Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 11 Pre-poll gambits April 7, 2013 S. Viswam

Both the Congress and the BJP Modi’s instance that Varun Gandhi Travails of Pakistan spent the last few days mapping out who has emerged as an anti-Muslim Kuldip Nayar strategies incidental to the beginning campaigner in the party brought in as of the run-up to 2014. The Congress a general secretary? is still in two minds about formally World Social Forum, naming Rahul Gandhi as its prime Modi is the only chief minister to Tunisia - Few Reflections ministerial candidate. The general have been elevated within the BJP Dr. Sunilam notion within the party is that any hierarchy as a reward for winning announcement in this regard needs to three assembly in a row. be made only ahead of the actual poll. Other chief ministers with the same needs In the BJP, the situation is somewhat achievement have been ignored. All democratic socialism different. With the induction of in all, the 2014 Rajnath Singh team Brij Khandelwal into the central seems to confer special status to parliamentary board and the central hard core party workers and leaders committee, the issue seems at the cost of the tried and tested World Bank’s to have been resolved. Modi ought leaders. L. K. Advani has been put Sham Consultations to be the BJP’s official candidate if in his place, while , President Raj Nath’s reshuffle makes and Arun Shourie sense. The assumption is that he will have been sidelined. What all this Socio-Economic Profile of be acceptable to all allies barring will do to the BJP fortunes remains to Muslims in CM and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. be seen. In the public eye, however, Secondly, Modi’s induction into the the BJP will be seen as a party which top echelons has also witnessed the has a lot of inner-party differences downgrading of a handful of hitherto and a lot of candidates with prime Editor : top leaders of the party not all of ministerial ambitions, all of whose G. G. Parikh whom may find Modi acceptable. aspirations have been checked by That Modi will have a large say in Modi’s advance. Managing Editor : Guddi preparing and executing strategies is already evident. It was at his instance Let us come to the Congress. First, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, (or should we say insistence?) that Rahul Gandhi allowed his status to Naushir Bharucha Marg, Amit Shah has been named a general be upgraded from that of general - 400 007. secretary. It is public knowledge secretary to that of vice-president but that Shah faces charges of criminal encouraged the notion that he still Email : [email protected] conspiracy in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh would prefer to remain a worker than fake encounter case. Was it also on the prime minister. When this idea 2 JANATA, April 7, 2013 was received with bafflement and Between the lines incredulity, the party bosses swung into action and spread the story that Rahul was very much in the prime Travails of Pakistan ministerial race. At the same time, the very thought of Rahul Gandhi losing out to Modi seems to have scared a Kuldip Nayar section of the rank and file. This led to the party officially endorsing the Pakistan after a self-imposed exile, Sonia-Manmohan model of power It is boisterous, even maverick. Pakistan thy name is uncertainty. gives confused messages. He would sharing as being valid and applicable Yet, it is strange that whenever like to have impartial elections but to the future also. Which means it is posed with pressing problems he is the one who has interfered that the party wants to keep all before elections, the country with polls in the past to get his options open. Two power centres are has always surprisingly found favourites retained. In fact, his entry acceptable and now being promoted solutions to them. This time it has into Pakistan’s politics is going to as a workable mechanism. While chosen an interim Prime Minister in be quite a disturbance. I do not rule the party commends Manmohan’s former justice Hazar Khan Khoso, out that he would use some methods cryptic remark that by implication who will be conducting free and fair (even the army) to get himself suggested that he could accept a elections. elected from Karachi and few of his third term as PM, the line is open colleagues from elsewhere. to Rahul also to become PM in case There were pulls from several he wants to. parties and it seemed impossible It is strange that the first statement at one time that some name would that Musharraf made on reaching In sum, it would seem that the emerge as a unanimous choice Pakistan is that Kargil was a BJP is also delaying the official for the interim prime ministership “victory for the Pakistan army.” It nomination of Modi as the official before the elections on May 11, is understandable that Musharraf candidate. For present, he is on top announced recently. It was a good wants to placate the army but he of the list, with a strong element practice which even Bangladesh cannot mutilate facts that he and his of winnability. In the case of the has done away with and India does army were squarely defeated and Congress, everything depends on not need any because the Election for him to deny the reality is the the party’s performance in 2014. If Commission has developed enough same kind of thinking which has teeth to bring the errant parties under it can cobble a coalition together, brought him to contest the elections. some discipline. it can provide leadership as it has People know who won Kargil and been doing for the last nine years. This does not mean that the no amount of Musharraf’s claim can In which case, the ball would be in coming elections in Pakistan would undo the truth. Rahul’s court. If he says no, then the be impartial. Pakistan Army Chief Sonia-Manmohan “arrangement” Pervez Kayani has promised the The unpopularity of Musharraf can be revived. country that the elections would be could be gauged when an angry independent. It is, indeed, strange lawyer threw a shoe at the former that the army wants a fair poll. But it President as he headed to court to Madhu Dandavate is an open secret that the army which face legal charges after returning from his four-year-long exile. In By holds sway over Pakistan will not interfere in the elections. Still it is any case, this was not the first time B. Vivekanandan unfair to contend that all members that Musharraf had to face such a Price: Rs. 20/- of the National Assembly of Pakistan humiliation. Two years ago, a man Janata Trust would get elected through genuine tried to hurl a shoe at him when D-15, Ganesh Prasad, methods. The past does not say so he was addressing a gathering in Britain. Naushir Bharucha Marg, and the future does not hold any promise. Grant Road (W), A retired Pakistani Lt. General, Mumbai 400 007. Former President General Pervez Saheed Aziz, has brought out a book Musharraf, who has returned to to nail the lie and he has alleged that JANATA, April 7, 2013 3 the army “put our children in the line of fire.” But the point that Musharraf World Social Forum, Tunisia - refuses to see is that reality may Few Reflections complicate matters. Was it the entry of Musharraf that has pushed the Imran Khan phenomenon into the Dr. Sunilam background because at one time it was taken for granted that Imran’s World Social Forum (WSF) in various debates and programmes Tehreek-e-Insan party would sweep started with the aim to build a better organized by VK, SADED, Via the polls? world in 2001. WSF is a meeting Campesina, Global Progressive The old political complexion place for democratic discussions of Forum, FES, Jubilee South, etc. may continue after the next election. ideas, for deep reflection, formulating Punjab looks like going the Nawaz proposals, exchanging experiences The programme started with a Sharif’s way and Sind would stay and strengthening social movements, grand rally on 26 March from Clock- with the Pakistan People’s Party networks that oppose neo-liberalism Tower, which had witnessed the (PPP). The North Western Frontier and the domination of capital. assembly of revolutionaries on 14 Province may again be back with WSF activities and processes are January. Most of the programmes Awami National Party (ANP), governed by a Charter of Principles. were held in the Tunis University reminding one of the red shirts It is not a religious governmental or El Manar Campus. The issues of under the leadership of Khan Abdul partition body, but it is characterized liberation of Philistine and Western Ghaffar Khan during the freedom by plurality and diversity. It is Sahara were seen as key issues. struggle. The fourth province, neither an organization nor an Situation Baluchistan, is categorically against association. It only provides an open the PPP and may therefore return and democratic space to the peoples’ Discussion on the Nepal situation either ANP or any amalgamation movements and organizations for was organized by VK, in which of some nationalists who are still discussion. They decide their own Dr. Uddhab Pyakurel, eminent fighting against the army for their subjects and discuss them during writer and lecturer in Kathmandu identity. WSF. University, and socialist thinker Vijay Pratap, analyzed the situation The scene does not help India At the social forum held in Dakar in Nepal, presented their views on in any way. In fact, Pakistan is in 2011, the idea of organizing the the on-going process of drafting of getting murkier and murkier. First, next forum for 2013 in the Maghreb- the constitution-making, various its soldiers beheaded two Indian political and electoral equations, and soldiers and now Indian prisoners Mashriq region was widely discussed the role of neighbours of Nepal. Dr. are tortured to death, using racial several times within the movements, abuses. In fact, Pakistan has to sort as well as in international council Uddhab narrated the political history out the minority problem if it wants meetings. Finally, it was decided to of Nepal and told the audience about to be considered a civilized state. hold WSF 2013 in Tunisia, in order the Maoist movement. He said that The main problem with Pakistan is to strengthen social movements 27 percent of the population of Nepal what the students learn in schools around the world, especially in the participated in the movement, which and madrasas. Arab region. included various social groups and people of different age groups. In Pakistani schools, the class V The Twelfth WSF was organized The Maoists were successful in social studies text (English), taught on 26-30 March 2013 at Tunis. convincing the people that they can to 12-year-olds, begins with citing Around 54,000 representatives from oust the King of Nepal. Finally, the difference between Hindus and various social movements, networks, people’s power has overthrown the Muslims (for example, Hindus NGOs and members of various civil monarchy for the first time in the burn the wife after her husband dies society organizations participated in . He said that four to but Muslims don’t), the need to the programmes of WSF. I got the five times the Constituent Assembly be aware of the hidden enemies of opportunity to attend WSF on behalf was extended. The election dates of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (VK - could not be announced till date. (Continued on Page 15) India) for one week. I participated Now the Chief Justice of Nepal 4 JANATA, April 7, 2013 is heading the eleven-member participants of WSF were interested powers to four pillars of democracy. cabinet. On most of the issues to know more and more about the Till now, two drafts of the new consensus has already been evolved. Tunisian revolution. Similarly, constitution have already come up He added, people’s movement has Tunisian participants were also for debate in public. People want resulted in the better representation very eager to share information that the new constitution must reflect of women and Dalit groups in the and analysis of the revolution. the sentiments and aspirations of the parliamentary process. He said that University students and faculty common people. During discussions are losing patience. of Tunis University participated in the Parliament, the focus was to They want early elections. He told in a big way. One could observe link economic, social, cultural and the gathering that a consensus their happiness during various human rights with the constitution is worked out on the question of discussions. They were enjoying a so that dignity to all can be ensured. integration of Maoist People’s newly acquired freedom after the A debate on the preamble of the Army into Nepal Army. Most of revolution. Although Tunisia is a constitution still continues. People the Maoists have taken voluntary Muslim country, the active role want that the question of dignity, retirement and 3,000 cadres were of women was seen during WSF. freedom and justice should be included in the Nepal Army. During During every meeting, they were included so that the preamble text the Question-Answer Session, he telling their experience about the reflects the spirit of revolution. said that the Maoists do not have revolution period. Tunisian women People also want that the social and any alternative development model. were not seen with naqaabs (veil), welfare role of their state must be They rely on anti-India sentiment but it was interesting to know that mentioned in the constitution and and were successful in mobilizing university girls are fighting to avail it should provide right to decent the marginalized sections of the the right to wear naqaabs during work, right to quality food, right to Nepali society. He said that almost classes, although it is forbidden in education and academic freedom, all political parties of Nepal have the campus area. When some girl right to decent home, right to safe good understanding with World students attend classes with burqa, drinking water, rights of immigrants, Bank and IMF, and they are ready teachers deny teaching them in the family rights, property rights, and the to accept almost all conditionalities class. right to development. The Chairman for investment in the country. of the Constituent Assembly I got an opportunity to attend assured the parliamentarians that Vijay Pratap gave his in-depth World Parliamentary Forum the constitution will be ready by the analysis of Nepalese politics and and participate in the debate on first week of July and elections will various possibilities during the economic and social rights in be held in Tunisia between October up-coming elections. He said the new constitution. Tunisian 15 and December 15. that Nepal has witnessed various Parliament has formed a commission political models and experiments to draft the new constitution. The Climate Justice are still on. He also shared his Chairman of ANC, along with I spent most of my time in discussions with top leadership of Members of Parliament and other attending various programmes in Nepali Congress, Maoists, CP-ML intellectuals, participated in the the climate space area. The question and Madheshi leaders. Discussion meeting held inside the Parliament of climate crisis – climate justice on ‘Understanding the Dead End of Tunisia in addition to over 50 was debated in detail during various Dynamics of Making Nepal a Members of Parliament from various discussions. The impact of change in Republic’ lasted for around three countries who were participating temperature will create food crisis hours, with interventions of Thomas in the WSF. Although there is no in the world. Farmers of various Wallgren, - a philosopher from dead-lock or stalemate on finalizing countries shared their first hand Finland, and students from Tunisia the constitution, Ennahda and other ground level experiences to show and Germany. Islamist groups want to include that climate change has already shariat laws in the constitution, but started making an impact on the lives Tunisian Revolution democrats, leftists and socialists are of the farmers, which is resulting During various workshops, the opposing shariat laws and insisting in reduced food production. Most issue of Tunisian revolution was on separating religion from politics. of the experts and panelists agreed discussed in detail. Most of the The second issue is the separation of to the consensus view of farmers JANATA, April 7, 2013 5 that GMOs cannot be the answer seen preparing for the up-coming Forum World Conference to be held for increasing food production in ministerial meeting to be held in in spring 2013 has generated a lot the world. Members of various Bali (Indonesia) on 3-6 December of interest, particularly among the civil society organizations from the 2013. Gerak Lawan was seen European participants of WSF. US said that five corporations are campaigning to declare the WTO controlling 80 percent of the market, as illegitimate. It was the general Various films on people’s but still they were successful in view of the participants that no movements were shown during WSF resisting the launch of GM products matter how you reform the WTO programmes. I got an opportunity to in California. The question of or improve its agreements, it will watch ‘Voices of Revolution’ shown impact of dirty energy on climate never be fair or just as it is built by FES. Discussion on the outcome was also discussed at length. In on the principles of free trade, of revolution was very in-depth and one of the programmes of Jubilee endless growth and the capitalist gave an insight of Tunisian society South, it was decided to organize exploitation of people and nature. and politics. a worldwide protest against use They were of the view that even of dirty energy from 11 October change of the Director-General (DG) The future of WSF was also to 11 November 2013. Organizers will not change WTO, as the new discussed in many meetings. Almost informed that the previous year a DG will not have people’s welfare all the participants were of the view week-long campaign was organized in mind. The demand of the group that the process of WSF should for climate justice in 66 countries. against WTO was also to revoke all continue. It was a nice experience to Some environmentalists complained FTAs and investment treaties, and see that the key leaders – founders that the impact of climate change demand governments not to sign of WSF were participating in on bio-diversity of oceans is any more FTAs or BITs. Many new various meetings as other general generally neglected. The general formulations were presented during participants. Even the meeting of consensus was that the ‘climate the discussion with the alternative the International Council (IC) was change’ has become ‘climate crisis’ models of international trade based open to all the participants. Most of because of the continuous increase on economic justice. the participants were satisfied with in consumption levels of people the outcome of WSF during the last living in rich countries. Now carbon Another popular campaigns was twelve years. Everybody seemed trading is used by corporations and the campaign for the Robin Hood concerned about democratizing rich countries for making profits Tax. It was stated in the meeting that the process. One of the founder- (and pressurizing the governments 11 countries have joined together to members, Chico Whitaker proposed of poor and developing countries to implement Financial Transaction to dissolve the IC. It was interesting change their laws) which is resulting Tax in European Parliament which to note that even the IC members in destroying the livelihoods of poor include Australia, Belgium, Estonia, did not defend the continuance people in big numbers. A German France, Germany, Greece, Italy, with the present IC. A proposal to scientist shared his scientific research Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and organize the next WSF in India work in which he concluded that the Spain. It is proposed to have a was also discussed along with other US has polluted the environment, Transaction Tax of 0.05 percent on proposals. Many participants shared which is to the tune of US$500bn. the financial transactions worldwide. their views about the fact that only He suggested that all those who feel This can generate revenue of 500bn those who get funding from some concerned about the climate crisis Euros, including 200bn Euros in NGO are able to attend WSF. The should launch a campaign against Europe alone. This money can question of continuously decreasing US administration to donate $500bn be used to fulfil the Millennium resources for participating in WSF for climate justice fund. The issue of Development Goals (MDGs) for was also discussed. sustainable development was also which only 200bn are required per discussed. year. During the programmes, it was interesting to see demonstrations International Trade Future of WSF in solidarity with the Palestineian The issue of economic justice Global Progressive Forum Freedom Movement. Some was also discussed in various organized many programmes in organizations from the Latin programmes. Organizations were WSF. The Fourth Global Progressive (Continued on Page 11) 6 JANATA, April 7, 2013 Socio-Economic Profile of Muslims in Maharashtra Prepared for Maharashtra State Minority Commission by Director, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy, Prof. Vibhuti Patel, Head, Department of Economics, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai

Maharashtra’s multicultural among Muslims. In Malegaon block while it was only 6.3 per cent in milieu is marked by crucial of Nashik district, highest percentage urban areas. contribution made by Muslims. of Muslim community is to be found The Sachar Committee Report, (42.5 %) as a proportion to the total Among Muslims in Maharashtra, 2006 stated that the condition of population followed by Bhiwandi in nearly 70.7 per cent engaged in Muslim in Maharashtra demands Thane (35.8 %), Nanded (26.5 %), category of work activities such as special attention of the state where Aurangabad (25.5 %) and Parbhani semi skilled and skilled informal the Muslim members are the biggest (25.1 %). Marathwada as a region sector work such as carpentry, religious minority. Seven surveys had a late integration and betrays masonry, electrician, plumber, commissioned by the Maharashtra a story of neglect. In Malegaon mechanic, manual labour, coolie State Minority Commission to of Nashik district Muslims are job, solid waste management, Tata Institute of Social Sciences mainly concentrated in the urban butchery, weaving, beadwork, jari (TISS), Nirmala Niketan’s College area (70.96%) as compared to rural and embroidery work, tailoring, of Social Work of Mumbai areas of Malegaon (3.6%). Among hawking, petty trade, pulling cycle University and Research Centre for the tehsils, highest percentage of rickshaws and handcarts, driving four Women’s Studies of SNDT Women’s Muslim community is found in wheelers and heavy vehicles ; nearly University that were submitted Shrivardhan tehsil of Raigarh district 8 per cent as cultivators, mainly in 2011 discovered that a very (20.26%), and nearly similar in small and marginal farmers; 17.6 per large proportion of Muslims live in percentages in both the rural and cent as agricultural labourers and 3.6 very dismal economic conditions. urban areas. In Vidarbha region, per cent in household industry. The Nearly 1/3rd of the respondents in Akola, Yavatmal and Amaravati proportion of Muslim population in the TISS research reported an Muslims constitute 8.3% of the total involved in cultivation and annual household income of less population. agricultural activities is lesser than than Rs.10,000, 24.4% between Rs. their counterparts in Hindu as well 10,001-Rs.20,000, 7.5% between Work and Employment Profile as total population in Maharashtra, Rs.20,001-Rs.30,000, 3.8% between In a state level survey by the however, Muslim’s involvement Rs.30,0001-Rs.40,000, 1% between Minority Commission in 2011, in household industry and other Rs.40,001-Rs.50,000 and 5.6% it was found that nearly 32.4 per category of activities is higher above Rs.50,000. In the 21st century, cent of Muslims reported as being than them. In rural areas a higher limited occupational diversification ‘a worker’ as compared to 42.5 percentage of Muslim population is noticed among educated middle per cent of total population in the has reported as agricultural laborers class Muslims in the cities of the state. Among Muslims the work as compared to Hindu population, state due to new openings in IT and participation rate was reported while the proportion of Hindu construction industry. higher among men (49.97 %) as population reported as cultivators is compared to women (12.67 %). more than double than the Muslim As per the census 2011, Muslims in rural Maharashtra population. Nearly 44 per cent of Maharashtra’s Parbhani and Nanded reported nearly 38.12 per cent as Muslim women workers reported districts had 30% Muslim population worker as compared to 29.97 per cent as agricultural labourers, and their and Malegaon and Bhiwandi were in urban areas. Among Muslim men proportion in rural areas are 61.6 Muslim majority Cities. Mumbra not much difference was observed in per cent. Among Muslim population, and Kashi mira in thane district are rural and urban areas as compared to the involvement in other category emerging as new hub for economic Muslim women population. Nearly of activities is higher among men activities, technical education one forth of Muslims women living as compared to women, in both institutions and community work in rural areas reported as workers, rural and urban areas. It should be JANATA, April 7, 2013 7 noted that nearly 70 per cent of was collected revealed that ‘having no reason was most dominating reason Muslim population in the state of cultivable land’ percentage was much for migration as reported by nearly Maharashtra is found in urban areas higher among Muslim household in 53 per cent in rural and 73 per cent where non-agricultural activities Maharashtra as compared to their in urban areas. Migration due to dominate. situation in the rest of India. From education was reported by little 1993-94 to 2004-05 the situation higher percentage in urban areas as Unemployment: remained similar. In 2007-08, land compared to rural areas. Migration Census collects data on persons possession data showed that Muslim among Muslims women due to seeking or available for work among household possessed less land economic reasons was reported by non workers. In 2001 census, those or no land in higher proportion about 1.5 per cent in rural areas and who reported as marginal worker than Hindu households. In urban 3.5 per cent in urban areas. were also asked about seeking or areas possession of land was much available for work. About 39.9 less. Bank loans per cent marginal workers among The reluctance of banks to grant Muslim community in rural areas Housing loans to Muslims is another factor reported as seeking/available for In Greater Mumbai (NFHS 2 and for their economic backwardness. work. Among Muslim non-workers, NFHS 3) and Nagpur (NFHS 3) In all studies commissioned by nearly 6 percent reported as ‘job data were collected from slum and the Minority Commission, the seekers’ in rural areas. The age wise non-slum areas. Both survey clearly respondents have stated that in most job seekers were highest in 20-24 show that Muslim household in these cases, banks are biased, and there are years followed by 15-19 and 25-29 districts were living in much higher no well-defined and objective criteria years. Thus unemployment among percentage in slum areas as compared for rejecting loan applications of Muslim youth is a most challenging to Hindu and Christian households. Muslims resulting into arbitrariness, problem faced by the state. Large majority of Muslims in bureaucratic bungling, corruption Bhivandi, Mumbai, Malegaon and and leakage. The average amount In urban areas, Muslim job seekers over 40 towns declared as minority of loans banks disbursed to the among marginal and non-workers population concentrated, live in Muslims is found to be lower than were little higher as compared to ghettos without basic amenities such the one given to other minorities, rural areas. The age specific rate of as safe drinking water, electricity, especially Buddhists and Sikhs. job seekers among marginal workers toilets, proper roads, closed gutters. was observed much higher level as The ghettoization is detrimental Socio -economic Infrastructure compared to non-workers. Muslim to the long term well-being of the Muslims in Maharashtra are men were found to be actively community as well as for national a highly deprived community in seeking /available for work in integration. Very small percentage terms of several socio-economic higher percentage than their women of other minority groups lives in indices. Their employment pattern is counterparts. slums. It indicates that majority of highly skewed towards lower level As per NSS 61st Round in Muslim in the cities in Maharashtra activities in the tertiary sector with 2004-05, unemployment rate was is mostly engaged in the low paying hardly any occupational mobility. found much higher in urban areas skilled, semi skilled or unskilled The access of Muslims to bank with wider difference by gender jobs owing to their low educational credit is low and inadequate; the and community. Muslim men qualifications. community has one of the lowest reported nearly two times higher monthly per capita expenditure unemployment than their Hindu Migration (MPCE), and lowest representation counterparts. The unemployment As per NSS data of 2007-08, in the public sector employment. In rate was higher in urban areas for 84.5 per cent women in rural response to persistent exclusion of both men and women as compared areas and 65.7 per cent in urban Muslims from development efforts, to rural areas. areas reported marriage as reason the Ranganath Mishra Commission for their migration. The family Report (2007) had asked for Pattern of Landholding migration in urban areas is second 10% reservation for Muslims in In the NSS 60th round in 2004 in most dominating reason among central and state government jobs which information on land cultivated females. Among men, economic and 6% within OBC quotas for 8 JANATA, April 7, 2013

Muslim OBCs, and the inclusion various estimates, is the worst hit. of Multi Sectoral of Muslim and Christian dalits During 1908 to 2009; Mumbai alone Development Programme (MsDP). in the scheduled castes list and was inflicted with 83 communal Main rationale for MsDP is to Equal Opportunities Commission riots which claimed nearly 1,900 remove disparities faced by areas to be set up expeditiously. But these lives and resulted in injuries to with sizable minority population. In recommendations are yet to be over 8,000 people. No other city Maharashtra, four districts Parbhani, implemented. or region in Maharashtra has had Hingoli, Washim and Buldhana are more communal riots than Mumbai. identified by Central Government Muslim communities throughout It exceeds that of the communal as Minority Concentrated Districts the state have complained that to incidents in Malegaon. A distant for Multi-sectoral Development avail any government scheme, second in the 1908-2009 riots list is Program during XI Plan (2007-12). agents charge Rs. 1000/- for Aurangabad (12 incidents), followed fulfillment of formalities/paper by , Nagpur and Malegaon (11 work and if the amount is granted by incidents each). Though Bhiwandi Bhivandi the state, they disappear with money. occupies fifth spot with 8 incidents, Known as Manchester of India, Hence it is important to monitor the it ranks second in terms of deaths. this textile city is famous for implementation of the schemes thro’ During 1998-2008, 172 lives were handloom and power loom industry. voluntary organizations/NGOs/ lost in 1,192 incidents in the state As most of the workers are migrant potential beneficiaries. due to highly polarized society that and working too hard, citizens is sharply divided along caste and groups are not active in the city. The Muslim community lags religious lines. behind severely in political • The state has to be pro-active representation. The number of Syncretism Culture in ensuring social security and Muslim MLAs is 5. The number of Culture of Maharashtra is marked social protection to the informal Muslim MLCs is 11. Representation by a high degree of syncretism and sector workers. All of them must of Muslims in Indian Administrative pluralism. Political economy of be provided with ration cards. Services has been less than 1% for communal conflicts is proving to • Currently only 30% of the city the last three decades. The number be a major threat to this glorious has a drainage system. Remaining of Muslims in Maharashtra cadre legacy. Maharashtra has had 1,192 70% of the city of Bhivandi must IAS in 2011-12 is one among total communal clashes during the 11- be provided drainage system so 288 IAS officers. One Muslim year period from 1998 to 2008, the that most of the illnesses related officer resigned in July 2011. The highest in the country. Throughout to water born diseases can be sanctioned strength for IAS officers the 11-year period, Maharashtra controlled. is 350 - there is a shortfall of 62 witnessed 10% to 23% of the total officers in the cadre. In 2010-11, incidence of communal riots in • Public health and sanitation there were 2 Muslim officers out of India. Its share was particularly measures against unhygienic total strength of 350. In 2009-2010 high during 2005-06, when 20% living and working condition also there were 2 Muslims out of of all such incidents took place in must be taken as early as possible. 340 IAS officers’ posts. The number the state. In this context, massive Eradication of contagious disease in the IPS is 4 out of 203 officers in development intervention among programme TB, skin ailments 2011. The sanctioned cadre strength poor Muslims with special focus needs an immediate attention. for police officers in Maharashtra on inclusive growth is a need of state is 302. an hour. • Occupational health and safety standards for workers The major reason for the socio Recommendations in powerloom and handloom economic deprivation of Muslims This inquiry into causes of socio industries need to be is the high incidence of communal economic deprivation of Muslims operationalised by Factory riots. Absence of civic ties due to is a crucial exercise to arrive at Inspector’s Office and Labour ghettoisation creates an insular remedial measures and doable Bureau. Support structures feeling. Mumbai which has 15 to 18 agenda for inclusive development and medical facilities must be % Muslim population, according to of Muslims thro the government provided for disabled people. JANATA, April 7, 2013 9

• Massive urban housing scheme electricity plastic industries and oil refinery for Muslims is urgently required should be provided regular and in Bhivandi. • call for a mid-term review of reliable electricity supply, credit programmes and ensure that and banking facilities, physical • Modernisation of slaughter house the allocations made for the infrastructure in terms of road in Bhivandi as per the norms of minorities/ women and other and transport for passengers and Maharashtra Pollution Control vulnerable groups are not re- goods. Board is need of an hour, hence allocated, but will be spent for adequate financial assistance the purpose it is intended. • Powerloom industry must be must be provide in the PRI and modernized and yarn bank must state government budget. • facilitate the dissemination of be established. Paithani sarees information about the various state produced in Malegaon deserves • To eradicate child labour in welfare programmes especially more proactive marketing. Bhivandi, the Child Labour targeting the minorities, but of Prevention Act, 1986 must be all programmes and • Vocational Training Institutes implemented. aimed at addressing issues of must be established for generating socio-economic justice. The skilled workforce as majority of • Create new posts of Community idea is to have a single window population Malegaon is young in Development Officers at the approach to programmes. age. Bhivandi Municipal Corporation. • resolve dispute over land • Malegaon film industry should Mumbai: Behrampada, Dharavi, ownership in favour of the get encouragement and state Jogeshwari, Madanpura, community. support in terms of investment, Govandi, Mankurd, Kurla, marketing, land for development Govandi, Mumbra • The present condition of the of film city with studios, loans, Mumbai has Muslim ghettoes slaughter houses in the city is consultancy services and awards spread around all three railway very bad, and is a threat to the the way Bollywood and Marathi lines-central (Kurla, Byculla, health and hygiene of persons Film industries are getting. Mazgaon), Western (Behrampada, living nearby, as well as persons Dharavi, Jogeshwari) and Harbour working there, and people who • The government should encourage (Madanpura, Govandi, Mankurd). consume the meat that comes formation of 5000-6000 SHGs of There is a need to establish a from there. Hence modernisation women in Malegaon. strong centre-link programme is urgently required, at least to that would co-ordinate, policies, ensure that basic standards of • The state government must programmes and ground realities. hygiene are in place. evolve a special package for This unit established either in the industrial development of the Department of Minorities Affairs Malegaon Maegaon city. or the Minorities State Commission. Malegaon has a potential to It emerge as a modern industrial • T h e g o v e r n m e n t m u s t hub and urgently needs an Urban make concerted efforts for • must monitor the socio-economic Renewal Plan. intermixing of different religious and financial sector programmes communities thro’ creation within the access parameters of • Major housing scheme, drainage of mixed neighbourhood as the minorities such as budget and sanitation measures, tapped against extreme segregation allocation for the minorities in water, street lights, roads and existing currently, sports, cultural proportion to the population and public transport demand urgent activates, public parks, libraries, their levels of development, attention for the poor Muslim community centres, youth camps, workers in Malegaon. health checkups by voluntary • top priority in the budget must organizations for all citizens. be given to housing, roadwork, • Small scale manufacturing units- drainage, water supply and power-loom, textile, oil, food and (to be concluded) 10 JANATA, April 7, 2013 India needs democratic socialism

Brij Khandelwal

Activists committed to the core democratic instruments to strengthen When deliberations began the values of democratic socialism the core values of democratic question posed by many related to reaffirmed their faith in the founding socialism and to espouse the cause the need for defining the relevance principles of the socialist movement of the oppressed, deprived and the of Democratic Socialism in in India at a four-day ‘Retreat’ marginalised sections of the society. the changed political milieu of held in the verdant green hills of Vagamon, 60 kms from Kottayam Vagamon Declaration in . We the members of Association for Democratic Socialism, Delhi, Jointly organised by the Centre for Socialist Studies, and the Samajavadi Mahila Sabha, Association for Democratic Mumbai and other persons from across the country, committed to the Socialism, Delhi, the Centre for ideology of democratic socialism having gathered at Vagamon, District Socialist Studies, Bangalore and the of Kottayam, Kerala between the 29th March and 1st April 2013, urge Samajavadi Mahila Sabha, Mumbai, the people of India, especially those in public life to uphold principles the 42 activists, ideologues and in public action. We call upon the political parties and political actors to party workers, of whom 17 were declare their respective ideologies and commit themselves to them. In the women, unanimously adopted the past we have suffered from a big gap between the claim and the reality Vagamon Declaration that urges in public action. Now, there is no claim nor is there any reference to political parties across India to principles or ideology. It is high time for all of us to take a call on bringing transparently commit themselves to ideology to the centre stage of our public life. It goes without saying that the ideologies they professed and de-emphasizing ideology has led us to accept opportunistic compromises take appropriate steps to minimise as well as aspiring or clinging on to power by any means. the yawning gap between “claiming For a healthy politics, a robust economy, sound collective values, and and doing” – Precept and Practice. above all a just society, we call upon the political class to preserve and Their ideologies must define their practice the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity enshrined in our approach to public life and ways to Constitution. In a pluralist polity and a heterogeneous society like ours insulate political parties from we must practice the principles of social justice and solidarity to ensure the all pervasive opportunistic equality and freedom. All these values practiced together ensure “parity and permissive culture that had of participation” essential for both individual as well as public good. promoted a set of politicians who Furthermore these values constitute the most viable and credible ideology think clinging to or seizing power called Democratic Socialism that is mentioned in the Preamble of our by any means was justifiable. This Constitution. negative mind-set has played havoc with the growth of a healthy people- We call upon the citizens of India to demand from their leaders that they oriented polity in the past half a practice these values in politics, economic planning, social and cultural century. policies, development interventions, industrial project and agricultural activities. It is our desire as well as duty to fight for the protection and It was high time people of India practice of these values. We declare and pledge ourselves to use all woke up to the grim realities and available democratic instruments to commit our leaders to these values compelled politicians of all hues as they are in the interest of all Indians, especially the poor, deprived, to declare their abiding faith in the oppressed and marginalized. We call upon the political parties to commit Democratic Socialist principles to these fundamental principles of a just and an equal society in their enshrined in the preamble of our manifestoes and programmes and implement them. We urge the citizens constitution. to evaluate their leaders as they relate to these values. The Vagamon Declaration signed We issue this “Vagamon Declaration” on 31 March 2013 to blow the by the participants of the ‘Retreat’, bugle on protecting, preserving and promoting Democratic Socialism. commits them to use all available JANATA, April 7, 2013 11 globalisation, privatisaation and credible and durable alternative. The addressed urgently. liberalization. Participants said some mushrooming growth of socialist of the old postulates and positions parties and the amoebic splitting and The Democratic Socialist retreat taken by Socialists earlier needed fragmentation due to “bloated egos” concluded with a firm assertion updating and revision. A continuous of leaders, only helped generate that the socialists of all hues must eventually come on a common dialogue therefore was the need of disillusionment and cynicism all platform and bid for power. Right the hour. However, it was felt, the around, the participants observed. now dozens of groups are splintered principal parameters and the core and pulling in diverse directions. values of the socialist movement The players may have failed This is not a very happy situation could neither be diluted nor lost but none can deny that India’s march towards an era of “diffused and should therefore be corrected sight of. prosperity” can come only through through active intervention by senior Several participants said democratic socialism which firmly leaders of the socialist movement. that while analysing the overall believes in extending political A dialogue with political outfits success or failure of the Indian equality to all other spheres of sharing common beliefs and insights democratic experiment, it was not human activity and behaviour. must begin and continuous inter prudent or advisable to compare active sessions involving socialist The Democratic Socialists have our experiences with the western workers must be held in different now to respond afresh to growing models, given the extremely parts. challenges in the fields of education complex and heterogeneous and and the new linguistic scenario, The retreat suggested that a hierarchical structure of our ethos the need for wide representation school of socialism may be started and the prevailing socio-economic and reservation, land acquisition with appropriate syllabus to train conditions. complexities, environmental the cadres from all over India in the ideology of democratic socialism. In many situations it had been degradation and sustainable observed that community or development. They have to resolve (Continued from Page 5) sectarian politics had ‘obstacled’ the Deshi versus Global dichotomy, countries organized a protest against the gender inequalities, the apartheid national political objectives as has the US Aid tent in the campus area in education, address the rural-urban been demonstrated in the case of and use of the flag of in the divide, the mass exodus to the urban Jammu & Kashmir politics and campus, as a result of which both centres and problems created by Tamil-Sri Lanka imbroglio. banners and flags were removed. increased mobility, etc. The ‘Indian Electionised Democratic’ model had been heavily On the foreign affairs front, Although political parties cannot dented by casteism, money and Democratic Socialists have always participate in WSF directly, various muscle power, crimininalisation championed the cause of the poorer organizations and foundations were of politics and most importantly countries of the southern hemisphere. seen propagating the ideas of social the weakening of the ideological India needs to develop more friendly democracy, Marxism and other commitment of political parties, relations with neighbours. Of late ideologies, without any resistance speakers said. it had been observed that regional from the participants. considerations were influencing Unfortunately the transformational foreign policy decisions leading Janata crusade by many leaders of the to lopsided policy decisions and Subscription freedom movement failed to garner hence there was need to evolve a Annual Rs. : 260/- support and influence politics in a coherent national foreign policy Three Years : 750/- fundamental manner. To get the accommodating the regional Demand Draft / Cheque on best results it is imperative that aspirations also. Mumbai Bank socio-cultural changes precede fundamental political restructuring. On the agricultural front in favour of speakers said issues relating to land Janata Trust The Indian socialist movement, acquisitions, the subsidy tussle, despite its crucial contribution in the patent and seeds controversies, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, reorienting and refocusing priorities, distribution of land, price mechanism Naushir Bharucha Marg, failed miserably to provide a of agricultural produce all need to be Mumbai 400 007 12 JANATA, April 7, 2013 Let us build (India) to build strong, egalitarian India. Draft resolution for the second biennial conference of the Socialist Party (India) to be held at Thiruvanantpuram on 17 and 18 May, 2013)

Large scale goondaism, violence people. Good people will occupy technicians, who have put satellites against women, torturing of youths seats of power if the people at large in the sky, can certainly develop belonging to minority community, shun allurements at the time of and produce heavy armaments and wide spread corruption from top to elections. And put in earnest efforts vehicles for our armed forces. No bottom, deteriorating work culture to eliminate corruption, maintain more purchases be made from the in government establishments, cleanliness at public places and Western producers. non-stop price-rise coupled with develop habits of treating women high rate of unemployment and honourably. There should be no stockpile of ever widening gap between various nuclear arms. There is one good sign. Recently, classes and regions – these are some young people thronged the streets of the black spots on the face of India Honourable treatment to women on issues of corruption and heinous today. Profit thirsty corporate houses and their empowerment crimes against women. But such controlling the print and electronic Men should ensure that there waves of agitation don’t make a media are serving heavy doses of will be no female foeticide, honour driving force to navigate the polity vulgar consumerism and violence killing, bride-burning for dowery towards desired goals .Adopting a corrupting the young minds. Leading or murdering of a girl who refuses comprehensive set of well thought political parties are indulging into to respond to a boy’s flirtations. out policies and building up an army game of mudslinging and of image Harassment of and violence towards of dedicated activists can alone building of their own show boys. the females, at home or workplace assure enduring system of good or on the street, must stop. Menfolk The Congress party, which is governance. should radically change their mindset leading the coalition Government The Socialist Party(India) call and habits. at the centre has nobody but itself upon all well-meaning men, women to blame for break down of law and youths to join heroic task of Popular pressure should be built and order machinery, innumerable forging effective political instrument up to prevent obscene and vulgar number of scams involving crores of to build a strong and India. Following scenes printed or tele/broadcast in rupees and slowing down of growth egalitarian is an agenda of action: media which are generally controlled of economy, because no hurdles by the profit-hungry corporates. were created by opposition parties Defence of the Nation or class organizations. Jawans, who are rendering Not opening an exclusive bank However the people cannot shed sterling service to safeguard the for women, but channeling adequate the responsibility for enhancing borders, should be treated well flow of banking services towards vices like drinking, gambling, ill- by their superior officers. Trained women, from all the branches of treatment of their women folk, jawans should not be deployed the banks, should be promoted and giving bribes to get out of turn largess to serve as orderlies - a legacy of monitored. from the authorities. spreading filth bad old days of colonialism. Their at public places, not discharging families back home must also be To maintain communal Harmony their duties as parents, teachers, looked after with love and honour. Communal Violence law must doctors, lawyers, etc. If the people be enacted soon and implemented want the rulers to be honest, they India has earned a bad name ardently. Innocent youths should not should start practicing integrity of largest single big purchaser of be rounded up in combing operations and habits of good work culture. military hardware in the world nor should they be made to linger People get government they deserve. market. Lakhs of crores of rupees go in jails for indefinite time. Persons Rulers hail from society and, in down the drain as commission. This responsible for terrorist acts must a democracy, are elected by the must be stopped. Our scientists and be brought to book with no loss of JANATA, April 7, 2013 13 time. The security forces should stop adequate means of livelihood to management be promoted as far as flow of money and explosives to the every able-bodied man and woman, possible. terrorist groups. Ordinary people and prevent concentration of wealth in particularly the youths must not be a few hands, develop agriculture, Capital goods industries and all- unjustly harassed. handicrafts and small industries, etc. India services like railway, banking, insurance must be in the domain For promoting social equality The rulers-that-be and all political public sector. All-out efforts must be put in parties would do well to remember to eradicate caste system and offer all this because they are taking oath Reserve Bank of India should special opportunities to the backward in the name of the Constitution. exercise diligent control on financial castes in the field of education, transactions, particularly on capital employment and other walks of life. After taking note of the ill effects account. PDS must be buttressed. of the privatization-liberalisation Forest Rights Act 2006 must be –globalisation policies, (which With a view to ensure adequate implemented within a reasonable were dictated by the IMF, World regular supply of foodgrains, sugar, time span. Bank and WTO), it has become kerosene, etc. at reasonable prices To curb goondaism imperative to discard Western model to poor and middle income groups, of development and adopt Indian PDS structure must be buttressed. Interference by political bosses model, by keeping in mind the fact Pilferage be eliminated, in the working of police machinery that two-thirds of our population are should be stopped. There must engaged in agriculture. System of cash transfers should be drastic downsizing of security not be adopted as it is fraught with provided to VIPs. The police Full employment, protection of immense potentiality for misuse personnel should take stern action environment and lessening the gap and fraud. to curb goondaism. Production of between various classes and regions illicit arms and ammunition must be should be accepted as goals of our FDI must not be allowed to enter totally uprooted. development policies. retail trade. Police personnel should be Labour provided with proper facilities for The State should supply housing, health, education, etc. infrastructure facilities like Legitimate rights of workers, Time bound clearance of citizens’ communications, water, power, particularly to collective bargaining applications in government offices, credit, research and marketing to and peaceful collective action, must banks, electricity, judicial courts, producers engaged in agriculture, be protected. etc. forestry, dairy, fishery etc. Their cooperative societies should be Social security, in the form of life Officers and employees in strengthened. and health insurance and old age government, sem-government pension be provided to all workers establishments, banks, law courts, Use of fossil fuel be minimized. in the unorganized sector. etc. should be asked to clear citizens’ Nuclear energy, looking at its matters in a prescribed time frame. hazardous nature, should not be The State should ensure common, Instead of English, they should used. Instead, renewable sources qualitative and free education to all. use Indian languages and behave like solar, wind, gobar be harnessed. Similarly, basic health services be properly with the citizens. provided to the vulnerable sections Remunerative prices to their of society. Discard western model and adopt produce should be ensured. Indian model of development North-eastern States and Jammu- Kashmir We the people of India have made Production of daily use a resolve in our Constitution that we commodities like cloth, oil, soap, The terrain in those border states will establish Sovereign, Secular, medicines, etc. be reserved for being so difficult, greater priority be accorded to providing rail and road Democratic, Socialist Republic. cottage and small scale industries and their location be decentralized facilities there. Provisions in its chapter four in the direction of achieving panch- enjoin the Indian State to provide croshi self-reliance. Cooperative (Continued on Page 15) 14 JANATA, April 7, 2013 World Bank’s Sham Consultations

Workers Union, Delhi Mahila the sensitivity demonstrated in the people’s organisations across the Shahri Kaamgar Sangathan, National investments made by its various globe 30+ years to pressurise the Alliance of People's Movements lending operations. In India, the World Bank Group to formulate, (NAPM), Delhi Solidarity Group, International Finance Corporation re-formulate and have in place SRUTI, Delhi Forum, Programme (IFC), the Bank’s private sector mechanisms that would safeguard for Social Action and others on lending arm, is complicit in massive social-environmental-cultural- April 5, 2013 stormed the ‘civil human rights and environmental traditional interests of communities society consultation’ on review violations that form the basis of the and people affected by the Group’s and update of the World Bank’s super-mega $4 billion Tata-Mundra financing of so called ‘Development environmental and social safeguard 4000 MW power project in the projects’ across the World and in policies organised by World Bank ecologically sensitive Kutch region India. However, it took the Bank, at India Habitat Centre in New of . The World Bank, in its in particular International Finance Delhi. Terming these consultations wisdom, has further endorsed such Corporation (IFC), only one stroke as eyewash activists didn’t allow environmental crimes by offering a of destructive imagination to bring the consultations to proceed since $1 billion loan to the building of the in the new model of ‘Financial World Bank continues to hide behind Fifth Power System Development Intermediary Lending’ that wiped the central and state governments in Project, which essentially is a out all mandatory requirements India or other government agencies transmission line for Tata-Mundra posed by environmental and social in different countries and shirk and three other large coastal power safeguard principles on lending, responsibility for any environmental projects. Participating in such as they are not bound by such and social damage. manner, the Bank conveniently standards. At a time when the FI escapes any blame for the disaster, model of lending in India by IFC Vimal Bhai, Matu Jan Sangathan- and yet benefits from financing such and the World Bank at large are NAPM, said, “the way these ‘development projects’.” expected to cross the halfway mark consultations are organised are no of their collective investments, different from what has been going Umesh Babu, Delhi Forum, said it does not make any sense at all on for decades. Many such reviews “the Bank’s Policy on piloting for the World Bank to be holding have been conducted, thousands the use of borrower systems such reviews of their environmental of groups and individuals have for Environmental and Social and social safeguards; they simply participated with the intent of seeing Safeguards has in the past decade do not matter at all to the actual genuine reform of the institution, been a mantra to pave the way practice of the World Bank and its and possibly its democratization, for promoting investment at any agencies.” only to be utterly disappointed. cost. Over a decade ago the World The current exercise, therefore, Bank funded the Indian Ministry Activists urged the members is nothing but a charade to mask of Environment and Forests’ of the civil society who had come the true intentions of its major Environmental Management for the consultation to leave the ‘shareholders’: France, Germany, Capacity Building Project. The meeting, if they really felt the pain Japan, the United Kingdom and the result was a massive dilution of of the people of this country. World United States, who are grappling India’s environmental and social Bank has pushed for policies which with serious economic downturns safeguard norms. What’s worse, the have undermined the sovereignty and are conveniently using the Bank processes that resulted lent voice of India and its people, privatised to force open global investment to those within administration and services, opened up market for loot opportunities with scant regard to industry who were crying hoarse and plunder of natural resources environmental and social impacts. that the carefully evolved rigour by the private corporations and of “forest” and “environmental” very fundamentally changed the Madhuresh Kumar, NAPM, clearance standards in India was policies of this country in favour of added that if indeed the World thwarting economic growth.” capitalists forces. Bank was seriously concerned about the impacts of its investments, Lakshmi Premkumar, PSA, said, Shouting slogans of “World Bank then the best test would have been “it took the movement groups and ! Quit India !”, “World Bank ! Down JANATA, April 7, 2013 15

Down !” activists refused to budge Foreign Policy Bonds of friendship with the from the venue until the World Bank Maintenance of world peace neighbors and other countries of Country Director Onno Ruhl, left the and cooperation and Protection of East Asia and Africa be strengthened hall at 2 pm followed by Stephen Human Rights should be the guiding while taking due care and caution F Lintner, Senior Advisor, Sanjay principles of our foreign policy. about the security concerns of our Srivastava, Regional Safeguards country. Advisor and other Bank officials along with few CSO members and (Continued from Page 3) and also staged demonstrations. But Bank consultants who stayed till last. its efforts to influence global opinion Pakistan (religious extremists are not foundered in spite of a well-funded mentioned) and the importance of Activists warned that these sham attempt. consultations will not be tolerated unceasing jihad. It devotes a total of three sentences to a united Pakistan, unless Bank owned upto damages, Curiously enough, Mullah’s case the last of which reads: “With compensated communities and has been taken up by the government the help of India, East Pakistan stopped funding the environmentally of Turkey. President Abdullah separated.” and socially destructive projects in Gul sent a letter last month to the name of ‘development’. People’s President of Bangladesh requesting The class VIII textbook (English) Movements have been struggling clemency for all those accused of is still briefer and simply states across the country against its own mass murder. Fortunately, Turkey’s that “some leaders of former East governments demanding justice and president appears to be an exception Pakistan with the active help of challenging their nefarious capitalist and much of the world has shown India managed to break away designs but that doesn’t mean World little regard for genocidal killers. Bank can hide behind them. They from Pakistan and established are part of the larger design of the Bangladesh.” The Class IX and global financial systems and we will Class X (Urdu) books—by far the continue to challenge it. most detailed—devote nearly three pages, explaining the disintegration. The current ‘consultations’ The listed subtitles include: a) are therefore a sham and must Incompetent government of Yaha be denounced by anyone deeply Khan; b) Hindu domination of concerned about the nature of trade; c) Nefarious role of Hindu democracy and are keen to ensure teachers; d) Language problems; e) that all peoples of the world benefit Indian interference; f) The elections from human activity that is based on of 1970. deep appreciation and adherence to the Principle of Prior and Informed Meanwhile, on February 5 the Consent and the Principle of Bangladesh International Crimes Intergenerational Equity. Tribunal (ICT) found Abdul Kader Mullah guilty of five out of six –Rajendra Ravi, Anita Kapoor charges against him. Known as Mirpur Koshai (Butcher of Mirpur) because of his atrocities against the (Continued from Page 13) citizens in the Mirpur area of Dhaka, As insurgency is fast receding he was charged with beheading a in those areas, the military may be poet, raping an 11-year-old girl and murdering 344 people. The ICT withdrawn or at least Armed Forces Price: Rs. 20/- Special Powers Act be lifted. sentenced mullah, presently assistant secretary general of the Bangladesh Janata Trust People in other states where Jamaat-e-Islami, to life in prison. For D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir citizens of above states happen to the protesters at the Shahbag Square, Bharucha Marg, stay for employment etc. should this was not enough—they want the Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. accord brotherly treatment towards mullah to be hanged. On the other them. side, the Jamaat protested violently R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, April 7, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Posted on every Wednesday at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 12 Thatcher feared Islam April 14, 2013 Kuldip Nayar

I Met Mrs Margaret Thatcher for behind the scene were as murky as Thatcher feared Islam the first time when I was India’s envoy in India. Never once did her party Kuldip Nayar at London in 1990. At that time she men tell her that she was fighting a was counting on her achievements, losing battle. She did finally send Could a Muslim be including the triumph in the cold her resignation after ascertaining entitled as secularist? war. I sent her a congratulatory the facts from intelligence sources. K. S. Chalam message for having vanquished the I had heard from her Conservative communist ideology. But she said Party colleague, who later became she had even bigger enemies to defeat a minister in Prime Minister John Reconciliation by shared caring and mentioned Islam. I have always Major’s cabinet, that they wanted her Harsh Mander wondered whether the stirrings in the to go in the interest of party unity. But Islamic world were the doing of Great it was her party men who betrayed Britain’s. her, as one minister confessed to me, Myanmar Communal Violence- for she made them what they were. Set back to Democratic Process Around the same time, I knew Ram Puniyani that Prime Minister Thatcher too A ruthless stripping of subsidies, was losing her job because the men a dose of privatization and a head-on in “grey suits” had tapped on her collision with the trade unions had Socio-Economic Profile of shoulder and told her to quit. It was succeeded in sloughing off many Muslims in Maharashtra apparent that she had too many of the ills that had made Britain enemies in the party. Mrs Thatcher’s economically stagnant. But the price sense of self-righteousness and her paid was high—unemployment and a penchant for the spotlight had made divided nation. I wish Mrs Thatcher even her most eminent colleagues feel had retired after coming back with Editor : small and deficient. Many of them a majority of over 150 seats in the G. G. Parikh would have liked to have pulled her 1987 election. That was her third Managing Editor : Guddi down earlier, but they were pygmies consecutive victory. who could not measure up to her, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, colossus that she was. In 1990, she seemed like a person Naushir Bharucha Marg, who had stayed too long in power, just Mumbai - 400 007. Mrs Thatcher was required to poll as Jawaharlal Nehru did in 1962, after 15 percent more than the majority India’s debacle at the hands of China. Email : [email protected] for an outright win, but she lost the She should have taken the opinion election by five votes. The goings-on polls seriously as the Conservatives 2 JANATA, April 14, 2013 had lagged behind by a greater Mrs Thatcher could avoid being position to get favours from the margin than any ever similarly dressed. The Queen’s reply government) made against him. She had in the past. Nobody backs a was that she never bothered to even said she missed her grandchildren losing leader, whatever his or her look at what Mrs Thatcher wore! but she considered it a price she contribution at one time. How can had to pay to be in politics. She one forget that Winston Churchill D u r i n g P r e s i d e n t R . would often admit that she was was thrown out despite his victory Venkatraman’s visit to the UK, I not a consensus politician, but a in the Second World War? had another chance to interact with “committed politician.” She, indeed, Mrs Thatcher more closely when I was but nevertheless the one who My first political report was on sat next to her chair and discussed on made Britain click. the defeat of the Conservatives in different subjects for two hours. She a by-election in mid-Staffordshire told me that she had refused to visit a within days of my arrival. I had gurudwara despite many invitations. a feeling this might turn into a “Those people killed Mrs Gandhi,” similar situation as the Allahabad she said, adding, “What kind of by-election after which the caravan people must they be!” Mrs Thatcher of V.P. Singh started rolling till Rajiv compared the violence in Punjab Gandhi’s Congress (I) government with the Irish Republican Army’s fell in 1989. However I wished terrorism. “Of course, yours is on a that the rule of Conservatives did bigger scale,” she remarked. But she not end during my tenure as High was reticent on Kashmir, though she Commissioner, Mrs Thatcher lost did say that nothing should be done her prime ministership just before I at the expense of India’s unity and left London. integrity.

