SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Excelsior Established 1965 The idea of Rape Culture in India Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Meghna Jaswal women. Everything which is First, it psychologically damages released. While one would say sively objectified. Encouraging parliament to amend laws innately natural, a small example the boy as he becomes aggressive that the actors performed bril- item numbers in movie also regarding punishment of rapists ince 2012, India's narrative being periods or menstruation and tries to hide his sensitive side liantly, the direction was amaz- encourages the objectification of and to implement more stringent New Assembly and general discourse on becomes a taboo. This "hush" which also creates a certain frus- ing and the movie overall looked women in society. Therefore, laws. Also, pressure was being Sviolence perpetrated on concept prevents our society tration in him. Secondly, it psy- well on the screen, what essen- now after some prominently put on the judiciary to fast track women has grown and a sense of from understanding basic func- chologically damages the self tially bothers me is when people talked of rape cases bring out an such cases in order to ensure that awareness has been generated on tions of a human body. The esteem of a girl as from a very say this is the kind of love which urge in people to talk about the justice is served well on time. complex in hiccups the issue. Regardless, in light of underlying flaw is the absence of young age she is made to believe is missing in this society. Having cruelty of such gross aggressive However, all this discourse on the recent events it has become a sex education in India which is that she is weak and inferior in a lover who is abusive towards acts, it is similarly pertinent for law and order, slowed down after f there would have been just one or two problems fact that a predominant "rape cul- present in all Western countries. comparison to a boy. Hence, both you, who in the beginning of the people to voice out their concerns the news of encounter formed the being encountered by the much hyped new ture" is established in the socie- It is of extreme significance that when such acts of violence and headlines. While this filmy idea Assembly complex in Jammu, probably analogy of ty. I boys and girls need to know well as objectification are being of "justice is served" is circulat- Rape culture in its essence A society is a reflection of hiccups would perhaps be termed as somewhat about their bodies and make idolised by the cinema in our ing around and people are glori- refers to the creation of an envi- hyperbolical, if not prosaic but the complex started in informed decisions. Sex educa- society. fying the policemen involved in ronment where sexual violence the year 2011 continues to be mired in the vicious cir- tion also incorporates the idea of the ideas and the thought Asociety is a reflection of the the encounter, my question is; and rape is prevalent and in some consent which can be taught from ideas and the thought process of cle of erratic and frequently suspended funds - alter- cases is normalised. This culture Does this not put a break on the the level of a high school educa- process of the people who the people who make it, therefore increasing discourse surround- ation of designs -layout modifications - revising of of Rape does not limit itself to the tion. every movie, every action, every ing the change in punishments DPRs- cost escalation- absence of making decisions established norms of sexual Therefore, once the concept rape signifies our failure to build aggression or violence against make it, therefore every and judicial backlogs and slow- - lingering on requisite official nods and approvals of consent becomes clear to a good society for ourselves. down? Does this also not com- the victim; rather it is often an young boys it becomes easier for Rather than only talking about and the like. If all these reasons are listed out in indirect result of the kind of soci- pletely shift the narrative from details about this Jammu based if not Jammu cen- them to understand what they are movie, every action, every cases of extremely cruelty when talking about the underlying ety where we live in. India has not supposed to do. That being it comes to rape and also disre- tric project, it would really mean and demand too always been an extremely tradi- issues of rape to only talking said, consent is not the only issue rape signifies our failure to garding the cases where a girl about this was the best solution? much of patience as also the space to list them out. tional and authoritarian society. here. The issue is also our lack of from a minority community gets However, despite the onset of This vague idea of justice does One could only feel sorry for such a state of affairs of understanding between the terms raped by a member of a so called not suddenly solve the issue at modernity in the country, it is sex and gender. While sex ideal- build a good society for "high class" community, we as a the administration of Jammu and Kashmir right during now that cases of sexual vio- hand which is the fault in our and from the period of eight long years after this ly denotes a bodily difference society need to come forward and society. It also does not remedy lence, rape and extreme forms of between men and women, gen- ourselves. take measures to remedy the project was started by laying a foundation stone by brutality are coming up to the the law and order to make it safer der is the social construct estab- underlying issue here which is a for girls. Therefore, as a woman the then Chief Minister in 2011 till date. attention of the nation. lished by a patriarchal society to these ideas significantly con- movie threatens a girl with a lack of