Naresh Kumar Sagar<>
Lokpal mean Public authority meant to be the monitoring and intervening authority who keeps an eye if all is not well in democracy and in case of any authority not doing their duties or deflecting from their democratically established paths has to undergo through the advise of the Lokpal authority to put all authorities under check at all circumstances.Lokpal bill must ensure that all Public post and authorities needs to have Monitoring committee and all democratic institutions must have an autonomy and their monitoring authorities must be from the civil society which ensures the democratic set up and governs or runs the institution and its chief with due diligence without any ulterior or biased motive needs to ensure that the system works for the welfare of masses and all classes .Those not following the due diligence and found to be indulging in corrupt practices needs their ouster.Corrupt officers need not to be jailed or given harsh punishment because an early check will ask them to quit their jobs as it is practiced all over the world when found in any illegal or corrupt practices they are asked to quit from Public life.For those officers DM,SDM,LT Guv,Guv and Commissioners etc who are found to be not fulfilling their duties or are found to be deflected from their paths of governance and fulfilling their personal greed: Indian democracy where Public is Supreme as after the term of parliamentarian expires go to the public to seek their appointment is the final resort so when any matter take the shape of National importance then it must have the Public Referendum which is solely missing from our constitutional jurisprudence and we need to re-look on this stand as all levels of chief administrative post needs to be have civil society Monitoring Committee to act as intervening authority as watchdogs: Janlokpal with NO Right to Recall corrupt Lokpal clause" asked for suggestions on what can stop Lokpal from becoming corrupt.And we True Recallists requested them to add RTR-Lokpal clauses. Anna and Company refused to add RTR-Lokpal clauses in their Janlokpal draft. Their refusal exposed them before activists if not public. Please request Team Anna to be True Recall by asking them all to add RTR-Lokpal clauses and raise demand of RTR-PM, RTR Supreme Court judges, RTR Reserve Bank Governor etc demands.Salient features provided for the Lok Pal bill is not adequate as the important terms such as definition of Corruption, transparency. accountability. dereliction from duties and other terms needs to be defined from the civil society point of view for the well being welfare scheme for the poor rural and downtrodden to reach its end level.Provision of Public Referendum,Public trial and Public committees needs to be defined in the interest of civil society to act as watch dogs from Local- city and district to national levels.Janpal Lok Pal Bill is of the people,for the people, by the people, in order to gain fruits of democracy:Posted by Nksagar
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Showing posts 1 - 19 of19-Nksagar-“Europe Germany New Delhi,Agra-Since: Jul 07-
New Delhi
Apr 17, 2011
Nksagar
Anna Hazare said Parliament supreme
Reports appearing in Press that Anna Hazare today said Parliament was supreme and would accept its decision if it rejects the Lok Pal Bill thus diluting the law-Lok Pal bill is monitoring authority by civil society to which one must understand: Monitoring authority does not become supreme as appears in some news items when authority deflect from their paths It is intervening authority at time of crisis:
debasis behera
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Apr 17, 2011
the parliament and the law of the land is supreme and there should not be any scope of any rule by proxy. no one is pro corruption but that does not mean that some one would just come and blackmail by taking the issue of corruption.in my opinion even the formation of the joint group to draft the bill has started a bad precedence in India.
Nksagar
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#3
Apr 17, 2011
Ok
Nksagar
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#4
Apr 18, 2011
http://in.news.yahoo.com/blogs/opinions/many-...
Naresh Kumar
Delhi, India
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#5
Apr 21, 2011
Till Month back Penta tem could not muster media but now media top story of their actions and inactions
Naresh Kumar
Delhi, India
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#6
Apr 21, 2011
Thats show their strength in Branding and marketing and hope the product do not get fused
Naresh Kumar
Delhi, India
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#7
Apr 21, 2011
Lok Pal bill Civil society Members called Press for clarification but did not care to discuss the bill in Public a pity of those talking big
debasis behera
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#8
Apr 21, 2011
dear Naresh ,
the Jan Lok pal bill (not lok pal bill), per se is not bad as it aims to check corruption. However every bit of the proposed bill have to be examined . for example, it suggests that every person would have right to file a complain against bureaucrats or a politician. then what is the definition of a politician? ARE MP, MLA or who has contested an election is a politician? then what about the crook who identifies himself as a social worker (i am not saying people from an NGO ) who just collect money to facilitate a BPL card ? what about the local anti social who has never contested election but have worked for a political party so that he would be safe after his akka wins. what about a local Mafia who has given money to contest election so that his business (in their words) would just go on in future. dear the corrupt donot act alone. there is an interdependence among a group of people. each one is a part of a larger system.
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bharat
New Delhi, India
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#9
Saturday
Who is Aruna Roy??? where were she?? why came now?? why is she so hard on Anna?? Is she jealous?? we know her but this time she's acting like a puppet of Government..if u are really worry about people then join hand with Anna...it seems to me that Anna has prepared the food and u just want to eat......the person who speaks against Anna, he/she speaks against India.....
Nksagar
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#10
Saturday
debasis behera---http://nareshsagar.bl ogspot.com/2011/08/kejriwal-pa rliament-is-not-supreme-but.ht ml--alldetails-for-your-quest
Rationalist Hindu
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#11
Sunday
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India is not Egypt. India is a stable democracy through its independent hystory , while Egypt never had democracy.
India does not need a Tahrir Square style revolution to solve its problems.
But pressure from civil society is a must to get a strong anti corruption law that will be applicable on the politicians. Why?
Politicians will readily make strict laws for doctors, or teachers or for private companies.
BUT THEY WILL RESIST ANY LAWS, LIKE LOK PAL THAT WILL BE STRICT TOWARD THEM AND STOP THEM FROM TAKING BRIBES.
So people's pressure in this case is very required.
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#12
Sunday
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Jan Lok Pal has some defects, like it gives lokpal powers to dismiss any public servent
Chapter 3: POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE LOKPAL AND ITS OFFICERS
clause 6.c
"after completion of investigation in any case involving an allegation of an act of corruption, to impose punishment of dismissal, removal or reduction in rank against government servants after giving them reasonable opportunities of being heard".
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THIS EFFECTIVELY LETS LOK PAL OFFICER DISMISS PRIME MINISTER, DEFENCE MINISTER, NSA, DEFENCE SECRATORY
AND WHY IS THIS CLAUSE IN THE "functions of lokpal sub heading, SHOULDN'T IT BE IN THE "powers of lokpal sub heading"
This clause (6.c) needs to be revised (and relocated), to exclude PM, DEFENCE MINISTER, and other such posts important for national security.
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#13
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Only the people (through parliament) should have the right to dismiss PRIME MINISTER, by a motion of no confidence. This is essential for a stable democracy. Anti corruption law should not compromise democracy.
Kahin Aisa no ho ki anti curroption ka laddu pakar ne jayen, aur pura democracy ka basket of luddus he hat se gir jaye.
Anna Hazare and Team Anna should pressure govt for open public debate. But they should not be so rigid so as to stifle any debate.
There should be balance. Right now, anybody- politician or member of parliament, even seen opposing any clause of the Jan Lok Pal Bill (civil society version) is being seen as the devil. THIS IS NOT RIGHT.
BALANCE MUST BE RESTORED. Only then a fair dispassionate debate on the merits and demerits of every clause will be possible.
ANNA should do Anshan (fast) TILL government and eminient MPs like Kapil Sibal, Manu Sangvi, as well as Ram Jetmalani, Ravi shankar prasad and Arun Jaitly do a publicly televised debate with Shanti Bhusan, Prashant Bhushan, and other neutral Law experts, etc.
But Anna Hazare should NOT fast untill bill is passed. That will be very unfair, to the people of India, who deserve a well well thought out bill, not a hurried through bill of such importance.
Anna's Fast should be until open transparent (televised) clause by clause debate. Then let parliament vote freely in this session itself. or else he can go back to fast again against undue delay tactics. Parliament should even be extended, to pass Bill in this session itself.
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#14
Sunday
Nksagar wrote:
debasis behera---http://nareshsagar.bl ogspot.com/2011/08/kejriwal-pa rliament-is-not-supreme-but.ht ml--alldetails-for-your-quest
dear NKsagar,
thanks for your link. but unfortunately i could not open the link . please give the link again.
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#15
Sunday
Rationalist Hindu wrote:
Jan Lok Pal has some defects, like it gives lokpal powers to dismiss any public servent
Chapter 3: POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE LOKPAL AND ITS OFFICERS
clause 6.c
"after completion of investigation in any case involving an allegation of an act of corruption, to impose punishment of dismissal, removal or reduction in rank against government servants after giving them reasonable opportunities of being heard".
----------
THIS EFFECTIVELY LETS LOK PAL OFFICER DISMISS PRIME MINISTER, DEFENCE MINISTER, NSA, DEFENCE SECRATORY
AND WHY IS THIS CLAUSE IN THE "functions of lokpal sub heading, SHOULDN'T IT BE IN THE "powers of lokpal sub heading"
This clause (6.c) needs to be revised (and relocated), to exclude PM, DEFENCE MINISTER, and other such posts important for national security.
SORRY ALL !
After reading the Jan Lok Pal bill again, my objection has been resolved. I had missed the defination of 'Govt. servant' and 'public servant'.
"Chapter 1: Priliminary-
2. Definations,
(g)“Government Servant” means a public servant, who is not an elected representative or a judicial officer."
This very explicitly excludes PM, All Ministers, MP and MLA, and even MLAs and others who are elected etc, from clause 6.c (chapter 3), and can not be dismissed by lokpal itself.
Again My bad, humble apologies.
Nksagar
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#16
Sunday
Naresh Kumar Sagar
Jan Lokpal Bill needs to be purely people body with inherent powers with people not within system-
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#18
14 hrs ago
Nksagar wrote:
Naresh Kumar Sagar
Jan Lokpal Bill needs to be purely people body with inherent powers with people not within system-
please explain what you want to say sir. though you have answered to another esteemed writer,i have just asked you to know more about your idea.
Nksagar
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#19
11 hrs ago
Jan Lokpal Bill needs to be purely people body with inherent powers with people not within system-monitoring authority all-levels
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#20
10 hrs ago
Nksagar wrote:
Jan Lokpal Bill needs to be purely people body with inherent powers with people not within system-monitoring authority all-levels
Agree. The Institution called 'Lok Pal' should be an autonomous body like the election commission of India, and the supreme court.
It should be financially independent, and parliament / politicians should not have powers over it to remove / replace / appoint lok pal chairman and members on their own.
Most of all politicians should not be the ones who appoint lok pal members, or they will only get their own chamchas into office.http://www.topix.com/forum/in/new-delhi/TDRSJKJRO5J8AKD6A#c19
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Anna supporters protests at 86 MPs houses in 9 states
Nksagar Nksagar
Anna talk safe to the point to keep engagement going Anna talk safe to the point to keep my.nowpublic.com/world/anna-tal…
TusharG Tushar A. Gandhi
The call for dharna outside MP's homes is fraught with danger, situation could turn ugly especially in rural constituencies.
#Anna supporters protests at 86 MPs houses in 9 states,Cong, BJP, BSP and SP MPsThis is One pm- update from Union Home Ministry Control room:#Janlokpal Janlokpal
Raipur, Chhatisgarh: #Janlokpal supporters to give memorandum to Ramesh Bais, MP, at 2 pm near Ghadi Chowk in Raipur:#MaheshNBhatt Mahesh Bhatt
RT @TusharG: The call for dharna outside MP's homes is fraught with danger, situation could turn ugly especially in rural constituencies.
#jain_pooja Pooja Jain-by janlokpal-@janlokpal Rally for Sainik Farms, Saket & South Delhi residents starting from Khanpur (Sainik Farms) Gate at 6:45 pm today.
#anuppandey Anup Pandey-by janlokpal-RT “@swapan55: Delhi Gymkhana Club members bewildered: staff has gone to join Anna's protest. Elite of Delhi rattled.” @janlokpal #Anna
#IAmAnushka Anushka Manchanda-Each one of us needs to read up on the bill though, and educate ourselves. The iron is hot, & this is the perfect time to strike. Go India!
