PM Meet Sharif, stresses on end to ceasefire violations
30092013 |
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did some direct speaking with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif laying down the precondition of end to violations of ceasefire along the LoC for progress towards resumption of Indo-Pak dialogue on various issues.
It was announced that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries have been tasked to come up with a clear plan to restore ceasefire and the way forward to ensure that it remains in force and in place.
No timeframe was set for this but the Indian side said they would like to address the problem as soon as possible.
Stability along the LoC and shutting down of the terror machinery on the Pakistan soil directed at India formed the core agenda for Singh in his first-ever meeting with the recently-elected Sharif.
Sharif drove to Singh’s hotel New York Palace in midtown Manhattan for the meeting.
The two Prime Ministers extended invitations to each other for official visits but no dates were indicated.
It is unlikely that Singh would achieve his desire of visiting Pakistan where he was born 81 years ago, given the current state of bilateral ties and the fact that his tenure is nearing its end.
For the record, India’s National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon told a media briefing at which both Indian and Pakistani journalists were present that the meeting was cordial, useful and constructive.
Singh also demanded effective action to bring to justice the perpetrators of 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, he said the talks that came against the grim backdrop of twin terror attacks near Jammu on Thursday.
Menon said the immediate priority is to “get out of the situation” which the two countries were because of cross border terrorism and LoC ceasefire violations.
Singh told Sharif that “peace on LoC is a precondition” for improvement in ties.
The two leaders agreed to see improvement in situation on the LoC where ceasefire violations are taking place on the Pakistani side.
At the meeting, Singh raised the issue of continued cross-border terrorism and the support groups like Jamaat-ud-Dawa led by Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed get from the Pakistan government.
On Mumbai attack investigations in Pakistan which India feels is not making any progress, Sharif told Singh that action will be taken against the perpetrators.
In this context he referred to the visit of his country’s judicial committee to India recently. Sharif said Pakistan also suffers from terrorism.
Asked how hopeful the Indian side was about Pakistan taking action on India’s concern, Menon said proof of success and usefulness of the meetings would be known only in the months to come.
He said both leaders desire to have better relations but no decision on another meeting between them was taken at this stage.
At another briefing five blocks away, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Abbas Jilani described the meeting “extremely positive and useful”.
“The main purpose was to create a conducive environment to discuss and resolve all outstanding issues,” he said. “The two leaders expressed their commitment to resolve all their issues,” Jilani said.
Prime Minister Singh emphasised that resolution of all issues including Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek was important for bringing peace in the region, he said.
He said the two leaders discussed the situation on the LoC and agreed that the accord reached in 2004 should be respected in letter and spirit.
Sharif emphasised that the two countries have no option but to sustain peaceful dialogue between them.
“Terrorism was discussed. We are aware of your concerns on terrorism, and I think our concerns are also known on the Indian side,” Jilani said.
To a question whether the army and Sharif were on the same page, Jilani said: “All institutions in Pakistan are on the same page. There is a misperception on this issue. In Pakistan, the decision-making process is the same as in all democratic countries – all decisions are taken through consensus.”
Jilani claimed that the 26/11 probe in Pakistan had slowed down because of the delay in the visit of the Judicial Commission to India.
After the visit, they would submit the report, the trial process would be speeded up, he said.
The NSA said both sides agreed that for any further movement in the relationship, peace and tranquility along the LoC the pre-condition and agreed to work for it.
Asked whether there was discussion on restoring peace process between the two nations in its entirety, he said, “right now our effort is focussed on making it possible to move towards broader dialogue and that stage hasn’t come yet.”
He underlined that at the moment, the priority was to address current concerns over cross-border terror and ceasefire violations.
While describing the meeting as useful and productive, he said the “only proof (of how productive the meeting was) will be in the months to come.”
“The meeting shows that we have had a high- level exchange, achieved a new state. Now (we) have some understanding how we can move forward,” Menon added.
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Categories : Business, Politics, Uncategorized
Cellphones to be distributed under MGNREGA
30092013
The ambitious scheme to be launched ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 is aimed at enhancing tele-density in rural areas.According to the proposal, one person per family registered under MGNREGA scheme will be provided with the cellphone for which a recharge of Rs 30 per month will be provided for free for two years.
This will entitle the users 30 minutes of airtime, 30 SMSes and 30 Mbps net or data usage per month.
If users cross the Rs 30 limit, they will have to get a recharge at their own cost.
To get the cellphone, the beneficiary will have to pay Rs 300.
Sources said the government prefers to provide the cellphone to a woman member of the beneficiary family.
The scheme will be funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) at a cost of Rs 4,850 crore spread over a period of four years to cover 2.5 crore beneficiaries, they said.
Universal Service Obligation is access to telegraph service to people in rural and remote areas at affordable and reasonable prices.
25 lakh people will be provided with the handsets in the first year, while 50 lakh more beneficiaries will be added in the next year. The cellphone is likely to cost Rs 1,200 for which BSNL – the service provider – will undertake competitive bidding, the sources said.
According to the proposal, the scheme would enable people in rural areas to access information related to agriculture, health care, education, financial services, skill development and employment.
Around five crore households have been provided work in year 2012-13.
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Categories : Business, CSR, Uncategorized
30092013
Cellphones to be distributed under MGNREGA
Posted on September 30, 2013 by sagarmedia
Net-enabled cellphones could soon be provided to 2.5 crore people under the MGNREGA scheme.
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The ambitious scheme to be launched ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 is aimed at enhancing tele-density in rural areas.
According to the proposal, one person per family registered under MGNREGA scheme will be provided with the cellphone for which a recharge of Rs 30 per month will be provided for free for two years.
This will entitle the users 30 minutes of airtime, 30 SMSes and 30 Mbps net or data usage per month.
If users cross the Rs 30 limit, they will have to get a recharge at their own cost.
To get the cellphone, the beneficiary will have to pay Rs 300.
Sources said the government prefers to provide the cellphone to a woman member of the beneficiary family.
The scheme will be funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) at a cost of Rs 4,850 crore spread over a period of four years to cover 2.5 crore beneficiaries, they said.
Universal Service Obligation is access to telegraph service to people in rural and remote areas at affordable and reasonable prices.
25 lakh people will be provided with the handsets in the first year, while 50 lakh more beneficiaries will be added in the next year. The cellphone is likely to cost Rs 1,200 for which BSNL – the service provider – will undertake competitive bidding, the sources said.
According to the proposal, the scheme would enable people in rural areas to access information related to agriculture, health care, education, financial services, skill development and employment.
Around five crore households have been provided work in year 2012-13.
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30092013
” WATCH WORLD AWARD 2013″
EDITPUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 BY SAGARMEDIA
Dear N.K.
EDITPUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 BY SAGARMEDIA
Dear N.K.
You are cordially invited on friday evening of 4th October for The ” WATCH WORLD AWARD 2013″ at WESTIN hotel located at IFFCO crossing, Gurgaon MG Road.
The awards would be followed by entertainment , cocktails & dinner .
The evening will be witnessed by renowned Bollywood stars , political personalities & ambassadors of various countries .
Feel free to extend the invite to your special friends to accompany you & it would be my pleasure to host them as well .
Invitation attached RSVP to the undersigned .
Look forward seeing you at the AWARDS !
Best Regards
Kajal Malhotra
+91 9810133270
The awards would be followed by entertainment , cocktails & dinner .
The evening will be witnessed by renowned Bollywood stars , political personalities & ambassadors of various countries .
Feel free to extend the invite to your special friends to accompany you & it would be my pleasure to host them as well .
Invitation attached RSVP to the undersigned .
Look forward seeing you at the AWARDS !
Best Regards
Kajal Malhotra
+91 9810133270
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30092013
Hotel industry to be incentivized to broaden Dubai’s four and three star offering
Mumbai, 30th September 2013: The hotel investment industry was given a financial incentive to develop more mid-range hotels in Dubai, in a move to swell the Emirate’s supply of four and three star properties. Eligible hotels will be granted a concession on the standard 10 per cent Municipality Fee which is levied on the room rate for each night of occupancy.
The initiative is designed to incentivize hotel owners to bring forward their construction timelines, creating more three and four star hotel rooms in Dubai more quickly. It is the result of collaboration between government partners DTCM and Dubai Municipality and part of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) strategy to achieve Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020, which aims to attract 20 million annual visitors to Dubai by 2020 – a strategy approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May of this year.
The announcement was made today by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DTCM, during a keynote session at the Hotel Show, currently being held at Dubai World Trade Centre.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DTCM said: “In order to achieve our headline objective of 20 million visitors per year by 2020, we need to both increase the overall stock of hotel rooms in Dubai and widen the range of options for visitors. In recent years the number of three and four star establishments has increased, but it’s vital that we continue to engineer the growth of this range.”
“A number of hotel properties are either under construction or in the planning stages in Dubai and under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this incentive has been designed to bring those properties to market sooner. While our Tourism Vision has an end date of 2020, our strategy is focused on continual growth year-on-year, and we want to see the destination offer noticeably broaden every year. The equation is simple – the sooner the property opens, the bigger financial incentive the hotel owner will receive.”