I must, however, admit she was I remarked that ethical standards fairly warm in dealing with me were disappearing from politics and when I first met her. The Iron Lady that our own experience in India was had forgotten what I had written that politicians enjoyed hitting each about her. What I noticed during other below the belt. Mrs Thatcher my stay in London and surprised said that in Britain it was worse. Price: Rs. 20/- about was that the diplomatic corps They would ‘kick you’ and even Janata Trust openly discussing the challenge when you had fallen, they would D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir that Mrs Thatcher posed to the not stop hitting you. She fondly Bharucha Marg, Queen’s position, considered not recalled her intimate relationship Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. only improper but also sacrilegious. with Mrs Gandhi. “Even when we There was no love lost between the differed, our personal equation did two. Mrs Thatcher was blamed for not suffer,” she said. it as it was common knowledge that Janata she did not appreciate rivals to her As our conversation progressed, Subscription Annual Rs. : 260/- popularity, not even the Queen. I also happened to see the softer part of the Iron Lady and felt how Three Years : 750/- I recall a story told and retold vulnerable she had become. She Demand Draft / Cheque on is about a party where the Queen began talking about various issues Mumbai Bank and Mrs Thatcher wore identical before shifting to her personal in favour of dresses. After that, Mrs Thatcher’s problems, pouring her heart out to a Janata Trust private secretary wrote to the Palace person who had met her only a few asking to be informed beforehand times before. Her son, she recalled, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, what the Queen would wear at a had to move to America because Naushir Bharucha Marg, particular official function so that of the “wild charges” (of using her Mumbai 400 007 JANATA, April 14, 2013 3 Could a Muslim be entitled as secularist? K. S. Chalam

Public memory is very short simply on an emotional tip about solution is to demand independence and we have ignored an important his motherland is found to be really for India from British imperialism’. political excitement in the form arcane. This is contrary to the He has analyzed that, “Hinduism of a statement by Shiv Sena chief stereotyping of Muslims. In fact, and Islam represent different Uddhav Thackeray recently at the religion never united the Muslims. stages of human development. time of Pakistan Prime Minister’s If it were so, we would not have The Islam of immigrant Moslems visit to Ajmer. Thackeray was all the seen Bangladesh nor the Arab was divorced from its natural praise for Diwan Zaimul Abedin Ali problem .Why is it that our so-called surroundings and transplanted Khan of Kwaja Moinuddin Chisti secularists have not recognized the in to Indian surroundings. The Dargah in Ajmer for his daring importance of the statement of Ali association of Moslems with non- statement that the P M should bring Khan, the Khadim, even if there is Moslem communities in different the severed head of the Indian some theatrics? Are the Muslims localities created different situations soldier before entering Indian soil. not qualified to be patriotic and and outlooks. This also accounts, Thackeray has recommended that remain secular in their approach in addition to educational and he should be awarded a Bharat to international relations? We economic factors, for cleavages Ratna. There are usual brickbats have seen how Modi has become of opinions and interests in the on the statement of both Thackeray secular for the Americans now. In political classes of the same faith. and interestingly even on Ali Khan. fact, most of our current debates The differences between general Ajmir Dargah according to some on secularism in this country are Islam and Hinduism and between scholars is a symbol of composite wonderful examples of political particular local Islam and Hinduism culture of India. I had an opportunity drama and intellectual disgust is expressed in the relationships of to visit the Dargah as I was made to without practical programme of classes belonging to these faiths….. visit it in one of my official tours. action to sustain secularism in a Moral ideas are the outcome I was generally reticent in refusing pluralistic country. Then what is the of material needs. Religion is to visit a religious place as part of harm in appreciating the khadim for the organization of such moral protocol (I am called as secular his secular postures. The situation ideas. At some stages of human fundamentalist by my friends) and was different during the freedom development moral ideas and needs keep it discrete. However, I use the movement .Scholar statesmen coincide…. The contradictions opportunity to learn more about the like M.N.Roy, B.R.Ambedkar between morality and practice are place from the locals. In my recent and a forgotten Telugu Bidda becoming deeper with the growth visit to Tiruchangode in Tamil Nadu, K.B.Krishna had provided sincere of class antagonisms.” Around the I was taken to a shrine known as and honest analysis of the Muslim same period M.N.Roy had also Ardhanariswara, a Sangam period problem and the need for secularism expressed similar opinion and temple. The transformation of the in India. lamented that we generally do not temple from that of the original try to understand the conditions and Tamil god Muruga into becoming K.B.Krishna, who taught the situation of our own Muslim Ardhanareeswara in the same place Marxism to A.K.Gopalan in Jail, neighbor and alienate them. with two entrances, was interesting. was a Harvard university scholar Similarly, I had visited Ajmer and and produced a dissertation on B. R. Ambedkar has in a way found lot of our Hyderabadi culture “Communal Representation in India’ drawn some of his insightful in and around the Dargah and felt for his Ph.D degree. He has added thoughts from the experiences of very happy that we have our share some essays and published “The Muslims and his dialogues with in this glory. My wife bought typical Problem of Minorities or communal Jinnah and others. He has narrated Hyderabadi bangles. Representation in India” in London how ‘every change, executive, in 1939. After a survey of the administrative or legal inflicted The criticism against a Muslim situation in different countries in the a series of blows on the Muslim head for his patriotism and his British colonies including Kenya, community’. The exclusion of offensive against another Muslim Krishna concluded that, ‘the only Muslims from political power was 4 JANATA, April 14, 2013

“the essence of the distinction” sometimes with persuasion and of common people who are in a between the ruling group and many a times with force. Could it majority follow their traditional the subject group. Thus, he had be due to their large heartedness in practices, if necessary translate an inexplicable longing for the embracing different faiths without Allah, Jesus, and Vishnu into their Muslim community. Was it a any prejudice and they still remained own forms of worship. They just historical slip that Ambedkar was at the bottom of the society to guard do not mind adopting some alien allowed to embrace Buddhism it? Or is it their vulnerability? elements as seen from Peerla festival rather than Islam, which he was Otherwise, how can one think of incorporating Muslim and Hindu at one time contemplating? It also respecting an animal that is adorned practices in the South. The common shows that Islam, compared to by one community and abhorred by people are not fundamentalist in other Religions is far from open others? Our principle of equality their approach as it is one of the to proselytization. Then why the of treatment of all religions does many events in their cultural life Muslim is stereotyped compared to not work like this. It might operate and not a fulltime activity like the others. In fact, religion is not a full among those classes or groups who religious fundamentalists. This is time activity of people except the were from the same stock of people, taken as a point for the priest class priest class and most of the conflicts but spread in to different faiths over in every religion as the fragile point are confined to the vested interests a period of time and have come to to exploit. It is noticed that the amongst them. K.B.Krishna said an understanding to rule together. fundamentalists keep on inventing that ‘the Arab-Jew problem like the This feudal business is gone and different kinds of festivals, rituals Hindu-Muslim problem is neither India has become a democratic and stories and with the support racial nor religious. It is a struggle and secular state. Therefore, we of obtuse urban intellectuals like between two classes belonging to need to practice rigorously what Nandys, they perpetuate their different faiths accentuated by the secularism stands for. It is neither hegemony. I do not know much political policy of imperialism’. atheism nor irreligiousness. It is about the international angle in this The imperialists have gone now detaching all the personal beliefs business. But one can say that the experience of the West is different and we do not know who fastened and practices including non-belief from India due to this fact. their boots? from public/ state functions, if someone represents the state. This The secularists and the leftists Abundant wisdom had gone is a private affair. It is not vulgar who claim to be secular have in to the Constituent Assembly display of personal beliefs as we failed to develop an alternative debates in formulating certain see frequently now by responsible culture and allowed the religious Articles relating to secular nature people like Presidents, Prime fundamentalists to flourish with of the state. Though, secularism was Ministers, Judges, Governors the aid of modern technology. We added as part of the preamble during and others. This is against the have seen debates by some Marxists , there was already a principles of secularism, if not defending religion on dubious basic structure to entail secularism unconstitutional. The statement of grounds as they have failed to and socialism. The Constitution the Khadim of Ajmir come under practice what they taught. This is makers were not guided by the secularism as he kept his faith as contrary to the theories that religion medieval feudal practices of some a private affair and attacked his will disappear with the advent of Muslim or Hindu princes and even fellow Muslim. capitalism and modernization. Is English officers having wives from there any country where god’s different religious groups to declare The ideal combination of birth, marriage, nuptial, love affairs their neutrality. It was a depraved socialism, equality, democracy and and in different guises and in kind of an approach to a serious secularism are the basic principles different regions with diversity, issue that was later theorized as of our legacy and not the so called interpreted as universal to carry “Sarvadharama samabhava” by protection of mathadipathis like out rituals/ ceremonies throughout some disingenuous scholars. In a Kesavanada Bharati. This is because the year? They are all now being country which was converted as of our long history of colonization broad casted and televised with a colony of several alien settlers by different alien powers and innovative and creative works in the and their belief systems, it was imposing different belief systems dedicated TV channels and special inevitable for the Native Indians on the Native Indians. One should to absorb unfamiliar practices appreciate that the local beliefs (Continued on Page 9) JANATA, April 14, 2013 5 Socio-Economic Profile of Muslims in Maharashtra-II Prepared for Maharashtra State Minority Commission by Director, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy, Prof. Vibhuti Patel, Head, Department of Economics, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai

Overall Recommendations • The State must set an example wise break up of beneficiaries of • Block wise disaggregated by taking a lead in instituting financial aid/loans under loan data- base on socio-economic an Empowered Equal schemes, subsidy, education indicators for Muslims in the Opportunities Commission as loan, micro credit, Mahila state must be provided and per the recommendations of Samriddhi, loans for farmers and regularly updated for proper Sachar Commission and Justice fisher-folks and micro fiancé for targeting of development Ranganath Mishra Commission. SHGs and vocational training scheme. schemes and programmes. • Urdu medium schools to be • In 49 Muslim inhabited blocks adequately and consistently To promote higher and vocational in Maharashtra, basic civil funded to meet the expenditure education among Muslims girls and amenities such as water, street of school building, teachers’ women, colleges and vocational lights in the urban areas, salaries and campus/play-ground training institutions must be started sanitation, road, hospital/health maintenance. in the areas inhabited by Muslims. centre, ICDS centers, school, • State initiative in construction Employment and Livelihood multi-purpose activity centers, of urban houses for the Muslims • Ensuring that the selection community libraries and banking among whom 60% currently are panels for government jobs has a facilities must be ensured on a living in the slums. top priority basis. representative from the Muslim • Priority Sector advances by the community. • The government officers public sector banks should be • Ensure minorities do not face should be sensitized to issue increased to 15% of the total BPL cards and judiciously lending in agriculture and small discrimination regarding bank implement anti poverty scale industry as compared to loans. The government should programmes and schemes for current lending of 6% and 7% clearly indicate that such deserving Muslims. Community respectively. forms of discriminations are Based Organisations and No- unacceptable Government Organisations • To stop discrimination against Muslims in housing sector, stern • There is a need for strengthening should be empowered to monitor SHG programmes to ensure procurement of BPL cards. action must be taken against housing societies and builders that the people do not have to • Wide publicity should be given who discriminate against take loans from private money to Maulana Azad Employment citizens on the basis of religion/ lenders on high rate of interests. Loan Scheme, Educational loan caste in selling or renting out • It has to extend the outreach of and Scholarships. flats/houses. schemes such as Sanjay Gandhi • Quarterly audit of budgetary • Women headed households Niradhar Anudhan Yojana allocation for social sector should be given special • Sharvanbal Seva Raj Nivrattan human development initiatives consideration in all affirmative Yojana for Muslims must be done so that and anti poverty programmes of the funds can be utilized on time. the state. • National Family Benefits Scheme • Reservation policy to be made • Maulana Azad Minority applicable to Dalit and OBC Economic Development • Extend the Coverage of the Muslims as per Justice Rangnath Mahamandal, Government of Unorganized Sector Workers Mishra’s recommendation. Maharashtra should give religion Bill to the people of Behrampada 6 JANATA, April 14, 2013

• Ensure that the people are as suggested by National and they are a vulnerable community. covered by insurance policies Knowledge Commission and Their problems are located in the that are people friendly A.I.C.T.E. overall neglect of the urban poor in state policies. • The various schemes for For effective time bound minorities have not reached the implementation of minority Establishment of People’s Action residents of Behrampada welfare schemes, following are Committee for Area Development the suggestions to be worked out There is a need for a People’s Action • Sensitization of the bureaucrats, at State level and local level by the Committee for the Development staff and the police. Government and Non-Government of Behrampada to facilitate the • Employment of Muslims in Organizations. development of the area. Comprising Muslim concentrated areas. high level officials, BMC engineers 1. Administrative set up of District community leaders (both men • Professional skills and self Minority Welfare Officer, at and women) and local NG0s, this employment opportunities each district Head Quarter is committee will be responsible among Muslims. essential at par with District for the identification of bonafide Social Welfare Officer by the residents. This need arises from the • The Government should State Government. (A.P. and discussions we have had with the strengthen its health and U.P. model can be referred in this local bureaucrats and the community. education delivery systems to regard) The understanding we received ensure that people do not get was that when the housing board indebted due to these basic 2. For empowerment of Minorities, wished to build houses after the fire requirements of the people. a State level Minorities Welfare Action Committee must be in Behrampada, they were faced • All rural and urban slaughter constituted. with the difficulty of identifying the houses in the state need bonafide beneficiary, since so many modernization that meets the 3. For mass awareness of the came with the same set of documents standards of environmental and schemes up to root level, claiming ownership entitlements. health safety standards. programs must be organized at It was narrated that the surveyor each taluqa/minority populated had a knife placed at his throat • Hostels for working people areas. and the records torn by the hoard of angry residents who crowded Creation of Skilled Labour Force 4. In depth study of implementation them demanding the inclusion of At least 20 new ITIs in Urdu of each and every scheme, their names. This observation was practical difficulties observed Medium must be recognised on reiterated by the women in the area. during its implementation, grant-in-Aid basis. And at least A few said that they were the original number of deserved applicants, 20 second shift ITIs in Urdu/ residents of the area, but many more all such aspects must be Marathi medium must be started were claiming ownership rights. in Govt/ Aided ITIs exclusively for considered to review the existing minorities. schemes to cater the needs of a • The need for area development large number of minorities. committee is necessitated by • 18. At least 10 new polytechnics the principles of democratic and in Urdu Medium (with affiliation 5. Property-homes, shops etc. of participatory development. It from Maulana Azad National the Muslims must be insured will ensure that the people have Urdu University, Hyderabad) keeping in mind fear of riots. a say in their own development. and 10 new polytechnics in English Medium must be started • This monitoring of the Amendment of the Maharashtra development programme by by the State Government for Slum Rehabilitation Act 1970 minorities. this committee will circumvent The Maharashtra Slum the problems of identification • These can be started as Second Rehabilitation Act has to be revised of beneficiaries and maintain Shift Polytechnics using same to create housing for all the existing vigilance against corruption and infrastructure of Govt/Semi residents of the area. They are among delays in the completion of the Government Polytechnics the poorest people in Maharashtra projects. JANATA, April 14, 2013 7

• It will also be able to mediate Food Security measurement of poverty: For between those responsible for National Sample Survey these commodities may be the execution of the project Organisation (NSSO) reports for discards and pre-owned products and the beneficiaries. Our 1993-94, 1999-2000 and 2004-05 that do not indicate the economic discussions with the BMC (NSSO 1996, 2001 and 2007) on well-being of the households. officers and the community Calorie Deprivation in Maharashtra highlighted the difference revealed that Religion wise • The TPDS should be need- in understanding/explaining distribution indicates that Muslims based rather than supply delays. For instance the women are the most vulnerable in urban based. The coverage should living in the redeveloped part areas with an incidence of calorie- be extended to all households of Behrampada (i.e., the area poor of 55%. Their population share requiring subsidies. The short destroyed by fire), complained is only 17% but their share of the supply and pilfering of essential about the difficulties of living calorie poor is nearly one fourth. commodities. without water. The water pipes had been laid but the supply The recommendations made here • There are errors of inclusion and had not been released. When is only concerned with questions exclusion in the TPDS system. we discussed this point with the of distributive justice, although the • Policies should ensure BMC, we were told that this was policy makers will no doubt take that women from minority because some miscreants had into account the need for efficiency communities have access to broken the pipes, to illegally in the procurement, transportation welfare schemes. divert water. The need to repair and storage of food supplies along with efficiency of distribution. the pipes and ensure that they • Government Regulations The findings of the study indicate are not damaged was a major to improve services should the following shortcomings of the concern. be widely disseminated. existing TPDS system: • It will be able to ensure and insist Government GRs are not that there is better coordination • The procedure for the acquisition necessarily known to the local between the various departments of ration cards places the most officers and NGOs. Information of housing, roadwork, drainage, vulnerable people (the homeless, should be published in the local water supply and electricity so migrants, single women and papers. that the project can be completed tenants) outside the eligibility This study calls for the following on time with the minimum criteria. interventions 1) legislative changes overflow of the sanctioned of policies; 2) streamlining and budget. • The rules governing proof of residence, income, etc. should be monitoring of food storage and • The Group will also ensure the simplified. Deserted women in distribution network; 3) strict education of the slum dwellers on particular would find it difficult vigilance at the local fair price the importance of sanitation and to acquire these documents. shops to ensure that there is no cleanliness in the environment pilfering of essential grains; and 4) to improve the quality of life • It is necessary to revise the quality control of grains and lentils issues. Poverty Line Index on the supplied in the TPDS. The right to basis of the current inflations. food security should be available to • In addition, on the principle Additionally, it must factor in everyone irrespective of caste, or of social justice, Government the high cost paid by the family religious/ethnic identity. It should be and civil societies should send a for health and education, home demand based and not supply based. clear message all housing societies repair and other basic amenities References: that do not admit Muslims of water, electricity in the are against the country’s policies calculations. 1. NSSO (National Sample of social inclusion. There Survey Organisation should be a quota for Muslims • The existence of TVs or other (2007): “Employment and in Government Housing major durable commodities Unemployment Situation schemes. cannot be criteria for the among Major Religious Groups 8 JANATA, April 14, 2013

in India 2004 – 2005, NSS in Mumbai”. A Research Report. the State Minorities Commission, 61st Round (July 2004 - June Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Government of Maharashtra, 2005)”. Ministry of Statistics Deonar, Mumbai (submitted to Mumbai), February. and Programme Implementation Government of India, New Reconciliation by shared caring Delhi, March.

2. Sachar Committee Report Harsh Mander (Government of India) (2006): “Social, Economic In many parts of the world, by humanitarian agencies — is and Educational Status of the communities live side by side that relief workers from the group Muslim Community in India”. bitterly estranged by conflict, hate perceived to have caused harm will Prime Minister’s High Level and suspicion. The source of conflict not be welcomed in efforts to help Committee, Cabinet Secretariat, may be external or civil war; identity- people after mass violence. Government of India, New based conflicts of religious belief, Delhi, November. ethnicity, race and caste; violent The heart of the strategy of political battles of the right and ‘Reconciliation through shared 3. Shaban, Abdul (2008): sharing’ is a refusal to accept this “Ghettoisation, Crime and left; battles for self-determination and political independence; and post-conflict ‘common sense’: to Punishment in Mumbai”, swim against the prevailing currents Economic and Political Weekly, many others. What is common is that unhealed wounds fester and, of estrangement and suspicion, 42(23): 68-73. consequently, foster legacies of by resolving that all work in the 4. Masselos, Jim (1994): suffering and hatred from generation aftermath of mass violence — for “Postmodern Bombay: to generation. The greatest of these dialogue, relief, reconstruction, justice, welfare and caring — will Fractured Discourses” in Sophie burdens are borne by children, be done only in diverse and pluralist Watson and Kathie Gibson women, the aged, disabled people, mixed groups of youth, women and (eds), Postmodern Cities and and the poor. professionals. These must always Spaces, 199-215. Oxford: Basil People of goodwill everywhere, include members of all the estranged Blackwell. through history, have fashioned and warring communities. More 5. Phadke, Shilpa (2007): strategies to bring about than what they contribute in tangible “Dangerous Liaisons: Women reconciliation, or the meeting again terms, the symbolism of mixed and Man - Risk and Reputation of hearts and minds, between people teams working together contributes in Mumbai”. Economic and separated by conflict and hate. most to healing and rebuilding trust. I will outline here one unusual Political Weekly, 42(17): 1510- Invariably such proposals are 18. strategy deployed by Aman Biradari, initially in the aftermath of the brutal initially rejected as ‘impractical’; 6. Robinson, Rowena (2005): communal massacre in Gujarat with the conviction that none will “Tremors of Violence: Muslim 2002, and also during the consequent accept it, that therefore it is pointless, Survivors of Ethnic Strife in estrangement of people of Hindu and even dangerous. Our experience has been quite the contrary. In Western India”. New Delhi: Muslim faith. This strategy has also Gujarat, although the victims were Sage Publications. been initiated recently in Assam. mostly Muslim, teams of aman 7. Kulkarni, P.M. and Alagarajan, Conventionally after most pathiks and nyaya pathiks (literally M. (2005): “Population Growth conflicts, members of the community those who walk the path of peace Fertility and Religion in India”, seen by the victims to have caused and justice) from both Hindu and Economic and Political Weekly, harm and perpetrated violence on Muslim communities have worked January 29. the suffering community rarely work together for a decade, in relief camps for relief and reconstruction for and later for reconstruction and 8. Jain, Ranu and Shaban, Abdul victims of the ‘other’ community. justice. We extended this strategy (1999): “Socio-Economic and The dominant ‘common sense’ — also to other old sites of violence Educational Status of Muslims unconsciously accepted often even like Bhagalpur. JANATA, April 14, 2013 9

More recently in Assam, after women groups organised recreation mixed. Defying the hot winds of violent conflicts between indigenous activities including sports, which hate, people offered voluntary labour Bodo people and Bengali Muslims further help people across the to rebuild houses of people of the in the summer of 2012, the climate conflict divide to meet each other ‘other’ community in 80 villages in was awash with bitter hatred and again. They helped children return to Godhra. Through this simple act, anger between these communities. mixed schools in hostile pockets, and ordinary people of both communities Yet when we appealed for shared make up for interrupted schooling, demonstrated remorse and caring. humanitarian work, people were and also organised special support surprised that many young people for old people, widows and children Much more important than the from both communities came who had lost loved ones. specifics of what the humanitarian forward, including a social work or developmental interventions group of Muslim professionals led People also need practical contribute, the main outcome is assistance in rebuilding their by Ashiq Zamin and Raju Narzary, the healing impact from observing damaged livelihoods and homes. a Bodo social work post-graduate, persons from the seemingly An audacious reconciliation plan whose own property was burnt down irreconcilably estranged groups in the violence. was to appeal for people from both communities to contribute voluntary coming together and working to help suffering people, regardless of With the help of these young labour, orshramdaan, to help rebuild the houses damaged on both sides their identity. By working together, leaders, we constituted a joint the pluralist joint groups declare platform called Shanti Gazun, which of the conflict. We made this appeal that they will not allow the god they means Peace, in Assamese and for the first time after the Gujarat worship, the colour of their skins, the Bodo tongues respectively. With carnage in Godhra, the epicentre size of their eyes or noses, or their volunteers from Gujarat, Hyderabad of this mass violence. The slogan castes or gender, to come in the way and Delhi, young people from both was that it would be hard to again of their caring, love, commitment to communities went into camps of the destroy a house in which the sweat justice and peace. ‘other’ community. People in the of both Hindus and Muslims were camps — who had suffered betrayal, (Continued from Page 4) uprootment and violence at the programmes in regular channels. Secularism has become a way of hands of their neighbours — were It has a cascading effect on the life in India unlike religious wars, incredulous, angry and suspicious gullible and ordinary people as seen crusades in Europe. It is purely when they saw persons from the from the amount of money spent based on Indian value system community of their attackers. But on religious festivals increased founded on its geography and when the peace workers humbly enormously after the advent of ICT history. This needs to be protected persisted in their resolve to serve revolution (as found in some NSS and imbibed as a value, through them, their resistance melted into studies). It appears that no social constant efforts of intellectuals, a healing appreciation; dialogues psychologist has studied the impact government, political parties and were organised for the first time, and of this innovation on the religious civil society. There is no other estranged neighbours often wept and intolerance of people. On the way as of now and any public embraced each other. contrary, we have several scholars servants including the judiciary and prize fighters justifying the acts found undoing it should be severely Our experience in Gujarat was of religious fundamentalists. dealt with. It is the principle of that once people start returning proportional representation in a to their old damaged homes and One must appreciate the vision of democratic polity based on equality habitats, often in the neighbourhood our founding fathers in projecting of economic opportunity together of their attackers, the role of the joint the secular nature of our polity with scientific temper that would teams becomes even more critical. and to sustain it, the mandatory ultimately make religious problems They began with dialogues between socialist and democratic stipulation trivial, as seen from the experience people of different communities, with an ideal to create equality of of the developed West. Till then, sitting together and listening as opportunity. They are inseparable; we need to cultivate constantly tentative first steps to break the ice one cannot survive or exist without the feeling of brotherhood in an in the long journey to ultimately the support of the other two values unemotional environment to build re-establish trust. Joint youth and in a pluralistic country like India. a nation called India. 10 JANATA, April 14, 2013 Myanmar Communal Violence- Set back to Democratic Process

Ram Puniyani

Most of the countries of South involving the argument between the and have to work for the Government Asia have faced the barbaric problem Buddhist couple and a Muslim without any pay. The UNHCR has of violence targeted against religious owner of gold shop resulted in the noted that since 1991 their freedom minorities. The form of this may triggering of simmering dislikes of movement is restricted. They are have been different, but the outcome and discord between these two treated like second class citizens. has been similar, the brutality against communities resulting in violence. Facing this adverse situation of gross religious minorities, violence against While one Buddhist monk has also violation of their rights many of innocent human beings. The current been killed the major victims of the them are trying to flee to Thailand, times (Mid 2013) may be one of violence are Muslims. This bring to Malaysia and other places amongst the worst when in the spate of short our memory the communal clash of others. span of we are witness to violence June -July (2012) in Rakhine State in in Pakistan, Bangla Desh, India and western Myanmar. In that violence In 2012, June-July the violence Myanmar, more or less running officially 110 people were killed between Rakhine Buddhists and parallel. Many a times when talk and it left 120,000 people homeless. Rohingya Muslims was triggered about violence involving Muslims Those killed and left homeless were by the rumour of rape of a Buddhist has been under discussion, some mostly stateless Rohingya Muslims. girl. As such it was a case of Muslim propagandists have tried to associate boy and Buddhist girl falling in love Interestingly the communal strife Islam with violence and so the strife. and eloping to get married. The boy was under the wraps during the Similarly some others may say that was murdered and two of his friends preceding dictatorial regime. With Hinduism permits violence as in who helped him to elope are facing the efforts to bring in democracy in Gita or so and so is the problem. In death sentence. popular perception Buddhism is the some form these strife’s are coming to surface due to the diverse and religion of peace. The truth is that Overall this reflects the unsolved plural nature of Myanmar society, while the religious precepts are for problem of secularization and which is majority Buddhist but morality, the part of religion invoked democracy in the region. The for violence has more to do with has substantial number of Muslim common factor in whole of South contemporary political issues, which minorities. Rohingiya Muslims Asia is the migration of people are given the garb of religion. While are probably the most persecuted for economic reasons, and with Lord Gautama Buddha is surely the minority in the world. Being a independence coming many of major apostle of peace, one has seen substantial number in Myanmar, the dominating communities violence by Buddhist monks in Sri they are from Indo-Aryan group, wanted to associate citizenship Lanka, Thailand and now overtly in who settled in this part over a period Myanmar (March 2013). of last couple of centuries, during rights based on religion. Due to this the British rule, primarily. While some communities got deprived of Troops are keeping a vigil, martial the majority Buddhists are of Sino- citizenship formally or informally. law has been declared to stop the Tibetan stock. Muslims live in the Some were relegated to second communal rage which has lasted for Western state of Rakhine state on class citizenship in practice. In Sri three days in Meikhatila in Myanmar. country’s Western border. They Lanka, the large number of Tamils This violence has involved the have been adversely affected by who had gone there as plantation Buddhists and Muslims. Here the the 1982 citizenship law, which has labour was denied equal rights and official toll stands at 31 dead, while deprived them of the citizenship; denied equality leading the extreme the unofficial figures are higher. A there is a total violation of their reaction in the form of formation state of emergency has been declared human rights due to this unjust law. of Liberation Tiger of Tamil Elam in this state. As usual a trivial incident They are subjected to forced labour (LTTE). JANATA, April 14, 2013 11

In Myanmar 5% of the people decades after long battles, but still the process of development in each are Muslims. Many of them had the remnants of the communal divide of South Asian countries and also been the residents of this region are dogging this nascent democracy. putting strong brakes on the same. from centuries. Denying them full In a way this is also the colonial South Asia should have been striving citizenship defies all the logic of a legacy which subtly promoted the towards the process of formation of modern democratic state. During divisiveness in the society. South Asian Federation, which can the regime of military junta, which expedite the processes leading to With this violence in Myanmar ruled the country for decades, a peace in the sub continent. Regional wrong precedent has been set, that coming to the fore the whole South peace in turn is a prerequisite for of linking citizenship with religion. Asia has to wake up and come to the development of the regions. We need It requires deeper investigation grips of the legacy of the colonial to look beyond the narrow religious as to why many a monks have an past, a legacy perpetuated due to anti Islamic attitude. One knows economic and political policies of identities and promote the freedom similarly many a monks had played rulers, rulers who have in a short- of religion, equality of religions and anti-Tamil role in Sri Lanka. There sighted manner resorted to abuse of dignity and honour for people of all must be deeper societal processes religious identity for their political the faiths for a better environment in which are at work and are usurping goals. Some political tendencies those countries and a more congenial the democratic norms of equality of have thrived on the identity of atmosphere for enhancement of religions. One knows that democracy religions and spread the ‘Hate’ about human rights of weaker sections of is coming up in Myanmar after long ‘other’ community. It is retarding society. Against Violence

PUCL notes with regret and to maintain law and order and the harm and destruction to ordinary condemns the physical assault of ruling Government cannot, for any people (including members of either Chief Minister of West Bengal, reason, disown responsibility for parties) but also breaks the very , and the State maintaining rule of law and the fabric of democracy on which the Finance Minister, Amit Mitra when constitution, particularly when the Constitution of India is based. they came to attend a meeting law breakers belong to the ruling –Dr. V. Suresh, General of the National Planning Commission dispensation. The Government Secretary, People’s Union For in Delhi by activists of the playing partisan politics is not only Civil Liberties Student Federation of India (SFI), the reflective of democratic failure the students wing of the CPI(M). but also sounds the death knell of PUCL considers such acts of constitutional rule. Read the article Megalomaniac violence and aggression by political Project in the issue of March 17th parties as acts incompatible with PUCL is specifically concerned Janata. We ,the community of democratic practices and ethics about targeting by the State Sonbhadra, can very well imagine and unbefitting of a national party the irrelevance of the project with a long tradition of principled Government of any `dissent’ by and the threats it has imposed. politics. any person or group seeking to ask accountability of the government. Sonbhadra is already in the list of PUCL is equally concerned Whatever the provocation, it is critically polluted regions yet road and condemns the attack on incumbent constitutional duty of is being widened and Industrial CPI(M) offices and members by the state government to strictly expanse is a continuous threat. TMC cadres across West Bengal. implement the constitution and the Banwasi Seva Ashram is engaged The TMC leaders, led by the law, without bias or favouritism. in raising the people’s voice Chief Minister herself, cannot disown against this development. responsibility for the violent attacks PUCL calls upon both the TMC by her party cadres considering as also the CPI(M) to desist from Dr. Ragini Prem that the same TMC party is in power using violence as a political tactic Secretary, Banasi Seva in the state. The State Government and tool against each other and Ashram has a constitutional responsibility their cadres. This not only causes R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 12 JANATA, April 14, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Posted on Wednesday April 17, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 13 Salaam to slum dwellers April 21, 2013 Kuldip Nayar

Modi growth story - fact or fiction? Until recently, one refrain of a song rounds of trips to the municipal Akshay Marathe in praise of slum dwellers was on most offices, spread over months, and that Mayank Gandhi Indian lips. The refrain, Jai Ho-Jai Ho, too only after greasing the palms of had attracted so much attention that officials can one think of obtaining Mastram Kapoor : it fetched an Oscar Award. What the approvals from various officialdoms. Socialist, Writer and Friend song conveyed was how those who Prem Singh were on the margin were doing their This brings us to the basic problem best to come up, without challenging that most metros in the country face Predominance of the society. There was no demolition today: acute shortage of housing. Petty-bourgeoisie of houses or buildings which had K. S. Chalam Obviously, the cake is small and the come up illegally. The worst came number of people wanting a slice has only a few days ago. A walk in the winter been on the increase. Had the size of G. V. Sunder the cake grown larger there would True, natural calamities are hard have been something for everybody Politics of to avert. But what happened at to take home. But those in Mumbai Mumbra, in the Thane district of know that the tragedy was due to Maharashtra, could well have been Indefinite Dharna against the acute need for housing in Thane avoided but for the administrative forced acquisition and its suburbs and the flourishing inadequacies. It was more of a for Delhi Mumbai Industrial land-grab business patronized by the corridor man-made crisis. Greedy real estate owners, contractors, politicians and powerful politico-builder-police-civic official nexus. The nexus makes it State of Urban Youth bureaucrats, who maintain their regular liaisons, will have to share easier for the builders to “manage” the blame for the tragedy which took things the way they want. the toll of 74 people and injuring 61 Editor : others. Apparently, in the Mumbra case the G. G. Parikh builders had made all arrangements, When an eight-storey tower for including providing electricity and Managing Editor : Guddi slum dwellers comes up in a record water to the residents, without any legal paperwork so that the flats can D-15, Ganesh Prasad, three-four months, it is understandable how the building may have been be occupied by the unsuspecting Naushir Bharucha Marg, raised. It is not easy obtaining owners. But such a thing became Mumbai - 400 007. approvals from civic authorities or possible only when the builders have getting a plan passed, let alone going had on their side the Thane Municipal Email : [email protected] ahead with the construction of a Corporation (TMC) officials, who multi-storey building. It takes several preferred to remain silent even after 2 JANATA, April 21, 2013 the locals had complained about an illegal building coming up in their Modi growth story - fact or fiction? vicinity. Akshay Marathe and Mayank Gandhi This goes on to establish how the realtors and municipal officials in the state or, for that matter in any The Gujarat growth model, being atmosphere has been continued other part of the country where space marketed by Narendra Modi is by Modi, which has resulted in comes at a premium, connive at each being seen by the middle class as a this marginal growth. Fortunately other. In the Mumbra case, the TMC solution to all the problems of the for Gujaratis, there has been good officials just ignored the complaints nation. We intend to understand rainfall and almost no drought in that the tower had come up on tribal its strengths and weaknesses and recent years. What must be noted or forest land. One thing that has indicate a constructive alternative though is that Andhra Pradesh, come out clear is that the building model of growth. While it cannot be Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab, has come up on a reclaimed land denied that Gujarat has seen growth Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh under which ran a nullah, which in terms of water, electricity and have also experienced growth at carried drainage water, after the good roads, there are some aspects comparable rates. In either period, TMC officials and a local corporator, of growth that need to be analysed. Gujarat was not at the top (as is being who have now been arrested along made out by Modi supporters). In with a senior police official, had One of the arguments for the helped. The two builders, who were 1995-2000, it was at second position, Modi growth model is the legitimacy slapped with culpable homicide and in the 2000-2010 period it was charges, too have been taken into it gets due to three consecutive third after Uttarakhand (11.81 per custody. electoral victories. Congress has cent) and Haryana (8.95 per cent). been ruling India for 60 years, CPIM Industry has grown in Orissa and Understandably, chief minister had been ruling West Bengal for Chhattisgarh at 17.5 and 13.3 per Prthviraj Chavan has ordered an over 30 years, cent respectively during 2005-09, inquiry into the collapse. But what had won three terms in Bihar. We higher than Gujarat’s 12.6 per cent. is tragic is that the chief minister do not subscribe to electoral success Gujarat ranked sixth among major became wiser after the event to begetting good governance. states in per capita income in 2011, admit in the state assembly that the with Rs 63,996, after Haryana (Rs building was completely illegal and Historical perspective 92,327), Maharashtra (Rs 83,471), may have come up on tribal or forest Gujarat has seen high growth Punjab (Rs 67,473), Tamil Nadu land. He further informed the house rates for the last 20 years, even (Rs 72,993) and Uttarakhand (Rs that Thane had 57 “very dangerous” before Modi came into the picture. 68,292). and 1,159 “dangerous” buildings So the high growth in recent years that were illegal and in which nearly is a continuation of the sound The Sardar Sarovar Dam has been 88,000 people lived. But if one were growth in the past. The Chimanbhai one of the key components of Modi’s to take the entire figure of illegal structures in Thane district alone, as Patel era (1990 to 1995) was one growth story. During his tenure, the submitted by the state government to of extremely high investments. dam was instrumental is reaching the Bombay High Court three years Owing to these and subsequent water to distant parts of the state. ago, it had touched the five-lakh investments, growth rates for the However, the dam was first proposed mark. It must have multiplied into period 1995-2000, were around during the Janata Party Government several more lakhs in and around 8.01 per cent. From 2001 to 2010, and work on it was continued by all Mumbai by now. that is, under Modi’s leadership, subsequent governments, including this number has risen to 8.68 - a the Congress ones. No doubt, the Indian real estate marginal increase of 0.67 per cent. market is vibrant in nature. Since So, was the slight acceleration majority of people prefer to invest in Gujaratis have been known in growth due to Modi’s policies real estate sector, more for long-term to be excellent tradesmen and as he claims or could it also have investment than for accommodation, entrepreneurs for centuries. We been a result of the completion of (Continued on Page 5) concede that a business friendly the Sardar Sarovar project, and an JANATA, April 21, 2013 3

of ground reports and advance warnings, no curfew was imposed in till noon the next day. The BJP government supported the VHP-called bandhs that, as events turned out, proved to be the pretext under which violent mobs were mobilized.” By the time curfew was imposed, the damage had been done.

The bloodshed has created lots of misgivings about the intention of the government in a significant number of the populace. Today, a large chunk of the national electorate, namely OBC (32%), SC (16.2%), ST (8.2%), Muslims (13.4%), Christians (2.3%) - Total (72.1%) of the people tend to look at him with suspicion and distrust. They may almost drought-free (except for He is alleged to have encouraged, not be willing participants in Modi’s Saurashtra region) ten years? if not engineered the riots, but so development model as they feel far has been cleared by courts and insecure because of his reputation. Non-inclusive growth tribunals. Coincidentally, Headlines The development model heavily The 2002 riots, which were Today, a television news channel favours the urban middle class. probably a reaction to the Godhra ran a story on the riots this week. Urban and industry bias massacre, have nonetheless put a The report shows that the Modi big blot on Modi’s record. At every administration neglected warnings In the last 12 years, there has opportunity it gets, the Congress uses and refused to impose a curfew been a shift from focus on rural the riots as its ammunition to label in the city - “Despite the flurry development towards an urban and the BJP and Modi as ‘communal.’ The BJP then counters it by telling anyone who would listen that since 2002 there have been no riots in the state. We want to go beyond the communal angle and consider the riots from a purely security-centred perspective. For a moment if we ignore the religion of the Indians who died, a question arises: How can Modi be an ideal leader when OBC he failed so miserably at protecting the lives of over a thousand of his subjects from rogue elements of the society? It is the State’s principal responsibility to ensure peace and protect to its citizens - Modi failed Muslims in this Rajdharma (a primary duty SC of the government to protect all citizens, regardless of their castes ST or religion). 4 JANATA, April 21, 2013 industry bias. Land acquisition is rampant in Gujarat (as is the case Mastram Kapoor : in other parts of the country as Socialist, Writer and Friend well). One of the authors (Mayank Gandhi) once led a rally in Surat Prem Singh of over 25000 farmers near the industrialized Surat-Hazira belt. Their land had been taken away by Dr. Mastram Kapoor, eminent It is pertinent to mention here the Government to make way for socialist thinker and Hindi litterateur, that the Hindi edition of ‘Lohia large industries owned by Reliance, passed away at the age of 87, at Rachnawali’ in particular, about Adani, ONGC, Essar etc. The his residence in Delhi on April which I had discussed with Dr. farmers were given a reasonable 2, 2013. He was diagnosed with Kapoor, could do with much price for their lands, but the loss of cancer in its final stage two months improvement in the later editions. livelihood was much too severe for before his death. The news was not It is highly regrettable that the later them. Their cattle suffered because communicated to him, although his editions have carried the same proof area of grasslands in that region family believes that he came to know errors and are without index. Dr. was reduced to less than one-fifth about it. The last two months were Kapoor, Surendra Mohan and other of the original area! So while quite difficult. He sat up for long to friends had hoped for inexpensive industry benefited greatly, locals honour friends who came to visit, paperback editions too that could were displaced and unemployed. even though it was painful for him. be easily accessible for students, The smoke spewing, gas guzzling Dr. Kapoor remained alert despite researchers and the general reading plants have destroyed the entire the physical trauma and continued public. But, because of the monetary ecology permanently. Is this the to work for formation of a third front profit involved for the publisher, five model of development that the along with A.B. Bardhan, general years later after the publication of nation needs? secretary, CPI, and other like- the Rachnawali, this hope too has not been realised. Modi has spoken at length about minded people. His efforts in this direction were recounted by many how he convinced the Tatas to open Dr. Kapoor had a long and fruitful speakers at the condolence meet held their plant at Sanand in Gujarat, relationship with Madhu Limye and on his demise in Delhi on April 5. when their West Bengal venture did Surendra Mohan. He had helped in not work out. He makes a case that editing and translating of Madhu Dr. Kapoor had put in much hard the people of Gujarat will benefit by Limye’s articles and books. After and dedicated effort to edit and automobile companies setting shop completing Lohia’s project, Dr. publish nine volumes of ‘Dr. Ram in the state. It is interesting to note Kapoor was busy in compiling and Manohar Lohia Rachnawali’ in that the BJP lost the Sanand seat to editing Madhu Limye’s works. He the Congress in the 2012 election! Hindi and ‘Collected Works of Dr. had classified the articles by Surendra Had this industry really benefited ’ in English. Mohan also. I had benefitted by his locals as Modi claims, would they He also edited five volumes of ground work when I compiled not have voted in his favour? By ‘Loksabha Mein Lohia’. This has Surendraji’s articles, subject-wise, providing low interest rates, cheap definitely been a contribution of in book form. rentals and waiving stamp duty, the great significance for the political Government did persuade Tatas to and academic world. However, Dr. Kapoor was very helpful set up their plant, but was this in the it is important to remember the as a regular writer in publishing interest of the people? No, it wasn’t. substantial effort of late Dr. Haridev ‘Naya Sangharash’, a monthly Hindi To further add to the problems faced Sharma also in the collection and journal brought out by Prof. Vinod by the locals, the state government sorting out of the material at the Prasad Singh and myself. He used to policy of ensuring 85 per cent initial stage. Dr. Kapoor, a close write for ‘Samayik Varta’ and also recruitment for locals was also friend and associate of Dr. Sharma, attended its editorial meetings. He waived for the project. The fact is completed the unfinished project was closely associated with ‘Janata’ began by him, thus paying a fitting and helped its publication in more (Continued on Page 10) tribute to Dr. Haridev Sharma. ways than one. He was the founder JANATA, April 21, 2013 5 of Samajwadi Sahitya Sansthan, philosophers. He adhered to the idea he got the prestigious Yash Bharati established with the help of Kamal of freedom of an individual with award from the Uttar Pradesh Morarka, and published several social commitment in literature. A government. books/booklets of socialist literature. study of his literary writings should be conducted by researchers/critics He is no more with us. If he Dr. Kapoor was a serious political so that his socio-political ideas had lived for some more time, he analyst and used to write regularly could be compared with the ideas would have done more work. A in Hindi newspapers, ‘Janata’ and expressed in his creative writing. soft behavior with firm ideological other magazines on contemporary commitment was a mark of his political and social issues. He had Dr. Kapoor received several personality. My humble obituary to firm faith in socialism and social awards/honours from governmental Dr. Kapoor who, despite ideological justice. He was against caste and was and organizations of dalits and or intellectual disagreements, gave pro-reservation. He was a vigilant adivasis. A few days before his death everybody his/her due and respect. intellectual who kept knocking at the anti-dalit. anti-adivasi and (Continued from Page 2) anti-OBC mentality of the upper those in real estate business are substandard material. Thirty-four castes and governments. On many out to make quick bucks. The only people had died and more than 60 occasions, his articles created solution to this escalating problem people were injured in that accident. debates among political activists is a stringent law that will make An inquiry was ordered by chief and scholars. Simultaneously, he builders wary of certain standards. minister Sheila Dikshit then, but was an ardent advocate of Indian In fact, the Union Housing Ministry nobody knows what happened after languages including Hindi. He has proposed a specific clause to be that. never accepted the argument of the included in the revised Real Estate English supporters that the centrality (Regulation and Development) Bill However, I do hope the probe of English is inevitable to make it is likely to introduce. ordered by Prithviraj Chavan does progress in the present globalised not meet the same fate. In most world. If the proposed bill gets the cases only a cursory inquiry is cabinet and parliament nod, the made and notices serviced on illegal Dr. Kapoor was a prolific creative builders will have to utilize 70 constructors or, at worst, penalties writer of Hindi as well. He has percent of the money collected for a levied. The builders after paying up published several books in the particular project to spend it in that penalties go scot-free. The builder project and it would help to avoid genres of novel, short story, poem lobby is so strong and powerful that delays. The bill seeks to establish a and essay. His latest novel ‘Kaun politicians cannot survive without its regulatory body for the real estate Jaat Ho?’ created much discussion patronage as they look up it to fund sector to ensure transparency in among readers and critics. One of them during elections. Corruption property or real estate transactions, his novels ‘Ek Sadi Baanjh’ was and greed is such a deep-rooted well received in literary circles besides other benefits which are aimed at protecting the consumers. disease in our body politic that it when published two decades ago. But, as would one expect, there is can’t be pumped out of our system His other novels are : ‘Vipathgami’, a widespread opposition from the overnight. It needs the biggest ‘Rasta Band Kaam Chalu’ and ‘Naak builder lobby. political will. But which party has Ka Doctor’. Dr. Kapoor has written the courage to bell the cat? literature for children also. Important What happened in Mumbra is titles in this mode are : ‘Biju Ki not unique. There have been several Still the remarkable thing about Dadi’, ‘Nirbhayata Ka Vardan’, such cases of official apathy in the the efforts of living at the grassroots Dand Ka Puraskar’, ‘Saheli’, past. One such instance that comes is the salutation to these people ‘Neeru Aur Heeru’ and ‘Bhootnath’. to my mind is another seven-storey who have no resources. Jai Ho has Dr. Kapoor had his own unique structure that came down like a pack become a salutation to a large extent. approach about literature and art. of cards in the Lalita Park area of the If the worst could be avoided, the Although he was a staunch socialist, national capital a few years ago. In slum dwellers would come out of Dr. Kapoor had a great admiration this unauthorized East Delhi colony, the bondage of poverty as the days for the existentialist writers and the building had come up using go by. 6 JANATA, April 21, 2013 Predominance of Petty-bourgeoisie or the Middle Castes

K. S. Chalam

The notion of caste and class Poulantzas, etc. The concept is reproduction of the actual positions is so dominant that no intellectual being liberally used by laymen, occupied by the social classes discourse is comprehensive without experts and activists without (as bourgeoisie, proletariat, poor referring to them in India. But, sometimes knowing what they peasant, petty bourgeoisie) depends when we refer to Hindus, Muslims, mean by that. Are they referring on the class contradictions and Christian, Jain, Parsi or Buddhist, we to Marx, Weber or others? But, the class struggle. 3. The social classes consider all of them as homogenous mainstream discourse appears to be are structurally determined by the groups. This is problematic related to Marxian classes as it was economic, political and ideological when we discuss critical issues the Marxists and their critics who levels. Like Gramsci, Poulantzas like Communalism, Casteism, brought the concept into popular has given importance to the political Secularism or political ideologies. public discourse in India. and ideological factors as they are People are lumped together and the as important as the economic factors good, bad and ugly are attributed Marx used class in the context in MOP. to the whole community that they of production relations within a might belong to or were born in. particular mode of production. The traditional category of petty- Therefore, when incidents like Weber attributed different classes bourgeoisie comprising independent the so-called terrorist activities or based on positive and negative artisans, small shop keepers etc. fundamentalist outbursts happen, we privileges held by people in a are dwindled and replaced by ‘new tend to attribute them to the religion market economy. The characteristics petty bourgeoisie ‘consisting of or social group to which they like quality, performance and white collar employees, technicians, subscribe or fit. This is largely being possession are considered to supervisors, civil servants, etc. followed in our media reports and the determine the functional character Poulantazas has brought in the idea of message is distorted or imperfectly of a class in Davis and Moore. functional relationship with capital communicated. In fact, everyone It was perhaps the Greek-French as one of the criterion in determining knows that we have economic or scholar NicosPoulantzas who has the class position of a group. social groups within each category creatively elaborated the concept of For instance, experts (including and if communicated properly, we ‘classes in contemporary capitalism’ economists and social scientists) at can reduce the pervasive damage. by incorporating the advances made all stages of production process help by Gramsci and others. As he was to legitimize the subordination of India, unlike other countries is working on the theme in 1975 when labour to capital by making it appear identified with caste system while capitalism had reached its zenith, natural and theorise that workers are all others are signified with class his contribution seems to be more incapable of organising production categories. However, academics relevant and up to date. Poulantzas themselves. Even low-level clerks and activists have been using both has advanced the concept of ‘New and secretaries share the ideological the categories in understanding Petty Bourgeoisie’. His analysis of positions of mental labour and thus our socio-economic and political class rests on three principles: 1. belong to the Petty Bourgeoisie issues during the modern period. Classes cannot be defined outside of and not to the proletariat. The We have noted that there are around class struggle. Elaborating between Bourgeoisie is defined not only in nine theories of caste in India. class-in-itself and class for itself, terms of property ownership, but Interestingly, there is ambiguity Poulantzas has said that classes exist also in terms of the substantive about the theories of class applicable as antagonistic and contradictory dimensions which characterise to India. Though the term class was quality of social relations. 2. Classes the social relations of production. used by Plato, the interpretations take objective positions in the Thus, managers fulfil the functions have been deployed by Marx, social division of labour and are of capital and the heads of state Weber, Davis and Moore, Nicos independent of their will. The apparatus in a capitalist state do JANATA, April 21, 2013 7 manage the state functions in the service of capital and thus come A walk in the winter – with Mander under bourgeoisie. G. V. Sunder There are several other issues that Poulantzas has discussed in the elaboration of classes in the Sankranti, the transition of the sun visit the villages at the foothills advanced capitalist system that into the constellation of Capricorn in of the Male Mahadeshwara hills. are substantially transformed since his celestial path, was over. Though Male Mahadeshwara hills are from the time of Marx. Social Bangalore did not have biting cold, situated in the Kollegal Taluka of scientists in the West have used his the coolness persisted. Due to dry Chamarajnagar district of . categories to arrive at the proportion weather the skin had broken and This was part of Madras province till of each class in the economies on the itching had set in all over the body. the reorganization of states in the basis of secondary data. It is found year 1956. Thereafter for about 15 I had just then started reading that the new petty bourgeoisie is 70 years the people in this area lived Harsh Mander’s book ‘Ash in the per cent of the economically active under the constant fear of the dreaded Belly’ – a book about the hunger that population in the USA. Income is forest brigand Veerappan, the Thief still haunted the poor in the entire taken as a criterion in India to define of the Tusks. No development works nation. In the initial pages only he classes.It is noted that pundits of were possible in the area during his had given several heart rending some political parties dictate that life time. But though more than 7-8 instances of how the people in the castes and classes are comparable, years have elapsed after his death, lower strata of the society were one cuts across the other (with base- this area has remained a backward suffering from the fangs of hunger. superstructure allegory).This seems area till today. According to him about 27 percent to have dented the efforts of some of the people in the country have When I visited this area, the scholars/activists to understand our only one meal a day and sleep with Sankranti was over. It was harvesting realities. Ketkar’s and Ramakrishna empty stomachs. He says that the season. In most of the fields Mukherjee’s efforts to classify one scourge that troubles most of harvesting had been done. Finger castes as “division of labourers” did the poor people in the country every Millet is the main crop in the area not reflect facts. The nomenclature day is the hunger. As we read the though Sorghum, Maize, Bengal upper, lower and middle castes every day struggle of these people Grams and Chillies are also grown. are being used to showcaseIndian of the lower strata of the society In some places, along with Finger society. with hunger, the mind gets disturbed, Millet, Foxtail Millet and Pearl The data generated by scholars, the eyes automatically become Millet are also grown. Farmers had government and private agencies moist. According to the Report of stacked the harvested Finger Millet on income and socio-economic the economist Suresh Tendulkar and Maize in their fields. In some groups give us a fair view of the submitted to the Government in fields they were making the bullocks middle classes in India. If the first the year 2009, nearly 70 percent of trample on the grain to chaff them. 5 per cent of the rich and the 30 the people live on an average daily In some of the stacks they were per cent below poverty line are set income of Rs. 20. In the midst of winnowing the grains when the wind aside, the rest of 65 per cent are the the reports that the warehouses in blew. The smell of the newly cut New Petty Bourgeoisie. It is close to the country are overflowing with the grass and grains was permeating the the proportion of people who have stored grains and grains are getting entire area. As a part of the festival access to TV and Mobiles - important rotten for want of storage facilities, of Sankranti, the horns of the cattle factors that mould the new petty Harsh Mander’s book about hunger had been decorated with paints of bourgeoisie.We know how friable really touches our souls. varying colours. The cattle were are the petty bourgeoisie. How can mostly of the local variety but were As I read the book my mind we understand this phenomenon? looking beautiful and gorgeous. became blank and was overcome The caste system based on the by a sort of despair. It is at such a We were staying near a village time that I got an opportunity to called Kadabur which was within (Continued on Page 12) 8 JANATA, April 21, 2013 the jurisdiction of the Vaddaradoddi ‘Anisha’. How many seeds of how Maize and vegetables. There were Grama Panchayat of Ramapura many varieties of crops. These local coconut trees on the bunds of their Hobli in Kollegal Taluk. This cluster varieties were strong and are not lands and around their houses. of villages is situated at the foot of easily destroyed by pests. They are the Male Mahadeshwara hills spread rarely affected by diseases. ‘Anisha’ Men in most of the households out on the western side with an aims at preserving these local seeds, go in search of employment to the uneven landscape. The villages were developing them and demonstrating far off stone quarries. They come surrounded by thick forests. As the to the farmers the technique of back only at the time of sowing, rains were scanty here the trees were growing organic produce without harvesting and the festivals like mostly bare-headed. Everywhere using chemical fertilizers and Sankranti or village festival. The the leaves had fallen revealing the encouraging them to use those burden of agriculture and looking bare, dark and slender branches. In techniques. after the households is generally on the midst of these were some trees the womenfolk and the aged men. In with green foliage or foliage with Though our purpose in visiting some of the households, men who dried yellowish green also. Even the the place was to exhibit the audio- had come for the Sankranti festival trees in the far off hills sported dried visual presentation on ‘What is were still at home. Since the income colours. Even then, here and there Socialism’ prepared by the Centre from agriculture is meager, they say one could see the green stripes of for Socialist Studies, to the students that they have no alternative but to the still unharvested Sorghum and in the colleges in the area, I left go and work elsewhere. Finger Millet, grown with bore well the job to my friends and thought water and the dark red carpets of the of visiting the nearby villages and We went around the hamlets and chillies, the golden coloured Maize, talking to them to find out about their collected some information here and spread out to dry in the forecourts lives. When I expressed my desire there. Every household had the BPL of the houses that added colour to to Mrs. Valli of ‘Anisha’ she readily – Below Poverty Line – card which the otherwise colourless picture. instructed one of her staff, a young gave them access to food grains Wherever one stood, one could see lady, Chintai, to accompany me and etc., under the Public Distribution the mind catching lines of hills of the take to me the nearby villages. System. People called them ‘Rice Male Mahadeshwara range. sheets’. Some who had recently First we visited two small married and set up new households The sky was bright blue without hamlets with hardly 30 to 35 houses, did not have the cards. They were clouds. In the warmth-less bright sun named Hucchappana Doddi and getting ration once in a month at of the winter, we were proceeding Keenappana Doddi which were subsidized rates. They said that towards Kadabur after crossing the part of the village Bidarhalli. the pregnant women and the milk- village Koudalli. I did not notice Most of the people residing in the feeding mothers and their children even a single tank in any of the 22 hamlets belong to a sub-caste of were getting nutritional food made villages of this Grama Panchayat – Lingayat community called the of green grams and wheat. There then where is the question of dams ‘Beda Kampana’. They were all was an ‘anganwadi’ in the village and canals. The entire area was rain- small land holders. None had more and the villagers gave information dependant. The winding mud roads than 4-5 acres of land. Most of about the food that is given to the that had not seen the tar, full of dust them had 1-2 acres. Finger Millet children in the ‘anganwadis’. The and ditches, appeared to represent was the main crop. Every day they school was about a kilometer away the backwardness of the region. would consume food cooked out of and the children there also get their the same. Nobody sells the Finger ‘mid-day meal’. When I enquired We were staying in ‘Anisha’ Millet grown in their lands. They with a student who had not gone a Trust, engaged in educating use it for themselves. Even when to school that day, he said that they and training the farmers in the they accept wages for working in are given even a second helping. surrounding areas in organic the farms of others, they take Finger Usually it is rice and curry. When I farming. We were awe-struck at the Millets or Sorghum only instead of asked if there were any people who number of varieties of the various cash. Hardly four or five farmers had were going hungry and slept with crops grown by the farmers of the dug their own bore wells. Farmers empty stomachs because they were area and collected and exhibited at who had water facility were growing poor or old the answer was that there JANATA, April 21, 2013 9 were poor people but no one went were about 60-70 houses. Most of of the houses had been built by the hungry. When asked repeatedly they the houses had ‘Mangalore’ (made government only. Perhaps that is said that none had a problem getting of red mud and quite fashionable) the reason why all these colonies two square meals a day. tiles and others had local tiles, made were situated on the outskirts of the of black mud, and straw for their bigger villages on the uncultivable It was hot noon by the time we roofs. Drinking water was supplied hillocks. The roads and streets left those hamlets to go to another through bore-well and there was in the colonies were quite broad. village. In that hot noon, an old electricity in the hamlet. Most of the There was drinking water facility woman was going somewhere households had television sets. in all these colonies. There was walking with a stick to help her and also electricity. On the roofs of with a bag of clothes on her waist. None here had agricultural land. most of the houses we could see Toothless mouth, white ruffled hair, Everyone depended on manual the television dish antennas. None feet without footwear and aged about labour. Men folk would go to in these colonies had cultivable 75-80. We stopped her and talked to other towns for doing stone quarry agricultural land. Only some were her. Her name was Kempamma. She work. Some men who had come doing agriculture on ‘sharing’ basis. was the mother of a farmer named for the festival had stayed back Men folk were mostly going to other Bommappa from the same village. in the hamlet. All the households towns in search of manual work. The old woman was going some were getting food grains under When we asked as to whether they place to get her clothes washed and the BPL cards. We went round the were not getting work locally under dried. She had had her meal. When hamlet and enquired if there were the employment guarantee scheme asked if her son fed her, she retorted beggers, destitutes and people who the people said that the daily wage with a question to us “how can he went hungry and slept with empty that they get under the scheme i.e., not give me food”. My guide asked stomachs. They said that they had about Rs. 125, is too low and that is her a few more questions and got not seen people who went hungry why they go to far off towns where confirmation that the old woman was and slept with empty stomachs in they get between Rs. 350 to Rs. 400 not suffering from hunger. their hamlet. per day. We went round the colony, sat on the forecourts of the houses, I told Chintai that these are villages Next day, through the winding spoke to people and gathered the where there are mostly people roads full of dust, leaving behind the information. belonging to the major communities marks of our footwear in the mud, and there may not be people in these and letting the occasional motor In all these colonies every one had villages who might not have seen cycles, auto rickshaws and busses to BPL cards. Some aged people were food and who may be suffering from pass us, we reached a colony called getting old age pension also. Some hunger and that hence we should go ‘Met teravu’ which is on the outskirts students were getting scholarship to villages where there are scheduled of the village Martalli. This hamlet money through banks. In all these castes and landless people. My was inhabited mostly by people colonies there were ‘anganwadi’s companion readily agreed and took of ‘Madiga’ community, which is and there was facility for giving me in that hot sun to a colony called another untouchable scheduled caste. food to the children. We were keen ‘Bolu Dinne’ about a kilometer The colony had about 100 houses. to know if there were destitutes, very away and which was inhabited From there we went to Sulvadi, aged persons and others who were by people belonging to the ‘Bovi’ Sandana Palya and Keerepaatibore not getting enough food to eat and community. ‘Bovi’s are touchables which were inhabited by people who were going hungry. In all these but are a scheduled caste. It was a belonging to the scheduled castes. colonies we got only one answer; no hamlet situated on a bald hillock Since the hamlets bordered on the one in these colonies was suffering as its name itself had suggested. Tamil Nadu there were may Tamil from hunger, every one had enough Mostly inhabited by Bovis but a speaking people in the colonies. food to eat. few households also belonged to the ‘Holeya’ community, an untouchable In all these colonies people had In Sulvadi village, a youth by community of scheduled castes and constructed their houses on the name Selvaraju was sitting in the some Christians. The roads in the sites given by the government. The forecourt of his house and chatting hamlet were quite broad and there houses had ‘Mangalore’ tiles. Some with his friends. He was of the 10 JANATA, April 21, 2013 opinion that every household had ground for their dead. The thought and many such undesirable events, at least one or two bags of Finger as to where their bodies would be the people here are getting food Millets. His wife offered us a chair thrown, into which ditch or drain, grains regularly, at subsidized rates and told us several things. They had and whether their dead body would through the BPL cards surprised been given gas stoves by the forest rot for want of a decent burial, is a us. That I could, with my limited department. In order to prevent the thought that haunts many of the aged comprehension, see that the children people from going into the forest and infirm people in these colonies. were getting enough food in the to gather firewood, which would Periyanagamma, a Christian girl ‘anganwadi’s and schools and that also disturb the wild life, the forest from Vaddardoddi told us that many none was going hungry and slept department was offering gas stoves aged people are becoming Christians with empty stomachs, at least in at subsidized rates. because in that case they are assured this backward and remote corner of a decent burial after their death of India gave my mind, which had According to another youth, since in the burial grounds of the Church. been disturbed and dented by Harsh they were ‘Madigas’, an untouchable During our walk, we had seen many Mander’s book, some solace. caste, the barbers in the village well organized Christian burial would not cut their hair or give them grounds in that area. We did not see Finishing my walk through the a shave. He said that they only cut many such grounds for the dead of villages, when on the fourth day, the hair of children and very old the other communities. I waited for the bus at Vadakehalla people in the colony. Hence they had village to take me to Kollegal to go to Ramapura village which was That even in the midst of the 2G and then on to Bangalore, the about 15 kilometers away for a hair scam, looting of crores of rupees bright sun light felt very warm and cut. Nobody there would know that by the corrupt, bureaucratic apathy pleasant. they are untouchables. When asked (Continued from Page 4) if they could go to the hotel in the village, they said that they do not go the people are directly or indirectly that of its peers. Child mortality there at all. We could make out the paying around Rs 60,000 for each is significantly higher among girls tone in which he answered that they Nano sold by the Tatas - this is a than boys and that difference were prohibited from entering the criminal misuse of authority by the hasn’t narrowed over the years. hotel also. In ‘Keerepaatibore’ also Government. Malnutrition is very severe among one youngster told the same story. Gujarat’s children and women, and If one analysed the latest Gujarat We felt disgusted that even after 60 the only defence that Modi could years of independence the scheduled election result, one could notice that come up with was an unfortunate caste people could not be extricated in the rural areas, BJP and Congress diversion of the issue to the dieting from such humiliations. won almost equal seats, while in habits of Gujarati women. It is no tribal areas, out of 21 seats, 18 were surprise then that in a recent study Vaddardoddi was relatively a won by the Congress and 3 by BJP. by UNDP, Gujarat ranked 8thamong major Indian states in human bigger village. We thought that Poverty and malnutrition as the name suggested the village development and the Planning must be having a large population While poverty has reduced in the Commission’s Human Development of ‘Vaddas’ another untouchable state in general, it has done poorly Index has placed Gujarat as low on scheduled caste. But then a shop in this respect when compared the list as 18! keeper told us that only perhaps to other states. According to the once upon a time there were such Planning Commission, Gujarat’s One conclusion that can be drawn people in the village and now all rank in poverty alleviation is 11th from these facts is that the high are Christians and now the people among a list of 20 major states. In growth has apparently benefited only of ‘Vadda’ community were living fact, the tribal population (17% of a select segment of the population. in the colonies in some far off places. the total) in the state has actually This means that Modi’s Gujarat seen an increase in poverty in the model is far less effective than it The Bovis, Madigas and other last decade. What is worrying is is being made out to be and shows scheduled caste people in the nearby that Gujarat’s under-five mortality that growth’s implicit ‘trickle down’ villages suffer for want of a burial rate has stagnated and is far behind effect is absent in the Modi regime. JANATA, April 21, 2013 11 Politics of Pardon This is the second time in post- of killing prohibited birds for in the recent order of Thodupuzha Independent India that a Press satisfying his fancy of hunting. He Sessions judge who ordered issue of Council chief is coming to the may argue his act is "unintentional". notices to P. J. Kurien.who happens defence of a person who is sentenced He is also facing charges of rash to be the Deputy Chairman of the by the highest court of the country. driving in which a person was killed Rajya Sabha. In this Suryanelli rape The first instance was when and several others injured. His case the Kottyam police did not Justice Raja Gopal lyengar, the then supporters may spend any amount register a case against Kurien. This is Press Council Chairman, supported of money to close the mouths of the a clear case where the law enforcing censorship of the press during the victims with huge offer of money authorities are not cooperating with a notorious Emergency of 1975- but the public support or sympathy rape victim just because the accused 77. The office which is supposed of the fans could not absolve him enjoys a big clout at the highest to uphold the freedom of press of his offences, Already efforts are level. blatantly backed the draconian laws afoot to protect him through fair or Let the Supreme Court verdict at that time. foul means and help him to come out on Sanjay Dutt and others and the of the legal frame work. Now, Markendaya Katju the Kerala Sessions court issuing notices present Chairman of the Press In India now the courts are to the Honourable M.P. be the ideal Council is advocating for the functioning in a totally impartial judgements for future processing "Pardon" of Sanjay Dutt who is manner, uninfluenced by the of trials whether the accused is a sentenced to five-year jail term. Our statements of the influential political heavy weight or one who Constitution has unambiguously politicians or the acts of those who can mobilize lakhs of people to his demarcated the functions of the are in power. It is amply proved side in the name of public opinion. Supreme court and the Press Council. According to layman's knowledge –Kakuturi Subrahmanyam Press Council has no "Locus standi" in interpreting the sentence of the Socialist Party supports Shahbagh movement in Bangladesh highest court. The Shahbagh movement currently taking place in Bangladesh, is an If film actors or sportsmen are encouraging sign of growing progressive and secular forces in the Indian to be exempted from law courts' sub-continent. The movement started on 5th February, 2013, initiated by a jurisdiction how can "Rule of Law" small group of young urban middle-class Bangladeshis with the help of online be enforced in the country ? Some blogs and social networking websites, but due to the overarching appeal of time back in the case of Navjot the ideas it stands for and its non-violent nature, it spread rapidly to people Sidhu a well known cricketer also of all classes and backgrounds in Bangladesh. courts have taken cognizance of the The Socialist Party (India) supports the movement's demand that the Jamat- offence aid he too spent some time e-Islami be banned from politics due to its role in the massacre of Bangladeshi in jail till the higher court handed a people during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war, and the organisations different verdict. and institutions affiliated with it be boycotted and their sources of funding The learned jurist has now investigated. The Socialist Party does not support the death penalty, but does come forward to take the case believe that all those convicted of war-crimes during the liberation movement of Zaibunnisa who is co-accused should be strictly punished. It is hoped that the movement will go a long way along with Sanjay Dutt. According in reigning in fundamentalist Islamic forces in Bangladesh, which threaten to Katju she does not know that the democratic and secular ideals on which the country the founded. Abusatem kept the weapons in her house but even here we may have to In recent times communal forces have gained strength in South Asia, from respect the maxim that "ignorance the rise of the Hindutva movement in India, to the persecution of religious of law is no excuse". Any how he minorities such as Shia and Hazara Muslims in Pakistan, to the targeted State should not appear as acting as a legal violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Burma. In such circumstances, the counsel for her. Shahbagh movement breaks new ground and is a ray of hope for all those who are engaged in struggles for democracy, political and social reform, and If convictions are to be invalidated religious tolerance in this part of the world. The Socialist Party too draws on extraneous considerations the inspiration from and expresses its solidarity with this historic struggle. next actor on the scene will be Salman Khan, who is facing charges Sandeep Pandey National vice president, Dr. Prem Singh National general secretary 12 JANATA, April 21, 2013 Indefinite Dharna against forced acquisition for Delhi Mumbai Industrial corridor