#BDUTT barkha dutt
Wonder why some Anna supporters go on comparing Ramlila Maidan with Egypt? Their cause is great, but last heard, India is still a democracy:
#IACBilaspur Dinesh Kumar Dubey-by janlokpal
PROTEST in front of MP Revti Raman Singh at Allahabad.. Supporters are singing Bhajan @janlokpal
#JanlokpalHyd IAC Hyderabad-by janlokpal-Daily Gathering @Dharna Chowk,Indira park from 9am to 5 pm Daily candle light Vigil @People's Plaza,Necklace rd from 6pm to 8pm @janlokpal
#IACAllahabad1 IACAllahabad-by janlokpal
#@poojabeditweets Will be at Ramlila grounds in Delhi 5pm today with her dad @iKabirBedi for support this crucial movement. @janlokpal
#IACMumbai IAC-Mumbai-by janlokpal-Rajinikanth extends his support for #AnnaHazare.Why r other bollywood stars quiet?
Anna talk safe to the point to keep engagement going Anna talk safe to the point to keep my.nowpublic.com/world/anna-tal…
TusharG Tushar A. Gandhi
The call for dharna outside MP's homes is fraught with danger, situation could turn ugly especially in rural constituencies.
#Anna supporters protests at 86 MPs houses in 9 states,Cong, BJP, BSP and SP MPsThis is One pm- update from Union Home Ministry Control room:#Janlokpal Janlokpal
Raipur, Chhatisgarh: #Janlokpal supporters to give memorandum to Ramesh Bais, MP, at 2 pm near Ghadi Chowk in Raipur:#MaheshNBhatt Mahesh Bhatt
RT @TusharG: The call for dharna outside MP's homes is fraught with danger, situation could turn ugly especially in rural constituencies.
#jain_pooja Pooja Jain-by janlokpal-@janlokpal Rally for Sainik Farms, Saket & South Delhi residents starting from Khanpur (Sainik Farms) Gate at 6:45 pm today.
#anuppandey Anup Pandey-by janlokpal-RT “@swapan55: Delhi Gymkhana Club members bewildered: staff has gone to join Anna's protest. Elite of Delhi rattled.” @janlokpal #Anna
#IAmAnushka Anushka Manchanda-Each one of us needs to read up on the bill though, and educate ourselves. The iron is hot, & this is the perfect time to strike. Go India!
#BDUTT barkha dutt
Wonder why some Anna supporters go on comparing Ramlila Maidan with Egypt? Their cause is great, but last heard, India is still a democracy:
#IACBilaspur Dinesh Kumar Dubey-by janlokpal
PROTEST in front of MP Revti Raman Singh at Allahabad.. Supporters are singing Bhajan @janlokpal
#JanlokpalHyd IAC Hyderabad-by janlokpal-Daily Gathering @Dharna Chowk,Indira park from 9am to 5 pm Daily candle light Vigil @People's Plaza,Necklace rd from 6pm to 8pm @janlokpal
#IACAllahabad1 IACAllahabad-by janlokpal
#@poojabeditweets Will be at Ramlila grounds in Delhi 5pm today with her dad @iKabirBedi for support this crucial movement. @janlokpal
#IACMumbai IAC-Mumbai-by janlokpal-Rajinikanth extends his support for #AnnaHazare.Why r other bollywood stars quiet?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Dr-Singh- for strong, effective Lokpal Bill
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presides over the full Planning Commission meeting in New Delhi on Saturday. He said that the Government needs a strong and effective Lokpal Bill. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presides over the full Planning Commission meeting in New Delhi on Saturday. He said that the Government needs a strong and effective:Affirming his commitment for a strong and effective Lokpal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said there is a “dynamic” in the legislative process which takes time.Affirming his commitment for a strong and effective Lokpal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said there is a "dynamic" in the legislative process which takes time. He said all the parties should work together to push for a "strong and effective" Lokpal and remove the "obstacles" in the way.
Mr. Anna Hazare demand for passing the Jan Lokpal by this month-end, Singh said he does not want to controvert anything that was being said on it.He said all the parties should work together to push for a “strong and effective” Lokpal and remove the “obstacles” in the way. Every option and every view point is open in future on the Lokpal Bill: Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Singhvi.Congress today said it is willing to talk to Team Anna if the latter formally approaches the government over the Lokpal issue. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier chaired an hour-long meeting with senior ministers to take stock of the situation arising out of Anna Hazare's fast at the Ramlila Ground.
Mr. Anna Hazare demand for passing the Jan Lokpal by this month-end, Singh said he does not want to controvert anything that was being said on it.He said all the parties should work together to push for a “strong and effective” Lokpal and remove the “obstacles” in the way. Every option and every view point is open in future on the Lokpal Bill: Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Singhvi.Congress today said it is willing to talk to Team Anna if the latter formally approaches the government over the Lokpal issue. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier chaired an hour-long meeting with senior ministers to take stock of the situation arising out of Anna Hazare's fast at the Ramlila Ground.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Rajasthan Govt to Recruit 65,000 teachers
Rajasthan Govt to Recruit 65,000 teachers-The Rajasthan Govt will Recruit 65,000 teachers soon. C.M. Ashok Gehlot made this announcement today at Jaipur in foundation stone laying ceremony for new building of Rajasthan State Open School.
About Rs. 4.6 crore would be spent over construction of the building. Gehlot said that there will not be shortage of teachers in schools after the completion of the process.
About Rs. 4.6 crore would be spent over construction of the building. Gehlot said that there will not be shortage of teachers in schools after the completion of the process.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Rahul Gandhi visits Mawal
Rahul Gandhi visits Mawal-Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited the kin of farmers killed in the police firing at Mawal in Pune district recently and also met the injured at a hospital.
The AICC General Secretary straightaway drove to Mawal early Thursday morning from the airport in an unscheduled visit to a cluster of villages.
Three farmers were killed and many others injured when Pune Rural Police allegedly opened fire on a protest against a closed pipeline project that facilitates supply of water from Pavna dam to the industrial township of Pimpri Chinchwad in Mawal taluk on 9th August.
Gandhi, after calling on relatives of the deceased, visited a hospital where the injured in the firing incident were undergoing treatment, they said.
The AICC General Secretary straightaway drove to Mawal early Thursday morning from the airport in an unscheduled visit to a cluster of villages.
Three farmers were killed and many others injured when Pune Rural Police allegedly opened fire on a protest against a closed pipeline project that facilitates supply of water from Pavna dam to the industrial township of Pimpri Chinchwad in Mawal taluk on 9th August.
Gandhi, after calling on relatives of the deceased, visited a hospital where the injured in the firing incident were undergoing treatment, they said.
India's proposed anti-corruption ombudsman-in-peril
Anna and the government are locked horn in issue about venue, of crowd and time of the fast on number supporters for the social activist at the Tihar Jail,civil society activist Kiran Bedi said.Government has agreed to release Anna Hazare after a day's detainment Tuesday evening, but the social activist refused to leave the Tihar Jail until the government allows him unconditional fast for stronger Lokpal Bill.As more more people taking to the streets across the country in support of Anna Hazare, Delhi Police presently discussing with Anna's team on relaxing restrictions on the number of dates and participants of the fast.
When government's version of the draft bill are now under discussion in parliament's standing committee are considered too weak,thus Anna Hazare declared to start hunger strike again from August 16.
Chief Minister of UP,Mayawati said in statement supporting Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption.
When government's version of the draft bill are now under discussion in parliament's standing committee are considered too weak,thus Anna Hazare declared to start hunger strike again from August 16.
Chief Minister of UP,Mayawati said in statement supporting Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption.
Amendments in Consumer Protection Act Under Consideration
Amendments in Consumer Protection Act Under Consideration
The Government is considering further amendments in Consumer Protection Act to make it more vibrant and effective. This was stated by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution while inaugurating newly constructed building of Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission here today. He said that a dynamic society requires constant updating of existing laws to meet the welfare and development needs of the people.
Stressing on speedy disposal of cases at Consumer Dispute Redressal Fora, Prof. Thomas said Government is implementing e-Governance project called “CONFONET” to built three tier information system at Consumer Fora which will help to dispose cases quickly. All the 35 State Commissions and 593 District Fora have been covered under this IT project.
Highlighting the need of aggressive Consumer Awareness Programme, the Minister said it is very important to built consumer confidence at the time when markets are growing very fast and variety of new services are being introduced. Consumer has to be educated to protect his or her interest. Prof. Thomas said media can play a significant role in this endeavour especially to educate consumers against misleading advertisements. Such advertisements violate the consumer rights to information and inform choice, thereby causing him financial loss and even mental agony. The Minister expressed the hope that recent initiative taken by the Department of Consumer Affairs in this regard would get wholehearted cooperation by the media industry.
The Government is considering further amendments in Consumer Protection Act to make it more vibrant and effective. This was stated by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution while inaugurating newly constructed building of Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission here today. He said that a dynamic society requires constant updating of existing laws to meet the welfare and development needs of the people.
Stressing on speedy disposal of cases at Consumer Dispute Redressal Fora, Prof. Thomas said Government is implementing e-Governance project called “CONFONET” to built three tier information system at Consumer Fora which will help to dispose cases quickly. All the 35 State Commissions and 593 District Fora have been covered under this IT project.
Highlighting the need of aggressive Consumer Awareness Programme, the Minister said it is very important to built consumer confidence at the time when markets are growing very fast and variety of new services are being introduced. Consumer has to be educated to protect his or her interest. Prof. Thomas said media can play a significant role in this endeavour especially to educate consumers against misleading advertisements. Such advertisements violate the consumer rights to information and inform choice, thereby causing him financial loss and even mental agony. The Minister expressed the hope that recent initiative taken by the Department of Consumer Affairs in this regard would get wholehearted cooperation by the media industry.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Defiance of police order by Anna Hazare
Defiance of police order by Anna Hazare not acceptable: Govt-In a clear indication of change in strategy in tackling Anna Hazare's protest over Lokpal Bill, govt today refrained from making any personal attack on the activist but justified his arrest saying defiance of police order was not acceptable in democracy. "This is not a pleasant task and none of us is happy trying to explain the circumstances under which certain events have taken place. It is a painful duty and we are performing it with the seriousness it deserves," Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters.At the same time, he strongly defended Hazare's arrest saying the action was taken by the Delhi Police after it came to a conclusion that he and his supporters would commit a "cognisable offence" by defying prohibitory orders.
Addressing the media along with HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and I&B Minister Ambika Soni, Chidambaram said that the government did make an effort to reach out to him yesterday but the meeting did not materialise."Yesterday, there was an attempt to meet Hazare, but that was not possible".
This morning police officer met Hazare and drew his attention to his statements that he and his supporters would defy the orders and asked him what his intentions were."Hazare said he was proceeding to Jaiprakash Narain Park to defy the orders. At that time, police came to the conclusion that he and his supporters would commit a cognisable offence and there could be likely breach of peace and they decided to take action under Sections 107 and 151 of the CrPC," he said
The Union Ministers, while disagreeing with Hazare's method for bringing the Lokpal Bill, made it clear that they shared the activist's concern on corruption.
"We are on Anna's side and Anna is on our side (as far as fight against corruption is concerned)," Sibal said adding that the disagreement was over Team Anna's insistence on accepting their Bill or no other Bill.Chidambaram also admitted that there was "great deal of angst and anger" among people on corruption and termed the Lokpal as "not a panacea but one of the answers" to deal with the menace.The change in strategy appears after Rahul Gandhi's meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday which was followed up with discussions with UPA troubleshooter Pranab Mukherjee and Chidambaram in Parliament today.
In a marked difference from the earlier attack on Hazare by the party, Soni said the activist was a "reputed person" and the government trusted his word on protest being peaceful.She, however, said that no one can guarantee that there cannot be any problem when such large number of people gather at place as people seated on a dias do not have control on each and every person participating in an agitation.While making no personal attack on Hazare, Soni said he may have been ill-advised by his colleagues former IPS officer Kiran Bedi and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan "who understand law".
Sibal also pointed out towards media reports that Bedi was accompanied by two BJP leaders when she was stopped by the police at Raj Ghat.Replying to a volley of questions, Sibal said "right to protest is a Constitutional right and no government can be against it."
