Home Blog Page 987

Crocodile tears by OHCHR & JKCCS for human rights

July 9, 2019

An irked India on July, 8 lodged a strong protest with the UN rights office over the OHCHR report and in addition to other complaints India termed it as violative of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On June 14, 2018, OHCHR released a first report on the human rights situation in Indian-Administered Kashmir and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir. On September 10, 2018, the High Commissioner for Human Rights informed the Human Rights Council during its 39th session that the OHCHR report’s findings and recommendations had “not been followed up with meaningful improvements or even open and serious discussions on how the grave issues raised could be addressed.”

Moreover, neither India nor Pakistan had taken any concrete steps towards providing OHCHR with unconditional access to their respective sides of the Line of Control (the report examined human rights in Pakistan Administered Kashmir and found that human rights violations there were more structural in nature; these included restrictions on the freedom of expression and freedom of association, institutional discrimination of minority groups and misuse of anti-terror laws to target political opponents and activists). The High Commissioner also informed Member States that OHCHR would continue its monitoring and reporting work on Kashmir. Therefore, this follow-up OHCHR report of July 8, 2019.

This July 8, 2019, the report has also quoted the figures given by ‘Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society’ (JKCCS) of Kashmiris killed, injured, blinded, etc. in the Indian side of J&K. However, both the OHCHR and JKCCS are merely shedding Crocodile tears for human rights of Kashmiris in India and Pakistan which is evident from the fact that the human rights can easily be protected on both sides of LoC in unified J&K but they are doing it, as explained below:-

(1)- India has assailed July 8, 2019, report also by saying that it is ‘violative of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity’. However, India forgot that J&K is not an integral part of India and is not like any other State of India. Rather, the political fate of J&K will be decided by plebiscite mandated by ‘Instrument of Accession’ (IoA) as mentioned in my March 25, 2019, online writ petition to J&K High Court.

(2)- It seems that the J&K High Court has not admitted my said online writ petition hence JKCCS should file this writ petition [preferably on behalf of the victims (and their family members) of human right violation in J&K] which will constrain Government of India (GOI) to carry-out plebiscite (after retrieving PoJK and after maintaining law and order in unified J&K) and which will solve all the human rights problems in both sides of LoC in J&K.

(3)- Before filing said writ petition in J&K High Court for plebiscite, the JKCCS should arrange a meeting of the victims (and their family members) of human right violation in Indian side of J&K and should explain the legal reality to them that as per IoA it is not India or Pakistan but the people of unified J&K who will decide the political fate of Unified J&K. However, the governments of India and Pakistan both have taken the territory of J&K under their administration for granted and that is the main reason of human rights violations on both sides of LoC in J&K and this unfortunate situation can be rectified only through said writ petition by JKCCS in J&K High Court.

(4)- The main pleadings in the said writ petition in J&K High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution can be as given below:-

That gory and chronic Kashmir problem has lingered mainly due to ultra-vires acts of the legislative bodies of the Union of India and the State of J&K) about ‘Instrument of Accession’ (IoA) of J&K to India accepted by the then Governor General of India on October 27, 1947, which in essence is given as –“[My Dear Maharajah Sahib, Your Highness’s letter dated the 26th October, has been delivered to me by Mr. V.P. Menon. In the special circumstances, mentioned by your Highness, my Government has decided to accept the Accession of Kashmir State to the Dominion of India. Consistently with their policy that, in the case of my State where the issue of Accession has been the subject of dispute, the question of Accession Should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of the State, it is my Government’s wish that, as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir, and her soil cleared of the invader, the question of the State’s Accession should be settled by a reference to the people. Meanwhile, in response to your Highness’s appeal for military aid, action has been taken today to send troops of the Indian Army to Kashmir to help your own forces to defend your territory and to protect the lives, property, and honour of your people. My Government and I note with satisfaction that your Highness has decided to invite Sheikh Abdullah to form an Interim Government to work with your Prime Minister: Yours Sincerely Sd/- Mountbatten of Burma”].
That as per IoA, the people of J&K have nothing to do even with United Nations rather it is the responsibility of India to get plebiscite by getting the soil of United J&K cleared of Pak invaders (including non-citizens of united J&K) and after getting law and order restored in united J&K (including rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits) and how India does it is India’s headache whether by its own or through UN or by getting help from any friendly country for retrieving PoJK (militarily or on table).
That neither Indian Parliament nor Legislative Bodies of J&K nor any other constitutional authority or institution in India has any constitutional-legal right to decide on the fate of territory of united J&K before plebiscite as per IoA. However, in utter violation of this fundamental legal principle, the Union of India and the State of J&K have illegally mentioned the J&K as a State like any other State of India and even an integral part of India which is against the letter and spirit of IoA, hence ultra-vires and null and void and legally ought to be repealed by Hon’ble Court.
That in view of above mentioned the J&K High Court should be requested to issue appropriate writs as under:-

[1]- Get repealed the Article 1 (3) (a) of The Constitution of India and PART II THE STATE (3) of the Constitution of J&K [which illegally show J&K as Indian territory (like any other State of India) and even an integral part of India without any mention of the condition of plebiscite to decide the territory of J&K as per ‘Instrument of Accession’].

