Child labour bill will be test of Modi government: Kailash Satyarthi

By

-

February 8, 2015

A bill currently in the Indian Parliament on child labour totally will be a “test” of the new government on how they take the issues of the most exploited children in their political priority, says child rights campaigner and Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi.

Satyarthi, 61, was referring to an amendment to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act that will lead to a total ban on all forms of child labour up to the age of 14 and ban on worst forms of child labour involving hazardous work up to the age of 18.

“Also, rehabilitation must be ensured in law and only then, the law will be synchronised with the existing international ILO (International Labour Organisation) conventions. We are waiting… It would be a test of the present government on how they take the issues of the most exploited children in their political priority,” he said.

Acknowledging some positive steps taken by the Narendra Modi government – that came to power last year, he said: “The present government is taking several bold initiatives on the social agenda, be it Swachh Bharat or Clean India or be it Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. These are very, very fundamental social initiatives which are being taken by the government and the Prime Minister himself, and are quite significant.

“I have spoken to the Prime Minister that while we are striving at making a Clean India or a Prosperous India, it can be sustainable only when we make it a child-friendly India. Sustainability and protection of children are two sides of the same coin. If we invest in children now, we make society sustainable forever.”

In an interview with PTI during a visit to London to help launch a new Anti-Trafficking Fund by Prince Charles’ British Asian Trust earlier this week, the activist also called on Indians, wherever they are, to go a step further in their support for child rights in India.

“Global Indians can play an important role not only in India but globally. But maybe to begin with, in India because they feel more emotionally connected with Indian society.

“They have to show the leadership in taking risks sometimes despite some of the red-tapism or trust deficit. They have to go a mile further in identifying the most precious issues because if the largest democracy in the world is having child slavery or (child) trafficking or (child) labour, then we cannot think of a shining image of India,” he noted.

His message for the corporate world was similar ? to develop a culture of social responsibility so that the government does not feel the need to make corporate social responsibility (CSR) a legal requirement.

He said: “Forced CSR could be a beginning but it is not a solution. CSR should be a culture, not an imposition, because social responsibility is something which has to be embedded in corporate behaviour not just through law.

“But since most of the corporates were not willing to listen perhaps led the government to make it (a) law. I’m not against the law but it should be part of their culture. An unethical corporate is not a sustainable corporate. Ethics and social responsibility and profit must go hand in hand.”

In reference to his Nobel win last year, Satyarthi admitted that it had pushed the issue of child rights on to the global agenda.

He said: “Ordinary child rights activists around the world are feeling empowered. I’ve never seen that enthusiasm, spirit and hope as now.”

“One reason is that they can associate themselves with me easily, that I am one of the very ordinary activists as they are. Empowerment of the entire child right movement globally is most vital because this was the first time the Nobel Peace Prize was conferred to a child rights person.”

NITI Aayog: Forget differences for growth, PM Modi to Chief Ministers

By

Afternoon Voice

-

February 8, 2015

Exhorting Chief Ministers to personally monitor factors slowing projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked states to bury differences to boost growth, create jobs and revive investment cycle.

He also suggested that an officer be identified in state governments to monitor and ensure a smooth resolution of pending issues so as to expedite projects implementation.

Addressing the first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister identified “alleviation of poverty” as the biggest challenge before the county and said the newly formed body will forge a model of co-operative and competitive federalism”.

The recently constituted National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has replaced over six-decade old Planning Commission as a think-tank for Centre and state governments as also to suggest policy directions. The Prime Minister is the chairperson of the new body.

“Forgetting all our differences, let us focus on the cycle of investment, growth, job creation and prosperity,” he said at the meeting attended by several Chief Ministers and representatives of 31 states and Union Territories.

The Prime Minister announced constitution of three sub-groups comprising Chief Ministers to suggest rationalisation of 66 central schemes, on skill development and to make Clean India a continuous programme.

The first sub-group will suggest which of the central schemes should be continued and those which need to be curtailed or transfered to states for better implementation.

“We will move away from ‘one size fits all’ schemes and forge a better match between the schemes and the needs of states,” Modi said.

Noting that projects are often held up for want of timely decisions, Modi asked Chief Ministers “to give personal attention” to factors slowing down projects and asked them to “focus on the cycle of investment, growth, job creation and prosperity”.