education from the side of The modern woman does not living in this country, I urge There is no accountability at any level whatsoever give certain characteristics to tribute to the rape culture of knife and asks her aggressively parents, the government as well everyone to reflect on these curtail herself when it comes to men and women. While women India. Education thus, needs to to take her pants off, goes on try- as institutes of education. Caste, and arrows are shot in zigzag haphazard manner as living her life. Women work, they thoughts and do not think of also without direction and aim by the administrative are essentially viewed as weak begin at home where parents ing to control his girlfriend and Gender and Class as concepts women as being the daughters or get out of their homes into the and timid, men are expected not need to realise how pertinent then also body shames the girl he need to be done with. The hush machinery which results not only in works getting world to do whatever and when- wives of someone in order to pro- to cry, to be aggressive. This their role is in shaping young wants her girlfriend to be concept needs to go if we want to tect them and amend one's behav- delayed inordinately but are tantamount to exerting ever they want. This concept of "toxic masculinity" is another minds both of boys and girls. acquainted with does not signify see a real change. Modernity which was earlier a iour but think of them as humans. undue pressure of added burden on the already limit- great cause of men indulging in The popular culture in India, an "everlasting love". In fact, if a That being said, the recent Think of them as someone who foreign concept for Indians is yet such acts. The sensitivity is erod- the influence of television and man is so abusive; the first action rape case in Hyderabad has been ed resources. This results not only in wastages, defer- to become entirely normalised in deserves the right to live fearless- ments and prolonging but also inescalated costs of ed out of men from a very young Bollywood has been shaping the the girl should take is to move in the headlines since a while ly without being someone's oth- the country. The reasons for this age when a father tells his five thought process of society. Peo- away from him. now because of which many oth- being we still follow "the hush" er but being their own. most of the projects like the one under reference. It year old son that "boys do not ple idolise their favourite actors This is just one example, er rape cases around India are concept when it comes to talking (The author is a student of Masters in speaks volumes about sheer inaptness and incompe- cry" or "be a man". The problems and actresses. Recently, a movie there are many other serials and also being similarly highlighted. about certain things related to International Studies at Christ University) tence of those in the decision making authority in hav- with such statements are twofold. called "Kabir Singh" was films where women are exten- There was a lot of pressure on [email protected] ing been so much casual even with a project like a Anil Anand Congress also which is being accused new Assembly complex from which laws shall be of delaying the coalition formation made and policies and directions of the Governments hen Nationalist Congress leading to unnecessary tensions. Did shaped . It also speaks volumes about the manner, Party (NCP) chief Sharad The Modi-Pawar meeting...... his nephew and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar went to meet Prime perhaps deliberate and probably wilful, towards a W Pawar crossed over the BJP camp in a Minister Narendra Modi in the midst of meeting in the midst of unfolding polit- In this Pawar versus Modi match the explaining that it did not politically suit project of such sensitivity and that also perhaps mid-night coup with his (Sharad confusion over Government formation ical drama in Mumbai. In a series of former has proved to be smarter on NCP thereby quietly giving another Pawar's) consent as was being specu- because it was in Jammu. It further speaks about the in Maharahstra following Shiv Sena interviews to news channels the sur- more than one occasion. Firstly, it was rebuff. lated? Although his answer was in neg- absence of a will power and deficiency in assertion to breaking the pre-poll alliance with its prise came in the form of the wily the New Delhi propelled plan to target The semantics of this meeting, as ative, but Pawar significantly, divulged get something done like the said complex. old and trusted partner BJP, it not only Maratha leader, contrary to his nature, Pawar ahead of elections by raking cor- explained by Pawar in the context of the possible reason behind Ajit taking added to the mystery but set many Whether the new deadline that of by December unravelling some details of the meeting ruption allegations against him in the Maharashtra, could have great bearing this extreme step and subsequently tongues wagging as to the real inten- which rattled the BJP more than any- infamous over Rs 1000 crore irrigation, on the future political events in the 2020, the project would be fully completed, worthy returning to the NCP. "My nephew as tions of the Maratha strongman. It is one else. and cooperative bank scams. Pawar country as the scenario drew closer to apparently miffed after some Congress and fit enough for occupancy, is again shrouded in another matter that after the meeting he Those who knew Pawar's brand of called the bluff after stories emerged in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Though a leaders had in the course of discussions the mist of ambiguity and is based on certain condi- came out with a statement that the meet- politics and true to his old political media that he was soon to be summoned long way to go, the