PM Dr Singh welcome First woman PM of Thailand, Ms.Yingluck Shinawatra

PM Dr Singh welcome First woman PM of Thailand, Ms.Yingluck Shinawatra

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@PMOIndia Dr Manmohan Singh

Foreign Affairs Minister of Myanmar, Mr. U. Wunna Maung Lwin called on the Prime Minister today pic.twitter.com/AGzq2TTt

Address by the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil

Address by the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil 
to the Nation on the eve of Republic Day The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, addressed the Nation on the eve of the 63rd Republic Day. Following is the text of the President’s address on the occasion:

Dear Citizens,

On the eve of our 63rd Republic Day, I convey my warmest greetings to all of you across the country, from every walk of life and in different parts of the world. I convey my special greetings to the Armed Forces and the Para-Military Forces who guard our frontiers with great vigil and valour, in high mountainous terrains, deserts and the plains, on the coasts and the seas. I also convey my best wishes to our internal security forces and to our civil services. I compliment all citizens for their contribution to the process of nation-building.

We are living in a world that is complex and challenging. Forces of globalization have created an interlinked and interdependent world. No country exists in isolation; it is continuously being influenced by external developments. All nations, developed and developing, are facing the impact of global economic instability, as well as problems of unemployment and inflation, in varying degrees. Indeed, the 21st Century has brought in its trail a host of issues at a breath-taking pace. There are growing aspirations of the people, coupled with their expectations of immediate solutions. We are observing, an information explosion and ever-newer technological inventions. These have altered lifestyles and there is also a growing quest for materialism. There are persistent questions about how growth and resources will be shared in a more equitable manner. There are worries about the direction in which the human community is heading in this age of globalization, knowledge and technology.

For us in India, the discourse is about how an ancient civilization and a young nation, will move ahead to take India to its destiny. Our vision and our goals are clear. We look at building our country, as one whose economy demonstrates a robustness to grow, so that we can become a developed nation. For us, however, economic prosperity alone is not enough. We look towards an India, where there is equity and justice. We look at democracy, rule of law and human values, as being essential for making our country strong. We want a scientific and technological outlook in our people. We also look towards India as a country which will continue to bring moral force on to the global stage. I believe that there is a unity behind this vision of India. But, yet, sometimes one gets distracted by discordant pulls and pressures. How should we proceed to build our nation and its people? I believe that the answer lies in our age old values; the ideals of our freedom movement; the principles of our Constitution, as also in our unity, a positive attitude and our aspiration to grow.

It is often said, but not fully realized, that we are very fortunate to have a rich legacy of values, traditions and teachings. The ageless spirit of India, the eternal voice of India, has been resonating through millennia. What are those intrinsic qualities which have seen India prosper through centuries and eras? What is the message that should light our path, as we chart our future course? Our civilizational ethos contains the lessons of duty and truth. It tells us to be humane in all our thoughts and deeds. It highlights the qualities of compassion, care and of respect for others. It teaches that human beings and nature must exist in harmony with each other. All issues should be viewed in the context of humanity as a whole. Concepts, like ‘समन्वय’, ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः’ ‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम’, are the very essence of Indian thought. This philosophy has given succeeding generations the inherent strength to grow, embracing in their fold a vast diversity of cultures, languages, religions and communities. So, when the question is asked, as to what ideals should be placed before the new generation, to take the country forward, should then there be any dithering or doubt in a country like India? As the inheritors of thousands of years of history and culture, we should follow the high ideals of our age-old civilization. More particularly, the youth should understand this, as they are the architects of the future as well. Our past becomes the essential guide for the future as well. In this context, I recall the lines of Gurudev Tagore, “Every great people holds its history so valuable because… it contains not mere memories, but hope, and therefore the image of the future.” The past of India has been glorious and so must be its future.

We can also draw inspiration from our independence movement. It was a unique struggle, as it involved non-violent methods and required extraordinary mass discipline, steadfastness and patience. We followed this course, under the leadership of Gandhiji, because we had faith in ourselves and in our strength. Surely, we can demonstrate the same discipline in nation building. But, how do we do this? It is, only when we resolve to make the goal of nation building more important, than anything else and, show strong belief in it. It is then that courage, confidence and determination, shall be our companions in this task, which has to be carefully piloted in a constitutionally acceptable order.

