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Letters to the Editor: 27 June, 2019

By
Web Team
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FEATURE LETTER DIARY 679x400 e1553672678487Modi unfit for PM’s post 

Who wanted Modi for a second term to rule the country? We have had enough of him and his false promises. Let him go to the Himalayas and meditate there now. Or let him go back to Gujarat and start selling tea once again in his hometown. He is not fit to be a Prime Minister.

Jubel D’Cruz

 

Has RBI become the puppet of the govt?

Viral Acharya’s exit as RBI deputy governor six months before his term ended does not come as a surprise. His body language and various interactions to the media clearly indicated he was on his way out. Former RBI governor Urjit Patel too put in his papers 9 months before his term ended. Raghuram Rajan before him was not taken seriously by the govt. Has RBI become the puppet of the government is a serious issue which needs to be debated across the country?

People at the helm resigning at a time when Indian economy is in the doldrums can’t be coincidence and is a serious matter which cannot be overlooked. Lakhs of crores of bank money have been siphoned off by fraudsters and nothing concrete is being done to trace that money. RBI Board has top qualified professionals who won’t toe the line of people in power which is the reason why we have so many exits at the top level. PM Modi should personally intervene and look at problems at RBI so that our Central Bank can function independently to streamline our economy.

S.N. Kabra

 

Sreedharan opposes free metro ride for women

It refers to metro-man E Sreedharan writing to Prime Minister rightly opposing proposed free metro-ride for women in Delhi Metro Rail Service (DMRC). Instead DMRC should concentrate more on providing better and extended metro-services in Delhi by operating metro-service round the clock especially including in Airport Express.

These extended services can be extended at intervals of half-an-hour in late non-peak night hours. System will provide cheaper, convenient and safe travel during night-hours, and is utmost necessary for Airport Express because of flights arriving and departing 24-hours a day. People have to spend so much in taxis that too with late-night charges. Loss in providing 24-hours a day metro-service can be partially compensated by abolishing fare-concession in non-peak hours.

Youngsters especially ladies do not vacate seats reserved for senior citizens. Special warning through display-boards and announcement inside metro-trains should be there against not voluntarily vacating seats reserved for senior citizens specially by young ladies who have separate reserved seats apart from a full metro-coach reserved for ladies. Senior citizens out of courteous avoid asking young ladies to vacate seats reserved for them. Fine should be imposed on youngsters including ladies not voluntarily vacating seats for senior citizens.

DMRC should change name of Yamuna-Bank station which confuses commoners very much. Otherwise also, every effort should be made to use Hindi names in Delhi as far as possible. Yamuna-Bank station can be renamed as Yamuna-Paar or some other Hindi name familiar with commoners. Present name otherwise also confuses as if some bank is named as Yamuna-Bank.

Madhu Agrawal

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

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Save the Savior

By
Dr Vinay Aggarwal
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Bengal doctors on strike, Doctors on strike, Mumbai doctors on strike
Image Courtesy: Twitter

In India, doctors have traditionally been regarded highly by society. The present impression of private business-mindedness of some in the profession has led to a poor image of doctors. However, one of the factors that contribute to this poor image of doctors is the sensationalisation of every news item, often ignoring information that would gloss over mundane details, exonerating a doctor in an incident of alleged medical negligence. There are many causes for the increase in violence against medical personnel, not restricted to a general increase in aggression in society as evidenced by incidents of road rage and other acts of violence witnessed in schools and colleges across India.

Violence against doctors and other medical practitioners in India has been reported as an increasing problem. On average, one in two doctors faces violence at hospitals. Violence is much more common in the healthcare industry compared to any other, taking up a variety of forms. There are many ways to reduce the potential for violence and total episodes. One of the most serious problems in worldwide healthcare, it needs to be addressed in a well-thought-out way.

Violence may stem from patient dissatisfaction with care, costs associated with insurance premiums, unrealistic expectations, and overworked and underpaid hospital staff, as well as the rising cost of health care due to the government’s inability to subsidize hospital operations. Lack of a third-party formal dispute resolution system in many hospitals has been suggested as a factor, and the acceptance of bribes or good-faith money in the form of red packets has been implicated. Media coverage and a lack of health literacy amongst the population are also some of the contributory factors.