Mumbai, 30th September 2013: The hotel investment industry was given a financial incentive to develop more mid-range hotels in Dubai, in a move to swell the Emirate’s supply of four and three star properties. Eligible hotels will be granted a concession on the standard 10 per cent Municipality Fee which is levied on the room rate for each night of occupancy.
The initiative is designed to incentivize hotel owners to bring forward their construction timelines, creating more three and four star hotel rooms in Dubai more quickly. It is the result of collaboration between government partners DTCM and Dubai Municipality and part of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) strategy to achieve Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020, which aims to attract 20 million annual visitors to Dubai by 2020 – a strategy approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May of this year.
The announcement was made today by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DTCM, during a keynote session at the Hotel Show, currently being held at Dubai World Trade Centre.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DTCM said: “In order to achieve our headline objective of 20 million visitors per year by 2020, we need to both increase the overall stock of hotel rooms in Dubai and widen the range of options for visitors. In recent years the number of three and four star establishments has increased, but it’s vital that we continue to engineer the growth of this range.”
“A number of hotel properties are either under construction or in the planning stages in Dubai and under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this incentive has been designed to bring those properties to market sooner. While our Tourism Vision has an end date of 2020, our strategy is focused on continual growth year-on-year, and we want to see the destination offer noticeably broaden every year. The equation is simple – the sooner the property opens, the bigger financial incentive the hotel owner will receive.”
Investors in new hotels will be granted a waiver on the Fee for a period of four years from the date the permit to construct is granted and provided that this date is between 1st October 2013 and 31st December 2017.
Given to an audience of investors, hotel general managers and media, the interview with Almarri at the Hotel Show covered a range of subjects related to collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders within the tourism industry to ensure that Dubai delivers its Tourism Vision for 2020. They included:
• The new hotel classification scheme which became law in May 2013, ensuring that each hotel establishment in Dubai is benchmarked in-line with an international-standard grading scheme
• The need to collectively target the wealth of first time global travellers from China, the Indian sub-continent and Africa, by identifying the demands of these travellers and ensuring that Dubai’s destination offer meets these demands – through the development of new hotels, attractions and experiences
• Ensuring that the diversity of Dubai’s leisure tourism offering is communicated effectively and used to drive an increase in the average length of stay
• Focusing on continuing to develop the Emirate’s business and leisure events calendars and using events as a means to attract visitors.
Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020 was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in May 2013 and includes the headline objective of welcoming 20 million annual visitors by 2020: In 2012, Dubai welcomed 10 million visitors for the first time; the Vision requires a doubling of this figure to meet the 2020 target.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri stated during the interview: “We continue to focus on three key objectives: maintaining market share in our existing source markets; increasing market share in markets where there is high growth potential; and increasing the number of repeat visits. In order to successfully achieve these objectives, it is vital that we harness the collective power of key stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors in Dubai and abroad. The incentive announced today is just one example of the initiatives we will be taking to help foster this collaboration.”
***
Given to an audience of investors, hotel general managers and media, the interview with Almarri at the Hotel Show covered a range of subjects related to collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders within the tourism industry to ensure that Dubai delivers its Tourism Vision for 2020. They included:
• The new hotel classification scheme which became law in May 2013, ensuring that each hotel establishment in Dubai is benchmarked in-line with an international-standard grading scheme
• The need to collectively target the wealth of first time global travellers from China, the Indian sub-continent and Africa, by identifying the demands of these travellers and ensuring that Dubai’s destination offer meets these demands – through the development of new hotels, attractions and experiences
• Ensuring that the diversity of Dubai’s leisure tourism offering is communicated effectively and used to drive an increase in the average length of stay
• Focusing on continuing to develop the Emirate’s business and leisure events calendars and using events as a means to attract visitors.
Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020 was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in May 2013 and includes the headline objective of welcoming 20 million annual visitors by 2020: In 2012, Dubai welcomed 10 million visitors for the first time; the Vision requires a doubling of this figure to meet the 2020 target.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri stated during the interview: “We continue to focus on three key objectives: maintaining market share in our existing source markets; increasing market share in markets where there is high growth potential; and increasing the number of repeat visits. In order to successfully achieve these objectives, it is vital that we harness the collective power of key stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors in Dubai and abroad. The incentive announced today is just one example of the initiatives we will be taking to help foster this collaboration.”
***
Notes to editors
About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai to global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the Emirate.
About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai to global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the Emirate.
DTCM is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector; markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector; and is responsible for the licencing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the DTCM portfolio include Dubai Convention and Events Bureau, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (formerly known as Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment). In addition to its headquarters in Dubai, DTCM operates 19 offices worldwide, with a 20th – the fourth office to be opened in China – opening in October 2013.
For further information about DTCM, please contact:
Mr. Carl Vaz
Director – India
Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
1104 Arcadia, 11th Floor
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021
Mr. Carl Vaz
Director – India
Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
1104 Arcadia, 11th Floor
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021
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30092013
Yuvraj back in Team India, squad for Oz series announced
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In-form senior batsman Yuvraj Singh made a comeback but pacer Umesh Yadav was dropped from the 15-member Indian cricket team announced on Monday for the first Twenty20 International and three ODIs against Australia starting 10th October in Rajkot.
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Yuvraj, who last played for India against England in an ODI in Dharamsala last January, was recalled after a string of fantastic scores for India A against West Indies A and a solid display for India Blue in the recently-concluded NKP Salve Challenger Series.
Yuvraj scored 337 runs in five List A matches at an average of 67.40 with a highest score of 123 against the touring Caribbean side. He also scored a quickfire 52 against West Indies A in a T20 game in Bangalore.
With his more than useful left-arm spin as back-up, Yuvraj is certain to play an important role in that Indian bowling line-up in the middle overs.
Yuvraj replaced Dinesh Karthik, who didn’t do much since his comeback save a lone half century in the Champions Trophy.
Opener Murali Vijay, who hasn’t set the limited overs stage on fire was also dropped from the squad announced by the selection committee headed by Sandeep Patil.
One of the notable exclusions was pacer Umesh Yadav, who didn’t do his case a world of good by performing poorly in the Challenger Series giving away 67 runs in 10 overs and a whopping 85 runs in 9 overs respectively in the two matches he played for India Red.
Bengal speedster Mohammed Shami, seasoned Karnataka seamer Ranganath Vinay Kumar and promising Saurashtra left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat were retained from the pace attack that played its last international series in Zimbabwe.
Haryana paceman Mohit Sharma was dropped from the squad while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma made a comeback after well deserved rest. Bhuvneshwar bowled India Blue to Challenger Series triumph with a four-wicket haul in the final.
Young Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Perveez Rasool made way for senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin while Amit Mishra held on to his place in the squad having taken 18 wickets in the last series against Zimbabwe.
The reserve batsman’s place in the squad was a battle between Ambati Rayudu and Ajinkya Rahane with very little to choose between them. In the end, Rayudu who now plays for Baroda in Ranji Trophy, got the nod ahead of the Mumbaikar.
According to a reliable source, the names of senior pros Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir did not even come up for discussion but the selectors will be keenly following their performance in the four-day match against the West Indies A in Hubli, Karnataka from Wednesday.
Squad (1 T20 International and first 3 ODIs):
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ranganath Vinay Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jaydev Unadkat, Amit Mishra, Ambati Rayudu.
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Updated on : 30-09-2013 02:21 PMEdit : Edit
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Lalu Yadav in jail, faces disqualification as MP
30092013
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In a body blow to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) before next year’s Lok Sabha polls, its President Lalu Prasad Yadav has been convicted by a special CBI court in Ranchi in the fodder scam corruption case that disqualifies him from Parliament and renders him ineligible for contesting elections for at least six years.
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Another 44 accused, including former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra, six politicians and four IAS officers, were also convicted by court of Pravas Kumar Singh for fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 37.7 crore from Chaibasa treasury.
The court fixed October three for pronouncement of sentence against Yadav, Mishra and others.
The RJD chief faces immediate disqualification as Lok Sabha member under a recent Supreme Court order that an MP or MLA would stand disqualified immediately if convicted by a court for crimes with punishment of two years or more and under some other laws even without jail sentence. He would be the first MP to lose his Lok Sabha membership under the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The August judgement of the Supreme Court struck down a provision in the electoral law that provided protection to sitting MPs and MLAs by allowing them to continue in their posts if they appeal against a lower court conviction and secure a stay of the order.
Earlier, Prasad arrived at the special CBI court before delivery of the verdict in the 17-year-old case.
The court had on September 17 set Sunday’s date to pass orders in the case. Among others, IAS officers Mahesh Prasad, Phoolchand Singh, Beck Juleus, K Arumugam, Income Tax officer A C Choudhary, former AHD officials and fodder suppliers were also among the accused.
Prasad had begun arguments on September 9 and ended it on September 17 after the Supreme Court turned down his request to change the current special court to another court after he apprehended political conspiracy.
Following the Animal Husbandry scam, popularly known as the Fodder Scam, Prasad had to resign as chief minister of Bihar.