In fact, during various times of difficulties or when searching for an answer, the Constitution has provided us our moorings. It was framed by those who had participated in the freedom struggle, and had a deep understanding of the aspirations of the people, and of our culture. The Constitution has been and should be our compass, guiding us in nation-building. It is the charter of our democracy. It is the document guaranteeing individual freedoms to its citizens. It is the basis on which institutions of the State have been created and have derived their powers and functions. Our Constitution is a living and dynamic instrument, which has demonstrated its ability to be flexible enough to meet the demands of changing times, while retaining its basic features. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar in his closing speech at the Constituent Assembly said, “The first thing in my judgment we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives.” Unquote.

Dear Citizens,

There is tremendous work to be done to move forward on our social and economic agenda, if we are to achieve fast, inclusive and sustainable growth. Our foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently. Agencies involved in the delivery of services should have a strong sense of duty and work in a transparent, corruption-free, time-bound and accountable manner.

We have a population which is predominantly young. With education and training, they can become skilled and, thus, capable of finding their livelihoods, starting their own businesses and thus, becoming productive assets. Reinforcing our health and education sectors is fundamental for developing our human resources. Primary education is now a fundamental right for children. There is a commitment to universalize secondary education. Expansion of school education will also require increase in the number of higher education institutions. This process has to be structured with great thoughtfulness, to ensure quality and excellence. Moreover, education must reach every section of our society, as must access to health reach all. We need to expand health services, particularly in rural areas. We need quality medical facilities for our population, which are affordable. In today`s era of ICT, technology can be very useful in our mission of health and education. In fact, science and technology is a critical input for the growth of the nation and for all sectors of the economy. Focus on research and development is an investment in our future. Our agriculture, industry and service sectors need to be working more efficiently, with greater scientific inputs and more inter-linkages with each other. Agriculture, however, is one sector whose integration with other sectors of the economy remains inadequate. We need to look at models of partnership, of farmers with industry and with R&D institutions in various activities, so that, not only does agricultural productivity increase, but farmers benefit as well. Special focus is necessary on dryland farming, given its enormous potential and, the fact that, a large proportion of farm labour and poor farmers are dependent on it. At the same time, it is very important to build our physical infrastructure – such as roads, ports and airports, to overcome constraints to rapid growth.

I strongly believe that women need to be drawn fully into the national mainstream. Empowerment of women will have a very big impact on creating social structures that are stable. The National Mission on Empowerment of Women set up in 2010, should help in the co-coordinated delivery of women-centric and women-related programmes. An important component of women’s development is their economic and social security. Social prejudices prevalent in our society which have led to gender discrimination need to be corrected. Social evils like female foeticide, child marriage and dowry must be eradicated. Status of women is an important indicator of progress in a society.

Dear Citizens,

India can take pride in its democratic record, but as in any functional democracy, it faces pressures and challenges. An important feature of a democracy is the constant expression of opinions. This process of incessant dialogue should flow in such a manner, that we are willing to listen to each other. Those who believe in democracy must try to see whether there is rationale in the others’ point of view. Gandhiji once said, “Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side. We shut the doors of reason when we refuse to listen.” The purpose of discussions and deliberations is to find solutions. Often, we are quick to find blame with others; but, yet are unable to give constructive responses. There seems to be a tendency to doubt almost everything. Do we not have faith in our own people’s strengths and in our institutions? Can we afford distrust amongst ourselves? Nations are built through great patience and sacrifices. Concord and not discord is the way forward for a country as large as India. All issues, therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and there can be no place for violence. Negativity and rejection cannot be the path for a vibrant country that is moving to seek its destiny. Our work, our values and our approach, must be based on the vast capability and capacity that India and its people have.

Our institutions may not be flawless, but they have coped with many challenges. Our Parliament has enacted path-breaking laws. Our Government has put together schemes for the progress and welfare of the people. Our judiciary has a reputable standing. Our media too has played an important role. With all institutions working together for the same national purpose it will create a stream of positive energy. Our effort to improve is an on-going process. While bringing about reforms and improving institutions, we have to be cautious that while shaking the tree to remove the bad fruit, we do not bring down the tree itself. There will be short term pressures, but in this process we must not lose sight of the long term goals, and must work together on our core national agenda. I do hope in the spirit of national interest, matters of national importance, are discussed and solutions are found between different stakeholders. This will strengthen the roots of our democracy and the foundations of our nation. We have a shared future, and we should not forget that it can be achieved if we demonstrate a sense of responsibility and a show of unity. I think India could set an example before the democratic world of progress and growth.