Violence against doctors – Global Phenomenon

Violence against doctors and hospital is not only restricted to India but a global phenomenon. In the USA, between 1980 and 1990, over 100 healthcare workers died as a result of violence. Another survey conducted in 170 university hospitals revealed that 57% of all emergency room employees had been threatened with a weapon over a 5-year period before the survey. The main reason behind the violence is ignorance about disease and prognosis, lack of knowledge regarding medical science. Today mob mentality has become a predominant trait.

Among other causes of violence against doctors in India are the pathetic conditions in which patients are treated in government hospitals. There is overcrowding, long waiting time to meet doctors, absence of a congenial environment, multiple visits to get investigations done as well as consult doctors, sharing a bed by two and sometimes three patients, and poor hygiene and sanitation.

Causes of violence

There is a lack of communication and overwork leading to numerous patients and understaffing of doctors. The junior doctors mostly get attacked as first responders in a critical situation, because they lack training in proper communication. There is also a lack of surveillance, security, and restriction on movement of multiple attendants inside hospital premises. The government should be very transparent with lack of institutional/organisational policies and prepare action plans to deal with such violence.

There are various types of healthcare violence like verbal abuse, mobbing, threats, psychological harassment, physical violence, vandalism and cyber trolling.

Put an End – The solution

Aspects of patient-doctor communication such as ‘receiving an explanation for the occurrence of the symptom/ sign, likely duration of treatment and the lack of unmet expectations’ were found to be key predictors of patient satisfaction. Caregivers must be trained in breaking bad news, empathizing and communicating with their patients. Given the patient load, lack of time, gross deficiency of staff and other resources, these issues receive only lip service in India, especially in the government sector.

The relationship between a doctor and a patient is paternalistic where patients are still not considered equal partners by their caregivers. This at a time leads to arrogant behaviour, condescending attitude and use of jargon by doctors, which confuses the patient. This is an area where much emphasis needs to be laid especially during medical training. Doctors are taught clinical behaviour but not empathy. Effective patient-doctor communication has been shown to correlate with patient satisfaction with healthcare services.

(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.)

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Maharashtra slumps in ‘Beti Bachao’

By
Rajesh Choudhary
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Girl-Child-Sex-Ratio-in-Maharashtra,sex ratio of girls
Image Used For Representation Purpose Only

There is no indication that sex determination and female foeticide have completely stopped in Maharashtra. The sex ratio at birth in the state has further declined from the base year 2014-16. Thus, Maharashtra has failed in PM Modi’s ambitious ‘Beti Bachao’ programme. The latest health ranking report of NITI Aayog has revealed it which is a matter of concern for a progressive state like Maharashtra.

The report says that the ratio of newborn girls per 1,000 boys went two points down. On the other hand, Maharashtra’s sex ratio based on registered births has been at 904 in 2016 and at 913 in 2017. In Mumbai, the Sex Ratio at Birth has shown a rise since 2013, when it was 930, to 937 in 2016 and 938 in 2017.

According to Census reports, Maharashtra’s general sex ratio declined from 934 in 1991 to 922 in 2001 but marginally rose to 929 in 2011. In contrast, India’s sex ratio increased from 927 in 1991 to 933 in 2011 and 940 in 2011. The Child Sex Ratio (CSR) (ratio of girls to boys between zero to six) fell from 946 in 1991 to 913 in 2001 and 894 in 2011 in the state, as against India’s 946 in 1991, 927 in 2001 and 919 in 2011.

On being asked about this, Congress spokesperson Hemlata Patil told Afternoon Voice, “The state government’s policy is responsible for the decline in Sex Ratio at Birth in Maharashtra. Sex determination is being done even today. The Chief Minister did not take any concrete step for saving girl children. The administration is not registering cases against guilty doctors and clinics.”

As per “Healthy States, Progressive India” titled report of NITI Aayog, there are surprises in the performances of states when it comes to sex ratio. The sex ratio at birth is now the highest in Chhattisgarh at 963, which has overtaken Kerala. Kerala’s sex ratio at birth has fallen from 967 to 959. However, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan have worsened. Haryana has the worst sex ratio at 832 although this is a slight improvement from 831. UP has also improved a bit from 879 to 882.

Socialist activist Dr. Kumar Saptarshi said, “People who are economically sound are more indulged in the practices of sex determination and female foeticide. This problem has spread in the rural areas of Maharashtra too. Due to social reasons, people opt for a male child. The common man thinks that they have to pay dowry if a girl is born in the family. Mass awareness programme should be conducted to stop female foeticide. ”

It is remarkable that Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) or the number of girls born for every 1000 boys born during a specific year is an important indicator and reflects the extent to which there is a reduction in the number of girl children born by sex-selective abortions. This indicator was only available for the category of larger states. The SRB is substantially lower in almost all larger states. There is a clear need for Maharashtra to effectively implement the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 and take appropriate measures to promote the value of the girl child.

