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Here are some of the main points in my manifesto:(1) Income tax and corporate tax will be completely abolished. This would promote investments, growth, industries and employment. A large number of MNCs are expected to shift manufacturing / service industry base to India to save taxes. More industries and more businesses are the only ways to increase employment in India. For this to happen, other necessary infrastructure improvements will also be made. GST will be rationalised (with less number of rates) with strict implementation through technologies. This will also help in reduction of black money and corruption. [Please see one of my earlier replies on this issue for some more details.](2) All currency notes of ₹ 100 and above will be demonetised with no option to exchange them. There will however be six months’ period given before implementing this decision. This will make it possible to all to adjust to the new system and deposit all their high denomination notes in the banks (they would be checked for fake notes). All transactions above the value of ₹ 20,000 shall be compulsorily required to be in the form of crossed cheques / drafts / digital currency / online payments. RuPay Card will be taken over by the Government / RBI which will have ZERO transaction costs for all values for everybody, whether it is traders or customers (or, else, if needed, a new simple card will be launched for this purpose). UPI / BHIM app payments will also be made FREE for traders as well as customers for all values. These payment methods will be made universal and easier. The cost incurred on these will be borne by the Government, which will be much less than the cost incurred on printing / distribution of currency notes. If needed, smart card currency (somewhat similar to Delhi Metro smart card) with innovative features will be introduced. All small denomination currency notes of ₹ 50 and below will continue to be in operation (for the near future and medium term, at least) so that poor and less-educated citizens are not inconvenienced. These measures will help in reduction of black money and corruption.(3) The strength of judiciary will be increased at least by 500%, i.e., 5 times (or more, if needed), along with sufficient supporting staff. This will ensure that instead of litigants waiting for the cases to be heard, the judges will have to wait for newer cases to come up, i.e., the judges should be able to sit idle and most cases will be decided in matter of days, or at the most in months (and, not in decades as at present). Likewise, strength of police forces will also be hiked by 5 times. This will ensure that police should be able to reach the spot in about 2 minutes (in cities) and about 15 minutes (in villages) on the report of a crime occurring. This will ensure better prevention and detection of crime. These measures will ensure that ALL LAWS are respected, unlike today when most laws are broken with impunity. Mere enactment of laws is not sufficient, they also need to be enforced. This will ensure discipline. This will also provide some employment opportunities.(4) A permanent ban on future increases in reservation will be made effective. Creamy layer concept with strict guidelines will be enforced on all reserved categories (maximum of one benefit per person, and limited number of benefits per family). This will ensure that the real deserving sections of the reserved categories get the benefit unlike the present system where the same people get the benefit again and again at the cost of the most needy. At the same time, the existing reservation will be reduced by 5% for each category on pro rata basis every year (for example, for SC category, 15% reservation will be reduced by 0.75% every year), so that in 20 years the reservation could be ended completely. This will ensure that merit is given its due place after 20 years, while ensuring equality for everybody. A slow and long-term withdrawal of reservations will help ease tensions in the concerned communities. At the same time, due to heavily increased employment opportunities in private sector (due to zero-tax effect) and decreasing importance of government sector, reduction of reservations will be less painful for the concerned communities. Also, scholarships and financial help to poor and needy students of all communities will be given liberally. Drastic increase in educational institutions of repute (see next point) will help students of all communities to get better education opportunities even without reservations.(5) Top 100 universities / educational institutes of the world (such as Harvard, MIT, etc.) will be given not only permission, but also incentives, to set up their institutes in India, wherever they want. They would be encouraged to open more and more such institutes in India in order to provide world-class education to Indian students within India. Instead of the “Not for Profit” concept in education, the concept of “For Profit” education will also be allowed. There is no free lunch, after all. A free lunch cannot be a good lunch. At the same time, drastically increased number of scholarships and cheaper / easier educational loans would be provided to students. It will be ensured that if a student can get admission on merit in a reputed top level institute, he does not have to forego his admission due to want of financial resources. This system will enhance the standards of existing Indian institutes also (something similar when industries, such as auto industry was opened up for foreign competition). What is of priority would be giving best education to Indians, it is immaterial whether it is given by foreign institutes (in India) or the Indian institutes. The priority is not the welfare of Indian institutes but the welfare of the Indian students and the education. [For some more details on this issue, please see my previous answer on a related topic.](6) No country can be strong, if its defence forces are weak. Consider the examples of UK and USA at their respective prime times. Now, look at China. So, best technologies would be made available to defence forces. 