Dear Citizens,

India’s foreign policy is aimed at the promotion of an environment that is conducive to its socio-economic transformation. We seek to build bridges of cooperation and friendship with all countries of the world. We constructively engage with the international community to find responses to global challenges. The role and stature of India, has been growing and our nation has been scaling up in the ladder of the comity of nations. India seeks an architecture for global institutions that is more reflective of contemporary realities. We are also proud of the contributions of the Indian Diaspora, spread over many countries and across continents, to the economic, professional and political fields of the countries where they live.

Dear Citizens,

In conclusion, I would like to say that we must build a strong, prosperous nation, based upon a firm system of values. As we remove poverty, let us also enrich our thoughts. As we remove disease, let us all remove ill-will towards others. As our youth study more and acquire more knowledge, let them also learn to be more involved in activities for the progress of the nation, other than only self advancement. As we legislate, let us also understand that the most effective law is the conscience of citizens. As we advance in science and technology, let us realize and understand that it is more for human welfare. As we use the Earth’s resources, let us not forget to replenish and renew its vitality. On the eve of our Republic Day, let me once again convey my greetings, to all fellow citizens and end with the following lines which describe an India we should work for:

बहें जहां सदभाव की नदियां।
उगें जहां नैतिकता की फ़सलें।
सब मन एकता का गीत सुनाएं।
पग-पग देश का विकास बढ़ाएं।
मिलकर ऐसा देश बनाएं।

Posted by Nksagar at 9:14 PM 0 comments

ऐसा हो गणतंत्र हमारा

- विनोद बंसल

                                                                                      Vinodbansal01@gmail.com  

26 जनवरी 1950 को, जब हमारा संविधान लागू हुआ, तब यह सोचा गया कि यह विश्व के चुनिन्दा देशों के अच्छे संवैधानिक प्रावधानों का सार तत्व है। संविधान सभा का यह मत था कि जिस रूप में यह लागू किया जा रहा है वर्तमान परिस्थितियों में तो सर्वोत्तम है किन्तु, समय-समय पर देश की परिस्थितियों के अनुसार परिवर्तन भी आवश्यक हैं। तब से अब तक विदेशों के संविधानों से नकल किये गये प्रावधानों में अनेक संशोधन तो हुए किन्तु अपेक्षित परिणाम सामने नहीं आये। गणतन्त्र के मायने हैं गणों का तंत्र अर्थात जनता का शासन। आइये आज हम अपने गणतन्त्र की 63वीं वर्षगांठ पर कुछ विश्लेषण करें।

कभी पूरे विश्व के अंदर सोने की चिड़िया एवं विश्वगुरू कहा जाने वाला यह देश आज चारों तरफ जेहादी आतंकवाद, माओवाद, नक्सलवाद, भाषावाद एवं भ्रष्टाचार से जकड़ा हुआ है। अधिकांश राजनेता अपनी राजनैतिक महत्वाकांक्षाओं के चलते वोट बैंक की भूख में सभी सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक एवं राष्ट्रीय मूल्यों को खोते जा रहे हैं। विडम्बना यह है कि राष्ट्र की युवा शक्ति को भी जो संस्कार, आत्मनिर्भरता व राष्ट्रीयता का पाठ पढ़ाया जाना चाहिये उससे हम कोसों दूर हैं क्योंकि हमारी शिक्षा प्रणाली भी वोट केंद्रित राजनीति के दलदल में फंस गयी है। जहाँ पर मतदाता समूह में हैं, उस समूह पर किसी व्यक्ति, संस्था, जाति, मत-पंथ या सम्प्रदाय का बोलबाला है। राजनेता ऐसे समूहों को रिझाने के लिये कुछ भी करने को तैयार रहते हैं। चाहे वह राष्ट्र विरोधी कदम ही क्यों न हो।

राजनैतिक संरक्षण के चलते अपराधियों को या तो पकड़ा ही नहीं जाता और यदि पकड़ भी लिया जाये तो कानूनी पेचीदगियों में उलझा कर सजा नहीं मिल पाती। न्यायालय द्वारा सजा दे दी जाये तो भी हमारे दुष्ट राजनेता राष्ट्रघातियों का संरक्षण जारी रखते हैं। आखिर कौन बचायेगा हमें आतंकवाद से?              