After installing his wife Rabri Devi as the chief minister, Yadav had surrendered to a court in Patna on July 31, 1997. Later, he came to Ranchi following a court order that Ranchi had the jurisdiction of the case.
The Mecon Guest House was converted to a camp jail in Ranchi before he was shifted to the old Birsa Munda Jail at Circular road.
After Jharkhand’s bifurcation on November 15, 2000, the litigations were brought before the Supreme Court whether the Patna High Court had the jurisdiction on the cases in this part of the undivided Bihar and trial was stayed till December 2000 to December 2001.
The SC had said in November, 2001 that trial would be conducted by special courts in Ranchi. Trial in Ranchi began in March, 2002 by seven special courts.
The case was posted for defence of Prasad from May 15 and Prasad’s counsel examined 29 witnesses in his defence. But when the defence continued to skip dates, the court fixed July 15 to deliver the judgement and asked the accused to complete arguments by July 1.
Subsequently, Prasad moved the Supreme Court pleading shifting of his case from the court of Pravas Kumar Singh on the ground of political conspiracy, which the apex court struck down, paving the way for the first judgement against Prasad.
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Workshop organized by Group of Adult Education JNU
30092013
Three day workshop organized by Group of Adult Education, School of Social Sciences, JNU
September 29th 2013: A three day workshop was organized by the Group of Adult Education, JNU from September 27th to September 29th 2013 to promote gender harmony on and off campus, specially focussing on the gender discord that gave rise to the shocking mishappening on July 31stin JNU, when a male student brutally attacked a female student and then committed suicide. The workshop was another serious effort in the series of efforts that the Group of Adult Education is making individually on its own initiative to figure out better ways of resolving issues among students related to different aspects of their life, especially those, that they find hard to discuss with others and end up in spoiling their career or life. The theme of the workshop was that instead of adopting a short-term superficial approach of making the system stronger and more oriented towards punishment and enforcement of rights and laws, there should be a serious attempt to ‘save’ lives and careers from being spoilt by providing the right king of education and imbibing harmonious culture among students along with the values that promote harmony rather than discord and contradictions. The Group of Adult education is planning to launch an active campaign across the campus to increase awareness about such issues and save students from getting indulged into destructive behaviour of this kind, as a part of a long-term strategy aimed at creating value-based human resource that not only survives to earn a living but also knows to earn it in a harmonious manner ensuring dignity and safety for all sections of the campus that might be weaker or marginalised in one way or the other.
JNU’s Vice Chancellor addressed the students saying that such efforts should not come as a reaction to mishappenings or fatal events but infact, they should be practiced and incorporated into the essential elements of JNU culture so that such events should not occur at all. He emphasised that JNU can and has to become an example for other universities across the country for promoting a harmonious culture that respects the dignity of every individual equally. He mentioned that out of the four committees set up by JNU to scrutinize the 31st July mishappening, one of the committee is for addressing student issues through the way that the Group of Adult Education is promoting, though the Group has not been assigned any task by the Committee. The Group has been proactively engaging students through different means to be a part of a ‘dialogue’ rather than ‘discord.’ The Vice Chancellor also suggested that such training programmes could be devised not only for the students but for the staff of JNU as well. The Group is also planning to introduce a new course or a small training programme for all JNU students that might be made mandatory for all students, if approved, so that a sensitive and positive culture finds way in the campus through practical education and training.
Organizer and coordinator of the workshop, Dr. Ajay Kumar, stressed that in the present scenario, where insensitivity towards certain sections of the society, especially women, is increasing, a different and novel approach of sensitizing the students towards these sections is required lest more careers would be spoiled and more lives would be ruined. He showed his concern towards the confrontational, egoistic culture among the youth today that may lead them nowhere and prove a threat to their future as well as the society as a whole. Chairperson of the Group, Dr. Bhagwan Josh also addressed the students and called the efforts by the Group as a ‘creative exercise’ which should keep continuing for the benefit of students in order to address their concerns effectively and positively.
Experts from the academic as well as the corporate world shared engaged students into constructive practices through documentary films on the condition of women in India, Kabir and harmony, apart from games, special recreational activities, meditation sessions, serious debates and discussion.
Mr. Raj S. Amonkar, (expert) said that “we can give only what we have within ourselves.” He added that in order to change our behaviour towards sections in the society that have been victimised by power structures and power relationships, we need to start from ‘self understanding’. Experiential wisdom needs to be integrated within the education process. The “practice of wisdom and the wisdom of practice” are the present missing links in our education system. This will enable every student and teacher to optimize learning, living, and contributing that symbolize harmony and respect for others.
Dr Suneet Varma, (expert) stressed that power relationships in the society are a cause for such problems, in particular the patriarchal structure of the society, and the solution lies in understanding ourselves better. Further, there is a need to change our approach towards each other based on an experientially grounded knowledge of the oneness of humanity, which is only possible via the insights available in wisdom traditions. In this regard, Indian thought has an immense lot to offer, and not just to Indians but the world at large.
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AirAsia is Business Traveller’s ‘Best Low-Cost Airline’
30092013
SEPANG, 30 October 2013 – AirAsia was once again distinguished as the best in its class, when the airline was awarded with the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline’ award at the 2013 BusinessTraveller Asia-Pacific’s Awards ceremony, held at the Conrad Hotel in Hong Kong recently.
This is the second successive win for AirAsia, a nod to the airline’s growing power and its stature as the market leader in the low cost carrier segment.
AirAsia first won the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline’ award category last year, when it was first introduced by Business Traveller Asia Pacific in recognition to the growing force of budget carriers in the region.
AirAsia Group CEO, Tony Fernandes said, “This second ‘Best Low-Cost Carrier’ award win represents the unwavering support and belief from our guests towards our services and products. We thank them for choosing AirAsia as the airline of choice for their travels.
“We will continue to work hard to maintain our leadership spot and uphold our pledge to present our guests with unbeatable low fares and exceptional products and services. This win is also due to the collective contributions of our ‘AirAsia Allstars, whose hard work, passion, dedication and creativity made this recognition possible.
The Travel Awards ceremony is a premier annual event for over 20 years and a much awaited event by top players in travel and hospitality, to etch their names in the industry’s roll of honour.
AirAsia was chosen as the inaugural award winner through votes by Business Traveller readers, recognizing the airline as a service provider which has maintained impeccable standards and making journeys seamless and productive.
This comprehensive survey was conducted annually among Business Traveller subscribers, and the 2013 results are based on data collected between April and June this year.
For more than 20 years the awards have rewarded the excellence that its readers have experienced on their travels during the previous year.
AirAsia is a household name which has flown over 200 million guests since it was established nearly twelve years ago with a mission to democratize air travel in the region and has been operationally profitable from day one of its launch as a low-cost carrier. The airline now has operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, servicing the most extensive network with 85 destinations.
Business Traveller heads the portfolio of titles belonging to the international publishing house, Panacea Publishing, headquartered in London. Business Traveller Asia-Pacific is one of 10 titles around the world, including Business Traveller China.
Since its first issue in April 1982, Business Traveller Asia-Pacific has provided a valuable resource for frequent travellers and served as a dynamic platform for their concerns.
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Categories : Business, culture, Education
Narendra Modi, opposition parties taken for a ride on illegal biometric data collection
30092013
Now Gujarat & other States must withdraw from MoU signed with UIDAI
Illegitimate and illegal biometric identification of citizens like
prisoners should be stopped
prisoners should be stopped
Lawyers, students, citizens should boycott biometric identification
against bribing of voters
against bribing of voters
SEPTEMBER 28, 2013: After Statement of Concern by eminent citizens
like Justice V R Krishna Iyer , adverse report of the multi party
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, the judgment of the
Punjab & Haryana Court, the order of National Human Rights Commission
to the Union Home Secretary Affairs, the admission of a complaint
regarding illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional subordinate
legislation for biometric Aadhhar/UID by Parliamentary Committee on
Subordinate Legislation, in a series of statements on Twitter,
Narendra Modi, the Prime Ministerial candidate of BJP and Gujarat
Chief Minister has asked the Indian National Congress led Government,
“Were all states on board on Aadhaar?” in the aftermath of the Supreme
Court ‘s order of September 23 rebuking the Government for making it
mandatory.
like Justice V R Krishna Iyer , adverse report of the multi party
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, the judgment of the
Punjab & Haryana Court, the order of National Human Rights Commission
to the Union Home Secretary Affairs, the admission of a complaint
regarding illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional subordinate
legislation for biometric Aadhhar/UID by Parliamentary Committee on
Subordinate Legislation, in a series of statements on Twitter,
Narendra Modi, the Prime Ministerial candidate of BJP and Gujarat
Chief Minister has asked the Indian National Congress led Government,
“Were all states on board on Aadhaar?” in the aftermath of the Supreme
Court ‘s order of September 23 rebuking the Government for making it
mandatory.