On the other hand, as per records of Maharashtra government, girl power is on the rise in Maharashtra. The state government’s birth registration figures reveal that more girls were born in 2017 compared with the two previous years. This is the second highest sex ratio since 2013. In 2016, the sex ratio at birth in the state was 904 girls per 1,000 boys, which improved to 913 for newborns in 2017. This is the highest in three years the figure for 2015 was 907, down from 914 in 2014. This sex ratio based on registered births was 900 five years ago.

A senior health department official said, “The civil registration system’s provisional figures show an upward trend for the sex ratio in 2017.” The report is based on the Civil Registration System (CRS) which records births and deaths under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. “The figures suggest that the sex ratio has improved in districts like Wardha, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nanded, and Jalna, while it has declined in Jalgaon, Yavatmal and Hingoli,” the official explained.

The highest increase in the birth of girls has been observed in Wardha where the ratio has surged by 243 points from 933 in 2016 to 1,176 in 2017, followed by Pune (63 points) from 845 to 908, Gadchiroli (55 points) from 945 to 1,000 and Buldhana (40 points) up from 877 to 917. However, the fall is visible in districts like Hingoli (92 points) where the sex ratio at birth is down from 919 to 827, Jalgaon (58 points from 922 in 2016 to 864 in 2017) and Bhandara, which saw a decline of 38 points from 956 to 918. In districts like Mumbai (937 in 2016 and 938 in 2017), Aurangabad (898 and 899), the rise has been marginal between 2016 and 2017, while the fall has been similarly minimal in Ratnagiri (927 and 926) and Solapur (883 and 882). “Considering the median population and its growth, we expect around 19 lakh births to be registered annually. Last year, we had about 18 lakh registered births translating into an over 90 per cent reporting efficiency,” the official said.

While 2017 recorded India’s second-highest sex ratio at birth in Maharashtra, some districts have shown a drastic fall in the number of girls. In 2013, the sex ratio at birth was just 900 which improved to 914 in 2014 but marginally dipped to 907 in 2015. The provisional birth registration figures for 2016 and 2017 stand at 904 and 913 respectively.

Making students globally competitive while they learn

By
Web Team
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career

The world of today is extraordinarily competitive, and rife with countless challenges. With globalisation having expanded the horizons of students all over the world, it has also increased the demanding conditions and requirements that they have to satisfy to craft their future in it. Throughout their careers, they will have to work for a wide range of companies with connections spanning continents, as well as encounter people from various cultures, and products and clientele from different parts of the world. Thus, it is extremely critical that students of today are trained and equipped to combat the problems and challenges that they will face, on a global scale. Therefore, their success, today, will largely be shaped by how “Globally Competent” they are.

 

What It Means To Be Globally Competent

The Asia Society’s Centre for Global Education defines a Globally Competent student using four primary characteristics:

  1. Investigating the World

Students should be aware and eager to learn about different cultures around the world.

  1. Recognising Perspectives

Students should understand that a difference in opinion is always a possibility, between people belonging to different cultures. Thus, they should be able to acknowledge different perspectives, without trying to enforce their own.

  1. Communicating Ideas

Students should be adept at conveying their thoughts and emotions, verbally as well as non-verbally, to a diverse audience.

  1. Taking Action

Students should not only obtain knowledge about the world, but also learn to utilise and leverage their learnings in a positive way, to make a difference in the world.

 

Need For Innovation In Education Systems

Through constant innovation, educational systems can incorporate a number of measures to make students more globally competent –

  1. Introduction of new languages in curriculum

Apart from teaching a globally accepted language like English, institutes can also teach second languages like Mandarin, Spanish, and French, which are fast becoming prominent language skills required for any multinational company.

  1. Incorporate global resources into every subject

Students should be encouraged to refer to research papers and studies from different countries to understand different perspectives from across the globe. Resources from non-English-speaking countries may also be used to inculcate fresh perspectives, and encourage empathy.

  1. Utilise Problem-Based Learning

Students who are globally competent need to be able to solve real-world problems and apply their theoretical learnings in practical situations. Problem-Based Learning is a great way to do that, as it requires students to conduct research on specific problems by themselves, incorporate a range of perspectives, and formulate a solution accordingly. This will aid students in developing critical-thinking skills instead of simply relying on their textbooks for solutions. This, in turn, will facilitate a better and deeper understanding of the concepts, as well as enhance their communication skills.