     

गणतंत्र के 63वें वर्ष में हमें प्रण कर उपर्युक्त सभी समस्याओं के समाधान हेतु व्यवस्था में आमूलचूल परिवर्तन करने होंगे तथा जनता की उसमें राजनैतिक जिम्मेवारी सुनिश्चित करनी होगी।

निम्नांकित बिंदु इस दिशा में कारगर हो सकते हैं:-

1. वोट डालने की अधिकार के साथ कर्तव्य का बोध।

2. अनिवार्य मतदान का प्रावधान।

3. यदि चुनाव में खड़े सभी प्रत्याशी अयोग्य हों तो किसी को भी न चुनने हेतु गोपनीय मतदान का अधिकार।

4. चुनाव में खड़े होने के लिये न्यूनतम शैक्षणिक योग्यता हो।

5. राजनीतिज्ञों के रिटायरमेंट की भी कोई अवधि हो।

6. जाति, मत, पंथ, संप्रदाय, भाषा व राज्य के आधार पर वोट मांगने वालों के खिलाफ कार्यवाही तथा इस प्रकार के आंकडों के प्रकाशन पर रोक।

7. सांसदों व विधायकों द्वारा किये कार्यों का वार्षिक अंकेक्षण (ऑडिट) कर उसे सार्वजनिक करना अनिवार्य हो।

8. संसद व विधान सभाओं/विधान परिषदों से अनुपस्थित रहने वाले नेताओं पर कार्रवाई।

यदि राष्ट्र को खुशहाल देखना है तो प्रत्येक मतदाता को सबसे पहले यह सुनिश्चित करना होगा कि जिस प्रकार शरीर के लिये भोजन व प्राणों के लिये वायु की आवश्यकता है उसी प्रकार राष्ट्र को आपके वोट की आवश्यकता है। कोई भी मतदाता अपने मताधिकार से वंचित नहीं रह पाये, इसके लिये हमें समुचित प्रबंध करने होंगे। हालांकि, इलेक्ट्रॉनिक वोटिंग मशीनों के आने से वोट डालना कुछ आसान एवं प्रामाणिक तो हुआ है किंतु इसे अभी और सरल करने की आवश्यकता है। आज कम्प्यूटर का युग है, हमें ऐसी प्रणालियां विकसित करनी होंगी जिससे देश का तथाकथित उच्च वर्ग, जिसमें उद्योगपति, प्रशासनिक अधिकारी, बुद्विजीवी व बड़े व्यवसायी इत्यादि आते हैं, अपनी सुविधानुसार मताधिकार का प्रयोग कर सकें। जहाँ पर एक ओर मतदाताओं को उनके मत की कीमत बतानी होगी, वहीं दूसरी ओर कुछ ऐसे प्रावधान भी करने पड़ेंगे जिनसे प्रत्येक मतदाता इस राष्ट्र यज्ञ में अपनी एक आहूति सुनिश्चित कर सके। मतदाता पर यह दबाव न हो कि चुनाव में खड़े हुए किसी न किसी एक प्रत्याशी को चुनना ही है, लेकिन यह दबाव जरूर हो कि उसे वोट डालना ही है। वैलेट पेपर में या वोटिंग मशीन में प्रत्याशियों की सूची के अंत में एक बिंदू यह भी हो ''उपरोक्त में से कोई नहीं,'' जिससे कि मतदाता यह बता सके कि सभी के सभी प्रत्याशी मेरे हिसाब से चुनने के योग्य नहीं है। ऐसा होने से देश के कानून निर्माताओं (सांसद/विधायक) की सूची में से गुण्डे, आतंकवादी व राष्ट्रविरोधी मानसिकता वाले लोगों को अलग रखा जा सकेगा।