Congress-Shiv on government formation targeted me tions and assumptions. Those are - the approval ing was in connection with the prob- school branding not to divulge details by Enforcement Directorate. He Sena-NCP government formation and and was peeved on the delay being given to the revised and reshaped Detailed Project lems being faced by Maharashtra farm- of such meetings, he let the nation know declared that he would walk up to the Pawar's stance vis a vis his meeting caused by these leaders to drag the ers. about the offer Modi made to him " to ED office to present himself for ques- with Modi, cannot be viewed as a one- issue. So he went and met BJP leader Report (DPR), giving nod to the revised and Could the meeting on farmers' issue work together" in Maharashtra. The tioning without receiving any summon. off-event. It has fore bearings on future enhanced cost estimates of Rs.195 crore, providing Devendra Fadnavis to form the govern- have waited for a few more days after obvious reference was to a BJP-NCP It created panic in the BJP and ED political developments. ment," he revealed. appropriate and smooth funds backing and last but the government (Congress-Shiv Sena- government formation to checkmate circles. Fearing that his march to ED When asked by a news anchor His plan here is quite clear and not the least, gearing up the speed of work by the NCP) formation? Did the Machiavel- the Shiv Sena. And Pawar's response office in Mumbai might lead to a pub- whether these developments have through this revelation he has conveyed executing agency , the Jammu and Kashmir Project lian Pawar set out on another political was a big no. lic reaction, the higher police authori- paved way for repeat of Maharashtra a strong message to the Congress high machinations to at least pressurise the Construction Corporation (JKPCC) . Jumping six Why did Pawar go public to make ties went rushing to his house pleading scenario on national levels, Pawar's command as well without creating an Congress and Sena to fall in line? Or this revelation? By now it is a well that he cancel his plans as it would cre- response was though not in affirmative ill will. The pointer is meant to set the deadlines may not set a record of lethargy and incom- else....? known fact that he has been badly hurt ate a law and order situation. So, Pawar but he did not deny it a wee bit. "I do petence at all levels connected with this project in one record straight that if anyone was Finally the three party coalition and bruised by Modi-Shah duo and readily agreed and had the last laugh not know as no one from other politi- responsible for government formation way or the other but jumping seventh deadline would government was formed after much dil- local leaders of BJP in Maharashtra and took the wind out of BJP's sails. cal parties at the national level have in Maharashtra it was Congress and not definitely make sort of records of a peculiar hue which ly-dallying and delay. The mystery still making personal insinuations against He acted to a plan while deciding to spoken to me yet on this subject nor NCP as was being made out that Pawar needs to be avoided. shrouds regarding timing of Pawar's him and targeting him in their election divulge that how Modi, while he have I broached the issue with any of was raising his bargaining power. meeting with Prime Minister Modi. When a project is under construction as per the campaign. Perhaps it was his chance to (Pawar) was leaving the former's office them," was his candid response to the From here on, Pawar is the one sig- However, the usually reticent and get even to a little but significant extent after meeting, called him to make an question. It clearly meant that he was approved plans and lay outs, adding and revising nificant personality to be watched. Will quite manoeuvre of political moves, to expose Modi's political plan to offer of "working together" in Maha- open to the idea of opposition parties he take the political centrestage once building patterns, features, new luxurious and modern Pawar sprang yet another surprise by remain saddled in power in the politi- rashtra with an offer to make his daugh- coming together at the national levels again to become glue for opposition designs and tastes but without provisions of matching going public to offer some explanation cally important state and keep its ter Supriya Sule a Union Minister. to check Modi juggernaut. unity? added costs and then tendering processes not com- about logic behind this high profile estranged ally Shiv Sena out. Finally, he politely rejected the offer Pawar had a message for his ally [email protected] pleted in time as approval to new plans not forthcom- ing are all reminiscent of messy management of things. That is an open invitation to delays which we cannot afford and should never encourage. Agreed, China expansionism via belt road we need a spacious and modern building for our Assembly but definitely not a Royal Palace that all Dr Ashwani Mahajan The most dangerous clause in this agreement financing. This applies even more to infrastruc- percent in 2017-18 to 3.4 percent in 2018-19 and ultra modern luxurious gadgets and fixtures must nec- is that the Kenyan government has guaranteed a ture projects. When the Belt Road Project was 2.7 percent in 2019-20; with worsening of econom- hina is now going to occupy Kenya's minimum occupation in the railway project to Chi- launched, all funding came from Chinese govern- ic condition of Pakistan, nobody in Pakistan is say- essarily be added to it which financially we cannot immensely profitable 'Mombasa' port. apparently afford . After all, cost of governance should na. Thus, this dangerous agreement with China is ment, the China-led Asian Infrastructure Invest- ing that CPEC is a 'game changer'. CThis reminds of Chinese capturing