[2]- Recommend to the President of India that the President, under Article 86 (2) of the Indian Constitution, should send message to Parliament to incorporate in such repealed parts of the Constitution of India that – [As per ‘Instrument of Accession’ the fate of territory of J&K will be decided after plebiscite which will be carried out by Union of India after ensuring, in united J&K, the conditions conducive for carrying out such plebiscite].

[3]- Recommend to the Governor of J&K that the Governor, under Article 54 (2) of the Constitution of J&K, should send message to Legislative Bodies of J&K to incorporate in such repealed parts of the Constitution of J&K that [As per ‘Instrument of Accession’ the fate of territory of J&K will be decided after plebiscite which will be carried out by Union of India after ensuring in united J&K the conditions conducive for carrying out such plebiscite].

[4]- (In view of delay of 71 years and immense killings, injuries, sufferings and human rights violations due to chronic and gory so-called Kashmir problem) direct the Union of India to get plebiscite in united J&K at the earliest possible after ensuring in united J&K the conditions conducive for carrying out such plebiscite required by IoA.

It is hoped that both OHCHR & JKCCS instead of shedding crocodile tears for violation of human rights in Indian & Pakistani sides of J&K, the OHCHR will persuade JKCCS to immediately file said writ petition in J&K high Court for plebiscite so that human rights on both sides of LoC in J&K can be protected, restored and ensured in an effective manner.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

India vs NZ: India has won 69 per cent of matches played since last four years

Web Team

July 9, 2019

India will clash against New Zealand in the first semi-final game of the world cup. The match will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester. Team India will be eyeing a final berth for the fourth time. On the other hand, New Zealand will be keen to play its second final match. However it won’t be easy for New Zealand to beat India. In the last four years, Team India has won 69 per cent of the matches played against New Zealand. Both teams have played each other on 13 occasions where India had won nine matches and Kiwis emerged victorious in four matches. Both teams will play each other at Manchester after a period of 44 years. The last time New Zealand had defeated India by four wickets in 1975 world cup edition. After this two more matches were played by both the teams as New Zealand had emerged victorious.

India will be playing its seventh semi-final in the world cup. India has won three semi-finals and lost three games. Last time, Team India was beaten by Australia in semi-final match. Team India will be playing against New Zealand for the first time in semi-final match of the world cup. On the other hand, New Zealand has managed to win only one semi-final and it had to face defeat in six semi-final matches.

Indian captain Virat Kohli stated, “We will be playing for a win in semi-final match. There would be immense pressure on both teams. Both Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are good players. It would augur well for us if we can get them out cheaply.”

Both India and New Zealand have played 106 matches against each other out of which India have won on 55 occasions while Kiwis have emerged victorious in 45 matches. One match was tied and five matches had no result. The last match between India and New Zealand was abandoned due to rains. Rains are likely to come in Manchester and temperatures will be between 18 to 20 degree Celsius. The team which bats first will have advantage over the other. India has already beaten Pakistan on this venue. Chasing teams have lost on five occasions on this ground.

Letters to the Editor: 09 July, 2019

Web Team

July 9, 2019

Lumpsum money offered to inefficient PSU banks

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman didn’t have many goodies in her bag to doll out to the poor due to budget deficit rising each year but no Income Tax upto 5 lakhs must be welcomed by all though it is a small relief in today’s inflationary times. Re 1 surcharge on fuel should not cause much uproar at a time when roads are congested and people still can afford to buy cars whose prices have shot up dramatically in the last few years. TDS of 2% on cash withdrawal over 1 crore in a year must be applauded as that certainly is an huge amount which normal people doesn’t require in normal circumstances.

I am worried about the 70000 crores being offered to inefficient PSU banks. This is honest tax payers money given to inefficient banks who loot the poor by way of frenzy charges on the savings account to fund the elite who have no intention to return back the money. We need banking reforms of efficient money management before recapitalization, else this money too would become NPA‘s in no time. A job well done otherwise by our efficient FM and good luck to her!

S.N. Kabra

When will lynchings stop?

It is a very sad incident that a 24-year-old Muslim man by the name of Shams Tabrez Ansari was beaten to death by a very cruel and violent mob in Jharkhand on June 22, 2019 and the police did nothing to help him out nor arrest the mob. The reason was simple: He was a Muslim. He was not even carrying beef. He was even made to take the name of Hindu gods and chant praises to them.
I wish that the police and the current BJP government take serious action against mob-violence and lynching, especially in this case and arrest the culprits as soon as possible, otherwise it will bring a bad name to the BJP. The people who killed Shams Tabrez Ansari should also be arrested.

Jubel D’Cruz

Auto strike may paralyse life in state

Auto strike in the state is threatening to take away normal life of the common man. Office going people and school going children generally make use of the service and sudden disruption will cause discomfiture in the state. The indefinite strike starting will have a stifling impact in transportation of general public. Since taxi fares were increased, auto unions are restless and demanding hike. Since last 42 months, fares have not been increased for Autos and it appears to be a genuine demand. The Unions may get a hike of at least Rs.2 to Rs.3 if their demand is acceded in principle. But the present strike is going to paralyse life in the state.