  1. Organise Educational Trips

Perhaps the best way to make a student culturally aware is by encouraging travel in the teaching pedagogy, through educational trips to different countries. Such trips would act as a gateway for students to experience different locales, on a first-hand basis.

  1. Explore the City

Immersive learning experiences can play a key role in facilitating a student’s all-round development and problem-solving skills. By using the city as a classroom, students can be exposed to a range of real-life problems, which will train them in devising strategic and well-planned solutions.

 

Measures That The Student Can Take

While institutions play a key role in helping students become globally competent, this competency can only be leveraged to yield results, if the students also take certain steps to further their development.

  1. Watch global news

Students need to explore and be aware of everything that is going on around the world. By watching and listening to news from a number of different countries, they will be able to understand a number of differing perspectives for the same news. A lot of countries, including The US and The UK broadcast news in English, which students can tap into.

  1. Learn a foreign language from your phone

Smartphones have taken the world by storm, and offer a variety of means to enhance one’s knowledge and keep learning. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and more, allow students to learn a range of new languages in a fun and interactive manner, using their phones.

  1. Travel the globe on a budget

Travelling abroad can be quite daunting for most students due to its expensive nature. However, many students have nowadays managed to find ways to travel on a low budget, through backpacking. With multiple options like homestays and youth hostels now being available, travelling to a different destination has become extremely convenient. Using public transportation systems like buses or local trains, students can explore a number of different places, and understand the ground realities of life there. It can also help them grasp the many nuances of various cultures through an interaction with the natives, while staying well within the limits of their budgets.

  1. Intern abroad

Apart from travelling, the best way for students to expose themselves to new cultures is by taking up internships in a foreign country. Many organisations today arrange internships in companies or volunteering positions in NGOs for foreign students, to enable them to learn from an exposure to various other cities and countries.

Becoming globally competent is not a simple process, but if pursued correctly, it can be achieved successfully, yielding far-reaching benefits that last throughout their lives. The crucial ingredients for achieving this success include appropriate support from institutions leveraging innovative pedagogy and curriculums, and a personal motivation and drive to learn and consume more information and knowledge. With the world becoming a smaller and more connected space every day, this kind of competency will soon become absolutely essential for the survival of a student in the job market.

– By Akhil Shahani, Managing Director, The Shahani Group

Amit Shah to review security situation for Amarnath Yatra

By
Web Team
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Amit Shah Amarnath YatraAfter receiving security threats from terror outfits the government has made a foolproof plan to enhance security of Amarnath pilgrims. Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had submitted a presentation to Home Minister Amit Shah who is on a two day visit to Jammu & Kashmir.

According to reports, this time terrorists are planning to use hand grenade and IED blast to spread terror during Amarnath Yatra. An official from the Home department stated that no lapses in security will be permitted during Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra which commences on July 1 will be manned by 45,000 jawans. In 2015, 16,000 jawans and 35,000 jawans from Jammu & Kashmir police and paramilitary forces were posted for providing security to pilgrims. In order to beef up the security normal traffic will be halted at high alert roads and sensitive areas.

Rahul adamant on his stand to quit Congress party president’s post

By
Web Team
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rahul gandhi
Image Courtesy: twitter.com(@ANI)

A meeting of Congress legislators was called by Sonia Gandhi which was also attended by Rahul Gandhi. According to reports, Rahul Gandhi is not keen to continue as president of Congress. On the other hand, Congress working committee has rejected Rahul’s decision to quit and wants him to continue with the post.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari asked Rahul to rethink his decision to resign and told him that entire team of Congress is responsible for its poor performance in Lok Sabha. Rahul nonetheless is adamant on his decision to step down. Congress has been managed to win only 52 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. Earlier also Rahul expressed his willingness to quit during the Congress working committee meeting. Party workers informed Rahul that there is no successor in the party to replace him.

Congress leaders told Rahul that the party wants him to give directions during the crisis hour and asked him to not quit from president’s post. In the meeting Rahul stated that some other leader must replace him. Later Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that Rahul has powers to restructure the organizational set up of the party.