He also asked states to set up two task forces each to help the country get out of problem of poverty and increase agricultural production.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee skipped the meet, but Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Manjhi, who is facing a political turmoil back home, was present.

Others who attended the meeting included Akhilesh Yadav (Uttar Pradesh), Tarun Gogoi (Assam), Prakash Singh Badal, O Panneerselvam (Tamil Nadu), Oommen Chandy (Kerala) and Virbhadra Singh (Himachal Pradesh), as well as Chief Ministers from BJP ruled states.

to forge a model of co-operative federalism where the two work as Team India and “come together to resolve differences, and chart a common course to progress and prosperity.”

After Delhi polls, Arvind Kejriwal asks AAP volunteers to relax, watch movies

By

Afternoon Voice

-

February 8, 2015

A day after Delhi went to polls, Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday suggested the party volunteers to relax for two days.

Kejriwal, after exit polls’ predictions in his favour, took to Twitter and praised the AAP volunteers for putting up a good show during election campaign.

Addressing the volunteers, Kejriwal wrote, “You all did an amazing job. Relax for two days and spend the time with your family. Watch movies, meditate and chill.”

He had on Saturday thanked the volunteers for their selfless efforts.

According to half-a-dozen exit polls, the AAP is likely to form a government in Delhi.

The AAP is expected to win between 31 to 53 seats in the 70-member assembly, the surveys said.

Modi needs to introspect

By

Mahendra Singh

-

February 8, 2015

You cannot criticize me. If you check the archives, I wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shun publicity and start working but he went on to wear a suit costing 10 lakh rupees which was made in UK. You call yourself a “chaiwala” and then wear a dazzling coat. I should have also informed Rajnath Singh much earlier but he is playing safe. “Bade muddat ke baad kursi mili hai, pakad kar baitho, awaz mat karo”.

Instead of performing some good work, BJP president Amit Shah is luring Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi as if he is the only leader who can deliver good governance and promote growth in Bihar. Manjhi had sought the dissolution of Bihar assembly. Nitish Kumar is keen to return as the Chief Minister of the state but Manji is reluctant to quit the CM’s post. The Bihar governor accepted CM Jitan Ram Manjhi’s recommendation to sack P K Shahi and Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lallan’.The fate of Bihar will be decided by the Governor in consultation with the central government.

There is no substitute for hard work. The government must conduct a thorough check of the people residing in Delhi, especially those staying in big bungalows and unauthorized colonies. A thorough background verification of people’s occupation must be undertaken.

The government simply asked employees to report to office on time and forgot about its effective implementation. The employees are well entrenched in Delhi and they do not like discipline. The government had also promised to eliminate corruption but it is rampant in Delhi. Thus they are not performing their work amicably and are simply taking people for a ride.

Mayawati and Mulayam Singh are the biggest amassers of personal wealth. Have you taken any action against them? You are only repeating the name of Robert Vadra like a parrot. Find money to install as many solar systems as possible in Delhi. Talk about your blue print to provide clean water to the inhabitants, what are your concrete plans and whether work has begun by you. You must be more concerned about these aspects.

You must also improve the sewage disposal system. BJP’s chief ministerial Kiran Bedi is running on the road displaying her pink suit. If Bedi becomes CM, she will beat Modi in fancy dressing. Even now, it is not too late, the government can start focusing on developmental issues silently but efficiently. Do not think that you are some election specialist? What about controlling the rising population? There is also a need to curb number of private motor vehicles plying on the roads.

Obama not ‘deaf, dumb or blind over Modi’s showoff

By

Vaidehi Taman

-

February 6, 2015

US President Barack Obama’s remarks on religious intolerance in India have provoked sharp reactions in the country. Social media user entirely went outrageous over it by tag #Whitehouse and #Obama in their tweets, specially BJP’s supporters and Modi’s Bhakts. The Obama’s comment is very true and should be accepted with utmost sincerity and humbleness. The world is watching us and whatever is happening in India is disgraceful examples of religious intolerance. We, as the biggest democracy, were always respected for our ”unity in diversity” but now and then attacks on churches, forceful religious conversions, calling north east people immigrants is very damaging and defile the image of India. It is our political parties which are dividing us on the basis of religion, region, caste and creed.