Krishnan Subramaniam

Share details about bills passed through media

The current monsoon session of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is witnessing an important phase through passing of several bills. Many bills are tabled after Zero hour in both the houses through pending, amendment and introduction of bills respectively by the honorable members of the parliament through a consensus motion. It is welcome to know that certain bills related to Special Economic Zone, the Dentists, Indian Medical Council and the Central Educational bills have been passed recently through an amendment tabled in the current session.

Further the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is suggested to share the details of all the bills passed, amended or introduced, including private member bills, through a comprehensive list published daily in local newspapers and regional newspapers. Also the Press Information Bureau news portal may carry a detailed daily press release updates specifically announcing the list of bills presented in the current session on a regular basis.

Such a positive and proactive move will help ensure that the citizens are well aware of bills passed by the respective members on daily basis accordingly in every session of both the houses. The announcement may also carry complete details of the bill along with the member details who has passed the bill. Thus the information dissemination as suggested will further help the Parliament to effectively manage public outreach initiatives through newspapers and PIB website press releases.

Varun Dambal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Clicking Selfie an increasing modern social phenomenon

Vinod Dixit

July 9, 2019

The selfie has become a huge part of modern life. It has transformed the simple self-portrait into something more immediate and has grown in cultural importance – it’s been linked to identity, self-exploration, and narcissism. Millions of people across the world every day hold up their cameras to snap selfies to share with their friends. The number of people who die each year taking a selfie is on the rise.

Psychiatrists say that there is a rise in the number of selfie cases. Doctors have also been warning that taking too many selfies could result in “Selfies,” which they describe as a mental disorder. Recently, the American Psychiatric Association actually confirmed that taking selfies is a mental disorder, going as far as to term the condition “selfies”. The APA has defines it as: “the obsessive-compulsive desire to take photos of one’s self and post them on social media as a way to make up for the lack of self-esteem and to fill a gap in intimacy.” Selfies are of two types – group and individual. The individual selfie-addiction is a matter of concern. Alarmed by the trend, Mumbai has already declared 16 no-selfie zones across the city and the authorities warn people against taking unnecessary snaps. The Mumbai police have also declared selfies off-limits in areas perceived as risky — particularly along the coastline in spots with no railings or barrier risk.

Clicking selfie is a magnified way of seeing oneself in the mirror. Today teenagers are more concerned about how they look and how others perceive them. Generally, individual selfie-clickers are seeking identity and meaning in the world. Despite clear signs denoting the selfie-free zones in most of the risky points in metros, people still continue clicking away, and often going to the edges or standing on ledges to get the most thrilling shots. One must remember that live your own life – don’t live before the eyes of others.

The most likely cause of death was falling from a great height, with people going to extreme lengths to take a selfie on cliffs or the top of buildings to impress followers on social media. In India, there are more selfie deaths related to trains. Height-related selfie deaths were the most common, closely followed by both water-related and a combination height/water-related incidents. The lesson to be learned here is quite obviously to avoid taking selfies on the edge of sea cliffs if you want to stay alive.

While it is usually a lot of fun, it can feed a young person’s obsession with their self-image. Selfies may also lead us to reveal more about ourselves than we intended. People often take selfies to show off certain activities or places, but rarely consider how much personal information they are sharing, and who they are sharing it with. Some mental health professionals believe that taking selfies can become an obsession, especially for people who suffer from body image disorders. Sometimes people try to tweak their looks by downloading mobile applications for getting the perfect selfie result.

People suffering from selfie-mania could also consider taking pictures of their work achievements rather than just focusing on their physical appearance. Taking selfies is a lot of fun. However, it is important to not obsess over appearances. This can lead to overlooking other things that really matter. By taking selfies, some people are only looking for the attention and the approval of others. It’s really important to remind young people that comparing themselves to others on social media are unhelpful, as they’re comparing themselves to something impossible and unattainable – nobody looks fantastic all the time and everyone has bad days.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Now, Aadhaar card is voluntary Identity Proof

Web Team

July 9, 2019

Parliament on Monday passed an amendment bill. Thus, Aadhaar card has become voluntary Identity Proof. It means that people can use Aadhaar as voluntary proof of identity to open bank accounts and get a mobile phone connection. Recently, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allowed applicants to use Aadhaar to file Income Tax return.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, by a voice vote. It was already passed by Lok Sabha on July 4. The Bill also provides for Rs 1 crore penalty and a jail term for private entities violating provisions on Aadhaar data. The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on June 24. After approval of the parliament to this bill, Aadhaar is not mandatory to open bank accounts and get new mobile connections now. The amendments provide for use of Aadhaar number for KYC authentication on voluntary basis under the Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Additionally, the Bill also seeks to give a child an option to exit from the biometric ID programme on attaining 18 years of age.

It is worth mentioning that earlier, the government had made Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts, getting a mobile phone connection and for many government services. But last year, the Supreme Court in its historic verdict ordered that Aadhaar number will not be required for obtaining SIM cards and opening bank accounts. However, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and said that it empowers the marginalised sections of the society. After the decision of the Supreme Court, the government was bound to amend the Aadhaar Act.

The move is aimed at making Aadhaar people-friendly. It also paves the way for use of alternative virtual identity number to conceal actual Aadhaar number of an individual. The bill also proposes deletion of section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to use of the biometric identifier by private entities. It will also prevent denial of services for refusing to or being unable to, undergo authentication. Besides this, the proposed amendments provide for the establishment of the Unique Identification Authority of India Fund and confer enhanced regulator-like power on the UIDAI.