Modi said, “When the SC raised these points, the PM must tell nation
that did all states and departments approve Aadhar? But you just spent
huge money. You need to answer nation for that. What the Supreme Court
said today, I raised the similar point three years ago. I told him to
convene a National Security Card meeting, consult Chief Ministers, but
he did nothing. Nation wants to know from the PM how much money was
spent on Aadhar card? Who gained from it? What about the questions the
SC raised?” As an immediate follow up, Gujarat Government must
withdraw from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it signed with
the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
that did all states and departments approve Aadhar? But you just spent
huge money. You need to answer nation for that. What the Supreme Court
said today, I raised the similar point three years ago. I told him to
convene a National Security Card meeting, consult Chief Ministers, but
he did nothing. Nation wants to know from the PM how much money was
spent on Aadhar card? Who gained from it? What about the questions the
SC raised?” As an immediate follow up, Gujarat Government must
withdraw from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it signed with
the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
In a letter dated Jun 25, 2011, Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties
(CFCL) had written to Gujarat Chief Minister pointing out threats to
national security and civil leberties from the UID number. The letter
had urged him to withdraw from the attached MoU that was signed by
Shri V. N. Maira. IAS. Principal Secretary (Planning), General
Administration Department, Gujarat Government on June 9, 2010. CFCL
urges Government of Gujarat and all the State Governments, especially
the ones ruled by the non-Congress parties to withdraw from the MoUs
they have signed with UIDAI. So far they have failed to apply their
legal minds to it the way they did in the case of National Counter
Terrorism Centre (NCTC). They have failed to appreciate that UID, NPR,
NCTC and National Intelligence Grid is linked and is being linked with
Census and Voters’ database.
(CFCL) had written to Gujarat Chief Minister pointing out threats to
national security and civil leberties from the UID number. The letter
had urged him to withdraw from the attached MoU that was signed by
Shri V. N. Maira. IAS. Principal Secretary (Planning), General
Administration Department, Gujarat Government on June 9, 2010. CFCL
urges Government of Gujarat and all the State Governments, especially
the ones ruled by the non-Congress parties to withdraw from the MoUs
they have signed with UIDAI. So far they have failed to apply their
legal minds to it the way they did in the case of National Counter
Terrorism Centre (NCTC). They have failed to appreciate that UID, NPR,
NCTC and National Intelligence Grid is linked and is being linked with
Census and Voters’ database.
Unmindful of threat to federalism most States including Jharkhand,
Bihar, Odisha, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal have signed a MoU
with UIDAI. Surprisingly, the States which were quite vocal about
threats to federal structure from Union Home Ministry‘s National
Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and National Intelligence Grid
(NATGRID) that integrates 21 sets of databases have been caught
unawares by the creation of UID’s Centralized Identities Data Register
(CIDR) disregarding the fact that Planning Commission’s CIDR and Home
Ministry’s National Population Register (NPR) is going to be
converged. State Governments have chosen to listen to consultants who
are more interested in making a quick sale of their biometric,
identification and surveillance technology products.
Bihar, Odisha, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal have signed a MoU
with UIDAI. Surprisingly, the States which were quite vocal about
threats to federal structure from Union Home Ministry‘s National
Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and National Intelligence Grid
(NATGRID) that integrates 21 sets of databases have been caught
unawares by the creation of UID’s Centralized Identities Data Register
(CIDR) disregarding the fact that Planning Commission’s CIDR and Home
Ministry’s National Population Register (NPR) is going to be
converged. State Governments have chosen to listen to consultants who
are more interested in making a quick sale of their biometric,
identification and surveillance technology products.
In 1906, another Gujarati, Mahatma Gandhi had encountered a similar
Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance proposed by the Transvaal Government
in the August 22 issue of the Government Gazette required all Indians
in the Transvaal region of South Africa, eight years and older, to
report to the Registrar of Asiatics and obtain, upon the submission of
a complete set of fingerprints, a certificate which would then have to
be produced upon demand. Fingerprints were then demanded only from
criminals, and the subjection of women to such a requirement had no
other objective but the humiliation of Indians. Gandhi understood well
that the Ordinance effectively criminalized the entire community and
must be challenged. At a meeting held in Johannesburg, 3000 Indians
took an oath not to submit to a degrading and discriminatory piece of
legislation. This gave birth to Satyagraha. Gandhi later wrote that
the ordinance illustrated hatred towards Indians which, if passed,
“would spell absolute ruin for the Indians in South Africa.”
Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance proposed by the Transvaal Government
in the August 22 issue of the Government Gazette required all Indians
in the Transvaal region of South Africa, eight years and older, to
report to the Registrar of Asiatics and obtain, upon the submission of
a complete set of fingerprints, a certificate which would then have to
be produced upon demand. Fingerprints were then demanded only from
criminals, and the subjection of women to such a requirement had no
other objective but the humiliation of Indians. Gandhi understood well
that the Ordinance effectively criminalized the entire community and
must be challenged. At a meeting held in Johannesburg, 3000 Indians
took an oath not to submit to a degrading and discriminatory piece of
legislation. This gave birth to Satyagraha. Gandhi later wrote that
the ordinance illustrated hatred towards Indians which, if passed,
“would spell absolute ruin for the Indians in South Africa.”
How is CIDR of Aadhaar and NPR which also generates Aadhaar ‘number
different from the ‘register of Asiatics’ opposed by Mahatma Gandhi?
If Indians forget the lesson of this resistance movement it would
“spell absolute ruin for the Indians” of the present and future
generations.
different from the ‘register of Asiatics’ opposed by Mahatma Gandhi?
If Indians forget the lesson of this resistance movement it would
“spell absolute ruin for the Indians” of the present and future
generations.
A historic eight-year-long resistance campaign against biometric
identification happened from August 1906 to January 1914 in the
British colony of Natal, and Boer Republic of Transvaal, South Africa.
In August 1906, the Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance was signed into
law in the Transvaal. It was a humiliating and discriminating law
forcing Indians in the Transvaal to register with the ‘registrar of
Asiatics,’ submit to physical examinations, provide fingerprints, and
carry a registration certificate at all times. Otherwise, Indians and
other ‘Asiatics,’ as they were called, could be fined, imprisoned, or
deported. A delegation of Indians sailed to London to meet with
British Secretary of State Lord Elgin. In 1912, Gopal Krishna Gokhale
visited South Africa and expressed his support for the struggle
against biometric idnetification. In early 1914, an agreement was
reached with the protestors and the Black Act seeking biometric
identification was abolished.
identification happened from August 1906 to January 1914 in the
British colony of Natal, and Boer Republic of Transvaal, South Africa.
In August 1906, the Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance was signed into
law in the Transvaal. It was a humiliating and discriminating law
forcing Indians in the Transvaal to register with the ‘registrar of
Asiatics,’ submit to physical examinations, provide fingerprints, and
carry a registration certificate at all times. Otherwise, Indians and
other ‘Asiatics,’ as they were called, could be fined, imprisoned, or
deported. A delegation of Indians sailed to London to meet with
British Secretary of State Lord Elgin. In 1912, Gopal Krishna Gokhale
visited South Africa and expressed his support for the struggle
against biometric idnetification. In early 1914, an agreement was
reached with the protestors and the Black Act seeking biometric
identification was abolished.
Historians rightly say that all history is contemporary history. It
was reported on October 6, 20111 that Gujarat Chief Minister wrote to
the Prime Minister questioning the need for biometric data collection
for National Population Register (NPR) by Registrar General of India &
Census Commissioner, Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Gujarat stopped
collection of biometric data for creation of the NPR. In his letter to
the Prime Minister, Modi raised objections over both the Unique
Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which is creating Unique
Identification (UID)/Aadhaar Number and Registrar General of India,
which is creating the NPR, collecting biometric data. In his letter to
Manmohan Singh, Modi wrote, “there is no mention of capturing
biometrics in the Citizenship Act or Citizenship Rules 2009”. He
added, “In the absence of any provision in the Citizenship Act, 1955,
or rules for capturing biometrics, it is difficult to appreciate how
the capture of biometrics is a statutory requirement. Photography and
biometrics is only mentioned in the Manual of Instructions for filling
up the NPR household schedule and even in that there is no mention of
capturing the Iris”. After Gujarat stopped collection of biometric
data, the then Union Minister of Home Affairs, P Chidambaram sent a
letter to Modi in August 2011 pointing out that creation of the NPR
was a “statutory requirement” under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and
“once initialized, has to be necessarily completed”. The Union
Minister of Home Affairs had also requested the CM to instruct state
government officers to cooperate in creation of the NPR.