100% FDI will be allowed in Defence sector without restrictions, with freedom to export their defence products (in order to incentivize them). In addition, incentives will be given to those who bring best / latest technologies in India. A transparent / fixed price-advantage will be given for defence products manufactured in India (even if by foreign companies) vis-à-vis imported ones, OTHER THINGS remaining the same; however, this does not mean that quality of products would be compromised; wherever, latest technology is not available in India, firstly efforts will be made to get that in India, otherwise such products can still be imported so as to ensure that our defence forces get the latest and best weapons and equipment. To remove chances of corruption and to avoid delays in defence acquisitions, transparent acquisition committees will be formed which will also have leaders of 3 largest opposition parties (in that order) in the Lok Sabha, and some prominent defence / technology experts who will be selected jointly by the government / opposition members.(7) Irrigation (including drip-irrigation) will be greatly enhanced. Best agricultural technologies will be introduced, if needed, by importing them. MSP based system will be abolished to avoid distorted crop pattern. Instead of that, if needed, a fixed amount per acre will be given as help to marginal farmers. Farmers will be given advance information about pattern of crops being currently sowed in India (using satellite and other technologies) so that they can take informed decision about which crops are going to be more beneficial to them. Artificial restrictions on movement of crops out of a state will be removed and farmers will be free to sell their crops anywhere in India (as is allowed to industries and traders). Exports of agricultural produce will be freely allowed (without restrictions) to help farmers achieve better incomes wherever possible. If necessary, the Government may store minimum crucial stocks of some important crops to protect consumers, but it will be at the cost of the Government and not at the cost of the farmers. Main problem of farmers is small farm size (sometimes, one acre or even less). Cooperative farming, contract farming, and even corporate farming (with sufficient safeguards) will be allowed to willing farmers on voluntary basis. Crop insurance will be enhanced drastically to secure farmers’ income. Agriculture and farm-based / cottage industries will be encouraged to take care of employment of persons in presently over-employed agriculture sector. Water management technologies (such as those used in Israel) will be used. All other technologies and methods would be used (with OPEN MIND) that help farmers increase their income, making them self-independent instead of making them dependent on loan waivers, freebies, etc. The emphasis is on asset-creation that can have long-term use, instead of freebies which are of short term use. Teach a person how to earn, instead of giving him food free for one or two times.(8) All transactions with Government will be made digital (except where it is impossible). No new law / rule / circular / guidelines, etc., will be allowed to be issued, unless it has first been uploaded online. All applications from citizens will be allowed online. Citizens will be allowed to interact with officers through video-conferencing (instead of personal meets) which shall be recorded. Such centres will be set up at designated places, if needed. Red tape breeds corruption, and all efforts would be made to reduce delays in delivery of services. Time-bound services will be ensured for all government functions. All government information shall be deemed to be open to all, and if any information is to be marked “confidential” or “secret” etc., that can be done only on some well-established guidelines and not at the whims of the officers. These and various other transparency measures will make better governance possible, with reduced corruption.(9) All PSUs will be privatized (not mere disinvestment of part-equity), barring in space and nuclear energy. But, even in space and nuclear energy, private sector will also be permitted (such as, those similar to, SpaceX of Elon Musk, or Areva and Westinghouse). Government has no business to be in business. Banks, Railways, etc., will also be privatised in phases, but within specified limited time period. For example, operations of railways can be privatized initially (starting with some trains), construction and upkeep of some tracks can be privatised (like some national highways), goods trains can be completely privatised. This can also raise money for initial years to take care of temporary effects of abolition of income tax and corporate tax.(10) All new technologies, such as solar power, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, genetic science, 5G, etc., will be sufficiently encouraged, incentivized and promoted. India will be made the hub of the fourth industrial revolution by taking all steps necessary to promote innovation by facilitating research. A proper ecosystem will be put in place for this purpose that can self-propel innovation and research in all sectors, without any unnecessary government intervention. In fact, experience shows that the government only restricts growth by its intervention in newer technologies. So, there would not be any unnecessary intervention from Government. On the other hand, DARPA model of US, of giving special grants for high-tech and cutting-edge innovations by universities, private industries, research institutes, etc., will be followed.(11) Governance will be made visible everywhere, while Government will be made invisible. This means, minimum Government, maximum Governance. A rule-based transparent governance, helped by technology, not by discretion of human beings. With less and less human interface, and more and more technology-interface.Well, I can go on and on. I have at least 100 more points for my manifesto, and each of the above points can also be expanded with more details. But, I thought I should stop at 11.Yes, I know, this manifesto may not perhaps win votes. But, it can help India grow. In fact, I feel that it can win votes too, if properly followed and explained to people.I know it is an academic exercise. But, it may create some awareness. And, after all, every big idea has a small origin.[Edit: I have answered this question only as an academic exercise. This is an imaginary question. I have no intention to create any political party. I am writing this Edit, since some friends have perhaps thought that I may be floating any party. Not at all. My answer was just to create awareness about the issues that should be in national interest. That’s all. Thanks.]