Sri now leading to a situation of Kenya losing pos- ment Bank and other institutions from China. Due to the high cost of infrastructure projects be adequately reasonable; the message should go Lanka's 'Hambantota' port in the year 2016. Sig- session of its important public assets. In most of these cases funding was at exorbi- being built by China in Pakistan, the debt burden right and straight from sensitive places like our legis- nificantly, China had lent huge amount for the In fact if we see carefully, the whole Belt Road tant rate of interest or funding was made for non is increasing to unbearable levels and so is the latures and the esteemed ones elected by the people. development of Kenya's railway network, which Scheme, which was rolled out by China, is actu- viable projects or both. Sri Lanka became a star- repayment pressure on Pakistan, but the benefits Kenya is not in position to repay. China is going ally proving to be a debt trap scheme or 'debt trap tling example in this regard. Looking at the situ- from these infrastructure projects is very meager However, we expect the Assembly complex to be to take this action (of capturing Mombasa port) completed in all respects by December 2020. diplomacy'. ation in Sri Lanka, many countries have started and uncertain. Therefore, Pakistan is not very opti- soon. Not only this, the inland container depot in Significantly, BRI was being called a major shying away from China's infrastructure propos- mistic about the CPEC project any more. Nairobi is also under threat of takeover by China. infrastructure initiative, according to which, by als. Significantly, two years ago Sri Lanka had to It has to be understood that the World Bank We must remember that the modus operandi developing roads, railways and sea routes; move- lose one of its ports due to unbearable burden of also has many apprehensions about the BRI Fix responsibility for delays is the same as was with Sri Lanka , when Sri Lan- ment between different countries of the world debt of one billion dollars. Similarly, another port scheme. This has been discussed in detail in sev- ka had to hand over the port of 'Hambantota' to ieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu, would improve, which in turn would promote in Djibouti, which has been the main military base eral World Bank reports, but so far there is a lack China on a 99-year lease due to non-payment of international trade. This proposal is being linked of the US in Africa, is now on the verge of being of concerted efforts by international financial while presiding over a meeting of Department of Chinese borrowings. Mombasa port of Kenya is to the concept of 'historical silk road', which Chi- taken over by Chinese company due to heavy debt. institutions to take over the BRI project. All kinds LPlanning Development and Monitoring at also going to be occupied by China, almost on the na claims to be the route of Chinese trade with Opposition to BRI is also increasing due to the of contradictions of China and clear expansionist Jammu, exhorted the officers concerned to ensure lines of Hambantota. It is worth mentioning that other parts of Asia and Europe. It is being claimed increasing debt burden or in other words debt trap policy of China can become an obstacle in solv- China had lent 550 billion Kenyan shillings for that the completion of this scheme will improve of countries. In the last two years, not only oppo- ing these problems. The time to come will tell that works on the projects under Prime Minister's construction of Kenya's railway project SGR and Development Package (PMDP) were expedited and the connectivity of road, rail and waterways sition parties in BRI partner countries, but also whether China will come out of its own 'monop- since the project is not fetching enough revenue between different countries, which will not only social organizations are strongly opposing BRI. olist' policy and make elaborate efforts to push completed within the timelines. That he has given the and it has lost 10 billion Kenyan shillings in the make the movement of goods easier and cheaper, Pakistan's experience? BRI through the global forums, or staying in the much awaited idea of implementing the concept of fix- first year itself. China is going to acquire not only will save time as well. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is same narrow mindset, mitigating the expressed ing responsibility for delays in projects under construc- that project but also its Mombasa port to make up China is trying to make the world embrace the said to be the first project of BRI. Pakistan's expe- fears. If China doesn't mend its ways, it will cre- for the deficit in that project. The Auditor Gener- argument that the BRI initiative will prove useful rience should be considered as a guide for the ate obstacles in its own plan. But whatever be the tion especially the ones related to health infrastructure al of Kenya says that a one sided agreement was projects isapt and timely. The idea is welcome but we to developing countries in enhancing mutual future. Four years ago, the then Prime Minister of case may be, the fact is today, at least ten coun- reached with the Exim Bank of China, and even trade, economic relations and connectivity. While Pakistan Nawaz Sharif had said that CPEC would tries are virtually caught into China's debt trap wish it to be translated into implantation shape. the arbitration of this agreement can only take explaining the benefits of BRI, efforts are being prove to be a 'game changer' for Pakistan and South diplomacy through BRI. place in China. Significantly, all the SGR receipts Monitoring of projects is as important as it is to made in public discourse to hide its political, eco- Asia. But the way Pakistan has sunk into debt after (The author is Associate Professor, Department