This was when the entire media, the citizens and the political class
was hoodwinked into believing that there was a rift between Nandan
Nilekani’s UIDAI under Planning Commission and Dr C Chandramouli’s NPR
under Union Minsitry of Home Affairs
was reported on October 6, 20111 that Gujarat Chief Minister wrote to
the Prime Minister questioning the need for biometric data collection
for National Population Register (NPR) by Registrar General of India &
Census Commissioner, Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Gujarat stopped
collection of biometric data for creation of the NPR. In his letter to
the Prime Minister, Modi raised objections over both the Unique
Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which is creating Unique
Identification (UID)/Aadhaar Number and Registrar General of India,
which is creating the NPR, collecting biometric data. In his letter to
Manmohan Singh, Modi wrote, “there is no mention of capturing
biometrics in the Citizenship Act or Citizenship Rules 2009”. He
added, “In the absence of any provision in the Citizenship Act, 1955,
or rules for capturing biometrics, it is difficult to appreciate how
the capture of biometrics is a statutory requirement. Photography and
biometrics is only mentioned in the Manual of Instructions for filling
up the NPR household schedule and even in that there is no mention of
capturing the Iris”. After Gujarat stopped collection of biometric
data, the then Union Minister of Home Affairs, P Chidambaram sent a
letter to Modi in August 2011 pointing out that creation of the NPR
was a “statutory requirement” under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and
“once initialized, has to be necessarily completed”. The Union
Minister of Home Affairs had also requested the CM to instruct state
government officers to cooperate in creation of the NPR.
This was when the entire media, the citizens and the political class
was hoodwinked into believing that there was a rift between Nandan
Nilekani’s UIDAI under Planning Commission and Dr C Chandramouli’s NPR
under Union Minsitry of Home Affairs
But Modi chose to side with UIDAI in an apparent rebuff to
Chidambaram. Modi kicked off UID/Adhaar project in Gujarat on May 1,
2012 by giving his biometric information for his aadhaar/UID number
and enrolled under the UIDAI project. Strangely, Modi did not object
to his biometric identification under UID as he did with regard to
NPR. Modi did so despite the fact that Yashwant Sinha headed
Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Finance rejected the UID
project and the UID Bill in its report to the Parliament on December
13, 2011. However, it may be noted that one sentence of the PSC report
appears to endorse biometric NPR. Was it a case of Sinha trying to
side with Chidambaram and Modi trying to side with Nilekani? It
appears that Modi has been taken for ride with regard to the
UID/Aadhaar and Sinha with regard to NPR as they failed to see through
the ‘approved strategy’. Now it is clear that the staged rift that was
created between Home Ministry and Planning Commission’ UIDAI on UID
and NPR was motivated and was meant to take legislatures, citizens,
States and media for a ride. Both Modi and Sinha got misled because
Chidambram left the Home Ministry and became the Finance Minister.
Notably, the UIDAI was the proposed by the Ministry of Finance in
2009. Thus, both were outwitted by Chidambaram. Modi’s letter to the
Prime Minister objecting to the biometric data collection sought by
Chidamabram was made irrelevant. Modi’s biometric data is now the
property of UIDAI and because UIDAI and NPR data is to be collated ‘as
per approved strategy’ it is also the property of Registrar General of
India’s NPR to which he had objected.
Chidambaram. Modi kicked off UID/Adhaar project in Gujarat on May 1,
2012 by giving his biometric information for his aadhaar/UID number
and enrolled under the UIDAI project. Strangely, Modi did not object
to his biometric identification under UID as he did with regard to
NPR. Modi did so despite the fact that Yashwant Sinha headed
Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Finance rejected the UID
project and the UID Bill in its report to the Parliament on December
13, 2011. However, it may be noted that one sentence of the PSC report
appears to endorse biometric NPR. Was it a case of Sinha trying to
side with Chidambaram and Modi trying to side with Nilekani? It
appears that Modi has been taken for ride with regard to the
UID/Aadhaar and Sinha with regard to NPR as they failed to see through
the ‘approved strategy’. Now it is clear that the staged rift that was
created between Home Ministry and Planning Commission’ UIDAI on UID
and NPR was motivated and was meant to take legislatures, citizens,
States and media for a ride. Both Modi and Sinha got misled because
Chidambram left the Home Ministry and became the Finance Minister.
Notably, the UIDAI was the proposed by the Ministry of Finance in
2009. Thus, both were outwitted by Chidambaram. Modi’s letter to the
Prime Minister objecting to the biometric data collection sought by
Chidamabram was made irrelevant. Modi’s biometric data is now the
property of UIDAI and because UIDAI and NPR data is to be collated ‘as
per approved strategy’ it is also the property of Registrar General of
India’s NPR to which he had objected.
The Terms of Reference No. 8 of Planning Commission’s notification
dated January 28, 2009 that created Unique Identification Authority of
India (UIDAI) in pursuance of the 4th meeting of the Empowered Group
of Ministers, states, “Take necessary steps to ensure collation of NPR
and UID (as per approved strategy)”.
dated January 28, 2009 that created Unique Identification Authority of
India (UIDAI) in pursuance of the 4th meeting of the Empowered Group
of Ministers, states, “Take necessary steps to ensure collation of NPR
and UID (as per approved strategy)”.
A Prime Minister’s Office which has been promoting biometric data
collection purportedly to make delivery of social welfare programs
leak proof itself isn’t leak proof. Given a choice between leakage or
theft of citizens database of sensitive personal information and
leakage of public distribution system and delivery social welfare
services what would be be chosen and which can be plugged more easily.
Recently, database of Greece has been stolen as per Reuters and the
database of Pakistan and Egypt has been handed over to US as per the
diplomatic cables leaked by Wikileaks.
collection purportedly to make delivery of social welfare programs
leak proof itself isn’t leak proof. Given a choice between leakage or
theft of citizens database of sensitive personal information and
leakage of public distribution system and delivery social welfare
services what would be be chosen and which can be plugged more easily.
Recently, database of Greece has been stolen as per Reuters and the
database of Pakistan and Egypt has been handed over to US as per the
diplomatic cables leaked by Wikileaks.
In UID/Aadhaar Enrolment Form, Column 9 reads: “I have no objection to
the UIDAI sharing information provided by me to the UIDAI with
agencies engaged in delivery of welfare services”. In front of this
column, there is a “Yes” and “No” option. Irrespective of what option
residents of India exercise (which is being ticked automatically by
the enroler in any case as of now), the fact is this information being
collected for creating Centralized Identity Data Register (CIDR) and
NPR (column 7) will be handed over to biometric technology companies.
At a lecture on November 23, 2012, Nilekani ominously stated that if
you do not have the Aadhaar you will not get the right to rights. UID
is like a financial address for the people. The question is if Aadhaar
is only an identifier of residents of India how does it accord to
itself an inherent right to approve or disapprove rights of citizens
to have rights? Karnataka based groups have informed that the name
Aadhaar is linked to the NGO of Nilekani that worked in the matter of
Bangalore Agenda Task Force from 1999 to 2004.
the UIDAI sharing information provided by me to the UIDAI with
agencies engaged in delivery of welfare services”. In front of this
column, there is a “Yes” and “No” option. Irrespective of what option
residents of India exercise (which is being ticked automatically by
the enroler in any case as of now), the fact is this information being
collected for creating Centralized Identity Data Register (CIDR) and
NPR (column 7) will be handed over to biometric technology companies.
At a lecture on November 23, 2012, Nilekani ominously stated that if
you do not have the Aadhaar you will not get the right to rights. UID
is like a financial address for the people. The question is if Aadhaar
is only an identifier of residents of India how does it accord to
itself an inherent right to approve or disapprove rights of citizens
to have rights? Karnataka based groups have informed that the name
Aadhaar is linked to the NGO of Nilekani that worked in the matter of
Bangalore Agenda Task Force from 1999 to 2004.
All claims of benefits are highly suspect from biometric
identification as long as total cost is presented to the Parliament
and citizens. A World Bank paper of 2013 has revealed that linking
biometric identification with cash transfer influences voters’
behavior in favour of the ruling party which does so. After buying MPs
through MPLAD scheme initiated by Narshimha Rao Government to protect
his minority government, it is another attempt to bribe voters.
In the back drop of his phone being tapped by the Ministry of Home
Affairs, Arun Jaitley, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha
wrote, “This incident throws up another legitimate fear. We are now
entering the era of the Adhaar number. The Government has recently
made the existence of the Adhaar number as a condition precedent for
undertaking several activities; from registering marriages to
execution of property documents. Will those who encroach upon the
affairs of others be able to get access to bank accounts and other
important details by breaking into the system? If this ever becomes
possible the consequences would be far messier.” It is evident that it
has become possible but the opposition party continues to implement it
in the states where it is the ruling party despite admitting gnawing
concerns. In fact all the opposition parties including from the left
and socialists are doing so either in collusion or due to their
gullibility.
identification as long as total cost is presented to the Parliament
and citizens. A World Bank paper of 2013 has revealed that linking
biometric identification with cash transfer influences voters’
behavior in favour of the ruling party which does so. After buying MPs
through MPLAD scheme initiated by Narshimha Rao Government to protect
his minority government, it is another attempt to bribe voters.
In the back drop of his phone being tapped by the Ministry of Home
Affairs, Arun Jaitley, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha
wrote, “This incident throws up another legitimate fear. We are now
entering the era of the Adhaar number. The Government has recently
made the existence of the Adhaar number as a condition precedent for
undertaking several activities; from registering marriages to
execution of property documents. Will those who encroach upon the
affairs of others be able to get access to bank accounts and other
important details by breaking into the system? If this ever becomes
possible the consequences would be far messier.” It is evident that it
has become possible but the opposition party continues to implement it
in the states where it is the ruling party despite admitting gnawing
concerns. In fact all the opposition parties including from the left
and socialists are doing so either in collusion or due to their
gullibility.