Obama was very loud and clear in giving message that, India will succeed as long as it is not splintered along religious lines. His words, along with a pointed reference to article 25 of the Indian constitution which guarantees religious freedom, is seen as a strong statement on fundamentalism and extremism here and in the United States. Those who are objecting to President’s comments must realise that he didn’t come here on his own. Having been invited here, he cannot pretend he is deaf, dumb and blind to what happens even in our Capital City. Objecting to his comments is akin to imposing censorship on foreign visitors. He expressed what he has witnessed or what he must be watching on TV networks from Love Jihad to Ghar Wapsi. Why should his advice hurt an average Indian?

The problem with US is that, we feel happy when US government invades Muslim countries. However, when we do a reality check, it becomes a ‘thorn in my throat’ syndrome. Whatever Obama said, is a bitter truth about today’s India. Modi has been quite successful in orchestrating a staged drama before Obama. Nevertheless in today’s communicative world, nothing remains a secret, as rightly pointed out by our guest. Indians are in total ignorance about how the other nations view them.

Obama said casually but it’s understood that he said it keeping in mind Hindu-Christian conversion. He didn’t support any religion in his speech. He said religious tolerance is important factor for human development, peace and prosperity. He said all are children of god. Suppose, I ask one who is following Hindu religion, is he truly following Hindu faith. If he is following his faith, then he is correct. Same rules apply to the person following Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. It’s like, if you believe in your faith you are correct, the problem arises when you hate other’s faith and want to convert that person to your faith. You follow your religion and let others follow their own. Any thought beyond this is the mere result of prejudice.

Today, Indo-US relations are strong because of Manmohan Singh’s strategy. Modi is trying to ENCASH in it and taking credit for it. It is proved that, India-US relations are going adhesive because of nation’s potential, the potential that can be unlocked with peace and equality. Modi went over while Obama’s visited here, he even went to the extent by calling him Barack, which I don’t think will suits to Modi’s profile in public portfolio and protocol. When Manmohan greeted Obama as then PM of this country, there was elegance and grace. It was exactly like two countries meeting each other. I hope, Modi will learn to be in his limits by not over pouncing at world leaders.

Saudi Arab, Pakistan and Israel are countries whose foundation and constitution are based on one religion. India is a secular country as emphasised in our constitution. Every religion has an equal standing in this country. Understand this important point. Pakistan is not interested in development and foreign direct investment, Saudi has its own money, Israel has lots of mentors in US, we are new in the line to seek FDI to fuel our growth. FDI comes with safety and prosperity, not with uncertainty. Only problem with Manmohan Singh’s regime was uncertainty due to corruption crusaders. Now, it is violent groups that are spitting venom. Many interpreted it as a scathing critique at a time the Modi government has been accused of not reining in individuals and groups seen to promote a pro-Hindu agenda. The White House said the speech had been misconstrued by some commentators as a kind of a ‘parting shot’.

Anyway, it is a very depressing fact that politicians use religion to further their chances to get elected in democratic country. One needs to make mandatory changes to the Election process in a democratic country. They should ban the religious/racial/tribes based campaigns and the candidates should be far away from crime. After a week of the debate boiling over on the internet and television, the White House clarified that the remarks had been “misconstrued”.

Whatsoever said was real ‘parting shot’ for Modi’s showdown ceremony. Moreover, BJP needs to realise that world has not turned a blind eye at India and atrocities within this country.

100 days of flop government: Manikrao Thakre

By

Afternoon Voice

-

February 6, 2015

The Devendra Fadnavis government have completed 100 days today but it has failed to deliver the promises made to voters. The government had promised ‘achche din’ for voters but there is no sign of good days for the common man. The government has been only favouring the industrialists and ignoring the interest of farmers. Even though there has been a sharp decline in petrol and diesel prices but BEST bus fares and railway tariffs have been hiked by the government thereby burning a hole in the common man’s pocket.

The government had promised to bring back black money stashed abroad but it is yet to bring back a single penny. It had reneged on pre-poll promises of scrapping road toll and LBT and failed to provide succour to the farmers. Shiv Sena had said that while Maharashtra Chief Minister was busy clinching business deals and attracting investments in the state, it was “heart wrenching” that debt-ridden farmers of Vidarbha were committing suicide.