Yuva Congress leaders held demonstrations outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence. They asked him to rethink his decision to quit the party and remain Congress president.

protest rahul gandhi

Mob lynched father 15 years ago, now son becomes a victim

By
Web Team
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Mob LynchingAccording to confident sources, around 94 persons have been killed in the incidents of mob violence so far since 2015 in India. Incidents of mob lynching put a big question mark over law and order of the country. It is shocking that youth of Jharkhand became a victim of mob lynching recently and his father also lynched by the mob 15 years ago. It seems that there is no end to such incidents.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has alleged that incidents of mob lynching are not going to stop because BJP and RSS have increased the sense of hatred against Muslims. They have successfully created a mindset where Muslims are seen as terrorists, anti-nationals & cow slaughters. Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed shock over the silence of ruling BJP after a 24-year-old youth was beaten to death in Jharkhand. He called it a blot on humanity. Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “The brutal lynching of this young man by a mob in Jharkhand is a blot on humanity. The cruelty of the police who held this dying boy in custody for 4 days is shocking as is the silence of powerful voices in the BJP ruled Central & State Govts.” On the other hand, the BJP has alleged that the opposition parties are politicizing this issue.

It is remarkable that Tabrez Ansari (24) was beaten up by locals for hours on June 18 in Saraikela Kharsawan on suspicion of theft. According to Saraikela Kharsawan Superintendent of Police Karthik S, Ansari and two others had entered a house in Seraikela village at night allegedly with an intention to commit theft. However, the occupants of the house woke up and raised an alarm, following which villagers caught hold of Ansari and manhandled him, while his accomplices managed to flee. Ansari was found to be in possession of valuables, which he and his associates had allegedly stolen from other villages.

The police reached the spot in the morning and arrested Ansari on the basis of a complaint from villagers. Police also administered first aid to him. When the condition of Ansari deteriorated in jail on the same day, he was taken to the Sadar Hospital, where he was diagnosed with multiple injuries. Ansari was subsequently referred to the Tata Main Hospital in Jamshedpur.

It is notable that the police had said earlier that Ansari was tied to a pole and beaten up with sticks through the night. A video circulated widely on social media was handed over to the police by Ansari’s family. According to sources, Tabrez Ansari, accused of stealing a motorcycle, was tied to a pole, brutally beaten and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hanuman“. He was handed over to the authorities only after he fell unconscious and died four days later in police custody. Ansari’s wife Shaista Praveen has accused the police of taking the deceased to jail first, instead of a hospital. She said, “The police should have taken him to a hospital, instead of arresting him and sending him to jail.” Praveen recently got married to Ansari.

A relative said Ansari and a group of his friends were going home, traveling from Jamshedpur to Saraikela-Kharsawan’s Karsova, when they were attacked barely five kilometres from home. His family has alleged that despite appeals the police did not arrange for proper treatment of Ansari, that they were not allowed to meet him, and that he died long before he was taken to a hospital. They have demanded action against all concerned, including the police and the doctors, who have yet to be questioned. The Congress has demanded Rs. 25 lakh compensation and a government job for his wife.

Tabrez’s father Maskoor Ansari was also lynched by a mob to death almost 15 years ago. He was caught by a mob while he was allegedly committing theft in Jamshedpur’s Bagbera area. He was then lynched to death by a mob. Police are now investigating the matter and trying to dig out details of the incident, which took place in November 2004. Mohammed Mosahid Khan, general secretary of Congress’s district said that he brought Maskoor’s body to the village from Jamshedpur. Some local residents in Bagbera still remember the infamous 15-year-old lynching of Maskoor. Social activist Subodh Kumar Jha said, “One day, residents of Ramnagar locality in Bagbera got hold of the man and he was beaten to death by an irate mob.”

The fresh incident of mob lynching has triggered angry reactions from various political parties across the country. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi said that such incidents now followed a familiar pattern. “This is the pattern with almost all lynchings. “First, a Muslim is murdered by cow lovers. Then the most ridiculous excuses begin: a ‘suspicion’ of beef possession, theft, smuggling and love jihad. So much for sabka vishwas when we can be killed over mere suspicions,” he said in a tweet.

The incident was also in raised the Rajya Sabha. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Jharkhand had become a lynching factory. He said, “Dalits and Muslims are being killed there every week. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, we are with you in the fight of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, but it should be there for people to see it. We cannot see it anywhere.”

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a tweet, “Tabrez Ansari was lynched to death in BJP-ruled Jharkhand. A Hindu mob thrashed him ruthlessly because he refused to chant ‘Jai Sri Ram’. Is this NDA 2.0’s New India? Yeh kaunsa tareeka hai sabka vishwas jeetnay ka (what kind of a process is this to win everyone’s trust?”

