’m hosting and I don’t want to pass along any false information to the girls in the class.

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granparents in another state are legal guardians, mother a drug addict father was not awarded custody after ye?

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

father lost custody after a long court battle. has paid child support regularly now grandparents looking for money for college, have refused to let the father have any contact with the children citing they wish to have none. They say they cannot work out anything without the court as they are not custodial parents. Who would be the custodial parent??? Does the father need the court to enforce supervised visitation?? Is he responsible for college as it is not stipulated in the divorce???

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Study the Dimensional Problem of Tribal Students in India With Special Reference to Kerala State

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

INTRODUCTION

 

Education, is a modern word, which is derived from the Latin word ‘educase’, means to nourish, to cause to grow (Patel: 1991 : viii). Education also prevails in illiterate societies, where it is imparted orally and by mass behavior. A member of primitive society learns to earn his livelihood, to do good works, to obey spiritual beings and also superstitions etc from the elders of the society and bind by its laws and regulations. These are the education for them. We the modern people do mean “education as reading and writing. This is also true. By modern education a person can able to increase his knowledge and expand his vision and avail the fruits or development. Hence modern education can play the role of “Catalyst” in bringing sea changes in the sphere of social, political, economic fields. One of the important reasons for failure of development activities in the society by various developmental agendas is the prevalence of acute illiteracy and ignorance, combined with superstitions among the rural masses. Hence to ward off economic backwardness, social deprivation spreading of education is regarded as one of the most effective and forward-looking instruments (Patel: 1991:26). Another reason of failure of education is superstition among the tribal. Superstitions like “reading would make their eyes drop out of their sockets” etc. is also responsible for not spreading of education, so no remarkable progress could be achieved within next 10 years (Behera : 1984:76). Accordingly O.J. Millman, a Baptist Missionary set up a school in 1914 at Gudripadi near G.Udayagiri (Boal : 1963: 61). As Government experienced, acute caste discrimination prevailing among the students as well as parents, the Govt. was forced to set up separate schools for ST and SC students. Lord Dalhousie, the then Viceroy of British India appointed Mr. Charles Wood who was the Chairman of Board of Controll on 19th July 1853 to review the progress of education in India and to suggest way-out for its improvement and to frame new laws and regulations. Accordingly, he had submitted his report in the year 1854, which was known as Woods’ Dispatch. As such post of Director of Public Instructions was created in Bombay, Bengal and in Madras presidency

 

exclusively to look after development of education. As suggested in Wood’s Dispatch, the medium of instruction should be in mother language. Another Commission was also set up for reformation and development of education in the year 1882, known as Hunter Commission. Lord Curzon organized an all India conference in the year 1901 at Simla to review the progress and to find out faults in education, which was the first conference in India in the history of education. The proceedings of the said conference were published in 1904, which was known as Curzon’s Proclamation. That proclamation was an important document where emphasis was given regarding Syllabus, appointment of teachers and monetary assistance to schools and the importance of the provincial Governments to promote mass education. Administrative reformation law by Montague Chelmsford was published in the year 1919, where complete responsibility was laid down for education on provincial Governments. Hence Education Act of Madras Presidency was framed in 1920. Accordingly financial assistance was provided with to schools regularly and special responsibility was also given to District Boards and Local Boards. Again Hartog Commission was set up in 1929 where emphasis was given to promote mass education and to eradicate wastage and stagnation problem Christian Missionaries also took an important role for development of education in backward classes of this district.  Missionaries also created awareness among the tribal towards education. Schools were also set up for ST and SC students by tribal Welfare department of Government after independence.  Secondly, ignorance and superstitions play a major set back for spread of education in the district. People of the remote area are superstitious and addicted to blind beliefs. So they do not understand the value of education. Thirdly, a vital reason for the drop out problem of tribal students is their prevailing cultural process and life style, which hardly creates conducive environment for spreading of education.

 

The poverty of tribal people doesn’t permit them to keep clean their home environment. They don’t get nutritious food. So tribal children often fall ill. The parents could not treat them timely due to economic scarcity. So they suffer for a long period. During suffering the child remains absent from school and after recovering from illness he loses his appetite for study. However there are few other reasons, which may also be responsible for drop-out

 

 

 

                             The tribal are the children of nature and their lifestyle is conditioned by the eco-system. India due to its diverse ecosystems has a wide variety of tribal population. Tribes people constitute 8.14% of the total population of the country, numbering 84.51 million (2001 Census). There are 697 tribes notified by the Central Government under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution with certain tribes being notified in more than one State. More than half the Scheduled Tribe population is concentrated in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Jharkhandand Gujarat whereas in Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Pondicherry and Chandigarh no community has been notified as a Scheduled Tribe. Due to isolation, unawareness and exploitation tribes in India facing economic and social problems. They live generally in inhospitable terrain   where productivity of soil is low and their hamlets are found in forest areas along with the hill streams., India has the largest concentration of tribal population in the world .A tribe is a group comprising families, alone, or generation having its own customs, occupying a specific geographic territory and being independence of or having little contact with the dominant national society of the country in which they live.. Tribals of our country (India) resides in such a territory, which is marked by the presence of hills, forest, islands, mountains, seacoasts etc. They live in a special geographical territory. That is why, some scholars see tribe as a territorial group. Tribals have to face a number of problems due to their isolated residences situated in remote areas. But they are closely and emotionally related to their lands and forest. There are no communications facilities between the various isolated tribal group as well as between the tribal and the world at large. They accept all outsiders in their territory that create more problem than benefits to the tribal communities.  Due to exploitation from various stakeholders tribals are now facing a lot of problems .For promoting the welfare of schedule tribes and for rising the level of administration of schedules and tribal areas to the state level, Article 275 of the constitution provides grants in aid from consolidated fund of India to states for implementation of developmental programmes. And the article lies down as a Directive Principle of State Policy that the State should promote, with special care, the education and economic interest of the weaker sections.  The 10th Five Year Plan envisages a slightly different approach in Kerala. As far as Tribals development is concerned Tribals own neighborhood groups [Oorukoottams] are formed as basic units for the formulation and implementation of TSP and other Tribals Development Programmes. A new approach and strategies for the sustainable development of tribals in Kerala. In view of this the following suggestions are made. Top most priority should be given to elimination of poverty and reduction of unemployment among the tribals. Majority of the tribal population does not still enjoy the basic standards of Good life. Elimination of poverty requires macro as well as micro strategies. For this there have to be separate component plan for Scheduled Tribes and the disabled including family specific plans for improving quality of life as well as protecting and upgrading the land resources, value addition to the non-timber Forest Produce, high quality education, proper health, social security support etc. No conventional institutional options have to be tried out in the case of education, health, and economic development and so on where NGO’s with good track record could play a positive role. Preservation of tribal culture and fostering of their traditional knowledge have to be ensured hand in hand with their empowerment and all round socio-economic development. The Draft Comprehensive Master Plan prepared by the Government should be implemented in a time bound manner with greater emphasis on the primitive tribal groups with stress on Education; Land based Development, Implementation of Protective measures with added legal support etc. It is commitment of the State Government to distribute land to all landless tribals and to rehabilitate them in a phased manner and to help them to sustain their land. High priority should be given to the construction of Houses, electrification, Drinking Water, Sanitation facilities etc. The future tribal educational programmes would aim at primary and secondary educational facilities to all ST students through Institutions like MRS, centre of excellence, etc. Strengthening of pre-primary education with adequate nutritional care, merit up gradation programmes for equipping the ST students for appearing various Entrance Examinations and Civil Services Examinations, more emphasis on technical education including Information Technology, revision of mess charges on the tribal hostels etc., are major strategies proposed. The priority / thrust areas envisaged for the future Tribal Development are:

 

. Provision of minimum needs to the poor STs aimed at systematic human resource development so as to enable the youths to seek employment., All landless tribals / marginal farmers among the tribals are to be provided with cultivable land depending on availability and implement sustainable development programmes.; Micro enterprises would be promoted among tribal women through Kudumbashree.; Tribal Sub-Plan programmes will be integrated with anti-poverty sub-plan. ;Socio-Economic development programme for the benefit of poorest of the poor to bring them above poverty line.; Ensuring of high quality education to tribal students.; Pre-primary education and residential education will be strengthened further;. The existing tuition scheme will be modified to cater to the needs of all tribal students; Programmes for assisting dropouts and improving enrolment will be formulated; All Houseless families will be given houses in a phased manner.;. The rate of Scholarships [Lump sum grant / stipend etc] will be revised frequently; The problems of tribal families living within forest areas will be solved in collaboration with forest department.; Health care facilities will be strengthened by improving existing Health Extension Programmes in tribal areas tie-up with Health Department;.  High priority for the completion of pre-metric hostels and improving of their infrastructure facilities and revision of mess charges etc.  Massive awareness and literacy programmes with involvement of NGOs will be organised in the tribal areas; Programmes aimed at improving the brilliance of talented ST students will be formulated and implemented.; Training programmes such as IT Training will be arranged for the tribal students and programmes for ensuring jobs for tribals in the IT sector will be formulated.; The participation of the tribals in the industrial sector, even in the small scale and traditional sector is virtually nil. To change this situation suitable strategies can be formulated, the socio-economic conditions of the communities like Adiya, Paniya, Primitive Tribes, Hill Pulayan, Malapandaram etc., are very pathetic. In view of this specific, exclusive programmes can be chalked out for the development of these communities.,The problems of the families living in tribal rehabilitation projects like Sugandhagiri, Pookot Dairy Project, Attapady Cooperative farming society etc., will be solved with the participation of these families., It is proposed to give Health Insurance coverage to all backward tribal families in a phased manner., Remoteness is one hurdle, which prevents the overall and comprehensive development of tribals. This eludes the tribals from the infrastructural needs such as road, drinking water, electrification, hospital facilities, educational facilities etc. A comprehensive plan can be formulated to solve these problems.

 

.Plan State Schemes

 

,Schemes for providing better educational facilities to bright ST students., Bharath /Kerala Darshan programme to ST Students, Post -metric hostels for Tribal Students., Training On Information Technology,  Post-Metric Scholarship, Vocational Training Institutes, Award of Research Fellowship in various aspects of Tribal Development, Up gradation of merits of ST students, Special Incentive to Brilliant Students, Repairs and Maintenance of Tribal Hostel., Construction of Hostels for Boys and Girls., Purchase of Land for construction of hostels., Running and construction of 18 Model Residential/Ashram Schools., Grants to High school going SSLC/Plus-2 failed students for studying in tutorial

 

Methodology

 

A questionnaire was designed to capture data on various parameters. The data collected for this study by asking question from tribal students, tribal parents and authorities one who responsible for the development of tribal communities.

 

 Sample selection: This study has its focus on students defined as tribal. All students under the “below poverty line (BPL)” family category fell into our focus population. It is not our intention to debate the methodology adopted by the state in defining the tribal.  As the idea of the study is to look at what are the problem faced by tribal students from various stakeholders. This is based on the presumption that the findings would be used

 

for developing educational status of tribal people. We wanted to base the study in some of the most backward districts in India, the choice of Wayanad was made purposively. The selection of wayanad was driven not only by its general backwardness, but also the geographical backgrounds. Wayanad district stand first in the case of adivasi population (about 36%) among other district in the state.

Design of questionnaire: For collecting data, a detailed questionnaire was designed, with a view to capture education of tribal students.. The base data were the various problems faced by the students regarding their education from within the family and outside the family. Although the questionnaire was not divided into different stages, each question collected specific information.

 

Objectives: The important objectives of our study are-

 

1          To understand the problem of tribes students through empirical analysis.

 

2          To study the problem of students with in the family and outside the family.

 

3          To provide suggestion to different stake holders for developing tribal education

EDUCATION

 

 

 

The level of education is often viewed as an indicator of the the development of any country. Earlier, the welfare activities in the state for tribals mostly concentrated on educational programmes. Economic development of these communities leading to the creation of substantial assets and ownership of instruments of production through income generating training programmes received attention only from the sixth five-year plan period Traditionally  education has played a conservative role in relation the social process . A large portion of population has not allowed by the upper caste to recive education tribal are not exception to this, therefore the last five decade education became the monopoly of higher caste people. During the British period nothing much was done to improve Indian education system. The development of education during the post independence period has been conditioned by the natural goals and aspiration as enshrined in our constitution. Several committees and commission were formed to increase the educational status of nation. Large number of educational institution were opened in rural and tribal areas for spreading of education among the ST. Compared to the general educational level the status of tribal education is far below A number of schemes and incentives such as scholarship, free residential facilities, free books, and above all reservation of seats in educational institutions were introduced and implemented. These are the facilities provided by the government to ST but their problem still continuing. What is their problem? Is it social or economic or any others…

 

.. The main reason for the low level of education among tribes is the peculiar nature of their habitations. The social and economic conditions prevailing in the tribal settlements are not conducive for better education. Lack of sufficient educational institutions in tribal areas, poverty, inability to catch the children from pre-primary level, lack of nutritional and health care programmes, poor enrolment and drop out from high education etc., curtain the effective educational development among Scheduled Tribes. Moreover, the parents of the tribal children being generally illiterate cannot insist on their children attending classes regularly. In order to improve education among Scheduled Tribes, the primary efforts should be on eradication of poverty. The parents of the tribal children have to be provided with regular employment for earning income to meet their day-to-day requirements, which will help to send their children to school. Scheduled Tribe students have to be provided with boarding and lodging. Opening of more crèches/ Balwadies/ Nursery Schools, in tribal areas will not only promote early childhood education, but also lessen the burden of elder children in looking after the younger as and when the parents go for work. Lack of teachers in remote areas, general failure of tuition schemes, lack of skill development etc., are certain priority issues in the field of tribal education. A study made by the ST development department revealed that nearly 10% of the tribal habitats are very remote and lack even primary school facility with in a radius of 2 Kms. In fact the position has improved to some extent during the past 9 year’s time. However the school facilities in primitive tribal areas are poor; 71.95% of the PTGs are lacking School facilities within 1 KM area. The state has started multi-learning centres and single teacher schools for improving primary & pre-primary education in remote tribal areas. But the functioning of the Anganwadies in these areas needs further strengthening and proper improvement. In the 10th plan, the tribal educational programmes would aim at primary and secondary educational facilities for all eligible ST students especially those living in remote areas [main objectives is improvement of enrolment rates and arresting of drop out rates] improved facilities for high quality education and research for talented ST  students; centres of Excellence etc., strengthening of pre-primary education with adequate nutritional care, merit up-gradation programmes for equipping the ST students for appearing various entrance examinations and civil services examinations; more emphasis on technical education including Information Technology, restructuring of the present tuition programmes for failed as well as regular ST students. A thorough rejuvenation of tribal hostels necessary by improving the Academic qualification for wardens and cooks etc. High priority will be given for the completion of pre-metric hostels. Scheduled Tribes form one of the most backward sections of our country. Though there has been a gradual increase in their literacy rates since independence, the present position is far from satisfactory. On an average, the difference between the literacy rate of the General category and that of STs has been around 20%. Though it is a fact that literacy rate among tribals has gone up yet the decadal rate of growth of literacy is very slow as compared to the literacy rate of the general population. The literacy rate has increased by 6.78% in the decade 1971-81 and

 

16.00% during 1981-91 for the general population but in the case of Scheduled Tribes, the literacy rate has risen by 5.05% and 13.25% only for the period 1971-81 and 1981-

 

91 respectively. The gap between literacy rates of general population and STs has increased from 20% in 1981 to 23% in 1991. The literacy position is more unsatisfactory

 

in case of ST females, which is only 18.19% as against 39.23% for non SC/ST women

 

i.e. 8 out of every 10 ST women are illiterate. The difference (about 17%) in drop out rate is almost at the same level for Primary Education for the years 1980-81 and 1988-89, while for Middle Education it is about 14%. For Secondary Education, the drop out has increased from 9% to 11% for Scheduled Tribes as compared to the general population. So the rate of dropouts still remains much higher than the General population. At the Higher Education level, the participation of STs amounts to only 3.9% as against their population percentage of 8.08%. The enrolment ratios of ST girls and boys have continued to show a progressive trend along with the rest of the population. The other revealing factor was the better pace of progress maintained by STs at primary level (43.0%) over SCs (29.7%), especially that of ST girls (49.0%) over SC girls (37.3%) during 1981 to 1996. Above all, the overall progress made by STs in terms of enrolment ratios at primary and middle levels between 1980-81 and 1995-96 has been impressive, and they could be much better than the general population. Like all other sectors of socio-economic life, educationally the tribal people are at different levels of development but on the whole formal education has made very little impact on tribal groups. In the light of the previous efforts it is not shocking because prior to 1950, the Government of India had not direct programme for the education of the tribals. With the adoption of the constitution, the promotion of education of Scheduled Tribes has become a special responsibility of the Central as well as the State Governments. The rate of education among the tribals is not very encouraging.