When asked “whether or not you think by the year 2050 there could be a
global system … (which) would be a real influence on knocking down the
nation state, which I think needs knocking down.” Nilekani admitted at
a conference, “there is nothing technologically limiting for having
the whole population of the world on the system.” This poses a grave
threat to sovereignty of the citizens and the country. He and his
project appear quite complicit in the unconstitutional act of
surrendering country’s interest in favour of a global system led by
ungovernable and undemocratic business enterprises not by democratic
legislatures.
global system … (which) would be a real influence on knocking down the
nation state, which I think needs knocking down.” Nilekani admitted at
a conference, “there is nothing technologically limiting for having
the whole population of the world on the system.” This poses a grave
threat to sovereignty of the citizens and the country. He and his
project appear quite complicit in the unconstitutional act of
surrendering country’s interest in favour of a global system led by
ungovernable and undemocratic business enterprises not by democratic
legislatures.
More than four years have passed; Nilekani has refused to reveal
whether or not he has himself enrolled for biometric unique
identification (UID)/aadhaar number. Can we expect him and his bosses,
Dr Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee and
cabinet ministers to enroll before his terms expires next year? This
information has been denied under the RTI.
whether or not he has himself enrolled for biometric unique
identification (UID)/aadhaar number. Can we expect him and his bosses,
Dr Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee and
cabinet ministers to enroll before his terms expires next year? This
information has been denied under the RTI.
As per the communication from Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI), an attached office of Planning Commission, Government of
India dated July 2, 2010, “The decision for appointment of Chairman
was conveyed by the Cabinet Secretariat”.
(UIDAI), an attached office of Planning Commission, Government of
India dated July 2, 2010, “The decision for appointment of Chairman
was conveyed by the Cabinet Secretariat”.
The Planning Commission’s notification dated July 2, 2009 reveals that
“the competent authority has approved the appointment of Nandan
Nilekani, Co-Chairman, INFOSYS as Chairperson, Unique Identification
Authority of India, in the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister.
Nilekani will hold appointment for an initial tenure of five years”.
Nilekani joined Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) not
in person but in his role as co-chairman of the board of directors of
Infosys Technologies Limited, which he co-founded in 1981 and served
as director on the company’s board since its inception to July 2,
2009. This appears manifestly incestuous. It was the Chairman,
Infosys Ltd, an artificial person who was asked to head UIDAI, and not
a natural citizen. The notification shows that a copy was marked to
Nilekani, CEO, President & MD, Infosys Technologies Ltd., Corporate
Headquarters besides the Secretary Generals of Secretariats of Lok
Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
“the competent authority has approved the appointment of Nandan
Nilekani, Co-Chairman, INFOSYS as Chairperson, Unique Identification
Authority of India, in the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister.
Nilekani will hold appointment for an initial tenure of five years”.
Nilekani joined Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) not
in person but in his role as co-chairman of the board of directors of
Infosys Technologies Limited, which he co-founded in 1981 and served
as director on the company’s board since its inception to July 2,
2009. This appears manifestly incestuous. It was the Chairman,
Infosys Ltd, an artificial person who was asked to head UIDAI, and not
a natural citizen. The notification shows that a copy was marked to
Nilekani, CEO, President & MD, Infosys Technologies Ltd., Corporate
Headquarters besides the Secretary Generals of Secretariats of Lok
Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
While presenting the Union Budget 2009-10, the then Finance Minister,
Pranab Mukherjee announced the setting up of the UIDA to in “establish
an online data base with identity and biometric details of Indian
residence and provide enrolment and verification services across the
country” in paragraph no. 64 of his speech allocating 120 crores to
it. Coincidentally, immediately after this announcement, the then
Finance Minister underlined the need for “the modernization of police
force in the States” in paragraph 65 of the speech that dealt with
“National Security”. In this speech of July 6, 2009 the then Finance
Minister informed the Parliament about the arrival of Nilekani without
naming him saying, “This project is very close to my heart. I am happy
to note that this project also marks the beginning of an era where the
top private sector talent in India steps forward to take the
responsibility for implementing projects of vital national
importance.”
Pranab Mukherjee announced the setting up of the UIDA to in “establish
an online data base with identity and biometric details of Indian
residence and provide enrolment and verification services across the
country” in paragraph no. 64 of his speech allocating 120 crores to
it. Coincidentally, immediately after this announcement, the then
Finance Minister underlined the need for “the modernization of police
force in the States” in paragraph 65 of the speech that dealt with
“National Security”. In this speech of July 6, 2009 the then Finance
Minister informed the Parliament about the arrival of Nilekani without
naming him saying, “This project is very close to my heart. I am happy
to note that this project also marks the beginning of an era where the
top private sector talent in India steps forward to take the
responsibility for implementing projects of vital national
importance.”
Notably, Yashwant Sinha headed Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Finance rejected The National Identification Authority of India Bill,
2010 meant to legalize and legitimize illegitimate and illegal UIDAI,
the sensitive biometric information collector. Despite this Gujarat,
Tripura, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and
other States continued to implement it. It is high time they desisted
from doing so the way Barack Obama and 25 States of USA opposed the
REAL ID Act, 2005 and UK, Australia, China, France and European Court
of Human Rights rejected indiscriminate collection of biometric data.
Finance rejected The National Identification Authority of India Bill,
2010 meant to legalize and legitimize illegitimate and illegal UIDAI,
the sensitive biometric information collector. Despite this Gujarat,
Tripura, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and
other States continued to implement it. It is high time they desisted
from doing so the way Barack Obama and 25 States of USA opposed the
REAL ID Act, 2005 and UK, Australia, China, France and European Court
of Human Rights rejected indiscriminate collection of biometric data.
CFCL wants to know as to whether the opposition parties are too
helpless in the face of intelligence agencies to disassociate their
States from such initiatives? In UK, the opposition party did oppose
it and displaced Tony Blair government.
helpless in the face of intelligence agencies to disassociate their
States from such initiatives? In UK, the opposition party did oppose
it and displaced Tony Blair government.
In the face of such assault on Parliament’s prerogative, State’s
autonomy, citizens’ rights and the emergence of a regime that is
making legislatures subservient to database and data mining companies,
the urgent intervention of the PSC, Parliament, States, political
parties and citizens cannot be postponed anymore.
autonomy, citizens’ rights and the emergence of a regime that is
making legislatures subservient to database and data mining companies,
the urgent intervention of the PSC, Parliament, States, political
parties and citizens cannot be postponed anymore.
For Details: Gopal Krishna, Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL),
Mb: 09818089660, 08227816731, E-mail: gopalkrishna1715@gmail.com
Mb: 09818089660, 08227816731, E-mail: gopalkrishna1715@gmail.com
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Categories : Business, culture, Education
Artists Against Fascism
30092013
Artists came together to brave the rain and general political apathy towards fascism and politics of hate at Jantar Mantar from 11 am to 5:30pm. Coming from varied backgrounds they all had one message – the need to protect communal harmony and peace in India. The programme organised by ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Democracy) and Artists Against Fascism showcased the opposing views than that of the likes of Narendra Modi.
ANHAD believes that the first victims of communal and fascist regimes are artists and therefore we brought them to put forward the message of communal harmony and peace. The event showcased the importance of freedom of expression and creativity – the two most important features of a democracy under greatest threat if fascism comes to power. Sufi, Thumri, Pop-Music, Stand up Comedy, Theatre and Poetry were all themed on the need to fight communalism.
Targeted at the young and old alike the programme said our future cannot be dictated by politics of hate. Communal politics as epitomised by Narendra Modi are not the future of this country said Dhruv Sangari, a Delhi based Sufi singer. He added that the varied backgrounds and forms of art expressed on the stage highlight DEMOCRACY in action. If Modi comes to power then communal violence is going to be our future leading to draconian laws of what women can wear, what music one may listen to, what films one may watches and what religion one follows said Sanjay Sharma a theatre artists and rights activists.
Communalism divides and in a country as diverse as India we cannot have that, said Namrata Pamnani, classical dancer. Schooled in Kathak dance her performance was about the violence and hatred that come hand in hand with communal politics. Even the development model of Narendra Modi was questioned by Sanjay Rajoura a Delhi based Stand-up comedian. Requesting the audience to work against political dictators he highlighted the disconnect between the developed image of India and the absence of basic amenities like drinking water.
The politically charged performances included:
Vidya Rao the renowned Thumari singer opened the show.
Namrata Pamnani, Kathak dancer did a brief performance on the need to fight communalism as it only brings hate and violence in the lives of ordinary.
Sanjay Sharma, theatre activists and rights activist – performed a small skit on what life would be like under a fascist regime.
Aditya Dipankar – a young performer sang kabir dohas.
Sanjay Rajoure – stand-up comedian.
Rajnesh – from IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association) recited poetry on the need to fight Narendra Modi and the politics he stands for.