Faced with mounting anger from across the country, the police admitted to lapses in procedure and formed an SIT. Two officers Chandramohan Oraon and Bipin Bihari have been suspended for not reporting the seriousness of the issue to the higher authorities and for their failure to register a case of lynching on the very same day. The special investigation team (SIT) in charge of the inquiry has been asked to submit its report to the Home Secretary and the Chief Secretary soon.

Seraikela-Kharsawan Superintendent of Police Karthik S said, “We are looking into all angles. His family members mentioned some unidentified miscreants in their complaint. Based on that, we have already arrested eleven people, including a man named Papu Mandal.”

Let’s develop our Lives without Drugs

By
Vinod Dixit
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SayNoToDrugs,Drug abuse,DrugsJune 26 is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, often referred to as the International Day against Drug Abuse. It is to strengthen global action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Observance of this day aims to raise awareness to fight against the substance abuse as well as the unlawful trade of drugs. Drugs are initially taken out of choice, but it becomes hard to resist them sooner than you realise. It is difficult to recover from this problem and even those who are at high risk of developing it again.

It is a fact that drug racket operates internationally, but some countries are transshipment points for drug circulation. India possibly because of its strategic location is more prone to drug activities including drug trafficking and local consumption. The influence of westernisation, changing the family structure and peer pressure are some of the reasons behind drug abuse.

Our society should change its attitude. He should be provided with all the support and care. He should be properly rehabilitated. Moral education should be made a part of our curriculum. Society should be made aware of the early stage. n order to tame and trample the monster of drug abuse, we must go back to the root of the problem and make the user of drugs more human, tolerant, understanding, appreciative, sympathetic and helpful. Social workers, teachers, and above all parents, especially mothers can play a vital role in this direction. Many counselling and de-addiction centres have contributed greatly to create a national awakening. More such efforts are required from all walks of society.

Drugs are primarily chemicals that affect the communication system of the human brain. They disturb the ways in which nerve cells send, process, and receive information. There are a couple of ways in which drugs achieve this – they copy the natural chemical messengers of the human brain and they over-stimulate the brain’s reward circuit. Drugs such as heroin and marijuana are structured in the same way as chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters. Drug addiction can develop at any age but those who begin taking drugs at an early age have the highest risk of getting addicted. This is because the areas of the brain that are responsible for self-control, judgement and decision making are still in the development stage. This is the reason why teenagers are more prone to drug abuse. Governments have a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse, but communities can also make a major contribution. Families, schools, civil society, and religious organizations can do their part to rid their communities of drugs.

According to the National Survey, hardly a third of drug dependents reported having taken treatment. In the findings of other agency, it was found as low as two per cent. It is largely because people do not see drug abuse as a medical problem. Besides, lack of rehabilitation and access to treatment facilities are various other causes for not seeking treatment. The disintegration of the old joint family system, absence of parental love and care in modern families where both parents are working, a decline of old religious and moral values, etc. lead to a rise in the number of drug addicts who take drugs to escape hard realities of life.

Drug trafficking is one of the major crime. Killing someone or helping someone to kill himself is equal to a crime. This is what common sense and human sense says. The ones who are trafficking and helping such drugs reach each and every corner of the country are committing a big crime. Drugs and drug dealing is a scourge that can bring down a mature and intelligent society to intolerable levels of depravity. It is better to nip this crime in bud so that our country doesn’t follow the horrible western malady.

Creating awareness of the dangers of the substance abuse in society and effecting behavioural change are integral parts of the National Drug Master Plan. There should be no leniency when talking about peddlers and pushers who destroy the victim and his kith and kin and put the victim into an unalterable habit which will make the individual take to all crimes including murder and rape. If we need to stop this menace from spreading, we need harsh steps and stringent punishments. Only love and affection can help the youth from falling into clutches of drugs. Societal control is necessary along with legal skeleton. Let us develop our Lives, our Communities, and our Identities…Without Drugs.”