Factors affecting Tribal Education

Attitude of Other Students: Attitude of other student is one of the important factors for the promotion of tribal student’s higher education ie, environment factor is one of the crucial factors for the development. The negative attitude we can reflected in  university and other higher educational centre mainly located in big cities.

 

Social Factors: More allocation of funds and opening of schools do not go far in providing education to the tribals. Formal education has not been necessary for the members of tribal societies to discharge their social obligations. Hence they should be prepared to accept education and it should be presented to them in such a way as to cut the barriers of superstition and prejudice. There is still a widespread feeling among the tribals that education makes their

 

boys defiant and insolent and alienates them from the rest of their society, while the girls

 

turn modern or go astray. Since some of their educated boys felt alienated and cut off their bonds with their families and villages after getting education and good employment. Some of the tribal groups vehemently oppose the spread of education in their midst. Besides, some of their superstitions and myths also play their part. Some tribal groups believe that their gods shall be angry if they send their children to schools run by ‘outsiders’.

 

Economic Factors: Some economic factors too are responsible for lack of interest shown by the tribal people in getting education. Since most of the tribal people are living in poverty, it is not easy for most of them to send their children to schools.

 

Lack of Interest in Formal Education: In many states tribal children are taught through the same books which from the curriculum of non-tribal children of the urban and rural areas of the rest of the state. Obviously, the content of such books rarely appeals to the tribal children who come from different cultural backgrounds. Under the traditional tribal set up a child enters adulthood with confidence. He knows his environment thoroughly, knows how to construct his own house, cultivate his field, weave his cloth; in short he acquires all the skills to lead a reasonably comfortable life within the limitations of his culture. The simple skill of reading and writing acquired in an over formal school is no match for this. We cannot afford to push him back to his environment naked. Therefore, a curriculum should be framed in the welfare of tribal people. Certain tribal activities like agriculture, dancing, hunting, tribal games and archery must be allowed to find fullest expression in the extra-curricular activities of the school, thus providing some continuity of the traditional values and forms of organization. A scheme is to be worked out through which the school children will be able to link up the school and the teacher with their parents and the tribal activities. The school has to act as a centre of dispersal of simple technical know-how beyond the skills of reading and writing to become an effective agent of social change. This student-teacher-parent continuum should be able to generate a congenial atmosphere, so that the broad purpose of education, which is to enable an average citizen to comprehend the social, political, economic and other processes and forces around him, is fully served.

 

Suitable Teachers: Lack of suitable teachers is one of the major reasons for the slow growth of education in tribal areas. Most of the teachers employed for imparting education to the tribal children show little appreciation of tribal way of life and value system. They approach tribal people with a sense of superiority and treat them as ‘savage and uncivilized’ and hence fail to establish proper rapport with their students. The Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission’s report says that a teacher in the tribal areas must have a thorough knowledge of tribal life and culture. He must speak tribal language. Only so can he be in a position to act as a friend, philosopher and guide to the tribal people. Actually the gulf between teachers and taught can be best reduced by appointing teachers from the tribal community itself or a separate cadre of teachers for tribal areas, with some inducements, should be created to serve the educational needs of the tribal society.

 

Lack of Facilities: One of the major problems in tribal education is that of language. Most of the tribal languages and dialects are in the most rudimentary stage and there is hardly any written literature. Most of the states impart education to tribal and non-tribal children alike through the medium of the regional language, which makes the education uninteresting and also hurts tribal sentiments.

 

Nature of habitat: Most of the tribal villages are scattered. This entails long travels to attend schools. Unless the school situated very close to their villages and its site approved by the local people the result shall not be encouraging. School building also plays an important role in the growth of education among the tribal folk. Due to mismanagement, bungling and sometimes financial constraints, the building and sometimes-financial constraints, the building is seldom suitable to run an educational institution.

 

Number of teachers: Most of the primary schools run in the tribal areas are “Single teacher-managed whose presence in the school is more an exception than a rule”. The enthusiasm of tribal people in the education of their children also depends considerably on the timing of school hours in different seasons. It should not clash with their important socio-economic activities.

 

To many observers of the situation, the problem of education in tribal areas is the problem of wastage. It is not that wastage and stagnation are peculiar to the tribal communities alone but the extent of wastage is much larger in their case. The problem of

 

Absenteeism is a serious one in tribal areas. One sees a large number of students on the rolls but the actual attendance is really low, and the number of students passing out at the final examination is even lower. The real problem is to create such economic conditions as could be conducive to the students developing sufficient interest in their studies. Education being the most effective instrument of empowering the Socially Disadvantaged Groups, all out efforts should be made to improve the educational status of these groups, especially that of the women and the Girl Child. In fact, the educational backwardness, prevalent amongst these people, necessitates an added thrust on their education, training and skill up gradation, as it will bring forth not only social empowerment but also economic empowerment.

 

Environment of family: Surrounding or environments is one of the importance factors influence for the development of a person generally and particularly in educational development. Most of the tribal parents are agricultures and labours; they have little knowledge relating to modern world and modern environment. Their environment narrows that created narrow mentality. And most of tribal fathers are addicts to alcoholic and other beverage items that creating some problem in mentally and economically end result students will fail exams.

 

Communication: Communication one of the key factor affecting the development of tribal education.  Due to isolation tribal facing problem for expressing modern and regional languages.  For understanding tribal language very difficult generally in the case of society and particularly in teachers. So the students facing problem for discussing their doubt with teachers. So their doubt continuing and automatically tribal students became the last in the class.

 

Cooperation from Stake Holders: Cooperation is essentials for promoting education in the case of tribal students. Their funds are flowing a number of persons hand and at last that amount will get students hands. The delay of funds creating problem, so the respective authorities need to be responsible for providing funds at right time at right hand.  And at last but not least the success of tribal education is completed only after getting the cooperation and help from their classmates.

 

Conclusion

 

Article 46 of the Indian constitution stress to promote the ST and SC people with special care in the educational and economic establishment. The spread of education among the ST during the last four decade has been quite uneven. Ignorant and illiteracy among tribals should be minimized and rooted out, by providing proper education and awareness programme. Government should make available adequate grants for education of tribal. To improve the educational and economic status of the tribal, opportunities for basic and adult education with training leading to better employment should be provided. Hostel facilities to tribal students should be surveyed and improved. Tribal welfare department may design and launch new programmes to generate employment opportunities for tribals. The Director of Employment and Training may provide effective career guidance service to the tribal students so as to help them to make a self assessment of these abilities, aptitudes and plan for the career… Ensuring of high quality education to tribal students. Pre-primary education and residential education will be strengthened further. The existing tuition scheme will be modified to cater to the needs of all tribal students. Programmes for assisting dropouts and improving enrolment will be formulated.All Houseless families will be given houses in a phased manner. The rate of Scholarships [Lump sum grant / stipend etc] will be revised frequently. High priority for the completion of pre-metric hostels and improving of their infrastructure facilities and revision of mess charges etc. Massive awareness and literacy programmes with involvement of NGOs will be organized in the tribal areas. Programmes aimed at improving the brilliance of talented ST students will be formulated and implemented. Training programmes such as IT Training will be arranged for the tribal students and programmes for ensuring jobs for tribals in the IT sector will be formulated. For applying schemes at right time, right place and right manner the government and respective authorities’ cooperation.  And at last but most for developing education in tribal communities the balanced relationship between other students and teachers is essentials

Suggestion

Education is the most effective instrument for ensuring equality of opportunity; keeping in view of this assumption the Government has been making several efforts to education by extending special educational facilities and reservation of seat in educational institutions. But the development of education is one of the important problems in the case of tribals. For solving that problem I like to express some suggestions.

 

1 Proper awareness campaign should be organized to create the awareness and the importance of education.

 

2 Educated tribal youth should be recruited as a teacher and posted in tribal areas.

 

3 The attitude of the tribal parents toward education should be improved through proper counseling and guidance.

 

4 Teacher buildup and maintain close relationship for the development of tribal students.

 

5 Vocational institutes should be implemented for the tribal students for creation of new avenues.

 

6 Administration of incentives need to be streamlined so that the students may avail all the facilities at proper time.

 

7 Higher level officials should check the functioning of schools frequently relating to the teaching methods, working hours, days of the school and attendance registers.

 

8 Establish separate residential school for each districts and extended up to PG level.

 

9 Residential facilities with all amenities should be provided to teachers and other staffs.

 

10 Merits scholarship, attendance scholarship, and more incentives in the form of grant allocated to uniform, books, learing materials, midday meals, supply of sports equipments.

References

1 Ambhasht N K”Tribal Education Scope and Constraint” Yogana January 26. 1994.

2 Sachchidandanda   1967 Socio Economic Uspects of Tribal education Report of national seminar New Delhi.

3 Joshi N D Adult education and development Tribal Education in India Vol. 1782.

4 Khan Q U 1972 Wastage in India School Education. Institute of Applied man Power, New Delhi.

5 Chattopandhaya K P Tribal Education Man in India Vol 33 1953.

6 Geetha B Language and schooling of tribal children issues related to medium of instruction Economic & Political Weekly October 1995.

7 Kundu M Tribal Education in India- some problem in Tribal transformation in India edited by Buddhadeb Chaudhuri. Inter India publication, New Delhi 1985.

8 Madan T N Education of Tribal India Eastern Anthropologist 1952

9 Mathur P R G Tribal Education in Kerala in tribal transformation in India edited by Buddhadeb Chaudhuri. Inter India publication, New Delhi 1985

10 Morab S G 1984 Soliga in Tribal Education in India edited by P K D Gupta and A K Danda. 1984.

11 Nuna S C Regional Disparities in Educational Development, South Asian Publication New Delhi 1993.

12 Radha S N Literacy in tribal India An evaluation in tribal transformation in India. edited by Buddhadeb Chaudhuri. Inter India publication, New Delhi 1982.

13 Varghese N V School quality and student learing- A Study of primary schooling in Kerala NIEPA  New Delhi.1994

14 Sujatha K Review of Research on Tribal Education published paper on seminar research on Tribal Education 1996 NIEPA New Delhi.1994

15 Radha S N Literacy in tribal literacy in India An evaluation in tribal transformation in India. Edited by Buddhadeb Chaudhuri. Inter India publication, New Delhi 1985

 

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Failed state

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

 NATIONAL DISASTER – A FAILED STATE

Preface

A country India where millions have no guarantee of living like a human being, where only Indian styled glorified titled public servants enjoy the free loot of national exchequer, NOTHING IS PEOPLE/USER FRIENDLY.  Be it Government run banking sector, IT sector, or whatever, it is just a big screw up.  Public servants as experienced for years are at liberty to extort the people and are at liberty to throw the people away from their work place.  And, this is India in 2009.

In India, in old age, my father had no pension, had no guarantee of living like a human being.

 “Freedom fighter”, fighters’ pension was refused by him.  By this time by leaving a glorified titled public service in India,  I had opted to live in civilized countries to prove myself and had come to see him almost every two or three years.  On such a visit, I found an envelope boldly marked O.I.G.S…

 Since our relations were like friends, I enquired about this letter.  “find it out yourself”- was the reply.  Little did I know it was a letter for offer of pension as “freedom fighter” and in line with many other Indian glorified titled papers and it was dated about four months back?  “Why didn’t you sign and send it back”- I asked.  He replied “we struggled for independence on principle, not for money.  Whatever the foreign ruler was, they did not beat us up in lock up or in jail. They did not provide garbage as food.  At least they had some humanitarian feeling”.

 He also added, after all, these rulers were from a foreign country. Naturally, they would like keep themselves above the locals and in history, this is quite natural. In so called independent India, members of Parliament, (some of them with criminal charges) devised VIP, VVIP, Gazetted etc., for their own identity to keep themselves separated from the people being ruled, making them free to loot the national exchequer.. Look at the present India. Sons of the soil are killing each other in one name or the other.  So called elected glorified titled public servants enjoy/loot the people, at the same living like “Raja” and “Maharajas” so are their stooges, all at the cost of “have nots”  whereas for the rest of India have guaranteed are starvation, deprivation, anarchy, lack of security what not,  and have turned poor to poorer  Are these people human being- he growled. You’re my pension.

 In the process the present generation of India most of whom have degenerated to self centered foot lickers of these glorified titled public servants elected and/or appointed perhaps will call my father a “mad cap”.

 I respect my dad from my heart. In my teenage I had found him working on lacks of rupees of cash completely in-charge of a business operation of a devotee of Shri Shri Ma Anandamoyee.

 His salary was INR90.00 per month.

 Surprisingly, people with high priced cars used to visit him at the slums we used to live and touch his feet with reverence and used to enjoy the food with us, that we had lintel and gourd creepers.

 Fortunately for me, as long as I was working in India with foreign oil companies there were no scope of cheating me for financial gain or otherwise, for the fact it was open expense account, and I could help the needy also.  All my employers wanted work.  It was best of my career in India.

 Having achieved a ripe age, I’ve nothing to regret for my deeds.

 What are the deprivations and consequently degeneration to criminal activities taken for granted in the shadow of so called Indian politics named as VVIP, VIP and their stooges, amass wealth definitely disproportionate to known earnings, and the rest who can’t tow the line, sufferings, torture, even life threats are daily affair, killings, are the granted conditions of billions of people of India?

 Millions have given their life to achieve freedom for India.  To my knowledge, most are forgotten.  But, did they want this India where only glorified titled public servants elected and or appointed resort to all unscrupulous means to amass wealth even killing hundreds or thousands of their own people!

 If there is something known as God, how long will he/she tolerate this unabated torture of the sons of the soil, mass, including foreign visitors?

 Today my father did not have to witness the worsening situation of the society and that of the so called Government.  He is gone to eternity. When in India, I find myself mentally pauper.

 The way it is now, where people feel pleasure of doing damages to others,

criminals in disguise of public servants are the VIP and VVIP and what not enjoy on the fats of have nots –

“emon larak kothayo khujey pabey nako tumi,  Criminaleyr swarga setaa Bharatbhumi.”  I sing, meaning, you will not find a better hell than this, this is the paradise for the criminals.  Some predicts this land India which had been subjected to be slave of others for centuries, will soon be once again.

 Disclaimer:  Whatever seen, suffered, torture imposed upon me and likewise millions of sons of the soil even to foreigners are written here.  Any personal similarities are purely coincidental.  Exceptional if any, are like my father.