He, however, added that while there were Constitutional rights on one hand, on the other there is Constitutional responsibility.
Echoing similar views, Chidambaram said the UPA government was not against peaceful democratic protests."They are part of the Constitutional rights of the citizen. We acknowledge that right and respect that right. But that right must be exercised under certain reasonable conditions," he said.
Chidambaram also said that the government has no problem if Hazare wants his version of the Lokpal Bill but added that other civil society activists like Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander and Nikhil Dey have also talked to the government on the issue.
He insisted that the only way a law can be made in this country is by making it in Parliament.
"But if laws are not to be made by Parliament but by some social activists in a maidan, however well meaning they are, outside Parliament, then it is beyond my comprehension," he said.
"If laws are to be made by Parliament, government has done everything possible to facilitate the making of that law. We are on record saying, we will make every endeavour to get that bill out of the standing committee as early as possible and pass it in Parliament as early as possible. We have done nothing to impede the progress of the Bill," Chidambaram said.
Sibal said that the Chairman of a Parliamentary standing committee examining the Lokpal bill had invited Team Anna for another round of discussions.
Addressing the media along with HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and I&B Minister Ambika Soni, Chidambaram said that the government did make an effort to reach out to him yesterday but the meeting did not materialise."Yesterday, there was an attempt to meet Hazare, but that was not possible".
This morning police officer met Hazare and drew his attention to his statements that he and his supporters would defy the orders and asked him what his intentions were."Hazare said he was proceeding to Jaiprakash Narain Park to defy the orders. At that time, police came to the conclusion that he and his supporters would commit a cognisable offence and there could be likely breach of peace and they decided to take action under Sections 107 and 151 of the CrPC," he said
The Union Ministers, while disagreeing with Hazare's method for bringing the Lokpal Bill, made it clear that they shared the activist's concern on corruption.
"We are on Anna's side and Anna is on our side (as far as fight against corruption is concerned)," Sibal said adding that the disagreement was over Team Anna's insistence on accepting their Bill or no other Bill.Chidambaram also admitted that there was "great deal of angst and anger" among people on corruption and termed the Lokpal as "not a panacea but one of the answers" to deal with the menace.The change in strategy appears after Rahul Gandhi's meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday which was followed up with discussions with UPA troubleshooter Pranab Mukherjee and Chidambaram in Parliament today.
In a marked difference from the earlier attack on Hazare by the party, Soni said the activist was a "reputed person" and the government trusted his word on protest being peaceful.She, however, said that no one can guarantee that there cannot be any problem when such large number of people gather at place as people seated on a dias do not have control on each and every person participating in an agitation.While making no personal attack on Hazare, Soni said he may have been ill-advised by his colleagues former IPS officer Kiran Bedi and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan "who understand law".
Sibal also pointed out towards media reports that Bedi was accompanied by two BJP leaders when she was stopped by the police at Raj Ghat.Replying to a volley of questions, Sibal said "right to protest is a Constitutional right and no government can be against it."
He, however, added that while there were Constitutional rights on one hand, on the other there is Constitutional responsibility.
Echoing similar views, Chidambaram said the UPA government was not against peaceful democratic protests."They are part of the Constitutional rights of the citizen. We acknowledge that right and respect that right. But that right must be exercised under certain reasonable conditions," he said.
Chidambaram also said that the government has no problem if Hazare wants his version of the Lokpal Bill but added that other civil society activists like Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander and Nikhil Dey have also talked to the government on the issue.
He insisted that the only way a law can be made in this country is by making it in Parliament.
"But if laws are not to be made by Parliament but by some social activists in a maidan, however well meaning they are, outside Parliament, then it is beyond my comprehension," he said.
"If laws are to be made by Parliament, government has done everything possible to facilitate the making of that law. We are on record saying, we will make every endeavour to get that bill out of the standing committee as early as possible and pass it in Parliament as early as possible. We have done nothing to impede the progress of the Bill," Chidambaram said.
Sibal said that the Chairman of a Parliamentary standing committee examining the Lokpal bill had invited Team Anna for another round of discussions.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Anna reaches Rajghat engrossed in meditation
Team-Anna-fast was to begin at-JP-Park-New Delhi,Delhi Police-cancelled their permission,after Anna Team fail-to sign-all conditions levied by Delhi Police.
But-their are hundreds of park in Delhi,Anna must-meditate every morning,say something-like Gandhi.chattrasal-stadium is place of house-arrest for-Anna fixed-if arrested reports media.
India's,street fight on an appointment of anti corruption ombdusman,continues-home secretary to review.Anna reaches Rajghat engrossed in meditation to address the nation later today at 7pm message on the movement.
The-twitter.com-comments;
TusharG Tushar A. Gandhi
I hope and pray that both sides behave responsibly at Raj Ghat and the comman Indian is not made to suffer as happened at Ramleela Maidan.
chetan_bhagat Chetan Bhagat-by janlokpal-tweets
Anna meditating peacefully in front of Gandhiji's samadhi. Inspiring atmosphere. 15th aug after all
shekharkapur Shekhar Kapur
by janlokpal
Ministry of Disinformation in full force against Anna. "U r corrupt 2" is the new Mantra(lay)
But-their are hundreds of park in Delhi,Anna must-meditate every morning,say something-like Gandhi.chattrasal-stadium is place of house-arrest for-Anna fixed-if arrested reports media.
India's,street fight on an appointment of anti corruption ombdusman,continues-home secretary to review.Anna reaches Rajghat engrossed in meditation to address the nation later today at 7pm message on the movement.
The-twitter.com-comments;
TusharG Tushar A. Gandhi
I hope and pray that both sides behave responsibly at Raj Ghat and the comman Indian is not made to suffer as happened at Ramleela Maidan.
chetan_bhagat Chetan Bhagat-by janlokpal-tweets
Anna meditating peacefully in front of Gandhiji's samadhi. Inspiring atmosphere. 15th aug after all
shekharkapur Shekhar Kapur
by janlokpal
Ministry of Disinformation in full force against Anna. "U r corrupt 2" is the new Mantra(lay)
Hunger strikes will not solve corruption problems: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised a strong Lokpal to end corruption in high places and asserted that hunger strikes will not help address the problem.
Addressing the nation for the eighth consecutive year on the occasion of Independence Day on Monday, Singh said no government has a "magic wand" to deal with the problem of corruption which needs to be tackled on many fronts and asked all political parties to stand shoulder to shoulder in this fight.
"I am aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects of the bill. Those who don't agree with this bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and even the press. However, I also believe they should not resort to hunger strikes and fasts-unto-death," Singh said.
Acknowledging that corruption is a big obstacle in national transformation, he said the menace should be discussed in a manner that should not create an atmosphere in which country's progress comes into question.
He also admitted that funds meant for welfare of common man end up in the pockets of government officials.
Speaking from a bullet-proof enclosure amid rains, the Prime Minister touched on a variety of subjects including the sensitive land acquisition issue, naxalism, terrorism, economy and inflation.
Singh, who devoted a major part of the speech on corruption, admitted the scourge was a big obstacle in the way of transformation of the country as a major economic power globally.
"In the last few months many instances of corruption have come to light. In some cases, functionaries of the Central government face allegations of corruption. In other cases, it is the functionaries of various state governments," he said.
"We are taking the strictest possible action in cases of corruption that have surfaced. I will say nothing more on this subject as these cases are sub-judice," Singh said.
"Any debate on these matters should reflect the confidence that we can overcome these challenges," he said.
"Corruption manifests itself in many forms. In some instances, funds meant for schemes for the welfare of the common man end up in the pocket of government officials. In some other instances government discretion is used to favour a selected few. There are also cases where government contracts are wrongfully awarded to the wrong people," he said asserting that the government cannot let such activities continue unchecked.
Noting that the government was keen on a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places, Singh said, "We have recently introduced a Bill in Parliament to achieve this. Now only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted."
The Prime Minister said he believed that there was "no single big step" which we can take to eradicate corruption.
"In fact, we will have to act simultaneously on many fronts," he said.
Sending out a strong message to those indulging in scams, he said, "everyone should know that quick action will be taken against the corrupt and punishment meted out to them."
At the same time, Singh said, "If our system delivers justice in an effective manner, government officials would think twice before committing a wrong act out of greed or under political pressure."
He, however, said there was a need for a "framework in which the judiciary becomes more accountable. It is with this aim that we have introduced the Judicial Accountability Bill in Parliament."
Admitting that government discretion was "misused in allocation of scarce resources and in the grant of clearances", Singh said they will put an end to such discretionary powers wherever possible and he hopes to enact a public procurement legislation by the end of this year.
"Any government awards contracts worth thousands of crores every year. There are frequent complaints of corruption in these decisions. We had constituted a committee to suggest measures to reduce corruption in government purchases.
"The committee has recommended that, like many other countries, we should also have a public procurement legislation which lays down the principles and practice with regard to government purchases. We will introduce a Bill in Parliament by the end of this year to enact such a law," he said.
The Prime Minister said the government was also planning to enact a law which enables the monitoring of the work of regulatory authorities and make them more accountable without compromising their independence.
Highlighting the role of RTI in keeping a "strict watch" on the work of the government, he said, "Today many government decisions, which in the absence of this Act would escape public scrutiny, are coming to light. I believe that this is a big step forward in eradicating corruption."
Singh noted that an alert press and an aware citizenry can be very helpful in the fight against corruption.
The Indian press is known for its independence and activism throughout the world. The RTI legislation that we have enacted has enabled our press and people to keep a strict watch on the work of the government, he said.
Noting that much has been achieved during his last seven years in office, Singh said, however, a lot remains to be done.
"The road ahead is long and arduous. Particularly, the prevailing situation both inside and outside the country is such that if we do not act with understanding and restraint, our security and prosperity can get adversely affected," he said.
"There are some people who want to create disturbances in the country so that our progress gets stalled. All this can have a negative impact on us. But we will not let this happen," he asserted.
The Prime Minister also spoke about problems surrounding the procurement of land and promised the enactment of a "forward looking and balanced" law to prevent tensions over the sensitive issue soon.
Emphasising that he was fully aware of the tensions caused in some parts of the country because of acquisition of land for industry, infrastructure and urbanization, he said that the government will ensure that "no injustice is done to anyone in the process of land acquisition."
He said, "Our farmers have been especially affected by such acquisition. Land acquisition is no doubt necessary for projects of public interest. But it should take place in a transparent and fair manner. The interests of those whose livelihoods are dependent on the land being acquired should be fully protected."
Singh said that the government wants to replace the 117 year old land acquisition law by a new Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation law which is forward looking and balanced.
"We have already prepared a draft legislation and have initiated steps to build consensus on it. We will soon introduce a Bill in Parliament to this end," he said.
Touching upon the issue of terrorism, Singh said the recent serial blasts in Mumbai have come as a warning to the nation that there cannot be any laxity in the vigil against the scourge.
"Last month's terrorist attacks in Mumbai warn us that there cannot be any slip-up in our vigilance as far as the fight against terrorism is concerned. This is a long battle to be fought jointly by the central government, state governments and the common man," he said.
The Prime Minister said the government has been steadily strengthening intelligence and security agencies and will continue to do so in future.
He also expressed concern over the issue of naxalism which he had earlier described as the biggest threat to internal security.
"We are also taking all possible steps to overcome the challenge of Naxalism. We want to eradicate the very reasons which give rise to this problem," he said.
Singh stated that a new scheme has been started for the accelerated development of 60 backward and tribal-dominated districts and an amount of Rs 3,300 crore will be spent on the scheme in a period of two years.
Noting that vocational education and skill development have acquired new importance, Singh also announced that the government will appoint an Education Commission to make recommendations for improvements at all levels of education in the country.
"In view of these major changes, it is necessary that we consider all aspects of education in a comprehensive manner. Therefore we have decided to appoint an education commission to make recommendations for improvements at all levels of education," he said.
Expressing satisfaction over achievements in education sector, Singh said government was considering universalisation of secondary education as it did in case of elementary education through Right to Education Act.
"Today every citizen has a right to elementary education. We are now considering universalisation of secondary education.
Noting that government put its emphasise on education in the 11 th Five Year Plan, Singh said similar priority will be given to the health sector in the 12 th Five Year Plan.