Here’s the thing, most people don’t even realize that they’re biased. It’s subconscious.Take studies on employment.http://cos.gatech.edu/facultyres/Diversity_Studies/Bertrand_LakishaJamal.pdfIdentical resumes with white or black sounding names were sent to various jobs, and the black names got 50% less calls to interviews.The things is, the results were consistent when they looked at employers who labelled themselves “equal opportunity employers.”And if you asked any one of those employers why they didn’t call the black applicants, they would have a justification, they’d say that they lived too far away, or they didn’t like their resume or school, or they had a better applicant. You would be hard pressed to a significant number of people in there that consider themselves biased. They would all say “Oh sure, but not ME, I know I’m not racist so that’s not why I did it.”When teachers are given descriptions of misdeeds with different names attached, they are more likely to punish black students more harshly for the same misbehaviorTeachers More Likely to Label Black Students as TroublemakersBut they don’t think “I’m giving him this punishment because he’s black”, they have a bad feeling and then think “I don’t trust this kid because… he’s giving me attitude/he doesn’t seem remorseful/he should know better.” They don’t know they’re doing it, and that’s the problem.If it were just plain old KKK racism, it would be easy to spot without these kinds of test. But it’s something more deep down.

1.Do not ask:What kind of child care arrangements do you have in place?Instead ask:Do you have any other commitments that may restrict you from working our core work hours of 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.?Why:The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) prevents discrimination against applicants and employees who have child rearing responsibilities at home. Employers in violation of this law are typically charged with Family Responsibilities Discrimination (FRD). For more information http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/2.Do not ask:How old are you? When did you graduate high school? How much longer do you plan to work before you retire?Instead ask:Do you meet the legal age requirements to work in this state? Are you 18 years or older?Why:The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects individuals age 40 and above. The law is designed to help prevent ageism. Individuals 14 – 15 years of age have limited working capacity, and people 16 – 17 can perform non-hazardous jobs. For more information https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/adea.cfm3.Do not ask:Do you have any disabilities?Instead ask:Can you preform the basic functions of this position with or without accommodations?Why:The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prevents discrimination against people with disabilities. This includes both physical and mental disabilities. If a qualified candidate meets the job requirements a “reasonable accommodation” must be made. For examples see http://odr.dc.gov/book/manual-accommodating-employees-disabilities/types-reasonable-accommodation Physical tests have to be performed on all candidates not just those with disabilities.4.Do not ask:Have you ever used drugs in the past? Do you drink socially?Instead ask:Are you currently using illegal drugs?Why:The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) intends to protect former or recovering addicts from being discriminated against. It is best to just avoid asking any drug questions at all. Human Resources will be performing a drug test anyway. More info here http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/ada/ch4.htm5.Do not ask:What is your race?Instead ask:You’re out of luck with this one. There isn’t an alternative. You just can’t ask about it in the interview. Although HR will ask them on the application…. I know, hypocritical right?Why:Human Resource departments keep track of the amount of applicants from a particular race to report for their Affirmative Action Plan (AAP). An APP is submitted to the government to show that companies are giving all employees, regardless of race, an equal opportunity in each position. Companies with government contracts are required to have this by law. Note that candidate’s disclosure is voluntary in the AAP. For more information https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/hiring/affirmativeact6.Do not ask:What is your national origin? Are you a U.S. Citizen? Where is your accent from?Instead ask:Once offered a position, will you be able to provide legal documentation of the right to work in the United States?Why:The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) makes it illegal to discriminate with respect to firing, hiring or even recruiting against individuals citizenship, or immigration status. For more info visit