 -1-

 

Common scenario

 

“Raja” the Chief Minister of an Indian province in Indian terms is known as VVIP of a country number wise the biggest democracy in the world  with red beacon and screaming sirens is having a ride with a chauffer driven car, escorted by tens of cars of Police forces, paramilitary forces all having automatic killing weapons.  Even the personal bodyguard has automatic killing machine. And the cyclist who happened to be on the way was beaten up mercilessly by the police and left on the road. 

The so called ambulance does not have any right of way and press reports indicate that these are used to carry arms of weapons for the hired goons locally called “cadres”.

 Raja lives in a house at the cost of national exchequer near a forest conservatory.  One pregnant jackal started howling at night and immediately a Superintendent of Police (these people head the police force in a District) shot the jackal.  Little did the pregnant jackal know that Raja is living there and she will be shot on expressing her happiness?  One wonders, what little good this Superintendent of Police he did for the mass of have nots?

 Surprisingly, the Constitution of India says that all are equal before the eye of the law.

 The so called law has been circumvented by few elected people by raising their hands in the Parliament  and these people are called VIP, VIPs and what not.

 Although a local High Court in Delhi has ruled that these people are not national assets, hence such luxuries, pomp and grandeur at the cost of national exchequer must stop.  But who cares?

After all, these people are VVIPS, VIPS in Indian terms, law of the land, and, in practice ruling of the court, is not applicable to these people.

 

People get charged for falsely by the police if opportune arises and/or if ordered by the so called VVIP, VIP and their stooges.

 Incase a criminal is caught most of whom are patronized by the so called VVIP, VIP and or stooges, the police let him free on order from higher ups.  Of course, there is no documentation or record for such orders.  What poor policemen are going to do?  After all they salute these people for reasons best known to them. Besides, criminals caught intimidate the witnesses with dire consequence if they dare tell the truth before the court of law.  Police is there to protect the public servants known as VVIP, VIP and many other local glorified titled public servants.  In reality, they’re not to provide protection to the common people.

 “You fool don’t you realize that “Raja” and his stooges will be at the top luxurious conditions and will have assets so that next fourteen generations all at the cost of national exchequer so that they can have the same life is the accepted practice here”- somebody retorted.  This is unbelievable in a democratic society.  But, this is the fact of life, here in India. Who cares if some die in starvation, who cares if somebody gets killed by the so called stooges of these VIPs, VIPs, who cares if you get robbed right in front of police station/s, who cares if one gets raped?  When asked by the press “Raja” answers these do happen everywhere.  Accepted, but where is the law and order and justice, financial compensation for these losses. “We can’t afford” is the reply of “Raja”.  But Raja and their stooges can blow away billions from national exchequer for their own ends to meet.

 Who cares about accountability? Who cares about the stinks raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General?

 Raja and their stooges have luxurious foreign trips in one pretext or other, be it medical ground, be it sons/daughters schooling, be it in name of foreign investments and the pretences are endless, all of course, at the cost of national exchequer.

 Raja and their stooges all glorified titled public servants have endless expenses for their telephones, colonial style living, colonial style guest houses free meals and who pays for all these, the billions who gets practically nothing from the national exchequer.

 Of course there are endless commissions set up, normally headed and/or members by the political parties (the fact states, hardly there are politics over here, rather “criminalitics” a word based on the reality) supposed to find the facts and most of the findings of these commissions are not law binding.  Everything is national secrets, even the expenses of these Rajas and their stooges. And, very recently there had been a law “Right to freedom of Information”.  Like all laws here, who cares? And, which judge in India is going to put on trial the Rajas.  Most likely, he’ll not be a judge in the same court next day. And the next judge taking over the hearing will find nothing wrong and exonerate the Rajas and their stooges with honor.

 And, if there are proofs that are hard to be refuted by the judge, the case will be never ending and meanwhile Rajas and stooges with all criminal charges hold public offices continue having free lunch and luxuries until the case is disposed of by the court which may take 30 years if not more.  What a justice! In name of fundamental right glorified titled disguised criminals can go up to Supreme Court of the country even for getting a bail. There’s no non appeal able ruling of the court, even in case of Consumer court. Imagine the condition of a daily wage earner, can they afford to fight for injustices in stages to Supreme Court of the country!  Of course, in law books it is written that these people will be provided with free legal service.  As the people say, it’s not that simple.  Even here, the bosses of “criminilitics” and their stooges have the final say, people tell me. 

 District level and or state level or even in national level what services are provided to the people is “god’s guess” but definitely all services are guaranteed to VIPs, VIPs and their stooges.  This is the practice and reality in today’s India.

Even a Municipal Chairman enjoys the same luxuries and free lunch and dare sanction all kinds of illegal activities such as violating all national building codes, in violation basic principle of engineering digging up the roadside soil for the water to log for mosquito breeding, Environmental Pollution with immunity and people say, either by the orders of the higher up of practitioners of “criminalitics” and or by greasing the palms.

 By international pressure many new laws have been implemented by the Government of India and insiders say all on the pressure of civilized nations who grant aids and or loans to India.  Among these is the centralized provident fund for all industrial workers, Human Rights, Consumer protection, Environmental Protection act, Right to Information, and so on.

 Dhop Dhop Ram Fatfatwala (fictitious name) owns jute mills manned my hundreds of worker.  And Mr. Fatfatwala has not deposited the fund of the workers to the Central Provident fund and consequently the central provident fund commissioner issues an arrest warrant.  Rajas come in the picture and orders police not to arrest him.  The jute mill was closed and Mr.Fatfatwala is out of the province to devise another scheme to loot the national exchequer and or cheating the common people. The workers die in starvation or forced to enlist themselves in the “goon squad” of the Rajas in name of politics. This scenario is taken for granted by the mass of India for the fact they have no other choice.

 Excepting few tenacious and right doing and thinking people who can fight forever even in some cases 20 or 30 years and meanwhile if one is not dead by natural process and/or get killed, may be there may be some justices and/or remedies.  The rest suffer in mute.

 One Central Police Officer had the guts to arrest one of the Rajas of a province and put him in jail with umpteen numbers of criminal charges.  Of course, for the Raja the jail was an air-conditioned government bungalow with all luxuries as enjoyed and this Raja was set free by the court on bail.  Who knows what happened to criminal charges, but this provincial Raja has a cozier place in the Central Cabinet Ministry.  It had been years. 

 Local papers state that this man is a management guru and goes to lecture to Harvard University and what not.

 Once a clerk of a biscuit manufacturing company, the nincompoop son of a Raja had a desire to go into business to enlist him as industrialist a fancy name coined the local political personnel and their stooges. Nationalized banks granted him billions of local funds and god only knows what happened to those funds and what industry had been set up.  This Rajputra (son of Raja) is now known to be in UK with all legalized paper to stay there.

 After all, as claimed, this is biggest democracy in the world!

 Hearsay is that one of the Raja had a Barrister-at-law title from UK.  But the local competition is tough to gain any ground in the legal sector.

He opted to wear a torn shirt got some followers and used to move in slums claiming he is the savior of the poor.  He taught his followers the slogans like “break it down, grind it down”, “it will not work”, “our demands must be met” at the same he taught to burn the buildings, transports, and what not!

 And, this savior of the poor had been Raja, freeloading and luxuries for more than 30 years.

 Another Raja who was dethroned manipulated to put her nearly illiterate (as I had seen, and heard, university degrees with right connections are for sale and or offered) wife as Chief Minister of the province.

 These so called democratic Rajas had been reigning at least for last 60 years.  And, India’s freedom had been for 60 years.

 In all other democratic countries that I had lived, visited, I did not see any VIPs, VIPs and did not see anybody being escorted by Armed Police and paramilitary forces.  Even a police constable can arrest anybody found breaking laws, irrespective of Ministers, Secretaries, Janitors.

 After all, India is the biggest democracy in the world they claim!

 Is it the biggest anarchy of the world?

As I have heard the definition somewhere, I quote, “for the criminals, by the criminals of the criminals….”.

 -2-

How it had been working so long!

 

The so called political parties (better stated in reality, criminal parties) have infiltrated in all spheres of administration having a parallel political administration with that of established machinery of public service set by British Raj. These are so called elected (some elected at gunpoint, coercion, intimidation, and what not, and other unfair means, a locally acceptable methods) parallel administration is termed as administrative reforms in disguise to provide service, even criminal (as had been reported in the press) to meet need of the every members of the party, including hiring unlicensed armed goons in name of party workers, who massacre innocent people who do not tow the line of “criminalitics”, in front of the police forces where police is a silent spectator.

 After all, the way it is, Police is the stooges of Rajas and police dare not intervene.  Police will extort, harass, and lay false charges who oppose the activities of Rajas and their stooges and or to people who hardly make even one time food/day.

 If Rajputras (Rajas’ son) is pick-pocketed police will definitely recover the purse within an hour. It’s guaranteed.  In anybody else’s case who cares?

After all, police have won the right to form union from the Rajas and like local appointed public service have guaranteed pay cheque for life, without providing safety and service to the mass.

 And, this is the largest democracy of the world!

 This is the scenario in every sphere of Public Service. They are there to salute the Rajas and their stooges and provide service in a flick of a moment to them even if it is criminal.

 Al Capone, the criminal king of the then USA, Gestapo of Germany’s Hitler, a cobbler’s son, Nicolae Ceausescu of Romania, (by mass uprising he and his wife Elena were executed by firing squad)  Saddam Hussein of Iraq, who was hanged to death, are perhaps the most nearest examples one can find equivalent to scenario in India.

 The so called political parties have established network of party workers some call “goon squads” with illegal automatic killing weapons from village level to top hierarchy of the administration.  These all have fancy local names with immunity to all criminal activities from the state police and only the unfortunate ones get identified by the individual exemplary Central Police.

 Again, the funny thing is that Central Police can not take up any criminal investigation until and unless it is blessed by the Rajas and/or one goes through the High Court procedures and in some cases, these are objected to by the state administration of Rajas.

 Again, hearsay is that Central Police is also not beyond the scope of the all unethical practices of local public service. Exceptions if any, are there but, statistically they don’t count.

 All the laws of the land are meant to be ignored with immunity by the so called political workers some term them as “goon squad” who has the patronage of the law and order and of course administration.

 Rajas party is having a public meeting.  Children from primary schools, teachers, local professors, farmers, and who not, all the members are shipped by “goon squads” of the Rajas commonly known as cadres/leaders and their stooges the public meeting at the order of Rajas and their stooges.

Who cares about the schooling and suffering of children and other functions of public service?  Who cares about the inconvenience of the public, who cares about the noise level generated?  Who cares about gathering of millions of people in already overcrowded city. Of course, there are laws for it.  Who will implement it, as long as it is done by the “goon squad”/cadres of the Rajas and their stooges? Who cares about the Environmental Pollution, right to leave in peace and whatever fancy words are printed in the constitution of the country.

 And, changing the constitution of the country, India, is very easy. For the convenience of the so called elected they’ll raise their hands to change the constitution for their own free looting and luxuries.

 In other civilized countries, as I had observed, once the national parliament approves a change in the constitution of the country it must be approved unanimously by all provincial assemblies.  Even one objection from the provincial assemblies makes the proposed change null and void.

If the central government feels that it is for the betterment of the mass it has option to put on referendum for the people to give their “yes” or “no”. The constitution can only be changed and the law can only be changed if it is accepted by the referendum, not held at gun point, or intimidation or whatsoever.

 In reality, public service is there to salute and provide services to the VIPs, VIPs and their stooges.  Run around for months, years, and being thrown out of office and or police station are very common scenario.  And, the way it is people has no choice to avoid the public service and the public servants, either elected and or appointed in general, are habitual liars, extortionists, procrastinated, and it appears that these people are there to harass the public, not to provide them service until and of course their unwritten conditions are met.  Even if you grease the palm of these public servants, there is no guarantee that your needs will be taken care of. Exceptions do exist and they don’t count and hardly allowed to get things done.

 There hardly exists any humanitarian feeling and helping fellow humans. Those who are still left with human qualities are scorned and barrage of slang are thrown upon them and, if police finds a scope to extort or to implicate the innocents they’ll also show their color.

 Procedural law and order:

There are no securities for the people. Even the odd balls police officer take a humanitarian view, he has nothing to go by.  He/She has one stick his hand. He can not shoot to protect your life, that’s the practice not the police Act enacted by the British Raj and modified by the present rulers, as it appears, to use the police as their slave.

 There are reports in the press in state run government hospitals for granted reasons Autopsy reports are fabricated, so are the Forensic reports. This science only exists in the book, so is the DNA reports.  To get these tests done from reliable source is a highly expensive affair for the individual. One is lucky enough to get a person or persons with integrity.

 In summary, lawlessness and looting of the national exchequer is an accepted way of life.  People are beaten to death by the mob (goon) squad in public anybody objecting to it, subject to face the same situation. If one can afford the prohibitive cost and dares to go to judiciary, it is experienced that highest judiciary of the Province locally known as High Court, overlook the proven points in the judicial application and let the applicant go in circles a never ending process which may not materialize in one lifes term.  JUDICIARY IS A NIGHT MARE IF YOU DON’T HAVE BILLIONS.  If one does not have billions, can not get justice if it is against the state machinery, irrespective of violating all the rules and laws of the land.

 And as per the World Bank data, per capita income is $1.06/day.

 Humanity was the backbone of Indian Culture from Vedic era.  That’s history. After all, this is the largest democracy of the world!

-3-

-Public service and or Public undertakings.

Few examples:

 Food and food supplies:  There is a food rationing system by the state governments by providing ration identity cards.  Even if you’ve one, there is nothing in the ration shop for your family.  As per the press reports supplies from the government storages are distributed to retailers in the market with the market price.  As the ration shop keepers claim that they have to do this to satisfy the greed of local members of the “goon squad” in name of “criminalitics”. Even to get a ration card identity it is a process of never ending but by the members of “criminalitics” and their stooges have a way with it with no time lost.

 With IT catching up with the rest of the world, I was told by a IT professional that they’ve discussions with the Rajas’ stooges to have the ration card issued digitized and at the same, they’ve been told that there are more than 20 million false cards and these have to be accommodated in the IT system, to be legalized.

 Adulteration of all food products, it appears is an accepted way of life.

Be it milk, edible oil, whatever.  As experienced, and as per the press reports life saving medicines are also adulterated. Even rotten fish, uncertified live animals are butchered publicly and sold.

 Again there are thousand and one public servants to check on it.  It’s anybody’s guess what they do and/or what they’re allowed to do by the practioners of “criminalitics”.

 Education:

 Private schools approved and recognized by the local government for Medical, Engineering, Law, Management, IT, and what not have sprung up all over the country.  Experience indicates in these private schools one who can afford to pay the extraordinary entrance and tuition (in comparison to state run schools and fees) fees have access to it and get out with all kinds of degrees.  Students in these schools what do they learn, is anybody’s guess?  This is one of the good businesses to get in to suck the public if you’ve the clout and capital investment. But they get public service with guaranteed pay cheque irrespective of output and or service to the public.

 Be it High School students or higher classes, in general they’ve no respect for the elders, no respect for the laws, not even self respect, not even the teachers, as I observed.  No manners, no ethics and even hard to believe they possess any humanitarian quality. In general they find it a pride to throw slang at ladies, elders, disabled, and what not?  As experienced, poisoning somebody’s pets, throwing stones at window panes, even hand made bombs, threatening with life, is their pride.  They invariably show respect and salute the practitioner of “criminalitics” and their stooges and “goon squad”.

 Even most of the teachers keep silent about it, so are most of the law and order keepers.

Exceptions, if any, are known as mad caps.

 Leaving aside few state run well renowned autonomous learning institutions, it had been observed anybody can have a degree by one way or the other and hold different local high sounding public service, of course with local blessings of practitioner of “criminalitics”.