The farmers and workers of Despite the directions given by The dharana would continue till Raigad district are on an indefinite the Union ministry forced and mid May 2013, till every village dharna in front of Sub divisional compulsory acquisition is going registers its protest. Several office at Mangaon dist. Raigad, on. The irrigated as well as good groups and associations such as Maharashtra since April 10th. amount of fertile paddy fields are bar association, Patrakar Sangh, They have been served notices for being acquired. This has enraged doctor’ association, have declared acquisition of their land under the the farmers further. their support to the agitation. Maharashtra Industrial Corporation Act. 67,500 acres of land is to be The dharna started on 10th April - Ulka Mahajan acquired for Dighi port industrial in the presence of N. D. Patil, and area as a node in Proposed Delhi several activists from various parts (Continued from Page 7) of the state, under the banner of Mumbai Industrial Corridor. ‘varna’ is hierarchical/ritual and Jagatikikaran Virodhi Kruti Samiti. Farmers from 78 villages under the class, based on relations of Every day one village comes to Mangaon, Roha and Tala Tahsils production is economic. Given dharana, to express their resolve would become completely landless. the present situation in India after not to part with their lands, in big 65 years of independent capitalist All the village Panchayats have numbers with women and children. development and links with the unanimously resolved not to give international division of labour, Detailed project report of this their land for this disastrous and castes have gained vibrancy. It is project has not been prepared yet. pro-corporate project, which has possible to identify the castes that been undemocratically planned too. Environment impact assessment is were benefitted by the policies However the state government. has also not done. Why the government and attained upward mobility. not taken any cognizance so far. is in hurry then? The government If we keep the dvijas aside for The panchayats have been further sources are not ready to disclose the moment who are calling the asked to surrender their common any information nor is there any shots at centre, the states are now property lands and give NOC for transparency. This creates a lot of increasingly captured by the Sudras, their transfer. This has created a doubts in the minds of the farmers. the fourth varna (panchams are lot of unrest amongst farmers. The outside except occasionally in UP). individual notices have been issued Sub Divisional officer Mangaon There is internal differentiation to six villages and the 7/12 extracts has been appointed as land within Sudras with the rise of OBCs of all the lands in these villages acquisition authority, who has as petty ruling castes. This is very have been stamped and reserved for powers to fix the compensation complex situation to understand. the proposed corridor. upto 50,000 Rs. per acre according The middle castes seem to have to the notice issued to the farmers. marginalised the economic agenda How are we going to survive However the guardian minister of of emancipation for which the if we lose entire land, the only the district Suneel Tatkare, declared socialists and communists have source of our livelihood, ask the that he would try to give 10 lakh been campaigning in India for farmers. They don’t trust the rupeess. per acre. The farmers quite some time. It is now confined government and its assurances as laugh at this attempt and they don’t to those who are social proletariat the experience in the past has been want to give the lands even if the or scheduled castes and Adivasis totally negative. Why government compensation is increased. Recently who do not come under either class is in a hurry to grab the lands before the residents of Raigad presently or caste (internal differentiation the new land acquisition bill gets living in Mumbai got organized and is low). Therefore, the traditional passed at the Centre which gives decided to launch agitation against struggles look to be nonchalant and space to the farmers to express this forced acquisition in Mumbai might soon become obsolete. What their opinions, ask the farmers. on 1stMay at Azad Maidan. is to be done? JANATA, April 21, 2013 13 State of the Urban Youth

Every third person in urban today in policy and programmes politics and political engagement India is a youth. In less than a has not quite been accepted. The on the basis of a youth survey on decade from now, India, with a solution, Padma Prakash points the subject. median age of 29 years will be out in the Introductory chapter, the youngest nation in the world. lies in shifting the perspective Lakshmi Priya and Aarti Salve India's demographic transformation from development for youth to Telang, document the fact that India is creating an opportunity for the development planning by youth. has consistently recognised the demographic burden of the past to need for youth development and the be converted to a dividend for the The first section presents the importance of addressing the needs future. For this to happen the country setting, in terms of demographics, of youth in policies and programmes. needs to adopt a three-pronged health status, existing legislation The chapter enumerates and policy that will address the issues and policies that impinge on describes the youth policies that a of employment, livelihoods and the youth especially with respect to number of states have evolved. In skill status of youth. employment and livelihoods. Anuja the last chapter in this section Asha Jayaraman ( SNEHA, Mumbai) Bajpai (Tata Institute of Social The State of the Urban Youth India describes the demographics of Sciences, Mumbai) sets out the laws 2012: Employment, Livelihoods, urban youth showing the numbers and legislation affecting youth and Skills developed and produced and their distribution. She presents the state of their implementation. by IRIS Knowledge Foundation, numbers and proportions that show Mumbai on a commission from in no uncertain times that urban The second section reports the UN-HABITAT Global Urban youth population in the country is the findings of a three-city youth Youth Research Network of which rising. Youth populations are rising survey (conducted by Trupti Shah it is part, is a first attempt to pull from 353 million in 2001 to 453 in Vadodara, Anita Srinivasan together a data and knowledge base million in 2011 and then to 464 and Abhijit Surya in Mumbai and on and of youth in urban India. million in 2021 after which it will Pratibha Kamble in Latur) that With a number of commissioned decline to 458 million, showing provides a youth insight on the data chapters from well-known scholars, the 'youth bulge'. Sidharth David and knowledge base assembled by a the focus of the Report is youth (Centre for Enquiry into Health and set of scholars working on different employment and livelihoods in Allied Themes, CEHAT, Mumbai), areas impinging on the state of urban India. Through a three-city gathering literature from a number of youth in urban India. The findings survey the Report incorporates a sources in the absence of age-wise amply demonstrate that youth can youth perspective on the situation data on health, shows that the lack not only discern developmental of urban youth that is revealed by of perception of health as a youth issues but may even be capable of data and literature. It does not aspire right might be at the centre of the suggesting innovative solutions to to make recommendations, but only lack of attention to youth-specific deep problems of development and to suggest broadly the need for a health conditions and the absence growth. Of paramount importance is paradigm shift in addressing the of a youth-centred perspective on access to education and opportunities issue of the urban young. health care. for acquiring skills. Young people can well recognise the constraints India has had a long history of Against the background of to acquiring skills: inefficient urban youth activism in the shape of a narrative of youth rights and systems, corruption, denial of access student movements that have grown legislation, is an evidence based because of various factors including into wider based political actions. report of the nature and extent of economic class, community and Besides, India's policy makers political awareness among youth. gender. They are also quite clear have been conscious of the need to Sanjay Kumar (Centre for Study of about what makes a city safe and integrate youth in the programme Developing Societies (CSDS), New secure for the pursuit of occupations of national development. However, Delhi) comes up with surprising and livelihoods and what kind the need for a specific youth agenda elements of youth perception of of an urban space they need to 14 JANATA, April 21, 2013 achieve prosperity in the context of alarming picture of the youth labour are important issues in assuring sustainable urban development. market. Only a miniscule share of women's opportunities for work. the jobs available to youth are formal The third section, the core of the carrying entitlements like social Not surprisingly the informal volume, looks more closely at the security while the vast opportunities sector attracts a huge chunk of the employment, livelihoods and state of for youth are informal in nature. youth population in urban centres. skills among young people in urban Contrarily more and more youth are Vaijayanta Anand (Nirmala Niketan, India contextualised within the enrolling in higher education. Most Mumbai) discusses nature of jobs in urban reality of sharpening disparity. significantly there is a perceptible the informal sector and underlines Poornima Dore (Sir Dorabji Tata and discrimination against young women how the expansion of jobs in this Allied Trusts (SDTT)) succinctly in the labour market with a huge sector is not the best option for points to the yawning resource proportion of them engaged in absorbing or utilising youth power. gap emerging in urban India and domestic duties. She also points out that the six disproportionately affecting the states of southern and western young both in terms of missed Charu Sudan Kasturi (Hindustan India, states that have better training opportunities and because they give Times, New Delhi) illustrates this opportunities (and more industry and rise to high aspirations that resources data in an essay on the widening enterprise) form a continuous zone available to them cannot meet. gap between education and accounting for 63 per cent of all employment. While more young formally trained people. These are More than 110 million young Indians are acquiring an education, also the states with more industry, are on the move across the country the employment scenario is not higher levels of education, and but most of them do not travel far, throwing up jobs that match their training opportunities. moving within the state. Tracking skill sets. A large number of the the trajectories of the migrants, from educated are either unemployed or In sum, most of the jobs that the large datasets S Chandrashekar and are underemployed. At another level, young are employed in are dangerous Ajay Sharma of the the quality of higher education has in insecure workplaces that have Institute of Development Research, not only remained static but appears high risks associated. Jagdish Patel, Mumbai produce an understanding to be deteriorating. The young are labour and health activist assembles of the pattern of resources and being short-changed in several ways. a telling picture of the abysmal work opportunities that attracts the young. Can India afford to invest in training conditions in small and middle Young people, men and women in young people in skills that will not level industrial units and the poor equal numbers, in the age group be productive? Is this the way to attention being paid to worker safety. 15-32 migrate from their places realize the demographic dividend? Regulations are many, but who is to of origin for employment and ensure that they are implemented? education. The movement shows Even after three decades of the With the waning of the labour that there is an internal brain drain women's movement and the growth movement, workers have neither from the states with poor education of women's research emerging as voice nor a platform where they may and employment opportunities a major discipline and influence seek redressal. This has resulted in that in turn keeps these states from in policy making women still have sporadic, spontaneous and violent developing their potentials. to battle it out for the right to live worker responses to such incidents to work. Vibhuti Patel (SNDT as deaths that only serve to mitigate The mass of young people coming University, Mumbai) and Nandita chances of long-term reform. to towns and cities do find jobs, Mondal (Tata Institute of Social but not necessarily stable, secure Sciences, Mumbai) echo Paul and These are typically dubbed as jobs. Jobs are being created not in Krishna's findings that women are youth violence. Given the situations the larger more established sectors, most visible in the lowest paying, and the unpromising futures that but in the unstable informal sector. low skill jobs that are also often youth face it is inevitable that sporadic Bino Paul and Krishna M of the Tata tedious, risky and hazardous. Women and spontaneous violence will occur Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai are forced into domestic labour and more frequently. While youth revolt and Hyderabad respectively have sex work due to an absence of other in the face of authoritarianism, extracted from national data sets an opportunities. Safety and security corruption and divisive and sectarian JANATA, April 21, 2013 15 policies and actions of the state must development that places youth at the and programme implementation is indeed be applauded, spontaneous centre of change. The way forward clearly indicated. mob violence is not conducive to is clearly to recognise that young progress, development and indeed people may have a better chance The full Report may be accessed to securing stable future for youth. of benefiting from development if at: http://www.esocialsciences.org/ they can have a say in the planning Articles/show Article.aspx?acat= The last section sets out an agenda of their urban futures. Recent+Articles&aid=5305 and for change, with a lead chapter on at http://www.globalyouthdesk. the challenge of mainstreaming The coming decades are critical org:8080/index.php?option=com_ the agency of youth for sustainable for India if the demographic dividend php&Itemid=57 cities. Two young scholars, Sangeeta is to be realised. India must address Nandi and Kadambari Anatharam the needs of the young and provide For printed copies of the Report (independent researchers), describe them the opportunity to realise and other information, pi contact: the sustainability challenge to their potential. A paradigm shift urban development and locate the that involves the incorporation of Aarti Salve Telang: aarti@ key barriers to realising the youth youth experiences, issues and skills esocialsciences.org . Call: (91) 022 potential. They advocate youth-led in the conceptual policy framework 67301060 or (91)022 67301000

Yusuf Meherally Centre Low cost Medical Care for Rural Areas

Yusuf Meherally Centre is keen on promoting low cost, but quality, health care in rural areas. One model the Centre tried has been to create awareness among the Mumbai doctors that it is their duty to do something for the surrounding villages. It succeeded. It set up a Sunday clinic at Tara, a village on Mumbai-Goa highway in 1967 and that is still continuing. There is no dearth of doctors willing to serve patients free once a month or so.

Now there is a proposal to undertake a new initiative and do a similar experiment with a view to attracting medical men to rural areas committed to providing medical care, curative as well as preventive, without their expecting market salaries. For this, one idea that makes sense is to appeal to retired government doctors who do not wish to start private practice. It is possible they will respond. The same with the retired military medical officers. And there are quite a few medical men who are motivated by their ideology – Gandhian or Socialist who too may respond. The freedom movement, as also the early socialist movement, did succeed in making ideologically committed people to move to rural areas to provide health care.

The Centre appeals to Janata’s readers to identify such people and introduce them to it.

Yusuf Meherally Centre, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg, Mumbai 400 007. e-mail id: [email protected] 2387 0097, 2388 9738 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, April 21, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on every Sunday and Posted on Wednesday April 17, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 14 Flogging a dead horse April 28, 2013 S.Viswam

Optimism is glue to third front The formation of a third front polls, is in fact a good time for the Kuldip Nayar as a national alternative to the Third Front johnnies to get together. Congress and the BJP is an idea This is because the political scene is whose time has actually come and highly confused. Public perception Should Dalits Remain Ugly? gone. However, from time to time, does not credit either the Congress K. S. Chalam frustrated or exasperated politicians or the BJP with the potential of revive the notion of an alternative securing a majority. The BJP is a big A New Socialist Network that will adequately address the noise-maker and drum beater but its D. K. Giri political problems of the nation more winning chances at the hustings are efficiently than either the Congress or none too bright even if it manages Globalisation – the BJP. The proposal figures in the to cobble an alliance of more parties A Socialist Perspective columns of most newspapers, and and expand the NDA. And, then, it Bapu Heddurhetti prominently too, till it dies a natural has pushed itself into a corner by death and fades away silently into the its premature and unwise projection limbo till someone revives it again. of Narendra Modi as the BJP- Reteat on Democatic Socilism – We are experiencing yet another NDA’s prime ministerial candidate. A Report revival phase. The sponsor of the Currently, the senior leaders are vying Gururaja Budhya proposal this time happens to be the with one another to make confusion UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, worse confounded. Party president May Day Greetings whose party and leader (Samajwadi Rajnath Singh nominated Modi as the HMS Party and Mulayam Singh Yadav) most popular among Indian leaders currently support the UPA at the but insists that he is not the prime Centre. Akhilesh has journeyed all ministerial candidate. Lok Sabha the way to Tamil Nadu to remind his Opposition leader Editor : state counterpart Jayalalithaa that says no one is ruled out from being G. G. Parikh the present is the ideal time to create named prime ministerial candidate a third front and oust the Congress and that Advani has as much chance Managing Editor : Guddi and the BJP from the race altogether. as has Modi. Realisation that the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, As usual, as the next parliamentary party made a mess of the “Modi Naushir Bharucha Marg, round nears, many parties find for PM” campaign has dawned Mumbai - 400 007. themselves seeking an anchor that on the leadership at last. It is now will safeguard their political future trying to placate Modi, Advani, and and fortunes. The present scenario, Nitish Kumar. In the process it is Email : [email protected] about a year ahead of the Lok Sabha getting caught deeper and deeper 2 JANATA, April 28, 2013 in controversy and confusion. The BJP has compromised its relations Optimism is glue to third front with one of its allies - JD(U) - and is extricating itself with difficulty. Kuldip Nayar The Congress is comfortable for the present, its problems fortunately Mid-term polls seem inevitable. and UP chief minister Ahilesh Yadav not directly stemming from or Most provincial leaders are lessening has very much kept a third front alive tied to electoral politics. It has in influence. They want to cash front after meeting with his Tamil still a year to get its act together, in on their depleting assets before Nadu counterpart J. Jayalalithaa. and does not seem under pressure too long and may want to extract to finalise the UPA composition the maximum before they lose the That an alternative to both the for 2014 in a great hurry. If the advantage they enjoy at present. Congress and the BJP is needed is voter has to choose today between Mulayam Singh of the Samajwadi generally accepted. But such a front the BJP and the Congress, the Party in Uttar Pradesh is rapidly cannot be on the old lines. When choice is bound to be the Congress, losing the ground. So is Mamata idealism lessens, many compromises even with all its shortcomings and Bannerjee in West Bengal. Much will be made and even ethical drawbacks and even with Rahul would depend on how the leaders considerations will be pushed to Gandhi as leader. This Gandhi is can hold on to their own before the the background. This would mean yet to convince the nation that he polls take place. leaders without qualities will begin is a serious player. Indeed, so far to stalk the land. No doubt, India is there is no indication from the party The outcome is anybody’s guess. going through such a phase today. that he will be the Congress prime One thing that is sure as of now is It does not, however, mean that one ministerial candidate. The Congress no single party will get a majority set of undesirable people should be will take a call on this issue only in the Lok Sabha, comprising 543 allowed to replace another set of if and when it is forced to or if members. And which parties will undesirables. The beginning for a and when it is sure of victory. The join hands is difficult to say at this change can be small, but it cannot party will expose neither Sonia nor juncture. It all depends on whether be dubious. Rahul Gandhi to an electoral defeat. the parties carry the credentials of Luckily for it, the BJP is making being anti-communal and how far The third front in India, if and things easy for the Congress by they are convincing. It is apparent when formed, has a lot of work to do projecting Modi as its savior. The that the BJP, known for its Hindutva to clear the mess the Congress and stronger the campaign for Modi, the thesis, may be on one side and the the BJP have piled up over the years. larger will be the exodus of Muslim rest on the other side. The biggest crime the two parties voters from the NDA alliance have committed is to politicize the parties. This will suit the Congress There is, however, a possibility ills in the society to stay in power. because it will attract Muslim that a third group may emerge. The With musclemen and money bags, voters without wooing them hard. Congress and the BJP are the two they have destroyed the values, By sending Akhilesh to call on groups and their alternative will brick by brick. However, the biggest Jayalalithaa Mulayam has sent a be the combination of the others. problem that parties which constitute message to regional leaders that Outside support of the Congress the third front suffer from is that each he is willing to break with a third or the BJP is necessary to make one of them has, at one time or the force. The ball is thus in the court of the majority, which will be 273. other, been part of the alliance which leaders like Jayalalithaa and Navin Debunking the idea of a third front the Congress or the BJP had forged. Patnaik and yes, Mamata Banerji government after the 2014 Lok Sabha too. If they do not take the initiative elections, the BJP asked Mulayam Against this background, it now they will have to miss the bus Singh Yadav why his party had not is understandable why both the again. One cannot keep on flogging withdrawn support to the UPA even Congress and the BJP have pooh- dead horses eternally in the distant though he had many complaints poohed at the idea of a third front hope that the dead horse will come against the Congress. But he has his when Mulayam Singh Yadav touched to life suddenly! compulsions. Nevertheless, his son on the revival of the subject. At the JANATA, April 28, 2013 3 same time, the statements emanating from top Congress and BJP leaders, Should Dalits Remain Ugly? mocking at the birth of a third front, indicate that the two main political K. S. Chalam parties are edgy as well as uncertain about their future with the general The recent dreadful incident not delivered at the Jat-Pat-Todak elections due anytime between now in the Paris of Andhra and pride Mandal, Lahore in 1936, he cited and early 2014. of upward mobile shudras of our a press report of 4thJanuary 1928 However, there is one big state, Tenali made all of us who about the conditions imposed by question that remains - that of love the town, hang our heads in upper caste Hindus on Balais, a consensus building. When there are shame. A 45-year old lady was dalit caste in 15 villages in Indore so many parties with conflicting ghastly killed in the presence of district. Out of 8 conditions, two ideologies, different working styles her daughter for preventing the were related to women that they and personality clashes, the biggest felonious animals from sexually should not wear gold and silver and problem would be who among the abusing the daughter, a good looking fancy gowns, etc. perhaps to keep dozen-odd leaders will become the B.Tech student. In the eyes of the them as their slaves. Is there any prime minister? Mulayam Singh beasts, the pretty looking mother change in the mind set of people as Yadav is already counting his eggs and daughter were found withouta far as women, particularly of lower even before they are hatched. Then male companion as hapless dalits. caste are concerned? there are regional leaders like J. They were coming from shopping Jayalalithaa of Tamil Nadu and when the incident took place just There are several studies to Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu opposite the statue of the father of indicate how the lower castes fought Desam from Andhra Pradesh. Even the nation. Though the media has against the so-called upper caste/ Mayawati of the Bahujan Samajwadi not revealed the background of the brahminical values. It is recorded Party has nursed such an ambition incident, circumstantial evidence that the lower caste Nadars and for some time. But my worry is how leads us to the specifics that they Ezhavas of Tamil Nadu and also in can parties with regional outlooks were easy prey due to their social Travancore presidencies resisted govern and upkeep the diverse background. Strangely, a section of the inhuman condition that the Indian population? the media was busy with the news women folk of the community of a missing film star indicating the were made not to wear any upper In such a scenario, the only blatant discrimination and frivolity. garments, to entertain the lust of option available is to arrive at a Katti Padma Rao , President of the upper castes. The leaders of the consensus and choose a prime Dalit Maha Sabha informed us that Nadars and Ezhvas appealed to the ministerial candidate who has the he got the couple married in 1985 British and defied the upper caste understanding of foreign relations and the family is well educated, the dictates by wearing upper jackets. and the economic growth of the fact that the two daughters studying This exasperated the ego of the country. There are thousands of science and engineering courses dominant castes leading to a caste young men and women, who are demonstrates. battle during 1818-19. Army was working voluntarily at the grassroots called in by the British to abate the in the fields of health, education, The incident in Tenali, Guntur situation. Of course, this revolt of environment and human rights. They after a gap of around two decades the Ezhvas and Nadars made them can all be strung together. They, in in the neighbourhood of Chunduru to unite under Narayana Guru and turn, will bring in their experiences amply shows that economic growth shifted their traditional occupation and contacts to make the front more did not bring any social change, but to other callings to emerge as one of meaningful. Even the communists led to further nasty feudal depths the most upward mobile community will be keen on roping in all such of despair. Now, we have entered a in the post-independent India. We elements that are outside the orbit different dimension of caste atrocity. just do not have instances of such of the BJP and the Congress. This reminds us why Dr Ambedkar revolt from lower castes or dalits wanted annihilation of castes. In his in Andhra. Does Sunila symbolise (Continued on Page 4) most famous speech prepared but this? 4 JANATA, April 28, 2013

In this context, we may reflect officer who found it in a dhobi ghat where a mother lost her life defending here on the notion of beauty and about a century ago. The woman I the honour and chastity of her aesthetics in relation to the social was referring to was a Bihari and daughter? Is it not our responsibility composition of our society. It is there were absolute resemblances to make Sunila’s sacrifice a symbol strange that the younger generation between the living beauty and the of self-respect and esteem of the new with the so-called development Yakshinini of ancient India. It is generation of women that we should oriented mind set think about beauty appropriate to bring to focus that the be welcoming! and glow of women in terms of the native Indians or the so-called lower standards offered by the Anglo- communities were more attractive (Continued from Page 3) American or white skin cultures. than the aliens who came here and I recall Mallika Sarabhai They consider, under the influence of enslaved the locals resulting in their contesting the last Lok Sabha election beauty market, that all others like the destitution and physical devastation. as an independent candidate. She dark skinned African-Americans are It is with the advent of democratic chose to contest against L.K. Advani slaves meant to serve the rest. Hindi government and adequate food and her reason for doing so was that channels (some Telugu too) have that the downtrodden are slowly she wanted to send a message across almost banned dark people. There recovering from the damage and the nation that people believing in seem to be no change in the attitudes restoring their original charm. You democracy and secularism have to and values of people even in an era can see this happening to Chenchus fight for the space which the political of globalisation. However, the local of Kurnool. parties have come to occupy. Some people with dark, brown skins have human rights activists also followed proved the indoctrinated upper castes It is not only in the physical the same path. They had constituted wrong through their intelligence elegance but even in the exposition a people’s political forum, Lok Niti and charm, when opportunities are of their knowledge and wisdom, Manch, a platform where groups and democratically thrown open. In fact, the women belonging to this individuals fighting for protecting Rammanohar Lohia in his article on community is exemplary. Srimati the rights of people assembled, to “Beauty and Skin Colour” published , M.P from contest elections. in March 1960, narrated how the Bapatla, Guntur, a Post-graduate greatest woman of Indian myth, from Andhra University has been The only condition to join Draupadi was dark and charming. a parliamentarian for two decades the Manch was that they must He narrated the beauty of fish eyed and has proved her calibre and believe in democracy, secularism Meenakshi of Madurai telling the competence as a Minister in the and a welfare state. It is another rest of the world how her beauty bit central government. The Prime matter that none of the contestants, more to the heart than the eye. The Minister has recognised her skills and including Mallika, had won. And grace of Tambaram Lalita, a Tamil efficiency in dealing with whatever it did not matter to them. But the beauty seem to have attracted the subject assigned, has now entrusted initiative came for praise from like- attention of Lohia who lamented her with two important portfolios. minded people because a process how the aesthetic judgment of the This shows that the women of the to cleanse politics and to oust all whit-skinned Europeans dominated lower communities are as competent such elements who are motivated the world and distorted our aesthetic as anyone else if chances are given. by power and money had been set sensibilities. In fact, there are This trend appears to be the crux of in motion. Today, their number historical records to evaluate the the problem. may be small, but once the message native Indian beauty and wisdom spreads they will gradually gain of the women folk. I remember The upper caste crooks of Tenali in strength. Gandhian Jayaprakash that I had the occasion to officially seem to have a crush for the women Narayan, who successfully ousted interact with the most beautiful and were waiting for an opportunity Indira Gandhi government in 1977, woman in my life who was a dark to pounce. Interestingly, there is very constituted the Janata Party which person and could relate her to the little analysis by our intellectuals won a majority in the Lok Sabha. I Yakshini kept in the Patna museum who were very critical about the do hope that someday, such efforts (see Basham, A L). The Yakhshini increasing menace of dalit-lumpen will bear fruits and take the shape figure, a first century AD sculpture elements when Chunduru occurred. of a political party like the Greens was a chance discovery of a British Is there any parallel in recent period in Europe. JANATA, April 28, 2013 5 May Day Greetings

On the occasion of May Day, of employment, livelihoods and rate shot upto 7.6 percent. The Hind Mazdoor Sabha extends its social security for the poor. HMS position in India was no better. As greetings to all the working people hopes that workers will judge the per sample survey conducted by the sweating in the fields, factories and prospective candidates on the basis Ministry of Labour & Employment, offices in India and the rest of the of their record and support only Government of India, five lakh world. May Day not only honours those candidates who stand for the workers were axed in just three and commemorates the martyrdom seculardemocratic India, social months. of the workers way back in 1886 security and collective bargaining in Chicago but has also over the rights of the workers. The working class in India had years come to signify international to face another onslaught. The labour solidarity and respect for The struggle to achieve our sky-rocketing prices of essential workers' trade union and other objectives respect for workers' commodities had hit the common human rights in every country. It is rights, employment and social man (Aam Aadmi) the hardest. The a day for us to remember yet again security for women and men will prices of wheat, rice, gram, sugar, the many challenges the trade union not end with the elections however. milk and pulses shot up in most movement has been facing in this The trade union movement in cases by 100 per cent. era of globalization. India has to reflect as to why our demands for Respect for Workers' All these factors prompted the For the labour movement in India, Rights are not being heeded by Indian Trade Union Movement to the May Day this year comes when the political class in India. One rise to the occasion. They were elections to some state assemblies major cause that comes to mind is stung by the ordeals of ''Aam are due and especially general the divisions in the labour move- Aadmi'' and unresponsive attitude elections to the nation's Parliament ment. The 'house divided' situation of the Central Government and were are also due next year. The workers is preventing united action by the left with no option but to join heads. have great stake in these elections. workers' organizations and allowing During the last few years, we have the political system to ignore the The Indian Trade Union seen different political parties and workers' interests. Now, more than Movement got a big boost when coalitions coming to power but it ever is the need to consolidate the Indian National Trade Union has not meant any better deal for the fragmented trade union movement. Congress (INTUC) and Bharatiya workers. The workers should realize When the interests are common, as Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) also decided that their interests have become are the demands, there is little reason to join the movement and a National mere pre-election slogans that are to remain divided, coloured by the Convention of Workers was held at forgotten by the politicians once the political divisions. HMS, therefore, New Delhi on 14th September, 2009. elections are over. The time has come once again, calls for creating a A detailed action programme was for the workers to hold the political united, democratic and independent finalized which was successfully parties responsible for the promises labour movement in India that will implemented throughout the nation. made in the past. The trade unions provide space for many others to The working class of the nation have been struggling against the join in and create conditions for was expecting that the Government policies of indiscriminate economic organising the unorganized. would take serious note of our liberalization, privatization and activities and would come up with dilution of labour laws which Now coming to the economic some positive, corrective measures are adversely affecting workers situation, we had eventful 2010, but it did not happen. employment and social security 2011 and 2012. The entire world had rights. These elections provide undergone worst type of turbulence. All Central Trade Unions decided an opportunity for the workers India was no exception. Millions of to convene another National and the trade unions to bring to jobs were lost in USA. Companies Convention of Workers on July 15, the centre stage, the respect for having big names slashed thousands 2010 wherein once again detailed workers’ rights and the main issues of jobs at a stretch. The jobless action programme of Gate Meeting/ 6 JANATA, April 28, 2013

Dharna/Court arrest/ Jail Bharo, etc. was finalized which got tremendous A New Socialist Network response from working class. But all these efforts could bring no change D. K. Giri in reluctant, apathetic and anti- worker attitude of the Government. True to many people’s Pre-Congress Prognosis At this stage the trade unions were anticipation, the global Socialist compelled to have another National I must say I feel less guilty now International (SI), the network of Convention of workers on 7th of strongly critiquing the leadership September, 2011. HMS lamented Social Democratic and Labour of Socialist International in an that despite several rounds of all-in Parties has lost its steam. It had article (“Socialist International in united protest by the entire Trade become ineffective as a progressive Cape Town”, Janata, 28 August Union Movement of the country, the body of opinion and action. There 2012) and suggesting that Cape Central Government has remained was no renewal of strategy or Town Congress will prove to be totally unresponsive to major revitalization of the organization, a turning point in the journey of concerns of working people. It was as the leadership had not changed for Socialist International. So it has also decided to hold countrywide 24 long years. There was an attempt been. The assumption was based on multiple forms of action such by many concerned political parties the incapacity of the leadership to as Satyagraha/Jail Bharo/Mass to install new leadership in the 24th comprehend the world situation, and Squatting in all the State Capitals Congress of SI in Cape Town, South conjure up new ideas to address that and Industrial Centres. This was Africa, last August-September. situation. Both the lack of vision and again a grand success as the leaders Surprisingly, the incumbent incapacity for action underplayed with lakhs of workers participated. leadership decided to cling on even the role of Socialist International, by imposing a leadership contest. and undermined its efficacy. For Disappointed by the apathetic It could have been gracious on instance, “when the world swung attitude of the Central Government, its part to withdraw and let a new back from Communism in the East to the CTUOs observed another person take over by consensus. In a unbridled capitalism in the West and General Strike on February 28, voluntary international ideological elsewhere, the latter being exposed 2012. Dr. , Prime network, electoral contests ought to by the global financial crisis” it was Minister invited the CTUOs for be avoided. However, the leadership a great opportunity SI could have discussion two days before the date contest left a bitter taste in the grabbed to present Democratic of General Strike which was politely mouth of many parties, as they were Socialism as a credible and viable declined stating that it was too late disappointed with the status-quoist alternative that could handle market and the PM may invite the CTUOs atrophy of the organization. They instability and rapacity, restore the after February, 2012. were, perhaps, left with no choice faith in the government, as both but to create a complementary productionist (pro-growth) and Later on, the CTUOs held body in order to reinvigorate the distributionist (pro-social justice), another National Convention of Socialist network, the biggest and accommodate the interests and Workers on 4th September, 2012 ideological and progressive network values of the civil societies. But it which decided to have countrywide in the world. The new network is failed to be the authentic as well as two-day General Strike on 20-21 called the Progressive Alliance: A an effective voice of the progressive February, 2013. All the affiliates network of progressive forces for forces in the world. So, SI needed were exhorted to join enmasse. The the 21st century. Split in any political to transform, mutate, into a new Labour Minister held the meeting instrument is not advisable as the structure embodying fresh ideas and with CTUOs and the PM also splinters usually become weaker than strategies. formed a group of ministers to the parent body, but an organization discuss the issues raised in the mutating into a new structure in What is the Progressive Alliance? National Convention of Workers but response to the environment is a Before we ponder on the prospects without any result. healthy development. Progressive of the Alliance, it is in order that we Alliance seems to be part of the identify the new body as defined (Continued on Page 12) second phenomenon. by its founders. It seems to be JANATA, April 28, 2013 7 early days, though, to accurately and bad capitalism, the book makes a fair society, there ought to be characterize the new creature as it a lot of sense. The authors say in synergies between the actors of is said to be still evolving. the introduction (page 4) “in this these three sectors. They have to book we develop a proposal for an sit around the same table with their One of its draft documents economic model whose fundamental respective strengths – legislative says about the Alliance that “the orientation is to ensure social justice authority of the State, efficiency progressive democratic, social and environmental prosperity at a and expertise of the market, human democratic, socialist and labour high level of prosperity”. Let me values and people-proximity of the movement is based on common hasten to add that, although one civil societies. Conflicts between commitment to the joint pursuit of agrees with the formulations in the them will hinder growth as well freedom, justice, social equality and book, the title ‘Capitalism’ with as development, of course one is international solidarity.” The pursuit whatever prefix does not inspire, not ruling out creative tensions of these values makes the Alliance capitalism has been associated with between these actors. The authors decidedly Social Democratic, and exploitation, and competitive greed. of new economic model in “Decent the broader range of nature of Capitalism” endorse this strongly, organizations committed to both One of the characteristics of the “we need a new balance between democracy and socialism makes it new Alliance is its emphasis on State, Market and Society, and it inclusive. solidarity and togetherness. The is clear that both State and Civil current transnational challenges Society must be given more weight.” In its analysis of the current global like climate change and global This balance or collaboration should situation, the Alliance identified the capitalism are sought to be addressed be the new platform for Social interface between the economy and by national governments. Many Democracy and all progressive the society. The economy should be celebrated authors and commentators forces. If we do not comprehend this so planned and managed that it serves have pointed out the truism that critical interface, we will be falling the society, not create divisions and global challenges cannot be met prey, in varying degrees, in different conflicts, which are commonplace by national governments or inter- contexts, to authoritarianism of now because of a false dichotomy governmentalism, For instance, the State, radicalism, and at times, between growth and distribution. Anthony Giddens, makes this extremism of the Civil Societies, The Alliance suggests, “the new point strongly in his book, “The and market fundamentalism. Any social issue, conflicts cropping up Politics of Climate Change”. The of these is unhealthy for any society. from inequality, must be addressed Progressive Alliance correctly in order to make participation asserts, “Challenges like these can The last principle in the draft possible, prevent distribution only be tackled by working together, document under Who We Are is conflicts, and ensure the ecological and not against each other.” “people-centric approach”. This balance of our environment.” Three is a tough call, but very welcome, key principles in the foregoing Yet, another organizing principle indeed. It is tough, because the assertion, “parity of participation” of the Progressive Alliance is Western Societies and economies (freedom and equality), preventing highly commendable. That is, have grown on modern technologies, distributive conflicts (social justice) “a co-operative world order”, and big businesses” which alienate and maintaining ecological balance based on shared solutions. They people, dilute communityness and (sustainable growth) constitute pronounce: “together with social attacks nature. People become the new development paradigm movements and groups of civil machine-dependent and anti-nature that combines growth, efficiency society, we want to shape the as the emphasis is on speed, delivery and justice. This is what some future….” We, in the Association at any cost and ruthless approach. would call “Decent Capitalism”. for Democratic Socialism (ADS) Machine-centered approach has (Decent Capitalism: A Blueprint have been advocating for quite caused social tension and individual for Reforming our Economies, some time, a “tri-sector approach” stress. The Russian novelist Maxim (Sebastian Dullan et. al., Pluto – active collaboration between the Gorky, commenting on modern Press:2011). If we can live with government, market, and the civil technology had said, “Man has learnt the terminologies like Decent society. For the sake of credible to fly like a bird in the air, man has Capitalism, ethical capitalism, good policies, inclusive growth, and also learnt to swim like a fish in the 8 JANATA, April 28, 2013 water, but man is yet to learn how to live peacefully with his neighbor”. Globalisation – A Socialist Perspective The sister organization of ADS, The Schumacher Centre in India, has been Bapu Heddurhetti promoting people centered approach since 2000. Inspired by legendary Of late, there has been a wide to stay and the trend appears to be economist, E. F. Schumacher, the spread debate on ‘globalisation’ irreversible. Hence it has become author of the classic, “Small is all over the globe. The Socialist Beautiful: Economics as if People necessary for socialists to understand Mattered”, Schumacher Centre has International recognises that as to what is globalisation and been combining the ‘collaboration’ “Globalisation is a phenomenon also understand the ‘opposition’ to of Buddha, ‘service’ of Gandhi, and that has emerged forcefully in the it, as also to develop a ‘socialist th ‘compassion’ of Schumacher, which latter part of the 20 Century and is perspective’ on it. st has generated the scope for Buddhist likely to grow in the 21 century”. economy (a chapter in Schumacher’s However, many people, particularly Most of those who oppose book) now called compassionate in India, oppose Globalisation. ‘globalisation’ oppose only the economy. Schumacher also talked Even while eulogising the concept ‘capitalist globalisation’ but about Gross Domestic Happiness of ‘Vasudhaiva kutumbakam’ - the confuse it with opposition to what (GDH) along with GDP. Such ideas whole world is a family – India Prof. Leslie Sklair of the London align with a lot of eastern as well as also has a tradition of opposing School of Economics calls ‘generic western values. globalisation. Even today there are globalisation’, while ignoring the people in India who do not eat chilies fact that there can be other forms of Alliance must look East because they came from overseas. globalisation including a ‘socialist Drawing on the Eastern traditions Recently a religious pontiff was globalisation’. is also necessary for redefining the boycotted by other pontiffs because What is Globalisation contours of Democratic Socialism. he had traveled ‘across the seas’ This is where Socialist International which is supposed to be prohibited It would be better to understand faltered by not going deep into in Hindu religion. globalisation, i.e., generic politics beyond the Western globalisation, and enumerate its societies. One hopes that Progressive In India, some socialists also advantages so that the criticism Alliance will not repeat that mistake. oppose globalisation. Having grown of globalisation can be put in Former Austrian Chancellor, Alfred politically during the freedom perspective. After reviewing several Gusenbauer writing on redefining struggle, which was ‘opposing’ the definitions of globalization, Al- Social Democracy said, “Social British rule in India and having had Rodhan, Nayef R.F. and Gérard Democracy may have originated in to be ‘on the left side of the Speaker’ Stoudmann define it as ‘the process the West, but its future will be written for many years after independence, of international integration arising by the East.” Both democracy and these socialists never found a proper from the interchange of world views, socialism are evolving into truly equation with power and hence products, ideas, and other aspects international ideology requiring always suffered from the ‘opposition of culture’. For Albrow, Martin and inputs from all traditions. Mono- psychosis’. Elizabeth King it includes “all those cultural societies in the West have to processes by which the peoples of prepare for multicultural democracy However, in spite of a large number the world are incorporated into a as the movement of people along of people opposing globalisation and single world society”. with goods, capital, and services have a large number of articles appearing become commonplace. Prof. John in news papers all over the world It was perhaps economist Takis Kean talked about “democratizing opposing globalisation - Nobel Fotopoulos who aspectualised the the history of democracy”. He said prize winning economist Amartya generic globalization into ‘economic we need no longer read the history Sen calls the anti-globalisation globalization’, meaning liberal of democracy as a movement from movement the most globalised regime of commodity, capital and movement - it is slowly becoming labour markets beyond national (Continued on Page 12) a reality. Globalisation has come boundaries: ‘political globalization’, JANATA, April 28, 2013 9 meaning the emergence of trans- regionally enhances their position”. music, the cultural homogenization national political organizations appears clearly at work. and dilution of the nation states: As a corollary to such a view ‘cultural globalization’, meaning of sovereignty, the Socialist Internet, which connects the world-wide inter-mixing of International justifies intervention in computers around the world, is a cultures - and other concepts the sovereignty of a nation state for curious tool. It is not only a product like ‘ideological globalization’, protecting and preserving the basic of globalization but is also a promoter ‘technological globalization’ and human rights. It says: “We support of it. While 394 million people ‘social globalization’. the need to advance the ‘right were using the internet in the year of intervention on humanitarian 2000, by 2010 a record 1.8 billion Political globalization has roots grounds’, within the framework of people were using the internet. By in ancient history and has been international law, because no reasons 2010, 22 percent of the world’s glorified of late. Socrates had said “I of state or difference in identity population had access to computers am not an Athenian, or a Greek, but a can ever justify genocide or ethnic with 1 billion Google searches every citizen of the world”. The call by Karl cleansing, or provide impunity to day. YouTube that brings hitherto Marx, in the Communist Manifesto dictators who systematically violate unavailable music from all corners to the workers of the world to unite universal human rights”. of the world to all corners of the was a call for globalization of the world is viewed by 2 billion people working class. From the setting up Socio-cultural Globalisation every day. of the International Working Men’s : Socialists at the international Association by Marx and others level are aware of the social Critisising the branding of the to the establishment of the United impact of globalisation and the World Social Forum as ‘anti- Nations Organisation after the social metamorphosis that the globalisation’ by the proponents Second World War and the European globalisation is engendering. The of ‘economic globalisation’, Union are the examples of political Socialist International recognises Prof. Noam Chomsky says “Take globalization. that the industrial society is getting the World Social Forum (WSF), transformed into an information and called ‘anti-globalization’ in the Political globalization is changing knowledge based society “taking propaganda system – which happens the pith and substance of the very place at a pace and extent hitherto to include the media, the educated concept of national sovereignty. It unknown in history”. classes, etc., with rare exceptions. is being done in two ways. One, by The WSF is a paradigm example opting for regional arrangements and All societies all over the world are of globalization. It is a gathering thereby sharing, if not surrendering, slowly becoming the melting pots of of huge numbers of people from all ‘sovereignty’ and two, by opting different races, religions, languages over the world, from just about every for ‘intervention’ in the sovereignty and cultures. Multiculturalism corner of life one can think of, apart of other nations in the name of and multilingualism, which were from the extremely narrow highly protecting the human rights. historical realities in India for ages, privileged elites who meet at the are becoming realities in Europe competing World Economic Forum, The Socialist International and other western countries due to and are called ‘pro-globalization’ by recognizes both these changes. globalisation. These different races, the propaganda system”. It says “Regional cooperation is religions, cultures, languages, etc., making headway in the international cannot remain segregated for long. The Lopsided View community. Europe is firmly moving The process of homogenization will The current criticism of towards … shared sovereignty. overtake all the different societies globalization is based on its lopsided Europe is aiming at an open form of over a period of time, howsoever view. Globalisation is wrongly regionalism, which we support and long. The effect of homogenization equated with only the growth of consider to be the most appropriate is clearly visible in culture. Starting multi-national corporate giants way of meeting the challenges from the Chinese leaders shunning and their international expansion which cannot be met efficiently the Mao Tse Tung coat in favour of of business which can be called by Nation States acting on their the European suit to the fusion of ‘economic globalisation’. The own. A sovereignty which is shared classical eastern music and western criticism is mainly directed against 10 JANATA, April 28, 2013 the investment in the developing who favour a different form of globalisation do not say that these countries by these multi-national international integration, which Indian companies should not invest corporate giants, and the political privileges the rights of human abroad. But when foreign companies clout that this investment is said beings, become ‘anti-globalist’. are allowed to start their production to deliver to these giants. In India This is simply vulgar propaganda, units in India there is a hue and cry particularly, the historical memories like the term anti-Soviet used by the by the so-called ‘nationalists’ and of the ‘East India Company’ gobbling most disgusting commissars to refer ‘patriots’. up the country politically engenders to dissidents. It is not only vulgar, a phobia in many an intellectual but idiotic”. However the Socialist about globalization. International feels that there is Positive aspects of need to emphasise the other than In the year 2000, the International Economic Globalisation corporate and financial dimensions Monetary Fund (IMF) identified Globalization is also perceived of globalization. It says “We need four basic aspects of globalization: as a positive force in the world, to make it multi-dimensional by trade and transactions, capital and particularly in the area of finance with emphasising the need for a free investment movements, migration a positive impact. For example, in movement of labour also so that any and movement of people and the the countries that started globalizing, person from any part of the world dissemination of knowledge. Even the per capita Gross Domestic can migrate to any other part of the this was an inadequate understanding Product (GDP) grew by 1.4 percent world in search of better conditions of the phenomenon of globalization a year in the 1960s and 2.9 percent a of living”. But the same appears to though it was appropriate that an year in the 1970s to 3.5 percent in the be already happening. economic organization should so 1980s and 5.0 percent in the 1990s. understand and define it. The IMF, On the contrary, the non-globalizing Millions of people getting being an economic organization, did developing countries’ annual growth employed in India due to outsourcing not bother to include the political, rate fell from 3.3 percent during the by foreign countries, like in ‘Call social and cultural dimensions of 1970s to only 1.4 percent during the Centers’ and millions of Indians globalization. 1990s. However it is very interesting getting employed abroad and that the rich countries saw steady repatriating millions of dollars of The Socialist International declines in growth from a high money to India are instances of one recognized this lopsidedness of the of 4.7 percent in the 1960s to 2.2 aspect of economic globalization. view and expressed its concern. It percent in the 1990s. With regards About 85% of Dubai’s population said in its Declaration of Principles to trade and transactions, developing consists of migrant workers, a of Socialism adopted by the XVIII countries increased their share of majority of whom are from India. Congress at Stockholm in June world trade, from 19 percent in 1971 More than 10 % of Kerala’s 1989, “Globalisation is becoming to 29 percent in 1999. population is working and earning uni-dimensional with the formation abroad. Remittances from Indians and growth of the multi national It is not as though only the foreign working overseas increased by corporations and the transcending companies are coming to India, 18.9 per cent to US $ 66.1 billion of the national borders by a free investing their money in India. in 2011-12 from US $ 55.6 billion movement of capital”. The charge can be equally levelled in the previous year. Here also the against Indian companies also. opponents of globalisation, do not Prof. Noam Chomsky is still Recently Tatas, an Indian company say that these millions of Indians more strident. He says “The purchased Cores, an English should not be employed abroad or dominant propaganda systems have company. The French Prime Minister that they should not repatriate their appropriated the term ‘globalization’ recently joined issues with Laxmi earnings to India. to refer to the specific version of Mittal, the Indian international steel international economic integration giant, on the floor of the French It is estimated that nearly 14 that they favour, which privileges National Assembly. Many other million immigrants came to the the rights of investors and lenders, Indian corporate giants are investing United States between 2000 and those of people being incidental. their monies in foreign countries 2010. As of 2005, the global In accord with this usage, those also. However, the opponents of labor pool of those employed by JANATA, April 28, 2013 11 multinational companies consisted For harnessing globalisation in private profit, socialist globalization of approximately 3 billion workers. the service of the socialist ideals, would prioritize the creation of According to World Bank estimates, the Socialist International is taking employment that is worthwhile remittances totaled US $ 414 billion the democratic route. It is talking both for individuals and for the in 2009, of which US $ 316 billion of democratizing the multi-national community as a whole. In the went to developing countries that corporate giants, in transforming political sphere, while capitalist involved 192 million migrant the present capitalist society into a globalization, directed by the trans- workers. socialist society. In this direction the national capitalist class, organizes Socialist International says “These society through parliamentary A new crisis caused by multi-national corporations are democracy based largely on states globalization is brewing in the slowly taking over the space hitherto and national societies, in socialist European Union. Million of workers occupied by the political State, with globalization society would be from east European countries which the result that the State has begun organized through participatory were part of the former Soviet Union shrinking. Hence an urgent need has forms of democracy. And in the and have now become part of the arisen to democratize the functioning culture-ideology sphere, while European Union are migrating to the of these corporations so as to ensure the value system of capitalist west European countries and since not only the participation of the globalization revolves round the they are ready to work for wages stake holders in the decision making culture-ideology of consumerism, lower than the wages demanded processes of these corporations the value system of socialist by the west European workers, it is but also to use these economic globalization would revolve around causing distress among the workers instrumentalities in promoting the human rights and responsibilities.” of the west European countries. socialist ideals of freedom, equality Thus in this instance, globalization and fraternity as the Socialists of the While mapping the route to is working in favour of poorer 18th and 19th centuries did with the Socialist globalisation Prof. Sklair nations and against the interests of institution of State”. speaks of ‘Producer-Consumer the developed nations. Co-operatives’ globally connecting Prof. Leslie Sklair of the London with each other, even over distances Towards a Socialist Globalisation School of Economics also reiterates in view of exponential advances Should the socialists be socialists the same view. He argues that the in transport and communications, or be Anarchists and Communists? ‘generic globalisation’ has concretely in mutually beneficial and non- The Anarchists and the Communists manifested itself as ‘capitalist exploitative relations. He cites had opposed the ‘State’ and globalisation’ and “the only way the International Co-operative wanted to destroy it. But then the of making a successful transition Alliance, which, though not a democratic socialists tried to put from capitalist globalization to “clear evidence of embryonic positive content in the state and socialist globalization will be socialist globalization”, is pointing harness it as an instrument for through a democratic process in towards the possible alternative transforming the capitalist society which capitalist forms of democracy globalisations. into a socialist society. Another are themselves transformed into but similar challenge is facing the socialist forms of democracy”. Prof Sklair concludes, “The democratic socialists. What should contradictions of capitalist be the attitude of the socialists with Prof Sklair also tries to define the globalization can only be resolved regard to Globalisation. Should contours of Socialist Globalisation. in the interests of the vast majority they oppose it or should they try to He says “We can identify the by grasping the dynamics and harness it in the service of socialism? fundamental differences between opportunities of generic globalization While some people, particularly in capitalist globalization and socialist and mobilizing them to create the India, want to oppose Globalisation globalization in the economic, conditions for successful socialist tooth and nail, there are others who political, and culture-ideology globalization. In my view this will are taking a pragmatic view and are spheres. In the economic sphere, while involve a gradual withering away trying to harness Globalisation in the capitalist globalization (through of the state, not the privatization service of socialism as they had done the trans-national corporations) of state functions that the Trans- with the institution of state. prioritizes the accumulation of national Capitalist Class driving 12 JANATA, April 28, 2013 neo-liberal capitalist globalization is socialists evolve socialist responses Like the time and tide do not wait currently engaged in, but a multitude to it and think of ways and means for any one, history will not wait of networks of producer-consumer of harnessing the processes of for the socialists, as the framing of co-operatives, from the small and globalisation in the service of the the Constitution of India did not localized to the larger and trans- socialist ideals of liberty, equality wait for them. The concern of the national”. and fraternity, as the socialists socialists should be to find out if harnessed the institution of state the processes of globalisation are Responding to Prof. Sklair’s which was characterized by adversely affecting the enhancement thesis, Prof. Ben Selwyn of the Marx as the executive committee of the ideals of liberty, equality and University of Sussex, Brighton, for managing the affairs of the fraternity and if yes, how to mould using Marxian tools, argues that bourgeoisie into a welfare state as the processes so that they enhance the transformation of the capitalist a precursor to the creation of an these ideals and help in ultimately globalisation into socialist egalitarian society. building a socialist society. globalisation will come through the regimen of labour over capital. (Continued from Page 6) He says “My argument is that we need to conceptually distinguish The unprecedented Nationwide charged. Railway Unions held lunch between the political economy of General Strike on 20th and 21st hour gate meetings in solidarity. The capital and the political economy February, 2013 was a grand success. unity of all Central Trade Unions and of labour, and that it is the latter, More than ten crore workers in-dependent federations of workers in theory, vision and practice, that participated. Ports and Docks were is expected to be maintained to renew possesses the capacity to transform completely paralysed. There was nil pressure on the Government through capitalist globalisation into socialist production of Coal in the country. all the peaceful methods of protest globalization”. All the states except West Bengal to ensure that the Government wakes and Tamil Nadu observed strike up from its deep slumber. Let us take The Socialist International says willingly. Bank, Insurance, Public a pledge on this May Day: “The great paradox of this historical and Private Road Transport, Defence period is that never before has Civilian employees, taxis, auto- LONG LIVE THE MAY DAY mankind had more possibilities of rickshaws went on strike. Hundreds LONG LIVE fighting ancestral problems such as of workers were arrested, lathi THE WORKERS SOLIDARITY inequality, hunger, disease or lack of education. Yet these opportunities Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, are currently being used to increase General Secretary, and not to bridge the existing gaps. Hind Mazdoor Sabha It is our resolve to reverse this trend and thus put globalisation to work at the service of human progress … The management of (Continued from Page 8) future in fulfillment of its mission globalisation calls for better and Athens to Westminster to Capitol as we keenly observe its progress. stronger political actions, better Hill! There were other traditions Janata Subscription quality and level of democratic which would have contributed participation locally, nationally, Annual Rs. : 260/- to the growth of democracy. At Three Years : 750/- regionally and even internationally any rate, Progressive Alliance has … We propose Global Progress to clearly thought through its vision. Demand Draft / Cheque on face the challenges of globalisation”. How it operates through new Mumbai Bank structures, strategies, and activities is in favour of Hence to oppose globalisation speculation at the moment, although JANATA TRUST per se is like throwing the baby the draft document does talk about with the bath water. So instead of what the Alliance does, and how the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, blindly opposing the globalization, structure may look like. We wish the Naushir Bharucha Marg, like the communists, it is time the Progressive Alliance a promising Mumbai 400 007 JANATA, April 28, 2013 13 Socialist Party(India)

Dear friends Second Biennial Conference, 17 th and 18h May,2013 The control of neo-imperialist Mrinal Goray Nagar, Panchayat Association Hall,Vellayambalam forces over our economy, politics, Thiruvanantpuram , Kerala education, languages and culture th has reached a dangerous point. 16 May, 2013 Thus, our independence, achieved National Committee meeting from 3 to 7 p.m. After dealing with the after long struggle and sacrifices, formal agenda, in-depth discussion will take place about how to build strong party organization. National Comittee members and State presidents is under great threat. Instead of are requested to invite to the meeting such of their colleagues who are confronting the neo-imperialist interested in this subject. invasion, India’s present political th establishment, already hounded by 17 may 2013 corruption, communalism, casteism, 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.-Registration of delegates and member-visitors 9.30 a.m.—flag hoisting. regionalism, muscle and money 10 a.m. to 11 a.m: power, family rule, etc. has become Meeting of the National Council consisting of three delegates elected its agent. Most political parties by every properly constituted District Committee to consider the following have ignored the basic philosophy agenda: of the Constitution that seeks to 1) Presentation of accounts for the last two years by the treasurer. ensure equality and prosperity for 2) Election of the office-bearers and National Committee members all its citizens in all spheres of life. Election Officer, Surendra Gautam, will announce the procedure and Instead of abiding by the Directive time schedule of the election. Principles of the Constitution, 3) Consideration of amendments to the constitution as recommended by governments at the centre and the the National Committee states are following the dictates of 11 a.m. to 1.30 p.m: the World Bank, IMF, and WTO. Plennary session: Agenda- The country’s precious resources 1) Speech of the Chairman of the Reception .Committee are being looted by hundreds of 2) Fraternal greetings multi-national companies/corporate 3) Presentation of General Secretary’s report 4) Presidential address by Bhai Vaidya. houses that have infiltrated into 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.: - moving of the resolutions every sector including the Defense. The consequences are obvious: 18th May 2013 suicides by lakhs of farmers, large 9 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.: scale displacement, series of scams, separate meetings of Socialist Yuvajan Sabha and Socialist Mahila Manch. 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. - Discussion on the resolutions. price rise, unemployment, illiteracy, 1.30 p.m. to 2 p.m.- Valedictory function and thanks-giving. diseases, crime and fundamentalist 3 p.m.to 7 p.m. – procession and public meeting tendencies that threaten the Dr. Prem Singh, General Secretary. country’s internal and external security. Note- 1) Reception counter at Thiruvanthapuram railway station will be open th th The prospective candidates for from 6 a.m. on 16 May 2013 to 12 noon on 17 May.2013. 2) Contact numbers- Rajshekharan Nair-09447034808 the post of prime minister are George Jacob-09447115073 Adv. E V Phillip-09387822490 putting up their performance skills ShrikumarNair- 09447963 217. before big business houses to win their support. The mainstream media propagates this naked nexus including the youth, bestow praise communal forces could take centre of leaders and capitalists through upon leaders who openly preach stage because there was no genuine live telecast. Most of the civil and practice communal fascism. socialist alternative in absence of the society constituents of the country, Needless to say, the corporate and Socialist Party after 1977. 14 JANATA, April 28, 2013