"I have often referred to the 11th Five Year Plan as an education plan. We will lay the same emphasis on health in the 12th plan as we laid on education in the 11th plan," he said.
Holding that health insurance for workers in the unorganised sector was a priority; he said government will endeavor to cover as many workers as possible under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana which was introduced in 2008.
Singh also referred to the threat posed by climate change to development processes. He said the government has established eight missions on climate change and are working hard to implement these missions.
"In the coming months, we will constitute an environmental assessment and monitoring authority to streamline the process of environmental clearances," Singh said.
Singh spoke about tensions that some times arise in the process of change, saying it was natural.
"In a democracy, such tensions also become issues of political polarization. We should endeavour that even as political parties oppose and engage in debate against each other, the pace of our progress does not get affected," he said.
Addressing the nation for the eighth consecutive year on the occasion of Independence Day on Monday, Singh said no government has a "magic wand" to deal with the problem of corruption which needs to be tackled on many fronts and asked all political parties to stand shoulder to shoulder in this fight.
"I am aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects of the bill. Those who don't agree with this bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and even the press. However, I also believe they should not resort to hunger strikes and fasts-unto-death," Singh said.
Acknowledging that corruption is a big obstacle in national transformation, he said the menace should be discussed in a manner that should not create an atmosphere in which country's progress comes into question.
He also admitted that funds meant for welfare of common man end up in the pockets of government officials.
Speaking from a bullet-proof enclosure amid rains, the Prime Minister touched on a variety of subjects including the sensitive land acquisition issue, naxalism, terrorism, economy and inflation.
Singh, who devoted a major part of the speech on corruption, admitted the scourge was a big obstacle in the way of transformation of the country as a major economic power globally.
"In the last few months many instances of corruption have come to light. In some cases, functionaries of the Central government face allegations of corruption. In other cases, it is the functionaries of various state governments," he said.
"We are taking the strictest possible action in cases of corruption that have surfaced. I will say nothing more on this subject as these cases are sub-judice," Singh said.
"Any debate on these matters should reflect the confidence that we can overcome these challenges," he said.
"Corruption manifests itself in many forms. In some instances, funds meant for schemes for the welfare of the common man end up in the pocket of government officials. In some other instances government discretion is used to favour a selected few. There are also cases where government contracts are wrongfully awarded to the wrong people," he said asserting that the government cannot let such activities continue unchecked.
Noting that the government was keen on a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places, Singh said, "We have recently introduced a Bill in Parliament to achieve this. Now only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted."
The Prime Minister said he believed that there was "no single big step" which we can take to eradicate corruption.
"In fact, we will have to act simultaneously on many fronts," he said.
Sending out a strong message to those indulging in scams, he said, "everyone should know that quick action will be taken against the corrupt and punishment meted out to them."
At the same time, Singh said, "If our system delivers justice in an effective manner, government officials would think twice before committing a wrong act out of greed or under political pressure."
He, however, said there was a need for a "framework in which the judiciary becomes more accountable. It is with this aim that we have introduced the Judicial Accountability Bill in Parliament."
Admitting that government discretion was "misused in allocation of scarce resources and in the grant of clearances", Singh said they will put an end to such discretionary powers wherever possible and he hopes to enact a public procurement legislation by the end of this year.
"Any government awards contracts worth thousands of crores every year. There are frequent complaints of corruption in these decisions. We had constituted a committee to suggest measures to reduce corruption in government purchases.
"The committee has recommended that, like many other countries, we should also have a public procurement legislation which lays down the principles and practice with regard to government purchases. We will introduce a Bill in Parliament by the end of this year to enact such a law," he said.
The Prime Minister said the government was also planning to enact a law which enables the monitoring of the work of regulatory authorities and make them more accountable without compromising their independence.
Highlighting the role of RTI in keeping a "strict watch" on the work of the government, he said, "Today many government decisions, which in the absence of this Act would escape public scrutiny, are coming to light. I believe that this is a big step forward in eradicating corruption."
Singh noted that an alert press and an aware citizenry can be very helpful in the fight against corruption.
The Indian press is known for its independence and activism throughout the world. The RTI legislation that we have enacted has enabled our press and people to keep a strict watch on the work of the government, he said.
Noting that much has been achieved during his last seven years in office, Singh said, however, a lot remains to be done.
"The road ahead is long and arduous. Particularly, the prevailing situation both inside and outside the country is such that if we do not act with understanding and restraint, our security and prosperity can get adversely affected," he said.
"There are some people who want to create disturbances in the country so that our progress gets stalled. All this can have a negative impact on us. But we will not let this happen," he asserted.
The Prime Minister also spoke about problems surrounding the procurement of land and promised the enactment of a "forward looking and balanced" law to prevent tensions over the sensitive issue soon.
Emphasising that he was fully aware of the tensions caused in some parts of the country because of acquisition of land for industry, infrastructure and urbanization, he said that the government will ensure that "no injustice is done to anyone in the process of land acquisition."
He said, "Our farmers have been especially affected by such acquisition. Land acquisition is no doubt necessary for projects of public interest. But it should take place in a transparent and fair manner. The interests of those whose livelihoods are dependent on the land being acquired should be fully protected."
Singh said that the government wants to replace the 117 year old land acquisition law by a new Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation law which is forward looking and balanced.
"We have already prepared a draft legislation and have initiated steps to build consensus on it. We will soon introduce a Bill in Parliament to this end," he said.
Touching upon the issue of terrorism, Singh said the recent serial blasts in Mumbai have come as a warning to the nation that there cannot be any laxity in the vigil against the scourge.
"Last month's terrorist attacks in Mumbai warn us that there cannot be any slip-up in our vigilance as far as the fight against terrorism is concerned. This is a long battle to be fought jointly by the central government, state governments and the common man," he said.
The Prime Minister said the government has been steadily strengthening intelligence and security agencies and will continue to do so in future.
He also expressed concern over the issue of naxalism which he had earlier described as the biggest threat to internal security.
"We are also taking all possible steps to overcome the challenge of Naxalism. We want to eradicate the very reasons which give rise to this problem," he said.
Singh stated that a new scheme has been started for the accelerated development of 60 backward and tribal-dominated districts and an amount of Rs 3,300 crore will be spent on the scheme in a period of two years.
Noting that vocational education and skill development have acquired new importance, Singh also announced that the government will appoint an Education Commission to make recommendations for improvements at all levels of education in the country.
"In view of these major changes, it is necessary that we consider all aspects of education in a comprehensive manner. Therefore we have decided to appoint an education commission to make recommendations for improvements at all levels of education," he said.
Expressing satisfaction over achievements in education sector, Singh said government was considering universalisation of secondary education as it did in case of elementary education through Right to Education Act.
"Today every citizen has a right to elementary education. We are now considering universalisation of secondary education.
Noting that government put its emphasise on education in the 11 th Five Year Plan, Singh said similar priority will be given to the health sector in the 12 th Five Year Plan.
"I have often referred to the 11th Five Year Plan as an education plan. We will lay the same emphasis on health in the 12th plan as we laid on education in the 11th plan," he said.
Holding that health insurance for workers in the unorganised sector was a priority; he said government will endeavor to cover as many workers as possible under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana which was introduced in 2008.
Singh also referred to the threat posed by climate change to development processes. He said the government has established eight missions on climate change and are working hard to implement these missions.
"In the coming months, we will constitute an environmental assessment and monitoring authority to streamline the process of environmental clearances," Singh said.
Singh spoke about tensions that some times arise in the process of change, saying it was natural.
"In a democracy, such tensions also become issues of political polarization. We should endeavour that even as political parties oppose and engage in debate against each other, the pace of our progress does not get affected," he said.
Countrywide security blanket for I-Day
Countrywide security blanket for I-Day celebrations
A tight security blanket has been thrown across the country on Monday for the Independence Day to thwart any terror strike, even as an elaborate ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the capital.
With the Union Home Ministry issuing a country-wide alert, states tightened security at sensitive locations and installations to pre-empt any terror attack.
Thousands of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in and around the national capital.
"We have deployed personnel in abundance. We are not taking any chance," a senior police official said.
In Mumbai, the country's commercial hub, the police stepped up vigil at local railway stations, shopping malls, theatres, iconic Gateway of India, hotels like Taj Mahal and Oberoi, Mantralaya and Bombay High Court.
Additional deployment of security forces has been made in Jammu and Kashmir in view of terror alert issued by the Home Ministry about possibility of militants carrying out attacks.
A three-tier security blanket has been thrown around Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of the Independence day function in Srinagar, and other venues in the Valley been been tightened.
Troops along the Line of Control (LoC) have been directed to remain vigilant as army apprehends that militants might try to infiltrate and carry out attacks on security forces and civilians.
Around 40 CCTVs have been installed in and around the Red Fort to ensure incident-free celebrations while sharpshooters of the NSG will be deployed on high-rises near the 17th century Mughal monument.
According to a senior police official, specialised units like Quick Reaction Teams, SWAT and Vajra are being deployed.
An intense vigil will also be maintained on key installations like Parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations.
Besides patrolling of the skies by helicopters, an air defence mechanism will be in place around the venue to thwart any terror attack.
A tight security blanket has been thrown across the country on Monday for the Independence Day to thwart any terror strike, even as an elaborate ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the capital.
With the Union Home Ministry issuing a country-wide alert, states tightened security at sensitive locations and installations to pre-empt any terror attack.
Thousands of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in and around the national capital.
"We have deployed personnel in abundance. We are not taking any chance," a senior police official said.
In Mumbai, the country's commercial hub, the police stepped up vigil at local railway stations, shopping malls, theatres, iconic Gateway of India, hotels like Taj Mahal and Oberoi, Mantralaya and Bombay High Court.
Additional deployment of security forces has been made in Jammu and Kashmir in view of terror alert issued by the Home Ministry about possibility of militants carrying out attacks.
A three-tier security blanket has been thrown around Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of the Independence day function in Srinagar, and other venues in the Valley been been tightened.
Troops along the Line of Control (LoC) have been directed to remain vigilant as army apprehends that militants might try to infiltrate and carry out attacks on security forces and civilians.
Around 40 CCTVs have been installed in and around the Red Fort to ensure incident-free celebrations while sharpshooters of the NSG will be deployed on high-rises near the 17th century Mughal monument.
According to a senior police official, specialised units like Quick Reaction Teams, SWAT and Vajra are being deployed.
An intense vigil will also be maintained on key installations like Parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations.
Besides patrolling of the skies by helicopters, an air defence mechanism will be in place around the venue to thwart any terror attack.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Rohit Nandan new AI Chief,
Rohit Nandan new AI Chief, Jadhav removed-Arvind Jadhav was on Saturday removed as CMD of Air India by the Government which appointed a senior Civil Aviation Ministry official Rohit Nandan as his successor in a bid to speed up the revival of the ailing national air carrier.
The appointment of 54-year-old Nandan, who was the Joint Secretary in the Ministry, was announced even as the Government faced opposition flak in Parliament over the dwindling health of the cash strapped airline. Nandan is a 1982-batch IAS officer.
As per the notification appointing Nandan as the new Chairman-cum-Managing Director for a three-year period, Jadhav was sent back to his parent Karnataka cadre. Jadhav was shunted out nine months before his three-year term is due to end on May 4, 2012.
Nandan, who took over from Jadhav immediately after his appointment this evening, said he would respond to all major issues faced by the airline, attaching top priority to revive it through financial restructuring.
Along with Nandan, government was in the process of inducting "three to four independent Directors" to the Air India Board in place of former FICCI chief and West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra and Vice Chairman and MD of the Mahindra Group Anand Mahindra, who had quit a few months ago.
Three functional Directors for Finance, Personnel and Commercial, would also be appointed to the Board soon, highly placed official sources said.
"This will be the classical governance structure" for Air India, they said, adding that the functional directors, who have so far been from within the organisation, could now be from outside.
The decision came hours after the government faced the Opposition's scathing criticism in the Lok Sabha about the running of the airline and its mounting losses.
Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament House, briefed him on the overall situation facing the airline and sought his approval to effect the changes at the top level.