 Communications, Telephone and IT:

 This was a monopoly by the public service until recently. Billions are spent from the national exchequer for members of Rajas and their stooges.  People are burdened with fictitious bills and I am told the local law says that you pay the bill first then only the telephone provider will talk.  Most of the web address of the Government Departments don’t function. And the service provider a Government business do not care to provide service and scrupilious enough to pass one’s data to another for few Rupees (in case of Internet) to charge fictitiously and if you go to court it’s another nightmare.

 One does not have any choice to go to court of law to sort out, if at all, in their lifetime.

 Medical:

 As usual, Rajas and members of the family and some public servants who are likely to be stooges of “criminalitics” have free medical even in the costliest paid hospitals and or nursing homes.  Some even go to developed countries of course at the cost of national exchequer to get cured and or for medical treatment.  As seen in the press advertisement, they recruit VIP doctors at the All India Institute of Medical science in New Delhi.

 Mass goes to local government run hospitals that are controlled by “goon squad” in name of “criminalitics”.

 Even the worst victims of accidents and or mishap can get no treatment or admitted in the hospital if it is not patronized and blessed with “goon squad” and or practitioner of “criminalitics”.

 They meet with the eternity in helpless conditions.  The local press is full of news with these news and news of massacre by the “goon squad” where police is either a silent observer or intentionally not present.

 Most state run Government hospitals stink with urine and stool smells and smells of piling garbage.  Even stray diseased dogs and cats find a shelter in the hospitals and medicine stores nearby as people say, sell medicines at exorbitant prices and insiders say that these are medicines that come from government storage to hospitals for the patients.

 About 25 years back I took a patient with swallowing poison to such a government run sub-divisional hospital and the so called doctor attending the patient never heard of a stomach pump and the patient had to die.

 If one goes to court of law to seek redress, the so called local Indian Medical Association will find nothing wrong with the failing doctors for malpractice and or willful negligence.  Very recently a visiting NRI doctor a Professor in Medical College in USA, got his sick wife admitted to a highly expensive medical facility at Calcutta where she died as per the NRI doctor for negligence and malpractice of the doctors.  He took to them court of law and got them jailed.  But the state High Court let these doctors free and as per the press, Indian Medical Association got nothing wrong with these doctors.  It appears all are in hand and glove.

 To add, the local press was full of scorn, false accusations, about this NRI doctor.

 My efforts to start a manufacturing unit with the help of American MNC met with all kinds of handouts, extortions, laying fabricated criminal charges, and the list is endless. And, added to it, were the standard slogans with red flags as taught by practitioner of “criminilitics”.  I just ran out of the country after clearing all the criminal charges and greasing the palms as required and fortunately for me, I found an advocate (who is a High court Judge now) took pity on me and in state High Court, I was cleared of all charges.  But the local judiciary in sub-divisional level who was influenced by the members of “criminalitics”, who had no reasons and or legal ground not to dismiss the charges, did not do so.  This so called sub-divisional judicial magistrate/judge died of cancer and he is fondly called by the bar association as “cancer ghosh”.

 As is seen, state police is just the slaves of the masters of “criminalitics” so called elected public servants and their stooges, in India commonly known as VVIP, VIP and what not.  They’ve no respect of the law of the land and the so called Constitution.

 Besides, even police catches hardened criminals, there will be no witness in the court for the fact, and the “goon squad” has thrown life threat ultimatum to these witnesses, with life, wife, daughter, son and what not! Police do not protect the witnesses.  After all, police is busy as they say “VVIP duty”.  Mass do not count.

 Infrastructure:

 In most parts of the country the roads maintained by the public service are beyond imagination to drive upon, even bicycling.  Ministers and their stooges portray their images with all big sounding words in the press unveiling the beginning of a project by spending millions from national exchequer and that project it appears is never ending and in the process, finds allocated for the project is siphoned off. In spite of all kinds of acts, like Environmental pollution act, Safety, it is taken for granted.  The head of the municipality definitely of ruling goon squad, orders taking out the soil in front of the house supposed to be green area and sell it.  This is definitely a crime and against all Engineering norms to weaken the foundations of residential houses.  Police is a silent on looker and when written complaints are provided to Police which they normally refuse to acknowledge and file suit at the court from experience they appear, are just deaf.  For years, the roads plying heavy vehicles had subsided and instead of bringing the road to the “as built” condition the local members of the “goon squad” finds all kinds of excuses of digging out the soil and haul it. And get some money for it.  Most public servants with the title of Engineers are not regulated any professional organization.  At the whims of “goon squad” anybody can be a Engineer without having any professional recognition.

 What does one expect from this scenario?  Infrastructure funds are for purchases of personal cars, houses and what not?

 These people change the master plan of the municipality to their advantage (mostly money), even though there’s order of the Supreme Court of India that nobody is authorized to change the master plan of a locality.

 Water Supply:

 If there is water on your tap, one is lucky to have mud, worms and all kinds of bacteria and viruses in the water supply.  It is taken for granted.  There are umpteen numbers of glorified titled public servants to ensure that everything is done in line with the standardized norms but, who’s going to stand against the head of the institution that belongs to the groups of Rajas’ goon squad?

After all, they’ll want to live in peace and have their eyes closed.

 Once in Calcutta, I was witnessing a large diameter pipeline being laid and there was a fellow standing like a hero supposedly to be some kind of Engineer and or Supervisor.  When I asked “what’s this going on, this is not being done by engineering norms”.  He showed me the office of the local Superintending Engineer nearby and asked me to tell it to him.  Since, by this time my eyes have opened about the “hand in glove”, and this project was funded by the World Bank, I just fired a letter to then World Bank president Robert McNamara.

 By this time I was gone to my work to civilized countries.  Robert McNamara came to Calcutta and enquired about me and did what he thought prudent to be done.

 Public transport:

 It is regulated by the state vehicles department.  Even the routes are allocated by the members of the “goon squad”.  In residential area these vehicles pass by with electric horns to make a dead to stand on its feet and emanating all emissions both of which are against the Environmental Act and the Master plan of the locality.

 As reported in the press, some state run public buses don’t have route permits.  Well, they say, it’s just the system.

 Local, glorified titled public servants’ roads are blocked by putting iron bars so that no heavy vehicle can pass through.

 Economy:

 There are kinds of statistics, figures thrown in the press by all concerned including VIPs, VIPs and their stooges indicating a 10% annual growth.  Good.  If so, why mass suffers without any basic guarantees of life, added with extortions, killings, tortures and what not, and the so called VIPs, VIPs and their stooges loot the national exchequer!

 Of course, this is the biggest democracy of the world!  (Depends on the definition of democracy).

 -4-

State runs businesses:

 Banking:

State run banks do give a damn about customers.  Employees, bank tellers, are just gossiping and talking to each other about their girls and the customers are standing in mute in line.

 If objected to, state run members of the “criminalitics” who manages the state run unions roughs up the public and unhesitatingly roughs the manager of the bank if he/she takes any disciplinary action against the defaulting employee.

 In 40 years in civilized countries I had no discrepancy with my banking.  None of my requests were ignored.  My monthly remittance to India to Indian nationalized bank for supporting the people India had no discrepancy in inward remittances.  Few remittances were missing.  The reply of the guaranteed pay cheque holder of the Indian bank with a fancy title sternly replied to me it is your bank that did not remit.  How am I going to make this glorified title holders of state run Indian banks that this do not happen in civilized countries.  I just closed my a/c and looked for better of the evils.

 I wrote a cheque for my housekeeper and asked her to deposit it to her account in a state run bank.  She never saw that money.  For years, I’d to fight in the court of law to get that money.

 There are no limits of harassments and damages caused by the Public sectors and the locals take it for granted.  Why they don’t have “hire and fire” if the clients (in this case public) are not provided with service? Who’s going to do it?  As per press reports quite a good number of MPs, MLAs, have umpteen numbers of criminal charges.  But they are still MPs, MLAs, so called law makers.

 It appears that public service in India are there to push peoples’ backs in the wall and in every step of life. Either the mass suffer in mute or those who can and still have finance and energy and time eternal, go to the court of law as a last recourse.  Not that this is a panacea or remedy but one doesn’t have any choice.

 Exceptions are hard to come by.

Transportation:

Railway implemented in India by the British Raj has developed into one of the largest network of railways in the world.

 Like the King George VI, the Railway Minister takes the whole train accompanied by all attendants, personal assistants, Secretaries, and all luxuries, automatic weapon armed security personnel and what not.

 The mass hangs on the hand rails of the railway compartments at the peril of the life and some even travel on top of the train to get electrocuted for the fact there is no room in the railway compartments.

 Well, after all a VVIP, VIP and their stooges, by Indian practice can do so.  Let the mass go to hell, is the clear message every time. Even the sons, daughters, and any other relatives of the railway minister just forces themselves into the air-conditioned compartments of the railway, and paying for it?  You must be joking.  After all they’re minister’s relatives. The ticket checker has only one head on his shoulder.

 Some railway employees take it granted to have their palms greased.

 Air:

 I was having a return ticket by Air India to India and back.  I had confirmed reservation at Ashoka Hotel in Mumbai.  When asked for the hotel to the Air India employee at Mumbai, “yahaa so jaon” (sleep here) was the reply, and he showed me the floor.

 There are VIP lounges at the Airports free of cost for the Indian glorified titled public servants.

 At New Delhi my connecting confirmed reservation by Indian Airlines was denied by the booking clerk (boarding pass issuer).  A slip of INR100.00 note to the porter did the trick.  I got my boarding pass.

 On return journey from Mumbai, sitting behind me I had lady passenger going to New York and she had a baby crying continuously from Mumbai.  She had the calling button pressed and the red light was on. In three or four rows before me there were Indian couple sitting and all the air hostesses, it appeared to me were performing “Bharat natyam” and serving all kinds of drinks, snacks without caring about the crying baby, and the rest of the passengers of a near empty Boeing 747.

 My conclusion that this couple was flying at the cost of national exchequer, i.e. freeloaders and must be glorified titled public servants of India was right. When in international territory, I objected to baby’s crying, and non existent of service. Baby’s mother needed some hot water to make milk to feed the baby. The captain of the flight apologized.  I’d flown pretty well in all airlines in the world.  This experience one can get only in India and in Air India.

 Good bye Air India.

 I had a mind to report it to Heathrow Airport and other international bodies but I just philosophized “no matter what washes are done, coal will not change its color”.

 My schedule for five days at Sanfrascico was cancelled. Since there were no queue in first class booking counter I approached the booking clerk (I was not rudely challenged, as I had experienced in the state run Airlines of India, by the booking clerk why have I got into this counter, since I don’t have a first class ticket) to help me out. My ticket from Sanfracisco to India was immediately rebooked next day by Singapore Airlines at no cost and since my flight arrived late at night in Sanfracisco by Aleyska Airlines; the booking clerk of Singapore Airlines politely provided me complimentary hotel and transportation, although it was not there responsibility. The Airline showed a humanitarian gesture.

 My flight from Edmonton to Calgary was late and the connecting flight to Sanfracisco already left.  Air Canada without any hassle provided with a free five star hotel with food for the night and taxi to and from the hotel and ensured that I’d a confirmed reservation from Edmonton to Sanfracisco and by Singapore Airlines, the next day.

How does it compare with Air India showing me the floor to sleep in at Mumbai Airport, and the crying baby not getting hot water to make milk for feed?

 One Maharaja (locally known as Prime Minister) of India used to fly with two Boeing 747 accompanied with whomsoever he liked and the logic provided to mass is that in case one has technical trouble, Maharaja can take the other one.

 And, the rest of the majority of populations of his kingdom are below poverty level even by Indian standard, let it not be compared with developed countries.

 By laws of average, Rajas and Maharajas of India and their kin and stooges have a free lunch, luxuries, wealth disproportionate to their income.  In practice, they’re above the laws of the land.

Mineral trading in international scenario:

 Iron ore exported with more than 70% Fe contents are reported to have been received at destination with 50% Fe contents.  After all, these are controlled by all regulatory authorities at both ends.  This scenario is very common in all raw minerals trading.

 Energy:

 a. Coal mining is a national sector.  Billions are siphoned off by the mafia from the coal mines and some even have their organized gang with automatic weapon to kill anybody they like.  Rajas, Maharajas and their stooges have, as they say, have their share.

 b. Power generation and distribution:

 Input versus output is nobody’s business.  Propaganda flies all around in all media that some power plants are operating at 150% efficiency factor. Whereas in reality it does not even function at 30% efficiency.

 At the whims of the Rajas and Maharajas power generation units are located even where there is not sufficient water to have one boiler feed of water.  So what? Rajas divert the ever drying river to the power plant site.

 In blatant violation of public safety, naked aluminum conductors are run through localities for distribution to households.  Monkeys, passers by get electrocuted and become dead and by local practice it’s taken for granted.

 It is told that in locality where Rajas and Maharajas and stooges live safety norms are followed.

 Whereas Rajas, Maharajas and their stooges have uninterrupted power supply, in some areas people will be lucky to have six hours’ of power supply, of course at the cost of national exchequer, some call it “free lunch” at the cost of mass who have guaranteed starvation, deprivation, torture and what not? One will be lucky to have 60 watt unit run in constant voltage.

 Unending greed and corruption, guarantee of protection of “goon squad” in different fancy names, guaranteed inefficiency and guarantee of pay cheque are the backbone of all this practice for years since so called independence of India.

 Rajas and Maharajas and their stooges don’t have to bother about their own needs.  Special units are there to ensure that communications, power supply, transportations, luxuries and what not are at top conditions. For the consumer, to have an electric meter functioning properly must be a miracle and fictitious billing is just an accepted way of life.  One has to run around in never ending circles to have the meter checked, and here comes two persons so called meter expert with a light bulb to check the meter?  Telephone requests if answered, do not work.

 As per the local information and the local press stolen transformers of State Electricity Board are sold back to State Electricity Boards.  Again, as per the local reports, spent oil from the transformers are mixed with edible mustard oil to smell it like mustard oil.

 Liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon:

 For the last 50 years it had been a monopoly of state.  Adulterations of the product at the retail outlet, manipulation of metering units are just very common business.

 With international liquid hydrocarbon sky rocketing prices one wonders how every Joe Blow has cars like ships and how do they maintain it?

 And as per UNO statistics the average per capita income of a person in India, is not even $400/year.

 Of course VIPs, VIPs and their stooges don’t have to bother about it?

It’s all at the cost of national exchequer.

-5-

-Bitter medicines-

 From personal knowledge, lot of people of Indian origin suggested in writing to government of India to implement the following:

 (a)    Issuance of Social Insurance numbered card to everybody resident in India.

 (b)    These days IT being the backbone any administration, this number will be tagged with all government departments, i.e. police, judiciary, banking, income tax, social benefits such as medical, medicines, election and what not. Not the present “hotch potch” system of voter identity cards, ration cards, PAN cards and these as one can see is there to manipulate at the convenience of so called elected and their stooges. 

(c)    This will enable to have some control of the situation of anarchy.

 (d)     Implement “hire and fire” in public service (in this case public) complain.

  (e)    In name of democracy abolish parallel administration of “criminalitics” from village level to top hierarchy.

 (f)       The question is, if any Joe Blows are elected in peoples’ vote why would they need security from the public?

 If people are elected by the people, not at “gun point” and / or other coercive method/s why would they need protection?   In all the democratic countries nobody excepting “Head of the State” gets any police protection.

 (h)    Why ambulance and fire brigade is not escorted by police vehicles?

 (i)      Why so called elected and or glorified titled public servants will be spared to face the law like anybody in the country.  Abolish important status and what not.  In democratic country and society who’s more important that others.

 (j)      Who’s got the right to violate others’ right to live in peace and all other rights that a state must guarantee to its residents.