Therefore, after a long process of deliberations held at various Reteat on Democatic Socilism – cities, the Socialist Party was re- A Report established at Hyderabad on 28 May 2010. The decision has been Gururaja Budhya motivated by a desire to build a new and committed socialist India that will counter the present crisis. The 2nd National Retreat on Indian democracy cannot The Socialist Party is committed Democratic Socialism was held for be compared with the Western th st to establish socialist system based 3 days (29 to 31 March 2013) at democracies as it has developed its on the legacy and philosophy of ECONEST Asha Sadan, Vagamon. own character like family rule and freedom fighters and socialist The series of Retreats were planned uncontested election of the leader of the parties. thinkers like Acharya Narendra to deepen the understanding of core of Democratic Socialism and issues Dev, , Dr. There are inputs into Indian related to it. The 1st Retreat held Rammanohar Lohia, S.M. Joshi, democracy by non-party actors such in Hyderabad, discussed the core Kamladevi Chattopadhyaya, and as business, civil society, and media values of Democratic Socialism. Yusuf Meherally. by influencing politics as well as by The aim of the 2nd Retreat was to putting pressure. This gives hope for produce an action programme. The second national convention the citizens to be active vis-à-vis of the Socialist Party will be held 41 participants from five States rights and responsibilities. at Trivandrum in Kerala on 17- attended. 18 May, 2013. We would like to This was responded to by Ajith The three days were divided request the like-minded activists/ Muricken who started with the into six sessions – five on issues question what do we hope to achieve artists/academicians to kindly (Politics, Economy,Socio-Cultural, through democracy. According attend the convention as special Foreign Policy and Land & to him, democracy should lead guests. The presence/message of Agriculture) and the last on the to freedom and well being of the the special guests would certainly action programme. Each Session individual. Democracy is a universal encourage us to strengthen the was structured in such a way that consciousness. party organization and to fight the an initiator introduced the subject corporate capitalism decisively. and the issues to be discussed, The dynamism of Indian which was further elaborated by a democracy has brought in sections of society such as the subaltern We would be happy to make respondent. This was followed with classes – dalits, women, etc. They arrangement for special guests’ one and half hours of discussion. stay and meals at Trivandrum. participate in the political space They may contact me or comrade A brief summary of the sessions which leads to their emancipation. S. Raj Shekharan Nayar, reception follow: However, identity, political committee chairman (mob.: alignment based on fragmented 9447034808)/George Jacob Session I: Politics interests and using democracy for undemocratic purposes forms the (mob.: 9447115073) for further The Session was initiated by weakness of Indian democracy. information. Please let us know Dr. D. K. Giri. According to Dr. about your travel plan so that we Giri, in Indian democracy there In the discussion that followed, can receive you at the railway is a gap between ideal and reality the points raised were: station/airport. and theory and practice. The strong • State under threat – internally points of Indian democracy are by terrorism and externally With sincere regards political consciousness, political by regional groupings and Yours sincerely mobilization, vibrancy, activism the MNCs that undermine Prem Singh and strength of institutions and sovereignty. General Secretary Constitution but the practice is • Water for all (Mobile : 9873276726) weak. • Indian democratic system is JANATA, April 28, 2013 15

caste oriented, and is now For example, in agriculture, if this? The other view – there ridden with corruption, black there are farmers, one with less land is something called “decent money, and criminalization. The and one with more and irrigation is work”, if contract jobs have political parties lack ideology. provided then the farmer with less these built into it, then why not? • With liberalization in the 1990s, land will benefit but the farmer with In Maharashtra there is welfare the character of the State has more land will benefit much more. fund for the unorganized sector. changed from being a welfare Hence, the Socialist view is first In Gujarat, there is a labour state. We need an action plan divide the land equally between the card for the unorganized sector for the poor two farmers, then provide irrigation workers, which ensures the • State should be under the law. Its and both will benefit equally. employer contributes to the institutions like political parties workers PF, health benefits, etc. should function under law. This Similarly in industry, “convert Such provisions can be brought will ensure accountability. the workers to owners and the into contract jobs. • Question of governance should owners also become workers then • To bring about re-distribution, be addressed there will be equality and there will there is need for more like • Social change should precede be no exploitation.” ability, infrastructure, capital, political change etc. • Democracy should deliver, must Equality must be aligned with • Agriculture: The issues in be universal, and should always solidarity. Hence we must think of agriculture have changed. We evolve bringing farmers and agricultural have had structural changes – • Who is a Democratic Socialist? labour in a cooperative model. land reforms. Today the value Whoever imbibes and practices of land has changed and also the core values of Democratic Shri Sunder responded to the the use of land. Today there is Socialism above. According to him, today the question of land acquisition, • The Preamble to the Constitution the inequalities and disparities farmers losing the right to decide said, “we are a sovereign, in incomes are very high. Earlier on what to grow etc. Another secular, socialist, democratic factory owners exploited the workers threat is the genetically modified republic of India”. We need to but today the State exploits them. seeds patented by MNCs. The test against these to see where Earlier in the private sector there farmers will be forced to buy we are today, what went wrong were restrictions on remunerations seeds from the MNCs. and twowhy. to its employees and board of • Apart from agriculture and • Education is key to promoting directors but today all restrictions industry we must look at the democracy are removed. There is too much services sector. The new working • Need to strengthen democracy disparity. class is the IT professionals. at the grassroots How do we define this class? The points raised during The women in this group? Session II: Economy discussion were: Similarly, Socialist facilities The subject was initiated by are available in the organized Bapuheddurshetti. He started with • The issue of employing on sector, we need to bring them defining Socialism as extending contract basis. The employees in to the unorganized sector as democratic principles to the have no social security, it well. economy i.e. democracy is political goes against the Democratic • As Socialists are we concerned equality for everyone; Socialism is Socialist principles of equality only with humans or do we to bring this equality to economy. – equality of facilities, wages, incorporate other concerns such perks, post-retirement security, as flora, fauna, etc ? Wrong economic policies tend etc. The government stopped • Youth: 45 percent of India’s to perpetuate inequality. Socialists recruiting because of economic population falls in the category believe that it is necessary to have compulsions and started taking of “youth”. What role do we equality because it creates a better people on contract basis. envisage for them? society. Along with equality we also As socialists do we want to • Migration: Migration from need solidarity. formulate our thinking on agriculture to cities will happen. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, April 28, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, April 28, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday May 1, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1 To stop migration we must invest Session III: Socio-Cultural Skills: Our education system more in agriculture. However, The Session was initiated by does not ensure skill set as per the statistics of agricultural Dr. Sarala Gopalan. According to demand. This is in spite of talking production shows that except for Dr. Gopalan, while there has been about skills, so many committees the States of Maharashtra and significant progress in India, it is recommending vocational trainings, Kerala, all other States produce lagging in the social sector. etc. In India, we have a huge enough to feed all their people. population that is young and without So, cross state movement Health: Infant mortality has come skills they cannot contribute. is not required. At the same down but is still just less than 50; time, migrations have reduced life expectancy at birth was less Dr. Susan was the respondent in because of schemes such as than 40 at independence and now this Session. According to her, we NREGA; so also there are no is 60; whereas life expectancy of need to address this issue because agricultural labour because of women should be five years more today we have two two – one, NREGA than men, in India it is less than India that is growing and shining; • Skill: The NSS surveys show men. In this age of technology and and the other, Bharat, which is that 1-2 employed units are knowledge, it is unforgivable that backward and marginalized. Here dying but 5-6 employed units women are dying at child birth. there is inequality and we need a are thriving. But what is lacking The main reasons for death at child Democratic Socialist response. is skill. Today we have a Skill birth are lack of infrastructure, clean Development Mission. 14 places for birth, anemia & poor The issue that concerns the Ministries are involved in the nutrition among women, absence of marginalized today is that of Mission. The youth must move service personnel with training, and livelihood. Livelihood is not just from agriculture, acquire skills lifestyle diseases. income generation but it is an and that will fetch them jobs. integrated system enabling people • How can we create more jobs? The government talks about to have a secure and sustained Can MNCs, the liberalized public-private partnership but we living – access to education, health, economy create more jobs? need to go a step further. Communities hygiene, rights, risk reduction, Then how do we address the have to take responsibility and question of job security and do more. SHGs have been able housing, clothing, skills, means dignity of life? The other view to contribute a lot but it has been of production, information, social is that there is no dearth of patchy. Civil society workers are not acceptance and inclusion. jobs, what is lacking is a match equally committed everywhere. The between jobs available and skills. Government of India schemes have Contemporary issues such as Today campus recruitments are all been started with good intention land acquisition, climate change, happening at the IITs, which but their implementation has failed. renewable energy, harmony with shows there are enough jobs. nature, etc. also need to be addressed • Socialists across the world Education: With the Right to from the point of view of inequality. are accused of not handling Education Act, India has made The poor contribute least to global the economy well. If Marx some strides but still we have 35 warming but they suffer most from said societies will move from percent illiteracy. In schools the its consequences. feudalism to capitalism followed rate of admission has gone up but by social class revolution leading the rate of retention in schools is Dr. Susan also proposed whether to socialism, the Democratic low. One way to keep girl children a discussion on tri-sector partnership Socialists have brought in the in schools is to give them bicycles i.e. partnership between State, concept of welfare state to bring but then there are other issues like Business and Civil Society, would in socialism. However, we do good roads, dignity of the girl be useful. need growth. This growth must child, safety of the child, qualified be fair and inclusive. teachers, etc. (to be concluded) Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 15 Disgrace abounding May 5, 2013 S. Viswam Quiet changeover Kuldip Nayar Parliament’s ongoing budget mind-boggling sum. session is to end on May 10, but the end is likely to come much But the latest exposure of the Change of Class-Caste earlier. Indeed, the way things are government’s shenanigans in respect narratives under Globalisation shaping, some surprises may also be of the functioning of the Central K. S. Chalam in store for the country. For, what is Bureau of Investigation (CBI) happening in New Delhi these days is shocking beyond description. is raising serious doubts over the Nothing like this has happened A Plea for changing longevity of the UPA government. in the entire post-independence the This particular government has been history of our beloved country. The Bapu Heddurshetti limping from one crisis to another first assault on the government’s during its second term. While the credibility in regard to the CBI Prime Minister has ensured that question came last Friday when the Reteat on Democatic Socilism his name has remained clean and CBI director Ranjit Sinha told the Gururaja Budhya un-besmirched, the same cannot be Supreme Court that the agency’s said for all his colleagues and the draft status report on the Coalgate When Protectors government as a whole. investigation was shared with Union turn predators Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, the Kalpana Sharma Leader of the Opposition in the PMO and the coal ministry. The Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj is often opposition promptly demanded given to exaggeration in her anxiety the law minister’s resignation. The Low cost health care to score debating points. But her investigation pertained to irregular claim in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday allotments of coal blocks during that the 15th Lok Sabha (the ongoing the UPA’s first term. The amount Editor : one) has seen the most corrupt involved, according to notional G. G. Parikh government since independence is estimates by the Comptroller and probably correct. Every session, she Auditor General of India, was in Managing Editor : Guddi said, is marred by a fresh scam which the region of Rs. 1.86 lakh crores. D-15, Ganesh Prasad, gets bigger than the previous ones. However, the Prime Minister Naushir Bharucha Marg, This statement cannot be faulted. The defended his cabinet colleague. Mumbai - 400 007. monetary size of each scam also gets bigger. The total amount involved in The fat was in the fire for the all the scams put together is to the government on Tuesday when Email : [email protected] tune of several lakhs crores. It is a the Supreme Court criticized the 2 JANATA, May 5, 2013

CBI and the government, and the opposition demanded not only Quiet changeover the prime minister’s resignation but the ouster of the government Kuldip Nayar since the government’s credibility had been completely lost. Some The acquittal of Sajjan Kumar, in the country with the talks of of the remarks made by the court a Congress leader from Delhi, was mid-term polls looming large. Even are a direct indictment of the bound to create a furor because he otherwise, they will put on red alert government and tantamount to the has come to symbolize the anti-Sikh both the Congress and the BJP charge of usurpation of rights by riots in 1984. Even though 29 years before the four states—Madhya the government to which it is not have lapsed since the killings, the Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan entitled by law. The first duty of anger has not lessened because the and Delhi—go to election later this the court, it said, was to liberate demand by the Sikhs to punish the year and that of the Lok Sabha, due the CBI from political interference, guilty has not been met. Some way in 2014. external influence and intrusion. would have to be found to alley Hinting that there is already a their hurt. In fact, the timing of the assembly cloud of suspicion over the CBI’s election in the southern state is such impartiality, the court said this When the black and the white that it will even keep the voters in the cloud must be lifted. The court had were at the point of clash in South rest of the country guessing. They to ensure that officers manning the Africa, a commission for law and would be too keen to know what the agency are of impeccable integrity. reconciliation was appointed. The state electorate does, divided as it is The court held that there was no law purpose was to have the truth out between Lingayats and Vokkalligas. that allowed ministers to order the without pursuing the cases endlessly. It seems the caste factor will come to CBI to show them status reports. Some such way in India may not play a crucial role in most assembly meet the demands of the Sikhs, but seats in the state, as seen in the past, The court proceedings came may bring the real purpose of rioting with the minority votes becoming as a huge embarrassment for the out. A conciliation committee should the clincher. government. Even for the prime not be after punishment but to find And, as in every poll, money will minister, they were a big blow. The out the reasons for the crime. True, play a crucial role in Karnataka. prime minister’s office was among the Sikhs will not be satisfied with There will be no doubting about the offices which were privileged the mere commission but without the link between the assets of a to have a peep into, and correct/ conciliation the truth may escape us. candidate and the victory. The last change/modify the contents. What assembly election in the state saw was galling for the court was that In the meanwhile, Karnataka goes as many as nine candidates winning the CBI had earlier misled the court to the polls. There is no electoral their seat on sheer money power. by not disclosing that the report had wave sweeping through the state, One candidate has declared Rs. 690 been vetted by the government. The either in favour of the ruling BJP or crores as his assets. court was constrained to say that that the Congress. Nor is there any the conduct of the government and pollster willing to bet his last penny There may not be any difference the CBI tantamounted to “ a vital on the mood swings of the electorate. this time. Even a cursory look at erosion of trust.” There is disconnection between the candidates’ list in Karnataka people and the political process, tells the story of how more and The CBI embarrassed itself suggesting that the anti-incumbency more rich people are being roped in a bit more when its chief Ranjit factor has been fast catching up with by the parties to contest elections. the BJP, allowing the Congress more From liquor lobby to mining barons Sinha claimed that the agency than a foothold—and say—in the to real estate owners, all have been was not autonomous but a part of state. distributed tickets by both the parties. the government. The CBI cannot At least 10 of those candidates, exist in isolation since there were Yet irrespective of the outcome, belonging to both the Congress occasions for it to consult the the Karnataka results could well be and the BJP, have more than Rs. the yardstick the two main parties 100-crore worth of assets. This only (Continued on Page 15) would use to assess the atmosphere strengthens my belief that in spite of JANATA, May 5, 2013 3 the Election Commission’s efforts money factor has been steadily Change of Class-Caste narratives rising. We have seen this trend for under Globalisation more than a decade now and I will be surprised if more such businessmen do not join the ranks in future. The K. S. Chalam Muslim electorate will still count.

Understandably, all top political Social scientists study adivasis, there is some clarity. The party leaders have hit the campaign transformation of not only the notion of ‘Depressed Classes’was trail. The Congress had their star economic structures but also the social later dismantled by the time campaigners in Sonia Gandhi, relations that are interconnected. the Constitution got drafted. Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister They have created different tools Sociologists particularly those who Manmohan Singh while the BJP and concepts to describe their were trained in the West had tried to paraded leaders like party president findings. One of the important formulate theories about caste. But, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and socio-economic categories that sociologists like R. K. Mukherjee L.K. Advani to garner votes for their have become popular is the concept and others were critical of the respective parties. The BJP has fully of class, and in the Indian context, theories about dominant caste of M unleashed Gujarat chief minister caste. Schumpeter, one of the greatest N Srinivas who according to them Narendra Modi on the scene. His intellectuals of the last century in his brought confusion to divert the chauvinistically Hindu speeches are “ Imperialism and Social classes “ attention of scholars from class. polarizing the state and sending such messages to the rest of the country. has said that, “Class is something more than an aggregation of class We need to understand that The anti-BJP sentiment is a members. It is something else, and class and caste have different problem the ruling party will find this something cannot be recognized characteristics. The former is a difficult to contend with. Even in the behaviour of the individual dynamic concept that keeps on otherwise, the party’s reputation was class member. A class is aware of its changing with the mode of production clouded by corruption and criminal identity as a whole, sublimates itself while caste remained static for ages cases during its entire tenure of rule, as such, has its own peculiar life with some alterations at the top besides the internal bickering which and characteristic “spirit”. As there over a period of time, but without led to the former chief minister is no consensus among the scholars substantial change in the social B.S. Yediyurappa quitting the BJP on the core of class analysis or even ranks( Chalam, 1988).The study of and forming the Karnataka Janatha the definition of class, we may use castes became popular both in the Paksa (KJP). The wily politician Schumpeter’s definition. academic and political discourses may not win many seats but can after the Mandal Commission. It certainly make a dent to the chances Caste is the craftiest notion is strange that those who oppose of the BJP. that has been haunting the social or favour backward classes now, process in India from times were silent for three decades after Similarly, another former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy who immemorial. This has been further the Kaka Kalelkar Commission has been out of power for the past complicated with new categories report submitted in 1955. The five years has his strong support base like ‘Depressed classes’, ‘Scheduled Commission had several conflicts in the Hassan district, dominated castes’, ‘Backward (most) classes’, of opinion on the use of caste as by the Vokalligas. He is capable ‘ Scheduled tribes’ etc. that were a criterion of backwardness and of making deep inroads into both added during the British rule. In cited that in the terms of reference the Congress and the BJP vote fact, there is no universally accepted of the Commission, they were banks. Kumaraswamy has played term to describe all social categories asked to examine only ‘classes a sharp card by accommodating uniformly, since some castes are and sections’. Thus, the confusion those political “migrants” who were listed as scheduled in one state as some activists think, is not a denied tickets by other parties. Yet, and backward in some other states constitutional construct, but appears the Janata Dal (Secular) and the clout (for example , dhobi, barber, etc). to be a bureaucratic meddle that (Continued on Page 8) In the case of untouchables and seems to be triggering uninformed 4 JANATA, May 5, 2013 battles among different caste groups number of scholars who contend that everyone knows that the weaker now. This, it is alleged, was further without using the concept of caste, it sections have become very weak and accentuated by populist writing by is difficult to comprehend the social remain subordinate to the dominant some activists/scholars. and even economic process in India. international bourgeoisie. I have listed out some metaphysical It is difficult to understand the and empirical dichotomies as It is established by some scholars Indian socio-economic, and thus preliminary first order issues to be that the FDIs are not interested in political, situation by using the addressed before proceeding further addressing any of the concerns like dual categories of class and caste to understand the significance of the that of ILO or about inequalities that after globalisation. The interaction liberalisation in India (2011). are created through investments, between classes and castes is except their super profits. Further, complicated due to internalization The onslaught of globalisation it has helped to develop:1. of some castes. The dvija castes and and its deep penetration is carried consumerist elite, merchants and bourgeoisie seem to be converging. out with the willing cooperation media, 2.globalising bureaucrats This is mystified by some western of state actors who knew the and politicians, 3.globalising scholars due to their ignorance and consequences of liberating the professionals, and 4.owning lack of deep study or may be due economy for our social structures. and controlling Trans National to the misguided translations of It is strange to find that the so-called Corporations (TNCs). The TNCs are certain transactions by local elite or global opportunities have benefited class conscious and have an agenda their nominees. It seems this clash only few upper and traditionally to prove the socialist globalisation as of opinion had prevailed during well entrenched castes and did not a myth and rubbish caste as a stupid the 19th century when Marx was spread across all eligible castes as idea under the influence of upper grasping and writing on India. Like popularised by the defenders of caste advisors. his countryman Max Muller, Marx globalisation. Curiously, those who never visited India. The source appear to be opposing the policies Yet, the U.K Parliament has material was so inaccurate that made for political reasons have actually passed a Bill recently to restrain him to coin a term ‘Asiatic Mode of strengthened it with tactical idea of caste discrimination among the Production’ to comprehend oriental Indian/Hindu way of liberalisation, Indian-origin people. The spread societies with certain peculiarities industrialisation and modernisation. of the evil among migrant workers that were absent in the occident. It has created a very innovative across the globe with caste based Yet, the concept did not move the idea of Multi-Caste Corporations colonies even in USA do really elite (Indian included) to change (MCCs) by bringing socially show the verve of caste under their approach to study classes and identical castes together to form globalisation. Does this trend make was responsible for the bloodiest business groups who are spread the slogans like ‘workers of the turmoil in ideological debates (see throughout. The prospects for crony world unite’ and proletariat upsurge Wittfogel). capitalism have been intensified infructuous and class war a distant with MCCs under globalisation. ICT dream? Leaving the debate at the has facilitated internationalisation academic level, we can proceed to of petty bourgeoisie .This has examine the contemporary situation not weakened the caste, but on Janata Subscription in India after the official declaration the contrary has improved caste Annual Rs. : 260/- of a capitalist mode of development economic solidarity and the shudras Three Years : 750/- about two decades ago. It was are widely differentiated. Realising Demand Draft / Cheque on expected that caste differences and the lacunae, the global players have Mumbai Bank discrimination would disappear outsourced as before, through their in favour of once economic opportunities are foundations, to develop academic created. In fact several scholars ideas to counter the criticism. We JANATA TRUST like Corbridge and Harris who have now formations like Dalit D-15, Ganesh Prasad, tried to reinvent India, argue for the or OBC business conglomerates Naushir Bharucha Marg, continued relevance of class as a unit and credible scholars talking Mumbai 400 007 of analysis. There are equally good about advantages of market. But, JANATA, May 5, 2013 5 A Plea for changing the electoral system

Bapu Heddurshetti

India has adopted the First Past takes place in varying degrees in though Dr. Pookunhikoya was the Post System (FPTP) of electing various constituencies. declared elected, he had been the members to the House of the rejected by 51 percent of the voters. People i.e., the Lok Sabha and the The third deficiency is that it is Legislative Assemblies of the various the candidate getting the highest It is also possible that a defeated States. Under the system a candidate number of votes polled who is candidate in one constituency may who gets the highest number of declared elected though only a small have polled a far larger number of votes polled in a constituency percentage of electors might have votes than the successful candidate defined by geographical boundaries, cast their votes. It is not necessary in another constituency. This results is declared elected even if he gets that a majority of electors must vote in votes/seats disparity, with a party a very small number of votes in for him. For example only 46.13 getting more votes but still getting absolute terms. percent of the electors voted in lesser number of seats and a party Outer Delhi, and though the votes getting lesser number of votes but There are several deficiencies in polled by Sajjan Kumar were 55 still getting a larger number of the system. The first deficiency is that percent of the votes polled they seats resulting in the installation under the system of geographically were only 25.39 percent of the total of a government which may not defined constituencies, it is not electorate. But in Lakshadweep, be enjoying the confidence of a possible to have constituencies 81.52 percent of the electors voted majority of the total number of with even approximately the same and Dr. P. Pookunhikoya got only electors and or even the confidence number of electors. For example, 15597 votes. Though they were 49 of the majority of electors who elect in the elections held in 2004, while percent of the votes polled, they to vote. the Outer Delhi parliamentary were only 39.95 percent of the total constituency had 3368399 electors, electorate. So while Sajjan Kumar Take for example, the elections the Lakshadweep had only 39033 got more votes in absolute numbers, to the very first Lok Sabha held in electors. But in the parliamentary and was more popular amongst 1951. Asoka Mehta was the General proceedings, the members of voters, Dr. Pookunhikoya was less Secretary of the Socialist Party. parliament elected from these two popular amongst voters but more He thought that unless the party constituencies will have one vote popular amongst electors. But it is contested a large number of seats, each with the same value. to be noted that both did not get the it could not impress the electorate votes of a majority of the electors. that it wanted to emerge as an The second deficiency of the alternative to the Congress. But he system is that a candidate may The fourth deficiency is that failed to understand that in the First get a large number of votes to the candidate who gets the highest Past the Post system of elections, get elected and another candidate number of votes is declared elected concentration on constituencies may get a very small number of though more voters might not where the party could have won votes and still get elected. For have preferred him. This happens would have produced better results. example, in the elections held in because the votes of the electors not In those elections, the Congress got 2004, Sajjan Kumar polled 855543 preferring him get divided amongst 364 seats out of 489 seats whereas votes to get elected in the Outer his several rivals. For example, it garnered only 44.99 percent of Delhi parliamentary constituency if there is only 30 percent polling votes polled while the Socialist whereas Dr.P.Pookunhikoya could and there are five candidates, the Party which got only 12 seats had get elected by polling only 15597 candidate who gets only 10 percent secured 12 percent of votes polled. votes in Lakshadweep parliamentary of the votes may be declared elected If, instead of the first past the constituency. While these are if each of his rivals gets only 5 post system we had proportional extreme examples, the distortion percent of votes. For example, representation system, i.e., if the 6 JANATA, May 5, 2013 parties had been allotted seats in have got 110 seats. This could have weight of a vote of a member proportion to the votes polled by changed the history of India as not of the legislative assembly of a them, the Congress would have the BJP, but the Congress would state with a large population is ended up with only 220 seats, have formed the government. more than the weight of a vote far short of the majority and the of the member of the legislative Socialist Party would have garnered This was repeated in the elections assembly of a state with a smaller 52 seats and emerged as the largest to the 12th Lok Sabha. In that population. For example the value opposition party. While the Kisan election the Congress won in of a vote of a member of Arunachal Mazdoor Praja Party of Acharya 141 seats whereas it polled 25.82 Pradesh Legislative Assembly is Kripalani, which secured only 9 percent of total votes cast and only 8 whereas that of the Uttar seats though it had polled 5.79 the BJP secured 181 seats though Pradesh is 208. These mechanisms percent of votes polled, would have it polled less number of votes to some extent correct some of the been allotted 28 seats and the PSP than the Congress - 25.59 percent. distortions in the electoral system. which was formed by the merger of If the seats had been allotted in the SP and the KMPP would have proportion to the votes polled, the Indian elector has, of late, come become a formidable parliamentary Congress would have been allotted of age. In the first general elections opposition of 80 members. This 140 seats and the BJP 139 seats. In held in 1951 the electors were given perhaps could have changed the the elections to the 13th Lok Sabha, pieces of paper which they were course of India’s history. the Congress secured 114 seats supposed to put in the box carrying whereas it had gathered 28.3 percent the election symbol of the party to Asoka Mehta’s recipe that the of votes polled while the BJP which which they wanted to vote. Then we Socialists should contest a large had polled only 23.7 percent of the introduced a paper containing number of seats to impress upon votes cast, ended up getting 182 the list of the names and the election the people that they want to emerge seats. If the seats had been allotted symbols of all the candidates and the as the alternative was right, but he in proportion to the votes polled, the electors were supposed to stamp on failed to understand that if only we Congress would have got 154 seats the name or the electoral symbol of had a Proportionate Representation and the BJP which actually formed the candidate to whom they wanted System of elections, that would have the Government, would have got to vote. At present, we are using benefited the party. However, it is only 129 seats. It is quite possible electronic machines where unfortunate that the Socialists did that the BJP would never have the elector is supposed to press the not pursue the logic inherent in the been able to form a government button placed against the name and situation and did not even think of at any time and the party would the election symbol of the candidate mounting pressure for changing the have gradually vanished from the for whom he or she wants to vote. electoral system. electoral scene. However, it is In substance, the Indian elector most unfortunate that the Congress, has become more sophisticated in The distortion continues till today. like the Socialists of the 1950s, do casting his ballot. Though now, it is the Congress, not appear to be bothered about which is at the losing end, it does not changing the electoral system. Now it may not be very difficult bother about changing the system. to educate the electors to cast Take for example the elections to the We have introduced the preferential votes in a system of 11th, 12th and 13th Lok Sabhas. In ‘preferential voting by single single transferable vote and also the elections to the 11th Lok Sabha, transferable vote’ system in the introduce the system of proportional the Congress gathered 28.8 percent elections to the Rajya Sabha and representation. Though the Election of the total votes polled but secured legislative councils. This results Commission of India has been only 140 seats whereas the BJP in the candidates who are able to making several recommendations on polled 20.29 percent of votes polled get a majority of the votes polled electoral reforms, it is unfortunate but secured 161 seats. However; i.e., at least 51 percent of votes that it has not given a thought to if the parties were to get the seats polled, getting elected. We have replace the present FPTP system in proportion to the votes polled also introduced weightage system with the system of proportional by them, then the Congress would in the election for the office of representation and the preferential have got 156 seats and BJP would the President of India, where the voting by single transferable vote. JANATA, May 5, 2013 7 Security to Mukesh Ambani defies all democratic traditions

People’s Union for Civil are more important than ordinary Committee of the Billionaires. Liberties is of the firm opinion citizens. that the decision of the Central It will not be out of place here to Governments to provide `Z’ category It is also very ironical that the point out that the Governments – security to Mukesh Ambani defies all Central Government which has been both Central and State – are remiss democratic traditions. lax and remiss to respond to requests in carrying out urgently required of State Governments to urgently police reforms to improve policing, While in no way entering into send CRPF and other paramilitary sensitise the police force and ensure any discussion as to gravity of forces to contain sectarian violence safety for women, children, elderly threat to Shri Ambani, PUCL is in which had killed scores of people and other citizens across the country. principle, seriously concerned that and caused immense destruction, as Even though the Supreme Court has State machinery should be made in Assam last year, should respond several times noted with anguish the available to a private person – with such great alacrity to protect a unwillingness of many governments one has not heard of government private individual. to implement the recommendations security being provided by U.S.A. of National Police Commissions and government (where terror syndrome PUCL is of the view that the State other bodies, our leaders don’t seem is very high) to the counterparts of agencies cannot be made available to be bothered or to care. Mukesh Ambani like Warren Buffet for private purposes. Such a decision or Bill Gates. is both arbitrary and discriminatory PUCL reiterates that the in favour of industrialists. In fact Government has a constitutional duty It is also reported that Central the National Police Commission to ensure protection and security of Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is (NPC) and other similar bodies all citizens, which will be affected unhappy because it will mean have pointed out that providing more if the decision to provide `Z’ diverting its personnel from `Z’ category or high security to category security to Mukesh Ambani other sensitive regions. Already politicians and others has become a is not rescinded immediately. the shortage of security forces is status symbol. If this decision is not PUCL calls upon the Government being felt both in meeting terrorist revoked how will the government to withdraw this decision which challenge and even internal security refuse similar request from other is discriminatory and against all in many places in the country. billionaires. Surely the State / principles of equal citizenship. The government, one would have Government is not the Executive thought, would deploy more security Prabhakar Sinha (National President), V. Suresh (National General Secretary) / police personnel for such public duties, rather than to safeguard SC raps government private individuals. Utkarsh Anand This arbitrary and discriminatory decision of the Central Government to provide security for a single In an apparent reference to CRPF security to an individual. Why individual also stands out when recently provided security cover should a private businessman in contrasted to the lack of sense of to industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Mumbai be provided state security? urgency and concern shown by the the Supreme Court on Wednesday If they have threat perception, let same government to ensure safety questioned the rationale behind the them engage private security. Why and security of thousands of women move even as the common man should state security be provided to from sexual violence occurring with continues to feel unsafe for want of them? Private businessmen getting such repeated tendency in Delhi protection. security is prevalent in Punjab, but and other places. It strengthens the it seems that culture has now gone impression, that for the Central “We read in newspapers that the to Mumbai too,” observed a Bench Government, some individuals Ministry of Home has directed for led by Justice G S Singhvi. 8 JANATA, May 5, 2013

The Bench did not name Ambani, The Bench also asked the Delhi It lamented that gun-wielding but the observations were apparently government to ensure that those guards have become a status symbol. made in the context of the recent provided state security protection It referred to an example of a top-level security cover for him, do not stay in the capital with their Buddhist monk asking for security provided by the MHA last month personnel beyond the stipulated 72 cover. The case will be heard on on a threat perception. hours. July 9.

The move to provide full-time - , May 2, 2013 security to Ambani was sanctioned by the MHA two months after a (Continued from Page 3) fledgling Loksatta as well as those letter threatening him was hand- “rebel” independent winners to form delivered to his office in Mumbai, of Kumaraswamy are restricted to the government. Kumaraswamy allegedly from the banned Indian the old Mysore region. could emerge as the kingmaker. Mujahideen. Ambani is footing the bill for the ‘Z’ category security, What is shocking is that I have By a quirk of fate the Congress, usually reserved for prominent not seen any worthwhile issue being with its nose ahead at this stage, may political leaders. raised by any political party, major well be the one to occupy the Vidhan or minor. Instead what we hear is the Soudha. And if the Congress does “It is public exchequer. What dole packages, including cheap rice, manage to form the government, about the security of the common laptops to students and farm loan it would be an achievement of man? Every day we hear news waivers. This has become a fashion sorts because Karnataka has almost that a minor is raped. A five-year- of sorts before every assembly always gone against the national old would not have been raped if election to woo the voters. But to get political currents, voting to power there was proper security in the a simple majority of 113 in the 224- such parties that were not ruling Capital,” said the Bench, citing a seat assembly will be a dream come at the centre. This was the pattern recent incident wherein a minor was true for both the Congress and the followed by the electorate in the state kidnapped and raped. BJP. They may have to bank on the since the emergency in 1975. We are, bits and pieces parties like the Reddy perhaps, in for a surprise to see the The family had alleged that the brothers’ BSR Congress and the reversal of that trend. police refused to pay heed to their repeated requests to immediately search the child and rather offered Attack on her father Rs 2,000 to keep quiet about his daughter’s ordeal. The Pakistani prisoner minor is still recuperating in a hospital. It also took strong exception The attack on Pakistani to continuance of security cover prisoner in Jammu is most for various persons with criminal condemnable and cowardly. records and asked: “Why should persons facing criminal charges G o v e r n m e n t s h o u l d like rape and murder be provided immediately take specific steps security at state expense unless for the safety of Pak prisoners. there are specific instances based on India must not do Sarabjit records of a threat perception? We Singh. Both countries need have to create our own mechanism to immediately act soberly to assess security threat. Security and not allow mischievous given to private individual facing elements to spoil relations criminal prosecution must be between the two countries. Price: Rs. 20/- withdrawn. We have seen people facing cases under 302 (murder) Rajindar Sachar Janata Trust and 376 (rape) sections of the IPC D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir getting state security.” Bharucha Marg, Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. JANATA, May 5, 2013 9

Letter to the Editor Low cost health care

This has reference to the Yusuf of the art services. While advertizing health minister had suggested that Meherally Centre ad in Janata is frowned upon in the profession, there should be one medical college (March 10 & 24) issues, give the a doctor or a group of doctors, in each district. The Centre can date). Let me first say that, though employs a person to seek customers. popularize this idea. And it could I am a doctor and a reader, I am not Ethics, obviously, has taken leave. also popularize the idea of having offering my services as a doctor, I There is little that a doctor will not a short medical course. There was a am presuming, if you wish to say so, do to make a little extra, even from short course once upon a time even to give some advice to the Centre. the government schemes, instituted after independence, but the medical Yusuf Meherally Centre (as per the to help the needy. These are used fraternity succeeded in seeing to it website yusufmeherally,org) appears to make illegal money. Patients are that it stops. The fraternity does not to be a voluntary organisation enticed, touts go round, and those tell the doctors, its members, to go committed to rural development who come are forced to undergo to rural areas, but it also does not and judging by its activities and the some unnecessary procedures, want any person who is from a rural number of branches it has, popular some unnecessary diagnostic tests. background to be trained in a short among its peers and also that it was And, of course, there is the evil of time to provide primary health care the first to start a Sunday clinic cut practice. General Practitioners to his brethrens. Te Centre could in 1967, which still continues. (GPs) often earn more by referring also say that these short course The latter means that it is popular patients to specialists than by doctors need not be for rural areas among the medical fraternity too. I treating them. only, they can practice in urban strongly feel that the Centre should areas too because, if there is any not only motivate doctors and The tragedy is that the government serious problem, specialist services paramedics to go to rural areas, but spends a pittance on health care - as are easily available. It could also should spearhead a campaign to compared to what most countries advocate that more medical work be make available affordable health spend, it is much less. The country given to nurses. In many countries care to people, rural or otherwise, has less doctors than what the nurses do much more than what and, as the ad says, both curative WHO recommends. The same with they do in India. It can advocate and preventive. It should become a paramedics. We overprescribe – the that all doctors should do a rural strong advocacy institution working list of what is wrong is usually long. for universal health care as socialists stint before they take the degree or had visualized in olden days. YMC, if it wishes to popularize even after taking the degree, and low cost, but quality health care, popularize the idea that all hospitals There is such a lot in the field should, as said earlier, not merely should be neighbourhood hospitals, of health care that cries out for seek doctors that are willing to take in the same way as the idea of change. The medical profession less than the market salaries, but neighbourhood schools is being that was once among the noblest work to transform the health care popularized. The Centre should ones, has degenerated into a in the country, make it a service take up all this with the political money making industry. The fees and persuade the medical fraternity parties, with local legislators and charged are determined, not in the and the community, to believe and the public bodies. It can make gram spirit of service or by the capacity advocate that the health care should sabhas, municipalities, corporations, of the patient to pay, but by the not be a profit making industry. etc. to pass resolutions demanding dictum popularized by the market more money for health care, free philosophy: charge what the people As said earlier, we need more and affordable and universal health can pay. Hospitals have lost the doctors. While YMC cannot and care, better sanitation, safe drinking charity altogether and while many need not become a medical college, water, etc. And it should do better have closed down, those which have it can advocate that there should job for rural areas. If this is done survived are struggling to learn how be more medical colleges in the there will be no dearth of doctors to become money making machines. country and some of them in rural for rural areas. They do this in the name of the state areas. Let’s remember that one ex- –A reader 10 JANATA, May 5, 2013 End imports from China

In the wake of Chinese intrusion envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi’s promotions to help protect their into 19kms of theIndian territory, Gram Swarajya model. Opening markets and domestic players are the Socialist Party demands that the markets internationally is not dealt with heavy hands making it all Government of India must stop all providing equal level playing the more difficult for them to survive. imports of Chinese goods into India. field to domestic players. We have In the present context, it is in our Banares Sarees, Holi ‘pichkaaris, seen how big industries (whether interest to stop patronizing Chinese woolen clothes, religious statues, domestic or multinational) are given products and strengthen domestic various kind of electronic goods, over and above the due benefits and production and markets. etc are some examples where our - Dr. Sandeep Pandey (Vice President), markets are flooded with Chinese Dr. Prem Singh (Spokesperson), products. We do not support direct Omkar Singh (General Secretery), military action at this stage and Girish Pandey (President, Uttar Pardesh) believe that the dispute should be resolved through bilateral negotiations. But we do support and demand policies which should Shahbagh movement in Bangladesh protect our local markets of small and middle scale industries and local The Shahbagh movement those convicted of war-crimes during craft artisans across the country. currently taking place in the liberation movement should Such a decision will strengthen Bangladesh, is an encouraging sign be strictly punished. It is hoped our economic power. Banning of growing progressive and secular that the movement will go a long imports from China and promoting forces in the Indian sub-continent. way in reigning in fundamentalist domestically produced products will The movement, started on 5th Islamic forces in Bangladesh, which give double boost to our economy February, 2013, initiated by a small threaten the democratic and secular and put more pressure on China group of young urban middle-class ideals on which the country was to respect international borders Bangladeshis with the help of founded. including India’s. online blogs and social networking websites, but due to the overarching In recent times communal However, Socialist Party firmly appeal of the ideas it stands for forces have gained strength in stands for the Indian land occupied and its non-violent nature, spread South Asia, from the rise of the by China in the war of 1962. Further, rapidly to people of all classes and Hindutva movement in India, we also support independence of backgrounds in Bangladesh. to the persecution of religious Tibet as desired by the late socialist minorities such as Shia and stalwart Dr. Rammanohar Lohia. The Socialist Party (India) Hazara Muslims in Pakistan, to supports the movement's demand the targeted State violence against Socialist Party (India) had earlier that the Jamat-e-Islami be banned made a demand that India must the Rohingya Muslims in Burma. In from politics due to its role in the such circumstances, the Shahbagh not rush into signing Free Trade massacre of Bangladeshi people Agreements (FTAs) and other bi- movement breaks new ground and during the 1971 Bangladesh is a ray of hope for all those who are and multi-lateral trade agreements Liberation war, and the organisations that would jeopardize access to engaged in struggles for democracy, and institutions affiliated with it be political and social reform, and essential and affordable medicines, boycotted and their sources of seeds and adversely impact other religious tolerance in this part of the funding investigated. The Socialist world. The Socialist Party too draws sectors of small and medium scale Party does not support the death enterprises. inspiration from and expresses its penalty, but does believe that all solidarity with this historic struggle.

The Socialist Party believes Sandeep Pandey, National vice president, in sustainability at local level as Dr. Prem Singh National general secretary, Socialist Party (India) JANATA, May 5, 2013 11 Reteat on Democatic Socilism – A Report-II

Gururaja Budhya

Education Discussion: the lowest. When we approach theme was initiated by Dr. James • Some participants felt in socio- the question of equality, we Chiriyankandath and responded cultural issues, the issue of caste need to look at gender equality to by Hemant Panchal for further should be discussed. While as it has huge implications for discussion among the participants. development. Rather than two some felt that then entire basis Dr. Chiriyankandath began by of the caste system is “purity Indias we have three Indias – the internationally networked India reflecting on the importance for and pollution”, it should be Democratic Socialists to maintain an completely abolished. Others felt (Corporates, NGOs, etc.), 300 million Indian consumers, and internationalist perspective. He then that there is no need to abolish elaborated India’s foreign policy caste per se but what is required the rest that are on the periphery. We need to concern ourselves from the perspective of Democratic is to remove the inequalities that Socialist core values. exist among castes and bring with the third category. about fraternity. A third view • In education, government Over the years India has joined was that we cannot fight caste schools are closing down, several multilateral organizations per se. If we do we will fail. So private schools are coming -SAARC, the Non Aligned we need to address the problem up everywhere, and most of Movement and presently BRIC. of caste through certain tools the schools are controlled by India offers an example to the and the best tool is development religious communities. In some world of implementing democracy interventions. Socialism started States, the medium of teaching and innovations in areas such as in a big way in Britain though is the vernacular, however in decentralized local governance. its National Health Service; and private schools, the children Although India has progressed to in the Scandinavian countries are taught in English. The poor pursue foreign policies inclusive of education for all was the cannot afford private schools equality, social justice and solidarity basis of socialism. Casteism, hence their children are subjected with other states moving towards interestingly is bouncing back to inequality in education. internationalism, in reality the and hard; if we cannot resolve • Gender Issues: Sex ratio is national interest influences Indian this social issue, we should highly skewed. Malnutrition is behavior towards other neighboring convert it into a developmental rampant. Issues such as right countries such as Pakistan, Sri issue. Yet another view was that of women over their own body, Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, for the last 60 years we have migration among men leading etc. It is important to always ask not been able to abolish caste, to exploitation and abuse of the ourselves the question whose so we need to figure out how women left behind need to be ‘national interest’ is India pursuing we live with the inequalities addressed. To control female in its foreign policies? Is it in the inherent in caste. We have a feticide, sonography/ultra sound interest of the marginalized poor or huge historical baggage and with should not be allowed in private for big Indian business companies each generation, caste throws up hospitals. We need to ensure or accommodating other powerful new challenges. We should be equality for the girl child in states especially USA? concerned with questions such education. as what if caste based political Another important task for India parties come up; can they be • What we need is a secular space is to build solidarity with emerging Socialists? for people to assimilate. social movements, democratic socialists in other nations and on the • Development: Compared to the Session IV: India and the World whole, strengthening compassionate other BRIC countries India’s The session was moderated solidarity, which goes beyond socio-economic indicators are by Chandra Srinivasan. The fraternity. 12 JANATA, May 5, 2013

Hemant Panchal responded by We are opposing MNCs which role played by Indian Socialists in saying that India now is a major are talking internationalism. the land reforms. He then moved sourcing centre internationally, We need to democratize MNCs, to the present scenario. He started in BRIC, SAARC, ASEAN in rather than opposing MNCs in with some statistics – India has particular. The historical baggage India. Democratic Socialism 328 million hectares of land of British interest had separated can bring equality even through (arable), of which 185 million India from South and South East MNCs. hectares is agricultural land and Asia. Due to its support to Soviet 65 million hectares is forest land. • Material interests should be Union, India was denied technology The composition of the agricultural based on ethical and moral from the West. Post-cold war, land is as follows – 13-14 crore values. Without freedom Union India was forced to approach other own land (i.e. 12-13 percent of the of India will not exist. developed countries for technology population); more than 50 percent of in energy sector. He suggested • Some participants believed that India’s population is dependent on that BRIC countries to have equal states wither away gradually but agriculture; 80 percent of the land value currency, which could create others felt that states remain as owners own less than 2 hectares of equilibrium in society and promotion has been proved historically; land and 20 percent own 70 percent of South –South trade. however, social responsibility of the land. He listed certain issues of the state is withering away by for discussion – The floor was opened to discussion letting repressive dimension of the following are the highlights: the state with its draconian laws • The contribution of agriculture suppressing civil societies, rights to GDP is coming down and that • We need to periodize India’s of the people. of other sectors is growing foreign policy: pre globalization and post globalization to • The role of state in relation to • It is felt that more and more understand the changes that MNCs is to provide regulations agricultural land is taken away happened from a non-aligned without affecting core values of from agriculture. This is not true. position to the present pro- equality and social justice. States It has come down to 185 million corporate, US domination under mutate or change but not wither hectares from 187 million geopolitics, and exploitative away. hectares, which is not much interests of Indian business Session V: Land and Agriculture companies in African countries. • It is also felt that forests are Every foreign policy is the The Session was moderated by dwindling, in fact forest area has extension of national interest, Dr. Sarala Gopalan. According increased which in reality means helping to her, all over the world, today, trade of big business. India the most critical issue is land. • The productivity per acre might unethically supports the junta It is an agitational issue. About be less in India but if we look of Burma, oppressive Bhutan, agriculture, there is a paradox – as a at the overall production over a instead of supporting democratic proportion of GDP, the contribution period of time, it is not stagnant. aspiration of the oppressed of agriculture has come down from It is increasing. people over there. 52 percent to 12-15 percent but at the same time, employment in • Nationalism and internationalism • India is number one in production agriculture has gone down from 75 are inversely proportionate. We of fruits and vegetables, so also percent to only 55 percent. This is as Democratic Socialists look at fishery and dairy products the bane of our economy. The high the world from internationalism. burden of employment has shifted Are we ready for reduction to • In India, there is no longer a fear but productivity has not increased. sovereignty-less nationalism? of famine, there is no shortage, So, how do we change agriculture? Globalization is inevitable and India does not even import grains in this changed scenario as any more The initiator was Shri Sunder. Democratic Socialists we need He gave a historical account of to promote internationalism by • If land acquisition is happening the land system in India and the moving away from nationalism. for infrastructure projects and JANATA, May 5, 2013 13

industry, it is not affecting water to even drink in rural come out with a position paper agricultural land areas; in 10 days they get one and send it to all Ministries bucket of water. What we need • Need to reduce the rural-urban Dr. Anil Thakur responded to the is interventions such as small dichotomy; we need to go back above by raising a few questions: dams, linking of small rivers, to Ashok Mehta’s model. etc. We need to research this, • Income and land should be (Concluded) distributed equally; only in Kerala and West Bengal land reforms have been implemented Justice J. S. Verma properly. What is the Democratic Socialist thinking on agriculture When I was posted to the National and land reforms? Human Rights Commission Justice Verma, the individual. • Green Revolution brought us (NHRC)as its Secretary General in food sufficiency but has brought 2001, most fellow officers advised After discussing particular issues in innumerable ills. How do we me to seek a change, stating that I brought to him, he would often deal with them? serving under retired judges would recall his experiences, something be unpleasant, and at best, terribly that absorbed me, because he was a • What is our view on the SEZs? tedious. great raconteur. The floor was then opened to discussion. The points that came It turned out to be one of the Being an outdoor man, and good up were: most rewarding assignments of at sports, he wanted to join the army. my career. Due mainly to the fact This was strongly opposed by his • Agricultural productivity will of being given the opportunity of mother, so his father decided that he increase when we pool land serving under its Chairman, Justice should take to law. This was, mind and then cultivate. Cooperative J S Verma, and more importantly, you, a decision, and not an invitation farming alone will improve getting to know him as a human to discussion, since that was how productivity and bring alive being. choices in careers and marriages the third value of Democratic were made those days. Socialism i.e. Fraternity Meeting him for the first time • We need sustainable growth. was not without trepidation, since He did however tell his father Everyone talks of the Kerala he had the reputation of great that he was upset, since the legal growth model; in Kerala health strictness, together with a mercurial profession was only for liars and and education dominated and temper, and his height, large frame, cheats, so his father must have agriculture got zero attention and grey hair and severe countenance thought very poorly of him to decide today Kerala is totally dependent only served to reinforce this. that he should be a lawyer. Shortly on imports (vegetables, grains, afterwards his father sent him to etc.) However, within a week I found work with the legendary G P Singh working under him a pleasure, for in Rewa, saying he will experience • Along with land, we need to he was swift and bold in taking all of what a lawyer can be. address the issue of water decisions, always accessible, and • There is inequality between though uncompromisingly strict Though he was in G P Singh’s nations. The developed countries with himself and others, once he office every day, from early morning have patented genetically trusted you, warm and considerate. till night, Singh never exchanged a modified seeds, which we are single word with him. Months later forced to buy at high prices. Years spent with him was a he assigned him one petty case, Landless are pushed out. great learning experience, for his and when Justice Verma proved his insights in most of what he dealt merit, an association developed with • We have a man made political with, in both men and matters, was G P Singh, who remained his ’Guru’ drought in Maharashtra today. refreshingly different. all his life. Justice Verma was as Agricultural land is turned in exacting with himself and others as to concrete jungle. There is no But what inspired me most was his mentor was. 14 JANATA, May 5, 2013 His respect for the law was equally profound. In one case, which he was winning on the basis of a When Protectors turn predators certain citation, he later found that the precedent he had quoted did not Kalpana Sharma apply, so, after informing his client about what he was to do, stated This past week, “rape” is once reached epidemic proportions.” before the court that the Judgment cited did not apply in the case, which again the topic of discussion. Just as stronger laws have been as a result he lost. There has been despair and outrage because this time we also have to demanded to deal with rape, there Why, I asked, did he do that? talk about a child, a girl, just five are laws to address sexual assaults ‘Because’, he said, ‘the duty of years old. Just as the young woman on children. The Juvenile Justice a lawyer is to assist the court in gang-raped on December 16, 2012 (Care and Protection of Children) arriving at a correct decision’. was not the first, and certainly not Act 2006 was enacted for this the last, this little girl sadly is also purpose. In addition, last year the This moral rectitude, enabled not the first, nor the last. Protection of Children from Sexual him, as Chairman NHRC, to be in Offences Act 2012 was brought command of every situation, despite Even the daily list of rapes that in to specifically deal with such the fact that he was invested with no now inhabit our news pages does not crimes against children. Yet, as powers to punish. indicate the extent of the sickness the report illustrates, these laws that is now staring us in the face. have been rendered toothless with Gujarat 2002 was his most According to a distressing report by the deliberate violation of their glorious hour, as it was also for the Asian Centre for Human Rights provisions in state after state. For the NHRC. After the complete (ACHR), 48,338 children have been instance, under the law, all homes capitulation of the Administrative raped in the decade between 2001 that shelter children are supposed and Police Services, and the and 2011. In these 10 years, there to be registered. Yet scores of these total indifference of the Union has been a 336 per cent increase institutions continue to function Government and international in the number of child rapes. Yet, without registration or oversight agencies, the one man army of this is only a very partial picture and there is no provision in the law Justice Verma gave voice to all those because, as the report emphasises, to punish them for this. In any case, who had suffered . the majority of child rapes are never even formal registration makes little reported. difference as is evident from what Nothing however so became happens in officially recognised the man, as the manner in which The report is disturbing because institutions. The atrocities against he demitted office. His official it focuses on those institutions children taking place in such places bungalow was vacated that evening, where children are supposed to be escape discovery because the and a man who was an eminently “protected” — observation homes, mandated Inspection Committees successful lawyer, Chief Justice of shelter homes, children’s homes that are supposed to carry out and Rajasthan, and special homes designed to take surprise checks either do not exist, of Rajasthan, Chief Justice care of children who have been or if they do, do not function. of India and Chairman NHRC, left abandoned, have run away or been in a car bought by his daughters, to trafficked. Yet, as the 56 pages of As a result, all forms of abuse, a house rented by them. . the ACHR report titled “India’s including sexual abuse, are common hell holes” details, scores of these in such “protection” homes. The After retirement, when his life children, girls and boys, are raped, report lists just 39 instances but they style was austere, he refused to sodomised, tortured, forced to work read like a modern-day horror story. indulge in the legally permissible and condemned to live in “inhuman In each instance, young children practice of giving opinions. In conditions”. The authors of the who are led to believe that they one case, Shrimati Verma told me, report conclude: “Child sexual are in a safe environment end up that when a client had brought abuse in juvenile justice institutions being sexually abused by the very (Continued on Page 15) is rampant, systematic and has people tasked to look after them JANATA, May 5, 2013 15

— wardens, watchmen and other of a deterrent. At the same time, the like these protection homes where staff as well as older inmates. The demand for instant solutions, even child sexual abuse has been part of protectors become the predators. if it is understandable in the face of the system. Even if we have woken From several of these “hell holes” the daily deluge of such atrocities, up to the horror of child sexual children have run away, never to be will solve little. abuse because of one atrocity, we traced. In Karnataka, between 2005 must recognise that this malady is The significance of so many more and 2011, 1,089 children below not skin deep. It has afflicted the people feeling incensed and angry at 14 are missing from 34 children’s entire body. this state of affairs is that it will turn homes. The story is repeated in the spotlight onto the dark corners, – West Bengal and other states. Where are these children? How can they (Continued from Page 2) investigation into Coalgate scam? disappear from places where they Will the court set a new agenda are supposed to be protected? What government. On the flip side for for the CBI’s independence and kind of torture did they experience the government, there was also autonomy since it has said that to force them to run away? the contretemps involving the the agency must be liberated from attorney general Vahanavati and the political interference? These were One of the worst horror stories additional solicitor general Harin the questions that have risen from is that of two unregistered homes Raval which ended with the latter’s the unfortunate episode concerning in Mansarovar and Jagatpura in resignation on Tuesday. All in all, a the government’s many scams Jaipur. On March 12, the Rajasthan dark day in the life of the UPA II! and the CBI’s role as a national State Commission for Protection investigating agency. The court of Child Rights, accompanied by Will the PM ask the minister may provide some answers, but the local activists and the media raided to quit? Will the Supreme Court government will only try to cover the homes and rescued 51 children, assume responsibility for the further itself with excuses and alibis. 27 girls and 24 boys. Of these, 21 were from Manipur, six each from Nagaland and Uttar Pradesh, four (Continued from Page 14) each from Assam, Nepal, Rajasthan a perfectly tenable opinion for month, without an office and staff, and Punjab and two from Delhi. counter- signature, with a blank in these days of rampant ostentation, The homes were filthy, the food had signed cheque, he was turned away. chicanery and corruption, it is fungus and the children said they had been locked into the homes. When I sought to know the important to remember his strict But that was not all. The girls reason for this, Justice Verma, stated adherence to the Gandhian ethic. spoke of sexual abuse including ‘Probir, you are aware that Judges, being forced to sleep with the man after retirement cannot appear Which leads me to recall what running the home. A 17-year-old girl before Courts they presided over Einstein wrote about Gandhiji: from Nagaland said she had been while in service; therefore what “Generations to come, it may well repeatedly raped from the age of 11. cannot be done overtly, should not be, will scarce believe that such a The children had been lured to the be done covertly’. home with a promise of good food man as this one ever in flesh and and education. Instead, they were What, I asked him, was the blood walked upon this Earth.” served inedible food and educated secret of his strength? He replied, in sexual torture. This is only one ‘not seeking the conferment of any When one has reached the age story. The other 38 documented in favour’. of three score years and ten, it is the report are equally horrific. difficult to retain mentors. Justice While Justice Verma will always Verma was, and will always remain So if children are not safe in these be remembered for his Judgements “protection homes” and they are - Vishaka and Hawala and others one the five I am fortunate enough not safe in their own homes, what - and the Report on an incident to possess. is the answer? It is evident that just of rape, which the Commission having stronger laws is not enough he presided over, completed in a –Probir Sen R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, May 5, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, May 5, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday May 8, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 16 Congress lucky in Karnataka May 12, 2013 S. Viswam An opportunity lost Kuldip Nayar The BJP’s southern bastion has that the party can suffer the same fallen. The Congress has recaptured fate as has the BJP in Karnataka if it Unequal distribution of Karnataka. The verdict in the May 5 does not mend its ways. The Congress demographic dividend assembly poll is not so much in favour has very little time to improve its K. S. Chalam of the Congress as it is against the BJP. image and performance, but it is still The verdict delivers an appropriate worth making an effort if only to message to both the parties. The prevent communal-minded parties Human Rights Activists BJP frittered away its goodwill. It from seizing power at the Centre. and Death Penalty had the good fortune to open its The Karnataka victory has come as a Rajindar Sachar account in South India through the small morale booster for the Congress 2009 victory in Karnataka. Massive after a long stretch of bad times at Have the nuclear weapons corruption, total misgovernance and the Centre. One can only hope that compromised our security? infighting have taken their toll. The the Congress government that will Sandeep Pandey party deserved to lose and it has lost. succeed the BJP’s outgoing Shettar- It has been decimated not only in led establishment will not go the way Men should change Karnataka but it has lost its chance of the BJP. It has to set good examples their mindset and habits to win another state in the south. in governance and reassure those who Pannalal Surana The Karnataka voters have taught have helped it to come to power that the BJP a bitter lesson. They have whatever it does it will have only the shown that they are not as much good of the people at heart. A good Whither Annihilation of Caste? impressed by ideology as by good Congress government in Karnataka Ram Puniyani performance, clean administration and will stand the party in good stead a people-oriented action programme. in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in Ironically, the BJP’s fall in Karnataka 2014 when the Lok Sabha polls will Editor : has been brought about by the kind be held. God knows, the Congress G. G. Parikh of shortcomings and misdeeds and needs a morale booster in virtually Managing Editor : Guddi corruption which the Congress is every state where it is in power. being accused of at the Centre. It is interesting that on the day the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Whether it is large-scale corruption, or Congress received good tidings from Naushir Bharucha Marg, non-performance or misgovernance, Karnataka, the UPA establishment Mumbai - 400 007. the misdeeds of the Congress (UPA) at the Centre was on test. Two of at the Centre find a parallel with its Cabinet ministers are under the Email : [email protected] those of the BJP in Karnataka. The scanner, and the Centre’s conduct in Congress is being given a message the coalgate scam is being probed by 2 JANATA, May 12, 2013 the Supreme Court. Law Minister Between the lines Ashwani Kumar is already at the heart of controversy over his sending for the status report of the CBI An opportunity lost and making vital changes in it. On Wednesday, the Court made it clear Kuldip Nayar that while ministers had the right to ask the CBI the status of any investigation they had no right to Believe it or not, the Supreme beats all records in scandals. Never examine the document much less Court gave the Central Bureau of before did the CBI have so many edit it. The court also wanted an Investigation (CBI) an opportunity to eyes riveted on it and what comes assurance from the Centre that it will be independent in one of the matters out again and again is the inadequacy bring forward legislation to make before it, asking the agency why it of its powers. The reason, simply the CBI truly independent. Right was not independent. Yet the CBI put, is that the CBI realizes the extent now, it said that the CBI was doing failed to grab the chance with both of independence it can exercise in “collaborative investigation” along hands. It had a foolproof case against the present set up. The law minister’s with the government. Instead of Law Minister Ashwani Kumar argument that he has not committed interrogating the government it was when he amended the report on the any wrong by vetting the report as interacting with it.This situation, it coal blocks allotment scandal. The his ministry has been the authorized warned, was unacceptable. If the government’s blatant interference legal adviser of the agency sounds government did not take steps to resulted in a “corrected draft,” hollow. liberate the CBI from official control, exactly the way the Law Minister the court would itself intervene. wanted the report to be. However, every time a scam tumbles out of the government’s It remains to be seen how far the The Supreme Court said that Centre will go in freeing the CBI cupboard, there is a familiar exercise the CBI had “shaken the system” that follows. The CBI is asked to from political control. However, and it expected the agency to give the point of immediate concern conduct a probe. But when the its independent verdict on the agency remains a department of the is the government reaction to the probe. But it did not - because the court’s view on ministers and government and part of the system, agency realized that it would have doubts about its functioning cannot officials interfering with the CBI. In meant opposing the government. particular, the role of Law Minister be brushed aside. Several former Apparently, it was the failure of both director of the CBI have written Ashwani Kumar. His continuance the CBI and the government. They in the government is untenable. If articles and books to show how they could have seen to it that the agency were given instructions from above Dr. Manmohan Singh is sensitive to would have its own say. Now that it to decide a case in a particular way. public opinion, he will immediately has lost the chance to be viable, the ask the minister to quit office. The way out for the government is to In the entire scenario, it is difficult prime minister’s failure to do so will make the CBI independent. to say whether or not Prime Minister lead to interpretations not flattering Manmohan Singh had been briefed. to Dr. Singh’s superb record of The present bill pending before Parliament falls short of giving the Because of his clean record in public probity and integrity in public life. life, we come to infer that he did not The second minister whose CBI independent character. It looks that both major political parties, the know. It is probable, if not possible, continuance in office has also that such a situation did obtain and become unacceptable is the Railway Congress and the BJP, do not want the agency to have teeth. I do not that Manmohan Singh knew what Minister . was happening under his nose. But Enough evidence has piled up in know how far other parties want the agency to be independent. In then you expect some heads to roll two days to implicate him in a when the scams come to light and case in which his nephew has been any case, the CBI has lost the opportunity to become viable. particularly when you can spot out arrested by the CBI on bribery the officials in the loop. Why has charges. The Congress has been Corruption still gets most no one been punished till today and shielding both the ministers. It can attention in Indian politics. The why has nothing concrete emerged (Continued on Page 6) present government at the centre after practically every investigation? JANATA, May 12, 2013 3