Supreme Court’s verdict on Aadhaar

On 26 September, 2018, a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprising Justices A K Sikri, AM Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan passed the landmark verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and said that it empowers the marginalised sections of the society. However, the ruling came with certain caveats with the top court mandating that the 12-digit Aadhaar number will not be required for obtaining SIM cards and opening bank accounts. The apex court also said that Aadhaar will not be mandatory for school admissions, UGC, NEET and CBSE examinations. But the linkage of Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards with Aadhaar remains compulsory.

The need to link your bank account with your Aaadhar number has been done away with. The Supreme Court struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act. Hence private companies can no longer ask for a consumer’s Aadhaar details. Similarly, users no longer need to produce their Aadhaar number for procuring SIM cards.

According to the Supreme Court verdict, the 12-digit unique identification number need not be produced at the time of school admissions or enrollment in exams of NEET, CBSE and UGC. PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued to assessees by the Income Tax Department and is mandatory for filing income tax returns. The court also asserted that Aadhaar card will not be provided to illegal migrants. The Supreme Court asked the central government to introduce a strong data protection law as soon as possible.

The judgement was passed with a 4:1 majority with Justice D Y Chandrachud’s having a dissenting view. He stated that Aadhaar may possibly lead to profiling of voters. Justice AK Sikri read out the verdict and stated that Aadhaar empowers the marginalised section of the society and gives them an identity. He said, “Aadhaar is also different from other ID proofs as it can’t be duplicated. It is better to be unique than being the best and Aadhaar is unique.”

The Court further said that minimal demographic and biometric data of citizens are collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for Aadhaar enrolment and the Aadhaar number given to a person is unique and can’t be provided to any other person. The bench had reserved the judgement in the matter on May 10, 2018 after a long-standing hearing that went on for nearly 38 days, spanning over four months.

It is remarkable that the challenges against Aadhaar had started even before the law came into existence in 2016. At least 31 petitions, including one by former High Court judge KS Puttaswamy, had been filed in the matter. During the course of the hearing the Supreme Court, on March 13, 2018 had indefinitely extended the deadline for linking Aadhaar with bank accounts and mobile phone numbers.

The counsel for the petitioners, Shyam Divan, had raised concerns over the ‘integrity of the process, integrity of the information and pervasive violation of fundamental rights. He had told the Supreme Court that Aadhaar may cause the death of citizens’ civil rights. While the government and the UIDAI have defended the scheme on every instance by stating that it ensures benefits are distributed among the population in a proper manner and also deters siphoning of funds.

PAN card and Aadhaar card interchangeable for filing tax returns

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech announced on July 5 that taxpayers can now file Income Tax returns using Aadhaar Card also. The FM has made PAN card (Permanent Account Number) and Aadhaar card interchangeable for filing tax returns. She said, “More than 120 crore Indians now have Aadhaar card, therefore for ease of taxpayers I propose to make PAN and Aadhaar interchangeable and allow those who don’t have PAN to file returns by simply quoting Aadhaar number and use it wherever they require to use PAN.” People will be able to use Aadhaar cards instead of PAN cards to conduct financial transactions, for instance, mutual fund investments, buying gold, an

Focus and rework can bring Congress to life

Vaidehi Taman

July 8, 2019

Since Congress lost it badly in the Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi‘s call for accountability has impressed many of his leaders; one by one, all young and potential leaders have given their resignations. The irony is that Congress is having a dearth of a credible leader. People have lost their faith in them. In a fresh spree of resignations, senior Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Milind Deora resigned from their posts. The resignations come as a blow in the middle of the Karnataka crisis and at a time when the party leadership is coping with the resignation of its President Rahul Gandhi, owning up responsibility for the Lok Sabha election debatable.

Scindia was the General Secretary in charge of western Uttar Pradesh, while Deora was heading the Mumbai Congress. Deora said that he was looking forward to playing a role at the national level to help stabilise the party. He recommended the establishment of a provisional collective leadership, comprising three senior leaders, to oversee the party’s city unit till the Maharashtra Assembly elections, which are due later this year.

Congress is suffering within and outside too. The BJP supporters have not stopped their attacks on Gandhi family and Rahul even after he resigned from his post. No one really knows why so much hatred for him. He is never been involved in corruption cases, never been involved in anything wrong. Opposition’s massive media mechanism has circulated millions of article and named him Pappu because he is the last man left in the Nehru Gandhi legacy.

Ruining Rahul Gandhi’s image is the last option BJP has. I wish Rahul Gandhi could have handled the situation more wisely and more than that, the Congress leaders need to understand the plight of the party and by standing firm by the side of their leaders. Anyways, BJP almost achieved what they wanted. Now coming back to the crises in Congress, no one knows when this ongoing resignation saga will end and some constructive decisions can be taken.

Indians are divided into two groups, one with Congress psyche and the other with the non-Congress psyche. Those with the Congress psyche do not see anything wrong in sticking with the Nehru family, sink or sail, whom they believe to be the deliverers and strength of National Congress. They adore the family and believe that as long as an heir from the family is present, there is no reason to indulge in politicking for the highest post. The rest will be content with other responsible posts in states and centre.