 (k)    Public service is there to provide service to the public not to harass them or push their backs in the wall, a locally standard practice.

 (l)      Those who can afford, why people as a last resort to go to court of law for any public servants’ wrong doing? Why the departmental heads and the responsible Minister do not take remedial steps for any complaints filed by the people? If needed, to show the door.

 (m) In other civilized society as I had seen persons charged with criminal

      charges are not allowed to hold any public office. Look at India?

 (n) It is mandatory in other developed countries that no public servant

      can hold two public offices.

 (o) With national social security numbers, if these super intelligent

people, does not create fabricated national social security numbers there are no scopes of “black money” and or benami (fictitious names) bank accounts and properties spread all over the world.

 

(p) It appears that cancer has spread in every cells of the national body,       and the question is “who has the desire and guts of curing” it?

 

All the people are talking about ICBMs, Environment and what not all big

sounding words.  For years after writing to so many doctorates who heads national

and provincial Environmental Protection, I had to seek the recourse of the Kolkata

High Court and surprisingly, (as I know the reality now, it is no surprising to me)

one of the judges rejected my writ petition under article 226 of the Constitution of

India and in the Divisional Bench it was referred to District Magistrate whom I wrote

about a decade back and it was attached with my writ petition.  What a justice now? 

Meanwhile I had been squeezed to death financially by the so called advocates.

 

Who cares about these big words Microchips, ICBMs, Polymer applications in

Engineering which are very common knowledge these days when everywhere it is

apparent law of the land and International laws are broken with impunity in India and

people die of starvation, lack of  medical treatment.

 

Let India first learn the science of Human Science and Engineering as a law then

only it can justify its standing in the world.

-6-

Where it is heading to?

 Years back I transferred technology, to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals,(name changes and not practicable for me to keep track) and a Indian Professional body asked my permission to have it published in their journal.

 Assuming that the concerned ministry of Govt. of India had agreed to implement the technology, I wrote a registered letter to the concerned minister stating that I will have the technology implemented with Indian source and manpower and any fees they’re willing to pay may please be remitted to my father (who was then living).  As usual in line with Indian scenario it was not replied.

 One American Engineering organization’s business development manager, one of my ex-coworkers, invites me for lunch near my work place.  Surprisingly, he produced a photocopy of my report and said they’ve the job and their opinion was asked about the report. On my enquiry he replied “we’ve only one skin on our back and ethically, how can we say anything different, you’re in North America and we are working for you on the same technology”.

 “How is that possible”- I enquired.  It’s simple. The minister was here and we did what is to be done.

 I and many of my associates, friends of Indian origin had witnessed many such incidents in our lives.

 Again, when Rajsthan Atomic Power Project was being constructed by Atomic Energy of Canada, having involved in such projects all over the world, I opted to go to Rajsthan and take a working role.  In Canada, the head of the project invited me to have lunch with him.  “Hey we know you, but you’ll not be able to get anything done over there for the fact you’re of Indian origin.  Even we send a white brick layer from here; over there, all of them will call him Sir, and get the job done”.  Such facts are endless.

 Now the question is how long this will continue?

 In Vedas (Gita) it’s stated that I (God) come to this world to destroy the evils and protect the humane religion.

 Again, God get it done by us.  And when the people of India are going to awaken up and do the justification to the so called “biggest democracy of the world”.

 To make stunts here and there, few missiles are fired.  One or few nuclear explosions are done.  Communication satellites are lunched and at the cost of millions of national exchequer all local Rajas, Maharajas and their stooges are welcome at any place with red carpet welcome and garlands whereas, the mass have deprivation, starvation, torture, extortions, and millions of other evils for granted.

 Is it not a “failed state” where people do not have the guaranteed basic needs of life?  They’re guaranteed of starvation, to be bitten by street dogs at Government run hospitals, not treated by medical doctors, if in trouble with “goon squad” the uniformed “goon squad” locally known as police are not there to help, and the list of evils and inhumanity is never ending.

 In 1960s “Hindi-Chini bhai bhai” (India and China are brothers) a slogan originated by the then prime minister of India Nehru, when China butchered the Indian soldiers (I was working in the area then and mandatory salary deduction for defense at that time deposited in bank is a lost cause for me) occupied part of India, still under their occupation, is going to be repeated, or other courses of nature will dictate itself to bring justice to the people of India.  In Mahabharata kaurabs destructed themselves.

 Forget all the tyranny that had been on since 60 years’ of so called inpendence of India.

 Let India learn to take care of its residents not the VIPs, VIPs and their stooges with glorified titles in Public Service and the “goon squad” of practitioners of “criminalitics” locally known as politics.

 It must be done forthwith. Time has run out.  Otherwise, history repeats itself. Hope it does not end up like that.

 Copy right: CRS Registration Number is: 283468976

 

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California Drug Treatment Center Succeeds Where Other State Programs Fail

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Matt battled drug addiction for fourteen years, but thanks to a California Drug Treatment Center, he now has a chance at living a drug free life. His journey to get the help that would save his life, started seven years ago when his mother, Lola, found Narconon Vista Bay, a California Drug Treatment Center, on the internet. Impressed with the program’s success rate and treatment methods, Lola knew that Narconon was the right choice for her son. However, obstacles lay in her path as Matt, caught in the Oregon Corrections system, could not leave the state. Instead of attending the California Drug Treatment Center, Matt was placed in a state run drug rehab.

However, within two months of completing the drug rehab, Matt was back to using drugs and committing crimes. The program simply could not handle all of the problems most addicts face. Matt’s dad explained, “I’ve come to realize that [the corrections system] is really good at putting addicts in jail or half-way houses, but they don’t offer the full spectrum of treatment that an individual needs.” One program even required that Matt have thirty days clean before they would even admit him. “If I could get Matt clean for thirty days, then he wouldn’t have needed the program, now would he?” his mother exclaimed.

Unfortunately, many drug treatment centers only deal with certain aspects of the rehabilitation process, and many addicts return to using drugs as Matt did. A few years later, Matt found himself in another state run program, but his experience there ended up much like his first experience – full of anxiety and fear. The meetings, the group therapy and the sober living environment were not enough to keep Matt clean.

His father knew he was on a suicide mission. If Matt stayed on this path he would end up dead or locked up for good. His parents decided to seek help one more time. His Mom got on the internet and, once again, came across the California Drug Treatment Center’s website, www.drugrehab.net, that she had come across all those years ago. She called determined that one way or another she would get her son to the California drug treatment center.

Despite the legal problems that Matt faced, the staff at the California drug treatment center eased Lola’s concerns and in her own words, “made it happen.” The staff ensured that Matt’s legal issues were handled and shortly after, Matt admitted himself into the treatment center.

Narconon Vista Bay’s philosophy is to increase those suffering from drug addiction awareness levels to a point that they can make positive choices and live a drug free live without anxiety and without fear.

Completing the California drug treatment center’s program was not easy. There were challenges to overcome, demons to face, and baggage to let go of, but Matt did it. Now, he is a graduate. “I can say with sincerity I’m happy and I’m happy to be sober.”

At Matt’s graduation from the California drug treatment center, his father said to the group of seventy people who had gathered, “To everybody, I can’t say how much this California drug treatment center has done. I can hear it in my son’s voice. I can see it in his attitude. I’m confident in Matt and I believe in him.”

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state law FAQ

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

What is ‘The statute of limitations’ in American law?
Statue of Limitations : A type of federal or state law that restricts the time within which legal proceedings may be brought. Statutes of limitations, which date back to early ROMAN LAW, are a fundamental part of European and U.S. law. These statutes, which apply to both civil and.

What law prohibit minors to drive motor vehicles?
Republic Act? States usually set the age at which people can drive. It’s state law. – In California, it’s the California Vehicle Code, Section 12512: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d06/vc1.state law – Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation Code of the Philippines) stating no minors (17 years old below) can drive any motorized vehicle.

Who would you write to?
Who would you write to if you wanted a state law to be changed? I’m upset because the state of California doesn’t allow any kind of window tinting for the drivers side window. Skin cancer rates are at an all time high. Surely this is a law that doesn’t make any sense. If they.

California State law stating rent needs to be paid for by a tennant?
Our Mobile home park manager returned our rent check stating it needs to be paid by the tennant (which is my mother-in-law) What CA state law says that the rent needs to be paid for by the tennant rather than by a resident? There is no.

Can some one give me the exact legal definition for tresspassing in CA state law?
The primary statutes prohibiting trespassing in California are Penal Code sections 602 to 602.11, which you can see at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisga.state law The various types of trespass are too numerous to set out here. For various social and historical reasons, it is.

Employment laws?
If an employee tenders a 2 week resignation, but the employer termintates them before the final date is the employer obligated to pay thru the final date in the resignation? I know each state law is different and it will depend on that. I am in Tennessee. If anyone can answer this I would really appreciate it!.

If a person in CA is receiving public assistance and medi-cal from the state and they go to a hospital?
for treatment does the hospital have the right to release personal medical records without patients concent because they recieve aid? Federal HIPPA Law preempts state law. The Patients consent is required under federal law. – Medical information can be.

If conflict arise between the law of state and law of conscience which one prevail?
please .. help me to answer this .. its a survey question. . . . interesting one.state law may prevail in the short-term, but if it’s to prevail in the long-term then it needs to change the conscience of the people it’s ruling. Given.

If one parent applies for custody do they have temporary custody until the court date?
Yes, at least that is the case in the state of Florida. The first parent that files will have custody until a judge rules. – depends on state law. – Said parent also must apply for temporary custody pending adjudication. Then it’s up.

How difficult is it to get a job as a lawyer after attending a good state law school and passing the bar?
Check out the employment rates for the schools you are interested in. They should list them on the school’s web site, or you could look at something like www.LSAC.org or US News who compile stats of.

Is water and air supposed to be free at gas stations in california?
i thought it was California state law that water and air be offered free at gas stations. I went to get air the other day and the attendant said i had to pay if you ask an attendent to turn the machine on they’re suppose to.

What does virginia state law say about child nudity?
What does virginia state law say about child nudity? I mean as in kids 10 years old and younger, both same sex and oposite, what does virginia state law say about these kind of things? Whats ‘ok’ and whats ‘not ok’ What kind of silly question is this? For the.

Which 3 professions allow you to withold information from the law?
i remember the first two..a priest and a lawyer but what’s the third? Lawyer, priest, and psychotherapist. THERE IS NO DOCTOR/PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. Federal law only recognizes psychotherapists. All doctor/patient confidentiality arises under state law. Therefore the only guaranteed nationwide confidences with professionals are lawyers, priests,.

Why isn’t Kansas covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standard Act?
I saw that their minimum wage is 2.65 an hour. Why is it lower than the federal minimum? Kansas is covered by the FLSA. In this situation where you have a federal law and a state law, the higher standard applies. http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.h.state law Also, in Chapter.

how does my Dad write a habeus corpus paper to get out of jail and who does he send it to?
This is a VERY DIFFICULT question dependent largely on state law, because failure to exercise state remedies can prevent future claims under the Prison Litigation Reform Act. It also depends upon whether he was convicted in federal.

Arkansas state law – how to get them changed?
So I want to change an Arkansas state law. Specifically, lift a moratorium that was written into law in 2005. I understand the part where the average person cantacts a respresentative and the bill must be introduced yada, yada, yada. I need more specifics and insight into the process. Do.

Cell phone use while driving a motor vehicle..?
New York state law passed NO cell phone use unless using a hands free device many years ago. What is Florida waiting for?? People are killing themselves and others. Driving like they are heavily sedated, on drugs or drunk. Wreaking havoc on our already dangerous highways and roads. It should be.

Anyone know when the national seat belt law was first passed? Are wood bumpers legal?
In 1984 New York became the first state requiring the use of seatbelts, but only for front seat passengers. In 1978, Tennessee had passed the first state law requiring children to be restrained, as a result of a long campaign by a leading.

How do I get My child back?
I have went back and forth to court trying to get residential custody back for my son he doesn’t want to live with his father he wants to remain with me although he is only 6 doesnt he have rights too or isnt there a NY state law that can help me.

How do I make a state law?
There is suprisingly little information on this on the web. I want to know how the average Joe can submit a law idea from cradle to grave. Are there templates, forms? If so, where? You should make an appointment with your state representative to talk with her or him about your idea..

How far back does Lowes go when they conduct background checks for potential zone managers?
I was hired for a zone manager position for at Lowes home improvement. I had a felony conviction 10 years ago. Is there a Florida state law that only allows employers to look back 7-10 years, or do they conduct a ‘life’ background check?.

I have a law question about someone committing fraud. I’m hoping an expert can answer this for me.?
I live in a condominium community in Ohio and our association by-laws and I think there is some kind of state law that says you have to be a condominium unit owner to serve as president of the board. You can.

In Indiana,what is the state law concerning how close you can put a fence to neighbors property line?
You should check your municipal ordinances. In the city of Garrett, for example: No fence, or artificially erected man-made screen or barrier, can be erected beyond the front of a dwelling or primary building. This allows fire truck or EMS.

Inspection at a daycare.?
Next friday is the state inspection of the daycare I work at. We were informed by the director that it is a state law in Pennsylvania that we are not allowed to leave the building during inspection and if we do we immediatly get terminated. Is this really a state law. If so, does the.

Is it against any New York law saying that if you let your 14 year old daughter go to Canada with her 16 yr bf
My mom says she can get arrested for letting her 14 year old daughter go to canada with her 16 yr old boyfriend or that its against a new york state law.is this true.

Is it illegal in the state of michigan to date a girl that is 17 and the guy is 21?
its been a 4yr relationship just curius if it is illegal or if she has the right to be with someone who is older than her while she is a minor. Read the state law, regarding age of consent.

Is it true that a landlord by law is supposed to pay @ least 1 utility bill @ his rental house?
Housing laws vary from state to state and county to county. Check with the local housing authority. – each state – Not in any of the 3 states I’ve rented in. Could be a state law for.

Quotation oflaw which restricts carrying pets into supermarkets in Washington state?
what is Washington state ordinance or laws governing same. Can’t find a state law for that. There could be county and/or city ordinances. And typically stores would set that as their policy to avoid liability issues even without a law. (Although they cannot refuse entrance to service dogs.

Should federal law always superced state law?
For instance, demographically speaking, our states(U.S.) are rich in culture and diversity. Should federal laws always trump those of state laws when it comes down to social/cultural differences among states? For instance, laws that may be deemed suitable for Texas residents is not for those living in New York. Wouldn’t it seem.

We should legalize hanguns.?
its in our 2 amendment Hand gungs are not Illeagal, except in communist states. – What is a ‘hangun?’ Hand guns or hangings? – Hand guns are legal. Learn to spell. And learn to read too. – They are legal where I am, it’s your state law that effects legality. – Handguns are legal invirtually.

What is Jacob’s law?
‘Jacob’s Law’ is a South Carolina state law (not a Federal law) that does the following: 1. Beginning July 1, 2000, any entity transporting pre primary, secondary school students to or from school, school related activities, or child care must use a school bus as defined by federal law. School buses must meet all.

More State law questions please visit : LawFreeFAQ.com

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Oxycontin to another state?

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

I don’t understand this completely so I would appreciate any insight. My mother lives in Charlotte, NC and has a place at the coast for a vacation home. Evidently Oxycontin has specific rules due to it being so popular for abuse. It seems the prescription can only be filled at a certain pharmacy (not at a different store in the same chain like most prescriptions) and it cannot be shipped or mailed either. My mother cannot drive so it is not an option for her to run up the road 4.5 hours each way to pick it up and I am not looking forward to the same drive to take it to her. Any suggestions about how to handle this? I have to deal with this about three times a year.