Jadhav has been under attack not only from sections of the employees like the pilots but also political parties who have trained their guns on him. His tenure so far has experienced three major strikes by pilots and other employees.
The appointment of 54-year-old Nandan, who was the Joint Secretary in the Ministry, was announced even as the Government faced opposition flak in Parliament over the dwindling health of the cash strapped airline. Nandan is a 1982-batch IAS officer.
As per the notification appointing Nandan as the new Chairman-cum-Managing Director for a three-year period, Jadhav was sent back to his parent Karnataka cadre. Jadhav was shunted out nine months before his three-year term is due to end on May 4, 2012.
Nandan, who took over from Jadhav immediately after his appointment this evening, said he would respond to all major issues faced by the airline, attaching top priority to revive it through financial restructuring.
Along with Nandan, government was in the process of inducting "three to four independent Directors" to the Air India Board in place of former FICCI chief and West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra and Vice Chairman and MD of the Mahindra Group Anand Mahindra, who had quit a few months ago.
Three functional Directors for Finance, Personnel and Commercial, would also be appointed to the Board soon, highly placed official sources said.
"This will be the classical governance structure" for Air India, they said, adding that the functional directors, who have so far been from within the organisation, could now be from outside.
The decision came hours after the government faced the Opposition's scathing criticism in the Lok Sabha about the running of the airline and its mounting losses.
Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament House, briefed him on the overall situation facing the airline and sought his approval to effect the changes at the top level.
Jadhav has been under attack not only from sections of the employees like the pilots but also political parties who have trained their guns on him. His tenure so far has experienced three major strikes by pilots and other employees.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Anna Hazare fast unjustified
Government on Friday said that Anna Hazare's plan to go on fast from August 16 on Lokpal issue is unjustified at this stage, when it is moving forward on the passage of the bill. Home Minister P Chidambarm on Friday said this in response to a question that how the government views Hazare's proposed agitation at a time when the draft bill for Lokpal is being deliberated before the Standing Committee.
Mr. Chidamabram noted that everybody has a right to protest and the context and circumstances will decide whether the protest was right or not. He said Hazare team's earlier fast, when the Lokpal bill was not in place, was perhaps right but not now when a bill has already been introduced in Parliament and the government has moved forward on it.
Addressing a press briefing of the Group of Ministers on Media, the Union Minister said that the government's draft Lokpal bill will receive many suggestions in the Standing Committee as well as in Parliament from the opposition parties and some of these may also be accommodated.
To queries about the delay in permission to Hazare to hold fast and how the government intends to tackle the stir, the Home Minister said that the matter rests with Delhi Police Commissioner and the government was not tackling or pushing any one.
In reply to another question, the Home Minister categorically denied the lathicharge on BJP youth workers' protest in Delhi on 9 th of this month. He said only water canon were used to stop the protesters.
Mr Chidambaram said formal talks with ULFA leaders will start soon. He expressed the hope that the Centre’s peace talks with Ulfa will be carried forward in a positive manner. He said that ULFA faction headed by Arabinda Rajkhowa met him in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi some days before. >
Mr. Chidamabram noted that everybody has a right to protest and the context and circumstances will decide whether the protest was right or not. He said Hazare team's earlier fast, when the Lokpal bill was not in place, was perhaps right but not now when a bill has already been introduced in Parliament and the government has moved forward on it.
Addressing a press briefing of the Group of Ministers on Media, the Union Minister said that the government's draft Lokpal bill will receive many suggestions in the Standing Committee as well as in Parliament from the opposition parties and some of these may also be accommodated.
To queries about the delay in permission to Hazare to hold fast and how the government intends to tackle the stir, the Home Minister said that the matter rests with Delhi Police Commissioner and the government was not tackling or pushing any one.
In reply to another question, the Home Minister categorically denied the lathicharge on BJP youth workers' protest in Delhi on 9 th of this month. He said only water canon were used to stop the protesters.
Mr Chidambaram said formal talks with ULFA leaders will start soon. He expressed the hope that the Centre’s peace talks with Ulfa will be carried forward in a positive manner. He said that ULFA faction headed by Arabinda Rajkhowa met him in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi some days before. >
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Metro Rail Project Approved-2011
Phase-III of Delhi Metro Rail Project Approved, Total Length of the Network Approved is 103.05 kms
First Phase of Metro Rail in Bangalore to be Completed by the End of 2013 Mr Kamal Nath, Minister of Urban Development informed the EGoM that commuters in Delhi will be greatly benefited with the approval of the third phase of the Delhi Metro Rail Project. Minister Nath also informed that by 2021, when all four phases of Delhi Metro project are complete, Delhi will have 428 km of Metro network, making it among the largest metro network connection in the world.
The EGoM approved the third phase of the Delhi Metro project of 103.05 km that includes - Mukundpur -Yamuna Vihar corridor of 55.69 Kms, Janakpuri West- Kalindikunj corridor of 33.49 kms, Central Secretariat - Kashmere Gate 9.37kms and Jahangirpuri -Badli 4.489 kms. There will be a total of 67 stations with 15 inter-change points, which will facilitate ridership. The project is expected to be completed by March 2016. With the completion of Phase III, the estimated ridership on Delhi Metro is expected to be 39.50 lakh in 2016, 48.32 lakh in 2021 and 65.62 lakh in 2031. The completion cost of project is estimated to be Rs. 35,242 crore.
Mr. Kamal Nath brought to the attention of the EGoM the long pending demands for Metro connectivity, of the residents of Najafgarh and Shiv Vihar areas of Delhi. On his request, it was decided that three additional lines shall be brought to the EGoM as a supplementary item for approval for inclusion in Delhi Metro Phase III. These are Metro connectivity from Dwarka to Najafgarh, extension of Metro from Yamuna Vihar to Shiv Vihar and extension of Mundka line to Bahadurgarh (in Haryana). These additional lines will meet the long cherished demands of the people of these areas.
At Minister Nath’s instance the DMRC has been directed to conduct surveys for Metro connectivity from Shiv Vihar to Mukundpur and Extension of Metro from Rithala to Bawana.
The extension of Delhi Metro from Badapur in Delhi to YMCA Chowk in Faridabad, Haryana has also been approved. The total length of this corridor is 13.875 km, which is fully elevated with 9 stations at a cost of Rs. 2533 crore. The date of completion for this corridor is September 2014.
The matter of overcrowding of the existing metro coaches in the Delhi Metro network was also discussed. To facilitate procurement of additional 212 coaches by DMRC, Minister Nath proposed that the Ministry of Finance enter into a bridging agreement with DMRC in order to enable DMRC procure the additional coaches. Through this arrangement, the Government of India would allow DMRC to defer payment of three installments for JICA loan totaling Rs 1035 Cr to Government of India for three years i.e 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 by entering into a bridging agreement with DMRC.
The citizens of Bangalore too can look forward to comfortable Metro system with the completion of its first phase in December 2013. The total cost approved by EGoM for the phase I is Rs. 11609 crore and the total length of the network is 42.3 kms. The cost of the project has been revised from Rs. 8158 crore to Rs. 11609 crore .It was decided that the cost escalation amounting to Rs. 709.57 crore will be met entirely by Government of Karnataka. The remaining revised cost of Rs. 10899.43 crore will be shared by Government of India and Government of Karnataka.
First Phase of Metro Rail in Bangalore to be Completed by the End of 2013 Mr Kamal Nath, Minister of Urban Development informed the EGoM that commuters in Delhi will be greatly benefited with the approval of the third phase of the Delhi Metro Rail Project. Minister Nath also informed that by 2021, when all four phases of Delhi Metro project are complete, Delhi will have 428 km of Metro network, making it among the largest metro network connection in the world.
The EGoM approved the third phase of the Delhi Metro project of 103.05 km that includes - Mukundpur -Yamuna Vihar corridor of 55.69 Kms, Janakpuri West- Kalindikunj corridor of 33.49 kms, Central Secretariat - Kashmere Gate 9.37kms and Jahangirpuri -Badli 4.489 kms. There will be a total of 67 stations with 15 inter-change points, which will facilitate ridership. The project is expected to be completed by March 2016. With the completion of Phase III, the estimated ridership on Delhi Metro is expected to be 39.50 lakh in 2016, 48.32 lakh in 2021 and 65.62 lakh in 2031. The completion cost of project is estimated to be Rs. 35,242 crore.
Mr. Kamal Nath brought to the attention of the EGoM the long pending demands for Metro connectivity, of the residents of Najafgarh and Shiv Vihar areas of Delhi. On his request, it was decided that three additional lines shall be brought to the EGoM as a supplementary item for approval for inclusion in Delhi Metro Phase III. These are Metro connectivity from Dwarka to Najafgarh, extension of Metro from Yamuna Vihar to Shiv Vihar and extension of Mundka line to Bahadurgarh (in Haryana). These additional lines will meet the long cherished demands of the people of these areas.
At Minister Nath’s instance the DMRC has been directed to conduct surveys for Metro connectivity from Shiv Vihar to Mukundpur and Extension of Metro from Rithala to Bawana.
The extension of Delhi Metro from Badapur in Delhi to YMCA Chowk in Faridabad, Haryana has also been approved. The total length of this corridor is 13.875 km, which is fully elevated with 9 stations at a cost of Rs. 2533 crore. The date of completion for this corridor is September 2014.
The matter of overcrowding of the existing metro coaches in the Delhi Metro network was also discussed. To facilitate procurement of additional 212 coaches by DMRC, Minister Nath proposed that the Ministry of Finance enter into a bridging agreement with DMRC in order to enable DMRC procure the additional coaches. Through this arrangement, the Government of India would allow DMRC to defer payment of three installments for JICA loan totaling Rs 1035 Cr to Government of India for three years i.e 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 by entering into a bridging agreement with DMRC.
The citizens of Bangalore too can look forward to comfortable Metro system with the completion of its first phase in December 2013. The total cost approved by EGoM for the phase I is Rs. 11609 crore and the total length of the network is 42.3 kms. The cost of the project has been revised from Rs. 8158 crore to Rs. 11609 crore .It was decided that the cost escalation amounting to Rs. 709.57 crore will be met entirely by Government of Karnataka. The remaining revised cost of Rs. 10899.43 crore will be shared by Government of India and Government of Karnataka.
India wants fifteen to twenty-five membership expansion of the U N S C
India wants expansion of the membership of the United Nations Security Council from fifteen to twenty-five members India in collaboration with Brazil, Japan and Germany (together known as the G-4) has proposed expansion of the membership of the United Nations Security Council from fifteen to twenty-five members with the addition of six permanent and four non-permanent members.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has in a statement at a meeting of the UN General Assembly plenary on the intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council on 2 March 2011, clearly stated India's views regarding expansion of the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.
There are a range of proposals suggesting an increase in the numbers of permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council. During the course of intergovernmental negotiations, the proposals for expansion of the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories have commanded the most support among UN member states.
The Government has been actively seeking support from all UN member states for India's candidature for permanent membership in an expanded Security Council. As a result of these efforts, there has been a steady accretion of support for India's candidature.
Both India and the US are actively involved in the on-going negotiations on Security Council reform in the UN and seek an expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Council. US President Barack Obama in a speech to the Members of both Houses of the Indian Parliament on 8 November 2010 said that he “looked forward to a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member”.
The Minister of State of External Affairs Smt. Preneet Kaur gave this information in Lok Sabha today.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has in a statement at a meeting of the UN General Assembly plenary on the intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council on 2 March 2011, clearly stated India's views regarding expansion of the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.
There are a range of proposals suggesting an increase in the numbers of permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council. During the course of intergovernmental negotiations, the proposals for expansion of the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories have commanded the most support among UN member states.
The Government has been actively seeking support from all UN member states for India's candidature for permanent membership in an expanded Security Council. As a result of these efforts, there has been a steady accretion of support for India's candidature.
Both India and the US are actively involved in the on-going negotiations on Security Council reform in the UN and seek an expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Council. US President Barack Obama in a speech to the Members of both Houses of the Indian Parliament on 8 November 2010 said that he “looked forward to a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member”.