https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/nationalorigin.cfm7 .Do not ask:Do you have any debt?Instead ask:Just run a credit report, no need to ask a question that could lead to a lawsuit.Why:The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) permits employers to request credit reports on job applicants and existing employees. Written permission is required first. Employers are also required to notify candidates before any ‘adverse action’ is taken, i.e. failing to hire, promote, or dismiss an employee. Employers can reject any job applicant who refuses to do a background check. More information at https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/background_checks_employers.cfm8.Do not ask:What is your religion?Instead ask:Can you work the required hours/days for this role?Why:Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits any discrimination against religious beliefs. This goes for both candidates and current employees. An employer must accommodate the employee’s beliefs, unless it creates an 'undue hardship' for the employer. Example: Having a co-worker cover a shift during an employee’s religious holiday. More info https://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/accommodation.html9.Do not ask:Are you married? What is your maiden name?Instead ask:Can you provide us with your full name? Have you ever worked under a different name? Do you have any other responsibilities that will prevent you from preforming the necessary tasks of the job?Why:Most illegal interview questions relate back to Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964, marriage discrimination included. The only question you need to ask yourself is, does this question directly relate to one of the necessary requirements of the job? If yes, you are good to go, if not, think of a better question.10.Do not ask:How much do you weigh?Instead ask:Are you able to lift boxes up to 50 lbs?Why:The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), has stated that being over-weight doesn’t constitute a disability. Although someone who is 100 pounds or more over-weight, may cross a threshold which could consider them “disabled,” in which case they will be protected by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). It all depends on what constitutes the ‘necessary requirements of the job’ and of course the judge making the decision.11.Do not ask:Have you ever been arrested?Instead ask:Nothing, just don’t ask any questions related to this.Why:HR will conduct a background check that will reveal the extent of the candidate’s criminal history. Also note that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) policy requires employers to weigh a variety of factors including nature of the crime, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. A disclaimer will be shown to the candidates, it states that criminal charges do not automatically constitute removal for consideration of the position. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/practices/inquiries_arrest_conviction.cfm12.Do not ask:Have you ever brought a lawsuit against your employer? Have you ever filled workers’ compensation?Instead ask:Sorry, no alternative for this one. But have no fear, if you work for an ethical and law abiding company, unwarranted laws suits shouldn’t be a huge concern.Why:This question is illegal because of a combination of laws, but mainly from Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1960. Obviously, it is designed to protect qualified employees/candidates from companies who fear potential future law suits. More information can be found here https://www.hg.org/employment-discrimination-law.html13.Do not ask:Do you belong to any organizations?Instead ask:Are you a member of any professional group that is relevant to this role?Why:It is just too easy for an organization to pick and choose candidates based on religion, race, gender, national origin, etc. with this question. Title VII prevents this question from being asked in interviews.14.Do not ask:What is your gender?Instead ask:I’m not sure why anyone is even asking this…. Just hope you are never in a situation where you need to.Why:With the exception of hiring actors, I can’t think of a reason why this question would be relevant to the job. Occasionally there is something called a BFOQ or Bona Fide Occupational Qualification, where a distinguishing discriminatory quality is necessary for a position. Example: requiring membership in a church to be become a pastor/priest, or a female needing to play the role of a mother in a television series. The EEOC would love to jump in and enforce Title VII, if you ask this question unjustly.If you are interested, you are welcome to join my facebook group to learn more about resumes, interviews, and finding the job you deserve.Original post found here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/14-best-interview-questions-ask-candidate-you-want-sued-russell