Manikrao Thakre, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee said, “The Fadnavis government had come to power by making several promises but they have not fulfilled them. We are not saying that the government must deliver within 100 days. The government has been unable to resolve issues like farmers suicides, drought, labour problem and other socio-economic problems.”

Radhkrishna Vikhe Patil, Leader of opposition said, “The first 100 days of the Fadnavis government has been a huge disappointment. More than three months have passed and the government must now speed up the decision making process. They have only been making false promises to the people.”

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde said, “It has been more than a month that 23,000 villages in the state have been declared drought-hit. But farmers have not received a penny as relief or aid during their tough times,”

State NCP chief Sunil Tatkare said there was increase in farmer suicides, and government appeared to be insensitive to the woes of the farmers who were reeling under drought.

“This is nothing but a government that runs on twitter,” Tatkare said, in an apparent dig at Fadnavis who often makes announcements through the micro-bogging site.

Referring to the plan to shift the proposed international finance centre from Mumbai to Gujarat, Tatkare said NCP will not allow anything that would reduce Mumbai’s importance as the financial nerve-centre of the country.

Congress spokesperson Ratnakar Mahajan said, “After coming to power, they realised that scrapping LBT is not easy and said it would be done after alternative is found. While on toll, the ministers are saying that toll-free Maharashtra was never an election promise,” Mahajan said.

He also said that supply of foodgrains to above-poverty-line beneficiaries of PDS, who were supposed to get 25 kg of foodgrains under the Food Security Act, had stopped and the Centre had reduced the budgetary provision for implementation of the act by Rs 10,000 crore.

Maharashtra cultural minister Vinod Tawde said, “We have taken minor decisions like announcing the ‘Make in Maharashtra’, cutting red tape to reduce the approvals for setting up industries, raising floor space index for industries. This is the beginning and we will work towards the development of the state.”

When we asked him about the booklet released by the opposition he replied, “The one who is affected by jaundice will only see the world as yellow.”

Work on Trans Harbour Link to start this year: Fadnavis

By

Afternoon Voice

-

February 6, 2015

Assuring speedy implementation of various infrastructure projects in the city, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said work on the much-delayed Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project will commence this year, while the regulatory approvals for the coastal road project will be in place in three months.

“I have set a timeline that we should be able to start the MTHL project this year itself. Besides, we want to get all the regulatory approvals for the coastal road project in the next three months and complete it within two years,” Fadnavis said at an event here today.

He said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is implementing the coastal road project, will invite bids this year itself.

“Generally, it would take nearly 4-5 years to complete the coastal roads. But I feel why can’t we plan it in a way that once the approvals are in place, the project can be completed in two years. From our working standards this is difficult. But since it is a complete green field project which will not require displacement, I believe we can develop the project in two years,” Fadnavis said.

The coastal road, estimated to cost about Rs. 8,000 crore, is planned as a freeway from Nariman Point to Kandivali, while the Rs. 8,800 crore MTHL will connect Sewri in the city to Nhava in the hinterland.

He said his government was working towards bringing down the number of statutory approvals for setting up any developmental project to 20 from the current 76.

“We are developing an IT platform, whereby all the requisite permissions will be made available through the platform and the concerned departments will be held responsible if there is any delay in granting approvals,” he said.

Fadnavis further said that in the last two months, he has cleared nearly 25 development plans.

Seeking files from MIDC aimed at fast-tracking process: Desai

By

Afternoon Voice

-

February 6, 2015

Having run into a controversy over calling for all land allotment files from MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corp), state’s Industries Minister Subhash Desai said his decision was aimed at fast- tracking the process.

Desai’s letter to MIDC in this regard had raised eyebrows and was being seen as undermining the body’s powers to grant clearances without the Cabinet’s approval.

“All files relating to land allotment under the jurisdiction of MIDC, which are tabled at the land allotment committee meeting, should be immediately forwarded to the minister’s office for approval, and the subordinate officials and staff should be directed accordingly,” as per the letter dated January 20.

Desai, however, clarified that the letter should not be misconstrued as an attempt to undermine the BJP-led government’s resolve to cut red-tape and was aimed at ensuring faster clearance for setting up new industries in the state.

“Industry leaders had been complaining to me that they kept asking for plots to set up industries but they were being denied. Their complaints were with senior level officers. Observing this, I asked the MIDC to directly send me the files so that they can be reviewed,” Desai said.