It is not just Rahul’s credentials that are important, the party can support him with capable leaders as supporters till he gains better experience and becomes better than them. They don’t question ‘Why Rahul? Well! Still understanding the sentiments of larger people, Rahul has decided to step down; Congress leaders should make the best use of the opportunity and bring the party to some elevation.

Unfortunately, they are not able to demonstrate their capability to come up with leaders who can be acceptable to entire India so far with possible exceptions of Vajpayee and to some extent Narendra Modi. Minus Modi, BJP may not be able to come up with another name for the 2019 elections. It is stuck up with Modi. TDP is stuck up with Naidu. TRS is stuck up with KCR. BSP is stuck up with Mayawati. SP is stuck up with father and son Yadavs. AAP is stuck up with Kejriwal. Trinamool is stuck up with Mamata. Almost every Indian political party is stuck with one person and one individual. There is no substitute in projection or authority or name or representation.

Like Gandhi’s and Nehru’s, each party is going to go in docks once their prominent faces go back seat. After Atal Ji’s retirement from politics, BJP took 20 years to come back to power. They had to create anger against Congress by various means. The unrest was created in India against UPA-2. The forces like Anna Hazare, Baba Ramdev, Ravi Shankar and all came on the roads to attack INC and family, because of all this background work; Modi was projected as the ‘Vikas Purush’ and Gujarat model.

The campaign was launched when people were looking for an option, a choice. Modi’s staunch Hindutva agenda, the Gujarat model, and social media campaigning made him a model and brand. With huge efforts and resources, BJP won with successful margin but BJP too have the same question, who if not Modi?

Without Modi, BJP has no parallel power, just like Congress without Gandhi. It’s BJP’s second term and people have already reached to saturation; once they too are done serving for long, the voters will search for a new option and changes.

If you remember, since independence, this is the fourth time that BJP-NDA has come to power and Congress-UPA has ruled the Indian politics most of the time. The regional parties have their own strength and weaknesses and they get an alternate chance to power. In spite of Modi being the Prime Minister, many states are ruled by Congress.

The time has come and political equations need to be set with some substitutes in minds. Congress has good young leaders and Rahul Gandhi has really matured with time, but he and his party must focus and rework. Eliminating Congress in India won’t be as easy as Modi and BJP declare it. India has only two national parties and if not one, the other gets to power. Let’s see how Congress is going to deal this stressful time and how BJP bakes their bread on disputes in opposition.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Unsafe Mumbai: Steep rise in rape cases

Suraj Chandran

July 8, 2019

The shocking rape incident of a 12-year-old girl by an 18-year-old boy last week at Diamond 1 building Royal palms, Goregaon, raises serious questions about the safety of women in Mumbai. After committing the rape, the accused had thrown the victim from 12th floor of the building which is just about 500 metres from singer and anchor Vanndana Vaadera‘s residence. Vanndana’s house help’s employer had seen the boy throwing the victim’s body. The boy was apprehended by the police. Vaadera said that since it is Mumbai, such news get suppressed. If the incident had occurred in Delhi, it would have hit headlines in the media.

Social activist Abhijeet Rane said, “Parents of both girl and boy are to be blamed for this incident. They must monitor their activities. Parent’s responsibility increases as they should be aware about whom their children are meeting and how many times.”

“Parents must provide counseling to their children. Allegations were made against the boy for pushing the girl from the 12th floor. Since the boy and girl were good friends, their friendship turned into love. Even the boy was young and immature. This incident could have been averted if both the children’s parents had given proper attention to their wards,” he added.

The watchman of the society was heard saying “Woh ladki hi aisi thi (The girl was like that)” and blamed the girl for the incident. If a 12-year old girl is seen speaking with boy then she is considered as a loose character. Vanndana said that if such is the scenario then she would have been considered as the worst character amongst all women/girls/ and ladies as 90 per cent of her friends are male. She expressed concern about such crimes occurring in posh localities of Mumbai but no media coverage is being given.

Anjali Sinha, a Mumbai resident told the newspaper, “While Delhi is in news everyday with instances of crime against women and children, we felt Mumbai is one safe city for girls. However, the spine-chilling incidents are a reality-check and the government must take a strong step against the accused. The financial capital should not become another national capital where every girl will be frightened to step out of her house alone.”

Crimes against women have already seen an enormous increase in the city in five financial years starting 2013-2014, according to a white paper released by non-profit organisation Praja. Cases of rape increased by 83 per cent and those of molestation by 95 per cent from 2013-2014 to 2017-2018, the white paper stated. The data was compiled from replies given to queries under RTI. The biggest increase in rape cases was in South Mumbai (172 per cent) while molestation cases rose the highest in North Mumbai (186 per cent) during the five years period.

The posh areas of South Mumbai which includes Worli, Byculla, Colaba and Malabar Hill saw the biggest rise in rape cases (172 per cent) from 2013-2014 to 2017-18. Whereas North Mumbai comprising Dahisar, Borivali and Malad (W) witnessed the biggest increase in cases of molestation (186 per cent) during the same period. Cases of child sexual abuse under the POCSO Act rose by 19 per cent between 2015-16 and 2017-18.