This doesn’t surprise me at all. The ruling party has confronted Unequal distribution of with several such situations before demographic dividend and had weathered them all without much ado or damage to its existence. Yet what the Ashwani Kumar and, of K. S. Chalam late, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, episodes have brought to The final census figures of the idea of market globalisation and the the fore is that even before one country are officially released active involvement of India in the controversy dies down, there is now. The size of the country has process vis-a-vis China. Generally, another one waiting to catch the not substantially changed except the projections given by IMF and administration on the wrong foot. No that a population of 376151 are the US census bureau are cited government since independence has been as badly battered and shattered added to the provisional figures of indicating that India would surpass as Prime Minister Manmohan 1210193422, announced about a China by 2025 with young working Singh’s has been. year ago. But, we have different age population. India would reach categories of demographic data sets 1.692 billion by 2050. Some of our But there is a certain pattern to the that are useful to analyse the impact economists are trying to convince CBI-law minister controversy. As of population on development and people that we need not worry about was to be expected, the Congress first vice versa. We may remember the Malthusian challenge as we dismissed the accusation and then here the internationally reputed will have more openings through issued a perfunctory explanation scholar and former Union Minister market and global advantages as before finally admitting that the law of Health and Family Planning the largest supplier of labour in the minister did go through the report Sripati Chandrasekhar (born in World. Is it true? How the dividends and suggest some changes to it. But Rajahmundry), for his contribution are distributed and who are the for the three-judge bench, which to demography and population beneficiaries? ordered CBI director Ranjit Sinha control. However, his generation to file an affidavit, the actual behind- of demographers did never look at The euphoria about the dividends the-scene activities would not have the numbers as an advantage as do reminds us about the phase of chattel come to light, although we know the the present scholars who consider slavery introduced by the colonialists agency always functioned under the that the opportunities created by and the export of humans from influence of the government of the globalisation are beneficial to the Africa to USA and other European day. Hence, the confession by the populous third world countries like nations during 17-18th centuries. CBI director before the Supreme India. The country is beaming now Repeat of this phenomenon in the Court that “the investigation agency due to demographic dividend with British colonies, particularly in does not exist in isolation” is no increased number of young people. the India through the method of revelation. India is shining! shiploads of so-called indentured labourers to other colonies was However, Sinha’s admission Demographic dividend is found to be not involuntary. This has let the cat out of the bag. We a position where the decline in flight of people was not just a knew that institutions like the CBI fertility rates would help reduce the chance factor as it involved the have been devalued over a period dependency ratios in a countrythat exodus of the so-called socially and of time. And it is the government benefit a generation through 1. economically depressed castes who which has its last word on a charge- Increase in the productive labour suffered indignities at home. But, the sheet because of political power. supply, 2.Increase in savings due to modern body shopping in the name Even with the Supreme Court less dependents, 3. Opportunity to of ICT jobs to the Anglo-American breathing down its neck, there have invest in human capital (education, and other countries is considered as been several instances where the health etc.), 4. Increase in domestic dividend, may be due to change in CBI’s investigations have remained demand due to the rise in GDP, and our attitudes or the composition of questionable. In fact, political parties 5. Foreign remittances of young the emigrants (castes). In fact, if the have their own views and positions migrants. This thesis has been made country boasts of its diaspora and on ways and means to improve the popular by scholars ever since the its Pravasi Bharat , it was due to (Continued on Page 6) 4 JANATA, May 12, 2013 the first generation of migrants. But much depends on their productive It was 39.1 in 2001 and marginally we don ot recognise this. We have use in employment and the present changed to 39.7 in 2011 and female observed recently that the Telugu elation of Democratic Dividend rate dropped from 25.6 to 25.5. How pride is paraded in Malaysia without re-counts remittances, made us to the jobless growth with the surge of the representatives of Kalingadhra comment in relation to the external informalisation of labour at 85 per from where they migrated. sector. cent and reduced TFP in Agriculture, would result in dividends? The UNDP has published figures Let us look at the 2011 relating to the educated migrants in demographic details. Most of the Studies by scholars have its Human Development Reports states particularly the South Indian indicated that the rate of growth of and found that India was ranked as states have passed the third phase employment in the service sector number one in certain indicators. of demographic transition where is not very promising as it has It is noted that the largest number the birth rates dropped due to use of already reached its optimum. The of migrants are in USA (28.4 FP methods, increase in wages and manufacturing sector is in trouble lakhs). Interestingly, equally good impact of reform movements. There and in certain months of the year we number of migrants is in the Muslim is a clear shift in the transition from have seen negative rates of growth. countries like Malaysia (24 lakhs) the year 1981. The trend seems to The savings and investment ratios and Arab Emirates (about 45 lakhs). have influenced the age structure of are becoming a cause of concern The remittances from NRIs are the productive age group of 15-59. for policy makers. Then where do estimated to be $ 66 billion in 2011- The proportion of population in the we get the jobs for the growing and 12 raised from 8.8 per cent in 1996 group was 54.1 per cent in 1981, frustrated youth? This may lead to to 22 per cent out of $294 billion 58.1 in 2001 and 62.5 in 2011 and it several movements and street fights. invisibles. Though the remittances would go up to 65.2 per cent if the Already the civil society activities in have never crossed 5 per cent of our working age is raised to 64. The rate metros witnessed swelling of youth GDP, they were considered as crucial in the urban areas is little higher at brigades. Some of the activities as for our dependent development. In 66.6 per cent under 15-59 age group. alleged by some, might be utilised fact, China has the highest amount by vested corporate interests, but of foreign reserves amounting to We have different nomenclatures they would soon become portend of $3310 billion and our reserves are to call the same phenomenon disquiet for the state. The epithets the lowest amongst the BRIC. The differently with the change of like dividend, hidden wealth etc, Middle East contributes 33 per cent, ideology or power structure. We used would further hasten the crisis. We North America 30 per cent, Europe to call the outmigration of educated have already witnessed turmoil in 20 per cent and the rest of our labour force as “Brain Drain” just the so-called social democracies reserves are derived from others. The before globalisation as all of them in Europe (not yet subsided) that remittances received in Kerala are were educated by the state. Now we have subscribed to globalisation equal to 22 per cent of SDP (about call the same group as “Brain Gain” and yet not liberated from economic Rs 59000 crores). In other words, as they send remittances. In fact, hegemony? the so-called benefits from Anglo- the opportunity cost of the educated American globalisation are not as labour force for the development of Further, the NRI remittances large as that of the low paid workers the country is not taken care of in the and favourable age structures contributing from the Middle East. estimates of dividend. The monetary are confined to few states. Bihar, It may be due to the high per capita value, mostly the devalued rupee is Jharkhand, M.P, Odisha, Rajasthan, value of remittances from USA that taken to estimate the gains and not U.P and even Kerala do come below our scholars call it demographic the damage done to the nation (brain the national average of favourable dividend. In fact, our outmigration crippled) and its independent future? working age population 15-59. to the Middle East took place before Scholars like C. P. Chandraseskhar The advantages of high savings 1990 and from relatively backward warned that the employment figures and GDP growth as theorised by regions like Telangana in Andhra indicate the absorption of youth demographers are now shattered. Pradesh, Kerala. We are referring into the labour force is not as high The savings as proportion of GDP to NRI remittances here though the as one would expect (2006). This has substantially declined from active population could contribute can be seen from the work force 36.8 in 2007-8 to 30.8 in 2012- to the domestic economy also. But, participation rates given by census. 13 and growth rate plummeted at JANATA, May 12, 2013 5 pre-liberalisation period at 5 per Human Rights Activists and Death Penalty cent. Liberalisation has facilitated growthof urban agglomeration with 25 per cent of urban population Rajindar Sachar living in slums, with the highest concentration of it being 54.6 per The morality of death penalty has earlier judgments and the number cent in Mumbai, 32.48 in Kolkatta, again come up in the forefront by of cases which may be affected by 18-20 per cent each in Delhi, Pune the latest Supreme Court judgment this judgment, it would have helped and Hyderabad. What kind of rejecting Bhullars plea for mercy. I in better clarification of the law, dividend do they enjoy? am against death penalty as such for if the matter had been heard by a anyone. But politicians like Badal, Constitution Bench. The management and policy Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa invoke experts in their contributions to mercy only to suit their political The court while accepting that this debate consider that every exigencies. long delay in hanging may be one individual is a customer and he/she of the grounds for commutation of needs to be exploited to the optimum Badal, obviously is feeling death sentence to life imprisonment, level to reap dividends when they pressurized by S.G.P.C. and extremist has held, however, that the same are in active age group. There elements in Akali Dal – if, not why cannot be invoked for offence under seem to be subtle allusion that the does he not also ask for mercy for TADA or similar statutes – because productive population of the third all prisoners on death roll? If Badal these person “do not show any world countries like India should is genuine and his plea to Centre respect for human lives, the terrorists serve the old and dying advanced is not a political ploy why does he do not think even for a second about countries that live on the pension not amend Penal Code and abolish parents, and dear ones of the victims funds invested in a globalised world. death penalty in Punjab by invoking … the families of those killed suffer But, there is no guarantee that the Article 254(2) of the Constitution? the agony for their entire life”. dividend that the third world gets The result will be no more hangings out of their service would evenly in Punjab including that of Bhullar. The court has rightly condemned be distributed in a democratic state The same course could be followed the beastly and dastardly acts of terrorists, which must evoke anger where individuals at a particular in Tamil Nadu, where for a change. and condemnation in every person. age are considered as citizens Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi, sworn But then the court went on to make with different needs. They want political enemies, are asking for mercy for the same set of accused. observation against the human remunerative employment to make This legislative initiative alone will rights activists by ignoring the self- use of their human resource and not show the genuine concern of Punjab imposed rule of restraint wisely doles. It is also necessary to look at and Tamil Nadu legislators against imposed – the rule of “not making the exploitation of resources in the hangings. any remarks or observations with native country with western levels regard to those who are not before of consumption (income) and the Bhullars plea was rejected first them” and further cautioning that depletion of resources with pressure in 2005. But the file was sent to “sweeping generalizations defeat of population. This would gloss over President Abdul Kalam, who sent it their own purpose”. The judgment both the natural resources and the back to the Home Ministry seeking went on to say, “Many others join hard earned savings of the nation some clarifications. The matter the bandwagon to espouse the cause that might land the next generation however remained smugly in the of terrorists involved in gruesome in perpetual underdevelopment. Home Ministry till Chidambram the killing and mass murder of innocent The data sets made available by the Home Minister sent it to President civilians and raise the bogey of the census might be useful for some in 2011 – this long gap did not human rights” (emphasis added). experts to demonstrate their theories however result in presidential mercy. The judgment, unfortunately, in select regions of India but, may The Supreme Court has affirmed seems to have ignored the concern not help to substantiate the thesis of President’s decision though many of Human Rights defenders and Demographic Dividend as of now. feel that because of some of the possibly did not have the relevant 6 JANATA, May 12, 2013 material before it when it repeated constitutional guarantees and human plea against death penalty let me the usual bazar gossip that those decency…..” Similarly the Court remind every one what some of our who advocate abolition of capital had reiterated its concern even when greatest leaders of the country have punishment by observing that they upholding POTA “The protection said. Gandhiji said “I cannot in all were doing so to raise “the bogey of and promotion of human rights conscience agree to anyone being human Rights.” With respect, these under the rule of law is essential sent to the gallows, God alone can observations ignored that established in the prevention of terrorism. If take life because he alone gives human rights bodies like Peoples Human rights are violated in the it”. Similarly Dr. Ambedkar the Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) process of combating terrorism, architect of constitution said, “I have unequivocally condemned it will be self-defeating……. the think that having regard to this fact, the killing and taking of hostages lack of hope for justice provides the proper thing for this country to by terrorist, whether in Jammu & breeding grounds for terrorism. In do is to abolish the death sentence Kashmir or by the Army under all cases, the fight against terrorism altogether”. Similarly the socialist Armed Special Forces Act in the must be respectful to the human leader Jayaprakash Narayan said northeast, or the Maoists though at rights. Our Constitution laid down that, “…..death sentence is no the same emphasizing the culpability clear limitations on State actions remedy for such crimes.” of the State agencies. Every activist within the context of the fight against feels the pain and anguish of the terrorism.” All that is suggested is that instead family, friends of victims of the of death penalty, let all such killers terrorists – all will agree in calling It needs to be emphasizesed be sentenced to whole life and even terrorists the worst specimen of that when Human Rights activists without parole – many discerning humanity. But then State which is oppose death penalty it is on larger persons would consider such life the ultimate repository of law can principle of Human Rights, which term to be more severe than even not deviate from the path of civilized must be applicable to all cases. In death penalty. and humane conduct. support of Human Rights activists’ (Continued from Page 2) anybody making concrete proposals Certain principles of humanism, no longer afford to do so after the to insulate the CBI from government legality, even in the cases of worst Supreme Court’s observations. The interference. In a way, it is good excesses by terrorists have still to prime minister must free himself that the apex court is seized of the be dealt with under law. It may be from all pressures and order both entire matter and is determined to relevant to note that notwithstanding the ministers to put in their papers. liberate the agency from the clutches that in U.S.A. which is also the High time the PM enforced the of the government. But it remains target of terrorists, there is no move principle of accountability. If there to be seen what structure it would to restore death penalty in various is no accountability in a government recommend to give the CBI full states which had abolished it long in a democracy, that government freedom. time back. becomes illegitimate. Unfortunately, the government The Judgment also ignored the (Continued from Page 3) does not seem to be even sorry previous decisions of the Supreme efficiency and accountability of for what has happened to revive Court which expressed its anguish the CBI. But no government has faith in governance. Some even while upholding TADA been ever willing to give up its ministers try to explain things “in against violation of Human Rights administrative controversy over the proper perspective.” Yet what the thus: “It is heart-rending to note agency. Manmohan Singh government that day in and day out we come does not realise is the yawning across news of blood-curdling Take the case of the BJP, the trust deficit: none of its claims is incidents of police brutality and main opposition party. It did create accepted, none of its explanation is atrocities alleged to have been a ruckus in parliament over the considered credible and none of its committed in utter disregard and issue, demanding the resignation of action is taken seriously. It is thus the in all breaches of humanitarian Ashwani Kumar. So did the other loss of faith which has put a question law and universal Human Rights parties with their leaders baying mark against every segment of the as well as in total negation of the for his blood. But we have not seen administration. JANATA, May 12, 2013 7 Have the nuclear weapons compromised our security?

Sandeep Pandey

When India tested its nuclear that the impression created by the predicted that between 1.5 to 5 lakhs weapons in 1998, we were told that government the nuclear weapons people will get killed in each of the we need not worry about our security would provide us security was a ten major cities of India and Pakistan, as we had the most powerful weapon false one. namely, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, in our arsenal. Some right wing Bengaluru, Delhi, Faislabad, Lahore, political leaders challenged Pakistan The Kargil war established one Karachi, Rawalpindi and Islamabad more fact. That is, nuclear weapon is to declare a time and a place of war. if a Hiroshima type bomb were not a weapon of war. It is a weapon Some said now India could even take to be dropped on them. Many of total destruction. And in a war on US, what to talk about Pakistan? more would get injured. Soviet in which both sides possessed it, it leader Nikita Khrushchev had said was a weapon of mutual destruction. However, half the enthusiasm that in a nuclear war ‘the living Such a war has fortunately not taken subsided with Pakistan testing its would envy the dead.’ In reality the place so far on earth. weapons even before the month casualties would be much higher as got over. Theory of deterrence Now Pakistan has employed cities have become more densely was floated. Since we had the the strategy of killing our soldiers populated with high rise buildings nuclear weapons no enemy could in ones and twos, like the recent and probably the size of bombs are attack us. We talked of building beheading of two soldiers. Sarabjit’s much larger than what was used in a minimum credible deterrence. killing in jail is also a part of this 1945 over Hiroshima. But this minimum keeps going up strategy. It knows that again because because the enemy, in this case of above-mentioned logic we will So, Pakistan had gained a certain Pakistan, is building more and more. not be able to respond aggressively. advantage because of the nuclear It is taking advantage of the presence weapons. It can continue to provoke First we were involved in a of nuclear weapons which it knows India by organizing terrorist attacks conventional arms race now we are we would not like to use to avoid like it did in Mumbai, beheading also involved in a nuclear arms race retaliation. In any war between of soldiers, killing prisoners like with Pakistan. India and Pakistan, India knows Sarabjit without inviting any major that most likely Pakistan will be retaliation from India. Pakistan’s However, the irony is that when in a more desperate situation to nuclear weapons are acting as a Pakistan intruded in Kargil we could use the nuclear weapon first as shield for them. It knows fully well not use our nuclear weapons. Neither India has a stronger army and more that India will never engage in an all did it prevent Pakistan from entering conventional weapons. It will cause out nuclear war with it. our territory, i.e., it didn’t act as a unacceptable damage to India. In And now China has also adopted deterrent as we were made to believe such a situation the most India would the same tactics. It intruded into the it would. In fact, famous Pakistani be able to do is to cause unacceptable Indian side and made us feel helpless. physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy says that damage to Pakistan. It is ironical but, For the time being the crisis has been Pakistan could intrude because it actually, India, by testing nuclear averted but we should realize that knew that India would not engage in weapons, has lost the conventional a full fledged war because of danger military superiority over Pakistan. because of the same logic as given of nuclear weapons being used in it. The nuclear weapons testing by both above India now will never be able Hence the Indian nuclear weapon countries has acted as an equalizer to engage in a full fledged war with had an opposite effect. Instead of and Pakistan is in a neck-to-neck China. China, incidentally is much subduing Pakistan it emboldened it race with India in terms of nuclear superior in terms of conventional as to carry out an intrusion. And when weapons, both possessing about a well as nuclear armaments than us. Kargil war broke out we had to go hundred each presently. around the world to shop for the It is time to reflect as to what same conventional weapons that are In an estimate by some arms- have we achieved with our nuclear normally used in wars. This proved control scientists in 2001 it has been (Continued on Page 11) 8 JANATA, May 12, 2013 Stop Rape Men should change their mindset and habits.

Pannalal Surana

On 16th December 2012, at about police and various security forces, way declined. We have to learn a 8 p.m. a young medical student along including the Army, were prone to pertinent lesson that enacting more with her friend boarded a local bus. commit violence against women, and more stringent laws, or focusing There were six young men inside. recommended that the Armed Forces attention on the law-enforcing While the bus was moving, the Special Powers Act (AFSPA) be agencies is not enough. The malaise men started eve-teasing. The girl’s repealed immediately. It is observed has deep roots in the mentality of our friend protested. Thereupon the men, that the army personnel, while males and also perverse customs and including a boy of 17 years of age, deployed in the border areas of the approaches of the society at large hit the friend with steel rod, thereby North-East states and in Jammu- which are to be identified and treated disabling him from resisting. Then Kashmir to fight insurgency, had carefully. the men, one by one, raped the girl indulged into shameful acts of and threw the girl and the friend violence against women .Hence loud After the Nirbhaya episode, out from the bus and went away. demand from those border areas for Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, A few passers-by took both the repeal of AFSPA. Justice Jeevan said that rapes take place mainly victims to a hospital. While the girl, Reddy Commission, appointed in (westernized) India as against whom the people gave nickname by the Central Government had (traditional) Bharat. But many of “Nirbhaya”, was struggling for recommended repeal of AFSPA objective observers feel that rapes life, the police started hunting for in 2005. And yet the authorities have been committed in this country the offenders. The media started did not do so. Now, the Verma since times immemorial, when there publicising the event 24x7. There Committee has come down heavily were no cities worth the name. Rape was loud protest all over the country. on the obstinacy of the rulers. Public is not an imported phenomenon;it A high-pitched cry was raised to opinion should also pressurize the is very much indigenous. Some punish the guilty with death penalty. Government to listen to the wise commentators said that rape is There were all-night vigils in the counsels of the Verma Committee. committed generally by a stranger. national capital and candle-light According to a report published in But the records show that in majority processions in a number of cities the Hindu (26th December. 2012), of cases, the offender is generally across the country. Nirbhaya was “there were 24,206 cases of rape an old acquaintance/neighbor - and flown to Singapore for advanced registered during the year 2011 sometimes relatives as close as treatment but in vain. It was a great out of which in 4072 cases only, paternal or maternal cousins or an shock. the accused were convicted and uncle or even a father. It has been punished. Investigation was going observed that in 22,500 cases out of Verma Committee on in 13,221 cases for more than a 24,000 cases in 2011, the offenders The Central Government year or so’. Progress of investigation were old acquaintances. appointed Justice Verma Committee and of prosecution is very slow. Let which submitted their report us hope it will be accelerated in the To be fair, not all men are prone within 28 days. They declined to wake of Nirbhaya episode and report to commit such heinous crimes. endorse the popular demand for of the Verma Committee. Majority of them are normal, well- prescribing death penalty for the meaning persons. It is also a fact offence of rape; but made various It was expected that after the that a number of men had taken, and suggestions for making stringent expression of strong popular are taking, lead to ameliorate the provisions for bringing to book sentiments on the issue of violence miserable conditions of womanhood. those who committed one form of against women, incidence of such It is, however, a sad fact of life that violence or other against women. crimes will be lowered. But we perpetrators of this crime are men, The committee, after taking serious have to witness the sad spectacle and sometimes instigated and/or note of the fact that the personnel of that rate of rapes has not in any encouraged by women belonging to JANATA, May 12, 2013 9 different and/or hostile sect, race, cause injury to her body or (2) make the menfolk should radically change caste, religion, etc. her pregnant, or (3) inflict traumatic their mindset. Justice demands shock to her body and mind or (4) that the victim of rape should get Extracting pleasure forcibly cause great damage to her reputation sympathy and support of the people Why does a man commit rape? in society making it difficult for her and the man committing the offence Broadly speaking, there are two to lead a normal respectable life. If it must be punished legally and be reasons: either to satisfy his sex results into pregnancy, and if she is ostracized socially. It must be clearly instinct or to punish the woman or not the wife of the man committing understood that the raped woman is her relatives/clan, caste/community, that heinous act, her progeny also has not basically incapacitated. It is a etc. to suffer a lot. The child is labeled sort of accident for her. A person, as illegitimate, spoiling its future. male or female, is not supposed to By nature, human beings, both That is why heavy punishment is be invalidated if he/she is found to men and women, on attaining prescribed for the offence of rape. be a victim in an accident he/she maturity of the body, have strong is not held responsible for causing sex instinct. It is as powerful as Attitude should be changed accident. If the person is injured, hunger. But satisfying that instinct is It is a great irony that a stigma is everybody tries to help her/him not only a physical act or process. It attached to a woman who is raped, get recovered soon. Similar must is both physical and psychological. but not to the man committing be the attitude of the relatives Sexual intercourse can give immense the crime of rape. This social and neighbours and other persons pleasure only when a man and a attitude is highly objectionable. towards the victim of rape. Sushma woman enter into a union of body Why should woman be treated as Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in and mind. Particularly for a woman, dishonourable for no fault of her? the Lok Sabha, while speaking intercourse is pleasant only when In some communities a person in the House, had said, before her mind is willing. There are committing rape is considered as a Nirbhaya succumbed to the injuries, various circumstances, physical hero of sorts. This is perverse and “Even if she survives, she will be a and psychological, due to which obnoxious. Societies, particularly living corpse”! Why? If no injury she may not want intercourse. If a man does it forcibly, it leaves scars In an era where social media has lured young and old, it is no surprise on her body or even more on her that online abuse too has unfortunately trailed into the society. Online mind. That is why every civilized abuse, particularly aimed at women is ever-increasing in the country. society has evolved a code that sexual intercourse may take place Online threats are reportedly the most typical provocation to violence only with the willing consent of the woman. If it is done without her against women. A study by Internet Democracy Project (IDP) “An consent, it is held to be an immoral exploratory study of women and verbal online abuse in India” confirmed act and also a punishable offence as the increase in online abuse of women. It said that to be a woman online under the Indian Penal Code. This is just like “to be a woman walking the streets of an Indian city, town or provision applies even to sexual village - is to transgress an unwritten law of patriarchy; to cross over into intercourse by the husband, who, a space that isn’t meant to be yours,” as reported Saira Kurup for TNN. by virtue of marriage is entitled to conjugal cohabitation but does it, The IDP study found that women faced being called names and abuses at a particular point, without her online, getting their defaced pictures posted online and receiving threats, consent. Law says that a woman has etc. The trigger however could be anything from a tweet on rape, to a full control over her body. Nobody blog on a politician or a peace process, or even on inoffensive issues and can touch her or sexually handle her pictures. without her willing consent. Hence an act of sexual intercourse is called Anja Kovacs, director of IDP in India, says, “Threats are being used “rape” when it is done without the to silence women. Online abuse of women is increasing in India because woman’s willing consent. more people are coming online.”

When a man forcibly does sexual – SiliconIndia News intercourse with a woman, it (1) may 10 JANATA, May 12, 2013 is caused or if a lady recovers from way of behaving in the society .Our extra arrangement for satisfying the injuries/trauma caused by rape, Constitution also ordains that kind sex instinct. Family should be run she can very well lead normal life. of code of behaviour. Men should on rational, accommodative spirit. Her husband, and everybody else, exercise restraint even if the sexual Gender equality must be nurtured should treat her well because she instinct becomes overwhelming. did no wrong. She can behave like a Not to commit any act of violence Male organ, a weapon? normal person, as well as she used to towards the fair sex is the basic tenet Another reason behind committing before the incident took place. And of orderly life. rape is that man considers his sex it is foolish to imagine that she has organ as a weapon with which he been polluted. Nothing of the sort Family, very useful institution can punish a woman belonging happens. For regulated satisfaction of to enemy or hostile clan, race, sexuality of both man and woman, caste, religion, etc. As it is, man is A few days ago, a lady working it is highly desirable to accord due physically stronger than woman. as an officer in an establishment, respect and importance to ‘family’, In addition, in the act of sex, his was raped in the morning when the basic unit of society. It is a natural organ penetrates female vagina, she was alone in the office. She institution for human existence. and she is below him while he is went to the police station , lodged There can be a proper arrangement above her. So, to assert his personal a complaint, informed her parents for satisfying elementary physical superiority, and, by perverted logic and brother about the incident and and psychological needs of husband- of superiority, that of his clan, race, resumed her duties at the office. wife, children and old parents. caste or religion, etc. man used to Her brother rang back and said, Everybody can get loving care. If a rape women as a part of warfare or “You come home immediately”. man lives in a congenial atmosphere its aftermath. Unfortunately it has She asked: “why”. The brother said of good family, he would not need not become a thing of the past. In “You have been raped. So don’t sit in the office. Come home.” The lady Dalit minor raped in Bhiwani - The Tribune replied, “Look Sanju, it was just an http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130408/haryana.htm#3 accident. I did not suffer any injury. Four posing as cops gang-rape Dalit girl - The Hindu I can very well continue with my http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/four-posing- routine work. You don’t bother. And as-cops-gangrape-dalit-girl/article4561387.ece tell mama and papa to remain calm. I will come home in the evening.” Minor dalit girl gang-raped - The Hindu The worry of the parents and the http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Minor-dalit-girl-gang- brother is understandable. But if the raped/articleshow/19404839.cms lady is confident that she can carry UP police put 10-year-old rape victim behind bars - Zee News on her normal activities, nobody http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-police-put-10-year- should bother her about it. What old-rape-victim-behind-bars_840721.html would the people say? Actually, it might help transform the attitude of Dalit girl raped in Odisha, four held - the society at large. People should http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Dalit-girl-raped- be persuaded to be reasonable and in-Odisha-four-held/articleshow/19507757.cms think and behave rationally. Dalit girl allegedly raped by forest guard in Bihar - The Hindu http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dalit-girl- No man has a right to extract allegedly-raped-by-forest-guard-in-bihar/article4611311.ece pleasure for himself by doing something forcibly, undermining Inquiry begins into attack on rape victim - The Times Of India fundamental right of other persons. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-12/ He may plan his behavior in such jaipur/38490653_1_police-station-police-officer-gujjar-community way that he may get pleasure without Class X Dalit minor girl kidnapped, raped - The Tribune encroaching upon the basic rights http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130414/haryana.htm#5 of other persons and in particular of women who are vulnerable in - PMARC so many ways. That is the civilized JANATA, May 12, 2013 11 olden days, it was a regular feature of the people, no religion remains Responsibility of the citizens of war that the winning-side soldiers noble! If serious efforts are to be made used to rape women of the defeated to prevent the epidemic of rape, side. The soldiers, individually, It is both foolish and satanic to consider male sex organ as a common citizens must take courage might be deriving some physical in both hands and prevail on the pleasure. Along with looting wealth weapon. It is totally irrational to impute a motive to nature which, media to see reason and mend its of the defeated side, raping would in its scheme of things, gave a ways. also continue for a few days. The particular shape to male organ and Rajput women, to avoid that kind different one to female organ. It Proper attention be paid to the of ignominy, used to offer mass is expedient to explain all this to task of inculcation of moral values in suicide by jumping in fire-pit a few the boys and girls at proper time the minds of the teenagers and teach feet below. It was called Johar. All that male sex organ is instrumental them norms of decent behavior. over the world, wars were associated in keeping the body hygienically with that kind of inhuman treatment Some orthodox people of every clean. It is also an organ to enjoy meted out to women. religion are saying that women greatest pleasure in human life. And should dress properly. They should it is helping reproduction of human In the Indian sub-continent, after not cross the Laxman Rekha. Why race. So the minds of the teenagers the partition of the country, mutual put all the onus on the females? Men must be cultivated scrupulously and mass killing as between Hindus and should be made more accountable painstakingly. The whole humanity Sikhs on one side and Muslims on for their misdeeds. has to develop proper attitude so that the other were accompanied by mass women are treated with dignity in all The parents should not spoil rapes of women. And the families situations. of those unfortunate women did not their wards by giving them hefty receive them back. Rehabilitation Capitalist values and role of media pocket money. If a teenager is found of those women was organized by joining a rave party, the parents must Capitalism is no doubt an be penalized. There should be no great freedom fighters like Mridula advanced stage over feudalism. But Sarabhai, Maniben Patel and others. overindulgence by the grown-ups its emphasis on the principles of ‘one also. In 1970, soldiers of West Pakistan, is for oneself’ and ‘maximization of deployed in Dhaka, raided ladies’ profits to be the sole guiding principle All crimes must be dealt hostels of various colleges and of all economic activity’ is wringing abused young girls there. Both the with expeditiously at both the havoc on humankind. Being self- investigative and the trial stages. girls and the soldiers belonged to centred very quickly degenerates the same religion. But that could More promptness must be exerted in into becoming insensitive to other’s cases of violence to women . not help the hapless girls. When the needs, conveniences and rights. Pakiistan Army surrendered and Using force to extract selfish goals is (Continued from Page 7) Bangladesh was liberated , Banga only one step ahead. With the advent Bandhu Shaikh Mujibur Rehman of Free Market Economy all over the weapons? The security environment appealed youths of the country to world sensitivities are being wiped in South Asia has worsened. We are come forward to marry the raped out from the psyche of common man. not safe from external or internal girls, who numbered about 2.5 Media is being used more and more terrorist attacks and provocations lakhs. It was a great noble spectacle for vulgar advertising. All norms of by our neighbours. It appears that that all those girls were honourably decent behaviour are thrown to the because of our nuclear weapons our rehabilitated. Mass ignominy was wind. Sex and crime have become hands are now tied. repeated at Surat in the aftermath staple food of the media. It must be of destruction of Babri Masjid at held responsible for galloping rate The elusive path of peace goes Ayodhya in 1992. There, Hindu of crime in general and of rape in through dialogue, genuine efforts women openly rejoiced on getting particular. towards friendship, disarmament the news that Hindu men raped and giving up the ambition to Muslim women. Similar passions Because of the doctrine of the become a military power. This were exhibited by Hindu females Freedom of Expression we cannot would necessarily mean disengaging during the Gujarat pogrom of 2002. ask for State action to bring the from military partnerships with US When mass frenzy grips the minds media barons to book. and Israel. 12 JANATA, May 12, 2013 Chronicle of a rape foretold

Gautam Patel

Without comment: 8/2/2011: Guard rapes 3-yearold in Times, 5/12/2011: Teen raped Kalina school. NDTV, 12/2/2011: thrice on empty trains. NDTV, Times, 5/2/2009: 18-month- 17-yearold girl gangraped in Delhi 18/1/2012: Three-year-old raped and old raped by neighbour. Times, for over a month. NDTV, 20/2/2011: 4/10/2010: Woman gang raped murdered, three arrested. Firstpost, Youth gets 12-year jail term for in Khar by neighbours. Times, 28/2/2012: 5 women raped in 3 days raping minor. 9/10/2010: Stepfather held for in Delhi, India’s ‘rape capital’ raping 9-year-old girl. Times, 23/2/2011: Man held for NDTV, 3/3/3012: 12-year-old raping teen daughter for two years. Times, 12/10/2010: Not only raped, murdered; body dumped in Times, 5/3/2011: Tests indicate rape father, uncle had also raped minor gunny bag. , 10/4/2012: of mentally challenged girls. Times, girls in Nagpur. Mirror, 7/11/2010: The rapes will go on. Times, 5/3/2011: 3 raped in Thane, Navi Teacher held for sodomising 9 kids. 21/5/2012: Woman gang-raped in Mumbai. Times, 6/11/2010: DU girl abducted, south Delhi. gangraped by 4. T i m e s , 5 / 3 / 2 0 1 1 : 1 9 Times, 26/5/2012: Teenager mentallychallenged abused in Times, 26/11/2010: N-E woman gang-raped in Navi Mumbai; 1 shelter home. Express, 19/3/2011: gangraped in moving tempo in arrested. Times, 27/5/2012: 25-yr- 19-year-old gangraped in Faridabad. Delhi. Times, 29/11/2010: Tantrik old raped by aunt’s boyfriend. HT, 19/3/2011: 9-yr-old raped in arrested for raping 3 SoBo teens. Times, 9/6/2012: Armyman’s wife Vikhroli. Times, 26/3/2011: Kalyan Times, 6/12/2010: Six-year-old girl raped by cabbie in Kolkata. Times, housewife gang-raped, robbed. abducted, raped. Times, 10/12/2010: 12/6/2012: Schoolgirl raped for a Express, 6/4/2011: Father gets life 19-year-old arrested for raping year by teacher, 2 others. term for raping 4-yr-old daughter. minor friend. Times, 12/12/2010: Times, 12/6/2012: Night of terror Woman tied naked to tree, thrashed. Times, 7/4/2011: Boys aged 10 at New Market: Girl molested in Outlook, 12/12/2010: 18-Yr-Old to 12 held for raping 7-year-old girl. bar, chased, pulled out of bus and Gangraped in Delhi; Four Youths Times, 11/4/2011: Delhi girl escapes thrashed. Times, 20/6/2012: Two Held. rapist kin, raped again by cabbie. arrested for raping, threatening Times, 19/5/2011: Girl kills father HT, 13/12/2010: Neighbour held 24-year-old. as he tries to rape her at knife-point. for raping 16-year-old. Times, HT, 17/5/2011: 18 year old raped Times, 20/6/2012: Girl ‘raped’ 13/12/2010: Youth held for raping by 2 cops. in taxi, dumped on road. Express, minor neighbour in Juhu. HT, 20/6/2012: Woman raped by eight 16/12/2010: Cop accused of raping Times, 20/5/2011: 3-year-old youths for six months, 4 detained. niece. Times, 30/12/2010: Man girl found raped, murdered. Times, Times, 21/6/2012: Santa Cruz arrested for raping daughter at Dadar 4/6/2011: Schoolgirl gang-raped by gangrape: 2 sent to cop custody. chawl. Times, 2/1/2011: Seniors six over a month. Times, 15/6/2011: rape schoolgirl in moving car. HT, 22-year-old confesses to raping Times, 5/7/2012: Woman kept 5/1/2011: Man held for raping minor on train. Times, 20/6/2011: in cowshed, raped by hubby, kin 15-yrold sister-in-law. 13-yearold resists rape, eye gouged in MP. Times, 9/7/2012: Kalyan out in UP. man holds friend’s wife hostage, NDTV, 19/1/2011: One held for rapes her. Times, 16/7/2012: Teen raping six-year-old girl. Times, NDTV, 20/6/2011: Minor girl held for kidnapping, raping minor. 22/1/2011: Tutor rapes minor for sexually exploited by nearly 100 Express, 11/8/2012: Girl gangraped days, arrested. Times, 22/1/2011: people in Kerala. Times, 5/7/2011: in moving car by 8 men, dumped 10-yr-old girl raped in Ghatkopar. Man held for raping teen. Times, near Delhi-Agra highway. HT, 13/5/2010: Eight-year-old 5/7/2011: 3 men rape girl in moving girl raped by 10-year-old boys. car for 6 hrs. Times, 5/7/2011: Man HT, 14/8/2012: Woman HT, 24/1/2011: 18-month-old rapes teen, makes MMS to blackmail abducted, gangraped in Kolkata. girl raped at Antop Hill. Times, her. Express, 30/8/2012: Girl raped in JANATA, May 12, 2013 13 car, dumped near police station. Times, 26/9/2012: Mother of two The Truth about Women in Gujarat gangraped by intruders in Jind. Times, 27/9/2012: Now, 30-yr-old’s from an open letter to “Dear Madams of FICCI” from Ila Pathak gangrape in Jind rocks Haryana. Times, 9/10/2012: Minor repeatedly raped by 3 different persons. From reports in media we tribal children in the age group have understood that our Chief of 6 months to 35 months were Times, 15/10/2012: National Law School student raped on Bangalore Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi has reported as malnourished. In 2005- University campus. Times, impressed you all with his hard- 2006 the number of such children 18/10/2012: Man rapes 11-yr-old hitting eloquence. On reading and increased to 79.8 percent, 49.2 girl as his mum holds her captive. hearing report of the speech, we, percent children have not developed Times, 18/10/2012: Girl raped for 3 the women of Gujarat were wonder- to normal height, 41 percent do not months, boy abducted, killed. struck! Was he speaking of women have the weight normally children of in Gujarat? Was he revealing the their age group could have. During Express, 31/10/2012: 14-year- old gang-raped in Pydhonie. Times, whole truth? Certainly not. So we the last election this issue was taken 20/10/2012: Robbers gang-rape four thought that we could enlighten up and the minister in charge had near Viramgam. you all about the reality in Gujarat. rushed to find out where the fortified In Gujarat’s population the number food packets had gone! That is Times, 19/11/2012: Little girl of women has gone down. In 2001 Governance in Gujarat! Maternal abused by grandfather; mother fights there were 921 women against mortality rate and Infant mortality against parents in Bangalore. Times, 1000 men. In 2011, three more rate do not come down; mothers 8/12/2012: Kerala shocker: 6-year- were lost per thousand, 918 were old sexually abused by father after and children keep dying in Gujarat giving her alcohol. counted in the census. This is the or continue to survive as weaklings. ten year period during which nine To refer to women as mothers all NDTV, 22/12/2012: Woman other States recorded increase in the the time is pretentious. We have stripped naked, gang-raped in number of women, from 45 in Delhi noted how young mothers die of Tripura. Times, 22/12/2012: Amid to 4 in Rajastan. Gujarat kept losing. malnourishment. Lack of treatment protests, 1 more gangrape in Delhi. Mr. Modi was speaking of female (because no government dispensary, NDTV, 22/12/2012: 12-year-old girl foeticide, an old 18th century allegedly gang-raped by minors in block or district hospital has a Tamil Nadu. practice. In Gujarat the sex ratio gynecologist appointed, large city in the age group of 0 to 6 years hospitals provide such facility) Times, 23/12/2012: Woman raped in 2001, was 886 girls as against is one more obvious reason.. No by 3 men, including husband’s 1000 boys. In 2011 it was 883 girls wonder that many women deliver friend. Times, 23/12/2012: Women as against 1000 boys. Difference babies in the ambulance like buses raped thrice in Mumbai in a day. of only 3 gained over ten years! It known as 108 service. Governance Times, 23/12/2012: Dancer hired for was only in late 2011 that the news event gang-raped in Bhubaneswar. of Gujarat’s government does not of the government having closed seem to follow any policy for saving Express, 23/12/2012: Two minors 101 sonography clinics was heard; young women’s lives. Even young raped in Halol, Dahod, two held. thereafter a few were reported men’s lives. Very recently, a resident Express, 23/12/2012: Arrived on closed in 2012. In 2013, so far, no doctor died of Dengue fever in Friday, raped thrice till Saturday: penal action under PCPNDT Act is Ahmedabad’s large Civil Hospital Woman. Times, 26/12/2012: Woman reported. That is the governance in and many more are now dying of gangraped in Cuddalore. Gujarat! Does the Government care? Swine flu in Gujarat. The deaths Times, 27/12/2012: Tribal raped Latest surveys (2006) concerning seem to argue absence of good by 15 men for 12 days in MP. DNA, married women’s health note that governance. 27/12/2012: 19-year-old gang- 55.5 percent women were anaemic raped in Ahmedabad. 2013, January in the age group of 15 to 49 years Education for girls was free. In last through April: 182. And counting. of age. In the same age group couple of years the government has The rarest of the rare. Pick one. 60.8 pecent pregnant women were stopped encouraging continuation Any one. malnourished and anaemic. In of such schools and colleges. Now – Mumbai Mirror 1998-99, 74.5 percent of dalit and girls have to pay hefty fees if they 14 JANATA, May 12, 2013 choose to get ‘good’ education. That is the Governance in Gujarat. Whither Annihilation of Caste? Mr. Modi spoke of the Bill for 50 percent women members in Ram Puniyani Local-Self Government which, the Governor of Gujarat, Dr. Shrimati Kamalaji, despite being a woman Caste has been the major marker varna-caste. During medieval period herself did not sign. The Governor of Indian, particularly Hindu, society. the Bhakti saints in particular talked against and questioned the system of Gujarat did not sign it because While world over the serfs were of graded inequality, but their voice the provisions in the Bill were under the bondage of feudal lords, though a powerful articulation of the mixed up with another issue, that we had religiously ordained system plight of the low caste, remained just of compulsory voting. The Bill was of Varna-Jati (Caste). Many theories an expression of pain and sorrow of returned by the Governor asking the of caste prevail, the racial theory, superior Aryans versus the natives, the poor, and was strongly opposed Government to separate the issues, by Brahmin clergy. get the Bill for 50 percent reservation now stands debunked. The hypothesis for women passed again and then she of Morton Klass argues that it was a way of adjusting of tribal to the The rule of Muslim Kings and would be prepared to sign it. The British did not change the social Governor is found fault with which system of production, which generated surplus. This understanding indicates structure of the subcontinent, is emphasised by adding ‘despite though during British rule due to the being a women herself’. This is towards the understanding that caste evolved with the particular system of industrialization and introduction of Modistyle. The details of why she modern education, the caste system did not sign it are not spoken of, production in India. Kosambi looks at origin of caste as being due to started being questioned, opposed so the listeners are led to believe the continuous process of fusing of and socially challenged. The edifice that the Governor of Gujarat is of caste started loosening up. During tribal into general society. The major insensitive towards women’s rights the rule of Muslim kings the social contribution to the understanding despite being a woman herself. Half- structure remained intact. With the of genesis of caste comes from truth is the hall-mark of Modyism. British rule the half way process Ambedkar as per whom caste-varna of industrialization and modern came into being due to ideological- …Increase in crimes in Gujarat education came in. At the same time religious factors. According to him is phenomenal during last decade. the caste-varna also continued on the caste system came into being as the Robberies and murders of old people, side, though its legitimacy started including women are reported every result of ideologies of Dharmshatras, being questioned in a more serious other day. 235 rapes were registered which was part of Brahmanism. way. In the changed situation starting in 2001 in 2011 the number is 413. In Indian society the interesting form Jotirao Phule the movements for Kidnappings have increased from point is that caste is prevalent not caste abolition found grounding in 731 in 2001 to 1329 in 2011. All other only amongst Hindus, it also prevails society, though they were not able to crimes appear to have gone down. in other religious communities. The uproot the phenomenon of caste in the The police stations do not want to difference being that amongst Hindus, full measures as the feudal production register crimes because they are the caste is prescribed in the holy books, system ran side by side with the reprimanded if the number of crimes while in other religious communities; process of modernization. The process increases. Gujarat has to be shown as it is a social phenomenon, like Ashraf, of secularization, abolition of the Crime Free State so less registration Ajlaf and Arzal amongst Muslims hold of landlord and clergy, remained is better from governance point of and different denominations amongst incomplete and so the process of caste view. We are aware of circulars that Christians and Sikhs. The first transformation remained half way ask the policemen down the line challenge to caste system came from through. not to register women’s complaints Lord Gautam Buddha, who talked All the struggles started by in the first instance, they take of Samta, equality. This concept of Ambedkar aimed for social justice, ‘applications’. Reduced crime rate Samta, equality became very popular social equality and democratic values. could vouch for good governance in and was accepted by large number of He led the movements like Chavdar Gujarat. It is followed by possibilities people till Buddhism was attacked and Talab, for right to have access to public of less punishment / justice wiped out from India in eighth century drinking water, Kalaram Mandir, and freedom to commit crimes. by those who wanted to restore the right to enter temples and also the JANATA, May 12, 2013 15 burning of Manusmriti, as symbolic Today while most of the commentators at upper caste and imitating them for of the rejection of religiously ordained are attacking Gandhi, they need to their future trajectory. As a logical caste hierarchy. The resistance to focus more attention to the impact corollary; the cultural mechanisms, these led to his conclusion that he of the politics and ideology of Hindu the TV serials, the preaching’s of had to leave the Hindu fold, which religious nationalism, which is a major hoards of God men are promoting is dominated by Brahmanical values obstacle to caste abolition today. the values of Manusmiriti in a more of Varna. The social political base sophisticated form. The reservations for dalits led to to his movements was provided by At the same time a serious layer newer caste equations. On one hand the national movement, which was of progressive and dalit intellectuals the section of rising middle class aspiring for throwing away the British are trying to restore the core values stood to oppose these reservations, colonial power and also struggling for and principles of struggles against tooth and nail. The anti reservation democratic values. Here Ambedkar caste-varna. The situation today is violence has been witnessed in the rook off from this movement, but the very complex and caste as a social Gujarat in particular in 1980s. Also national movement was not adequate phenomenon is far from extinct. since the overall development process to give him total social justice as Today’s political scenario is a conflict is not accommodative of all, the inner this movement also had upper castes between the values of democracy on competition for reservation has led in good measure. So here we see one hand, and the values of religious to a strange situation where different the dilemma of Mahatma Gandhi nationalism; the politics representing communities are vying for status versus Ambedkar. Gandhi was not the defense of caste and gender as a particular reserved category. able to go beyond the limits posed hierarchy; on the other. The process The overall future for the youth is by the participation of all castes in of social equality; caste annihilation dismal and it gets reflected in the freedom movement. He kept talking and values of democracy need to be form of movements for particular of varna system in a more refined brought in through a fresh series of castes getting recognized in this form while taking up cudgels against multilayered struggles for a truly or that category. The other major untouchability. democratic society. That alone will obstacle to caste transformation is be a tribute to the life and work of the Gandhi also opposed the separate the politics of Hindutva. On one legend of this great visionary, Bhimrao electorate, provided by communal hand it talks of Samajik Samrasta Babsaheb Ambedkar. award of MacDonald in 1932. (social Harmony), that all castes The Poona pact between Gandhi should have harmony amongst them. Peoples Media Advocacy & and Ambedkar led to the reserved The Hindutva’s concept of ‘Integral Resource Centre- PMARC has been Constituency and the provisions of Humanism’ emphasizes on different initiated with the support from group reservations for Scheduled Castes castes continuing their professions for of senior journalists, social activists, and Scheduled Tribes. Ambedkar’s smooth social functioning. The social academics and intellectuals from vision was that reservations and engineering by religious political Dalit and civil society to advocate inter-caste marriages will be steps forces is co-opting the low caste and facilitate Dalits issues in the towards annihilation of caste. Today through various mechanisms, to the mainstream media. To create proper both these face serious obstacles extent of using them as foot soldiers & adequate space with the Dalit on social ground. The rigidity of of their anti minority violence. A perspective in the mainstream media caste is increasing and inter-caste section of dalits also is influenced by national/ International on Dalit issues marriage is facing serious obstacles the process of Sanskritization, aping is primary objective of the PMARC. from conservative forces. While freedom movement led by Gandhi was half way conceding to the needs of dalits, the other ideology, the one With Best Compliments of of religious nationalism was waiting in the wings with the concept of Hindu Dipra Cosmetics Rashtra, Hindu nation. Ambedkar did realize that acceptance of religious 12-A/3, Mahakali Caves Road, nationalism, formation of Pakistan Andheri (East), 40093 on that ground will be a disaster for Telephone: 28327435 dalits as it will pave the way for Hindu Rashtra, the slavery of dalits. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, May 12, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, May 12, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday May 15, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 17 Historic election May 19, 2013 S. Viswam

Nawaz Sharif on trial The triumph of democracy in and not a influencer as in the past. Kuldip Nayar any part of the world is always Unsurprisingly, the campaign was Politics even in cheering news for India. More so dominated by economic issues the tragedy of death is it in the case of Pakistan. From indicating that the ruling Pakistan Rajindar Sachar all accounts, our neighbour has People’s Party was being put in the had a historic election, and the dock for mismanaging the national When North East people of Pakistan deserve three economy. The overwhelming vote Came Calling! cheers for their massive participation for Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Shah Alam Khan in a game-changing poll despite Muslim League (Nawaz) reflected the threats of violence and suicide the popular backing for the new FDI in Retail – bombings from Pakistani Taliban. prime minister’s promise of economic The Game Changers It has been a smooth transition from reforms and liberalization. G. V. Sunder one elected government to another. And, particularly encouraging for Like in India, the electorate of Democracy: India is the fact that for the first time Pakistan can be said to have come From Evasive to Decisive in Pakistan’s chequered electoral of age. Voters nowadays kick out Sandip Das history, neither India nor Kashmir non-performers. The outcome of the featured in the campaign. Even for Karnataka assembly polls testifies the Pakistanis this was certainly a New Social Movements, to this. No more can the voters New Perspectives welcome change. be taken for granted. They wait Nivedita Menon There were other reasons also with extraordinary patience for five why India should be happy over years and when the polls come, they the election. India experienced the mete out just punishment. Nobody Editor : phenomenon of sudden and deep is shedding a tear for the BJP in G. G. Parikh interest of the youth in elections Karnataka, and we are sure nobody is bemoaning the ouster of the PPP Managing Editor : Guddi some years ago. Pakistan has had that experience in the just concluded in Pakistan. So unpopular obviously D-15, Ganesh Prasad, election. There was an unprecedented the PPP had become that it was Naushir Bharucha Marg, voter turn-out—a welcome factor in relegated to the third position. Even Mumbai - 400 007. itself—and importantly, a third of the fledgling Pakistan Tehreek-e- the electors were first time visitors Insaaf (PTI) led by the former cricket Email : [email protected] to the polling booths. Equally star Imran Khan secured more votes important, the army was a spectator than the PPP. 2 JANATA, May 19, 2013

Prime Minister Manmohan Between the lines Singh was accurately reflecting public opinion in India when he welcomed the triumph of democracy Nawaz Sharif on trial in Pakistan and offered to work with Nawaz Sharif to normalize bilateral Kuldip Nayar relations. The consolidation of democracy in Pakistan is a factor of stability and peace not only for It was an emotional expression, forces. He placed before President India-Pakistan relationship but for that of Prime Minister Nawaz Clinton the case of Pakistan forces the politics of the sub-continent. Sharif, after winning at the polls in although both knew that Kargil Improved India-Pakistan bilateral Pakistan. By inviting Prime Minister was Musharraf’s doing. However, relations can influence the politics Manmohan Singh at his oath-taking an inquiry will put an official seal of the entire region in a positive and ceremony he fulfilled the desire to on the mistakes committed and on constructive way. strike real friendship with India. the person who was responsible. But it should not come as a surprise. A similar kind of probe into the The bilateral perspective is Nawaz Sharif had fought and won an militants’ attack on Mumbai (26/11) bound to change with the induction election against Benazir Bhutto on will be in order. Nawaz Sharif has of the Nawaz administration in the plank of friendship with India. assured that such an attack from Islamabad. In his public postures and across the border will never take statements, he has been consistent Unfortunately, New Delhi’s place in the future. in wanting to normalize relations response was tepid. I wish there with India. Indeed, Indian public had been an Atal Behari Vajpayee Elections in Pakistan are noisy, opinion regards him as a sincere to travel by bus from Amritsar somewhat disorderly and tamasha- advocate of improved bilateral ties. to Lahore. Then the two prime like. Even the kidnapping of former His first comment after winning ministers advocated a new path of Prime Minister Yusuf Reza Gilani’s the elections referred to the 1999 normalcy which they were trying son did not come as a surprise. Yet Lahore Declaration following Atal to pave. Alas, the amity did not the political parties were particular Behari Vajpayee’s visit. He said last long. Nawaz Sharif is not to about arranging their candidates’ he would like to start from “where blame for the Kargil misadventure. contest in a manner which would we were interrupted in 1999.” It was General Parvez Musharraf, make them winnable. Parties The reason why he and Vajpayee then the chief of the army staff and were calculating and knew their were interrupted was the secret later military dictator, who thought strength. Even before the polling, military operation (or should he that he could occupy the strategic it was known that Nawas Sharif, call it misadventure?) by Musharraf heights to harass India. Nawaz representing his Muslim League, in Kargil. Kargil adversely affected Sharif did not know about the was strong in Punjab, Pakistan bilateral ties, but it also led to the infiltrators. Musharraf even today People’s Party (PPP) under Asif ouster of Nawaz by Musharraf. claims that “all were on board.” Ali Zardari in Sindh and Imran India has no reason not to respond But this is not true. Nawaz Sharif is Khan’s Tehrik-e-Insaaf in Khyber favourably to the revival of the 1999 being unnecessarily dragged into a Pakhtankhwa in the north-west. spirit by Nawaz, but much depends war which Musharraf waged, fought The results are more or less on the for the success of the revival attempt and lost. same lines, although Nawaz Sharif’s on Pakistan’s military establishment victory is convincing, wining both also. The military has been both Now that Nawaz Sharif is the urban and rural seats in Punjab. unpredictable and imponderable in Prime Minister he has done well the past. Nawaz can push through to order an inquiry to find out what One slogan which has been there normalization with India only to the happened at Kargil. I believe that but was never reckoned with is extent that he is serious in tackling Nawaz Sharif took up the matter of Pakistan’s friendship with India. terrorism within Pakistan and the Pakistan forces’ withdrawal from All political parties asking for Kargil with the help of America good relations with New Delhi was (Continued on Page 6) to sustain the morale of the armed an important plank in elections. I JANATA, May 19, 2013 3 am not surprised because I have the main worry for the people. (N) leader will have to look for an always found the common man on Another onerous job at hand for him acceptable president who will not both sides wishing good relations. is to strike a balance between his meddle in the affairs of Sharif’s The governments play politics. civil administration and the military day-to-day functioning. Similarly, They realize that hostility with against which he has nursed a long Sharif will have to keep his eyes India or Pakistan does not sell any grievance. open on the judiciary which has, of longer. It is no more a rewarding late, been over-reactive. Pakistan’s electoral slogan. Still they emphasize Sharif will be well advised to chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhary is differences, not common points. strengthen the institutions and build due for retirement in December and up people’s faith in them. That is the Sharif will have an interest in who I recall the sweep of Nawaz Sharif only way to keep the military out. It on his stand of friendship with India. replaces the long-serving incumbent. has extended its stronghold even on All this will matter for Sharif to keep Why political parties have woken up trade and commerce. Corporations a tight leash on his government so so late is something to introspect. by ex-military hands dominate 70 that he can function independently Nawaz Sharif has said that he per cent of Pakistan’s business and before he sorts out things one by one. would pick up the thread from the real estate. Government contracts where he had left off with Atal first go to them. No democratic Institutions are important for Behari Vajpayee. This is a positive government can be witness to this a democratic polity. Musharraf development because it means state of affairs. The military’s rule demolished them to establish his the supremacy of liberalism over is to defend the country, not to personal rule. No doubt, this election parochialism. administer it. The polls have shown the sign of maturity in Pakistan. This proved that democratic forces have The heavy turnout of polling goes is the first election held by an elected won yet again. People have made to the credit of the electorate because political party since the country’s sure that democracy which had the Taliban had threatened the independence. The army has had a begun to take roots some years voters. The blasts all over Pakistan centre-stage so far. Probably, it still ago in Pakistan was not uprooted were another impediment. Yet the has. Fragmented political scene suits again. One only hopes this does not people were determined to sustain the army which still gives a message turn out to be a pyrrhic victory. It is the democratic process. Nawaz of normalcy in an otherwise unstable up to Nawaz Shariff to live up to the Sharif occupies the position of country. people’s expectations and keep their prime ministership for the third time. faith intact. The comment of The This speaks volumes in favour of Zardari will remain the president Economist should help Nawaz Pakistanis because they have elected until September. Soon after the PML Sharif. a person who has said that the PM is the boss of the army. Nawaz Sharif has his task cut out. With Best Compliments of He will have to undo most of what the previous government did. The first and foremost would be to meet the Dipra Cosmetics poll promises, including providing 12-A/3, Mahakali Caves Road, uninterrupted power supply, to the Andheri (East), 40093 people. The unemployment problem Telephone: 28327435 in Pakistan has made a number of misguided youth an easy target for the religious and radical outfits. MFG G-1, Dipra brand Sharif’s government will have to Deodorant & Herbal Shampoos address them to the satisfaction of World Award Winner the people who voted his party to power. He will have to attend to the Bodyline Powder available at all branches of ymc problem of rampant corruption in Counters, Apna Bazar & Khadi Bhandar political parties and the bureaucracy, 4 JANATA, May 19, 2013 Politics even in the tragedy of death