Dhruv Sangari – Sufi singer.
Ashish Dha – recited poems on identity and the poverty of Delhi sang covers of Oh ree chariya, mad world by Garry Jules and is a composer of contemporary music.
Urshila Dance company – Delhi based contemporary dance troupe performed a highly charged political piece on harmony.
SCAVENGERS – Contemporary music band – Rap, Pop and Reggae sang songs on current issues, revolution and the struggle against ‘divide and rule’ policies.
Maya Rao – stand-up comedian and dancer.
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Categories : CSR, culture
MAHINDRA PROGRESS CLEAR IN STRONG ARAGON RACE
30092013
Aragon, Spain, September 29, 2013: Mahindra rider Miguel Oliveira took a hard-fought fifth place at todayⳠAragon Grand Prix, fighting to the end with championship leader Luis Salom, and crossing the line less than a tenth of a second adrift after they had changed places four times in a thrilling final lap.
Team-mate Efrén Vázquez was tenth, after fighting for almost full distance in a big group of Moto3頭achines, also swapping back and forth as they battled for inches on the fast and scenic 5.078-km Motorland Aragon circuit.
A third Mahindra, the customer bike now in its second race with the Ambrogio team, finished 12th, in the hands of South African Brad Binder. It is the first time three of the new-this-year Mahindra MGP3O machines have finished in the championship points.
The race in the Spanish hinterland was the 13th of 17 rounds, and saw both factory riders and the constructor gain ground in the title standings. Oliveira gained two points on his nearest rival in fifth place; Vázquez moved from 11th to ninth; while Mahindra consolidated third in the Constructors championship, gaining one more point on Kalex-KTM in second.
Vázquez had qualified on the second row of the grid and Oliveira on the third, and both started well, with Oliveira (18, from Portugal) moving from seventh on lap one to fifth on lap three of the 20-lap race. By the end he and companion Salom had gained one more place, and were battling for fourth to the flag.
Vázquez finished lap one ninth, and spend almost the whole race fighting hard in a big gang of eight riders, changing places to the finish, at which point he was tenth.
Mahindra is the only Indian manufacturer in international motorcycle racing, and the MGP3O is up against established Japanese and European manufacturers in the Moto3 class, where single-cylinder 250cc four-strokes operate within strict technical rules.
The next race is the Malaysian Grand Prix in two weeks, the first of three yaway⠲ounds that then take the Grand Prix circus to Australia and Japan before the final round at Valencia in Spain.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA fifth position
㉴ was a big battle at the end with Luis Salom. I passed him in turn one, he passed me again up the hill, and I passed him straight back. He then challenged me on the main straight, and I finished just behind him. I did what I could for any chance to better, I would like at least not to be disturbed at the start by other riders, but it is the price you pay when you come from behind on the grid. I was on the third row today. We have to look for better qualifying positions. That will be the key for us the races where we did best are always when we started from the first or second row.伯span>
EFRÉN VÁZQUEZ 10th position
ォg groups are always interesting in this category, and I was in a big group. More than the race, I⭠happy with my last laps. For the last five laps I switched off the traction control and my rhythm was much better. I did four consecutive good lap times. I think this is important. Now I see I can go really fast without traction control, so I want to continue in this direction for the next races. Sometimes the riders can do more than the electronics.伯span>
MUFADDAL CHOONIA CEO, Mahindra Racing
㉴ was a very exciting race, and it was good to see Miguel fighting so well with the championship leader, and also to see three Mahindra bikes in the top 12. It shows the steady progress we have made in development in the first year of the Mahindra MGP3O, and now we look forward to the next race, and the remaining rounds to the end of the new bikeⳠfirst season
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Categories : Automobile, culture, sports, world News
Modi at mega rally in Delhi
29092013
Modi has reached Delhi and is to address the mega rally of nearly half million people at Japanese Park at township Rohini in New Delhi. His rally with latest technology will put up hundred of LED screen around the metro city and will be attended by three dozen head of foreign mission in India which shows his strength.Congress in order to curb his popularity has put up hoarding calling him the incongruous voice with nick name Fakhu. Nearly 20K Muslims will make their presence along with other minority community.Lot of money has been spent,on make arrangements on Metro rail facilities, on hoarding and other promotional expenses along with venue’s face uplift, rostrum design to be most impressive for the PM candidate of BJP or the shadow prime minister who make the BJP trend to take over from the Congress in ensuing General Election.This rally is Mission to demolish the rein of Sheila Dikshit, not to be CM Beyond 3 rd time. Will Modi jibes on UPA 2 latest ordinance which has been rebuked by the President, or take up the PM losing image while confabulating the International Leaders.
Corruption in the Sheila Government will be the agenda in the speech of Modi and his rhetoric with crescendo to spread been on surging of price and galloping inflation accelerating fuel hike various times, electric bill spiraling, CWG scam, overspent of Delhi govt in various scheme, floundering of Yamuna funds ,bus corridor funds, Delhi Gov fund spent on promotional, Transport and DTC bus scam are charges time to time levied by BJP in public domain.
Lots of BJP leaders will appear with Modi on Delhi Rostrum.
Navjot Singh Sidhu spoke shooting lavish praise on Modi, he added if one wants to experience heaven he can experience in Gujarat,national leaders of BJP were missing but for President of BJP Nitin marked his present along with Modi.
Nitin rose and spoke with national voice,question Congress poor Q posters in the city against and rebukes congress for taking up false litigational matters and creating phobia of various kinds in the country and assures the model of Gujarat to be national model for prosperity, the nation is passing through alarming fiscal crisis and Modi is the ony saviour of the nation, Congress broken all records of scam and Rahul has addressed the PM’s decision very nonsense and such helpless PM cannot restructure the nation lets take a lesson from Atalji and people of the nation thus must support Modi for the betterment.
When Modi rose to address lots of cheers from the crowd greeted the BJP PM candidate. Modi said DelhiBJP is outright win with Vijay Geol,Vijay Malhotra,vijendra Kumar and Vijendra Sharma arethe symbols of vijay-win. Delhi is state which is sandwiched between various states,the Mothers state, the Son state even the Son in law has the state too, the Calition of UPA runs different forms govt whose head treats himself as the PM the Sikh but is not sardar. These numerous government,each form opposes in regular consonance alike various department and each annoyed with each other thus making mess of government unable to move ahead. Atal govt did run in consonance along with its coalition to take the nation ahead but this government is governance of conflicting interest. Delhi government is government of non performance and when any mishap occurs CM plays emotional card Modi question CM of Delhi her accountability to the people of Delhi, he adds she always skips her responsibly. Modi moved his narrative,when country faces the uphill task of fiscal crisis, first causality is CWG scam,not just horrendous financial mismanagement but has damaged our global image whereas all nations have successfully created brand building exercise in holding a global sports event,to name few nation,S Korea and China. Modi said we have lost the chance to hold to our worthy image in global arena found leaders build personal gain and empire. Everyday SC rebukes the national government on their actions but national Government is immune to such SC remarks.
Navjot Singh Sidhu spoke shooting lavish praise on Modi, he added if one wants to experience heaven he can experience in Gujarat,national leaders of BJP were missing but for President of BJP Nitin marked his present along with Modi.
Nitin rose and spoke with national voice,question Congress poor Q posters in the city against and rebukes congress for taking up false litigational matters and creating phobia of various kinds in the country and assures the model of Gujarat to be national model for prosperity, the nation is passing through alarming fiscal crisis and Modi is the ony saviour of the nation, Congress broken all records of scam and Rahul has addressed the PM’s decision very nonsense and such helpless PM cannot restructure the nation lets take a lesson from Atalji and people of the nation thus must support Modi for the betterment.
When Modi rose to address lots of cheers from the crowd greeted the BJP PM candidate. Modi said DelhiBJP is outright win with Vijay Geol,Vijay Malhotra,vijendra Kumar and Vijendra Sharma arethe symbols of vijay-win. Delhi is state which is sandwiched between various states,the Mothers state, the Son state even the Son in law has the state too, the Calition of UPA runs different forms govt whose head treats himself as the PM the Sikh but is not sardar. These numerous government,each form opposes in regular consonance alike various department and each annoyed with each other thus making mess of government unable to move ahead. Atal govt did run in consonance along with its coalition to take the nation ahead but this government is governance of conflicting interest. Delhi government is government of non performance and when any mishap occurs CM plays emotional card Modi question CM of Delhi her accountability to the people of Delhi, he adds she always skips her responsibly. Modi moved his narrative,when country faces the uphill task of fiscal crisis, first causality is CWG scam,not just horrendous financial mismanagement but has damaged our global image whereas all nations have successfully created brand building exercise in holding a global sports event,to name few nation,S Korea and China. Modi said we have lost the chance to hold to our worthy image in global arena found leaders build personal gain and empire. Everyday SC rebukes the national government on their actions but national Government is immune to such SC remarks.