The Minister of State of External Affairs Smt. Preneet Kaur gave this information in Lok Sabha today.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Anna Hazare,met Parliamentary panel
Civil Society activists led by Anna Hazare,met Parliamentary panel -A Parliamentary panel looking into the Lokpal Bill, has said that the Committee had detailed discussions with a group of Civil Society activists led by Anna Hazare for nearly three hours. Talking to reporters after the discussions, the Chairman of the Committee, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that concrete and productive discussions were held with the group.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Anna Hazare criticized the Bill. He said, if the Bill is not changed, he will go ahead with his proposed hunger strike on the 16th of August-2011.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Anna Hazare criticized the Bill. He said, if the Bill is not changed, he will go ahead with his proposed hunger strike on the 16th of August-2011.
Karishma Kapoor promote skincare Olay Total Effects
New-Delhi:-Bollywood actress Karishma Kapoor here to promote skincare product Olay Total Effects, which she feels is the reason behind her “ageless beauty”.Olay Total Effects, which she feels is the reason behind her “ageless beauty”.“When I started using this product in 2007, it was a life-changing experience. I strongly believe that if you look good, you feel good, and that`s just what happened with me,” said Karisma, who will be seen on the big screen once again soon.
Kapoor family-actress, has done films like “Dil To Pagal Hai”, “Biwi No.1″ “Raja Hindustani”, and “Zubeidaa”, was last seen in “Mere Jeevan Saathi” which released in 2006.She has now teamed up with model-turned-actor Rajneesh Duggal for Vikram Bhatt`s film titled “Dangerous Ishq”.
Kapoor family-actress, has done films like “Dil To Pagal Hai”, “Biwi No.1″ “Raja Hindustani”, and “Zubeidaa”, was last seen in “Mere Jeevan Saathi” which released in 2006.She has now teamed up with model-turned-actor Rajneesh Duggal for Vikram Bhatt`s film titled “Dangerous Ishq”.
CWG scam rocks Parliament;
CWG mess rocked Parliament for the second day on Tuesday as opposition NDA stalled the Question Hour in both the Houses and demanded resignation of Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit in the wake CAG observations against her.
In the Lok Sabha, soon after Speaker Meira Kumar finished references to the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, BJP and Shiv Sena members trooped into the well raising slogans against Dikshit.
Amid din, SP members rushed to the well in the Lok Sabha and raised the issue of fake encounters in Uttar Pradesh.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal was heard saying that if this was the stand of the Opposition the House should be adjourned for the day.
Monday, August 8, 2011
US crisis melts down Indian stocks,
US crisis melts down Indian stocks, Sensex drops 500 -Indian stocks plunged deep into the red on Monday morning as the Sensex lost more than 500 points within minutes of the market opening on concerns over the US losing its top-notch credit rating due to mounting debts.The 30-share benchmark index dropped within minutes of opening to 16,793.07 points, its lowest level since June, 2010, registering a fall of 512 points from its previous close.The NSE's Nifty was also down by 131 points at 5,079.65 points at 0930 hours, after hitting a low of 5,060.05 points earlier in the morning.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Government in a fix over Telangana,
With government being in a fix over Telangana, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday appealed to all sections to allow consultation process on the statehood issue to reach its logical conclusion."The Government would like to make an earnest appeal to all sections of the people in Andhra Pradesh that they should allow the consultation process to reach its logical conclusion," he said in a statement on a Calling Attention motion in the Lok Sabha on creation of a separate Telangana state.He said the Centre had asked all major political parties to consider the report of a five-member committee chaired by Justice (Retd) B N Srikrishna on the Telangana issue and form an opinion in this regard.
"The consultation process with various political parties of Andhra Pradesh is continuing. A suitable decision will be taken in the light of these discussions," Chidambaram said.
He said the Centre was keeping a close watch on the political developments as well as the law and order situation in the state.Chidambaram said the Srikrishna Committee had listed six solutions or possible options, including maintaining status quo, bifurcation of the state into Seemandhra and Telangana, with Hyderabad as a Union Territory, and the two states developing their own capitals in due course.
The other options are bifurcation of the state into Rayala-Telangana and coastal Andhra regions with Hyderabad being an integral part of Rayala-Telangana; bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with enlarged Hyderabad metropolis as a separate Union Territory.
This Union Territory will have geographical linkage and contiguity via Nalgonda district in the south-east Guntur in coastal Andhra and via Mahboobnagar district in the south to Kurnool district in Rayalaseema, he said quoting the report.
Another option is bifurcating the state into Telangana and Seemandhra as per existing boundaries with Hyderabad as the capital of Telangana and Seemandhra to have a new capital.
The final option is keeping the state united by simultaneously providing certain definite Constitutional/ Statutory measures for socio-economic development and political empowerment of Telangana region -- creation of a statutorily empowered Telangana Regional Council.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has requested the Centre to delete paragraph 14 (f) of the Andhra Pradesh Public Employment (Organisation of Local Cadres and Regulation of Direct Recruitment) Order of 1975, Chidambaram said.
The deletion of the paragraph implies that Hyderabad city would be a 'free zone' for recruitment to the police.The Centre decided to delete the clause and had made an appropriate recommendation to the President.
HC rejects Chidambaram's plea
Madras High Court on Thursday rejected an application by Home Min P Chidambaram seeking dismissal of the election petition filed by his immediate AIADMK rival R S Raja Kannappan challenging his election to Lok Sabha from Sivaganga constituency in 2009 General Elections.
In his application, Chidambaram had contended that there were some defects in the petition filed by Kannappan, who lost the election by just 3,354 votes, and sought its dismissal.Chidambaram had claimed that the high court registry had noted the defects when the petition was filed by Kannappan.Dismissing Chidambaram's application, Justice K Venkatraman said, "There cannot be any doubt that an Election petition filed with defects which cannot be curable cannot be considered as an election petition at the end. However, in the case on hand, the defects pointed out by the officer concerned are not defects which are not curable warranting dismissal of the election petition."
In his application, Chidambaram had contended that there were some defects in the petition filed by Kannappan, who lost the election by just 3,354 votes, and sought its dismissal.Chidambaram had claimed that the high court registry had noted the defects when the petition was filed by Kannappan.Dismissing Chidambaram's application, Justice K Venkatraman said, "There cannot be any doubt that an Election petition filed with defects which cannot be curable cannot be considered as an election petition at the end. However, in the case on hand, the defects pointed out by the officer concerned are not defects which are not curable warranting dismissal of the election petition."
The Judge said he was of the considered view that the application preferred by Chidambaram "is liable to be rejected and accordingly rejected."
Kannappan in his petition filed on June 25, 2009 alleged that Chidambaram's election 'deserved' to be declared void due to 'manipulation' of votes and 'corrupt practices' committed by him, his election agents and others, with his consent.
He had also sought recount of the votes polled in the entire constituency, particularly in the Alangudi Assembly segment.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa during her visit to New Delhi in June last had sought the resignation of Chidambaram alleging that he got himself elected to the Parliament by 'fraudulent' means.
She had alleged that Chidambaram was announced the successful candidate because of a fraud committed by a data entry operator, but the Union Minister hit back saying her remarks were 'gross contempt of court'.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Indian Boys qualify after defeating Sri Lanka
Basketball U16 FIBA ABC Qualifiers: Indian Boys qualify after defeating Sri Lanka
India’s U16 boys’ basketball team faced no troubles in brushing aside the Sri Lankan squad on their way to a 122-34 rout at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, August 3rd. India won the qualifying round and secured their place in the 2nd U16 FIBA Asia Basketball Championship, which will be held at the Nha Trang City in Vietnam from October 18-28th.
It was India’ second successive rout in this competition – after the boys’ blazed to a 98-point win against Nepal on Tuesday, the finalists of the qualifying round, Sri Lanka, failed to provide much more of a challenge. The Indian camp saw a dominating breakout game by prodigious young 7-footer Satnam Singh Bhamara, who was unstoppable on the offensive end of the floor, going for an efficient 28 points. India’s guards played fierce defense, and on the other end, the Punjabi duo of Kushmeet and Love Neet Singh scored a lot of points by outrunning their opponents.
Even after holding to a 64-19 lead at halftime, India didn’t ease their full-court press, forcing Sri Lanka to commit several turnovers that led to easy baskets for the Indian youngsters. In the fourth quarter, Sri Lanka managed to slow the pace of the game a little by fouling the Indian players and sending them to the free throw line often, but the damage was already done, as India also held Sri Lanka down to just four points in the final period.
India were handed by winner’s trophy by Kenny Natt, the American coach of the Indian Senior Men’s side. Sri Lanka, who defeated Nepal 77-54 in their first game on Monday, won the second place trophy, handed to them by NBA India’s Head of Basketball Operations, Troy Justice.
Final Score
India (Satnam Singh Bhamara 28, Kushmeet Singh 26, Love Neet Singh 12, Ajay Pratap Singh 11) bt. Sri Lanka (Kenneth W 12, Praveen Ganlath 10) 122-34 (35-11, 29-8, 35-11, 23-4).
High inflation due to external factors: Pranab
To prove ones perfect,FM attributes high prices to external factors, with eight times hike on fuel rise now the government on Thursday said it is working to moderate food inflation to 5 per cent from over 8 per cent now without sacrificing growth.This remarks is to a debate in Lok Sabha on price rise, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee gave details of various steps the government had taken to rein in inflation but did not outline any further strategy in this regard.Growth with moderate rate of inflation... that is what we want to achieve," Mukherjee said in nearly an hour-long reply which left NDA "disappointed" and was followed by a walk out by the BSP, SP, BJD, AIADMK and Left parties.Through a division, the House negative the amendment moved by CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta which wanted a reference to the "failure" of the government to curb food price inflation.Later, it adopted the motion by voice-vote.Pointing out that the food inflation has come down from 22 per cent in February, 2010 to 8.3 per cent in July this year, he said, "I am not accepting it. This is not the bench mark."
Mukherjee said the comfortable level of food inflation is five per cent but six to seven per cent can be tolerated.Responding to the demand for removing subsidy on diesel used by passenger cars, Mukherjee said, "We can accept the suggestion and try to work out what mechanism could be found out so that this section (passenger cars owners) are not subsidised."
Mukherjee said the comfortable level of food inflation is five per cent but six to seven per cent can be tolerated.Responding to the demand for removing subsidy on diesel used by passenger cars, Mukherjee said, "We can accept the suggestion and try to work out what mechanism could be found out so that this section (passenger cars owners) are not subsidised."
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Lok Sabha debates the issue of price rise
Proceedings in the Lok Sabha went off quite smoothly and in a very constructive manner on the third day of the monsoon session on Wednesday.Following the question hour, discussion under rule 184 on the issue of price rise was initiated by BJP leader Yashwant Sinha.Treasury benches defended the govt with Salman Khurshid taking the lead.Khurshid said that govt is taking all options possible to curb inflation.Yashwant Sinha;said after moving a resolution on price rise.
The opposition had been pressing for a discussion on price rise in the backdrop of the inflation which stood at 9.4 per cent in June and is likely to remain high till November.
Defending the government, Law Minister Salman Khurshid attributed high inflation to increasing prices of crude oil in the international market.
The government had taken a number of fiscal measures like reducing import duties, suspended futures trading in rice and certain pulses to rein in prices, he said.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will reply to the debate tomorrow.
The opposition had been pressing for a discussion on price rise in the backdrop of the inflation which stood at 9.4 per cent in June and is likely to remain high till November.
Defending the government, Law Minister Salman Khurshid attributed high inflation to increasing prices of crude oil in the international market.
The government had taken a number of fiscal measures like reducing import duties, suspended futures trading in rice and certain pulses to rein in prices, he said.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will reply to the debate tomorrow.