Rajindar Sachar

Many great men sickened by but before the sentence could be for Sarabji to his family. He was the way the contemporary society executed relations between India also given State funeral – a rare behaves have been exasperated to and Pakistan eased somewhat, honour reserved normally for army give vent to their harshest feeling. and attempts were being made to men who die in battle field, further Author Samuel Johnson remarked persuade Pakistan authorities to giving material to Pakistan to blame “Patriotism is the last refuge of a commute his sentence with the India for sending spies. But so much scoundrel”. welcome efforts made by especially was reckless thinking that Punjab the indefatigable by Pakistani lawyer irrespective of party affiliations of I had thought that Johnson was Awais Sheikh and Pak human Rights MLAs, completed the farce – when unfair to overwhelming number activists. And then this sudden Punjab Legislature unanimously of ordinary citizens who were, in tragedy happened – his being beaten passed a resolution terming Sarabjit true sense, patriots. I was willing to by co-prisoners resulting in his as a national martyr. concede that if he had used the word death. It was natural to expect “Politics” instead, I might have gone that this would cause anger and Such was the atmosphere that along with him, especially when I disappointment in India and lead to Congress flew Rahul Gandhi read what V. I. Lenin said: “There some protests. But vested interests specially to attend the funeral in are no morals in politics there is or small time politicians thought the purported belief that not to do only expediency. A scoundrel may that it was a fertile moment to spread so would be electorally damaging. be of use to us just because he is a anti-Pakistan hatred. So some TV Alas what small thinking. Please do scoundrel”. Colloquially scoundrel channels, newspapers and politicians not misunderstand. Full sympathy to conjures up a ruffian type of a person, with vested interest went amuck Sarabjit’s family at his unfortunate but scoundrel is defined in Oxford shouting treachery by Pakistan, death in the circumstances is natural. dictionary to mean an “a dishonest and even suggesting India should But what is worrying me is that or immoral person” which could break off diplomatic relations with behind this was the jingoist political apply at any level of hierarchy in the Pakistan. The result has been a near symbolism against Pakistan that is society. Crises, however, arise for us crazy sentiment being fuelled up being highlighted as if patriotism in India (and especially for the older against Pakistan. Some reckless in the country has to be judged by generation) who have lived with politicians even provokingly spread the extent of how anti-Pakistan you Gandhiji’s teaching “that politics the reckless news that Sarabjit had project yourself. What an ill-fated without morality is a sin”. The ugly been deliberately got beaten at the policy and lack of sense of reality! manifest of Johnson’s thinking instance of Pakistan authorities. is the way how Sarabjits death in And then when the political Pakistan has been so cynically used And then started the cavalcade of parties were bathing in this short- by politicians ignoring completely big circus: Prime Minister of India lived limelight nature struck a blow. the damage that has been done to described him as a brave son of India We had the unfortunate incident future Indo-Pak relations. obviously accepting that he was a of a Pakistani prisoner Saninullah Indian spy (what more delicious in Jammu in jail being seriously The undoubted facts are Sarabjit, news could Pakistan have hoped injured by an Indian co-prisoner who according to his family while than that India admits it sends spies – his condition being such that he inebriated, strayed into Pakistan to Pakistan?) had to be flown to Chandigarh PGI territory in 1991 was however for further treatment. This exposed arrested as being Indian spy. He was The Punjab government to score our hollow chant which Indian tried by courts in Pakistan and the a point against Central government politicians were making that in Supreme Court there rejected his and to claim that it was more patriotic Lahore jail Sarabjit could not have appeal. He was sentenced to death, announced a reward of Rs. one crore been beaten by Pak co-prisoners on JANATA, May 19, 2013 5 their own but must be at the instance of Pak officials. Would the Indian When North East Came Calling! politicians apply the same logic at what has happened at Jammu and Shah Alam Khan blame Indian officials. If not, why the double standards. It is puerile When I got an invite to speak rape capital, Delhi, it was a pleasant and politically dishonest to ignore at a conference in Imphal, I was change. It was as if I felt free from the loud condemnation of Pakistan excited. I had never been to the the clutches of a schizophrenic, government of Sarabjit case by North East India and therefore saw amnesic society to which I had now Human Right Commission and other this as an opportunity to explore. integrated. The schizophrenia of intellectuals, of Pakistan. My wife thought that Imphal was double speaks and double thought the capital of Mizoram while I was Rajasthan Congress Chief of North (mainland) India was sure it represented Meghalya. When Minister facing State elections suddenly replaced by liberal, honest we, on an individual, furtive basis, verses of a society waiting for its has carried jingoism to the limit found that Imphal was the capital time. There was a Mary Kom and by publicly forbidding Pakistan of Manipur, both of us decided to an Irom Sharmila in every Manipuri. pilgrims to visit the holy shrine ignore the subject. Well that was The smell of freedom rose from Ajmer Sharif, as he expressed his the best I knew North East as an the stalls of Ima keithal, the all inability to maintain law and order “integral” part of mainland India! woman market of Imphal. The idea in the aftermath of Sarabjit case. But yes, I knew Irom Sharmila of justice and equity floated in the If this is his mind, nothing but his (through personal web based air like the free floatingphumdis (or resignation is called for. “search” efforts) and Mary Kom floating villages) of the Loktak (through the mainstream, ntional Both the Central and Punjab Lake. Most young students I met media) as representatives of this during my trip were full of hope…. government by their shortsighted plucky, spirited state. For a country hope for a better future, hope for an partisan manner of handling Sarabjit obsessed with merit and hungry inclusive development of the state. case have done immeasurable for national icons of hope and This was in contrast to the more harm to the intelligence agency of courage, it was funny that even common lot back in Delhi - the India. The extraordinary blow up though Mary Kom could capture “true” torchbearer of free India’s of Sarabjit case by the government national imagination temporarily, dream. The lot which is most, if not has led to large number of Indian Irom Sharmila was pushed into all the time, interested in knowing spies who had come back to India darkness till the mockery of Anna methods of flying out to the West..… after having spent 20 to 25 years Hazare forced the media to make exclusive agenda with exclusive in Pakistan Jail, go public and her a passing reference; a footnote hope! complain as to how they have been on the pages of democracy! neglected all these years and they Despite eternal peace throughout As soon as I came out of the have not been given their dues which the city, the presence of State was airport, my perceptions or rather were promised them when they were too garish. Heavily armed armor misconceptions of the North East recruited. I hope their public cry will cars with hypersensitive young began to crumble. now at least reach the ears of Central soldiers peaking into mounted stens government. The presence of gender equality were a common scene throughout was so palpable that it began to feel the city. The green camouflage of There are in both countries large a bit uncomfortable for someone the army was a ruthless mix with number of prisoners who continue to gone from a feudal, male dominant the lively, vibrant colors of the city be in jails even after their sentences North India. Symbols of female and its people. India was keeping have been completed. Can one emancipation were too loud to be a close eye on its democracy! hope that in the sober sequel to ignored. Young women walking My courteous hosts explained Sarabjit and Saniullahs case, both freely on streets in the odd hours that these jawans of Assam Rifles the countries will take immediate of the evening was a sight to which were part of the operations to keep steps to send back these prisoners my sensitivities had withered with insurgents at bay…. although it was (Continued on Page 11) time. For a man coming from the difficult to explain the nature and 6 JANATA, May 19, 2013 severity of insurgency requiring such keen interest of the army. FDI in Retail – The Game Changers The fact that Manipur was the only land route out of India into the Far G. V. Sunder East, compounded with a growing presence of China in and around If there is a younger sibling in the region and a hostile Myanmar at was attending to other customers, a lower middle class household the doorstep, insurgency can surely watch very carefully when things and if he happens also to be a little be a pretext for galvanizing state were weighed, get them packed and dim witted, it is quite natural that presence till it appears to look like run between the shop and the house the burden of doing small chores an occupation. It is known since the at least three or four times to get all inside and outside the house will inception of totalitarianism, that an the groceries required home, and always be on him. Since I was one after all this, when I had my hands occupier always tries and besieges such dim witted person, when I the local symbols of culturalism and feet paining, complaints would was small (in early 1970s) I had to start one after the other. and identity. No wonder the Kangla carry the responsibility of doing the Fort and other local places of mass small household chores in our house. manifestation in Manipur had been Once, ‘there are only stones in the Some such chores were: getting rice, dirt and broken rice is more, I under the control of Assam Rifles chopped wood for heating water till recent past. In fact some vital am tired of sifting the rice’, and at for bathing, weighed in the timber other times, ‘oho, he has given new historic places of Imphal continue to merchant’s shop; getting it home and rice, the cooked rice is more a gruel’, be under army/paramilitary control stacking it on the attic of the bath and still again, ‘the lentils do not boil even today. room or some other place; paying the at all, all the kerosene in the stove monthly water and electricity bills; was over getting these boiled’, the North East is a forgotten vision getting monthly provisions for the complaints galore. My fussy sister’s in the dream of Indian republic. house; getting sugar and kerosene complaint, ‘I am getting kerosene They have ceased to exist in our from the ration shop; getting wheat smell in coffee’ was the nadir. imagination. The provocation by and chillies floured in the mill; Mary Koms and Irom Sharmillas is getting the clothes of the elders If some one got a stone while too weak to arouse the psyche of the ironed; getting vegetables etc., etc. eating food and it said ‘katam’ common Indian. The vision of India Some times I also had to sooth the against his or her teeth, all would is complete without its outstretched troublesome kids smaller than me. look at me as though I was the one arms of the North East. Their happy who had committed the ‘original lives, away from the spotlight of I used to go to the shops run by sin’. Elders would order me to take mainland India has given them Seth or Shetru to get our monthly it back and get it exchanged. When enough courage to survive. They provisions. (They were typical I would return to the shop to return have learnt to live without us. Telugu speaking Vaishyas running such lentils or fermented coconut, or Whether we live without them or such shops in Bangalore at that other items, the shop keeper would live to learn from them is a choice, time). Other community people stare at me and grumble, ‘you buy which mainland India should make hardly had such shops. Then, that such bad things in some other shop sooner than later. is, around the ’70s, there were and come and foist it on us’. The hardly big grocery shops in the shop keeper would not take it back, (Continued from Page 2) extensions of Bangalore city. Most the house elders would not have it. of the shops were of the size of a Poor I was the victim in this seesaw SIS-assisted export of terrorism to car garage. A bigger shop would be battle. India. Much interest will be centered about the size of two car garages. on his equations with the army and There were bigger shops near the On one Sankranti day – the day the army’s policies in respect of City Market, or Malleswaram or of the transition of the sun into the both Pakistani and Afghan Taliban. Gandhi bazaar. But in the extensions constellation of Capricorn in his India will wish him well as he takes of the city only such small shops celestial path – a sweet dish had been over power as prime minister for were there. I had to arrange for bags prepared at home. It was very tasty. the third time. The India and for the and baskets, stand in front of the Every one enjoyed eating it. But by sub-continent. grocer for hours together when he afternoon everyone had dyspepsia JANATA, May 19, 2013 7 and dysentery. The reason came to of Tirupati Temple. Even when I reach consumers. Our farmers are light a little later. The grocer had returned something, he would take suffering from such high amount mixed the seeds of papaya with black it back again, without grumbling, of losses. And also in this middle- pepper berries. Once again everyone and would give whatever I wanted man infested system of marketing, stared at me. Thus I was the target or else would return the money. And many experts feel that the farmers for all such adulterations, under- then the shop would be open from are not getting proper prices for weighing and all the grumblings of morning seven to night ten o’clock. their products and proper returns the elders at home. It would be open even on Sundays. on their investment. According to Only on Fridays it would be closed one estimate, only about one fourth When I was struggling like for half a day in the afternoon. of the price paid by the consumers this cursing my fate, an ‘Ahmed reaches the producers. Stores’ was opened in our extension. When the business in ‘Ahmed Though there was some hesitation Stores’ picked up, some smaller When such is the pathetic state to begin with because of the name, shops in the vicinity had to close of affairs, some people feel that every one in the shop looked like a down. But some others changed these foreign companies will bring Keralite ‘kaka’. It was a bigger shop their attitude towards the customers their vast experience and huge than many other shops. Though the and started selling cleaned groceries. capital investment and provide the people in the shop did not know Now in Bangalore, whether a small or facilities required by our producers language, they would a big shop, every one is giving ‘free’ and consumers and liberate them patiently talk to the customers. Items home-delivery of the groceries. They from the clutches of the middle-men were cleaned, properly weighed and have also started selling ‘cleaned and and get better prices for both the neatly packed. Hence I started to packed’ grocery items. producers and the consumers. buy groceries from that shop every month. These days a big debate is going If these foreign companies are on in the country about Foreign going to change the ground rules Earlier I used to wait till all things Direct Investment in retail trade in of marketing which will benefit were packed and then would come India. Some large establishments our small farmers, producers and home with the boy from the shop like Walmart are ready to invest consumers, shall we hope that these carrying the bag with the groceries huge funds in India and some people big malls will become the game on his head. However, later on, I are expressing their concern about changers like the ‘Ahmed Stores’? would give the list of groceries to the the same. Many Indian giants like shop and once the boy from the shop Tatas, Birlas and Reliance have brought the groceries home, would already invested thousands of crores check if every thing had come and of rupees in retail trade in India then pay the boy and send him. and have been running hundreds Janata Subscription of multi-brand retail malls for the Those days there was always past several years. But all these shortage of small denominations of are running under losses from the Annual Rs. : 260/- money. We had to struggle with the beginning. It is very difficult to change in shops and hotels. But there understand as to why, even then, Three Years : 750/- was no such problem in the ‘Ahmed these multi-national corporate giants Stores’. Even if I buy something want to invest money in retail trade worth only two rupees and give in India. Demand Draft / Cheque on him a hundred rupee note, he would Mumbai Bank count and return 98 rupees without If we look at it from another in favour of grumbling. In the same way, for a angle, our country is in the forefront thing costing 50 paise, even if five in growing fruits and vegetables. Janata Trust rupees are given, the balance would But the unfortunate part of it is D-15, Ganesh Prasad, be counted and paid. Every one used that almost 40 percent of these Naushir Bharucha Marg, to wonder where he was getting all products rot for want of proper cold Mumbai 400 007 those small denomination coins. and other storage facilities during Some would even say that he was transportation to the consumers. getting the coins from the ‘hundi’ Only 60 percent of the products 8 JANATA, May 19, 2013 Democracy: From Evasive to Decisive A view from West Bengal

Sandip Das

Once Gandhiji said “Politics has West many political thinkers thought M. N. Roy, wanted that prevalent encircled us with the coil of a snake, that civil society should perform a pyramidal structure should be unless we fight the snake there is greater role. Some of them also felt inversed. Gandhi in his unique way no respite”. He felt that abandoning the need for devolution of power. wanted to replace the pyramid with politics was not possible. But at the an oceanic circle. As in the case same time he opined that politics India is a vast country with huge of ocean the first wave would be should be elevated from the existing number of people, with diverse a small circle then it would be an level of moral or spiritual level. language, ethnicity and religious ever-expanding series of circles. But, in the present context, what faith and distinct cultural identity. The basic first circle is village. do we find? No doubt, politics have Our predecessors from the beginning As this circle begins to expend, become all-pervasive of human of the last century were of the opinion it would encompass gradually a activities including cooperation or that India should have a decentralized greater zone (say Panchayat samiti), non-cooperation and in colliding polity. They were inspired by the then sub-division/district, province, with economics of production Panchayat system prevailing in the whole country and later on, the and distribution. Since politics the country from the ancient days. whole world. has become closely associated When Dadabhai Naoroji raised with privileges, which makes the the demand for Swaraj, he meant In framing the constitution privileged tend to cling to power, people’s participation and not of India, the drafting committee thereby interweaving hypocrisy complete independence. Then Tilak sought to accommodate the ideas and power-mongering for self awakened the nation with thundering of Swaraj and decentralized polity. and family, party or any other assertion: “Swaraj is my birth right”, Many members of the constituent sectarian interest. So, the images of Pal elaborated it. Annie Besant’s assembly, notably H. V. Kamath, J. politicians, in most cases, are not Home Rule League enthused Prakashan, Ananta Swami Ayengar, bright. H. V. Kamath, a front ranking many young men. Deshbandhu C. Lakshmikant Moitra voiced their socialist and a close associate of R. Das in co-operation with Dr. protest on the lapse of Panchayat Netaji Subhas often rightly said Bhagwan Das formulated a Swaraj raj. The president of the constituent to us that “there is no politics in based constitutional framework for Assembly Dr. Rajendra Prasad the country, there are politricks independence. sought to refer back the draft to the and partytickngs. No doubt, the advisor of the drafting committee. basic problems of our society, with While Gandhi was in South But the chairman of the drafting colossal poverty and unemployment, Africa, an autocratic regime sought to committee Dr. Ambedkar claimed miserable state of health for the de-franchise Indians in South Africa. that at that stage it would not be have-nots and unrealistic and He went to England and submitted a possible to redraft. Then Santhanam, directionless education system, memorandum to British Parliament an important member of the ecological disaster, pervading where he narrated the democratic Assembly placed a compromise trends of violence and counter- tradition of India from the ancient formula to include it for the time violence by the state power and days, which was appreciated by the being in the Directive Principles of the protestors have become current MPs and the press. Coming to India, the state policy. So, in this form it trends. But, all over the world both he sought to redirect the national was accepted. During this period, political theorists and activists movement for the all-comprehensive the Congress Socialists had opted considered politics as the medium achievement of Swaraj, Swadeshi out of the Constituent Assembly. of transformation of individuals and Swabhilamban. Besides But, later on it was JP, who played and institutions and not necessarily Gandhi, almost all propagators of the most vital role in generating confined to government alone. In the decentralized democracy. including public opinion for a decentralized JANATA, May 19, 2013 9 democracy, that is Panchayati Raj. Keshpur in West Medinipur district, Panchayats. Through JP’s initiative several myself along with Bimal Ch. Pal, conferences on Panchayat Raj took then President of State Sarvoday JP during the Total Revolution place in different places of which Mandal and two local friends were days used to say that “in our Jaipur event was the largest, at least on a visit to the disturbed areas by democracy there is a cracy, but not it was reported. So Gandh’s Gram rickshaws. At a certain point, the demos”. It is a fact that India has been Swaraj, Vinoba’s Gram Swarajya rickshaw pullers refused to proceed maintaining some sort of democracy, and JP’s Communitarian Democracy further. On being asked about the for the last sixty five years, except were popularized. Another person reason for their refusal, they said during the Emergency days. But let who was a pioneer of decentralized that they were forbidden to move us think, can parliamentary form of development was S. K. Dey. His to the Trinamal area. It seems that democracy in its present form or its experiment at Kurukshetra was those who have come to power in supposed alternative presidential admired by Prime Minister Nehru. the state replacing the communists form can ensure sovereignty of Then Nehru government constituted are in no mood to change the system. people in reality? To quote political committee to On the issue of ensuring Panchayat theorist Brycle, “The sovereignty of initiate Panchayat raj. On the basis elections now, the uncompromising the people is the basic watchword of of its report, Panchayat raj came attitude of the state government democracy”. It was not unnecessary into being. However, rather than and equally adamant attitude of the when Gandhi said that “I shall fight empowering people at the grassroots, state election commissioner, might for that India where every Indian the bureaucrats got more power. be promoted by other interests, are would feel that it is ‘my country and I have a role to determine its destiny”. Although it was not satisfactory, not conducive for healthy Panchayat He also said ‘Swaraj will come only JP welcomed the beginning of system. when a poor, humble person would Panchayat raj which had become a After the constitutional raise his voice when the power is closed chapter. However, it is well amendment of 73 and 74 Articles abused’. As we see today in most known that except in some states, there has been substantial change cases money, muscle and media Panchayat system became dormant on paper. The power structures at dominate the political parties besides again. Then with the implementation the state level which used to be the communal and caste cards along of Asoka Mehta committee report controlled by the ministers and with various other means of corrupt during the Janata party rule, bureaucrats are supposed to have practices. If an authoritarian party, Panchayats were given a new life. come under the control of the dynastic successors or agents of But the report had some drawbacks. villagers. But, it is a fact that many international or national capitalists Firstly, village was defined on the elected members are not capable de facto control the country then basis of population, which was and many more are partisans and where does the vox populi stand? contrary to the spirit of face to face not above corruption. So there Can our democracy be described community as conceived by Gandhi should be an authority to supervise as government of the people by the and JP. Secondly, elections through over them. JP was fully conscious people and for the people, even if party symbols at the grassroots of the problem and had suggested it is ‘of’ the people. Yes, when we vitiated the community spirit of an institution of Panchayat Raj would speak of the empowering of the villages. However, there was Commission. He had specifically the people, we would not mean that no compulsion for the states to said that none of the members of common villagers would handle introduce party symbols at the the commission should be from any the defence or the external affairs. grassroots level. While states like political party or from bureaucracy. But it may be mentioned that so- Karnataka under the leadership of We should not forget that 27 subjects called development should not be Ramakrishna Hegde and Abdul mentioned in the 11th Schedule imposed on them. We speak of Nazir Saheb accepted partisan have not yet come to Panchayat, improving the standard of living of election only at the district level, besides, many of the provisions of the poor. Gandhi had said, “no one the states like West Bengal under the Amendment of the constitution can decide other’s standard of living Marxist rule vitiated the villages of 2003, for example, promotion from above. The persons concerned with partisan fragmentation. Let me of self reliance, due autonomy should determine the improvement give an example. A decade earlier, in and some provisions of financial of their own standard”. I do not know view of clashes at a village named resources have not yet come to the whether the present political leaders, 10 JANATA, May 19, 2013 particularly those who are in power other hand in forming the policy can compromise. The socialists are arena have time to remember Gandhi and action programme, opportunism convinced that capitalism even in except on October 2 and January 30. becomes the deciding factor for the name of liberalism is destined to Can our rulers care to know what many of them. When CPI(M) was in destroy democracy. The democratic Gandhi had said to Nehru! “When power in West Bengal, it attempted socialists are of the opinion that you plan to implement a project, to set up an atomic power plant at democracy without freedom in just think of the face of the poorest Haripur in East Medinipur district of economic, social and cultural person you know and judge whether the state. The attempt failed because spheres is evasive democracy. We or not your contemplated project of popular resistance. Not we find should strive for democratization of would bring any benefit to him”. I CPI(M) have become champion of the state through decentralization am afraid most of the rulers might anti-atomic power plant movement of political and economic power. not have seen such a face at all. in Tamil Nadu. In our vision of democratic road to socialism, the state policy should be We socialists cannot identify Looking at the functioning of the accountable to people. democracy with politics alone. For government at the Centre and the us democracy should encompass states one may conclude that they In the democratic road of economic, social and cultural aspects have become arrogant of public socialism, there should not be too. Today’s power-centred politics criticisms, even if constructive. West any restriction on the freedom of is rooted in corruption, scams and Bengal Chief Minister, who had a minorities – political, religious disguised accounts in foreign links. humble beginning and emerged out ethnic and linguistic. Here we The manner in which the Prime from peoples’ movement has also may refer to Mamata Banerjee Minister has admonished CAG become a victim of arrogance. Some again. She has feelings for the Benod Rai by saying that the PAC of the journalists, who had been poor but her senses of priorities would challenge his report is quite supporting her, have now shifted are not well directed. The poor, baffling. How could have Prime their criticism to her personality backwards including Muslims, Minister taken for granted that PAC rather than the cause. One of the deserve special attention. But how would challenge his report where press, who had extended support to can special allowance for Immamy the members of different parties Mamata till the other day has now and spread of Madrasas and separate are there? The manner in which said that her opposition to FDI and universities and hospitals would CBI and other agencies are used increase in petrol, diesel and cooking help the Muslims? She should look by the central government to meet gas to serve her selfish end. On for involving Muslims in scientific narrow political gains is alarming. the other, Sonia and Manmohan’s education both physical and social The way in which union funds are unilateral decision on FDI and and job-oriented appropriate being distributed is scandalous. And increased prices of essential items technology. the money comes from the family prompted by the concern for national Another problem with West assets or from the tax payers. How interest. The increasing trend of Bengal Chief Minister is that she acts can the major party in power in a trade deficit is alarming. Some pro- on her reflexes. Often she identifies coalition government decide the FDI government economists pointed out her party with the government and in multiple trade in food and clothing that the gaining of China through she often usurps the power of local unilaterally, when previous Finance FDI, overlooking the fact that China self-governments. Is it because of Minister had promised otherwise? had no deficit in international trade. that that she has not come out of her The allegations of scams against Indira Congress legacy! some leading political personalities Looking at the high profile and schizophrenic reactions of persons’ zeal for so-called reforms, The Government of West Bengal leaders of the ruling party in defence it appears that they understand the has not yet expressed their desire of a ‘private citizen who is not in interests other rather than that of to modify the state Panchayat Act politics’ and how a honest officer the poor people of India. Recently, at least within parameters of the was treated in this connection is a Delhi based economist wrote in a amendment of the Constitution bewildering. The major opposition Bengali journal of Kolkata, run by in 2003. Of course, for this it party and some of the regional a big house that India needs both would need the co-operation of the parties cannot be depended for they capitalism and democracy. This Centre. Since there is no immediate are also not above scams. On the is an issue, on which no socialist scope for a modified Panchayat JANATA, May 19, 2013 11

Act, I would suggest that in the election campaign of the ruling New Social Movements, New and opposition parties they should Perspectives announce that if elected they would set up a Panchayat Raj Commission Nivedita Menon (not election commission) which would help and guide the Panchayats and and that the members of the A new kind of social and political set up during the Emergency later commission would not be from action emerged in the 1980s, that we split into the People’s Union for political parties and bureaucracy. might call citizens’ initiatives. These Democratic Rights (PUDR), with a In the context of West Bengal, the non-funded and non-party forums more leftist perspective on ‘rights’ ruling party should come out for came into being out of a sense of the including economic rights, while the a scheme of green and sustainable inefficacy of mainstream political People’s Union for Civil Liberties economy. There is enough scope for parties and their lack of concern (PUCL) decided to focus on ‘civil medium and small size industries regarding vital issues of democracy, liberties’ more narrowly. There was under empowered zilla parishads freedom and civil rights. ‘Citizens’ a string of such formations in the and Panchayat Samitis. Now that the initiatives’ have been more involved country. In many states like Andhra forest areas are more or less peaceful in a watchdog kind of activity and Pradesh (the Andhra Pradesh Civil they should come out with their are not generally characterized Liberties Committee – APCLC) schemes for forest development. by mass support. While some are and West Bengal (Association for small, self-sufficient groups of long the Protection of Democratic Right The Panchayat Raj institutions standing, others are broad coalitions – APDR), the main initiative for alone can transform our evasive formed around specific issues, that the formation of such civil liberties democracy into decisive democracy. bring together parties and trade and democratic rights organizations unions of the far left, Gandhian, came from activists linked to the far We should remember that change Dalit and feminist groups, some Left groups. We distinguish such of societal and political structure of which may be funded NGOs, as forums from what are called ‘human cannot be equated with a structural well as non-affiliated individuals. rights organizations’, many of which change of a building of bricks, The distinguishing feature of such are funded organizations that work in cement and steel. We need something coalitions is that all the constituents tandem with internationally evolving more for transformation of men. It are subject to the ‘common minimum agendas. The latter we would place reminds me of one statement of programme’ set collectively by under the rubric of ‘NGOs’. Swami Vivekananda that “men the forum, and separate party/ making is my mission”. We feel organizational agenda are not meant Such groups have continued for transformation from evasive to influence the activity of the forum. to play an active role in the years to decisive democracy, we should The tension that this sets up between since, painstakingly documenting concurrently strive for changing the differing imperatives is usually and exposing cases of civil liberties socio-economic conditions and the also the reason for the short-lived and democratic rights violations. change of individuals. nature of such forums, which tend to In recent years they have also dissipate after a period of intense and been actively campaigning against (Continued from Page 5) often very effective interventions. . While the initial to their respective countries. This is impulse for their formation was the not only a humanitarian but a legal Among the first citizens’ initiatives violation by the state of citizens’ demand. that came into existence were around rights to freedom of expression, they civil liberties and democratic rights. have over the last two and a half India and Pakistan are like Acquiring particular salience in decades expanded their activities Siamese twins. The pain and the immediate aftermath of the to address violations of freedoms tribulation of each will get reflected Emergency, a number of such by non-state actors in the context in the other. Accept that bleeding organizations came into being of caste, gender and sectarian/ of either will bleed the other too. In throughout the country. For instance, communal violence. Some of them this approach only the welfare and the Peoples’ Union for Civil Liberties have also taken up questions of prosperity of both countries lie. and Democratic Rights (PUCLDR) the worst cases of exploitation of 12 JANATA, May 19, 2013 labour, which effectively nullify Of course, this was only a partial but abandoned by political parties rights and liberties sanctioned by the victory and the December 13th – whether ruling or opposition, Constitution to all citizens. attack on parliament has a darker Right or Left. Through this period story behind it which we cannot go groups have worked throughout A recent significant battle into now, the latest episode of which India, engaging in a range of fought by one such citizens’ group was the unjust execution of Afzal activities – street demonstrations - Committee for Fair Trial for Guru for a crime the Supreme Court and sit-ins to engage the public in SAR Geelani – demonstrates how conceded he did not commit. debate and discussion, designing and implementing educational effective such interventions can Another set of citizens’ initiatives programmes, monitoring the media, be. Syed Abdul Rehman Geelani, a that came since 1984 and the pursuing cases in court, providing lecturer of Arabic in a Delhi college, massacre of Sikhs were several anti- legal and other assistance to the was one of the ‘prime accused’ in the communal groups in different parts victims of communal violence and attack on Parliament on December of the country. One of the earliest of making every effort to see that the 13, 2001. Following as it did on these was a forum called the Nagarik guilty officials and political leaders ‘9/11’, the incident got inserted into Ekta Manch, formed in 1984 itself. would not escape punishment. the stridently nationalist discourse This was an initiative where people Again, in the aftermath of the that drew nourishment from both from different backgrounds and Gujarat carnage of 2002, during the the Hindu-right dominated NDA vocations came together to work long months of continued violence, government and the rhetoric of in the relief camps – collecting and innumerable individuals and newly George Bush’s ‘war on terrorism’. distributing relief materials, helping formed groups from all over India A group of teachers and students of people file claims and so on. At went to Gujarat, helping in running Delhi University kept up a consistent about the same time, another group, relief camps, coordinating collections struggle to ensure a fair trial for the Sampradayikta Virodhi Andolan and distribution of relief materials, SAR Geelani in the bleak days (SVA) was formed in Delhi, focusing running schools for children of the of 2002, when one of the worst primarily on public campaigns, victims – and of course, providing state-sponsored carnages of post- attempting simultaneously to find the legal support to fight the cases. Independence Indian history was in a different language in which to These efforts might well comprise progress in Gujarat, and Geelani was conduct such campaigns. A wide one of the most glorious chapters not only sentenced to death by a POTA debate was sparked in secular circles of citizens’ interventions in post- (Prevention of Terrorist Activities by one of the slogans evolved by the independence India. Act) court but also subjected to a SVA to counter the Hindu right-wing campaign on Ramjanmabhoomi, blatant media trial pronouncing Urbanism could be said to be discussed in Chapter 2. This slogan, him guilty even before the court one of the fledgling movements in in a radical departure from secular verdict. Eventually a national level contemporary India. Prior to the strategy, appealed to the religious Committee was formed, drawing 1990s issues of the urban poor, Hindu – kan-kan mein vyaape hain in respected academics like Rajni (pavement dwellers, hawkers Ram/Mat bhadkao danga leke unka Kothari and writer Arundhati Roy, and vendors, rickshaw pullers) naam (Ram is in every atom / let not while lawyers like Nandita Haksar were raised by Left political His name be used to incite violence). and others undertook to fight the case parties, individuals and groups on Geelani’s behalf. Their patient These could be said to have in Mumbai and Kolkata, largely and unrelenting work was successful been precursors to a series of new as questions of poverty and the in exposing what turned out to be initiatives in different towns and ‘state’s responsibility’ to the poor. a blatant frame-up. Geelani was cities of India that came into being The old Nehruvian state was also acquitted and released. The Geelani in the 1990s, especially in the wake much more responsive to this call case revealed the extent to which of the demolition of the Babri of responsibility. It was in the 1990s, democracy can be subverted by the Masjid and the communal violence with India’s rapid global integration, discourse on ‘national security’. that followed. Perhaps the most that urban space really began to However, it also demonstrated that significant part of the citizens’ emerge as an arena of struggle. spaces for democratic intervention actions of the 1990s was that they Alongside the contests over space are not entirely closed off. took up the struggle that was all arose newer concerns regarding JANATA, May 19, 2013 13 urban congestion, pollution and and educational materials. Thus, and the Church in Kudankulam, to consequent concerns about health. while the peoples’ movements fight the familiar spectrum of individuals The state’s response – prodded by their battles in faraway rural or and groups – Gandhians, Dalit a section of environmentalists and forest areas, with little access to the groups, NGOs, left groups and the judiciary – was to revive the old media, it is these NGOs that set up sometimes left parties and so on. modernist fantasy of the ordered and house the various metropolitan The anti-nuclear energy movements and zoned city. It was around these ‘support groups’ whose task it is to of course, go back to the era of issues that struggles started seriously approach friendly and influential citizens’ initiatives when groups like erupting in the late 1990s. people in the media, bureaucracy Anumukti, Network to Oust Nuclear In Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and and academia to advocate the cause Energy (NONE) and Committee for Bangalore, citizens’ initiatives of the movement concerned. Such a Sane Nuclear Policy (COSNUP) brought together questions of NGOs have often also provided were set up. Such citizens’ initiatives environment and workers’ rights critical research inputs on technical were undertaken to highlight issues and linked them up with the larger details, environmental impact such as the dangers of radiation to question of urban planning. Some and other information required to communities located in uranium groups conducted mass campaigns conduct a credible campaign. A mining sites, the undemocratic through their constituent political striking example of such a symbiosis and opaque nature of functioning groupings, but the most significant is the Narmada Bachao Andolan. of India’s nuclear establishment, impact they had was in making urban and as always, the injustice of These citizens’ initiatives were planning a matter of public debate, displacing populations from their rarely mass movements, but in the drawing architects and planners with homes and occupations in order to first decades on the 21st century we alternative visions into the debate. set up nuclear energy plants. More have begun to see mass movements The question of a public transport importantly, these groups developed of this new, coalitional kind, arising system, road planning and such a critique of nuclear energy as such, around the issue of land acquisition. other questions came into the ambit asserting, along with a growing Such movements have brought into of the debate for the first time. In chorus of voices globally, that it was some cities alternative data was crisis the hitherto unquestioned assumption that industrialization ‘neither clean nor safe nor cheap.’ generated on the availability and While this work did not have a consumption of water, electricity and economic development of a particular kind are natural stages mass movement dimension until and other amenities in settlements now, we see the coming together of the labouring poor as well as the in human history. This assumption of these older initiatives with the affluent. is shared across the political spectrum from Right to Left and mass movements in Kudankulam Today as Arvind Kejriwal begins so these movements come into and Jaitapur. his civil disobedience campaign sharp contradiction with an Old on the inflated costs of water and Left framework that has still not Again, the Old Left is completely electricity, we can see the historical understood the deep ecological out of tune with these new links to earlier forms of activism. crisis our planet faces and the need developments, as in its imaginative Since the late 1980s, non-party to rethink entirely the idea of endless horizon, nuclear energy is central to movements and citizens’ initiatives growth which is in fact impossible. a strong nation state. For example, have grown and functioned in the proposal to build a giant nuclear a complicated relationship with Increasingly, movements against power station in Haripur in West NGOs. The apprehension of land acquisition are coming together Bengal is a central government being driven by funder agendas, with the movement against nuclear project, but is fully supported by the becoming depoliticized and being energy, from Jaitapur to Kudankulam. Left Front. The ecological and social co-opted by funding has kept most In these mass movements we see the consequences of building a nuclear movements and citizens’ initiatives new form of coming together of plant in the densely populated consciously ‘non-funded’. At the political energies. That is, around a Gangetic delta region are fearsome same time many NGOs often provide single issue, a range of forces come to contemplate, and the CPI (M)’s movements with vital support in together, from religious forces like enthusiastic support for it is deeply terms of infrastructure, campaigns the Jamat in Singur and Nandigram troubling. 14 JANATA, May 19, 2013

Coming now to the women’s Two – social media driven rather than ‘panty’, simultaneously movement, it has functioned more or mobilizations by young upper class desexualizing the piece of clothing, less in the form of citizens’ initiatives women around the issue of women’s ungendering it (chaddi refers to of the kind I have described, with rights to public space. underwear in general, not just to occasional mass mobilization by women’s panties), and playing on political parties. In the 1980s, the Both these kinds of mobilizations, the pejorative slang for Hindu right- “autonomous women’s movement” quite opposite in character to each wingers, after the uniform of their emerged from the patriarchy and other, have proved difficult for parent organization, the RSS, whose control of left-wing political parties. older Left and women’s movement members wear khaki shorts. At one The first national-level autonomous perspectives to come to terms with, level an undoubtedly successful women’s conferences were thus for they follow none of the older campaign, it faced criticism from attended by non-funded, non-party, patterns of mobilizing, there is conservative opinion for obvious self-defined feminist groups. Over no comprehensive programme of reasons, and also from the left of the the 1990s, very few of these survived action, only one narrow slogan, and political spectrum. as non-funded organizations, and the the mass character necessarily means seventh conference in 2006, held there can be no broader agreement The latter chastised the campaign in Kolkata, referred to above, was around large political issues. for elitism (‘after all, only almost entirely attended by funded westernized women in cities go to Let me start with the second pubs’) and for diverting attention to NGOs. It is also important to note phenomenon I mentioned. such a trivial issue when for most that many “non” governmental women in India, their very survival organizations receive funding from Two campaigns have caught is at stake. Is going to pubs what the government for specific projects. media attention. One, the Pink feminism is about, was the question Thus, the only groups that were Chaddi campaign. In 2009, men such critics raised. Of course not. finally excluded were non-funded of a hitherto little known Hindu And nor did the ‘Consortium’ claim left wing and radical women’s right-wing organization called Sri it was anything as large as ‘feminism’ organizations, which seemed to Ram Sene, physically attacked itself. It was a specific campaign in many feminists to be a strange young women in pubs in the city response to a specific attack, and paradox. Increasingly however, in of Mangalore. These attacks, as Nisha Susan put it, ‘for many the last few years, coalitions around supposedly an attempt to protect of those who signed up, neither issues such as sexual violence and Indian culture from defilement Valentine’s Day nor pub-going the rights of LGBT people, include by western values, were met with meant anything. What we agreed political parties of the Left. Feminists protests and solidarity campaigns on is the need to end violence in the also perceive the close link between all over the country, but the most name of somebody’s idea of Indian movements around livelihood and imaginative one came to be called culture’ (2009). The campaign ecological sustainability, and the the Pink Chaddi campaign. A cheeky brazenly owned up to the identities women’s movement - Nalini Nayak, Facebook group was launched the Hindu right-wing attributed who works with fisher- people’s by Delhi journalist Nisha Susan, to women in pubs – ‘loose and movements on these issues, terms with the name of ‘Consortium of forward’ – and made them badges of ecological movements the “resource Pubgoing, Loose and Forward pride. And it clearly touched a chord base of our feminism”. Women’, which called upon women across the country, for most people to send pink chaddis (underwear) to understood it as defiance towards And so we arrive at the end the leader of the Ram Sene, Pramod the Hindu right’s moral policing in of the first decade of the 21st Muthalik, as a gift on Valentine’s general, not merely about women’s century, a decade in which we see Day, in a non-violent gesture of right to drink in pubs. two kinds of new political action. ridicule and protest. Over 2000 One - unprecedented urban mass chaddis were in fact delivered The other instance was the movements in the city of Delhi and to the Ram Sene office, and the organizing of Slut Walks in Delhi in other cities and towns, around organization was a butt of ridicule and Bhopal. Slut Walks, both in two issues – corruption and sexual all over the world. It is striking that European and American cities as violence. the campaign used the word ‘chaddi’ well as in some Indian ones, must be JANATA, May 19, 2013 15 understood as a critique of the victim marginalization and self-exile to a of a series of battles in which all blaming culture that surrounds high ground where all credentials the discontented classes, groups rape. The original Slut Walk was were closely scrutinized, and we and elements of the population a reaction to a Canadian police saw the absolute incomprehension participated. Among these there officer’s remark that if women dress of and contempt of people who are were masses imbued with the ‘like sluts’, they must expect to be our friends, for ’the people’ when crudest prejudices; there were small raped. However, the overwhelmingly actually confronted by them. groups which accepted Japanese positive responses world-wide to money, there were speculators and Slut Walks, reveal that blaming the Interestingly, political parties of adventurers, etc. But objectively, victim is not an attitude restricted the Left, especially CPI (ML), were the mass movement was breaking to the West. supportive of the movement and the [back] of tsarism and paving the active in various ways, this sharp way for democracy.” In India, within the feminist camp, criticism came from individuals of there were misgivings expressed the non-Party left. Another kind of critic speaks not that the English word ‘slut’ has no What I saw was a carnivalesque in the name of revolution, but of resonance at all here. In response, celebration of the pure ideals of democracy; a democracy disciplined the organizers of the march added a democracy – of the idea that ‘we through representative institutions Hindi phrase explaining the name, the people’ are sovereign, that with The People entering the stage so that it became Slut Walk arthaat politicians are the servants of the every five years. The People are Besharmi Morcha, drawing on the people, that laws must originate in a continuous source of anxiety, Hindi word besharam meaning the needs and demands of the people. casteist and communal as all of them ‘without shame’ or shameless, are. Little wonder then that this set often used for women who refuse What my community saw though, of Leftist and Left-liberals remained to live by patriarchal rules. What was a mindless mob of communal silent when the government denied was interesting about Slut Walks and casteist - and even “fascist” permission for the protest and in India (held in Bhopal and Delhi middle classes. arrested Hazare on August 16; some in July 2011), was that they were even denying that there had been a For twelve days, a city in which not organized by the established violation of civil liberties. women’s movement organizations protest had been consigned to a and well-known feminist faces, museumized space, Jantar Mantar, Law-making needs to be but by much younger women new was reclaimed for protest by a demystified – “it’s a very complex to political organizing, who were crashing tide of humanity so huge, process”, the experts on TV kept expressing, however, an old and so peaceful and non-violent, that saying. But what the movement did powerful feminist demand - the right it simply took back the city. No was it made it legitimate to say that to safety in public spaces. violence. No untoward incidents we have a right to the information and no hysteria (except on television that will enable us to arrive at a If this was elite mobilization, channels). How is this fascism? Are conclusion. I heard a young law what is the problem for the Left with all large gatherings of the masses student stumblingly explain before mass mobilizations? It appears that fascist? a TV camera in English, which was the non-party Left has a deep rooted Since many of the critics swear by clearly not his first language: ”They fear of the masses, which it can only some form of ‘Marxism-Leninism’, say the Parliament is sovereign. No. see as communal and casteist, and let me quote from Lenin who said in They should read the Constitution. politically regressive. Throughout 1916 of the 1905 revolution: The people are sovereign.” the Anna Hazare phase of the India Against Corruption movement, we “Whoever expects a ‘pure’ social (to be concluded) saw from this section, which forms revolution will never live to see it. our community, strident demands Such a person pays lip-service to The JP Memorial Lecture for absolute purity of the radical revolution without understanding Organised by the PUCL and position (for example, what do these what revolution is…The Russian Delivered at the Gandhi Peace people have to say about Kashmir?). Revolution of 1905 was a bourgeois- Foundation, New Delhi on 23rd We saw a sort of aggressive self- democratic revolution. It consisted March 2013 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, May 19, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, May 19, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday May 22, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 18 Choice before the voter May 26, 2013 S. Viswam

Should CBI be an independent On the morning of Wednesday than most of the parties in the NDA, body? May 22,(the ninth anniversary of the and the Congress cadre is still Bapu Heddurshetti UPA in power at the Centre), the wedded to and practices Gandhian Prime Minister was getting ready to principles and thoughts. Objectively, present a report card of his despite all the allegations of government’s achievements in the misgovernance and non- New Social Movements, last nine years of office. At the same performance being levelled against New Perspectives - II time, the leader of opposition in the the UPA, the Congress-led alliance Nivedita Menon Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and her is a better bet for the voter, even for counterpart in the Upper House Arun the only reason that by electing the Jaitley were preparing to launch a UPA to power for a third term, we direct and critical atack on the will be preventing the triumph of Legacy of government and point out the specific communal forces. As we had argued Dr. Asghqar Ali Engineer areas that have suffered because of in our earlier columns, large sections Irfan Engineer the UPA’s misgovernance. Indeed, of our people are weary of both the this kind of government-opposition UPA and the NDA but do not have face-off has been one of the features the privilege and pleasure of voting of the UPA’s second term. The for a grouping that is neither National Convention of Congress-led UPA and the BJP-led Congress-associated nor NDA- the Socialist Party (India) NDA have had hard, ruthless and no- linked. In other words, what is hold-barred adversarial relations colloquially being touted as a Third throughout the last nine years. While Front or a Third Force. Such a front there is no surprise here, the fact may or may not emerge between remains that between two alliances, now and the year of the poll 2014. Editor : there is little to choose for the In view of this uncertainty, what is G. G. Parikh electorate which will be required to the choice or what are the choices Managing Editor : Guddi vote in a new government at the before the voter? Centre in 2014. The NDA is as bad D-15, Ganesh Prasad, or good as the UPA. However, the On paper, and on the basis of the accuracy of official claims, the UPA Naushir Bharucha Marg, UPA still remains the better formation since it is secular, more is still a good choice. The track Mumbai - 400 007. committed to democracy and record of the Opposition does not Email : [email protected] democratic processes and norms have much to commend itself as a 2 JANATA, May 26, 2013 grouping that has contributed Should CBI be an independent body? constructively to nation-building or political stability. Its strong point is that it was a recurring thorn in UPA’a Bapu Heddurshetti flesh and made life miserable for the government all through the last nine Recently, in the Coal scam case, observations part of their judgement, years. But that is not reason enough a three-Judge Bench of the Supreme they should refrain from making such why it deserves your vote and mine. Court comprising Justices R.M. observations since they carry a lot The BJP has yet to surrender its Lodha, Madan B. Lokur and Kurian of importance in the eyes of the communal overtones and undertones Joseph took exception to the sharing public. However, these observations and give up touting saffron affiliations of the Status Report by the Director of the Supreme Court raise two very whenever it needs to fall back on of the Central Bureau of important and serious questions. First communal slogans and divisive Investigation with the law officers is about the issuing of an ordinance. sectarian politics. If marks were to of the Government of India, namely, The second is about the be allotted for championship in the Additional Solicitor General of independence of the CBI. disruptive politics, the NDA India and possibly the Attorney opposition in parliament would win General of India and the Law Article 123 of the Constitution hands down. But, again, is this sole Minister as also with some officials dealing with the promulgation of “achievement” worthy of popular of the Prime Minister’s Office and ordinances reads as follows: “Power endorsement at the hustings? directed the Director, CBI, not to of President to promulgate Obviously not. share such Reports with any of them Ordinances during recess of Parliament:- (1) If at any time, The Samajwadi Party and the in future. It has even asked the except when both Houses of are not Attorney General G. E. Vahanvati to Parliament are in session, the supporting the UPA out of love for take instructions from the President is satisfied that the Congress or admiration of Sonia government whether a law could be circumstances exist which render it Gandi or because they hold enacted to insulate the CBI from necessary for him to take immediate Manmohan Singh in high esteem. extraneous influence and make it an action, he may promulgate such They do so because they would independent organisation to ensure Ordinances as the circumstances rather keep a secular, democratic its functional autonomy. appear to him to require”. By and liberal-minded formation in The Bench even told the Attorney suggesting that the Government can power rather than encourage the General that they “would be happy issue an ordinance, the Supreme communal forces to seize power and if a law is put in place before the Court is presuming that the President jeopardise communal harmony and next date of hearing i.e., on July 10.” will be satisfied that circumstances social peace. It appears the Judges even exist which render it necessary for Having said all this, it only remains suggested that the “government need him to take immediate action of to point out that in the public not wait for Parliament’s approval. making the CBI an independent body perception the UPA has burnt its There are other methods to achieve without waiting for the Parliament boat and has failed to retain the the objective, like issuing of an to debate the law. Do the Judges feel public goodwill with which it started ordinance and it would be a golden that circumstances exist for taking off in 2009 on a second term. Even day if that happens.” the immediate action of making the Dr. Manmohan Singh’s sterling CBI an independent body bypassing These were oral observations image has taken a beating. That the Parliament? What if the made by the Judges of the Supreme however does not mean that all is President is not satisfied that, such Court during the course of the irretrievably lost for the UPA. There circumstances exist and that the law hearing and not part of their written is still a year to go, and the UPA can can wait till the Parliament meets? judgement. I doubt if the Judges will do a great deal to transform its image And then it beats one’s imagination dare to make these observations part through positive social welfare as to how the Supreme Court Judges of their written judgement. If the could even think of conspiring with (Continued on Page 7) Judges are not able to make their the Executive to bypass the JANATA, May 26, 2013 3

Parliament in enacting such an vests in the Central Government. without knowing what is written in important law? the Status Report? Since the superintendence and More important question is as to control vests in the Central It is general practice that whether the CBI should be made an Government, the Central whenever any papers are filed by independent body? The accusation Government will be held responsible any party in the Court, the other side is that the governments have used for any acts of commission or is served with a copy of the same the CBI for political purposes. Firstly omission by the CBI. The CBI is because transparency is the bedrock in the sense that if a party is in power answerable to the Minister of judicial proceedings. Everything it uses the CBI selectively to concerned and the minister must be done in open court and not investigate the offences committed concerned is answerable to the in closed chambers, as people would by those who are opposed to it. Parliament. If it is revealed that the then not know what is happening Secondly in the sense that if the CBI investigated a case with mala behind the closed doors. Secrecy, government wants to favour a person fide intention, the Minister concerned Justice Ruma Paul says, albeit in a who is being investigated by the CBI, is pulled up in the Parliament. If so, different context, is the third sin of it drops the investigation and lets the is it not open to a minister to call for judiciary. What happened to the list offender off, the hook. In both cases, the reports of investigations and of 16 chief justices of India, of whom the motive of the government is examine them? After all, is he not at least 8 were definitely corrupt questioned. But in the first case, what answerable to the Parliament about according to the former Law about the offence committed by the the CBI? If it is made independent, Minister, Shanti Bhushan, given in a offender? Should he be let off only it is answerable to whom? For the ‘sealed cover’ to the Supreme Court because the government had unbridled use of money and muscle more than 30 months ago? political motives in ordering an power during elections, are we investigation? I feel that the offender holding the Election Commission, Not that, if independence is given, should be investigated, prosecuted which is an independent authority, the officers of the CBI will become and punished if he has committed responsible and calling for its the paragons of virtue. We have seen any offence irrespective of the resignation? how an independent judiciary motive for ordering the investigation. behaves. It does not want to be Similarly, in the second case, what Lord Hewart’s classic dicta, that answerable under the RTI and does is important is as to whether any “Justice should not only be done, but not even want to be transparent about offence has been made out rather should manifestly and undoubtedly the selection process of the Judges. than the motive behind the dropping be seen to be done,” is now a well Section 6 of the of the investigation. established principle of law. In this Establishment Act very clearly The CBI was constituted during case, and in many other cases, the stipulates that the consent of the the Second World War as Special Supreme Court has asked the States is necessary for the CBI to Police Establishment, but was later investigating agencies to give their investigate the offences within the continued under the Delhi Special reports in ‘sealed covers’ only to the territories of that State. This is Police Establishment Act 1946. It is Judges. Are not the parties, if not because the CBI is an instrument of a force constituted by the Central the general public, entitled to know the Central Government and if it Government for investigating certain the contents of the ‘sealed covers’ starts investigations within the offences in the Union Territories of for the contents may influence the territories of the States, it will be Delhi and others. While the decision of the Court? Should not the violating the principle of federalism constitution of the force is by the Attorney General, who is a which is enshrined in the Constitution. Union Government, the constitutional authority, not know superintendence, insofar as it relates what is written in the Status Report Still in 2010, a five judge to investigation of offences alleged because, he has to argue the case Constitution Bench of the Supreme to have been committed under the before the Court. Should not the Court said that the High Courts and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Solicitor General of India who the Supreme Court will have the vests with the Central Vigilance represents the Central Government, power and jurisdiction to order a CBI Commission and in all other matters entitled to know what is written in investigation into a cognisable the Report. Can they argue the case offence alleged to have been 4 JANATA, May 26, 2013 committed within the territory of a to people”. Strangely, in a recent after 30 months? State without the consent of that judgment, the Supreme Court says State on the ground that the Courts “The constitutional trade-off for Anyway, I shudder to imagine the are the protectors of the civil liberties independence is that judges must day when an investigative agency of the citizens and hence they have restrain themselves from the areas like the CBI acts independently or an obligation to protect the reserved to the other separate takes orders from an undemocratic fundamental rights of the citizens. branches”. body like the Supreme Court and This was in clear violation of not only refuses to abide by the orders of the the law made by the Parliament, The Supreme Court can annul a democratically elected government. namely the Delhi Police law which is contrary to the Should army also be made Establishment Act but also of the constitution, but can they flout the independent? Remember Kargil Constitution of India since the law made in accordance with the when the Pakistan Army acted subjects of ‘Public Order’ and constitution? Is the Supreme Court without even the knowledge of the ‘Police’ are included in the State List above the law made by the democratically elected government of the Seventh Schedule, as also of Parliament? Justice Ruma Paul’s let alone on its orders. the principle of federalism. Courts observation that ‘the judges who must protect the civil liberties and enforce the law for others often Even now, apart from political the fundamental rights by acting break that law with impunity’ aptly interference, there is corruption in within the limits of law and not by fits here. If the Supreme Court CBI. For example, on 6th March violating the law. which is supposed to uphold the law 2012, the CBI arrested its own can do it, what mischief can, the CBI, lawyer in the Adarsh case. The Dealing with the Lawyer-Police- an investigative agency do when it Outlook dated 17th September 2012 Media persons clash in Bangalore on becomes an independent agency? reported that the CBI arrested its March 2, 2012, a Bench of the These are some of the questions own officer in a bribery case. Many Supreme Court consisting of Justices which the people have to ponder. such instances can be counted. B.S.Chouhan and Swatantarkumar Entrustment of powers has to be said that they would want an enquiry The Director of CBI had rightly tested against its possible misuse. by the CBI. When the counsel for said that he is part of the government Should we entrust independent the Karnataka Government said that and takes orders from the power to such an organisation? Can “in order to protect the federal government. But now that he has to we guarantee that it will not abuse structure, the State government take orders from the Judges of the its powers? In case it abuses its should be allowed to handle the Supreme Court, can we hold the powers, whom to hold responsible. issue” the Court said “don’t worry Judges responsible for the actions of Now that the Supreme Court has about the federal structure. The the CBI? One of the Judges on the asked the CBI to report directly to process of law has to be fair and Bench said that the CBI is a caged it, if the CBI does something wrong, transparent. The inquiry is parrot with many masters. But by will the Supreme Court judges resign important”. But when the directing the CBI to obey its orders, as the opposition demanded the government speaks about and not of others, is the Supreme resignation of the Law Minister? transparency in appointment of Court trying to become the sole judges by the judges themselves, the master? While it does not behove the More important is the dictum of Supreme Court raises the bogey of dignity of the Supreme Court to call Montesquieu that “When the ‘independence of judiciary’. names to statutory institutions, one legislative and executive powers are wonders what others would have united in the same person, or in the All this inspite of the recent called the judiciary when it crawled same body of magistrates, there can warning by the present Chief Justice before the Dictator during the be no liberty.. .. Again, there is no of India, S.H.Kapadia : “Judges emergency. And pray, why is the liberty if the judicial power be not should not govern this country. We ‘parrot’ unleashed by the Bhushans separated from the legislative and need to go by strict principle. in September 2010 that 16 former executive’. By directing the CBI to Whenever you lay down a law, it chief justices of whom eight, were report directly to it, the Supreme should not interfere with “definitely corrupt” still kept in the Court is abrogating both executive governance. We are not accountable ‘cage’ by the Supreme Court even and judicial powers to itself which JANATA, May 26, 2013 5 will endanger liberty and democracy. New Social Movements, We should learn a lesson from New Perspectives - II what happened when the judiciary wrested its independence from the executive. As to whether Judiciary Nivedita Menon has been able to achieve its independence, Justice Ruma Paul And I loved the way people said to Ramlila Maidan; dabbawalas in says: “The insulation of the judiciary to the camera – Main Kapil Sibal Mumbai who have not struck work from executive interference in the se kehna chahta hoon, main for 140 years; sections of auto matter of appointment and transfer Manmohanji ko batana chahti drivers; Maruti workers from of judges is now almost complete. hoon – directly, they addressed the Manesar in Haryana. But the question remains, has this “leaders”, the politicians, as if they almost complete insulation achieved have a right to. This is neither anti The other argument against an the object for which the constitutional political nor anti political classes – it anti-corruption law is that interpretation was strained to an is the exact opposite. It is the ‘corruption provides a little shade to extent never witnessed before or insistence precisely that “we the the poor’. As a skeptic about the law after? In my opinion it has not”. On people” are political, we demand and the state, I have often written the contrary she counts seven sins accountability from those whom we about the freedoms made possible of the Judiciary. send to Parliament. by going under the radar of the state. But how to understand the poor and Mr. Alladi Krishnaswamy Aiyar, It is by now established that there working class who throng the a member of the Constituent was substantial Muslim and Dalit movement? Perhaps ‘corruption’ is Assembly, had expressed fears in the participation despite their leaders’ precisely not to be in the shade, to Constituent Assembly that “the disapproval. The other be forced into engaging with the judiciary should not place itself as misrepresentation being continually force of Law, but outside the an imperium in imperio,” i.e., that purveyed is that the supporters of this protection of the law. Perhaps the it should not become a ‘state’ within movement are the middle classes. If ‘corrupt’ people protesting a ‘state’, and Dr. P.Subbarayan, the lakhs of people who participated corruption would like to live a life in another member of the Constituent in the protests over twelve days in which they wouldn’t have to be Assembly, had fondly expressed the Delhi alone, are all ‘middle class’, corrupt just to survive every day? hope as also the fear that “the then India must be Shining after all! We need to recognize that the term provisions that have been made in Anybody who moved around where ‘corruption’ as it plays out in the this Constitution will not make the protests were happening could have movement, condenses within it a judiciary an imperium in imperio. seen that the large majority of range of discontents – an Of course, there is always that participants were lower middle class accumulating anger over repeated to working class people. In Delhi betrayals of democratic expectations danger also”. And the judiciary has local protests happened everywhere, over years, but especially over the precisely tried to become an far away from TV cameras – in last decade. The immediate trigger imperium in imperio, “with all the middle class housing societies, of the movement was the series of interpretative tools at its command working class ‘unauthorized’ instances of looting of the public - termed by many as an colonies, around local mosques in exchequer that came to light recently unacceptable feat of judicial poor localities, small temples. – the Commonwealth Games, the 2G activism” as Justice Ruma Paul puts Spectrum scam, the Niira Radia it. We also know from newspaper tapes that exposed how ministers reports that there was growing were being fixed to benefit particular We should not create a ‘state’ participation of workers throughout business houses, and so on. But within a ‘state’ which judiciary has - railway workers affiliated to corruption is also an everyday matter become and the CBI will become if AITUC; 1800 temporary-for-years for the poor – the thelawala paying made independent. If the political Delhi Transport Corporation hafta to the beat constable; the workers who were sacked for going (Continued on Page 7) labourer whose muster rolls are faked, the agricultural worker whose 6 JANATA, May 26, 2013

NREGA payment is swallowed up; Ombudsman or Lokpal was always of these have been made by ordinary every poor undertrial in jail on planned as the next stage. people, resident’s Welfare trumped up charges (was it Corruption is tied fundamentally to Associations and so on, asking for surprising then, that the undertrials the RTI Act that exposes it, so changes in the broader patriarchal in Tihar fasted in solidarity with effectively that several RTI activists context of society – things like Anna?); the farmer whose land is have been murdered. women’s safety and police seized to be passed on to corporates, sensitivity. an issue mentioned by Anna Hazare Now of course, Arvind Kejriwal in his speech at Ramlila Maidan has decided to go the way of a There has been a ground level (kisanon ki zameen zabardasti political party, but what we see of shift among people reflecting chheeni ja rahi hai); the aspirant the AAP so far, it is clearly not a decades of feminist intervention at to own an auto rickshaw costing 1 conventional party with a top-down different levels, but there is a real lakh, who ends up paying more than leadership, and it appears to be disconnect between the people and a car costs, and drowns in debt. genuinely seeking a new way of politicians. Feminist understandings being a party, with actual mass have caught on in the ordinary public A young working class boy we participation in decision making, but this is not matched by the know, falsely implicated in a theft which might change the ground rules understanding of state agencies. Not case by the police for over four for all parties. only was a feminist position NOT years, rang up at the height of the articulated by anyone in a position agitation to tell us jubilantly that the The experience of the of power or any political organization beat constable had told him that the mobilizations around IAC were in a consistent way, most politicians cases were being closed – “Anna behind the massive protests from Left to Right came out with the hazare ke chakkar mein pulis around the Delhi gang-rape. This most misogynist and regressive saare case khatam kar rahi hai” time, the voices of critique were statements about women and about (All this Anna Hazare stuff is going muted, although a prominent critic sexual violence. on, so the police are closing all the was Arundhati Roy, who immediately cases.) We don’t know what made termed the protests upper class. But And again, people did not have to him think this had anything to do with again, this was not the case. The be mobilized by any organized left Anna Hazare. But this is the Anna protests were sparked off by the rape wing, right wing or feminist groups. moment. This is what the Subaltern of a girl on a bus at 9.30 at night. The transformation that has taken Studies historians drew our attention She could have been anybody – she place in the last 4-5 years is that to, the multiple meanings Gandhi had was not in a car, or even an auto. people feel like they own the city and for different sections of people, the Nobody knew her caste – later it can come out in protest on the streets ‘rumours of Gandhi’ that galvanized turned out she is from a very poor – and I think this can be tracked back a variety of protests that directly family and from the Kurmi caste, to India Against Corruption. addressed local issues. which is by no means an upper caste – but the point is nobody actually Any mass movement brings But also, maybe the police were knew who she was – she was together disparate and sometimes scared for an instant? Everywoman. starkly contradictory tendencies. Don’t we know that from the Indian To all those who woke up to the And again, exactly like the IAC struggle for independence? Was the India Against Corruption movement movement, there were right-wing Indian bourgeoisie absent from it? Or in April 2011 – a gentle reminder that voices as well as left-wing and the religious right of all sorts? Or this is the crystallization of a long feminist voices against sexual casteist and Brahminical forces? If process that began in the villages, violence. These feminist thoughts absolute purity and a point-to-point initiated by the campaign around the were being articulated by not only matching of our full political agenda Right to Information. The RTI Act people calling themselves feminists is required for us to support a (2005), instrumental in exposing but ordinary middle class people who movement, then feminists would be corruption in a range of spaces from may not consider themselves to be permanently stuck restively in the NREGA to municipal schools, was very political at all. There were waiting room of history, for I can the culmination of one phase of the thousands of submissions to the assure you that every mass movement; the establishment of an Justice Verma committee and many demonstration you see anywhere JANATA, May 26, 2013 7 ever, is packed with patriarchal men democracy in Kashmir. If you will And the question really is of the and patriarchalized women! Nor not accept even one of these points, potentiality of the movement rather does any movement except the you’re out - we will have nothing to than what it is, at any given point. It women’s movement ever raise do with you. It is not “they” who say will only be inclusive to the extent patriarchy as an issue. But what is it ‘if you are not with us you are against that it is able to draw in the largest that we take into account when we us’, this arrogant divisive slogan has number. do support a movement? One – does always been ours, on the Left. the movement express a goal or We will of course have to part demand that we support? Two – Those issues listed above are our ways at some point to fight our Does the movement as such issues too, but what if a mass separate battles, but we can come explicitly take positions that are anti- movement does not raise them? together for a specific limited goal. women or anti-anything-we-stand- What if it articulates itself around a for? (The answers of course, should more generalized and widespread We stand at the beginning of a be yes and no respectively). concern? Any student of mass new kind of politics that has all kinds movements anywhere in the world of forces within it, but one of these The huge movement in Goa that knows that mass movements of this is certainly the potential to radically succeeded in scrapping the SEZ Bill scale only arise around issues where transform and rejuvenate was composed of precisely such a the largest sections of the people feel democracy. We should be prepared broad formation – from the Church affected by it. They can never arise to ride that potential, not undermine to the Hindu Right, to all of the others around sectional issues – however it. of my community as described big the sections concerned may be. above. They came together, they This lecture is based on material from my earlier published work, went their separate ways once their some of it singly authored, some jointly written with Aditya Nigam, in campaign succeeded. Nandigram continuing conversation with whom these ideas have developed. saw a similar formation. Many non- party non-funded citizens’ forums (Continued from Page 2) today, the civil rights groups in the have too. The Narmada Bachao USA are demanding more Andolan is another broad alliance programmes like the Food Security Bill, greater vigilance for prevention democratic control of the FBI. If we coalescing on a single issue. For that want democracy to survive and matter, at Tahrir Square there were of scams and tighter administrative thrive in India, we should ensure that Islamists (Muslim Brotherhood), and control. Signs of good governance no person or authority, howsoever people and groups who stand for in the coming months can raise the high or benevolent he or it might be, full-scale capitalism apart from UPA from the pits again. Dr. is independent of democratic control secularists and feminists and Manmohan Singh has to assert through the Executive and the workers and trade unions. Now it’s himself and ensure that his Parliament. a struggle of secularists against the government does not put a wrong Muslim right-wing in Egypt, but that foot forward in any nation-building is a historically contingent, not programme. A third chance is Janata Subscription necessary or inevitable development. difficult but not impossible. Annual Rs. : 260/- Three Years : 750/- It is the logic of the development (Continued from Page 5) of a mass movement in all its class is interfering with the Demand Draft / Cheque messiness that we should seek to investigation by the CBI, the remedy on does not lie in making it an understand, rather than look for that Mumbai Bank pure, 22-carat revolution where independent body. The remedy is in everything will proceed according to electing a better government and in favour of the programme laid down by the Left appointing better ministers. It is interesting to note that though the elite. From this perspective, nothing JANATA TRUST less than our maximum agenda is famous Federal Bureau of acceptable – from SEZs to farmers’ Investigation came under severe D-15, Ganesh Prasad, suicides, from AFSPA in the criticism in the investigation of Naushir Bharucha Marg, Northeast to the murder of President Kennedy’s assassination, Mumbai 400 007 8 JANATA, May 26, 2013 Defeat the moneybags