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Sociology of Mental Illness: the Study of the Un-institutionalized Mentally Challenged in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Sociology of Mental Illness: The Study of the Un-institutionalized Mentally Challenged in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria

BY

DR. J. O. SHOPEJU*; DR. C. A. ONIFADE* AND DR. A. DIPEOLU**

joshopeju12@yahoo.com; drcaonifade@yahoo.com; waledipe@gmail.com

*DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

ABEOKUTA

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

ABEOKUTA

CONTACT: E-mail address: joshopeju12@yahoo.com

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Sociology of Mental Illness: The Study of the Un-institutionalized Mentally Challenged in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria

The focus of this paper is on the poor/economically disadvantaged, non-institutionalized and socially classified as mentally challenged (or considered to be mad) people who roam the streets of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria. It attempts to address the issue of mental illness as a social construction. It is felt that the ability of these people to survive without formal care, should be a source of study that will assist in shedding some light into the problems confronting several individuals and groups within the society. For example, if we consider the fact that majority of these people live as isolated selves, it will focus our minds into the need to understand, appreciate, and come to terms with the fact that, as Erickson (2001) says, “. . ..the inability of some people to come to terms with their own isolated selves is counter-pointed by their inability to relate with others on interpersonal one-to-one basis.” The point is that many of these people took off at one time or the other from societies, which exerted pressure on them to tow the line of social expectations. These expectations, as defined by the social institutions (religion, family, economic, political — both the civilian and military, and education), govern their lives and also serve as the support system, and that it is the failure of the same system to continue to provide the so much needed support that has assisted in boxing them into a corner and thereby severing them from the existing conventional social relationships. It is also felt that with better understanding of the underlying factors influencing the behaviours and the lives of these people, and with a little assistance from the rest of us, they would cope better with some of the problems confronting them. In short, we feel strongly and agree with the view of Carol Gill, a Ph. D. holder, wheelchair user and co-organizer “Bioethics Symposium” who expressed the view that “we should be examining the barriers society has erected that demoralize people to the point that they find it too difficult to live with their disability, when the focus should be on our inability to muster the resources they need to live” (Nugent, 2005).

Literature Review

The more one reads about mental illness, sees or interacts with some of the mentally challenged, or those whom society considers as mentally ill, the more the question about the reality of the problem comes to the mind. Also the more the question crops up the harder it is to arrive at a conclusion regarding what mental illness really is. An attempt to define mental illness helps to expose the ambiguity and the futility involved. This fact guided the thought of Mechanic (1980) in his book, “Mental Health and Social Policy.” For example, Webster’s Third New International dictionary defines insanity as, “such unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding as prevents one from having a mental capacity to enter into a particular relationship, status or transaction or as excuses one from criminal and civil responsibilities.” One can infer from this definition that the law has been assigned the role of determining what behaviours and who fits into this category. Of course, the law is manmade and influenced by the types of behaviours identified, compiled and classified as “unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding.” In short, the law can only ruminate on what is already in existence. Thus, the law in response to the evidence adduced before fits them into this predetermined categories. The point here is that the law, is culturally determined by the society or the social structure. That is, the social structure, in one way or the other determines who is mentally ill, cured, and who should continue to bear the label. Another question is how does the law conclude that one person is sane while the other is not? This point needs some clarification. That the social structure determines what falls into the category of mental illness is a source of concern because it introduces subjectivity into the meaning, definition and interpretation given to the “behaviours” in question. Let us assume that people within the social structure know what the normal behaviours that are expected of their members are. We can garner this from the fact that we all operate within the boundary of the “assumptive world.” The concept “assumptive world” relates to the fact that our behaviours are continuously being evaluated by others and by ourselves – relative to others. That means that the reactions (real or perceived) of the people to our behaviour(s) will determine/influence how we feel about ourselves, the nature of the world around us, our ability to predict what to expect from others and the resultant effect of our actions (Frank, 1974:27-29). The factor that should be noted is that the assumptive world varies and depends on the culture. For example, it is assumed that shoes are to be worn on the feet, not on the palms. Again, the type of shoes worn depends on the setting — bathroom slippers (depending on the social class) are not expected to be worn to formal functions. Eye contact should be made while discussing with somebody not for one to continue to stare at the other’s ears — the Yoruba culture makes a further restriction, it does not expect a child to maintain eye contact with an adult. This shows that even though these norms are not codified or written into law, they exist and people through socialization are expected to acquire/learn them in conjunction with the appropriate cues. In fact, most of the times we do not know that some of them exist until we have violated them – but we are always prepared to make appropriate amends. Despite this, we are subjected to and we subject ourselves to the reactions of others as to whether our behaviours are positively or negatively responded to. A positive reaction could mean that the behaviour is acceptable within the context in which it occurs and we can thus afford to repeat it. For instance, in some churches, a spiritualist who goes into trance while devouring the wrong doings of others, or while claiming to have seen God if praised for the revelations made is apt to repeat the behaviour following the prescribed cue. However with the interpretation of the Bible today, particularly by the Pentecostal Churches, such persons could be ostracized or marked out for deliverance — for according to this faith or new interpretation, no human being (because of sin) can ever see God but could see His son Jesus Christ. Also, going into trance is not the order of the day but speaking in tongue is the current norm. This being the case, it becomes risky or too expensive of behaviour for any member to repeat the unmerited. The above reinforces the view that a particular behavior in different setting will elicit different reactions and responses from people as dictated by cultural interpretations, definitions and understanding (Frank, 1974; Mechanic, 1980; Henslin, 2002). These definitions and responses are also influenced by factors such as the person involved his/her personality, and the where and when of the behaviour. A good example is an incident that occurred while a hungry Nigerian musician who was in a foreign country was “bowling” down some “akpu/fufu” (a Nigerian meal made from cassava) at a station. Somebody called the police claiming that a Blackman was trying to commit suicide. In summary, all of the above reactions exert influence on the actors and the observers and the decision as to whether to continue with the specified behaviour or not. The key factor is for the person to know the cues and to respond appropriately, else, it draws unwanted attention.

Mental illness is a concept that is very intriguing to study. This supposedly bizarre behaviour has always been of interest and concern to people. For example, during the pre-industrial times, in Europe, the “mentally ill” were professed to be afflicted by demons (Szasz, 1961; Conrad and Schneider, 1980) and therefore to save society, they were burnt or starved to death. Today, the view is much different. Post-industrial revolution produced some people who say that it is the disease of the mind (in the head) caused by sin and as retribution for sin (Ackerknecht, 1968). In the Chinese society it is believed that all diseases are caused by an imbalance of two forces Yin and Yang. These two forces based on supernatural conceptions, represent good/bad, positive/negative, male/female, the moon and the sun. Therefore, an imbalance between the two forces results when people deviate from the “Tao” or the “way.” Tao is regarded as the ethical superstructure which provides for all eventualities in life and for all essential types of interpersonal relationships (Veith, 1955; Sidel, 1975). Thus in this culture, the afflicted is removed from the cause/source of the problem and as such is not held responsible for any behaviour committed while mentally ill.

Just like in the Chinese culture, the Nigerians perceive mental illness as resulting from a person’s misalignment with the social system. Thus the illness is seen as punishment from the gods or supernatural beings, witches and evil people. In the ancient times, the mentally ill, when not ignored, were usually taken care of (sheltered or exorcised) by traditional medicine men, priests and spiritual healers. The etiology of mental illness for the Nigerian can be summarized as: evil spells and witches, failure to adhere to the cultural taboo, action or inaction of the person if considered offensive by the gods, inheritance, natural causes or physical illness, drugs e.g. marijuana or Indian hemp and environmental factor e.g. adversity.

According to Sow (1980), fewer cases of chronic mental disorder occur in the rural-non-literate group than among the urban-literate group. This is attributed to the fact that family/kinship bond which serves as an important ameliorator of socioeconomic and psychological conditions of rural Nigerians is weaker or impossible in the urban areas (Sow, 1980; Asuni, 1968).

Two different approaches, the traditional and the orthodox (western), are used to control mental illness in Nigeria. The choice of approach depends on the belief system of the users. The major difference between these approaches lies in their belief as to the etiology of mental illnesses and diseases in general. The traditional approach is the “medical” practice which existed among the people of Nigeria before they had European contact. Some form of spiritual healing can also be grouped under this approach. Common to virtually all the religions is the power of the spoken words whether in form of incantations, orders to the spirit to leave their patients, spells, exorcism, prayers or penitential formulas asking the forgiveness of the offended deity. Often this is accompanied by rituals, ritualistic movements and dances. Other therapeutic measures include application of drugs of plant or animal origin (as it is believed that they work in accord) often prepared according to secret formulas to cure the patients. Some traditional healers restrain their patients by tying them with ropes or chains in extremely unhealthy conditions. The orthodox (western) approach to mental illness in Nigeria follows the western medical model by locating the causes of mental illness in natural factors such as somatic organs, nervous systems or stressful situations (Erinosho, 1979). The early belief that some people develop psychological problems due to the use of Indian hemp and other psychoactive drugs (Lambo, 1981), is still being strongly adhered to. The method of treatment employed today has tilted more toward psychotherapy and drug therapy while shock treatment and psychosurgery seem to be of the past. There are evidences to show that asylums existed in Nigeria, wherein psychoanalytically-oriented methods were used (Erinosho, 1979; Laosebikan, 1973; Lambo, 1963; Shopeju, 1983). However, the general types of care facilities available today are located in the neuro-psychiatric hospitals, with both in and outpatient facilities. In addition, psychiatric facilities are also available in various university teaching hospitals throughout the nation.

In recent years, medicine has succeeded in bracketing mental illness into one of its areas of specialization — psychiatry (Szasz, 1961; Conrad and Schneider, 1980; Henslin; 2002). Unfortunately, while there is no doubt that some behavioural disorders can be controlled with drugs (Lickey and Gordon, 1983:75-104) psychiatry has not been able to come up with unquestionable definitions, and very successful methods/cure to prove its expertise on this subject (Szasz, 1961; Scheff 1974; Henslin, 2002). The mystery which mental illness presents is further revealed by the fact that mental health professionals do not always agree as to what the definition is. For example, the psychiatrist, psychiatric social worker, clinical psychologist, and other mental health professionals define it differently. While not denying the fact that some iota of consensus occurs across some professions (for example, there is an approved and certified diagnostic manual for mental illness), the idea is that one would have felt more convinced if the difference in diagnosis can be narrower. Further flaws in psychiatric definitions were revealed by the Rosenhan experiment. The experimenter had referred some sane people to mental health experts for diagnosis, they were all diagnosed “insane” (Rosenhan, 1973). Another concern is in the area of over-diagnosis and consequently over-prescription of drugs (Diller, 2006; Eisenberg, 2007). In fact, some psychiatrists admit that little is known about mental illness and some like Szasz (1961; 1996; 1998) do not agree that it exists. Rather it is believed that there are some people who have difficulty in living and that such behaviour should be called “problem behaviour” not mental illness, insanity or other self serving labels. The summary of the above is that the definition of mental illness is socially constructed depending on, the political, economic and social inclination or conception of reality and the resultant effect of unsuccessful socialization (Berger and Luckmann, 1967: 165-166).

One is tempted to suggest that the definition of mental illness should include input from those who are classified as mentally ill. However, the definition so attained will also have its flaws. If we accept the social learning/societal-reaction perspectives, the definitions arrived at will be influenced by their conception of reality and the stereotyped views of mental illness these people have learned (Scheff, 1974; Yarrow, et al, 1968), and those arising from stigma based on social definitions (Berger and Luckmann, 1967:165-166). This is reflected in that the observation of these people in Nigeria shows that they do not seem to have difficulty understanding or speaking the local languages (Pidgin English or Yoruba). They also behave in the ways people around them expect them to behave. The following illustrations serve to make the point clearer. Ajisoro, a supposedly madman, decided to show his displeasure by hauling missiles at his tormentors, unfortunately, he hit and broke the windshield of a parked car. The mob descended on him and gave him a thorough beating, had he not taken to his heel yelling (in Yoruba) “mo gbe o” (meaning I am in serious trouble), he probably would have been lynched. Another case is about a man who feigned madness to escape the wrought of vigilante groups. The man had arrived very late (1.30 A.M.) from Lagos and knowing fully well that there was no way any sane person would be allowed to walk the streets during that period, decided to strip leaving only his underpants on. He proceeded on his way carrying his clothes neatly folded on his head, continued to talk loudly and incorrigibly as he proceeded. According to him, none of the several vigilante groups that he met showed interest in him. Of interest is that even one of his neighbours, in one of the groups, only stared at him without saying a word. On getting home, the actor, after dressing up, sat on the pavement in front of his house. About thirty minutes later, he received the vigilante neighbour as visitor. The visitor expressed his amazement at the actor’s behaviour but agreed that he would not have been able to assist him had he appeared as a sane person. In short, the visitor only wanted to affirm if his neighbour had really manifested the expected behaviour as socially defined for the insane. Worthy of note is that nobody noticed that his clothes were neatly folded and balanced on his head for it is only a mad or “harmless” person would break the curfew. This further shows that the social structure creates and encourages people to act the way it deems fit for varying social, cultural, political and economic situations while also taking into cognizance the statuses of the actors. Also implied is that people are generally judged against the backdrop of behaviours that are already in existence and that are considered to be normal, abnormal or bizarre. In short, all types of behaviours have antecedents for the sane and those classified as mentally ill or insane and that the social structure carves out our reality world and we cannot simply wish it away (Berger and Luckman, 1967:1-3).

The perceived functionality of the behaviour also influences its categorization. For example, we had the opportunity to witness people speaking in “tongues” in some churches. Some had laid flat on the floor on their chests while slapping the ground with their palms and shouting in the name of Jesus”, some rolled on the floor ‘in the name of Jesus”, in other cases, members walked about babbling and singing praise words to the Lord. In the white garment churches, we observed that some designated members go into trance while also prophesying. These people’s behaviours were neither seen as bizarre nor unacceptable, but as socially acceptable under the prevailing circumstances. The major source of differences, however, is in the interpretations we the normal people give to behaviours as influenced by our perception of their functionality. For example, when Alhaja Sheidat Mujidat Adeoye, a female trader in Osun State in the southwestern Nigeria suddenly had a “spiritual” encounter, the initial interpretation of her behaviour was that of the manifestation of insanity. However, today because she was able to manage the behaviour by prophesying and healing people, a behaviour that is directly related to the perceived functionality of the manifestation, Alhaja Adeoye is now highly respected in her community. She is now a Muslim missioner, spiritual healer, leader and founder of a religious group called “Fallullah Muslim Mission” in Osogbo community in Osun State, Nigeria (Ogungbile, 2004).

Methodology

This paper results from approximately several years of observing and studying the mentally challenged people who have been labeled “mad”, insane or mentally ill. The study also involved having discussions with the “sane” as a way of getting more information about the targeted group. Despite the fact that inquiring about these people usually elicited some kind of curious gaze and expressions from those questioned, our informers were aware of the purpose of our inquiries. Surprisingly, respondents seem to know almost all the mentally challenged people roaming the streets of Abeokuta. For example, discussions by one of the researchers in a beer parlor, patronized by taxi drivers, mechanics, welders etc, were revealing. We were informed that Casa was deported from a foreign university, when he developed mental problems and Talia was the female beer parlour owner’s primary schoolmate and childhood neighbour. Please not that all the names used are fictitious invented for the purpose of this study and cannot be traced to the participants.