Advocate Majeed Memon stated, “Rape incidents are increasing in Mumbai due to the ineffectiveness of police and the failure of the criminal laws. The offenders are being encouraged because the legal system is very slow. These factors are responsible for the increase in crime against women.”

Memon further added, “Registered cases must be fast-tracked and the investigation should wind up within two to four weeks. The trial should wind up in three months.”

According to the activists, the rise in number of rape and molestation incidents could be due to the result of more women coming forward to register complaints. Mumbai police spokesperson DCP Manjunath Singhe said that the increase in registration of cases showed the police were being seen as people-friendly. For addressing the rise in rape cases, Praja has recommended that gaps in sanctioned and available strengths of the police force be filled as well as the slots for permanent public prosecutors besides training and sensitisation of cops and an awareness campaign on child sexual abuse.

Congress-JD(S) coalition crisis worsens in Karnataka

Web Team

July 8, 2019

The coalition crisis of Karnataka has further worsened on Monday as Independent MLA and minister Nagesh quit his post and said that he was ready to support the BJP. After this, all Congress ministers submitted their resignation to the party chief to appease the rebel MLAs. These MLAs are in Mumbai and they refused to take back their resignations. The ruling coalition has 118 MLAs in the 224 member assembly and it faces the risk of losing its majority if the resignations are accepted.

Former CM Siddaramaiah appealed to the rebel MLAs to reconsider their decision. He said, “On behalf of the Congress party I request all those who have resigned to reconsider their decision and strengthen our government. Our ministers have voluntarily resigned to help save the government. We will try to accommodate those MLAs who have resigned and interested to be the ministers. We will reshuffle the cabinet keeping regional aspirations and social obligations in mind.”

The development came after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy met rebel Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy amid the ongoing crisis in the state. Total 13 Congress-JD(S) MLAs have resigned from their post. This situation is being seen as warning for the 13-month-old alliance government.

In the meantime, one BSP MLA N Mahesh has also threatened to join the league of MLAs, who have tendered their resignation demanding ministerial berths. N Mahesh said that he is willing to offer issue-based support to BJP.

On the other hand, a day after the resignation of MLAs, leaders of both the Congress-JDS held day-long discussions about the next course of action to save the government. Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara has called a meeting of Congress ministers over breakfast to stabilise the government. He said no leadership change was discussed yet but talks were on with disgruntled MLAs to tell them about priorities.

Meanwhile, CM HD Kumaraswamy returned from the USA on Sunday. He participated in a series of meetings with coalition leaders. There were reports of a change of guard as an option to save the government by making veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge the Chief Minister. But Kharge ruled it out. He termed it false and flimsy news and it was being spread through the media just to divide the party.

BJP state unit chief BS Yeddyurappa said that the party was watching the developments and that they were not sanyasis to rule out the possibility of forming the government. Ruling out the possibility of any mid-term polls, he said that it has been just 13 months after the assembly election. We will not allow election to happen. He said, “Let the Congress-JDS give good administration. If they can’t, we are there with strength of 105 MLAs…we will not meet the Governor or go to Delhi for now. We are watching the developments.”

Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP had been trying to destabilise since last one year and this is their sixth attempt. They will surely fail again and will have to face the wrath of the public. They are unable to digest the fact that our coalition govt is trying to ensure social justice & regional balance.

“BJP is misusing the central govt and its agencies to threaten our MLAs. It is not just by BJP Karnataka leaders but also by dictators Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. They are nothing but the traitors of this vibrant country,” the former Karnataka CM says.

Blaming BJP for the resignations of Congress-JD(S) MLAs, Siddaramaiah said, “BJP had not got any mandate from the people even if percentage of votes are considered. Independents and BSP MLAs had supported our coalition govt. We have numbers to prove majority but BJP Karnataka is continuously trying to topple our govt.”

Denying the allegations of the Congress, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “We are committed to maintaining dignity of parliamentary democracy. Trend of submitting resignations was started by Rahul Gandhi in Congress,it wasn’t started by us. He himself asked people to submit resignations,even senior leaders are submitting their resignations. Defence Minister said in the Lok Sabha, “Our party has nothing to do with what is happening in Karnataka. Our party has never indulged in horse trading.”

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised the issue in Parliament accusing the BJP of orchestrating the political crisis in the state. Addressing the media over the current crisis in the state, K C Venugopal said, “We do agree a situation has arised. Some have grievances, of course. In a democracy, we cannot accommodate everyone. Yesterday and today we had detailed discussion. Today we met all ministers. The ministers themselves voluntarily resigned and entrusted party to reshuffle.”

Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan expressed confidence that the at least 6-7 of the 10 MLAs camping in Mumbai are going to come back. All Congress ministers have tendered their resignations in view of the crisis that has shaken the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state. The resignations come as an attempt to salvage the situation and accommodate the rebel MLAs within the cabinet.

BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje demanded the resignation of the chief minister. She said outside BS Yeddyurappa’s residence in Bengaluru that Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy should resign immediately. He has lost the majority. Congress MLAs have already resigned. He should make way for another govt. She said, “We welcome Independent MLA Nagesh (who resigned as minister). We will accept anybody into our party who is from non-political dispensation. We’re not in touch with any rebels of the Congress and JD(S), as long as they are with their parties.”