Modi said,National Government is paralyzed,unable to act and is in bad habit unable to take decision on any matter. Today’s governments is devotee of Gandhi which is imprint of currency of India,lust of money is such is grossly greed of money’s in tons and tons which does not end anywhere. Taking on mal- administration,thus making each sector sick and the nation sick,we in BJP assure the nation with excellent swaraj ie good and able administration for all the citizen. We are the only nation marching backward,a joke as nation of more than billion people mulled in corruption and unemployment has reached to its highest level so let’s us make a promise to uproot this corrupt government.
Modi added. Delhi fails to provide electricity to its people,even VIP,PM mansions are provided with generator placated,Gujarat has surplus electricity and government has failed to provide the basic infra of electric generation which is need of the hours.China is way ahead of us,Modi reminded his audience. Modi attacking the Centre said the Department which are with centre such as Railway but has failed to make considerable progress in comparison to China later is competing with Japan,he further added that rhe National highway too is with centre but there also the national government has failed to reach to its target. In Aviation sector centre has made loss of 50kCr and taken loan of Lakh Cr shows their inability to cope up the promise of air travel.PM while interacting with US President has cried wolf of India’s poverty and begged for aid is thus lowering the image has skipped demography dividend is pain for us.
On meeting with Pakistan PM Modi narrative,Now PM to meet Pakistan PM,Pakistan PM invited press and said Indian PM behaved like villager woman complaining about Pak to US president.Those media people sitting in front of Pak PM should have quit such meet and all those Press people must be accountable to their nation in this regard. We should not stand to such disgrace to our PM and how this situation has arisen is due to people of Congress whose VP has called the PM a nonsense that is why the foreign dignitaries did not pay respect to our PM.
Nation suspect Our PM on Indo Pak PM meet whether he will be able to raise our voice against misdeeds of Pakistan and their army unethical actions at the border. Just 2days ago we all saw Dynasty vs Govt war was fumed. Will the government run by Prince of the family who keeps insulting the PM, the Cabinet, the Parliament and the Constitution,May I ask the leaders whether these institution will be run as per the whims of Prince or as per the Constitution of the nation, when President dismissed the Ordinance the Prince had his own way insulting the government.
This is time of election and is the turn to bring the Dream Team instead of dirty team for parties to run the nation. In coming Festive of election is nearing and we must bring close to get to nectar to bring comforts for all. We have to bring in novel vision, which is wholesome absent in this UPA, badly needs a dream of everybody’s welfare in celebrating 75 yrs of independence bringing glory on to us.
Modi said let me dwell onto my private life,I was selling tea in trains,tea vendor now at your stake, its you the people blessing made me to this level, I am not ruler but is only your servant and will always be people servant. Please believe in me and in my party and I assure you that I will never allow your hopes to diminish and will always be at your side for your service to bring prosperity and glory. My BJP party with loftier ideas of eminent Leaders of our party have one theme Nation First,Nation building as per the Constitution, Nation action lies in its is development for each and everybody.
Concluding he asked his audience to repeat Vandamatram many times.
Thus Crowd went into ecstasy.
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Categories : Media, Politics, world News
7th day of Indefinite Hunger Strike by NAPM
29092013
7th day of Indefinite Hunger Strike by NAPM National Convener, Suniti S R in Satara.
A meeting is convened on 30 Sept. 13 at 3 pm in Mumbai to discuss the issues of Wang Marathwadi PAPs.
Please act before the meeting takes place.
Please communicate your support to the demands of Wang Marthwadi Dam affected action committee
1. Immediate releasing of the already promised compensation of crop produce to Wang Marathwadi affected families.
2. Withdrawal of false cases filed under influnce of corrupt buracracy joining hands with contractors.
3.Order inquiries into all irregularities and take actions against the irresponsible officers.
4.Take PAPs into confidence in the process of Rehabilitation and Relocation in the Wang valley.
Please contact one or more of the following -
Mr. Patangrao Kadam, Minister of forest and rehabilitation – 022-2202 5398, 2202 4751, 2363 5688, 2363 2748 Min_Forest@maharashtra.gov.in
Mr. Milind Mhaiskar, Secretory Rehabilitation. – 022-2202 5274, sec r&r@maharashtra.gov.in
Mr. Shahsikant Shinde, Minister of Water resources and also Minister in-charge of Satara District (C/o Dr. Shirish Jadhav. 9594094222
Mr. Prithviraj Chavhan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra 022-2202 5151, 2202 5222. Fax 022-2202 9214, 2363 3272 chiefminister@maharashtra.gov.in
Mr. Ramaswami, The collector of Satara. 09423009326, collector_satara@maharashtra.gov.in
Mr. Prabhakar Deshmuki, Divisional commissioner, Pune – 020-26362223, divcm.pune@maharashtra.gov.in, dcrespunedivn@yahoo.in,
Mr. Birajdar, MKVDC – 020-2613 5263, 2612 4931, cesppune@gmail.com,edmkvdcpune@yahoo.in , mkvdc@pn3.vsnl.net.in
Mr. Giri, Chief Engineering, Satara - 98502 10802, str_sesipcsr@sancharnet.in
Mr. Rediyar, Executive Engineering, Satara – 98508 92507, midsatara@rediffmail.com
A number of supporter groups of people are observing 12 hours fast and Dharna in their hometowns to express their solidarity with PAPs of Wang Marathwadi Dam.
Vinay R R
Suniti S.R.
National Alliance of People’s Movements,
c/o 6,Raghav,Shri Raghuraj Society,
Sinhgad Road,Pune 411030
e mail - andolan.napm@gmail.com
National Alliance of People’s Movements,
c/o 6,Raghav,Shri Raghuraj Society,
Sinhgad Road,Pune 411030
e mail - andolan.napm@gmail.com
website - www.andolan-napm.in
Phone – 94235 71784, 020-24251404
Phone – 94235 71784, 020-24251404
The brief history of the movement is as under:
The gorge of the dam Wang Marathawadi dam in Teh. Patan of Dist. Satara was filled three years ago. When the affected farmers who did not get any rehabilitation probed into the procedure and as expected, found that the act of filling of the gorge was totally illegal. OFFICERS AND EVEN THE MINISTERS ALSO AGREE TO THE ‘IRREGULARITIES’ carried out in the task. Farmers could not sow their fields and get any farm produce. They rightly, demanded for the compensation as per the prevailing laws and that government had agreed but had not paid a single rupee in spite of repeated follow ups since last three years. A “Jalsatyagraha” agaitation in fornt of the collector’s office, a number meetings with the officials, ministers, even the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was of no avail. This has compelled them to go one step further and undertake a rally fast for three days followed by an “indefinite hunger strike” since 23rd Sept, 2013. Today is the fourth day of their hunger strike. A large number of people belonging to different social organizations, senior citizens have been visiting the agitation site since then and expressing their solidarity to the movement.
The Additional District Collector stated that they are waiting for the orders from the Ministry regarding the compensation to PAPs for filling up of the gorge. They also agreed to the fact that the proposal for payment of sustenance allowance to the PAPs since 2002 and also of the interest on 65% of the amount deducted from the PAPs in the name of rehabilitation that has not been paid since 2008 is ready. They even showed readiness to rectify any discrepancies in this regard that may be found. However, they also stated that they do not have the detailed proposals and that they would try to get the same. On this, they were questioned as to how they had stated earlier that the proposals were in order. They did not have them at all.
The officials stated that the list of the 633 PAPs in the first stage is ready. The delegation demanded for a copy of the same. Though the officials agreed to make the copy available, they were reluctant to actually hand over the same immediately. Those very officials who show readiness to get the discrepancies cleared are not ready to hand over the list. This calls for a suspicion about their intention. It was brought to their notice that there are no proper civic amenities at the rehabilitation site. The PAPs stated that a number of people who are actually not real PAPs, have been given compensation in the form of land or otherwise. The PAPs rehabilitated at Taigadewadi (Ghotil) by allotment of land plots are not the genuine ones. They demanded that an enquiry should be conducted in this regard. The officials stated that they will enquire in the matter.
It was brought to the notice of the officials that the promptness shown at the time of building the dam is absent at the time of rehabilitating those affected by the dams. The Government grants crores of rupees to the contractors in the name of enhancement of costs. The same Government compensates the PAPs as per the market rates or the ready reckoner. The PAPs demanded that if the builder has to face inflation, so does the PAP.
‘The Addl. Collector agrees that there isn’t enough land available for the rehabilitation of the PAPs. Then why doesn’t the same Collector demand that since the rehabilitation is not complete, the dam should be stopped?’ the PAPs demanded. The agitators have resolved that they will move or withdraw their agitation unless and until their demands for a compensation for the submergence, an action against those officials responsible for the illegal gorge filling, the withdrawal of cases against those agitators who opposed the illegal gorge filling and a clearance for their proposal of fair rehabilitation.
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National Alliance of People’s MovementsNational Office : 6/6, Jangpura B, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110014
Phone : 011 26241167 / 24354737 Mobile : 09818905316
Web : www.napm-india.org
Phone : 011 26241167 / 24354737 Mobile : 09818905316
Web : www.napm-india.org
Facebook : www.facebook.com/NAPMindia
Twitter : @napmindia
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Categories : CSR, culture, Education, Media, Politics