“This does not mean, there is any altercation between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. What we are trying to do is bring in transparency. I do not intend to stall projects which are not given a go ahead by me,” the senior Shiv Sena leader said.

The state has always been at the forefront of IT policies and the government will introduce changes in its IT policies by the end of February, he said.

“We are planning to link gaming, animation and telecom with our IT policy. This will be done by February end. Maharashtra was considered to be the pioneer of IT technology, but today Bangalore and Gurgaon too are in the race,” he said.

Even as ministers are set to submit a report card of decisions taken by their departments to the Chief Minister, Desai said that major decisions like reducing development charges taken by the MIDC, and setting up of UK India Business Council have been taken by his ministry.

“The first thing we did was to begin the process of taking back land from those who took it for industrial purpose but have not started any industry.

The other thing was the MRTP (Monopolistic and Restrictive Trade Practice) Act, under which the MIDC takes development charges from Industries. We have reduced the charges by 50 per cent,” Desai said.

“Industry owners in Kolhapur were complaining that they wanted plots, but were not getting it. Hence they wanted to shift to Karnataka. We managed to persuade them to not do it. We have already got back 9 vacant plots and will soon get 91 more plots,” Desai added.

He said the UK India Business Council has been set up in Kurla that will help UK Industries set up a base here.

Desai said an MoU has been signed with Baden-Wurttemberg state of Germany where both the states will jointly develop sectors like winery, IT and skills development.

Bhujbal probe: ACB recovers documents from government rest house

By

Afternoon Voice

-

February 6, 2015

Maharashtra ACB, which is probing the graft allegations against former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal in the construction of new Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi, has stumbled upon a bunch of documents which may be connected the case.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducting the probe is examining if these documents, recovered from a locked room in a government rest house here, are linked to alleged irregularities in the construction of the building.

Acting on a tip off, a room at the government rest house in Bandra’s Kalanagar area was searched out on Thursday, a senior official from the SIT team said on condition of anonymity.

The room which had been locked for long, was unlocked with the help of PWD officials. The search has yielded in seizure of eight plastic bags containing PWD documents, files, registers, mobile phones and a CD besides some alcohol bottles.

The ACB, however, said that it did not want to jump the gun by making a statement that the seized documents and material have links with the ongoing probe.

Director General of Police (ACB) Pravin Dixit said, “We, along with the PWD officials, will scrutinise the papers first. Only after thorough examination, we will be in a position to say if they have relevance to the inquiry.”

In December last year, the state government gave its nod to ACB’s proposal to conduct an open inquiry into allegations of corruption and favouritism against Bhujbal in construction of Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi and two other government buildings in Mumbai built under Private Public Partnership.

The Sadan was inaugurated in 2013.

Subsequently, an SIT was formed to look into the matter.

Under Bhujbal as PWD Minister, the government had entered into an agreement with a contractor for building three structures – the Maharashtra Sadan (state’s official guest house in Delhi Lutyens’ zone), another state guest house (High Mount) at Malabar Hill, and a new administrative building and residential quarters for the Regional Transport Office at Andheri – on PPP basis.

Mumbai civic body to release new development plan before April

By

Afternoon Voice

-

February 6, 2015

With a view to make Mumbai a competitive, inclusive and affordable megapolis, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai said it would come out with a “pragmatic” development plan before April.

“We have prepared a new pragmatic development plan for Mumbai keeping in mind its future requirements. The objective is to address the challenges of shortage of affordable homes and make the city more competitive and inclusive,” municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte said.

The draft plan was ready, and as per the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act it will be published to invite objections, if any, from citizens.

The new plan became necessary as the previous one was prepared with the intention to restrict population in the city when it was the largest metro in the country.

“The philosophy that was adopted while preparing the earlier plan was to restrict population to 75 lakh. But that philosophy is not practical today because population cannot be controlled.

“So, keeping in mind that population will grow, the new plan has been prepared,” he said, adding, “The new plan emphasises making available more affordable housing and commercial space and also ensure employment generation.”

The new developmental plan proposes to increase the floor space index (FSI) to create more housing stock, Kunte said. Increasing the FSI has been a long-pending demand of realty developers in the city.

Currently, FSI in Mumbai for residential buildings is 1.33 from south Mumbai till Mahim in the west and Sion in the centre, while the FSI in suburbs is 1.