A disciplined, growth-oriented budget

Web Team

July 8, 2019

This is the second budget of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the first of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She is the first woman Finance Minister who has presented the budget. Indira Gandhi had presented the budget in 1970, but at that time, she was in charge of the Prime Minister.

Becoming a $5 trillion economy

In the budget speech, the Finance Minister said that India could achieve the goal of making a $5 trillion economy. For this, the infrastructure needs to be strengthened. According to the speed at which the Indian economy is moving forward, the Indian economy may be $3 trillion economies in the current financial year. According to the Finance Minister, five years ago, the size of the Indian economy was $1,850 billion, which has now increased to $2,700 billion. In the budget speech, Sitharaman stressed on controlling the fiscal deficit, accelerating economic growth, and employment generation.

Efforts to strengthen the economy

It is worth mentioning that in the Economic Survey released on July 4, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will increase in 2019. According to Sitharaman, India can become the fifth largest economy in the world by leaving behind the UK in the current financial year. In spite of the decline in FDI in the world during the last three years, FDI in India has increased by 6 per cent in the fiscal year 2018-19. Recently, there has been an increase in direct tax. It has increased from Rs 6.8 lakh crore to Rs 11.37 lakh crore. It is believed that the ongoing reform process in the country is expected to further accelerate the investment. At present, the insurance sector is facing a shortage of heavy capital. Therefore, the matter of allowing 100 per cent FDI in insurance intermediary area has been stated in the budget.

To reinforce the infrastructure

In order to reinforce the infrastructure, the Modi government has set a target of constructing 210 km Metro line in the year 2019. To make the environment clean, the government will encourage the construction of electric vehicles. In the second phase of Bharatmala, the state government will be helped to lay the road network in states. The aim of the government is to bridge the gap between the rural and urban areas by implementing a scheme like Sagarmala. In the budget speech, the Finance Minister also said that cargo service will be started from Varanasi to Haldia by 2020 on River Ganges.

Welfare initiatives

To overcome the problem of water and LPG, the Finance Minister has announced the formation of a national grid. The goal of the government is to implement “every house tap, every house water” scheme by 2024. Through this scheme, every household is aimed for water, because still a large population in the country is deprived of drinking clean water.

In order to strengthen the lower class of the society financially, the government will further strengthen the process of lending to the businessmen in 59 minutes, so that small businessmen can become economically self-sufficient. Currently, retail businessmen are undergoing mental vulnerabilities. Often their business gets derailed. Therefore, the government wants them to provide pension facilities. Therefore, Prime Minister Karmayogi Mandhan Pension Benefit Scheme will be launched for the three crore retailers who have done business worth less than Rs 1.5 crore. The process of providing accommodation to all will also be expedited and it will be provided to all eligible beneficiaries by the year 2022.

Proposal to provide electricity to all

Proposal for providing affordable power to all the states through a country level grid is placed in the budget. Under this, every state can get 24 hours power at a reasonable cost. The proposal to rationalize the electricity tariff has also been kept in the budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the budget speech that by 2022, electricity, cooking gas, and the house will be provided to all.

To support the rural economy

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 1.25 lakh kms of the road will be upgraded to the cost of Rs 80,250 crores. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Yojana scheme, there is a target to build 1.95 crore houses. In addition, LPG, toilets, and electricity will be provided to all. This budget has also been arranged for women’s upliftment. For making women self-reliant, they will be given a loan of Rs 1 lakh under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana. The Government will encourage mass awareness campaign to promote startup, under which special TV programs will be started.

Improvement in education

With the efforts of the government, three high educational institutes in the country have come under 200 major institutions of the world. In order to increase the quality of education in India, the specific amount has been allotted for research in the budget, which is three times more than the previous year’s budget. Rs 400 crores will be given to the higher education institutions to provide quality education to all. The government will come out with a new education policy to make education better and meaningful. Under the Prime Minister Rural Digital Literacy Campaign, every Panchayat has been targeted to provide Internet facility to local bodies. This work will be expedited under the Universal Service Obligation Fund.

Tax provision

Now, those who earn Rs 2-3 crores will have to pay 3 per cent additional tax, while those earning more than Rs 5 crore are at 4 per cent. There is no change in tax structure for those earning up to Rs 2 crore. The bank will have to give 2 per cent TDS for withdrawal of cash beyond Rs 1 crore in a year.

Relief to the common people

For up to Rs 45 lakhs loans which will run 15 years will be entitled to exemption in tax up to Rs 3.5 lakhs in context of housing loan interest. In order to encourage the defaulters to return the loan, will be given a rebate of tax of up to Rs 1.5 lakh to honest borrowers.

Arrangement of Capital

The government will focus on the disinvestment of government companies to raise capital. The target is of raising more than Rs 1 lakh crore through disinvestment in the current financial year. By the help of strict measures, the pace of recovery has accelerated. Non-performing assets (NPAs) decreased by Rs 1 lakh crore. The banks have recovered Rs 4 lakh crore in the last four years. Banks will be merged to strengthen the banking sector. In the future, only eight big government banks will be in the country.