of Economics, still go to the escrow account as per the unequal build them but what we observethat in absence of nomic and geopolitical implications and threats. four years, the government revenue is not increas- P.G.D.A.V. College, University of Delhi) agreement favouring China. proper monitoring and follow up, inspections and The success of any scheme depends on its ing and the growth there has come down from 5.8 [email protected] audits as also unhindered funds flow make the proj- ects develop such conditions that delays and defer- World Soil Health Day ments take place. That part of the problem needs to Sir, be addressed and mere instructions and exhortations would serve no purpose. The projects being spon- World Health Soil Day was celebrated all over the world on December 5 this year.This day is celebrated to Regularize AA lecturers in Colleges aware the farmers about the need of maintaining good health of the soil of their land and get the soil of their fields Sir, sored by the Union Government usually find very less tested periodically to increase the crop yield of their fields and returns of the produce.Soil is undoubtedly an The Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir has been initiating every possible step for delivering logistic support from the local administration and a important resource and the ultimate medium in which we produce all the food in the world.Therefore,it is imper- higher education at door steps to every unreached area /masses by opening new Degree Col- rapport of the magnitude required between the UT ative that the soil is conserved and proper health of the soil is maintained for the optimum production of crops.But leges and Cluster Universities which is a laudable step. The author appreciates this farsight- Government and the Union Government is usually not as a result of man's indiscriminate activities coupled with imbalanced use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers,the ed step by the Govt. But much is required to be done in this regard. To cite here I would like up to the mark towards which the Lt.Governor has health of the soil has deteriorated to a large extent.Therefore,it is imperative that sincere efforts are made to to add that firstly these newly opened colleges lackinfrastructure and being run either in Hr. improve the health of soil by making the farmers aware of the need of testing the soil of their fields.But a large also made a reference and urged the officers con- Sec. Schools or other Govt. buildings on temporary basis without proper classrooms/labs/ number of farmers are unaware of the importance of soil testing.It is thus, the responsibility of the concerned libraries etc. due to which objectives behind opening these colleges are not being fully cerned to coordinate with the Union Government authorities of the Agriculture Department to organise camps at Block level to aware the farmers of the need for achieved. regarding funds and keep submitting to them the soil health management for sustainable agricultural practices.Mobile soil testing labs need to be pressed into serv- Secondly, these newly opened colleges and already established colleges lack teaching funds proposals so that developmental projects were ice in order to test the soil of the fields at the doorsteps of the farmers so that crops relevant to the soil are grown. faculty and it is worth mentioning here that all such colleges are served by faculty on Acad- completed in time. Soil tests also enable the farmers to know the chemical and biological composition of the soil and in what emic Arrangement basis for more than two decades, who are serving their assigned tasks like Not that works are not done but only 15 out of the component their soil is deficient and for what crop the soil is most suitable.On the basis of the reports of soil designing question papers, conducting exams and other confidential work besides teaching. testing,the farmers can take remedial measures and increase their agricultural/horticultural produce by making Moreover, recently provided statistics reveal that contribution of these AA faculty in higher 35 projects including the ChenaniNashri Tunnel and up the required deficiencies of macro and micro nutrients by using the recommended quantity of manure and var- education department is remarkable as their number is more than 60 percent of total faculty Jammu Stadium under the PMDP are completed ious fertilizers and growing crops suitable to the nature of the soil of their fields.Maintenance of soil health is of available. while rest are still being carried on where pace and utmost importance and if we don't take measures to improve it,the production of various crops may decline to I would like to further add that all these faculty members are appointed purely on merit zeal of work on them needed to be toned up. such an extent that we may may have to face acute shortage of foodgrains,pulses,vegetables and other crops.There- basis after fulfilling required eligibility criteria. Now taking their precious contribution in the Needless to add, tourism related projects to revamp fore,it is the duty of everybody to realise the importance of soil and conserve and maintain good health of soil department into consideration it is requested to LG J&K (UT) to consider their genuine which sustains all of us on the earth otherwise we may be forced to purhase things like 50 gms of rice pouch or demand of regularization of their services which is under consideration apropos to already the tourism sector , the backbone of the UT of Jammu twenty gms of kidney beans and the like due to their scarce production. drafted regularization policy lying with concerned authorities. and Kashmir,, must get prominence and due prefer- Ashok Sharma, Rajesh Sharma ence. Housing Colony, Udhampur Chak Jaralan, Nowshera