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

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Masjid committee neither understands law nor impending threat to innocents

By
Hem Raj Jain
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736520 649556 babrimasjidAfter series of pressure exerted by Hindutva forces during previous one week by way of (i) Statement of U.P Dy Chief Minister (that Ram Mandir will be built by law if Supreme Court of India, the SCI does not give disputed site to Hindus) during a meeting of about one thousand Hindu Saints at Ayodhya (ii) Visit of 18 Shiv Sena Member of Parliament along with its Party President Uddhav Thackeray to Ayodhya for demanding immediate construction of Ram temple and (iii) Extensively quoted by Hindutva forces the letter of BJP MP Subramanian Swamy to PM Modi that at disputed and undisputed site Ram Temple can be constructed immediately and compensation can be given to winning litigant in SCI in title suit. –The latest in this series came on June, 20 by way of the statement issued by VHP after its two-day conclave at Haridwar that Ram Mandir should be constructed immediately through ordinance especially when SCI is not sensitive to the sentiments of Hindus.

In response to it while addressing a press conference in Lucknow, the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) convener and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Zafaryab Jilani said, “The recent statements given by state deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, other leaders, and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members are against the constitution. They are pitching for an ordinance for Ram temple construction despite knowing that the matter is pending in the SC. Their statements hold no value because Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already said that no law can be brought for temple construction before the SC verdict. If any such attempt is made then we will challenge it in the SC.”

Evidently, BMAC & AIMPLB do not understand the law as explained below:-

(1) First of all, even during the pendency of any suit in SCI, the law can be made by Parliament for construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site. Though it may not be done so and the government may prefer to wait for the verdict by SCI in title suit but it is now a matter of common knowledge that:-

  • Hindus will not win in this matter the way they want (where they want the entire disputed site to be given to Hindus) because (A)- What is highlighted by Hindutva forces is that Lord Rama was born at the disputed site of Masjid. But Muslims have adduced a very powerful & effective argument before the Court that ‘Ram Charit Manas’ (through which majority of Hindus know about the life of Lord Rama) written by Goswami Tulsidas after construction of Babri-Masjid in 16th century, has mention of Ayodhya as Lord Rama’s city of birth but does not have any mention of Lord Rama’s birthplace at disputed site. (B)- Ayodhya dispute is pending in civil courts since 1949. Even by the standard of very long time for disposal of civil matters in Indian courts (which may be about 35 years) the time of whopping 70 years which Courts have taken in deciding this matter (which is still pending in SCI) is for the simple reason that Courts know that Hindus are not going to win the way they want otherwise Courts would have decided this matter by this time and SCI would not have said that it is sensitive matter and would not have pressed for mediation.
  • It is another matter of common knowledge that BJP came to power at centre and in many States because of not only destruction of Babri Masjid in 1992 but mainly because BMAC / AIMPLB did not ask from SCI the restoration of status-quo-ate of Babri Masjid which emboldened Hindutva forces (which resulted in may communal riots including in 1992-93 in and around Mumbai, 2002 in Gujarat in which thousands of innocent Muslims were killed, their properties destroyed and their honor assailed) and made BJP dominant political force in India. Hence Hindutva forces will lose power if Ram Mandir is not constructed at the disputed site after the massive mandate to BJP in 2019 Lok sabha election and especially due to a genuine fear of Hindutva forces that BJP may not get such massive mandate in next Lok sabha elections. In a nutshell, NOW the immediate construction of Ram Mandir at the disputed site is a matter of life and death for Hindutva forces in Hindu majority India and what Hindutva forces can do (especially against related minority the Muslims) for their political survival, is any body’s guess. Obviously, the Hindus have only one option for getting Ram Mandir at the disputed site which is through legislation whether before or after SCI verdict in a title suit.

(2) Secondly if BMAC and AIMPLB move (as they are erroneously contemplating) the SCI in case of legislation for Ram Temple at disputed site before or after court verdict in title suit by SCI, then any court judgment against such legislation shall be construed as effrontery by SCI to Parliament and in such case the SCI can be ‘disciplined’ through impeachment (even by converting Secular Indian into Theocratic State of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ in case SCI invokes basic Secular structure of the Constitution). But if BMAC & AIMPLB move SCI immediately for restoration of status-quo-ante of Babri Masjid which was demolished in 1992 in presence of the Observer of SCI, then it will be perceived for the purpose of up-holding rule-of-law and authority of SCI and against which Parliament can do nothing and in addition, this will finish the high handedness of Hindutva forces (if necessary then with the assistance of even UNPKF)

Therefore  BMAC/AIMPLB instead of indulging in suicidal policies (by overestimating PM Modi vis-à-vis Hindutva forces about resisting legislation for Ram temple) should immediately file a writ petition in SCI for the restoration of status-quo-ante of Babri Masjid and for the repeal of ‘Ayodhya Act 1993’.