Initiatives to strengthen railways

In order to strengthen the infrastructure in the Railways, an investment of Rs 50 lakh crore will be needed from 2018 to 2030. Railways will work on the PPP model to facilitate speedy improvement in the railway.

It can be said that the first budget of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was made keeping in mind the common people. In this budget, more tax was imposed on rich people, while the old tax structure has been kept in place to provide relief to the middle class. Taxes have also been increased on the items of use of rich people, such as cigarettes, gold, gutkha, bidi, etc.

By Satish Singh

Amartya Sen criticised for saying ‘Jai Sri Ram’ not associated with Bengali Culture

Web Team

July 8, 2019

Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen has hit the headlines for his comment on ‘Jai Sri Ram‘ slogan. He said that unlike ‘Maa Durga‘, the ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogan is not associated with Bengali culture and it is used as a pretext to assault people. He is being criticised for this remark. The BJP has alleged that Amartya Sen is hardly a neutral observer, since his old ties with the Congress and with Jean Dreze, who was involved with UPA’s policymaking by being a founding member of the NAC, are well-documented.

While speaking at a programme in the Jadavpur University in Kolkata Amartya Sen said, “It is ‘Maa Durga’ who is omnipresent in the lives of Bengalis. Jai Sri Ram slogan is not associated with the Bengali culture. Even Ram Navami is gaining popularity nowadays and he had never heard of it before.

He further said, “I asked my four-year-old grandchild ‘who is your favourite deity?’ She replied that it is Maa Durga. Maa Durga is so much more omnipresent in our lives. What I feel is slogans like Jai Sri Ram are used as pretexts to assault people.”

Amartya Sen expressed concern over religious discrimination and said that one cannot negate the political link behind it. As per the position of the people of various religions in the Indian Constitution, there should not be any discrimination. He felt that the current perception is highly driven by caste discrimination and differentiation on religious grounds.

He said if the society reaches a position where a person is being forced to utter something and being assaulted for not abiding, everyone needs to think over the urgent needs of the hour and change the perceptions accordingly.

It is remarkable that last month, a man in Coochbehar district of West Bengal was assaulted for not uttering ‘Jai Sri Ram’. The incident of Tufanganj came to the fore after a video clip was circulated on social media. In the video, a man was being made to do sit-ups holding his ears and forced to say ‘Jai Sri Ram’. The man followed helplessly. Several cases of scuffle between Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party workers over chanting of ‘Jai Sri Ram’ have also been reported in the state.

On the other hand, Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy has criticised Amartya Sen over his remarks that the ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogan is being used nowadays to assault people across the country and is not associated with Bengali culture. He asked, “Are Ramrajatala and Serampore in West Bengal or somewhere else? Don’t we say Ram-Ram when we are scared of ghosts? He won a Nobel Prize in economics, he should stick to his subject,” Roy was quoted by a news agency as saying in Kolkata.

Ramrajatala is one of the oldest parts of the city of Howrah. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). The name of the area comes from the presence of a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and three months long worship is undertaken by the people of the locality every year at the temple. This tradition of worship of Lord Rama has continued for about 3 centuries. Ayodhyaram Choudhury, the zamindar started Rama puja first time in this area. Similarly, Serampore (also called Srirampur) is a city of Hooghly district. There was a very famous ‘Ram-Seeta’ temple. So, it is wrong to say that Ram is not associated with Bengali culture. Such comment should be avoided.

Bharatiya Janata Party West Bengal unit president Dilip Ghosh also hit back at Amartya Sen. He said that probably Amartya Sen does not know Bengal. Speaking at a BJP membership drive event, Dilip Ghosh countered Sen and said the Nobel laureate was unaware that people were being assaulted or even killed in the state for chanting the slogan. He said, “In Bengal, if someone says Jai Sri Ram he is being murdered. India is progressing with a new image, while Bengal is walking backwards. There is no democracy here. People do not have the right to speak their mind. Big intellectuals are seeing terror in the chant of Jai Sri Ram. They are saying people are lynched for not chanting Jai Sri Ram.” The BJP state unit president said that Sen was unaware of the ground realities in the state. He stayed abroad and he should stay there. “Jai Sri Ram is chanted in every village, now entire Bengal says it. At the same time, the BJP accused goons of the TMC of assaulting a party supporter in Nadia district allegedly for saying Jai Sri Ram.

According to the BJP, Amartya Sen is an eminent economist and should not play into the hands of a discredited and corrupt regime and become its spokesperson. He should have an independent view and recognise the immense long-term interests of India’s poor — they will be the biggest beneficiaries of a truly investment-led growth-oriented government led by an honest and decisive leader. A leader like Narendra Modi. The party asked, “Is Sen opposed to good governance and growth that the Gujarat model is synonymous with? Is he opposed to zero tolerance for corruption, empowerment over entitlement, minimum government and maximum governance, skill development, training teachers and attracting entrepreneurs?”

Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress extended their support to Sen. Senior party leader Purnendu Bose said, “We stand by what Amarya Sen has said.” State Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim said that Ghosh was new to Bengal politics. He is not aware of Bengal’s culture. If tomorrow Dilip Ghosh says Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore did not know Bengal, or that Mother Teresa did not know Kolkata, will the people believe him?

1...986987988...5,577 Page 987 of 5,577