“Our Finance Minister is going In a fraternal message, Justice V. employees should develop good work from pillar to post seeking FDI to R. Krishna Aiyer alluded to the culture. People get government they come to India while our corporate, words of Swami Vivekanand that deserve. If we want good who have amassed more than five getting half a loaf of bread to a poor government, we must strengthen lakh crores of rupees ar purchasing man was real worship of God. He moral fabric of our polity. The lands in Africa. How can that urged the gathering to strive hard to resolution was second by Nurul provide employment to the vast realize the goal of Socialism. Amin (Hyderabad), Onkar Singh army of unemployed youths of our (U.P.), Dr.Prem Singh(Delhi) and country? Capitalist structure is In his presidential address, Bhai Chandra Srinivasan (Mumbai). crumbling even in its home land Vaidya said that we must discard Referring to a query by some and is of no use to us the Western Model of development and journalists as to why picture of Dr. developing countries of the South. evolve Indian Model by putting full B. R. Ambedkar was printed on the The scam-infested UPA-2 must be employment and eco-friendly poster along with Gandhi, J.P. and driven out. Many people say that sustainable growth as the main Lohia, Pannalal Surana said that it is impossible to fight elections objectives. He also advocated adding “we do regard Dr. Ambedkar as a because we have no money and “casteless” as prefix to Democratic socialist mentor because he had they have pots and pots. I say the Socialist Republic in our Constitution. criticized in 1920s the imperialist moneybags of today are not more policy of the British vis-à-vis the powerful than the kings or the Calling for deferment of cotton-growing farmers and imperialists of yesterday. If those appointing Seventh Pay Commission particularly because he made could be driven away, why should till minimum monthly income of Rs. Herculean efforts to bestow human we be afraid to face the 5000 is not assured to every rights on Hindu women by replacing crorepatis? I earnestly call upon the unorganisd worker, Bhupen Paul, Manusmriti by a comprehensive activists of the Socialist West Bengal HMS vice presidnt, egalitarian Hindu Code. Party(India), to take courage in observed that the Sixth Pay both hands, organize trained Commission had greatly increased On second day, conferences of cyclists and carry on vigorous inequality between the upper grade Socialist Yuvajan Sabha and Socialist propaganda beseeching common Governmentt employees and the vast Mahila Sabha were held. Dr. people not to get lured by money multitude of working masses. The Niranjan Mahato narratd various or liquor at the time of elections resultant Revenue Deficit has added activities of the SYS including and elect honest people so that their fuel to the fire of inflation and figthting elctions in the Delhi grievances can be redressed” said developmental and welfare schemes University and dharana to protest Justice Rajindar Sachar while are starved of the funds. After against Formule-A car marathon. inauguarating Second Biennial Jayanti Panchal, leader of Gujarat Dr. Vaidya, in his presidential address Conferncee of the Socialist Mazdoor Panchayat, seconded, the to the SYS said that the youths of Party(India) on 17th May 2013 at motion was passed unanimously. Latin America and Middle East and Mrinal Gore Nagar, Africa had played great role in the Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Moving the main resolution on democratic movements there during “Strengthening the Socialist the last decade or so. SYS will Extending good wishes, veteran Party(India) to build up a strong, organize our youths for strengthening leader P. Viswambharan said that egalitarian India”, Dr. Abhijit Vaidya democratic socialist movement in Gandhi had spiritualised politics but demanded that remunerative prices India. the main political parties of today be assured to the agricultural have caused great degeneration of produce and irrigation, power and Seven resolutions were moved by our public life. We must endeavour credit be supplied to the farmers on Manju Karketa (Assam), Renu to cleanse the body politic. reasonable terms. He also called Gambhir (Delhi), Jayashree Former MLA Prem Nath and upon the youths to extend dignified Panayanchery (Kerala), Vishakha Ramachandra Kurup of Janata treatment to womn and wipe out Khaire (Pune), Sadhana Patil Dal(S) also emphasised the need for vices like drinking, gambling, etc. All (Kolhapur) and others about consolidation of Socialist forces. citizens, particularly the Government women’s problems of security, JANATA, May 26, 2013 9 education, health and employment. available necessary banking services Shekharan Nair, chairman of the In her presidential address to the to women through all branches of the reception committee and his Socialist Mahila Sabha, Varsha banks all over the country. colleagues for making excellent Gupte, (Pune) said that instead of arrangements. starting one separate bank for Delegates from all over the women, it is necessary to make country expressed their thanks to Raj -Pannalal Surana Discard the Western model and adopt an alternative Indian model based on the true spirit of the Constitution. The biennial National Convention of the Socialist Party (India) held at Trivandrum on 17-18 May 2013 in its National Council deliberated upon and adopted the following resolution:

We the people of India have made After taking note of the ill effects goods industries and all-India a resolve in our Constitution that we of the privatization-liberalisation- services like railway, banking, and will establish a Sovereign, Secular, globalisation policies, it has become insurance must be in the domain of Democratic, Socialist Republic. imperative to discard the Western the public sector. The Reserve Bank Provisions in its chapter 4 enjoin the model of development and adopt the of India should exercise a diligent Indian State to provide adequate Indian model by keeping in mind the control over financial transactions, means of livelihood to every able- fact that two-thirds of our population particularly on capital account. bodied man and woman to prevent are engaged in agriculture. Full the concentration of wealth in a few employment, protection of On environment hands, to develop agriculture, environment and lessening the gap handicrafts and small industries, etc. between various classes and regions The Western model of This should be done through should be accepted as goals of our development has posed a serious decentralisation i.e. through development policies. The threat to the environment world over. Panchayats, Municipalities and the government’s policy to reduce Since this model of development District Planning Committees and not dependence on agri-sector from 70 sustains itself upon indiscriminate through the development authorities per cent to 50 per cent is misguided. exploitation of the natural resources, of the various states/cities. These Proper infrastructure facilities like the call of its propagators for development authorities should have communication, water, power, credit, ‘sustainable development’ or been dissolved after the Seventy- research and marketing should be ‘development with human face’ is third and Seventy-fourth provided to producers engaged in hollow. The Socialist Party has Constitutional Amendment Acts agriculture, forestry, dairy, fishery, constituted a committee to find through which Institutions of Local etc. Cooperative societies should be genuine solutions to the present Self Governments are created. What strengthened. Production of daily use climate crisis. The committee will should be the model of development commodities like cloth, oil, soap, examine the threat posed to the eco- can be decided by the people medicines, etc. be reserved for system by the capitalist model of themselves at the local level. It is in cottage and small scale industries and development and suggest alternatives the compatibility of the concept of their location be decentralized in the based on the thoughts of thinkers who ‘Four Pillar State’ (Chaukhamba direction of achieving self-reliance. advocate harmony between nature Raj), envisaged by Dr. Rammanohar Remunerative prices to their produce and men and differentiate between Lohia just one month after the should be ensured. need and greed. commencement of the Indian Constitution. The rulers-that-be and Use of fossil fuel be minimized. No to FDI and WTO all political parties would do well to Nuclear energy, looking at its remember all this because they are hazardous nature, should not be used. The Socialist Party opposes UPA taking oath in the name of the Instead, renewable sources like solar, government’s decision allowing 51 Constitution. wind, gobar be harnessed. Capital per cent FDI in the retail sector and 10 JANATA, May 26, 2013 suggests that the retail trade should disparity of income between workers in the unorganized sector. be reserved only for the domestic organised and unorganised sectors. The State should ensure common, sector. Not only the foreign MNCs, qualitative and free education and but even the big Indian corporate/ No to privatisation/ health services to all members of the industrial houses should be kept commercialisation of education working class. away from retail trade. Retailers, Education is the responsibility of Honourable treatment to women particularly vendors and road-side the state and it should be met with and their empowerment shopkeepers should be protected utmost commitment and sincerity. from the extortion by the local body The state should provide free, equal State should ensure that there will officers and the police. A well and quality education from KG to PG. be no female foeticide, honour killing, thought-out plan should be made by It should be through CSS (Common bride-burning for dowry and sexual the government to strengthen and School System) and in Indian harassment. Violence towards the modernise the retail sector which languages as medium. This goal female citizens at home, workplace involves 5 crores of population. cannot be achieved unless or on the streets must stop. Men folk privatisation/commercialisation of should radically change their mindset India should oppose the WTO education in any form including PPP and habits as suggested by Dr. Lohia which pushes FDI into Banks, (Private Public Partnership) is long back. Popular pressure should Insurance, water, electricity and scrapped. The Indian university be built up to prevent obscene and defence matters. Efforts should be system should be strengthened, not vulgar display/expressions printed or made to steer Indian economy from only to provide quality education and televised in media which is generally being dependent upon, and being research to the youth but to controlled by the profit-hungry geared to benefit, corporate accommodate all the aspirants as corporate houses. capitalism. India must not rush into well. The Socialist Party opposes the signing Free Trade Agreements entry of private and foreign Not just cosmetic gestures like (FTAs) and other bi- and multi - universities. The private players in introducing an exclusive bank for lateral trade agreements that would the higher education should not be women, but the channelling of jeopardize access to essential and allowed in any manner because they adequate flow of banking services affordable medicines, seeds and are profiteers and reduce otherwise towards women, from all the adversely impact other sectors of talented students merely to skilled branches of the banks, should be small and medium scale enterprises. labourers for the benefit of MNCs. promoted and monitored. The Socialist Party believes in PDS must be strengthened Maintenance of communal sustainability at local level as harmony envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi’s With a view to ensure adequate Gram Swarajya and Dr. Lohia’s regular supply of food grains, sugar, Effective communal violence law ‘Four Pillar’ model. Opening markets kerosene, etc. at reasonable prices must be enacted soon and internationally does not provide equal for the poor and lower middle income implemented ardently. Innocent level playing field to domestic groups, PDS structure must be Muslim youths should not be rounded players. We have seen how big buttressed. Pilferage be eliminated. up in combing operations nor should industries (whether domestic or System of cash transfers proposed they be made to linger in jails for multinational) are given undue by the government should not be indefinite time. Persons responsible benefits and promotions to help adopted as it is fraught with immense for terrorist acts must be brought to protect their markets and domestic potentiality for misuse and fraud. book with no loss of time. But players are dealt with a heavy hand ordinary people must not be unjustly making it all the more difficult for Labour harassed in the process. them to survive. Legitimate rights of workers, The Socialist Party has made a particularly to collective bargaining No to seventh pay commission demand that the mortal remains of and peaceful collective action, must Bahadur Shah Zafar should be The seventh pay commission be protected. Social security, in the brought back to India from Rangoon should not be constituted for the next form of life and health insurance and (presently Yangon), Myanmar, by the five years to put a break on increasing old age pension be provided to all JANATA, May 26, 2013 11 government of India. The party has develop and produce heavy treaty on gas pipe line between India submitted a memorandum to this armaments and vehicles for our and Iran was dropped due to the US effect to the President of India. Zafar armed forces. India is not a military pressure. Sincere diplomatic was the leader of our First War of state and should not indulge in the deliberations should prevail upon Independence against the colonial arms’ race which hampers the direct military action because war powers and a symbol of Hindu- welfare schemes. There should be brings havoc to humanity. India Muslim unity. The Socialist Party, at no stockpile of nuclear arms. No should pursue the policy of peaceful its national convention, launches an nuclear plant should be commissioned co-existence with the neighbouring all India movement in favour of the e. g. Kudankulam, Jaitapur, countries. But it should not be done demand. The people of India should Gorakhpur etc. or built in future. at the cost of land and people of the collectively support this demand of country. A fitting reply must be given the Socialist Party while enjoying the North-eastern States to a neighbour if there is a genuine fruits of freedom. and Jammu-Kashmir threat. However, jingoistic rhetoric The terrain in these Border States serves no purpose. On the contrary, Promotion of social equality being so difficult, greater priority such verbosity exposes hollowness All-out efforts must be put in to should be accorded to providing rail of their real commitment. eradicate the caste system and offer and road facilities there. As In the light of the recent Chinese special opportunities to the dalits, insurgency is fast receding in those intrusion into 19 kms of Indian adivasis and backward castes in the areas, the military may be withdrawn Territory, the Socialist Party will field of education, employment and or at least AFSPA (Armed Forces initiate a movement to stop all imports other walks of life. Forest Rights Act Special Powers Act) be lifted with of Chinese goods into India so that 2006 must be implemented within a immediate effect. Issues in these China does not repeat the practice reasonable time-span in the best states should be resolved peacefully again. The party does not support interest of the tribals. with due regard to the rights and direct military action in such incidents aspirations of the people. The and believe that all such disputes Defence of the Nation Socialist Party expresses concern, should be resolved through bilateral particularly over the terrorist attacks The Socialist party considers the negotiations. But the party does and assaults aimed at those who have jawans of the Army, Navy and Air support and demand policies which been participating in the democratic Force as the backbone of our would protect our local markets, process in Jammu and Kashmir. defence system. These jawans, who small and middle scale industries and render sterling service to safeguard People in other states where the local craft artisans across the the borders, should be treated well citizens of above states happen to country. Such a resolve will by their superior officers. Trained stay for education, employment, and strengthen our economic power. jawans should not be deployed as self-employment etc. should accord Banning imports from China and orderlies to serve their officers. This brotherly treatment towards them. promoting domestically produced legacy of old days of colonialism products will give double boost to our should be stopped immediately. Their Foreign policy economy and put more pressure on families back home must also be China to respect international borders looked after with care and honour. Maintenance of world peace and including India’s. cooperation and Protection of India has earned a bad name as Human Rights should be the guiding The Socialist Party firmly demands the largest single big purchaser of principles of our foreign policy. Bonds that the Indian land occupied by military hardware in the world of friendship with the neighbours and China in the war of 1962 must be market. Lakhs of crores of rupees other countries of East Asia and vacated and calls upon the Indian go down the drain as commission. Africa should be strengthened while government to review its position with This must be stopped. No more taking due care and caution about the regard to Tibet, particularly in the purchases should be made from security concerns of our country. The light of persistent Chinese intrusion Western producers. Let our foreign policy of the country should throughout the Indo-Tibet border. The scientists, engineers and technicians, be free of the neo-imperialist Party expresses its deep concern who have put satellites in the sky, pressures/interests. For example, the over the unabated violence in Syria, 12 JANATA, May 26, 2013

Iraq and Afghanistan. The same hate, violence, conspiracy, rumour to the dictates of the US controlled imperialist forces, that are responsible and servility is prevailing upon politics neo-imperialist regime. The Socialist for the havoc in these countries, are that is value based. Most of the Party aspires to create an alternative playing with emotions of the Muslims mainstream political parties and political culture based on the socialist by circulating objectionable materials leaders openly indulge in corruption, philosophy and fundamental in various forms. These forces, in communalism, casteism, Constitutional values while opposing their lust for profit, are not ready to parochialism, money-power, muscle- this anti-Constitutional and anti- allow peace and harmony a chance power and family lineage tactics. people character of mainstream to prevail in the world. They despise and suppress Indian Indian politics. masses but happily and readily bow Efficient work culture There should be time-bound Rapid Radical Advance clearance of citizens’ applications in govt offices, banks, electricity, judicial courts, etc. Officers and employees The Socialist Party has received poor. Bread; I do not believe in a in government and semi-government messages of good wishes and God, who cannot give me bread here, establishments should be asked to encouragement from several eminent giving me eternal bliss in heaven. clear citizens’ matters in a given time- scholars, writers, artists and Pooh; India is to be raised, the poor frame. Instead of English, officials journalists for its National Convention are to be fed, education is to be should use Indian languages and held at Trivandrum on 17-18 May spread, and the evil of priestcraft is extend courteous behaviour to all 2013. These includes Justice Krishna to be removed…..more bread, more citizens. An efficient work culture at Ayer, educationist Prof. Anil opportunity for everybody….. the government and semi- Sadgopal, Advocate and human government offices is a must to dispel rights activist Ravi Kiran Jain, PUCL The resources of the Indian nation privatisation. national president Prof. Prabhakar have been robbed by Sinha, economist Prof. Kamal Nayan imperialist Britain and other foreign Banish VIP culture Kabra, political scientist Prof. Peter nations, the deprived millions suffer Ronald de Souza, theatre director from a capitalist system exploited by There must be a drastic Ram Gopal Bajaj, Janata Weekly the wealthy rajas and maharajas. To downsizing of facilities and security editor Dr. G.G. Parikh and journalist add to these misfortunes are the provided to VIPs. This legacy of Qurban Ali. Justice V.R. Krishna gender injustices, lunatic casteism, feudal and colonial ages must go Ayer’s message : communal discrimination and the from Democratic Republic India. pariah wretchedness which are the The political and bureaucratic bosses “India with its ancient civilization lot of the illiterate, under-developed should not be allowed to interfere in and sublime spiritual culture is still a subject classes. The only way of the working of various departments backward country materially, with securing dignity of life, decency of including the police. They should learn crores of poor people belonging to existence, basic social justice for the to live and behave like common the acutely have-not sector of vast masses is by making Swaraj Indians while performing their humanity. If the right to life is a ensure minimum conditions by responsibility with utmost guarantee of Swaraj, dignity and making available basic needs of life. commitment and honesty. welfare are necessary conditions of Such a transformation is possible only life as Vivekananda put it: by making Bharat a socialist society, Bharat Ratna should be given to free from theological chaos, rituals Savitri Bai Phule Feel, my children, feel for the poor, the ignorant, the downtrodden; feel and superstitions and illiterate The Bharat Ratna award should till the heart stops and the brain reels frustrations of life. A socialist society be given to Savitri Bai Phule, the first and you think you will go mad. abolishing backward material woman teacher of modern India. conditions and exploitation is a must We talk foolishly against material if humanism is the rule of life and The goal : an alternative politics civilization,. The grapes are sour….. the die-hard deep poverty, misery It is a matter of utmost concern Material civilization, nay even luxury, and sufferings are to disappear. True for the Socialist Party that politics of is necessary to create work for the equity and equality, gender justice JANATA, May 26, 2013 13 and the right to health can be possible Legacy of Dr. Asghqar Ali Engineer for the people only through socialism where the resources of the country are distributed fairly where Irfan Engineer employment and fare wages, child care and old age concern are a A storm has destroyed everything was a time for a little stroll or a drive. fundamental feature of society. It is in my life. I am not even beginning Frequent travels deprived us, his these obligatory mandates, not to come to terms with the loss in my family members, from his company. prisons and harsh sentences, that life. Death, like storm, is in God’s However, he did not distinguish make India and its people’s life just. hand and you are so helpless. Never between the groups that invited him. If the present injustice continues a knew that death would snatch my His commitment once given, he violent radicalism will ovedrthrow very loving father Dr. Asghar Ali would honour it even if later some society. Therefore, the guarantee of Engineer from us. I was not prepared more important invitations arrived on socialism and secularism are yet for this colossal loss! But let me his table. Even his ill health would mandatory in our Republic. Horror remember what he has bequeathed not force him to change his mind. and terror are the alternatives. There to me. My sister Seema rightly told He has conducted his peace and is no option for Bharat but to become a reporter that our father wanted us conflict resolution workshops when socialist. The present corruption is a to inherit his legacy equally – legacy sick. This discipline and long day pan-Indian vice. Our Constitution of his teachings. In the lull after the enabled him to contribute so much using eloquent rhetoric cannot storm I am trying to reflect on his to the world but perhaps contributed diminish the despair to which people legacy to gather some pieces of my to shorten his life. How organized are driven. A socialist society, political inheritance. and disciplined can we be? and economic sans which Indian culture will be sold to barbarity and What is the legacy that I have 2) Nothing except the values of primitivism and chronic backward inherited from my father? justice, equality, love, dignity, and condition will come to stay. By diversity were sacred for him. No socialism I mean more than mere 1) The discipline and the rituals and no traditions and no economics. It implies spiritual punishing schedule that he followed. cultures. Cultures were only media mutation of the structure of society. through which humans made a sense Socialism in its profound value is He never budged from his daily of the world. All cultures, all faiths integral to the sacred tryst which routine which included morning were to be respected. Except the humanity has made with its sublime walks to maintain his health; working values, everything else should be from morning 8:00 am till 10 pm in destiny. subjected rational scrutiny and the night with a small nap in the reformed, reinterpreted, re- afternoon until he was hospitalized I wish the Socialist Party of India understood and refashioned to serve on 13th February; divided his day rapid radical advance all over the the sacred values. His lifelong search into four segments – administrative country take place and justice, social, for truth knew no limitations and was work, responding to e-mails, reading checked by no sacred symbols, economic and political become a and writing, and followed the time rituals, traditions, language or culture. fundamental duty of the State. As schedule meticulously. Office staff Truth could be achieved only through Vivekananda put it; ‘I am a Socialist was not allowed to violate. Visitors relentless and fearless pursuit. No because half a loaf is better than from outside city would be cost was high enough to attend truth. none’. The youth of this country entertained even in violation of the Truth required only an honest inner must be inspired by the socialist time distribution, but visitors from search dictated by conscience. He exhortation of our vedic seers and within city were requested to seek paid a price for his search of truth - Swami Vivekananda who in an appointment, but even then he would transferred often and promotions address to the Brahmins of Madras be considerate if they came from delayed when in service of Bombay accusing him of teaching Vedas to far. Even on Sundays and holidays, Municipal Corporation as a civil the heathens of America retorted: the schedule would hold for him and engineer for his honesty and for “Aye, Brahmins’, if the Brahmin has even if he had to sit in the office leading Engineer’s Association, took more aptitude for learning on the alone. Sunday evenings sometimes voluntary retirement to work full time (Continued on Page 15) 14 JANATA, May 26, 2013 for the cause, suffering great loss of understanding and knowing each insignificant stranger would discuss income, socially boycotted by other and more facets of truth in all or ask his doubts and even argue Syedna’s establishment which meant its complexity. One had to be a with Engineer on various issues. He being cut off from his mother, brother, patient listener and open minded would passionately argue with the sister and other near and dear ones, before we strive for truth. The stranger his opinions for, sometimes, his house and office was attacked differences between two individuals hours. My leg would ache standing and completely destroyed by and two or more groups can be made with him but until the stranger was Syedna’s fanatical followers in a bridge to reach out each other and fully satisfied or decided to quit, Dr. February 2000, was physically to enrich everyone’s understanding Engineer would passionately keep attacked 6 times by Syedna’s through dialogue with those with discussing with him. Later when I fanatical followers with sharp whom one had differences. would inquire why he invested so weapons in order to kill him, often much time, he would reply, everyone abused and threatened, but nothing Diversity was important as was important. He was highly deterred him from his search for different cultures represent different approachable and anybody could truth and no sacrifice was too high a systems of meaning and visions of contact him anytime of the day and price to be paid for his principles. good life. Since each realizes a night with their queries. He would How honest and relentless can we limited range of human capacities reply to abusive e-mails, and he could be in our search for truth? and emotions and grasps only a part patiently reason with every of the totality of human existence, it opponent. His humility influenced 3) If one realized any dimension needs other cultures to help it even the most indoctrinated cadre of truth, it should be shared with understand itself better, expand its who passionately opposed his views. people and without fear of intellectual and moral horizon, His patience in arguing with them and consequences and in language that stretch its imagination, save it from making them see reason was people understand. He often told me narcissism to guard it against the remarkable. No case was beyond that the difference between a obvious temptation to absolutize redemption for him. Each human prophet and philosopher was that itself, and so on. This does not mean being could be made to see reason prophet communicated his message that one cannot lead a good life and convert her to be justice and in language that people could easily within one’s own culture, but rather peace worker. Humility was very understand whereas often that, other things being equal, one’s natural for him and was the other philosophers spoke in language way of life is likely to be richer if side of coin of truth, but it was also comprehensible only to a privileged one also enjoys access to others, and his tool to win over worst opponent! few. The latter make careers, the that a culturally self-contained life is He has conducted his peace former bring about social change and virtually impossible for most human workshops in challenging conditions leave a lasting impact and legacy. As beings in the modern, mobile and that the organizers can afford. an activist scholar, Engineer always interdependent world. No culture is Sometimes in conditions that would talked in simple understandable wholly worthless, that it deserves at appall any decent person. People language through his writings and least some respect because of what were important to him and not oratories. He consciously chose that! it means to its members and the luxuries and comfortable situations. He had begun writing in academic creative energy it displays, that no He would easily trust people and language initially, but soon checked culture is perfect and has a right to particularly those who were needy. himself, for he wanted to work for impose itself on others, and that Compassion for those needy, social change! How passionate can cultures are best changed from suffering and victims of injustice was we be in our quest for social change? within. an important value for him which he Will we walk the talk? followed lifelong. 5) For a person who has realized 4) Dr. Engineer often said that truth, it was absolutely necessary to 6) Peace with justice was another search for freedom required enabling be humble. More than anything, Dr. value to which Dr. Engineer was environment. It required freedom Engineer was a very very humble absolutely committed to. There could and democracy and free dialogue. human being. While returning home be no peace without justice and Three Ds, he would say – from office (when he could walk justice meant not only restorative Democracy, Dialogue and Diversity. home), often he would be stopped justice where violators of one’s rights All were necessary for honest on road by a stranger and the were brought to justice and punished JANATA, May 26, 2013 15 and the victims had the right to follower would rejuvenate the became an empire, patriarchal reparations. Justice for him also religion, but more importantly, reveal culture snatched the rights given to meant distributive justice where class the hidden meanings that we had women by Quran. Muslim Ulema based inequalities were not tolerated. failed to understand hitherto. Religion seldom could counter his Quranic In order to work for peace, he would become true moral power in arguments and would respond with studied communal conflicts in depth the hands of the oppressed to fight defence of patriarchal cultural and understood the roots of the injustice and change the oppressive values on the basis of morals. He conflict were in economic, social and status-quo. To him religion was not instructed me to give his daughter political inequalities. He wrote religion if it didn’t inspire to question and my sister her share in his extensively on major communal status-quo and established property after him. He of course conflicts and explained that though understanding and interpretation and struggled for equality of all and was religion was used as a tool to teach the followers to be rebels. He part of struggle for implementation promote conflicts, religion was not challenged the understanding of the of Mandal Commission Report much the root cause of the conflicts. The left ideologists for whom religion was before we all knew about it. real nature of conflict was opium of masses. He would quote competition between elite to control Marx to also point out that even to 9) Mission of Asghar Ali Engineer socio-economic institutions, including Marx religion was not frozen into was to liberate religion from religious the state and establish one’s single role of opium. Marx also establishments, make it a tool to hegemony over the other. Religion argued that religion was sigh of the question established interpretations was used as a tool to mobilize large oppressed. of religious scriptures and make it a number of gullible people. Communal inspiration to search for truth and conflicts would not be possible 8) Gender justice and equality in change the oppressive social reality; without wide spread prejudices general and for Muslim women in to embrace diversity and learn to co- against the minorities. Prejudices particular was a great passion for exist through dialogue of cultures and against the minorities was the him. He pressed his entire equality, particularly gender equality foundation on which the knowledge of Islam and and rights of Muslim women and infrastructure of communal conflicts understanding of Quran, Islamic bringing scholarly works to bear to were built. Dr. Engineer painfully history, study of Islamic achieve these objectives was the gathered facts and data to counter jurisprudence to service for the cause mission of Asghar Ali Engineer the prejudices against minorities of Muslim women. Quran, according expanded the horizon of knowledge convincingly. Many people have to him talked only of rights of women and values and opened up many approached this author to recall how and not of men in Surah An-Nisa and avenues for us to achieve the goal the workshop and sound arguments reference to men was always with of equality, justice, peace, dignity for and facts placed by Dr. Engineer respect to their duties and not rights. all and diversity. Asghar Ali Engineer changed their attitudes towards That was to set the social imbalance was an institution in himself. Are we minorities. One Haryana police right where women only had duties ready to carry forward his mission officer by the name Sharma met me and no rights. He argued that during with the discipline and dedication that while Dr. Engineer was in ICU to medieval period, as Muslim rulers he had? We will strive!! May his soul tell me how attending Dr. Engineer’s conquered territories and spread, and Rest in Peace. workshop was life changing moment (Continued from Page 13) for him. He never hated minorities ground of heredity than the Pariah, of birth, weakness and strength, hear from that day onwards and, more spend no more money on the and learn that behind the strong and important, would never believe in Brahmin’s education, but spend all the weak, behind the high and the stupid propaganda like Aurangzeb on the Pariah. Give to the weak, for low, behind everyone, there is that would eat only after gathering 20 there all the gift is needed….. Our Infinite Soul, assuring that infinite men of sacred threads of Brahmin. poor people, these downtrodden possibility and the infinite capacity masses of India. Therefore, require of all to become great and good. Let 7) One truth that he arrived to hear and to know what they really us proclaim to every soul: ‘Arise, through his search was that are. Aye, let every man and woman awake and stop not till the goal is liberating religion from the clutches of the priestly establishments and and child, without respect of caste reached.’ Arise, awake!” restoring agency to a common -Dr. Prem Singh, General Secretary, Socialist Party (India) R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, May 26, 2013 Published on Sunday, May 26, 2013 & Posted on Wedenesday May 29, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 19 The Maoist challenge June 2, 2013 S. Viswam Naxalism versus corruption Kuldip Nayar Many innocent lives have been lost carelessness or by overconfidence. In in an episode of domestic terrorism, the instant case, it is being pointed out probably one of the worst of its kind in that the Maoists planned their attack Corporate cultivation India’s political history. Twentyeight following the Congress’ stupidity in a la cooperative farming poeple, among them some top announcing the travel plans of the K. S. Chalam Congress leaders of Chhattisgarh, top Congress leaders in violation of were killed when the vehicles they standard operating procedures in a were driving back to Raipur drove conflict zone. It is reported that the From Bofors to 2G over mines set by the Naxalites and plan to target the Congress leaders Arun Kumar triggering blasts. Many were injured and their retinue was strategised only among them former Union Minister after the itinerary was known. But Vidya Charan Shukla who is in a for the timely action of V.C.Shukla’s Not biting the bullet critical stage in a hospital in Gurgaon. driver who told the Moists about to Harsh Mander The incident took place in the Darbha shoot at them that his master was a area of Bastar district. It is perhaps businessman and not a politician, the only recent event of its kind, Shukla would have been also shot Ambush by Maoists in Bastar the reaction to which has been non- at. He is undergoing treatment for Increased Militarisation No partisan and honest. To begin with, bullet injuries in a hospital and he Solution instead of prevaricating and going on is stated be in a critical condition. the defensive, the Chhattisgarh chief But those killed included the hard minister Raman Singh has frankly core leadership of the party which Oppose Market Oriented acknowledged that there was a serious sits in the opposition in the state Reforms in Higher Education security lapse that led to Saturday’s assembly now but which has had good incident. What is more, in another experience of dealing with the Naxals Editor : welcome step he has constituted an themselves. Indeed Mahendra Karma G. G. Parikh inquiry into the tragedy by a high who was killed was the creator of the court judge. This inquiry will be held volunteer force called Salwa Judum, Managing Editor : Guddi in tandem with a more comprehensive the controversial force which was D-15, Ganesh Prasad, probe by the National Investigative tasked with combating the Naxalites. Naushir Bharucha Marg, Agency ordered by the Centre in The Naxalite movement has had a Mumbai - 400 007. consultation with the state government. long and chequered history in India. Every act of violence against the state At one stage, this armed force of and the people is always marked by volunteers had established sway in Email : [email protected] a security lapse, caused either by as many as 13 states. The Centre 2 JANATA, June 2, 2013 and many state governments have Between the lines conducted campaigns against the Naxalites but have not succeeded in persuading them to return to Naxalism versus corruption the mainstream politics. Some governments, particularly the Kuldip Nayar Andhra Pradesh establishment held talks with Naxal representatives but without convincing them to shed My liberal friends tell me to The ballot box has no meaning in arms and violence. The Supreme understand the Naxalites, not to their life. Whether some families Court had strongly expressed itself condemn them. I wish I could follow at Chhattisgarh were dictatorial in against the continuance on a private their advice. But, how do I reconcile their dealings or whether the tribals basis of the Salwa Judum but those the difference between the Nexalites, were killed by the non-tribals, involved paid no heed. Salwa Judum who killed this week some 25 are important considerations to has created problems for both the Congress leaders at Chhattisgarh, reach the conclusion that they law enforcement machinery and and the two Nigerians who beheaded contributed to the deterioration of the government, not to mention a British soldier a few days ago at the atmosphere. But the point at political parties. A mercenary force London in public. For me, both are issue is to find a solution to the whose existence is not approved terrorists, fundamentalists, the first wrongs committed. Violence cannot by the state assembly, the source of from the left and the other from find it. A democratic way is far whose funding is not known, cannot the right. And, does the ideology better and more lasting. work in tandem with the police mean anything when the brutalities or counter terrorism operatives. of one are no different than those It is strange that some people still The latest Bastar tragedy is more of the other? Probably, it happens believe in the archaic philosophy or less patterned after the Maoists’ when ideologies lose their content of violence. The world is moving towards conciliation, and is trying atack on CRPF personnel in 2010 and purpose. The followers do not know the way it has happened at to rule out the use of weapons in Dantewala. The action claimed Chhattisgarh, the Nexalite Bastar altogether. The Naxalites, whatever the lives of 76 CRPF men. The belt. But what right do they have their commitments to a welfare state, Maoists did not target politicians to call themselves pro-people, the have first to win people to their point that time. This time they seem to protector of the oppressed when they of view. They cannot shoot their have advantage - and how well - of kill the innocent in the same way as way through the opposition. The an opportunity to “punish” Congress any criminal does. defence, which they have offered for politicians that accidentally came their carnage, does not in any way their way. However, the fact remains What I have not understood, after mitigate their crime. that the Maoists are in a position following the Nexalites’ activities today, as they were in 2010, to inflict for several decades, is the point they The Nexalites will continue to severe damage on the polity in the are trying to make. True, they do not proliferate when disparities are areas under their control, despite have faith in democracy, although blatant and the state oppression all the police bundobast. The police they cry hoarse in its name. But, unrelenting. But violence cannot administrations in the affected when they kill at will, they convey act as magic wand. It aggravates states have held a number of joint the mentality of dictatorship and do the problem as has taken place conferences to map out a workable not in any way help the egalitarian over the years. The menace has to viable strategy to bring the Maoists thesis they expound. Their massacres be eliminated. All political parties under heel. But, either because the and acts of oppression suggest only and the right thinking people have implementation of the strategies is terrorism. A set of committed people to come together to end violence faulty or because there is no political have come together and want to as a method to rectify the wrongs. will to tackle the movement, the dictate the nation’s fate according Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Maoists have gathered a lot of to their belief. They do not care has rightly said that Naxalism is a strength in the last few years. The for the people’s wishes and have challenge to democratic way, India’s lack of political will in dealing with taken upon themselves the task of ethos. Violence will weaken faith in (Continued on Page 4) leading the nation using the gun. democracy and the rule of law. JANATA, June 2, 2013 3

The Chhattisgarh incident has renewed the debate on the futility of Killings of Congress Party leaders, their violence. The subject is so important PSOs and Ordinary Villagers by Maoists that the nation, absorbed in scandals and scams, has diverted its attention The PUCL strongly condemns We equally stress that whatever and has started talking about the ambush of a Congress party the circumstances, the security Naxalism apart from corruption. election cavalcade by the dalam of forces must act within the bounds The sacking of two chief ministers the CPI(Maoist) party at Dharba of law. Our apprehension that Pawan Kumar Bansal (Railways) and Ashwani Kumar (Law) has Ghati area in Sukma district of the present incident will be used eclipsed other things and brought Chhattisgarh on Saturday, 25th by both the Central as also State integrity to the fore. May, 2013, resulting in the death Governments to launch a brutal of 28 people including Congress counter-offensive engulfing local Congress President, Sonia Gandhi party leaders, their personal security tribal communities amidst greater wanted a concrete, convincing officers and ordinary villagers state violence springs from the action. After winning the state of the area. PUCL denounces as already grim human rights situation election in Karnataka, where the totally unacceptable, the abduction, that prevails in the area. Complaints Bellary mines scandal became an kidnapping and subsequent killing abound of state security forces issue, she has adopted honesty as the in cold blood of the Congress party committing, with impunity, torture plank for the Congress in future. She President of Chhattisgarh, NK Patel, and cruel, inhuman or degrading does not want to do anything, which and his son Dinesh. The Maoists also treatment, secret detentions, would lessen the image of being an killed Mahendra Karma, the founder abductions, arbitrary, prolonged and honest party. Rahul Gandhi too has of the dreaded Salwa Judum, and his incommunicado detention, unfair announced that the Congress will not security guards. trials, and enforced disappearances, put such candidates who are tainted and worse in the wake of Operation in any manner. What is particularly reprehensible Greenhunt. is the killing of unarmed political It is comical that the two central workers of the Congress party by A Fact Finding Team of PUCL ministers wanted to resign when over 200 gun-wielding members Chhattisgarh had recently, on 21st they heard about their dismissal. of the Maoist party which ended May, 2013, released its Report titled, But, Sonia Gandhi wanted the up killing a number of innocent `Guilty until proven Innocent – A message to spread that the bystanders also, who accidentally Report on Unlawful Police Activities party would not compromise on happened to be in the spot. in North Bastar, Chhattisgarh’ which corruption and would even go to Particularly reprehensible is the detailed the atrocities committed by the extent of sacking its ministers. fact that armed Maoists cadre also the security forces in 2 villages in And she did. killed people who had surrendered Chhattisgarh. and were in their custody. Both ministers were reportedly While PUCL firmly condemns close to the Prime Minister who is It is the PUCL’s understanding the violence of the Maoists and said to have assured them that he that under no circumstances can acts acknowledges the constitutional would let them quit if the alternative of brutality be justified, even if they duty and responsibility cast on the was dismissal. Apparently, the Prime Minister who is known for his be in response to equally heinous Governments to protect the life personal integrity, failed to prevail and brutal acts unleashed by the of all people, PUCL nevertheless upon Sonia Gandhi. She was right security forces, as we are seeing asserts that all counter-measures in her thinking that the dismissals presently in Chhattisgarh, as recently adopted by the Government should gave a sterner message than the as the killing of 8 innocent tribal adhere strictly to the rule of law, resignations would have. villagers in Edasmeta village of including the core principles of South Bastar on 17th and 18th May, criminal and constitutional law And there is no doubt that it is 2013; or in response to the brutalities and the specific standards and having a chilling effect on the party. committed by the vigilante Salwa obligations of international human Judum founded by the deceased rights law, and, where applicable, (Continued on Page 7) Mahendra Karma. humanitarian law. It should be noted 4 JANATA, June 2, 2013 that these principles, standards an immediate ceasefire, stopping duty of States to protect the rights and obligations, as constantly of armed engagements and engage of persons threatened by terrorism affirmed by the Supreme Court, in talks. and their responsibility to ensure define the boundaries of permissible that protecting security does not and legitimate State action against Prof. Prabhakar Sinha undermine other rights. On the extremism and terrorism. It is Dr. V. Suresh contrary, safeguarding persons from however very important that the National President terrorist acts and respecting human revolting nature of extremist acts National General Secretary rights both form part of a seamless cannot serve as a basis or pretext People’s Union for Civil web of protection incumbent upon for the Governments to disregard Liberties the State. Both contemporary their national and international human rights and humanitarian obligations, in particular in the law allow States a reasonably wide Berlin Declaration, 2005 protection of fundamental human margin of flexibility to combat rights. We would like to point out “A pervasive security-oriented terrorism without contravening to the caution highlighted by the discourse promotes the sacrifice of human rights and humanitarian International Council of Jurists fundamental rights and freedoms in legal obligations”. in its Declaration on Upholding the name of eradicating terrorism. Human Rights and the Rule of There is no conflict between the Law in Combating Terrorism, The Berlin Declaration, 28 August 2004 (Continued from Page 2) better while at the same time takes PUCL would like to point out the violent movement has caused care of the military aspect of dealing that it is important to strengthen the country dear. A new strategy with the armed cadres is called for. civil society, not weaken it so as to which includes dealing with the We cannot afford to have tragedies effectively tackle political violence. tribal populations in a more humane like the Bastar killing every now An effective strategy to preventing way by making them economically and then. the downward spiral into lives filled with violence, fear and repression is to genuinely acknowledge, respond It is reported in the press that an Indian manufacturer Ranbaxy has and respect the key issues faced pleaded guilty in U.S. to pay 500 million dollars for defective medicines by tribals and local communities manufactured by at Paonta Sahib and Dewan facility in India. The in Chhattisgarh; this will deny the medicines mentioned are; basis for real or imagined grievances from supporting violence. The best a. Sortret way to strengthen democracy is by integrating human rights, equity and b. Galiapentin social justice considerations into all government policies, plans and c. Ciprofloxacin programmes. Is it not ironic that these very medicines have been available in the The spirals of violence and Indian market and Drug Controller India has allowed them to be sold. counter-violence in the troubled They are available even today. Could we Indians expect protection from areas of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, deadly medicines. How is it that U. S. Authorities find them unfit for Odisha and other states is grim use – but our whole set up in government continues to permit it. Is it and life threatening. The PUCL, inefficiency, collusion or worse – I do not know. through this appeal, is therefore Surely the Minister of Health and Controller of Drugs have much giving a national call for a to answer to the public for endangering their lives. `HUMANITARIAN RESPITE’ and appeals to the Central and State Rajindar Sachar Governments, the security forces and also to the Maoists, to agree to JANATA, June 2, 2013 5 Ambush by Maoists in Bastar Increased Militarisation No Solution Once again in the ongoing Salwa Judum, an armed Sena dialogue. The guns of State or politics of offensive and counter of the young and adolescents Maoists, will not solve the problem. offensive between State and worsened the scenario. It has been Politics of violence and counter Maoists, adivasis have lost termed as illegal and directed to violence will only make lives of their lives. In an ambush on the be disbanded by Supreme Court, adivasis and others in the region convoy carrying Congress leaders, but State government responded more difficult, which will ultimately Maoists have reportedly killed 27 by making them part of the regular have an impact on the democratic people and injured several others police. Even, as Salwa Judum burnt norms and freedom of citizens including senior Congress leader, houses, raped women, maimed and elsewhere in the country, as seen V. C. Shukla. On the intervening killed adivasis, the State supported in shrinking spaces for non-violent, night of May 17-18 too eight it and failed to provide justice to democratic movements and arrest villagers, including three children, adivasis and continued to brand them of activists. Soni Sori, Lingaram and a personnel of elite CRPF as Maoists and their supporters. A Kodopi and many others are braving Cobra battalion were killed in a democratically elected government brutality as a result of the war gun-battle near Edasmeta village in Chattisgarh or at the Centre can’t promoted by the state and Maoists, in southern Chhattisgarh. Adivasis use the dictum of ‘you are with us both. Mahendra Karma, openly caught in the armed conflict have or against us’. Its allegiance is to the supported Salwa Judum, a violent been the worst victim of this rule of law and its duty is to protect outfit and the same violence has war of control over resources, the rights of its citizens. killed him. This is tragic, yet a territory and sovereignty. That this telling fact. happened during the Parivartan Even while, politicians across the Yatra, a programme of the political spectrum are terming this The swiftness with which the Congress party to reach out to the as an attack on democracy, let us centre has promised all help in people, is indeed unfortunate. not forget that every time an adivasi this regard and dispatched a large is jailed, killed, their houses burnt, number of security forces, if the National Alliance of People’s women raped and their schools same urgency was shown for Movements condemns this ambush occupied to facilitate resource grab providing justice to the victims of leading to loss of precious lives. or termed as collateral damage in the Salwa Judum in all these years, Life of those in power and ‘Operation Green Hunt’, democracy Indian state would have won a bigger leadership are important and so are is attacked and the faith of citizens in political battle by now. Awards, the lives of common adivasis who the State’s ability to uphold justice compensation and martyrdom will are being tortured, jailed and killed and rule of law, shaken. Violence be bestowed on those killed by by Security forces and Maoists on both sides is condemnable and Maoists but Adivasi victims of alike. In the ongoing conflict both should be avoided forever. this collateral damage and those claim to represent the interests and languishing in jail need justice too. work for Adivasis but their stance We fear that this latest ambush There is an urgent need to address and means has only alienated will now be used by the state to that otherwise situation will only them and perpetrated injustice on justify further militarisation in the deteriorate. We demand that political them. Their rights have often been region and make lives of Adivasis dialogue in all sincerity be initiated violated resulting in large number more difficult. There is an urgent to arrive at a political solution rather of adivasis in jail on false trumped need for political intervention and than increased militarisation. up charges. In the same Durma valley where the attack by Maoists –Medha Patkar, Prafulla Samantara, Dr. Sunilam, have killed Congress leaders, state Arundhati Dhuru, Gabriele Dietrich, Gautam Bandopadhyay, administration violated all the Ramakrishnan Raju, Sister Celia, existing laws and procedures to Maj. Gen (Retd) Sudhir Vombatkere, Vimal Bhai, Krishnakant, facilitate land grab for Tata Steel. Rajendra Ravi, Meera, Seela M, Madhuresh Kumar 6 JANATA, June 2, 2013 Corporate cultivation a la cooperative farming

K. S. Chalam

India being a third world of farming in states like Andhra role of agriculture to less than 5 compliant country for experiments Pradesh where the proportion of per cent of GDP as 60 persons out of the advanced nations, is targeted marginal holdings is very high. of every hundred depend on it. The for innovations in the farm sector. There is also an argument that the role of industry in creating jobs is There seem to be a proposal, may marginal farmers have failed to not encouraging (NSS survey) to be a policy decision, to introduce bring in technology and innovations throw away the babe along with the corporate farming in the country to improve the productivity of bath water. if it is not already in force in a agricultural operations and as a different garb. It is not only in result the farmer remains poor Notwithstanding the arguments agricultural sector - all areas of and underdeveloped. What is the of some economists, the policy economy and society, including harm if the small bit of holdings makers and economic managers have political process, are now under is given to a corporate body that introduced sufficient policy packages the direct ideological manoeuvring brings technology, investment and to encourage corporatisation of of liberalisation. Therefore, one remunerative prices through access cultivation in a phased manner. We need not be surprized to get a to international market? should never doubt the intelligence regime of corporate farming in the and planning of some of our policy country when the government is in The above argument seems to be makers as far as their commitment crisis. It seems, during the last two not supported by productivity data. to privatisation is concerned. decades important administrative For instance, the productivity of Therefore, it is well planned starting resolutions were taken up in the rice was 3011 KGs per ha in 2003-4 with contract farming, FDI in retail country whenever the governments and has increased to 3148 by 2011- trade, rescinding tenancy reforms, were in disorder. If the past record 12 in Andhra. The productivity of allying with political class and crony of events is of any use for prediction, Jowar, an important crop in the capitalists to introduce policies that corporate farming seems to be state, was 1102 KGs in 2003-4 and would help make corporatisation certain. has substantially risen to 1749 in in farm sector imminent. In fact, a 2011-12. If the farmer is not getting variant of the commercialisation of There are farm and business remunerative prices, it is not due to agriculture was already in place in lobbies with intellectual inputs from the unviable nature of his holdings the form of contract farming. This experts in the field to substantiate but other economic and policy is a kind of vertical integration of the need for corporate farming. Why related constraints. In fact around farmers to supply a given quantity not? It is demonstrated by scholars a century ago, some economists and quality of products at an agreed and management experts that small had reminded that it is not the size price to the buyer, mostly involving farms and fragmentation of holdings of the holdings but the amount of the corporates in retail trade. There are a bane of Indian agriculture as investment made on the piece of land are 10 top corporate houses like they are unviable and economically that is to be taken into consideration Tata, Ambanis, Bharati, Agrigold disastrous. This is supported by data in measuring productivity. Arthur (AP), IEEPL apart from MNCs that that the marginal holdings of less than Lewis, later Ranis-Fei, Hayami and are in this business for quite some one hectare of land on an average other economists have reasoned time. They are very powerful and have remained at 0.4 at the national that the supplies of food and labour are lobbying for corporatisation of level and in Andhra at 0.44 ha. The to the sustenance of industry are farming and linking it with FDI and proportion of such holdings in the important that would not only create international cartels. total holdings in Andhra has slightly demand for the industrial goods but increased from 61.59 to 63.59 also in getting foreign exchange Let us look at the experience during 2005-2011. Therefore, it is through agricultural exports. India of contract farming, a prelude sensible to go in for corporatisation is not USA or Japan to reduce the to corporate farming. Harish JANATA, June 2, 2013 7

Damodaran in one of his reports in ideological genesis rests with cooperatives Act in 2002 to facilitate Business Line in June 2012 reported Robert Owen and the subsequent interstate operations of agricultural that the corporate ventures in Cooperative Credit Society Act cooperatives. We have yet to see agriculture are failing. He has given 1904 in India. The ideal behind the the impact of the initiatives of the a case study of Tata Chemicals in the movement was to develop the spirit state on the economic efficiency area of fresh fruits and vegetables of mutual help and social harmony, and social uplift of the farmers. in Malerkotla, Punjab where it shut equity and empowerment. Though Billions of rupees are invested in its operations for non-achieving it was confined to credit and later the development of infrastructure, the planned scale of operations. on expanded to sugar, milk and a including public irrigation, Economies of scale are a prerequisite few other areas in the agricultural technology, KVS, etc. Then why the of corporatisation. sector, it has provided the necessary sudden shift in the policy towards impetus for the development of privatisation and corporatisation The intriguing part of the policies innovations under the guidance of the farm sector? Whether the of the government is that while of the state. It is reported that subsidies would decline or go in to corporate farming is implicitly there are 5.5 lakh cooperatives the coffers of corporates? encouraged, the macro management (PACS) with a membership of and legal provisions in the form of 22 crores. We may attribute the If private sector and FIIs are licensed cultivators in states like limited success of the so-called considered by some experts as AP are made. They work at cross First Green Revolution to the spirit efficient, why should they be allowed purposes. Further, XII plan approach of public interest imbibed by the their operations in areas not covered paper hinted that leasing out of cooperative spirit. Interestingly, by cooperatives and low technology land to “others” be permitted for the central government has brought zones. Let them bring capital and inclusive growth. A cursory look at the 97th constitutional amendment technology without encroaching on the subsidy and support schemes of and added 43B to promote the public resources and improve the the Government show that there are voluntary formation, autonomous welfare of farmers without repeating around 13 categories of subsidies functioning and democratic control what they have done in Brazil, for mechanisation that add up to Rs of cooperatives. The government Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania and other 30000 per unit. Some schemes are has also enacted the multistate third world countries. processed through NABARD and the subsidy goes up to Rs 40 lakh for seed (Continued from Page 3) That the matter ultimately rests production, compost creation, etc. with the Congress high command The traditional institutions like share There is the realization that whatever (the same is the case with other cropping have been discouraged and have been the acts of omission or political parties) has a reassuring in Andhra it is confined only to 7 commission in the past, the party effect. Personal animosity will not per cent as majority are leasing out has generally turned a new leaf and count. Yet the fact remains that it land on cash rent. Yet, crisis prevails would not tolerate any more of the is ultimately Sonia Gandhi, the all scams which have been tumbling out in the farm sector. A recent study powerful, will decide. This may of government’s cupboard at regular on impact of a half-baked Act (of not turn out to be a bad idea. She intervals. has kept away herself from the licensed cultivators) in AP shows government’s scandals. However, that the stake holders are unaware In fact, many Congressmen, who the morale of Congress leaders of it and the land owners do not are out of office, are now putting may be low; they may not have trust the lessees. In other words, pressure on Sonia Gandhi to “clean the kind of self-confidence, which most of the so-called reforms in the up” the stables in the states. In such they had before the dismissals of farm sector are not reaching the so- a scenario, some allegations are Pawan and Ashwani Kumar. A called beneficiaries but the budget bound to be exaggerated but on the proposal whispered around is that allocations are exhausted. What whole the development is healthy. some type of standing committee could be the secret behind this? The problem she faces is whether should be constituted, so that she can open the Pandora’s Box and Sonia Gandhi is armed with all the In this context, we may for keep the fallout within limits so as information available to her, and a moment look at the ideology not to allow further smearing on the could embark upon a fight against of cooperative farming whose face of the Congress. corruption. 8 JANATA, June 2, 2013 From Bofors to 2G, the same fate

Arun Kumar

The current political situation took place), has embarrassed the This led to a furore in Parliament brings back memories of 1989. The government. but rather than reveal the content Prime Minister then was under a of his note, he preferred to resign. cloud in the Bofors scam. Many As the Bofors scam unravelled Who sacrifices one’s career unless of his close associates like Lalit in 1987-88, India’s international the stakes are very high? Ottavio Suri and Ajitabh Bachchan were standing plummeted. The GATT Quattrocchi escaped from India and accused of wrong-doing. Today, Uruguay round of negotiations has been repeatedly helped by our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was at a crucial stage with India agencies (which weakened the case) and many around him are under acting as the leader of developing so that he does not return to India to a cloud. The Congress president countries in negotiating with the face trial and questioning. has been weakened by allegations advanced countries. India’s stand against her son-in-law. The Joint softened perceptibly at that time. The Congress has accused the Parliamentary Committee report Consequently, in 1999, in Seattle, Opposition of playing politics with on Bofors was rejected by the India was not trusted by other the Bofors scam saying even when Opposition. It resigned en masse developing countries. Today also, the Opposition was in power, it from Parliament forcing national India’s stock has declined and its was not able to unravel the case elections. Presently, the JPC draft neighbours are taking advantage of and find the ultimate recipient of report on 2G has been rejected by the situation. the Bofors money. This is a pointer the entire Opposition. to how important cases are spoilt In 1987, it was the Swedish radio so that it becomes difficult even In 1989, Rajiv Gandhi was that brought to light the payoffs in for an Opposition party to solve it protected by the ruling party the Bofors deal. In Parliament, Rajiv when it comes to power. The system members in the JPC. The Opposition Gandhi denied any wrong-doing. works like a mafia — in secrecy and felt that some key people associated His government argued that Bofors silence. The institutions that should with the Bofors deal were not called was a good gun but investigators in help expose scams are unable to do to depose or had not been adequately Sweden revealed that payoffs had so because of the silence of those questioned. Now too, A. Raja has been made. The UPA government, who know. The selection of people not been called to depose, even too, has denied wrongdoing in the for key posts is often based on their though he is the key accused in the various scams that have come to pliability. IAS officers like Arun 2G scam, lest he should implicate light and argued that its actions have Bhatia or Khemka are marginalised. the Prime Minister and the Finance furthered policy and helped keep Some honest individuals who do Minister. prices down. It is the intervention get to the top typically keep their by courts that has led to progress in counsel and avoid ruffling the As in 1989, governance has taken investigations into scams like the system much. They become the fig a beating today with the government CWG, Hasan Ali case, Liechtenstein leaf behind which the system can getting caught in one scam after disc, 2G and Coalgate. hide its true nature. another. In an attempt to brazen them out, the government is committing In the Bofors case, the true In the Coalgate scam, it has mistakes and compounding its beneficiaries could not be identified emerged that the CBI is not problems. The mess created by the because of manipulation at the independent of the political authority former Law Minister vis-à-vis the highest levels. This became clear which it is supposed to investigate. Central Bureau of Investigation and soon enough but the matter was It has now been confirmed that cases the Supreme Court, in an attempt nailed when Madhav Singh Solanki against politicians are activated or to save Dr. Singh (who was also passed on a note to the Swiss put on the back burner depending on the Coal Minister when the scam Minister — to slow down the case. the needs of the ruling dispensation. JANATA, June 2, 2013 9

It is the Supreme Court that placed The Finance Minister met Mehta fixed. The problem is not peculiar to the CBI under the Central Vigilance a few days before the budget in 1992 the Congress. Since 1989, almost all Commission to introduce a degree and accepted his demand that shares parties have been in power but the of autonomy in its functioning. But should be exempted from wealth system has hardly changed. The rot it has now been proved beyond tax. The markets rose sharply on the of unaccountability runs deep and is doubt that the administrative day of the budget and Mehta made visible in all institutions, including machinery under which the CBI a killing because he had advance hospitals and universities where personnel function can twist its information. Mehta was raided by the most literate and conscious arms, undermining its autonomy. the Income Tax department that population of the country works. day because of the huge amount of In India, Parliament is the ultimate funds he had been moving around Herein lies the lesson for the watchdog to check wrong-doing for some months but the Minister nation facing an increasing number by the authorities. The increasing stopped the raid a few hours after of scams and breakdown of systems. number of scams is a testimony to its it started. So the source of funds Those in power are unaccountable failure. JPCs are an instrumentality could not be traced and the scam since they operate in a system of of Parliament and an analysis of could not be prevented. It was never silence and surround themselves their inability to make a dent is revealed in the JPC who stopped the with sycophants. Since little has a pointer to what is wrong in the raid and why, because the officer been learnt on this score since 1989, system. Their lack of success is concerned did not appear before the the scale of disruption has grown due to their inability to pinpoint JPC. Again accountability could not manifold. When will we learn to fix responsibility in the issues they be established. responsibility? have investigated, and this is largely due to the partisan attitude of the The Janakiraman Committee –The Hindu members of the JPCs. They have report on the scam estimated a loss acted to protect the powerful. The of Rs.3,128 crore to the public — JPC of 1992 on the stock market huge compared to the Bofors scam scam in which Harshad Mehta was of Rs. 64 crore. Today, the Coalgate the key player is a case in point. and the 2G scams dwarf all other scams. It is clear that stock market Mehta played havoc with the scams have continued because financial system, including the accountability was not fixed in RBI. He was the blue-eyed boy of 1993. A large number of people the Finance Ministry at that time. lost their lifetime savings (as in In October 1991, when in spite of the Saradha chit fund scam). Now the crisis confronting the economy again, accountability is not being — high inflation, declining growth established in the 2G scam. rate, and the BoP crisis — the stock market kept rising, concerns Waves of scams have occurred in were raised in Parliament. The the stock market. Timber companies, then Finance Minister replied that granite companies and dotcom “he would not lose sleep” over the companies were floated only to matter. A clear signal to people disappear with the public money. It like Mehta that the government was estimated that 2,500 companies would not check their speculation disappeared in the 1990s, leading to in the stock market. However, huge losses to the public. No one Price: Rs. 20/- when members of the JPC wanted was prosecuted and that emboldened this to be recorded in the report, the scamsters. The collapse of Janata Trust the Congress members resisted and the UTI had much to do with the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir the report did not incorporate it. manipulations in the stock market Bharucha Marg, Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. Clearly, accountability could not be and the pressures from the Ministry established. of Finance but no responsibility was 10 JANATA, June 2, 2013 Asghar Ali Engineer

Asghar Ali Engineer died on Janata published his articles May 14, 2013. He was 74. At an almost regularly. He was a prolific With inter-faith meeting at Amritsar, writer and he derived his immense he fainted and then his hospital energy from his commitment to rounds started. He was in Lilavati the cause. He came to his cause, Best and then Raheja. The treatment the cause of communal harmony, did not avail, he had multiple early in his life when he was a infections and the end came, not student, thanks to the immense Compliments expected. trauma of communal riots. Many had become bitter and taken to The press has described him as adding fuel to the fire in such from an Islamist reformist. Rightly so, but situations, he reacted otherwise. It his value system was universal. He inspired him more firmly to take to was for social justice and equality promoting communal harmony and and wanted to promote communal he pursued his dream relentlessly. harmony and gender equality The recurring communal riots did and what he said and did was not not make him despair. With every addressed merely to his community riot, he became more firm in his (Bohra) or his religion (Islam). resolve. Some study should be However, he chose to achieve his done to find out why he reacted this aim by interpreting Quran in a way. There are examples of people KDP Enterprises such a manner that approximation of his type whose commitment to 13 /104, Ajay Apartment, of different religions will become communal harmony gets shaken B. Patel Road, Goregaon (E), possible. But as far as his own Bohra when riots take place. Perhaps, he Mumbai community is concerned, he led a was made of a different stuff. rebel group. Tel. No : 26864808 No wonder, he was not popular His rebellion against his Mob : 9869747956 Bohra community brought untold in his community. One is reminded . of the oft repeated remark that hardships on him and his family. when Yusuf Meherally died, people He suffered them stoically. He of his Khoja community closed was ex-communicated, his mother their windows when his dead ordered to live separately and he body was being taken on the road was not allowed to be a part of his below to the kabrastan. But Yusuf brother’s funeral. And the rebels Meherally was an atheist, Asgar – a small team – are persecuted Ali Engineer was not. To reform and the political class has stood a religion, you have to belong to by their religious head, and not Mfg..ISI Brand with the reformists. The latter, it and it is this he practiced. All National Flags religious reformers are not popular perhaps, he expected and he took in their communities, though some it in his stride. It is perhaps his of them lead a sect of their own. belief that common persons are not communal, only they are led Avail at all YMC Secular to the core, the country astray by politicians, helped him has lost a great intellectual, a to retain his faith in what he was Counters & Khadi great scholar of Quran, and a great doing and made him work harder, Bhavans humanist. Though not there now, and tirelessly to achieve his goal. such people always blaze a path For him this formulation was like and many, who wish to change their a religious tenet. communities, take inspiration from such lives. -GGP JANATA, June 2, 2013 11 Not biting the bullet

Harsh Mander

Cries of bitter weeping echoed impunity, or the assurance that those later in Mumbai and Gujarat, in in the court, matched by surging who organise and unleash mass which both police complaints and rage outside, after District Judge crimes that target people because statements made before the police Aryan acquitted Congress leader of their religion (and indeed caste) are typically sketchy, deliberately Sajjan Kumar, absolving him from will never be punished. This culture leaving out names of the accused and grave charges that he instigated of impunity fuels the next massacre, witnesses. Bail is freely granted and and personally led murderous mob and the next. witnesses intimidated. attacks against Sikhs in the national capital 29 years earlier. I am convinced that if justice Many accused persons are had been done after the forgotten declared ‘untraceable’ although they Bibi Jagdish Kaur, the ageing Nellie slaughter in 1983 (for which are sometimes well-known persons, feisty prime witness who saw her not a single person has been pushed the investigation is deliberately husband and son slaughtered by the to date), or after Delhi in 1984, shoddy, the prosecution acts as mobs and also lost her three brothers, then the subsequent massacres in though it is the defence, and courts angrily declared that she had ‘lost all Bhagalpur in 1989, Mumbai in typically watch impassively the faith in the judicial system’, but still 1992-93 and Gujarat in 2002 may deliberate demolition of the cases added that she would appeal against not have occurred. before them by the police and the decision in the high court. prosecutors. The Gujarat carnage convinced The consistent failure of the me finally that without legal justice, Robbed of all hope of justice in Indian judicial system to punish communal incidents would continue the individual cases in which their even a single senior political leader to recur, destroying the precious loved ones were killed, the attention for the massacre of Sikhs after legacy of India’s age-old pluralism. of the survivors has shifted entirely Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was to a few iconic ‘test cases’ involving assassinated by her two Sikh guards We therefore resolved to pursue senior political leaders Sajjan Kumar in 1984, is a festering, open wound several hundred criminal cases in and , who are widely on the psyche of the Sikh people. the courts of Gujarat. The same believed to have led the mobs to realisation came to several other slaughter. Only 29 persons have been fine and brave organisations as punished in as many years, and well, which is why the gang rapists The fate of these cases has come these are only foot soldiers in what of Bilkees Bano and the mass to represent ‘symbolic justice’ for is widely believed to have been an murderers of Naroda have been all victims of the butchery, and organised massacre, which officially punished, including for the first time indeed for the entire community. took 2,733 lives in Delhi alone senior ruling party leaders. Yet both politicians have thrived (although unofficial estimates are in their political careers, and have closer to 4,000). However for the survivors of the consistently managed to evade the 1984 violence, hope of legal justice unsteady arm of the law. My work with the survivors of ever against the mass killers is dying. mass violence in Nellie, Delhi, In a study by the Centre for Equity In the Sajjan Kumar case, the Bhagalpur and Gujarat confirms that Studies, we secured through the judge discounts Jagdish Kaur’s healing and closure is impossible Right to Information records of most evidence against him on the ground for survivors unless they see justice of criminal cases registered after the that his name is not mentioned in the done to their tormentors. 1984 carnage. 1984 police complaint.