Govt. received info on Swiss bank deposits: Pranab
| The Government has received information on some Swiss Bank deposits of Indian nationals. In a written reply, the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday informed the House of Elders that to get back the black money to the country, a five pronged strategy has been formulated by the Government which includes joining the global crusade against black money, creating an appropriate legislative framework, setting up institutions for dealing with Illicit Funds, developing systems for implementation and imparting skills to the manpower for effective action. He said India has been raising the issue at international platforms like G 20, Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, Task Force on Financial Integrity and Economic Development, Financial Action Task Force, UN, OECD, etc. Mr. Mukherjee said various anti tax evasion measures have been legislated in existing Act and proposed in the DTC. He informed the House that 10 Income Tax Overseas Units have also been created with dedicated computerized Exchange of Information system. The Finance Minister said, whenever information about money deposited in any foreign bank accounts is obtained, the same is first verified and then action is taken in accordance with the law to bring the undisclosed amount to taxation. He said, the information received under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is covered by the confidentiality provision of the DTAA. Meanwhile, in reply to a separate question, Minister of State for Finance, S S Palanimanickam said, currently India has DTAA with 80 countries, while it has signed Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with five nations. DTAA and TIEA are the two instruments through which information can be obtained from other nations. The minister said in his written reply, the government is in the process of amending pacts with a host of countries to get information from banks. He said, the government had identified 22 priority countries for negotiations of TIEAs. Negotiations have been completed with 16 countries. To a query on whether the investigations against the persons who are having bank accounts in Liechtenstein have been concluded, the minister said the total income assessed for 18 individual beneficiaries was 39.66 crore and the total tax demand raised was 24.26 crore rupees. He said, prosecution proceedings for tax evasion have been initiated in the case of 17 individuals and information relating to these cases has been handed over to the CBI and Enforcement Directorate. |
Monday, August 1, 2011
Strategic initiatives to curb generation of black money:FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that the names of chronic income tax defaulters will be made public as part of the government's crackdown on tax evasion and black money. He told PTI that the government is working on a number of strategic initiatives to curb generation of black money and for its detection.
Finance Minister said, details of assets and payments received by Indian citizens in several countries have started flowing in and are being investigated.
In an interview to AIR, Mr Mukherjee cautioned that the Indian economy may get affected if slow recovery continues in the US which is battling a serious debt crisis. He said the slowdown in European markets will also have an adverse impact on India's economic growth.
Hundred-dead in Syrian army attack on Hama
Hundred people were killed on Sunday when the military launched an attack on the flashpoint protest city of Hama in central Syria, a human rights activist said.
Ammar Qorabi, who heads the National Organisation for Human Rights, reported the toll and also said army attacks across the country on Sunday killed at least 121 people and wounded dozens more.
Earlier, Rami Abdel Rahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a death toll in Hama of 45, but said that number could rise because of the number of seriously wounded and a lack of medical supplies.
Ammar Qorabi, who heads the National Organisation for Human Rights, reported the toll and also said army attacks across the country on Sunday killed at least 121 people and wounded dozens more.
Earlier, Rami Abdel Rahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a death toll in Hama of 45, but said that number could rise because of the number of seriously wounded and a lack of medical supplies.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Vice President Addresses Birth Centenary Celebrations of late Shri R.Venkatraman
The Vice President of India Shri M.Hamid Ansari has said that Venkataraman ji believed in the Gandhian dictum that “self government is not a substitute for good government”. He noted in the opening lines of his presidential memoirs that he viewed his role as one where the ideals of Lord Krishna, taught upon the battlefield, were tested. Addressing at the birth cenenery celebrations of former President of India late Shri R. Venkataraman here today, Shri Ansari has said that Shri Venkataraman believed that while the observance of one’s dharma, and right conduct, was necessary for the efficient functioning of our democracy, it was nevertheless insufficient since the test of good governance lay in delivery of justice.
Shri Ansari has opined that while political virtue is important, it can neither be pursued in isolation nor can it be the sole guide for political action. Political virtue, combined with idealism and activism, can also degenerate into political anarchy, even tyranny. A classic case is Robespierre’s famous oration on political morality wherein he argued that in revolutionary times the mainspring of popular government is both virtue and terror. In any structured society and polity therefore, and especially in a republic such as ours, it is paramount that political virtue be wedded to the grammar of constitutional morality.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s address :
“It is a privilege to attend a function commemorating the birth centenary of a great son of India. The late President Ramaswami Venkataraman had an extraordinary career in public life as an eminent lawyer, trade union leader, parliamentarian and statesman. The journey from Rajamadam village to Rashtrapati Bhavan is an example of dedication, perseverance and concern for public interest.
Ramaswami Venkataraman contributed to the strengthening of the institutions of our republic. He was a practitioner of virtue in the classical sense, a stickler for propriety and decency, for doing what was right in accordance with his conscience and convictions. He believed that incumbency of public office necessitated decision making, and that doing right was more important than catering to personal preferences or quest for popularity.
It is a truism that the Indian reality is reflected in contrasting images. We have witnessed in our own times significant strides in economic growth, technological innovation and social change. We also see societal and regional inequalities, wide spread poverty and disease, and unrealized aspirations for a better life. Change has generated hope; the challenge to our political process is to transform this hope into reality.
Venkataraman ji believed in the Gandhian dictum that “self government is not a substitute for good government”. He noted in the opening lines of his presidential memoirs that he viewed his role as one where the ideals of Lord Krishna, taught upon the battlefield, were tested. He believed that while the observance of one’s dharma, and right conduct, was necessary for the efficient functioning of our democracy, it was nevertheless insufficient since the test of good governance lay in delivery of justice.
The key to the twin imperatives of observance of dharma and delivery of justice thus lies in adherence to propriety in public and personal behaviour and practice. Shri Venkataraman’s life and conduct is a fitting example of such propriety. He remains a shining example worthy of emulation.
The question of propriety in politics, of political morality, is a perennial one. Kautalya dwelt on the perils of flouting the Dharmashastras and the Arthashastra. Others accorded differing priorities; Confucius stressed the primacy of virtue; Machiavelli espoused the ‘virtue’ of the ruler in terms of success and sustainability; Ambedkar spoke of “the paramount reverence for the forms of the constitution.”
It is necessary to dilate on this matter since it goes beyond ideals and touches the very core of public behaviour.
While political virtue is important, it can neither be pursued in isolation nor can it be the sole guide for political action. Political virtue, combined with idealism and activism, can also degenerate into political anarchy, even tyranny. A classic case is Robespierre’s famous oration on political morality wherein he argued that in revolutionary times the mainspring of popular government is both virtue and terror.
In any structured society and polity therefore, and especially in a republic such as ours, it is paramount that political virtue be wedded to the grammar of constitutional morality.
What are the ingredients of constitutional morality? We can do no better than to go back to the description relied upon by Dr. Ambedkar. It involved, as he put it:
“a paramount reverence for the forms of the Constitution, enforcing obedience to authority acting under and within these forms yet combined with the habits of open speech, of action subject only to defined legal control, and unrestrained censure of those very authorities as to all their public acts combined too with a perfect confidence in the bosom of every citizen, amidst the bitterness of party contest, that the forms of the Constitution will not be less sacred in the eyes of his opponents than in his own.”
In other words, freedom with self restraint, recognition of plurality, consensus on constitutional processes, and absence of a claim to singularity in representation, are absolutely necessary. Constitutional morality, in the words of an eminent political scientist, requires that allegiance to the constitution is non-transactional, is not premised on specific outcomes.
It was conceded even by the constitution framers that such an outcome was not to be a natural process and required the development of healthy conventions.
How successful have we been in developing such conventions and adhering to them? How vibrant is our democratic process in the periods between elections? Has our democracy tended to become progressively non-deliberative? Is there a suggestion of disenchantment with the state and its institutions?
It is essential that there be public debate on these issues.
Today we witness, across the length and breadth of the country, political activism at grass-roots level. In some instances, such activism has sought to utilize Gandhian approaches, both in tactical and strategic terms. These socio-political movements co-exist alongside mainstream politics represented by the political parties and related electoral dynamics at the national, state and local government levels. Their causes vary from environment, farmers’ issues, land acquisition problems, disputes regarding natural resources and mining activities, and public policy goals such as improving public service delivery and combating corruption.
Instead of focusing on solving socio-political problems through established constitutional processes, the search for solutions is increasingly moving towards quasi-legal, perhaps, extra-legal arenas. This has longer term implications. Delegitimizing the political processes is unlikely to solve our problems. Likewise, seeking to erode the careful in-built balance between the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary as contained in the Constitution, either through under-reach of one or over-reach of another, could lead to chaos.
We were fortunate that many of the founding fathers of the Republic were not only freedom fighters, but were deeply committed to putting in place institutions, systems and processes. They had idealism, were endowed with political virtue, and were deeply committed to the constitutional morality of the republic. Shri Venkataraman was from that political stock and hence imbued his public life with such an approach. There is merit in rejuvenating that spirit, and the commitment that went with it.
I thank Lakshmi ji for inviting me to this function. I wish the Birth Centenary Celebrations of Late President Venkataraman all success.”
Saturday, July 30, 2011
This morning President Obama delivered a statement
Read the President’s statement:
Good morning, everybody. I want to speak about the ongoing and increasingly urgent efforts to avoid default and reduce our deficit.
Right now, the House of Representatives is still trying to pass a bill that a majority of Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have already said they won’t vote for. It’s a plan that would force us to re-live this crisis in just a few short months, holding our economy captive to Washington politics once again. In other words, it does not solve the problem, and it has no chance of becoming law.
What’s clear now is that any solution to avoid default must be bipartisan. It must have the support of both parties that were sent here to represent the American people -– not just one faction. It will have to have the support of both the House and the Senate. And there are multiple ways to resolve this problem. Senator Reid, a Democrat, has introduced a plan in the Senate that contains cuts agreed upon by both parties. Senator McConnell, a Republican, offered a solution that could get us through this. There are plenty of modifications we can make to either of these plans in order to get them passed through both the House and the Senate and would allow me to sign them into law. And today I urge Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to find common ground on a plan that can get support -- that can get support from both parties in the House –- a plan that I can sign by Tuesday.
Now, keep in mind, this is not a situation where the two parties are miles apart. We’re in rough agreement about how much spending can be cut responsibly as a first step toward reducing our deficit. We agree on a process where the next step is a debate in the coming months on tax reform and entitlement reform –- and I’m ready and willing to have that debate. And if we need to put in place some kind of enforcement mechanism to hold us all accountable for making these reforms, I’ll support that too if it’s done in a smart and balanced way.
So there are plenty of ways out of this mess. But we are almost out of time. We need to reach a compromise by Tuesday so that our country will have the ability to pay its bills on time, as we always have -- bills that include monthly Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits and the government contracts we’ve signed with thousands of businesses. Keep in mind, if we don’t do that, if we don’t come to an agreement, we could lose our country’s AAA credit rating, not because we didn’t have the capacity to pay our bills -- we do -- but because we didn’t have a AAA political system to match our AAA credit rating.
And make no mistake -– for those who say they oppose tax increases on anyone, a lower credit rating would result potentially in a tax increase on everyone in the form of higher interest rates on their mortgages, their car loans, their credit cards. And that’s inexcusable.
There are a lot of crises in the world that we can’t always predict or avoid -– hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, terrorist attacks. This isn’t one of those crises. The power to solve this is in our hands. And on a day when we’ve been reminded how fragile the economy already is, this is one burden we can lift ourselves. We can end it with a simple vote –- a vote that Democrats and Republicans have been taking for decades, a vote that the leaders in Congress have taken for decades.
It’s not a vote that allows Congress to spend more money. Raising the debt ceiling simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills that Congress has already racked up. I want to emphasize that. The debt ceiling does not determine how much more money we can spend, it simply authorizes us to pay the bills we already have racked up. It gives the United States of America the ability to keep its word.
Now, on Monday night, I asked the American people to make their voice heard in this debate, and the response was overwhelming. So please, to all the American people, keep it up. If you want to see a bipartisan compromise -– a bill that can pass both houses of Congress and that I can sign -- let your members of Congress know. Make a phone call. Send an email. Tweet. Keep the pressure on Washington, and we can get past this.
And for my part, our administration will be continuing to work with Democrats and Republicans all weekend long until we find a solution. The time for putting party first is over. The time for compromise on behalf of the American people is now. And I am confident that we can solve this problem. I’m confident that we will solve this problem. For all the intrigue and all the drama that’s taking place on Capitol Hill right now, I’m confident that common sense and cooler heads will prevail.
But as I said earlier, we are now running out of time. It’s important for everybody to step up and show the leadership that the American people expect.
Thank you.
Good morning, everybody. I want to speak about the ongoing and increasingly urgent efforts to avoid default and reduce our deficit.