A seven item questionnaire which served as the instrument (henceforth referred to as guide instrument) for selecting the subjects for this study was administered to twenty randomly selected university students. The area of focus is Abeokuta, the state capital of Ogun State, in the southwestern (Yoruba speaking) area of Nigeria. By virtue of the fact that these people roam the streets, it is assumed that they are either from very poor or what we have chosen to call “economically challenged” backgrounds or families and must have been deserted. This assumption is sanctioned by the fact that two public neuro-psychiatric hospitals and a community (out patient) psychiatric centre exist in the state capital which provide both the in and out patient cares for a fee. The normal practice requires that family members or caretakers deposit up to thirty thousand (N30000.00) Naira (or about two hundred and fifty US dollars) to cover boarding and medication for one month. Both the traditional and spiritual healing centres also exist in addition to the Western Orthodox mental health care facilities (Shopeju, 1983). Also and interestingly, the Yoruba people patronize any type of treatment regardless of their origin and cost, the major determining factors are the perceived efficacy of the type and that the sick recovers (Shopeju, 1983) – embedded in this is the hope that the sick will eventually recover from the ailment. As stated earlier, regardless of the approach chosen, treatment or care requires some financial commitment and there seem to be no guarantee that there is an end to this and other forms (social and psychological) commitments. Despite the fact that many of them still go home to sleep and some family members monitor and sometimes ensure that they are fed and have clean clothes, some family members expressed their frustration in that caring for these people is time and money consuming and traumatizing. Based on the above we are inclined to assume that: (a) the cases have been considered hopeless by their families; (b) they were simply abandoned because their caretakers lacked the funds to start or continue to pay for psychiatric care, whether orthodox or traditional; (c) the families or caretakers lacked the ability and capacity to continue to care for them.

The sample for this study was restricted to twenty-five subjects chosen using the guide instrument from every odd number mentally challenged persons encountered by driving through the major streets. Incidentally, the subjects either seem to prefer frequently used streets or feel less threatened to ply public/commercial sectors (we are inclined to adduce the later as the determining factor). For example, we observed that the residents of housing estates, where the majority of the middle and upper income classes reside, ensure that they (subjects) are discouraged from roaming their streets by physically removing them. In fact, they are often labeled as people who pretend to have mental problems during the day but become agile criminals at night (garnered from the researchers’ experiences at meetings in their neghbourhoods). During the period of the study, three of the subjects disappeared to reappear elsewhere, a search was always conducted and they were replaced only when they could not be located. Three fell into this category. Method of identification of each entailed assigning numbers and fictitious names while also keeping notes with the description of the chosen subjects. The major identification factor is the physical appearance of the subjects. The following coded (0 for low rating and 1 for good/high rating) features were used to determine the suitability of subject for the study:

Stage A:

(1) mode of dressing – dirty/rags=0, clean/not rags=1;

(2) condition of hair- dirty/dreadlocks=0, clean/dressed=1;

(3) footwear- no shoes/not matched shoes=0, matched shoes=1;

(4) general appearance- dirty=0, neat/clean=1.

A person is expected to consistently score an average of below 2 points in ten encounters with the researchers to be finally chosen for the next stage of the selection process. This approach is necessary in that some of them return to their homes (or are forced to return by their relatives), to get refreshed (bath and change their clothes – even with this, many of them do not their clothes often or on daily basis). Also, we need to distinguish those whose jobs do not permit them to wear clean clothes while working such as mechanics, bricklayers and other odd jobbers.

Stage B:

(1) Association: a loner=0, in contact with other people=1

(2) Conversation with other people: nil=0, able to hold coherent discussion=1

(3) bland/far away look=0; aware of the presence of other people=1.

An average of 1 or below qualifies the person for this study. Finally, the “sane” people confirmed the state of the participants.

Periodic visits were made at an interval of three months to establish the stability of the condition of the selected subjects. Chance encounters (with the selected subjects) were also taken into consideration. For example, some stray into petrol stations, drinking joints or parties (particularly open air) and or the markets to beg for money or food. Virtually all the subjects have their routes and meticulously keep to them. The method of observation adopted by the researchers include, (1) sitting in their cars, (2) visits to the markets and beer parlours (male researchers). The latter method provided the opportunity to elicit responses from the “sane” about the subjects and (3) strolling/driving past the subjects’ “homes.”

Gender-wise the sample consists of seventeen males and eight females. Only small number (5 or 20 percent) of the population under study is willing to or is able to speak or interact “reasonably” with other people. Beyond sporadic and mostly expressionless stare at people, they do not seem to notice or perhaps feel disturbed by anybody. This poses problems to the ability to study this category of people using the conventional methods of study, such as the survey, interview and questionnaire participant observation techniques. These methods require that the researcher intrude into the social setting they are attempting to describe and, “they create as well as measure attitudes”. The methods also elicit atypical roles and responses and are limited to those who are accessible and will cooperate, and the responses obtained are produced in part by dimensions of individual differences irrelevant to the topic at hand (Webb et al, 1966:1). Strictly random sampling technique does not also seem to be appropriate for selecting the subjects in that some of the subjects disappear to reappear after some time (the point being made here is that we feel compelled to replace subjects who disappear for more than three weeks). Finally, the focus of this study is more on our perception of these people rather than on how they perceive us.

From the forgoing, it is evident that an unconventional approach is desirable for this type of study – thus, we used the unobtrusive technique. This method allows the researcher to observe people’s behaviour (who in the real sense do not care) without them knowing that they are being studied (Webb et al, 1966; Henslin, 2001; Barbie, 2005). The major advantage of this approach is that it does not require strict physical or verbal interaction between the researcher and the subjects. This method has proved to be most relevant to this study in that, as mentioned earlier, a greater proportion of the sample will neither speak nor react coherently to questions if posed to them. We are mindful of the effects of prolonged discouragement or lack of social interaction with the sane (see Coleman, 2001). Again, since the focus of this study is on our perception of the way of life of the subjects, their survival mechanisms and how the rest of us can better assist them, the method of data collection used does not necessarily call for active participation of or interaction with the subjects. Another factor which gives credence to the use of the unobtrusive technique emanates from the observed reactions of some of the subjects to perceived intrusion into their normal activities. For example, when school children taunt them, they tend to respond violently by chasing the kids or hauling missiles at them. Some tend to proceed into long and incoherent tantrums – Talia (discussed below) falls into this category. Casa, also discussed below, tries the eye contact approach before approaching the “client” he wishes to beg for money from. Sha, or “madam sanitation” who takes shelter at night in front of a local government owned shopping centre (which is also situated opposite a drinking joint), verbally cautions people from urinating in front of the centre. These examples show that any attempt to get their real or natural behaviour must not intrude into their natural settings except we are interested in the reactions to the intrusions. Since our study is about how these people live on a day to day basis, our interests are about how they are able to survive and what can be done to assist them to live better lives under more hygienic and safe conditions.

Ethical issues

Some ethical issues arise regarding the method adopted in this study. For example, is it ethical to draw inferences when the subjects who are also helpless do not know that their actions are being recorded? Is it ethical to elicit information about other people without revealing our mission? The response to the above questions is hinged on (1) the need to get unbiased true life state of the subjects. We are aware that the behaviours of the mentally challenged are often misdiagnosed or misinterpreted, wherein some are labeled as pretenders. Some have been maltreated, subjected to public ridicule or even killed. The condition these people live in is fraught with danger. They have no shelter from harsh weather and harassment from other human beings. There are cases of rape, since some of the mentally challenged females have been impregnated by unknown people, words have it that some have been killed for ritual purposes, (2) our attempt is a honest concern for the plight of these people and is meant to be a channel for revealing this to concerned and philanthropic bodies, the alternative is to continue to behave as if they do not exist and allow them to continue to live in squalor, (3) there is no doubt that these people have been neglected and rejected by the government, nongovernmental organizations and the rest of us. Whether we wish to admit it or not we have contributed to their state of mind through societal rejection and isolation and driven them further into inner minded people. (4) Society has never really been fair or kind to them or reckoned with them. In fact, these people have never been accorded any form of human rights. Even though the last Nigerian census claimed to want to count the mentally challenged, no figure has been released and the purpose was not to provide benefits to these people. In short, the rights of these people have not been guaranteed because nobody has bothered to study them. We also feel our attempt will create the much needed awareness by collecting useful information which we hope will accord them recognition and perhaps help to improve their lot. There is the need to know what the effects of societal rejection have done to these people. Finally, (5) the response which we are reluctant to give is more of questions. Who do we get permission from in order to be able to interact with these people? Is it their families, government or the subjects? Which is worse, complete rejection/abuse of these people by the society or our attempt to understudy them as prelude to understanding them? We prefer the latter.

Observations

There is no doubt that some people are operating in a different “world” from the one we have defined for ourselves, the question looming revolves around whether they are mad, or simply have problems with our interpretations of their lifestyles and as such their ways of communicating with the rest of us. A relatively high proportion (18 or 72%) of the population under study would neither speak nor engage in any meaningful discussion. However, interesting dialogue, as reported here sometimes ensued between the “mentally challenged” and the “sane.” We chose to present these cases because we feel a lot can be garnered about how interaction with the “sane” can aid the mentally challenged.

The scene was an open-air wedding reception. A neatly dressed man (one of our subjects) in an outdated Yoruba “dashiki” and wearing a big gold-like necklace with a large pendant stopped at a table to ask for money (henceforth called Banda). Somebody gave Banda some money and he walked away. It was said that Banda was mad and that he used to be a wealthy tailor and that his wives deserted him after the ailment struck him. Banda was seen some weeks later at about 9.00 P.M. (this was by chance the observer had stopped to purchase some roasted beef called “suya”). Unlike the first time, even though he had the same clothes on, the chain was gone and he looked unkempt. He had stopped to buy a cigarette from a Mallam. He was given his choice of cigarette and he paid for it. The observer was intrigued and wanted to know his next few actions. First, Banda put the filter end of the cigarette between his lips, struck a match with his palm cupped to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame, drew in the smoke, inhaled some and puffed out the rest in a ring. That is not all, he also asked for his change! In reply to the vendors claim that he had no change, he said in Yoruba “ma serekere,” meaning – do not play any pranks. He left only after he had collected the correct change. The third encounter with Banda was one in which he was communicating with an unseen person. He was lying flat on the tarred road with his head and hands raised to the air. All attempts to drive past him without disturbing his state of mind failed as he stood to make way for the approaching car, but returned to the earlier position after the car passed him. This shows that regardless of his state of mind, he had internalized the view that cars can injure, maim or kill. Perhaps this is akin to the instinct which all animals exhibit. (This incident is reminiscent of similar cases of people in church as mentioned earlier). Further observations reveal that Banda sometimes dresses neatly and that with regular guidance he could maintain this behaviour. He still talks to himself and does not have friends.

Casa is another man with special characteristics. He is frequent at a particular petrol station near a university campus. He begs for money to feed himself, (but in the earlier days) no matter how desperate he is, he would not accept money from a woman or if told that it belongs to a woman. When it was observed that he only approaches male drivers we asked our female colleague to offer him money which he refused to accept on several occasions. We also observed that claims that the money offered him belonged to a woman elicited polite refusal to accept the money. He usually retorts with, “no, no, no sir I can’t take the money.” Why? “B-b-b-because it belongs to a woman, —- women are evil, they can harm you.” However, recent observations show that he has shifted from his earlier rigidity — he now accepts a woman’s money only if it is given to him by a man. His new reasoning is that since the money was not in the possession of a woman, at this point in time, that it seizes to belong to her and he is thus free to accept it (a new survival mechanism). As shown, Casa maintains good conversation and explains why he would not interact with women. To him, women are bad and spell nothing but evil and as such, should be avoided at all times. Casa discriminates as to his choice of where to beg for money. For example, he will neither approach any table where a woman is seated nor accept money from there. While driving home one day, one of the researchers noticed the insignia on a commercial vehicle, which reads thus, “BEWARE OF WOMEN.” Judging from this, Casa does not seem to be too far removed from the world of the sane. The difference between the driver and Casa lies in the manifestation of the mental challenges confronting them — while one drives, the other roams the streets. At least all parties nurse some fear about the looming socially defined “danger” women pose to humanity. His changed attitude toward receiving money shows that with help he could behave just like the sane.

Talia is a woman who likes to keep her environment clean even though she always looks unkempt. It is not uncommon to see her carrying a basket that she uses to collect the refuse she had personally swept up. We also observed that she always remembers where the basket is kept. Whenever Talia is agitated, particularly when she feels offended by somebody, she tries to make her case known by complaining to people whether they were listening or not. This tirade could go on for hours. It was however observed that sometimes she listens to appeals from people to calm down. She is well- known in the areas she frequents and seems to recognize many of the people. She also sometimes requests to be allowed to assist people, particularly the elderly, to sweep their premises. Talia’s case reminds us of a typical traditional Yoruba husband, his wife and children going to the farm. Usually, during the harvesting period, all except the man carry a basket with which the day’s proceeds would be carried to the village or town for sale.

Sha or “madam sanitation” is another lady on our list. She is usually over-dressed in that she wears at least two types of dresses at a time. In short, Sha looks overstuffed with clothes. Inquiry shows that she was married and has at least an adult son and that her husband who had lived in another town died recently. She enjoys listening and dancing rhythmically (always with a smile on her face) to music. However, she roams the streets whenever she is not dancing. We were also informed that she is never prevented from sleeping in the family house whenever she wanders into the place. Sha we call “madam sanitation” because she is always cautioning people about urinating in the gutter in front of the shopping centre where she usually spends her night.

After observing the subjects for about a year, we were able to list some common behaviours among these people as follows: (1) they all know how and when to go across the motorways. In short, none of the twenty-five “mentally ill” people “roaming the streets of Abeokuta metropolis that we observed for a duration of the study, ever attempted to cross the motor roads when it was not safe to do so; (2) they also have learnt to walk on the sidewalks (where available) and usually on the foot ways; (3) they generally do not care whether people are looking at them or not; (4) they seem to feed well, since they do not seem to fall sick like “normal” people; (5) they have routine routes that are specific to each of them; (6) they seem to have areas where they reside such as empty/abandoned bus stops, under trees and where they seem not to disturb anybody; (7) they are concerned about public hygiene in that we never once saw any of them defecate in public —in short, they seem to have been toilet trained; (8) they all seem to have been socialized or learnt in the early years that the genital areas should not be exposed. Thus, the males almost always have a piece of cloth tied/wrapped around their waists, while the females ensured that they also cover their chests; (9) none seem to be violent (the violent among the are usually forcefully relocated by community members); (10) each has some “property” (comprising of rags, or a bunch of junks or things we have discarded). The quantity and quality of the property depends on the will of each of them; (11) they can be classified as loners, in that even though they are a part of the crowd, they are at the periphery with each doing his/her “things” without much concern for the rest of us; and finally, (12) some of them show some signs of possible improvement particularly in their interpersonal relationship with people and have devised survival mechanisms. For example, (a) Banda knows the worth of money, when he is about to be cheated and how to fight for himself, (b) Casa will now accept a woman’s money so long as a man is offering it to him, and (c) Talia listens and sometimes calms down when appealed to. In all, beside their bizarreness, they seem to blend well with the masses while also maintaining uniform or patterned ways of life. It should also be mentioned that, just like the rest of us, age seem to be catching up with this set of people. They all show signs of having imbibed aspects of the culture as manifested in their daily behaviours. This is signals the fact that with little assistance and guidance they could be rehabilitated.