Moreover, in order to make the restoration writ petition smooth and peaceful, BMAC / AIMPLB should simultaneously (rather before restoration writ) file writ petition in J&K High Court for a plebiscite. The primary importance of writ petition in J&K High Court for plebiscite is self-evident because it will constrain communal Hindus to protect and uphold secularism in India otherwise they know that during plebiscite India will lose J&K (at-least Muslim Kashmir and PoK) to Pakistan and Hindu majority India will never tolerate another dismemberment of India at the hands of Muslims.

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.

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Bullet trains at the cost of Mangroves?

By
Suraj Chandran
-

Bullet train project,Mangroves trees,destroys mangroves trees

Development is good for Mumbai but it should not happen at the cost of damaging the environment. Mumbai, which has a large cover of mangroves, is going to lose a vast area due to infrastructure development. The Fadnavis government has ambitious plans of going ahead with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project but at least 54,000 mangroves spread across 13.36 hectares in Maharashtra will be destroyed for the project. Mangroves are salt-torrent trees that act as a buffer between land and sea and protect the land from erosion.

Justice B.G Kolse Patil, a former judge of Bombay High Court, said, “We along with the Adivasis are protesting against the destruction of mangroves. Mangroves are important for the mankind as it protects soil erosion. Destruction of mangroves will cause environmental disaster. Who wants a bullet train and a very few people will travel in it.”

Thousands of people come to Mumbai in search of their livelihood every month. More than 43 per cent of the city’s population is considered to be migrant. Due to the influx of migrants, there is more demand for housing needs in the city. Since the city faces space crunch developers raze mangroves and build mega housing complexes in the area. Thus, a huge area of mangroves gets destroyed in the name of development. Mangrove trees are indispensable to the ecosystem and without them, there are no wetlands. Besides, providing habitat to terrestrial, arboreal and aquatic creatures, the root system of mangrove forest is thick and complex. Mangrove forest acts as a barricade by preventing erosion and guarding terrestrial spaces.

Often environmentalists have filed complaints with the police pertaining to the destruction of mangroves but no action was taken against offenders. The nexus between builders and politicians is another reason responsible for the destruction of mangroves. Often politicians turn a blind eye towards the complaint filed by resident pertaining to mangrove destruction. Since no action is taken against the errant builders, the city losses massive area which is covered by mangroves.

Sumaira Abdulali, Environmentalist and Founder of NGO Awaaz Foundation said, “The government always says that mangroves cut will be replanted. On the other hand, replantation doesn’t happen due to lack of space. Mangroves already exist in a place where they can grow. According to me, so many mangroves should not be destroyed as they cannot be replanted. Nobody is thinking about the environment.”

Even though transport minister Diwakar Raote had informed the Legislative Council that the government will plant five times of the trees being razed for development but often replantation of trees are not carried out. Thus, the trees which are cut for development of infrastructure projects are lost forever.

Raote said, “The project will run on high pillars, to ensure the damage to mangroves and the environment is minimal. The floodwater will not enter Navi Mumbai, as no mangroves are being cut in the area.”

There has been a 70 per cent increase in mangrove destruction in the first nine months in 2018 which is the highest in three years as per data recorded by the state mangrove cell.  There have been 237 cases of hacking of mangroves, debris dumping and blocking of tidal water to mangroves between January and September 2018. Out of these 234 cases were on government land and three cases in private areas. In comparison to this, Mumbai recorded 141 cases with 125 on government land and 16 in private areas in 2016.

Advocate Monica Arora said, “When the bullet train project was announced, as per the contract, it was mentioned that ten times trees will be replanted for the loss. Mangroves are razed only after an assurance is received to replant trees. When the metro project was announced, replantation drive was undertaken. Thus, if one tree is cut then 10 trees are replanted.”

Assistant Conservator of forest, state mangrove cell Makarand Ghodke said, “Around 15 per cent cases are owing to cutting off tidal water ingress. The remaining cases are of mangrove hacking and burning. Major cases are recorded in the suburbs in areas such as Malwani, Dahisar, Borivali, Trombay, Charkop, etc.”

The state government will purchase 39.252 sqm of private land in Vikhroli for the bullet train project. The government will acquire 188 ha of private land in Palghar district which will affect 3,498 families. Out of these, 2.95 hectares of land has been purchased by the government. In Thane district, 6, 589 farmers, who own 84.81 ha, will be affected by the project.

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