कहीं भी यदि नौकरी की तलाश करनी है या अपना कोई व्यवसाय चलाना है तो पढ़ाई-लिखाई बहुत जरूरी है। साथ ही उसके काम करने की एक अधिकतम आयु भी निश्चित होती है। इसके अलावा बीच-बीच में उसके कार्यों का वार्षिक मूल्यांकन भी होता है। जिसके आधार पर उसके आगे के प्रमोशन निश्चित किये जाते है। आखिर ये सब मापदण्ड हमारे राजनेताओं के क्यों नहीं हो सकते? चुनाव में खड़े होने से पूर्व उनकी न्यूनतम शैक्षणिक योग्यता, आयु तथा शारीरिक सामर्थ्य की न सिर्फ जांच हो बल्कि रिटायरमेंट की भी आयु सीमा निश्चित हो।

अंग्रेजों ने जाते-जाते देश को साम्प्रदायिक, जातिवाद व भाषावाद में बांट दिया। कहीं जाति पर, कहीं भाषा पर तो कहीं किसी विशेष सम्प्रदाय को लेकर लोग आपस में भिड़ जाते हैं। जो कहीं न कहीं, किसी न किसी राजनेता के दिमागी सोच का परिणाम होता है क्योंकि उन्हें तो किसी खास समुदाय के सहानुभूति वाले वोट चाहिये। ऐसी स्थिति में हमें यह सुनिश्चित करना होगा कि कोई भी राजनेता  किसी भी हालत में हमें इन आधारों पर न बांट सके। चुनावों के दौरान प्रकाशित ऐसे आकड़ों या समाचारों को भी हमें रोकना होगा जिनमें किसी जाति, भाषा, राज्य, मत, पंथ या सम्प्रदाय का जिक्र हो।

देश की जनता ने जिन प्रतिनिधियों को संसद या विधानसभाओं में भेजा उनकी भी अपनी जनता के प्रति एक जबावदेही होनी चाहिए। जिससे यह तय हो सके कि आखिर करदाताओं के खून-पसीने की कमाई का कहीं दुरुपयोग तो नहीं हो रहा। वैसे भी एक-एक राजनेता पर करोड़ों रुपये प्रत्येक वर्ष खर्च होते हैं। क्षेत्र का विकास एक न्यूनतम मापदंड से कम रहने, आवंटित धन व योजना का समुचित प्रयोग क्षेत्र के विकास में न करने पर या किसी भी प्रकार के दुराचरण में लिप्त पाये जाने पर कुछ न कुछ दण्ड का प्रावधान अवश्य हो।

जनप्रतिनिधियों के कार्य का वार्षिक अंकेक्षण (ऑडिट) अनिवार्य होना चाहिए। जिससे जनता उसके कार्यकलापों को जान सके। इसमें न सिर्फ आर्थिक वही खातों की जांच हो बल्कि वर्ष भर उसके द्वारा किये गये कार्यों की समालोचना भी शामिल हो।

आम तौर पर देखा जाता है कि ये जनप्रतिनिधि या तो विधानसभाओं या संसद से लापता रहते हैं या क्षेत्र की आवाज कभी उठाते ही नहीं हैं। ऐसी स्थिति में उनका चुना जाना व्यर्थ ही होता है। जिस प्रकार नौकरी या स्कूल से एक निश्चित अवधि से अधिक अनुपस्थित रहने पर विद्यार्थी/कर्मचारी को निकाल दिया जाता है। उसी प्रकार संसद या विधानसभाओं में भी इस प्रकार के कुछ प्रावधान अवश्य हों।

इस प्रकार जब देश का प्रत्येक नागरिक स्वछंद रूप से राष्ट्रीय जिम्मेदारी समझते हुए एक योग्य व्यक्ति को अनिवार्य रूप से मतदान कर संसद/विधानसभा में भेजेगा तथा जनप्रतिनिधि अपने-अपने क्षेत्र की जनता का समुचित प्रतिनिधित्व कर राष्ट्रोन्नति के कार्य में लगेगा तो क्यों नहीं भारत पुन: सोने की चिड़िया या विश्वगुरू कहलायेगा। जब प्रत्येक जनप्रतिनिधि निर्भय हो बनेगा जनता का सहारा, तब होगा गणतंत्र हमारा।

**सम्पर्क सूत्र : 9810949109 329, द्वितीय तल, संतनगर, ईस्ट ऑफ कैलाश, नई दिल्ली-65**

Posted 26th January by Nksagar