Conclusion

Having looked through some of the attempts made as regards the definition of mental illness, (except organic psychosis) and having observed those we have so categorized, we wish to conclude by agreeing with Thomas Szasz as he demonstrates in his writings (1961, 1996, 1998), that we need to find a more appropriate name for mental illness in the sense that we expect this behaviour to be out there and we succeed in getting it, just because we believe in it. We are also inclined to agree with Mechanic (1980:3) that the definition of mental illness in “terms of failures in social adjustment or lack of conformity to social expectations” is an inappropriate definition. While there is no doubt that some people have problems adjusting to certain life conditions. It is not necessarily true that they are mentally ill. Simply put, mental illness as it is generally used does not exist. No organic proof can establish (as there was none in the past) that neurosis and psychosis (except organic psychosis) exist. The confusion arises from the fact that we lack proper understanding of the behaviours and it is simply convenient for us with the assistance of the medical model to classify them as mental illness. For example, let us take a well publicized case. John Hinckley, Jr. planned and shot late former President Reagan and others. He was arrested and tried in court. Despite the fact that psychiatrists testified on both sides, none could cite any organic cause. Each tried to define him as either mentally ill or not based on abstract facts or causes. Yet he was found not to be guilty by reason of insanity for attempted murder. John Hinckley Jr. is still serving time in a mental institution and perhaps, will for the rest of his life. Who dares claim to have healed him when there is no physiological evidence? We do not doubt that medication can be used to control human behaviour and in fact channel the expected behaviour, but we believe that sometimes if left alone, or if the disturbing circumstances or conditions are removed, these people could return to their “normal” behaviour and perhaps the insane are those attempting to change the already labeled. For example, how can we explain the behaviour of the churchgoer who feels unfulfilled but goes haywire? How about the nursing mother of six children whose husband is jobless but yet has to see to the feeding of the children? What is the state of mind of the jobless husband in a male dominated society? Some people device coping mechanisms, such as the pregnant woman, also carrying a baby on her back with a four- year old child toddling along, who smirks this child each time she catches up with her pace while mumbling to herself. Our view is that if succour does not come on time, she could develop a mental breakdown.

Our trips to some Nigerian markets present some revelations. They are mostly populated by women from different occupations, with different facial expressions – some looking frustrated and for different reasons. Some because the car could not contain what they had purchased while for some others, it could be because they lacked enough money to purchase what they would need for their families and others still for overspending. It is indeed a jungle of wishes fulfilled and dashed and expressions waiting to be manifested and interpreted. Yet some are good managers of whatever problems that may confront them, while some simply flip to the other side and perhaps irredeemably. For example, some students choose to cheat in examinations while some develop phobia each time the examinations are around the corner. In summing up our view, it should be mentioned that we were told stories of some people who were insane but who somehow recovered and returned to the world of the sane without any known medication or organized treatment, after all hope had been lost. A well-celebrated case is that of an “insane” woman, who because she was impregnated by and unknown person, won the sympathy of a church. After a few weeks of spiritual “cleansing” and through divine intervention, she became “sane” again and was reunited with her husband who lived in another town and had reported that she was missing some months earlier. Another case is that of a woman who was undergoing treatment for depression. After several failed attempts, her doctor decided to try an alternative to medication. The diagnosis revealed that the woman was under pressure from having to pay the high fees for her (four) children who were attending private schools. After taking to her doctor’s advice by relocating the children to public schools, the depression subsided. In short, what matters is our ability to manage our individual problems while maintaining expected societal standards. Without a doubt, however, it is the opportunity/access to reinforcement from the people around us that makes the difference.

We wish to re-emphasize here that mental illness (as used today) is a human social construction. This construction is vulnerable to change with time, place, and culture (Szasz, 1961) and it depends, also, on who the actor is, how he is perceived, the available opportunities, and of course, the perception of social definitions and self.

We wish to conclude by saying that even though we appear to ignore them, yet we are aware that they are there and we consciously move out of their way. We are constantly accessing them by their behaviours and on that basis, judge and decide how to treat and react to them. If we adjudge them as peaceful or as not encroaching into our space, we usually mind our business but keep reasonable distance. If adjudged violent, we tolerate them to the extent that they do not threaten our existence otherwise we forcefully remove them from the streets. Usually these people seem to have mastered/retained the survival cues and have imbibed the “live and let live” syndrome. This is definitely neither accidental nor instinctual. In short, they only seem to notice us or intrude into our world when there is felt need and they consider us as their only saviours. For example, rather than take our possession such as food, they beg (usually by wordlessly pointing their open palms at us or by gesticulating – acting like somebody putting food into his mouth) for it; they will drink water from any source and help themselves to some of our unwanted clothes and properties. Some will remove cloth banners and use these to cover themselves, others somehow seem to get fed and clothed sometimes by their relatives, while some others barely survive. Only God knows how they manage for they move around like birds whose behaviours are dictated by instinct. Thus, sometimes we see them and at other times they disappear. Despite all, we allow them to roam our streets. Why do they have to be stigmatized and should be classified as mad and not simply as mentally challenged? For example, we refer to some people as the physically challenged and we try very hard to assist them.

Recommendations

As presented above, these people show patterned ways of behaving and seem to have acquired pieces of our normal behaviours. There seem to be a ray of hope that these people can be assisted to live better and conventional lives. One of such organization, “Concerned People International” founded by Mrs. Jumoke Martins, an Evangelist, General Manager of a thriving plant service and a law student, exists in Lagos, Nigeria. Martins started by taking food and clothes to these people. Her earlier fear of the “mad” as violent, unapproachable and unreachable people was allayed as she says, “by the time I got to them, surprisingly, they all received me with warm embrace” (Martin, 2004). Research that is aimed at studying the effect of teaching some of these people how to make a living by making some crafts for sale, is on going. Arising from these observations, it is recommended that a programme be establish to assist those we have classified into this category. The programme should be non institutional but should involve workers who will forge some interactions with them while also presenting them with expected societal models. Further, it is recommended that the providers of assistance should be non-governmental. This suggestion is meant to ensure that clients are treated out of genuine concern for their welfare rather than from the financial gains that may accrue to the workers or helpers.

References

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Africain de Psychiatric. Dakar, Senegal, 5-9 (Marc) Paris: Audecam

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Thomson Wadsworth.

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State Law Questions and Answers

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

What is ‘The statute of limitations’ in American law?
Statue of Limitations : A type of federal or state law that restricts the time within which legal proceedings may be brought. Statutes of limitations, which date back to early ROMAN LAW, are a fundamental part of European and U.S. law. These statutes, which apply to both civil and.

What law prohibit minors to drive motor vehicles?
Republic Act? States usually set the age at which people can drive. It’s state law. – In California, it’s the California Vehicle Code, Section 12512:- Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation Code of the Philippines) stating no minors (17 years old below) can drive any motorized vehicle.

Who would you write to?
Who would you write to if you wanted a state law to be changed? I’m upset because the state of California doesn’t allow any kind of window tinting for the drivers side window. Skin cancer rates are at an all time high. Surely this is a law that doesn’t make any sense. If they.

California State law stating rent needs to be paid for by a tennant?
Our Mobile home park manager returned our rent check stating it needs to be paid by the tennant (which is my mother-in-law) What CA state law says that the rent needs to be paid for by the tennant rather than by a resident? There is no.

Can some one give me the exact legal definition for tresspassing in CA state law?
The primary statutes prohibiting trespassing in California are Penal Code sections 602 to 602.11, which you can see at The various types of trespass are too numerous to set out here. For various social and historical reasons, it is.

Employment laws?
If an employee tenders a 2 week resignation, but the employer termintates them before the final date is the employer obligated to pay thru the final date in the resignation? I know each state law is different and it will depend on that. I am in Tennessee. If anyone can answer this I would really appreciate it!.

If a person in CA is receiving public assistance and medi-cal from the state and they go to a hospital?
for treatment does the hospital have the right to release personal medical records without patients concent because they recieve aid? Federal HIPPA Law preempts state law. The Patients consent is required under federal law. – Medical information can be.

If conflict arise between the law of state and law of conscience which one prevail?
please .. help me to answer this .. its a survey question. . . . interesting one.state law may prevail in the short-term, but if it’s to prevail in the long-term then it needs to change the conscience of the people it’s ruling. Given.

If one parent applies for custody do they have temporary custody until the court date?
Yes, at least that is the case in the state of Florida. The first parent that files will have custody until a judge rules. – depends on state law. – Said parent also must apply for temporary custody pending adjudication. Then it’s up.

How difficult is it to get a job as a lawyer after attending a good state law school and passing the bar?
Check out the employment rates for the schools you are interested in. They should list them on the school’s web site, or you could look at something like www.LSAC.org or US News who compile stats of.

Is water and air supposed to be free at gas stations in california?
i thought it was California state law that water and air be offered free at gas stations. I went to get air the other day and the attendant said i had to pay if you ask an attendent to turn the machine on they’re suppose to.

What does virginia state law say about child nudity?
What does virginia state law say about child nudity? I mean as in kids 10 years old and younger, both same sex and oposite, what does virginia state law say about these kind of things? Whats ‘ok’ and whats ‘not ok’ What kind of silly question is this? For the.

Which 3 professions allow you to withold information from the law?
i remember the first two..a priest and a lawyer but what’s the third? Lawyer, priest, and psychotherapist. THERE IS NO DOCTOR/PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. Federal law only recognizes psychotherapists. All doctor/patient confidentiality arises under state law. Therefore the only guaranteed nationwide confidences with professionals are lawyers, priests,.

Why isn’t Kansas covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standard Act?
I saw that their minimum wage is 2.65 an hour. Why is it lower than the federal minimum? Kansas is covered by the FLSA. In this situation where you have a federal law and a state law, the higher standard applies.  Also, in Chapter.

how does my Dad write a habeus corpus paper to get out of jail and who does he send it to?
This is a VERY DIFFICULT question dependent largely on state law, because failure to exercise state remedies can prevent future claims under the Prison Litigation Reform Act. It also depends upon whether he was convicted in federal.

Arkansas state law – how to get them changed?
So I want to change an Arkansas state law. Specifically, lift a moratorium that was written into law in 2005. I understand the part where the average person cantacts a respresentative and the bill must be introduced yada, yada, yada. I need more specifics and insight into the process. Do.

Cell phone use while driving a motor vehicle..?
New York state law passed NO cell phone use unless using a hands free device many years ago. What is Florida waiting for?? People are killing themselves and others. Driving like they are heavily sedated, on drugs or drunk. Wreaking havoc on our already dangerous highways and roads. It should be.

Anyone know when the national seat belt law was first passed? Are wood bumpers legal?
In 1984 New York became the first state requiring the use of seatbelts, but only for front seat passengers. In 1978, Tennessee had passed the first state law requiring children to be restrained, as a result of a long campaign by a leading.

How do I get My child back?
I have went back and forth to court trying to get residential custody back for my son he doesn’t want to live with his father he wants to remain with me although he is only 6 doesnt he have rights too or isnt there a NY state law that can help me.

How do I make a state law?
There is suprisingly little information on this on the web. I want to know how the average Joe can submit a law idea from cradle to grave. Are there templates, forms? If so, where? You should make an appointment with your state representative to talk with her or him about your idea..

How far back does Lowes go when they conduct background checks for potential zone managers?
I was hired for a zone manager position for at Lowes home improvement. I had a felony conviction 10 years ago. Is there a Florida state law that only allows employers to look back 7-10 years, or do they conduct a ‘life’ background check?.

I have a law question about someone committing fraud. I’m hoping an expert can answer this for me.?
I live in a condominium community in Ohio and our association by-laws and I think there is some kind of state law that says you have to be a condominium unit owner to serve as president of the board. You can.

In Indiana,what is the state law concerning how close you can put a fence to neighbors property line?
You should check your municipal ordinances. In the city of Garrett, for example: No fence, or artificially erected man-made screen or barrier, can be erected beyond the front of a dwelling or primary building. This allows fire truck or EMS.

Inspection at a daycare.?
Next friday is the state inspection of the daycare I work at. We were informed by the director that it is a state law in Pennsylvania that we are not allowed to leave the building during inspection and if we do we immediatly get terminated. Is this really a state law. If so, does the.

Is it against any New York law saying that if you let your 14 year old daughter go to Canada with her 16 yr bf
My mom says she can get arrested for letting her 14 year old daughter go to canada with her 16 yr old boyfriend or that its against a new york state law.is this true.

Is it illegal in the state of michigan to date a girl that is 17 and the guy is 21?
its been a 4yr relationship just curius if it is illegal or if she has the right to be with someone who is older than her while she is a minor. Read the state law, regarding age of consent.

Is it true that a landlord by law is supposed to pay @ least 1 utility bill @ his rental house?
Housing laws vary from state to state and county to county. Check with the local housing authority. – each state – Not in any of the 3 states I’ve rented in. Could be a state law for.

Quotation oflaw which restricts carrying pets into supermarkets in Washington state?
what is Washington state ordinance or laws governing same. Can’t find a state law for that. There could be county and/or city ordinances. And typically stores would set that as their policy to avoid liability issues even without a law. (Although they cannot refuse entrance to service dogs.

Should federal law always superced state law?
For instance, demographically speaking, our states(U.S.) are rich in culture and diversity. Should federal laws always trump those of state laws when it comes down to social/cultural differences among states? For instance, laws that may be deemed suitable for Texas residents is not for those living in New York. Wouldn’t it seem.

We should legalize hanguns.?
its in our 2 amendment Hand gungs are not Illeagal, except in communist states. – What is a ‘hangun?’ Hand guns or hangings? – Hand guns are legal. Learn to spell. And learn to read too. – They are legal where I am, it’s your state law that effects legality. – Handguns are legal invirtually.

What is Jacob’s law?
‘Jacob’s Law’ is a South Carolina state law (not a Federal law) that does the following: 1. Beginning July 1, 2000, any entity transporting pre primary, secondary school students to or from school, school related activities, or child care must use a school bus as defined by federal law. School buses must meet all.

More State law questions please visit : LawFreeFAQ.com

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Son wants to be a state trooper someday, will his father’s reputation hurt his chances?

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Looking for answers from actual law enforcement please. My son is in high school and wants to be a state trooper when he gets older. His father (which he doesn’t have any contact with because I have had sole custody for the last 5 years) is a criminal. He has been in jail for burglary,breaking and entering, recieving stolen property, providing a minor with alcohol, drug paraphanalia, 2 OUI’s, 3 OAS’s, and the last child molestation (he molested our daughter). My son is worried that because of his father’s bad reputation and criminal record that it may hurt his chances of getting into law enforcement. As his mother, I have never been in trouble for anything and he has never been in trouble for anything himself. Being in law enforcement have any of you seen someone get turned down because of criminal history in the family, or are we just worried about nothing? It would really crush him if he found out this could ruin his chances, he has talked about nothing else for the last 4 yrs.

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Mom out of state with independecy and drug issues need to get her with me?

Monday, January 4th, 2010

My mother has an extremely addictive personality disorder, and one psychologist has even diagnosed her with Bipolar. She is having issues with drugs and alcohol right now, and has a problem with keeping a job. She lives out of state right now with a friend whom she has been with for 18 years now, and is currently mooching off of her. My Aunt who also lives in the area is a negative influence on her by providing her alcohol and pot. My mom use to have a cocaine addiction up until recently, and as far as I know she has stopped. She has tried rehab, and I do not have the cash, nor does anyone else to help her get a longer rehab. What she needs to do is find a job in the area where I live, so I can be with her, and we can both get a place and I can help her because I can’t do anything over the phone. She needs help and I believe I’m the only one that can do it, she cannot help herself, thats tried and failed over the years. My question is -
As a 20 year old renting a room out and out of state, how can I get her down here to stay with me. She will need a job before getting here, and cash saved up to move into a place with me and get started. I’m working in helping her get her resume together, but it’s not pretty. She has a criminal history and she hasn’t kept a job over the passed 10 years over 1 year. And nothing pertains to a certain career. Most of it is factory and retail work. Any advice is appreciated.
tnsupermomwhit, she has admitted she has problems and she needs help. Step 1, done.

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