Right now, the House of Representatives is still trying to pass a bill that a majority of Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have already said they won’t vote for. It’s a plan that would force us to re-live this crisis in just a few short months, holding our economy captive to Washington politics once again. In other words, it does not solve the problem, and it has no chance of becoming law.
What’s clear now is that any solution to avoid default must be bipartisan. It must have the support of both parties that were sent here to represent the American people -– not just one faction. It will have to have the support of both the House and the Senate. And there are multiple ways to resolve this problem. Senator Reid, a Democrat, has introduced a plan in the Senate that contains cuts agreed upon by both parties. Senator McConnell, a Republican, offered a solution that could get us through this. There are plenty of modifications we can make to either of these plans in order to get them passed through both the House and the Senate and would allow me to sign them into law. And today I urge Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to find common ground on a plan that can get support -- that can get support from both parties in the House –- a plan that I can sign by Tuesday.
Now, keep in mind, this is not a situation where the two parties are miles apart. We’re in rough agreement about how much spending can be cut responsibly as a first step toward reducing our deficit. We agree on a process where the next step is a debate in the coming months on tax reform and entitlement reform –- and I’m ready and willing to have that debate. And if we need to put in place some kind of enforcement mechanism to hold us all accountable for making these reforms, I’ll support that too if it’s done in a smart and balanced way.
So there are plenty of ways out of this mess. But we are almost out of time. We need to reach a compromise by Tuesday so that our country will have the ability to pay its bills on time, as we always have -- bills that include monthly Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits and the government contracts we’ve signed with thousands of businesses. Keep in mind, if we don’t do that, if we don’t come to an agreement, we could lose our country’s AAA credit rating, not because we didn’t have the capacity to pay our bills -- we do -- but because we didn’t have a AAA political system to match our AAA credit rating.
And make no mistake -– for those who say they oppose tax increases on anyone, a lower credit rating would result potentially in a tax increase on everyone in the form of higher interest rates on their mortgages, their car loans, their credit cards. And that’s inexcusable.
There are a lot of crises in the world that we can’t always predict or avoid -– hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, terrorist attacks. This isn’t one of those crises. The power to solve this is in our hands. And on a day when we’ve been reminded how fragile the economy already is, this is one burden we can lift ourselves. We can end it with a simple vote –- a vote that Democrats and Republicans have been taking for decades, a vote that the leaders in Congress have taken for decades.
It’s not a vote that allows Congress to spend more money. Raising the debt ceiling simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills that Congress has already racked up. I want to emphasize that. The debt ceiling does not determine how much more money we can spend, it simply authorizes us to pay the bills we already have racked up. It gives the United States of America the ability to keep its word.
Now, on Monday night, I asked the American people to make their voice heard in this debate, and the response was overwhelming. So please, to all the American people, keep it up. If you want to see a bipartisan compromise -– a bill that can pass both houses of Congress and that I can sign -- let your members of Congress know. Make a phone call. Send an email. Tweet. Keep the pressure on Washington, and we can get past this.
And for my part, our administration will be continuing to work with Democrats and Republicans all weekend long until we find a solution. The time for putting party first is over. The time for compromise on behalf of the American people is now. And I am confident that we can solve this problem. I’m confident that we will solve this problem. For all the intrigue and all the drama that’s taking place on Capitol Hill right now, I’m confident that common sense and cooler heads will prevail.
But as I said earlier, we are now running out of time. It’s important for everybody to step up and show the leadership that the American people expect.
Thank you.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Yeddy is an institution as CM:D B Chandre Gowda,
BJP leaders kicked off consultations to pick a new Chief Minister in Karnataka, some party MPs and MLAs on Friday rallied behind B S Yeddyurappa asking its high command to reconsider his resignation.
Senior BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh flew in Bangalore on Friday ahead of the BJP legislature party meeting to elect a new leader amid reports that Yeddyurappa is pressing hard for having a say in the choice of his successor.
Yeddyurappa reluctantly agreed to resign on Thursday following the party high command's decision in the wake of his severe indictment by the Lokayukta in the illegal mining scam. He said he will be officially submitting his resignation to Governor H R Bharadwaj on July 31.
D B Chandre Gowda, an MP said, "Karnataka BJP MPs are of the unanimous opinion that Yeddyurappa should not resign. He is not an individual. He is an institution as CM. He should have taken the opinion of all elected representatives. We appeal to the high command to reconsider."
Senior BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh flew in Bangalore on Friday ahead of the BJP legislature party meeting to elect a new leader amid reports that Yeddyurappa is pressing hard for having a say in the choice of his successor.
Yeddyurappa reluctantly agreed to resign on Thursday following the party high command's decision in the wake of his severe indictment by the Lokayukta in the illegal mining scam. He said he will be officially submitting his resignation to Governor H R Bharadwaj on July 31.
D B Chandre Gowda, an MP said, "Karnataka BJP MPs are of the unanimous opinion that Yeddyurappa should not resign. He is not an individual. He is an institution as CM. He should have taken the opinion of all elected representatives. We appeal to the high command to reconsider."
JD(S) Seeks Probe into Donation to BSY's Trust
JD(S) Seeks Probe into Donation to BSY's Trust
JD(S) leader Y S V Duuta today filed a complaint with the Lokayukta court praying for referring the payment of donation by a mining firm to a trust owned by Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's family, for probe by Lokayukta police.
The complaint was filed under IPC seeking a probe into the alleged payment of Rs 10 crore to Prerana Trust owned by the family members of Yeddyurappa.
In his report on illegal mining submitted to the governemnt today, Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said that during the course of investigations it was found that certain transactions have taken place between a company-- the South West Mining Company, owned by Jindals, dealing in ironore which had donated Rs 10 crore to a trust managed by the family members of Yeddyurappa.
JD(S) leader Y S V Duuta today filed a complaint with the Lokayukta court praying for referring the payment of donation by a mining firm to a trust owned by Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's family, for probe by Lokayukta police.
The complaint was filed under IPC seeking a probe into the alleged payment of Rs 10 crore to Prerana Trust owned by the family members of Yeddyurappa.
In his report on illegal mining submitted to the governemnt today, Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said that during the course of investigations it was found that certain transactions have taken place between a company-- the South West Mining Company, owned by Jindals, dealing in ironore which had donated Rs 10 crore to a trust managed by the family members of Yeddyurappa.
BATTLE OF INDIA'S SECOND FREEDOM STRUGGLE.
THIS IS THE DO OR DIE BATTLE OF INDIA'S SECOND FREEDOM STRUGGLE. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS.
OUR APPEAL TO ALL INDIANS - from Arvind Kejriwal
(Please forward this message to as many people as you can)
My dear friend,
It is more than evident that our Government and all the political
parties are unwilling to enact a strong law against corruption.
Because if they did so, many of them would face imprisonment. There is
a serious conflict of interest. None of the large scams like the
Adarsh Housing scam, the Commonwealth Games scam, the Reddy brothers
scam, Fodder scam, Health mission scam of UP, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
scam, Cash for vote scam are covered by government.s Lokpal. What use
is such a Lokpal Bill? It is weak and ineffective. It has a very
narrow jurisdiction. None of the corruption faced by a common man is
covered under it either. Please refer to my recent article
http://news.indiaagainstcorruption.org/?p=3129 on this issue for more
specifics on why we think the government draft is not serious about
tackling corruption.
Anna's fast from 16th August is our last hope. We can.t afford to fail
this time. For if we fail, we may never get another chance. Its now or
never.
A number of people across the country are planning various protest
activities. You can organize your own or or you can participate in any
manner possible.
1st August to 9th August: Many people across the country are forming
small teams and undertaking short and long padyatras. They would talk
to people on their way, hold meetings, distribute pamphlets (download
pamphlet from http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org/downloads.html)
and show Jan Lokpal film. Would you like to plan a Yatra with your
friends?
From 9th August: Mass burning/tearing of government.s Bill as a mark
of non-violent protest. Anna will start it most likely from Delhi or
Mumbai.
From 9th August to 15th: People in villages, towns and Mohallas
will form teams and go for prabhat pheri in mornings singing patriotic
songs and educating people about corruption and Jan Lokpal Bill. In
the evening, there would be candle light and mashal marches.
15th August: Switch off lights from 8 pm to 9 pm on Independence day
as a mark of support for the anti-corruption movement.
Fast starts from 16th August: Government says they would crush Anna.s
fast the way they crushed Baba Ramdev.s movement. We are ready for
that. We will offer ourselves for arrest if the government decides to
arrest us. We are ready to face their batons and bullets. But we will
not move from there. We will not retaliate. It will be a completely
non-violent movement.
But if the people take a week off from their work from 16th August and
take to the streets- in front of their house, on the crossings, in
parks, everywhere . with a tricolor in their hands, raise slogans
against corruption - Government can crush one Anna, but it won.t be
able to crush 120 crore Annas. Government could impose section 144 on
one Jantar mantar. But will it impose curfew on the whole country?
If the whole country takes to streets for a week from 16th August, WE,
THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, can force the government to enact a strong Jan
Lokpal Bill.
Will you be there? Can we count on your support and active
participation?
Jai Hind!
Arvind Kejriwal
(Please spread this message to as many people as you can)
India Against Corruption (IAC)
http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org
Interactive voice response: 0-92-12-12-32-12
Give missed call at 022-61550789 to stay connected
To learn more about Lokpal please see:
OUR APPEAL TO ALL INDIANS - from Arvind Kejriwal
(Please forward this message to as many people as you can)
My dear friend,
It is more than evident that our Government and all the political
parties are unwilling to enact a strong law against corruption.
Because if they did so, many of them would face imprisonment. There is
a serious conflict of interest. None of the large scams like the
Adarsh Housing scam, the Commonwealth Games scam, the Reddy brothers
scam, Fodder scam, Health mission scam of UP, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
scam, Cash for vote scam are covered by government.s Lokpal. What use
is such a Lokpal Bill? It is weak and ineffective. It has a very
narrow jurisdiction. None of the corruption faced by a common man is
covered under it either. Please refer to my recent article
http://news.indiaagainstcorruption.org/?p=3129 on this issue for more
specifics on why we think the government draft is not serious about
tackling corruption.
Anna's fast from 16th August is our last hope. We can.t afford to fail
this time. For if we fail, we may never get another chance. Its now or
never.
A number of people across the country are planning various protest
activities. You can organize your own or or you can participate in any
manner possible.
1st August to 9th August: Many people across the country are forming
small teams and undertaking short and long padyatras. They would talk
to people on their way, hold meetings, distribute pamphlets (download
pamphlet from http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org/downloads.html)
and show Jan Lokpal film. Would you like to plan a Yatra with your
friends?
From 9th August: Mass burning/tearing of government.s Bill as a mark
of non-violent protest. Anna will start it most likely from Delhi or
Mumbai.
From 9th August to 15th: People in villages, towns and Mohallas
will form teams and go for prabhat pheri in mornings singing patriotic
songs and educating people about corruption and Jan Lokpal Bill. In
the evening, there would be candle light and mashal marches.
15th August: Switch off lights from 8 pm to 9 pm on Independence day
as a mark of support for the anti-corruption movement.
Fast starts from 16th August: Government says they would crush Anna.s
fast the way they crushed Baba Ramdev.s movement. We are ready for
that. We will offer ourselves for arrest if the government decides to
arrest us. We are ready to face their batons and bullets. But we will
not move from there. We will not retaliate. It will be a completely
non-violent movement.
But if the people take a week off from their work from 16th August and
take to the streets- in front of their house, on the crossings, in
parks, everywhere . with a tricolor in their hands, raise slogans
against corruption - Government can crush one Anna, but it won.t be
able to crush 120 crore Annas. Government could impose section 144 on
one Jantar mantar. But will it impose curfew on the whole country?
If the whole country takes to streets for a week from 16th August, WE,
THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, can force the government to enact a strong Jan
Lokpal Bill.
Will you be there? Can we count on your support and active
participation?
Jai Hind!
Arvind Kejriwal
(Please spread this message to as many people as you can)
India Against Corruption (IAC)
http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org
Interactive voice response: 0-92-12-12-32-12
Give missed call at 022-61550789 to stay connected
To learn more about Lokpal please see:
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