But instead of justice, institutions We find a pattern of cover-up However, as the Supreme Court of Indian democracy have established chillingly similar to that perfected has held on many occasions, courts 12 JANATA, June 2, 2013 must be mindful of the circumstances Justice in the Sajjan Kumar indeed to defend secular democracy which prevail typically after a case is not just important to heal in India, and redeem its promise of communal carnage - the fear, the wounded soul of the Sikh equal treatment of all before the law intimidation and open police bias - community. It is critical if we are of the land. before dismissing witness statements to prevent further mass crimes, and on grounds of delay.

The judge explicitly affirms that Dear Comrade Prakash Karant, Kaur is a reliable witness, and relies General Secretary, (Marxist) on her evidence despite delays to As you are aware, it is now one It is also a fact that the wave convict other accused persons in year since T.P. Chandrashekharan, of disgust that the killing evoked the same case. But there are clear a Left leader, and former CPI (M) forced you to constitute an internal double standards when he considers member, was brutally hacked enquiry to investigate the possible the same evidence against Kumar, to death in Kozhikode, Kerala. role and participation of CPI(M) despite collaborative evidence from Since the gruesome killing, there members in the killing. That report, two other witnesses. have been allegations that cadres however remains secret. This of your party were involved in reluctance to make the report The testimony of several Delhi the conspiracy to eliminate TPC, public naturally creates suspicion police officials absolving Kumar of a political opponent—a charge and anxiety that there is an attempt that has been robustly denied by participating in the crime only add to to shield those guilty of TPC’s you and your party. Whilst your murder. the impression of official cover-up. Party has maintained that CPI As well wishers of the Left (M) cadres are being framed to movement, we urge you to make That the case against Sajjan malign the Left generally and public the report of the enquiry Kumar is not based only on rumour CPI (M) specifically, there are conducted internally by the CPI and hearsay is evidenced by the fact also reports coming out from (M) into the murder. This gesture that he was indicted by three official Kerala that the party leaders are would be appreciated not only by committees and commissions - Jain- pressuring witnesses to retract TPC’s widow, KK Rema, who is Banerjee, Jain-Aggarwal and GT their statements made before the fighting the legal battle for justice, judicial magistrate in order to Nanavati - all of which recommended but also by a wide section of Left save cadres and leaders of the action against Sajjan Kumar. and democratic forces. Party. At least 7 FIRs mentioned Sajjan Kumar as an accused person, but the - Abhijit Kundu, Ahmed Sohaib, Anivar Aravind, Antara Dev Sen, cases were closed as the accused - a Dhananjay Tripathi, Dunu Roy, Gautam Bhan, Harish Wankhade, Harjeet S. Gill, Harsh Kapoor, Indranil Chowdhury, Jay N. Jayaram, leading politician - was incredibly Jairus Banaji,Jyoti Punwani, Kiran Bhatty, Kumar Sundaram, Mahtab declared ‘untraceable’. Alam, Maidul Islam, Manisha Sethi, Mathew Jacob, Mohammad Imran, Mona Das, Nabanipa Bhattacharya, Nandini Chandra, Rohini Hensmani, Even in the current case, in May Sanghamitra Misra, Satya Sivaraman, Shohini Ghosh, Shamshul Islam, 2010 Sajjan Kumar was not produced S.R. Darapuri,Srinivasan Ramani, Tanweer Fazal, in court by the CBI and only after the metropolitan magistrate threatened to summon the director of the CBI Madhu Dandavate in person and considerable media By attention was given to this case that B. Vivekanandan Kumar appeared in the lower court Price: Rs. 20/- after securing bail from the Delhi Janata Trust High Court. In 2012, the CBI told the court that Sajjan Kumar had D-15, Ganesh Prasad, organised the anti-Sikh carnage, Naushir Bharucha Marg, which had his ‘patronage’. Even so Grant Road (W), today he walks free. Mumbai 400 007. JANATA, June 2, 2013 13 Oppose Market Oriented Reforms in Higher Education

T h e U PA G o v e r n m e n t Bill, 2010’ seeks to establish a diverse academic streams. Now implemented the ‘Right To draconian grievance redressal these are seen as hurdles in the Education Act’ from 1 st April system in conditions in which onward march of trade in education. 2010. The result, as everybody unionization and collective action, The important point to be noted here can see, has been the weakening and even recourse to the courts, is that the World Bank suggests to of public education system and would be denied to all sections of and the World Trade Organization big hikes in fees in private sector. the University community. The imposes on their member countries The Right To Education Act, as it Prohibition of Unfair Practices in to set up a single and ‘independent’ is under implementation is only technical educational Institutions, regulatory authority in every service creating further stratification in Medical Educational Institutions and sector. These independent regulatory school education against the long Universities Bill, 2010 defines only authorities will be independent cherished goal of Common School those exorbitant demands for fees that of democratic pressure from System.However, the Ministry have not been announced at the time the people and regulate trade in for MHRDhaving destroyed the of admissions as constituting `unfair favor of corporate houses. Again, school system, has initiated market practice’ and thus legitimizes the rest the proposed ‘Universities for reforms in higher education for the of all unfair practices! ‘The National InnovationBill’empowers the last three years. If enacted, these Accreditation Regulatory Authority central government to establish Bills will make higher education an for Higher Educational Institutions new or ‘elevate’ the existing unprotected prey for both domestic Bill, 2010’, which was introduced universities and go for collaboration and foreign corporations. The again in 2010,is intended to set up with foreign universities on trade academic consequences of such an Accreditation Authority, has the lines bypassing all existing norms `reforms’ will be catastrophic. declared objective of maintenance of including reservations, procedures The privately-borne high cost of quality. Yet its main purpose is not of appointment of teachers and education will put a premium on academic; it at the best can function admission of students with the disciplines and courses which are as an aid to students to decide where only condition that they enroll 50% directly linked to the demands they should `invest’ to get the best students from within the country. of domestic and foreign markets `returns’ from the system. These These Universities will bypass all that currently generate some jobs accreditation agencies can, even, other rules of recognition. There and the biggest salaries for few. misguide the students on facts and is an all round attempt to push for Fundamental research both in social figures about the colleges they give implementation the project of the and natural sciences and pro-people accreditation to. In an educational so-called Public Private Partnership research and democratic syllabi environment as historically, - a euphemism for siphoning public will suffer an inevitable decline. regionally and socially diverse and funds to private agencies. As a consequence, the critical unequal as contemporary India, it and transformational purpose of would seriously compromise those Since the 1990’s it has become institutions of higher education will courses and institutions that would very well-known that ‘reform’ in recede into the background, as they in fact merit the most support. In the any sector only means privatization, are rapidly turned into `providers’ new regime, if established,private globalization and liberalization of a commodity called `knowledge’. agencies will give accreditation to of trade regulations. The current No need to say that both the ‘merit’ private and public Universities. agenda of HRD Ministry is to and ‘social justice’ will be replaced bring these ‘reforms’ into the by money. A ‘National Commission for education system and convert it Higher Education and Research’, into a market for domestic and New Bills: is proposed to be established foreign corporate capital. That is ‘The Foreign Educational through ‘The Higher Education and why the singular purpose behind Institutions (regulation of entry and Research Bill, 2011’ as the ` single- all the higher education bills is to operations) Bill, 2010’, which was window’ entry point, so favored bypass regulation by the legislative, introduced in 2010, opens flood by corporate capital, to replace judicial and executive systems and gates for foreign trade in education bodies like the UGC, MCI, AICTE, clear the path for unrestrained trade sector. ‘The Educational Tribunals NCTE which have been regulating in education. 14 JANATA, June 2, 2013

The crisis in the educational The NDA government had already Common School System and public- system ‘offered’ the higher education sector funded democratic and egalitarian Corrupt practices under the as a tradable commodity to be education from ‘KG to PG’. Clearly, pressure of profit oriented private regulated by General Agreement no pro-people higher education institutions on the one hand and on trade in Services (GATS) under system can be built without laying World Trade Organization (WTO). its foundation firmly in a public- the failure to invest public funds in The UPA is continuing the ‘offer’. funded Common School System. a sustained manner, on the other, In fact, the Higher Education Bills This would ensure equal opportunity contributed largely to dereliction of introduced in the Parliament are to all young people after Class XII duties in existing regulatory bodies. aimed at putting in place the legal to participate in higher education. A What is required at this stage is to structure that would facilitate fully public-funded higher education bring about genuine reform - to implementation of the regulations system is also a pre-condition for ban trade in education on one hand of the WTO. If the offer is not promotion of courses and research and decentralize and democratize withdrawn before the completion of aimed at disseminating and creating regulatory bodies on the other. the Doha Round of trade negotiations, knowledge in wider social interest, Again, the expansion of the system Indian higher education would rather than in the interest of global (only about 12% of young people be governed, in perpetuity, by capital alone. It is time for all to in the relevant age group are in multilateral trade regulations under struggle for a truly democratic higher education institutions) and WTO. This would pose a grave education system that excludes ensuring greater access to students threat to academic independence and inequalities and includes diversities, from marginalized and weaker national sovereignty. an education system that liberates sections of society must form the human creativity and an education basis for improving and reforming A People’s Alternative system that builds egalitarian, higher education. However the It is high time for students, secular, scientific and humane values corporate guided reform processis teachers, educationists, democratic and, at the same time, strengthens going in the opposite direction. organizations and activists and society to stand against any threat Commercialization of education for all progressive people to stand internal or external to the democratic and concentration of regulatory up against commercialization and rights and freedoms of the people. powers are aimed at restricting commoditization of education and Let us all unite and resist higher entry into this sector only for the wage a determined struggle for education Bills. wealthy elite and with the onset –All IndiaForum for Right to Education of global trade in education, the Indian education system will lose whatever democratic nature it has Studies in Socialism been able to retain till date. Public By Private Partnership will result in dissolution of public institutions and establishment of a few elite Ashok Mehta institutions and many `teaching Published by shops’ in the private sector. Public Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan money will be siphoned off and public facilities and assetswill be Centre for Socialist StudiesBangaluru transferred to private agencies Price Rs. 250.00 postage extra while, the poor and disadvantaged will have to spend their prime period Send your order to of life for poor quality education Centre for Socialist Studies which will neither beget knowledge 191, 10th Cross, 10th Main, NGFI Layout Nagurbani, nor jobs for them. Public Private Bengaluru 560 072 Partnership is said to be a project Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan Munshi Sadan Chowpatty, Mumbai 400 007 for inclusion of disadvantaged but, or it actuallyis designed to benefit Janata Trust corporate houses. JANATA, June 2, 2013 15 Western Ghats

Dear Dr. Kasturirangan,

JBS Haldane, the celebrated Moreover, freshwater biodiversity in my locality are a large number 19h century scientist is far more threatened than forest of Banyan, Peepal and Gular trees; and humanist who quit biodiversity and lies largely in trees that belong to genus *Ficus*, England protesting its imperialistic what you term cultural landscapes. celebrated in modern ecology as invasion of Suez to become an Freshwater biodiversity is also vital a keystone resource that sustains Indian citizen has said: Reality is not to livelihoods and nutrition of large a wide variety of other species. only stranger than we suppose, but sections of our people. That is why Through the night I hear peacocks stranger than we CAN suppose! we had provided a detailed case calling, and when I get up and go I could never have imagined that study of Lote Chemical Industry to the terrace I see them dancing. you would be party to a report such complex in Ratnagiri district of It is our people, rooted in India’s as that of the High Level Working Maharashtra, where pollution strong cultural traditions of respect Group on Western Ghats, but, then, exceeding all legal limits has for nature, who have venerated and reality is indeed stranger than we devastated fisheries so that 20,000 protected the sacred groves, the can suppose! people have been rendered jobless, *Ficus* trees, the monkeys and the while only 11,000 have obtained peafowl. In our report to the Ministry of industrial employment. Yet the Environment & Forests, based on our Government wants to set up further Apparently all this is to be extensive discussions and field polluting industries in the same snuffed out. It reminds me of Francis visits, we had advocated a graded area, and has therefore deliberately Buchanan, an avowed agent of approach with a major role for grass- suppressed its own Zonal Atlas for British imperialism, who wrote in roots level inputs for safeguarding Siting of Industries. 1801 that India’s sacred groves were the ecologically sensitive Western merely a contrivance to prevent the Ghats. You have rejected this Your report shockingly dismisses East India Company from claiming framework and in its place, you our constitutionally guaranteed its rightful property. advocate a partitioning amongst democratic devolution of decision roughly one-third of what you making powers, remarking that It would appear that we are now term natural landscapes, to be local communities can have no more British than the British and are safeguarded by guns and guards, role in economic decisions. Not asserting that a nature friendly and two-third of so-called cultural surprisingly, your report completely approach in the cultural landscape landscapes, to be thrown open to glosses over the fact reported by us is merely a contrivance to prevent development, such as what has that while the Government takes the rich and powerful of the country spawned the 35,000 crore rupees absolutely no action against illegal and of the globalized world from illegal mining scam of Goa. This pollution of Lote, it had invoked taking over all lands and waters amounts to attempts to maintain police powers to suppress perfectly to exploit and pollute as they wish oases of diversity in a desert of legitimate and peaceful protests while pursuing lawless, jobless ecological devastation. Ecology against pollution on as many as 180 economic growth. It is astonishing teaches us that such fragmentation out of 600 days in 2007-09. that your report strongly endorses would lead, sooner, rather than such an approach. Reality is indeed later, to the desert overwhelming India’s cultural landscape stranger than we can suppose! the oases. It is vital to think of harbours many valuable elements maintenance of habitat continuity, of biodiversity. Fully 75% of the With warm personal regards, and of an ecologically and socially population of Lion-tailed Macaque, friendly matrix to ensure long a monkey species confined to I remain, term conservation of biodiversity the Western Ghats, thrives in the rich areas, and this is what we had cultural landscape of tea gardens. I Yours sincerely, proposed. live in the city of Pune and scattered Madhav Gadgil R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, June 2, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, June 2, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday June 5, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 22 Social welfare politics June 9, 2013 S. Viswam Bangladesh has lost its way Kuldip Nayar Ever since three test cricketers took place during the weeks that were arrested for corrupt practices, cricket and Infosys dominated the Does group interest promote the national media, both print news presentation! “ Aur bhi gham social good? and electronic, have chosen hain duniya men,” Mirza Ghalib K. S. Chalam to inflict saturation coverage of wrote years ago, “ muhabbat ke siva.” the developments, some of them It is unfortunate that some important undoubtedly newsworthy, in the newsbreaks did not receive the kind Egyptian Social Democrats world of Indian cricket. The coverage of coverage they deserved. Two of D. K. Giri helped expose much of the seamy these deserve special mention, since side of cricket, which enjoys a cult they need to be debated at a wider status in India and many English- and national level. The first was Hugo Chavez is Dead, speaking nations of the world. The the exit from the National Advisory Long Live Chavismo expose touched not only the players Council of the civil rights activist Y.V. Reddy but many of those who run, manage Aruna Roy. The second was the law and control that sport in the country. minister Kapil Sibal’s announcement Even while the media was obsessively of government’s decision to do away Parties frightened by RTI engaged in pursuit of wrong-doing with the collegium system in the Chattisgarh massacre in cricket, another interesting and appointment of judges for the high Pannalal Surana equally newsworthy story broke. The courts and the Apex Court. Both return of N. R. Narayana Murthy to developments are of immense national Delhi University FYUP : Infosys as executive chairman was a significance and consequence. Fast at Rajghat development that sent a message to the IT industry of the perils that face Aruna Roy has often complained a company which fails to retain its that the government did not take the Editor : supreme position two years running. NAC’s recommendations seriously. G. G. Parikh The IT industry is verily a player in However, her resignation - or her Managing Editor : Guddi a highly competitive field. decision to part company with a body to whose deliberations she D-15, Ganesh Prasad, However, the massive coverage had made much contribution - Naushir Bharucha Marg, given to these two major newsbreaks caught everyone by surprise. The Mumbai - 400 007. conveyed the impression that the immediate provocation was her country had virtually come to a disappointment over the continued Email : [email protected] standstill and nothing else of any ideological differences between national importance or significance the government, as represented 2 JANATA, June 9, 2013 by Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Between the lines Congress party, represented by the NAC chairman and party president Sonia Gandhi. Specifically, Aruna Bangladesh has lost its way Roy decided to quit when the PM continued to refuse to pay statutory Kuldip Nayar minimum wages to workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. When revolutions are in quest for passion and prejudice. It was an He has maintained that the project freedom and justice even after four ideology which conquered petty was in the nature of social security decades of their happening, it means considerations. Yet the story of guarantee for the really poor and that they have gone awry. If hartals independence was not that of a needy, and not a regular employment and demonstrations are staged with struggle alone to liberate oneself scheme requiring minimum wages. the same frequency, the scenario from the distant Rawalpindi. It Clearly, the government-party divide becomes all the more somber. This is was the birth of an ideology of has been a point of reference and what has taken place in Bangladesh. egalitarianism and a society which agitation within the NAC for some would fight against sectarianism time, since some state governments Kamal Hossain, the country’s and religious divisions. The nine have approached the respective high first foreign minister, has written a months of operation by the Pakistani courts for clarification. book to give an account of it. I wish Army tore all tiers of administration he had said more about the birth of and the machinery of governance Aruna Roy’s letter to Sonia Gandhi Bangladesh and the failure to sustain and imposed a dictator-like rule. and Sonia Gandhi’s letter to the the spirit of secular democracy it had There was also an element of Prime Minister provide interesting evoked. This was a rare revolution hatred towards the weak and poor sidelights to the episode. Obviously, which rose above fanaticism and Bangladeshis who dared to assert it is a question of interpretation of the factionalism and beckoned a their identity. The only way they law as it stands in MGNREGA, to democratic structure without the had was to revolt. “What could we be read together with the Minimum pull of religion. Hossain’s story is do when the Pakistan government” Wages Act, 1948. Minimum wage, inadequate and does not tell why as Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman, father according to one interpretation a country which fought against of the nation”, said “They tried is a payment that is the minimum bigot so resolutely caved in when to kill every Bengali and destroy required to live. Hence, it ought to be extremism reared its head. Bangladesh”? Destruction-wise, the least payment that has to be paid 2.44 million of the nation’s 14 to a worker regardless of the nature Not long ago, when Bangla people million farmers were ruined and of the scheme he is employed in freed themselves from Pakistan in the rest lost bullocks, ploughs or and regardless of the wage structure 1970, they rose as Bangladeshi. seeds. Fifty-six million dwelling in that establishment. Aruna Roy A Muslim nation fought against units, from pucca houses to thatched Muslims to make religious appeals has explained that there are two huts, were demolished. In addition, meaningless. Unfortunately, after the thought-processes in the NAC, according to Mujib, “Pakistani liberation, the Bangladeshis got lost soldiers destroyed 12,000 trucks one believing in market growth in religious warfare and parochial out of the 18,000 we had. They and processes for nation-building assertion. Hossain should have burnt currency notes and took away and the other advocating socialist underlined the fact that the dream all our foreign exchange. Our food measures. This kind of divide is got shattered because religion had godowns were demolished.” basic to the issue of the ideology the better of secularism. Today’s which a government in power Bangladesh scene seems to suggest Disruption on such a scale made pursues to achieve growth. The PM that extremism is nearly indelible restoration of normal life impossible can argue he has the right to choose and very few people rise above it. when Mujib took over. He explained the instrument of growth, and so can that it would take time to set things Sonia Gandhi. However, considering To trace the movement right. But his appeal had little the background of the ideology that for liberation is to applaud, the impression on the people who wanted (Continued on Page 5) Bangladeshis’ triumph over the revolution to show results. They JANATA, June 9, 2013 3 had seen one miracle happening - the liberation - but wanted another - Does group interest promote social good? economic prosperity. Building takes time. But the public had no patience. K. S. Chalam Also, the fire of freedom that burnt fiercely in the hearts lessened as days went by. On the other hand, many It is widely discussed in our media who are kith and kin or business anti-liberation elements that had that around 30 leaders belonging to partners is a well-known ‘press been silenced became active to prove different political parties of the fixing’ drama in India quite for some that the liberation had never taken country were united as spectators time. Therefore, it is very difficult to place and that the link with Pakistan of a spectre of a business game. It obtain the truth about some issues should have never been broken. The is called IPL and was sponsored reported in our media. As someone more radical among the liberators by BCCI, the champion of Indian has rightly remarked, it is through also expected improvement from cricket. The total value of the cricket the manipulation of the three Ms those in power. business is around $3 billion, in - Money, Mafia and Media - the rupees 15000-20000 crores. The present system operates. The country had too many guns. benevolent government has given The radicals were not the only tax exemption on the revenue The economic benefits of ones to find them useful. There earned. Interestingly, all the political operations like IPL/Casinos/ were others of different shades of parties including the opposition that Gambles, etc. are being discussed by political colours and there were rip in the ruling coalition recently experts as to how one can make legal plain brigands without any politics. on the issue of different ‘gates’ in earnings and the state can gain by They did not give up arms. Mujib’s Parliament remain quiet on the issue imposing taxes on these operations. personal magic worked up to a There are informed discussions in a point. According to one estimate, of Match fixing and Spot fixing. section of the print media as to how 100,000 to 200,000 arms were never Thus IPL has emerged as symbol of surrendered. Violence lay latent group interest. The fixing drama as we can copy the processes in Las in the land and it appeared with a unfolded for the last one week might Vegas in USA to curb mafia activities vengeance when the liberation was continue till the parliament session and at the same economically gain over. as there are no issues to feed the from it. It is estimated that the media, which has cunningly avoided betting trade in India is about Rs However, the most disconcerting asking questions as to why do we 3 lakh crores and the government development for the Bangladesh need IPL? would get around Rs 20000 crores leaders was an incipient anti-India as Tax revenue. Thus, we have very feeling. “I wish I could die now It is reported that the BCCI present brilliant ideas how to make the so- because relations between India chairman (Srinivasan) is alleged to called illegal activities as legitimate and Bangladesh are so good today be the one who is involved in the with Legislative action. Perhaps, that I do not want to see them match/spot fixing through his son-in- there may be already a readymade deteriorating,” Tajuddin, once Prime law - it is not new to such operations. private bill to be introduced in the Minister, told me. The people of Andhra Pradesh knew parliament soon. The experts are about the antecedents of this man as trying to convince us that it is all part But Mujib was not worried his name prominently figured in the of a game and nothing to be worried when I met him. He said “I know YS Jagan Mohan Reddy quid pro about the ethical dimension of it. that some elements assisted by quo case of CBI. He is alleged to be But, the matter of the fact is that the international interests are indulging in a whispering campaign against involved in the India cements land operations of Hawala, match fixing, India. But they cannot sabotage acquisition and related scams in A.P. real estate boom, etc. are symptoms the relationship between your great There may be more such characters of black money transforming as country and Bangladesh. A Bengali in the IPL/BCCI and they might be white and legitimate. How can they does not forget even those who give maintaining low profile or the media be curbed? The kind of innovations him only a glass of water. Here your mischief of highlighting those that introduced by our indigenous are not related anyway with media business intelligence is so vast and (Continued on Page 5) houses and down playing others deep, we are sure that they will 4 JANATA, June 9, 2013 find some other method to avoid else worse off, to formulate policies profitably to create wealth etc, are taxes and accumulate. Further, we of welfare and development. This issues to be debated. Both Ganja have some political leaders from principle advanced by the Italian and IPL with all kinds of support traditional business communities scholar who was said to be close structures provide entertainment and involved in many of the operations to Mussolini, the fascist leader, simultaneously create wealth and which indicate how deeply the is parroted by every scholar to why not we promote them? Are we system is entrapped. Therefore, the substantiate activities like the IPL, not deriving revenue by sponsoring group interest of IPL leaders is only as they do not disturb this optimality IMFL? a part of what has been happening in and promotes individual liberty. the country for centuries. There is a The libertarians had a strong definite record of such happenings Another group of scholars have foundation in Positive Economics during the British India in the form claimed that no voting rule that that does not speak about normative of speeches of Edmund Burke satisfy decisive, consensus, non- issues as values-based economics is indicting the East India company dictatorship and independence is “dreadful thing to accept” (Hicks). officers in the British Parliament. possible given the social choice One might still question the above (Arrow impossibility) under Pareto cynical proposition saying that The group is pursuing their conditionality. Buchanan who policy makers are not chumps to interest in a democratic country developed a similar public choice accept such plans that involve that guarantees individual freedom theory has also examined the rent- public morality. But, we had to take up any profession or carry seeking actions of bureaucrats while proposals like making corruption on any occupation, trade or business formulating public policies. His a legal activity with the market guaranteed under Article 19(g). If arguments have been used by World forces deciding the worth, etc. you ask any legal luminary or public Bank economists to annihilate ‘state’ Now IPL is in force. Though, the intellectual, they might support authority on the ground that public issue raised here appears to be the activities of the BCCI/IPL and choice decisions do not necessarily simple and silly, they are in fact the could add that they are serving the promote welfare. ‘Politics’, concerns that are being confronted nation by providing entertainment Buchanan said, ‘is a process with by the common man every day. if not sports among the interested which individuals, with separate We do not have competent people public. What is the harm or problem potentially differing interests and to counter the elegant arguments if they follow their group or private values, interact for the purpose of of experts to outwit them so that interest? In this context, two schools serving individually valued benefits the scarce resources are used for of thought namely, ‘social choice’ of cooperative effort’. Thus, he the benefit of the deprived or and ‘public choice’ have addressed was critical about the American social good (clean air and water, some of the issues relating to private politicians and bureaucrats as rent- for example). The civil society, interests and the calculus of consent seekers (an activity through which public intellectuals, media, etc in a state to make decisions on companies gain through lobbying have a role to play here rather than policy, are worth mentioning here. without benefit to society) but very leaving it to the ‘paid Intellectuals’ appreciative of the institutions to think, reflect and formulate Perhaps our friends in the promoting liberty. We are citing policies on our behalf. You may profession might be ready with these theories (mostly technical) not possess the abstract reasoning theoretical formulations to here as it is under their illumination of mathematics, a language and not substantiate why we need IPLs most of the policies in government an ideology, to hoodwink common and how they help create wealth. today are formulated everywhere in man. But your active involvement in Economists have long been arguing the so-called free world, including public reasoning and participation that any individual activity that does India. in alternative exercises would not involve loss of welfare of others definitely provide solutions to TINA can be promoted. The libertarian The private interests of the (there is no alternative). scholars cite the so-called Pareto IPL group or some other activity optimality, a condition to frame that tomorrow like using the tonnes of There is in fact a long tradition it is impossible to make some one smashed ganja (cannabis resin) of in social sciences to counter the better off without making somebody the Customs and Excise Department arguments formulated by the JANATA, June 9, 2013 5 libertarians from the time of Hume. Nicomachean Ethics that define buried few decades ago. Is it not a Sismondi, Marx, Ruskin, Hobson, human good as happiness acquired situation that needs the attention of Schumacher in the past, AmartyaSen through the virtue of justice seem informed citizens to discuss about to some extent in contemporary world to be not in the reckoning, if not the various dimensions of the goings have been articulating resolution to evoking the ideals of a welfare state on in the emerging India? respond to these challenges. Sen has resolved the impossibility riddle of (Continued from Page 2) and it appeared that to prove their decision making through the process country’s separate identity, officials has dominated Congress thinking for of interpersonal comparisons. are tempted at times to adopt an anti- several decades, it is surprising that Addressing the problems of rights Indian posture. and liberties of the minorities and differences should crop up in a body weaker sections with social goods chaired by the Congress President India’s size looks large. Many that satisfy basic needs, capabilities herself. It is possible that the story of civil servants, suddenly becoming and information broadening he said Aruna Roy’s disassociation with the conscious that they were employees that “a state can be Pareto optimal NAC is still incomplete and we have of a small and yet not prosperous and still be sickeningly inequitable”. yet to hear the full version. country, indulge in anti-India talk. We may also consider how the policy “Your country is too big,” they say. makers have banned the concept Meanwhile, the proposal to “Whether your neighbours like it or of public good (common good that abolish the collegium system and not, they have to be subservient to provides utility to every one without allow the government a say in you.” Was this the assertion of old rivalry) in their quest for creating the appointment of judges is a parochial sentiment or a complaint wealth and auctioned even natural retrogressive move. It portends against their country’s inadequacy? resources like rivers. Interestingly, interference of the officialdom in the policy makers have used select the judiciary. The Chief Justice of All this is missing in Hossain’s theories like the above that have India must be the sole authority to book, the feeling of elation and the frustration after its failure. There is fascist tendencies with Western decide on the judicial appointments not any disclosure as such books values of market significance. The if the system is to be kept transparent promise. Hossain tells something institutional structures of other and fair. The government needs to about Mujib, but skips the much- societies that have promoted welfare re-think over this issue. talked weakness in his capacity to to people have no relevance in their (Continued from Page 3) administer. Hossain should have also formulations and are covetously soldiers laid down their lives for my confirmed or denied the rumour that determined to annihilate if some are the Sheikh was sentenced to death by people. How can they ever forget found to have survived. Pakistani’s military rulers and spared your sacrifice? You fed ten million due to the intervention by Zulfikhar refugees for more than ten months. The IPL episode is only a small Ali Bhutto, Pakistan’s popular hunk of a large mass of rapacious Even now you are giving us food leader. Maybe, Kamal Hossain has aggrandizement of chosen few and other assistance. I can assure you yet to publish the Bangladesh’s from traditional business groups that my people are not ungrateful. untold story. We should wait for it. who care less for human values Therefore, those who are trying to except money. The group interest foment trouble will not succeed in Janata Subscription in the form of IPL so far has not their designs”. Annual Rs. : 260/- shown any proclivity of helping Three Years : 750/- the disadvantaged? Further, they Dacca’s Foreign Office is keep on inventing institutions that still peeved over the remark of Demand Draft / Cheque on facilitate exploitation, corruption foreign countries that the policies Mumbai Bank and distribute spoils. Fascinatingly, of Bangladesh are “New Delhi’s in favour of they are the ones who use liberty as a carbon-copy.” A Foreign Office man JANATA TRUST value to exploit for their own benefit told me: “If only we could oppose or group with a minimalist state to you somewhere so that we project D-15, Ganesh Prasad, ensure enforcement of contracts and an image of our independence” He Naushir Bharucha Marg, nothing else. Even the Aristotle’s betrayed a small-nation complex Mumbai 400 007 6 JANATA, June 9, 2013

Notebook Parties frightened by RTI

Balwant Singh Kheda, veteran parties - , to it .Only the BJP has welcomed the socialist leader of Punjab, has been Nationalist Congress Party, decision of the CIC. campaigning for the cause of bringing , Communist political parties within the ambit of Party of India (Marxist), Janata Dal Actually, as far as this point is the Right to Information Act. He had (United) and Bahujan Samaj Party - concerned, a political party is much met leaders of various parties but are to abide by the provisions of the more liable to RTI than a public the response was lukewarm. He had RTI Act because those parties have body because the former professes to raised the issue in a few meetings received great benefits , in the form give lead to the latter in being more of Socialist Front and, later on, of of cheap lands, free time on DD and transparent and responsive. Why the Socialist Party. The National AIR during elections , etc. So they are the parties so afraid of giving Committee had passed a resolution are on equal footing with public replies to the queries from citizens calling on the Chief Information bodies and so come in the ambit of who would take so much trouble to Commissioner to act on it. As time the RTI Act. ask for specific information about passed on, Khedaji was getting functioning of a particular party? irritated. “Why does not our party Strange as it may look, the Functioning of a party must always do something about this?”We were Congress, the CPI(M) and JD(U) be like an open book. There should feeling a little guilty. Some of us had have come out very exasperatingly not be anything secret. against the CIC. The Congress says raised the point in some public fora. Well, earlier the named parties that it would lead to unnecessary revise their stand and look more On 5th June came the news. The harassment , while Sharad Yadav honest and responsive to public Chief Information Commissioner says that a political party is not a glare, the better. had ruled that since the five big shop and hence RTI should not apply Chattisgarh massacre

The Naxalite attack on the yatra of penetrate the supply lines, why in Maharashtra. They have base- the Congress Party in Chattisgarh in should the nation bear heavy cost of camps in four or five taluks out of the last onth is highly condemnable maintaining it? The Home Ministry, eleven. And those camps occupy . About thirty innocent men and including its political head should hardly a few hundred hectares of women have lost their lives for no put in pretty hard work to cut supply land that are impenetrable hilly and fault of theirs. lines of the Naxalites and other forest spots. Most of the people of terrorist groups. the district are carrying on their day- There might be some security to-day activities quite openly and lapses on the part of the Chatisgarh One is constrained to say that in a normal way. Naxalite activity administration .It is a matter of great the Prime Minister, so suave and often consists of only stoppage concern that the intelligence agency well-composed a person, had over- of developmental activities like is generally found wanting. Like reacted when he said that “the nation preventing construction of a few with other anti-social happenings, would not bow down before the school buildings or bridges for a the IB fails in gathering relevant Naxalites.” They do not really pose few days. But when the security information about the conspiracy such a grave challenge to the nation. people move in to give protection plans of terrorists of any variety. The It is an unwarranted hype indulged to construction workers, they carry IB owes an explanation to the nation into by some media men and a few on their activities quite fearlessly. as to how sophisticated weapons politicians when they say that one- People may get frightened when and so much funds reach those third or one-fourth of the country is armed onslaughts are launched by groups who are doing everything in their grip. It is high exaggeration. clandenstinely. If the IB cannot Take example of Gadchiroli district (Continued on Page 15) JANATA, June 9, 2013 7 Egyptian Social Democrats

D. K. Giri

The Arab spring has thrown social democratic party anywhere members: Daoud Abdel, a film up many surprises like the in the world. But, given the recent maker; Dr. Aazim EL Beblawi, power of the Civil Society, mass political history of Egypt, these a politician, former Finance mobilisation through New Media, principles sound bold and ambitious: Minister, renowned economist; Dr. different political ideologies. A (i) Human rights - ESDP guarantees Mervat Tellansy. the first female political suicide that triggered off political, civil, economic, social Egyptian Ambassador and former spontaneous, massive protest on and cultural rights; (ii) Citizenship minister; Dr. Makram Mehanny, Tunisia quickly spread to Egypt. On - a modern civil state in which CEO of a pharma company and Dr. 25 January 2011, tens of thousands all individuals are equal in rights Mohammed Farahat, an academic, of Egyptians took to the streets and and duties; (iii) Democracy - a a constitutional expert, and a converged in Central Tahrir square government elected by the people human rights activist. Thus the where they camped vowing to that protects minorities, ensures the Board consists of five distinguished oust Hosni Mubarak. The winds of rule of law and the independence of people from business, politics, and protests blew across the Middle East the three branches of the state; (iv) civil society. Founding member and knocked off many dictators. The Social justice - guarantees basic Farid Zarha once said, “I cannot ‘cry for freedom’ rented the air of the rights and a decent standard of living, have a social democratic party entire Middle East. such as minimum wage, access to without having a businessman and health care, housing and education; union representative side by side”. In Egypt, out of the revolution (v) Economic development - ESDP Party members insist that Egyptian of 25th January 2011, known as the commits to a free market economy Social Democratic Party combines “day of rage”, a social Democratic that is committed to a social justice the reform-minded leftists and Party (ESDP) was born. The party agenda. A free market economy market-oriented liberals. They was formed in March 2011 and was encourages investments, abolishes also suggest that the party is given official recognition on 3rd July monopolies, eradicates all forms of modelled after social democratic 2011). ESDP, thus, represents the corruption, strengthens education groups found in Scandinavia. aspirations of 25 January revolution and scientific research, and above all, and those of all Egyptians, young places employment and job creation Dr. Mohamed Aboulghar as the and olds “built on a deep confidence as the most critical priority for all president of the party heads the in humanity and faith in the future, economic policies; (vi) ESDP aims ESDP organisational structure. He Egyptian social Democrats protect at preservation of natural resources is supported by the Advisory Board, and defend fundamental human for future generations, as well as Board of Trustees (who registered rights and “the rank of law”, ESPD working for a better environment; the organisation), and the Higher subscribes to the core values of and (vii) ESDP works to stop the Committee. The President is also International Social Democracy: armament race and to abolish all backed by a secretary general, five freedom, political, economic and weapons of mass-destruction both Vice Presidents and the Secretary social justice. The party has added regionally and globally. From these of the Higher Committee. In fact, a growth and development value principles, the Egyptian Social the Higher Committee and the to its list, perhaps to reflect the Democratic Party is perceived by President share a consultative current situation. It says along with many to be a liberal party with social relation, and most of the actions of justice, it will “create jobs and democratic principles, straddling a the President have to be endorsed entrepreneurship”. fine line between free market and by the Higher Committee. This social justice. is to check the authoritarian ESDP’s Seven Principles tendencies in a president. Vice- ESDP’s party programmes are The Party Organisation presidents are supported by a driven by seven principles. These The party has a Board of Trustees number of secretaries representing principles, of course, could be of any consisting of five prominent different regions and carrying out 8 JANATA, June 9, 2013 various tasks. Then, there are front ESDP’s Internationalism party and killings by some factions organisations like women’s bodies, In August 2012 the party was of Syrian Opposition in the name youth, professionals, farmers and admitted to Socialist International of revolution. so on. as a consultative member. The party was also accepted into the In a press release on 10 Parliamentary Elections Party of European Socialists on May, ESDP said it suspected a The parliamentary elections 18 February 2013. PES president, conspiracy to fragment the Arab world after successful division were called on 28 November 2011, Sergei Stanishev said, “I am of Sudan, and attempts to divide after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. proud to welcome ESDP into Iraq and Syria. ESDP favours a Egyptian Social Democratic party our progressive family. This is a consensual political solution by big step in improving relations formed a coalition called Egyptian all factions. That is the only way between progressive forces on Bloc, which included two more to preserve the unity of Syria both sides of the Mediterranean. parties - Free Egyptians Party, and the Arab world. ESDP called The ESDP has contributed to and Al-Tagammu. The Egyptian for an immediate international political change and is a credible Supreme Court dissolved the campaign to stop the ongoing and strong voice in defence of parliament of 2011-12, although, violence, negotiate the exit of our common progressive values. the Shura (Consultative Council), Bashar Al-Assad’s regime and The party has become a rallying the upper house of the Egyptian prepare the next stage for peace point for democratic change, bi-cameral legislature remains and democracy. ESDP vows to social justice and human rights”. intact, Following was the eradicate, in collaboration with PES was concerned that Egypt progressive social democratic formation before the dissolution: may relapse into authoritarianism, there are 508 seats in Egypt’s forces, sectarianism and and the Egyptian revolution may dictatorship from the Arab world People’s Assembly for 91 million be in danger. Since the onset Egyptians. Out of 508 seats, 498 which pose a great threat to peace of Arab Spring, PES has been and democracy. are elected by the people, and active in the Middle East to 10 are nominated by Supreme promote progressive democracy. Conclusion Council of the Armed Forces It had organised four major As Egypt’s democracy (SCAF), which ran the interim national conferences in Tunisia, revolution continues to evolve, government. Out of those seats, Egypt and Jordan to support the the “talks in the town” are about Democratic Alliance consisted of democracy movement. Granting nation building party formation, four parties - Freedom and Justice of membership of PES to ESDP political ideology and so on. At the Party (216), Al-Karama (6), Al- is yet another step in extending its same time, there is a lurking fear Hadara(2) Labour Party (1), the support for legitimate demands of of a relapse into dictatorship. It is Islamist Alliance consisted of three democracy. true that democratic transition has parties - Al-Nour (109), Building taken place, but not the democratic and Development Party (13) Al- ESDP advocates a just peace transformation. For instance, on 11 between Israel and Palestinians Asala(3). Egyptian Bloc comprised May, Dr. Emad Gad, vice-chair of based upon the internationally ESDP (16), Free Egyptians Party ESDP Foreign Affairs, and Amina agreed resolutions leading to (15), Al-Tagammin Party (3). Shafik, a prominent writer, and a the creation of Palestinian state. The remarkable thing to note is member of ESDP were stopped It supports the right of self- at Cairo airport as they were that ESDP, more than any other determination of all peoples, and party, had women members, and returning from a seminar in Beirut, stopping the arms race between on “building a modern State in members of the minorities. The regions in the Middle East and the context of Arab movement”. upper house, Shura Council, has making the region free of weapons They were led to headquarters of 264 seats, out of which 180 are of mass destruction. The latest the National Security on a flimsy elected and the rest are appointed position of ESDP on Syria reflects ground of similarity of a name by the President of Egypt. ESDP its approach to Arab politics. with a suspect. This instance warns has 6 seats out of 8 secured by the It condemns the atrocities by Egyptian bloc. Syria’s current ruling Baathist (Continued on Page 15) JANATA, June 9, 2013 9 Hugo Chavez is Dead, Long Live Chavismo

Y. V. Reddy

Hugo Chavez who breathed his All said and done, Venezuelan whom he virtually carried on his last on March 5th, 2013. was a society before and after Chavez shoulders politically as well as “defining figure” in Latin American came to power, is a study in contrast: personally politics for 14 years. Prior to 1999, business elite ruled the roost, economy served the When the Soviet Union’s A Lt-Col. In the armed forces, interests of the international banking largesse stopped in the nineties, Chavez led a coup in 1992 and institutions, and oil-wealth “went Chavez started supporting Cuba failed. He was imprisoned, released into the lives of the rich” and the economically from out of his oil- after two years, and pardoned. He “profits of oil-corporations”. Under wealth, treating Cuba as the shrine then formed a political party and Chavez, the whole scenario changed: of all revolutionaries and hailing contested election in 1998. He was Business leaders and wealthy Castro as his friend, philosopher, duly elected President. George Bush Venezuelans were at the receiving and guide. Castro himself claimed administration engineered a coup end; he kept the oil-wealth within the Chavez as his ‘spiritual son’. In in 2002. The “right-wing putsch” country and within Latin America; contrast, America kept Cuba under failed and a wave of popular protests he supplanted the international severe sanctions for over fifty years, including that of the army put him banking institutions, including the and even tried, in vain, umpteen back in place within couple of days. IMF and the World Bank and spent times to physically liquidate Castro. the oil-wealth “on giving social No wonder, Chavez was its bête- . He got Constitutionaid two-term hand-outs to the poor” and “helping noire, as he turned Cuba into a land limit removed, in a . He socialist fraternal countries”. True, of pilgrimage to all Latin American contested for a further term of six Chavismo was not all perfect. There revolutionaries and its leader Castro years, fourth time, in November were a few patches like excessive into a living God. 2012, which he won with 54 per cent charity, unsustainable social vote. The swearing-in, scheduled spending, neglected infrastructure, After the collapse of Soviet for January 10, 2013 had to be budget deficit and inflation. Warts Union, Cuba would have been postponed due to cancer which killed and all, “Millions of Venezuelans crushed by American sanctions, him on March 5. enjoy better life today”. (1) People are if Chavez had not come to its not likely to forget this make-over of rescue. Bolivia, Ecuador, and even His voting strength, however, theirs for quite some time. Not that Argentina were “fragile economies” for the fourth term, took a plunge to he was elected for the fourth time as and Chavez supplied them with 55 per cent from the high of 66 per President without run-off, but also subsidized fuel shipments. It needed cent in 2006. He did tell the voters that his party and allies won 20 out of a lot of courage to provide refined that he had been cured of the disease. 23 governorships in states’ elections crude to Iran and Syria, when they Whether that was the right thing to held in December 2012, though he were under “unilateral American tell is not within the realm of practical did not campaign a sure sign of his sanctions”. Was it not a bit too crazy politics. More basically, it is arguable immense popularity. on his part to supply gas and petrol, if Chavez “considered life-long rule gratis, to poor neighborhoods in the his Messianic destiny”. He would Anti-Americanism U.S, in harsh winter months? Only have been in power, non-stop, for The anti-Americanism of Chavez for a few, it was charity, and for twenty years, if he had lasted through is proverbial. The U.S had long many, it was a show-off. What else the incumbency. But then, it is easy dominated Latin America “through is doling out freebies to the denizens to pick holes in a revolutionary brutal dictatorships and oligarchical of a super power, however indigent leader who bristles with enemies, democracies. Chavez with his they might be? conspiracies and problems galore, ‘Chavismo” as his approach is and cannot go always by the book in called, stood four-square against this Chavismo and Venezuela dealing with them. A revolutionary, loot and overlordship that had gone Venezuela is the biggest oil nevertheless, owes it to humanity on for almost a century, following producer, overtaking even Saudi that his responses should be such as in the footsteps of Bolivar, Che- Arabia. It has 18 per cent of the to blaze a trail for those that follow. Guevera, and now Fidel Castro world’s total proven oil resources. 10 JANATA, June 9, 2013

The U. S. Department of Energy another instance: “Jaime Roldos has one in three has free education till puts its oil reserves at 1.36 trillion brought to Ecuador a hydrocarbon University level. According to a barrels, the world’s largest. Chavez law increasing the royalties charged U.N report, “Venezuela is the least nationalized the biggest domestic to foreign companies, and shortly unequal society in Latin America”.(6) oil company, Petroles de Venezuela, after that, his plane went down”. (4) PDVSA, from foreign hands. In Chavez, on death-bed, vented that If anything, he is slammed for place of 1 per cent earlier, he it might not be a coincidence that overspending on giving social collected 16.6 per cent royalties five South American heads of states handouts to the poor besides helping on heavy crude from foreign oil were down with cancer, all at the socialist fraternal countries, without companies. He stopped parking their same time. building suitable infrastructure for petro-dollars in U.S and Western the country with all its oil-wealth. It banks. In People’s Service seems, Venezuela’s infrastructure is Chavez brought the giant decaying with its roads and bridges To understand the U.S role in oil company, PDVSA, under in a bad condition, hospitals ill- the Middle East or Latin America, government control; he made the equipped, power-cuts frequent, and two cardinal truths must be kept Western oil companies conform to handling of ships taking an unduly in mind: 1. If Chavez could spend stringent terms. He stopped parking long time at the ports. The blast # 772 billion dollars, in a decade, their petro-dollars in U.S and that took place in Amuay refinery to uplift his peoples’ lives, it was Western banks. He nationalized the killing 42 people, 6 others missing his country’s oil wealth. 2. To loot electricity industry. He nationalized and several injured, is being cited as this oil wealth and more is the sole telecom industry. He distributed 3 an example of inefficiency and poor objective of any neocolonial power million hectares of land to tens of management under socialism. So like America in the Middle East or thousands of farmers. Chavez goes much so, it is said, the Venezuelan Latin America. And when native down as the leader who had put his economy is in a bad shape with leaders like Chavez, Castro, Correa, country’s oil-wealth at the service of inflation as high as 18 per cent a Saddam, or Gaddafi, call a halt to his people. He gave them subsidized year, growth only 5 per cent, budget such a loot, conflict in some form food, subsidized housing, free deficit 14 per cent of the GDP or other is inevitable. education and free health clinics. He and the Venezuelan currency fast affected wage increases to them. His losing its value from the official To be a little more concrete social programmes have certainly rate of 6.3 Bolivars to 23 a dollar. Saddam, Gaddafi, and Chavez benefitted the poor. “Millions The deterioration is attributed to were very important players, at of Venezuelans enjoy better life excessive public spending in a one time, in OPEC.(2) . They could today”.(5) milieu of too many elections and not only make the West pay higher without respite. price for petrol, but also collect Unemployment dropped from far more royalties from Western 14.5 per cent in 1999 to 7.6 per cent Surely, Chavez with so much of companies. Saddam and Gaddafi in 2009; per capita GDP went up oil-wealth could have developed are, now, no more. American forces from # 4401 to # 10801 in 2011; and social and physical infrastructure, in Iraq and NATO intervention in the BPLs shrunk from 23 per cent cracked down on corruption, checked Libya drowned them in blood. The to 8.5 per cent. Between 2000 and violent crime Caracas having earned Western cunning is such that they 2010, he spent a whopping amount a dubious distinction of being the got them killed by their own people. of some # 770 billion on providing most lawless city in Latin America. Chavez was spared only by chance. these social benefits to the common He could not have also “alienated If military intervention had not people of his country. During this investors with waves of take-overs”. happened in Afghanistan and Iraq, period, social programmes reached Finally, one wonders–and this is, Chavez would have met a similar 20 million people, pensions paid to what, after all, defined him–if he fate. In his book “ Confessions of 2.1 million senior citizens, infant had overstretched himself in helping an Economic Hit Man” John Perkins mortality down from 25 to 13 per other countries and other people.(7) writes: “…..and Chavez was saved thousand, and the country now by Saddam Hussein. The Bush has 58 doctors per 10,000 people A lesson that could, probably, administration could not take on as against 18 in 1996. Even more be learnt from the fiasco of Soviet Afghanistan, Iraq, and Venezuela important, 96 per cent people have experiment is that communism all at once…..”.(3) It is nothing new access to clean water and school will not last long until people to America. The same author cites attendance is 85 per cent, while become more responsible, and the JANATA, June 9, 2013 11 country builds solid and elaborate the wake of the Gulf war; his reply mortgage the country in the name of infrastructure (like roads, railways, was typical—his was a sovereign foreign investments. Not more than ports, airports, stadiums, schools, country! He lambasted the US not one percent of GDP was set apart for hospitals etc.) even while cutting only for its invasion of Iraq, but clearing national debt. on immediate social benefits, also for invading Afghanistan, voluntarily, for some time. Chavez demanding that the U.S. President The second objective was to could have concentrated on building be tried by International Court for replace two-century old Monroe solid and durable infrastructure violation of human rights in those doctrine with the Bolivar doctrine. throughout his country. It is this countries. He evinced the devil- The former was the claim of U.S. lack of balance that led critics to may-care attitude when he declared hegemony over the Southern point out that he squandered his before the General Assembly in hemisphere, while the latter was extraordinary oil windfall and that he New York, referring to President its counter-claim of more equality did not use his country’s oil-wealth Bush “yesterday, a devil spoke here, and autonomy among nations, so as an “economic development and the sulphur is still smelling it that the peoples of South America engine’.(8) John Perkins called him after he left”. Iranian President, would be free from the hegemony “ economically inept Chavez”. The AhmedNezad was effusive in his of the U.S. and start living like Bolivarian revolution to prosper, the praise, “Chavez was not really dead; equals. At one time, it looked like balance will have to be restored by he will come back like Jesus Christ”. a false hope, a chimera, or distant his successor. After its invasion of Gaza in 2008, horizons, “ploughing the sea”, as only Chavez could withdraw its it were, in Tariq Ali’s words. Latin But the compulsions of a multi- Ambassador from Israel, and say in American leaders, Simon Bolivar, party state may not ensure smooth utter disgust, “There is no point in Che Guevera, Fidel Castro and and uninterrupted journey for his dealing with that country”. He laid Antonio Jose de Sucre, had been Bolivarian revolution which can bare the “change of regime” strategy successively leading movements only be implemented by fits and hatched by western powers in Libya against the U.S. hegemony right starts in a constitutional democracy. and now in Syria when much of the from the 19th century. Chavez Spearheading as he did, a radical world virtually thought, discretion is carried their legacy, with more movement of socialism and Latin- the better part of valor. These were verve and vitality, into the twenty American unity, Chavez faced this indeed inspired acts which even UN, first century. He seemed to have dilemma and hence his impatience, Russia and China “feared to tread”. come closure to the realization of at times, with its checks and that ideal.(9) balances, which he tried to skip Chavismo in Latin America through populous gimmicks like The new resurgent left-leaning Ready help referendums and so on. leadership that greeted Latin America When newly awakened countries at the dawn of the 21st century, as in Latin America tried to assert Inspired Acts nowhere else, had two objectives themselves in fulfillment of the In place of 1 per cent earlier, before them: One was to be rid above objectives, they were choked, 16.6 per cent in royalties on heavy of the “Washington Consensus” in retribution, by U.S sanctions crude was collected by him from which meant deregulation and and withdrawal of support from the foreign companies dealing in the privatization that were introduced world bodies like the IMF, World fantastic oil wealth of the country. by their predecessors, as neo-liberal Bank etc., Chavez rushed to their The mega-proceeds thus accrued reforms, under pressure from the rescue by extending financial help were placed at the service of his international financial institutions. to them, when it was most needed. people and to bring succor to long They were reversed. Royalties Chavez extended crucial financial neglected slums (barrios). He was, at from Western companies were help to Argentina when it was in once, their demy god to the country’s hiked, the Ecuadorian President, trouble from international financial poor. They were full of praise for his Rafael Correa leading the pack by institutions, during the presidency “guts, heart and mind”. putting up from 18 to 80 percent, of Nestor Kirchner. Venezuela the increased revenues of which purchased Argentinean bonds It needed real guts for the were used on social spending to when they were worth nothing in president of a small country to brace improve the living standards of international market. Nestor’s wife himself against a super power, least their people. China turned out to be Christine Kirchner, the current mindful of consequences. The US a major investor as also a big buyer Argentina’s President recalled this warned him against visiting Iraq in of their oil. They were careful not to life-saver, the other day in Havana, 12 JANATA, June 9, 2013 when she visited before his death, they can’t take him away to hand fully integrated into the region as along with Peruvian President him over to CIA. Rafael Correa, its honored member. These are no Ollanta Humala. economist-turned-politician, elected mean achievements, and though he for third time as President of Ecuador did them all with the active support Cuba was in a terrible crisis in could well be the one to take on the and cooperation of the like- minded the mid-nineties, when the Soviet mantel left behind by Chavez in heads of state, without Chavez, these Union’s enormous aid suddenly leading the Bolivarian revolution were inconceivable. Lula de Silva, stopped, with its break-up. Chavez in Latin America. As for Lula of the popular Brazilian leader who stepped into the breach by the supply Brazil, though a moderate, he was was twice its president and whose of cheap oil Cuba was able to breathe full of admiration for Chavez’s role model differed from that of Chavez, again after Chavez’s an annual aid of in political and economic integration complemented him thus: “History $6 billon in an ostensible swap to a of Latin America. would record”, Lula wrote, ”Chavez slew of doctors, nearly 29000, and role in the political and economic other personnel – which is on-going Towards Unity integration of Latin America… till now. Fidel Castro poured out his Chavez had taken concrete when the leaders of NAM and of gratitude to his disciple, in a letter steps towards the realization of Global South capitulated to the before the latter’s death: “When the unity of Latin America. In hegemony of the West after the cold the socialist camp collapsed, USSR fact, that was the substance of war, it was Chavez who blazed the disintegrated, and imperialism with the Bolivarian Revolution and in trail of his own, championing anti- its sharpened knife tried to drown the process he became, at once, imperialism” (11) the Cuban revolution in blood”, the symbol of the “economic wrote Fidel on Feb 18, “Venezuela, and cultural sovereignty of the Not a dogmatic dictator relatively small country in a divided continent” and also the “bulwark of Had he lived, he would have America was capable of preventing anti Americanism in Latin America completed 20 years of un-interrupted that “.(10) and Caribbean islands”. In 2004, rule over Venezuela. He was elected ALBA OR “Bolivian Alternative for in a duly fought election, every time A wave of leftist Presidents were the Americas” with Cuba, Ecuador, held in a free atmosphere. Yet, his elected across Latin America – Lula Bolivia and Nicaragua to play the reign was variously described as da Silva of Brazil in 2002, Eva role of a lobby with in regional “firebrand reign”, “heavy handed Morales of Bolivia in 2005, Rafael organizations, in 2005, PETRO governance”, that “bitterly polarized Corros of Ecuador in 2004, Daniel CARIBE an energy Cooperation his country’s electorate”. Tim Padgett Ortega of Nicaragua, Jose Mujica Agreement through which Venezuela makes a point in his comment that of Uruguay and a host of others. All supplies crude oil on concessional “though Chavez was democratically these progressive minded Presidents rates to 18 Latin American nations, elected repeatedly, he did not govern were inspired and emboldened by in 2008, a vibrant political grouping all that democratically. It is easy the presence of Castro-Chavez duo “UNASUR” of all South America, to dismiss him, Padgett continues, who were their standard bearers. and Southern Common Market as a retro-revolutionary messianic When Ecuador’s Rafael Correa, “MERCOSUR” which is a customs whose country’s vast petro-wealth for example, was elected, third union between Brazil, Argentina, bankrolled his Marxist nostalgia” (12) time in February this year, with Paraguay and Uruguay to which 58 per cent votes, he dedicated Bolivia also applied --- were all The context in which he came to his victory to Chavez, “the great formed and began functioning in power may, to some extent, explain Latin American leader who has mutual cooperation among the the somewhat precipitate character transformed Venezuela”. It is this nations of the region, free from U.S of his regime: when he was elected in President Correa of Ecuador who interference, much to its chagrin. 1998, it seemed as though he found gave sanctuary to the founder of To crown it all, Chavez convened in himself on an enemy territory, all Wikileaks, Assange, in Ecuadorian December 2011, the first summit of across the region where free market embassy in London, cocking a the “Community of Latin American reforms, steep economic inequalities snook at the U.S, U.K and Australia. and Caribbean states”, the widely and the “Empire” overlordship in He was firm in giving asylum known CELAC of 33 states including the name of Monroe doctrine were to Assange, telling the Swedish Cuba, specially avoiding the U.S holding sway. They were treated as prosecutors that while they are free and Canada. Cuba’s President Raul ‘given’ and nobody dared question to examine Assange for alleged Castro is currently chairing the them. Chavez took those official offence in Ecuadorian embassy, CELAC, which means Cuba is premises, as it were, head on. He JANATA, June 9, 2013 13 burst upon the scene with “his social state. His sweeping declarations war mongering gripping the world spending at home” and “his petro- that if he wins he would make the at the time, though it may sound a diplomacy abroad” which were revolution irreversible and put his bit quixotic, no doubt. He was an lavish. Following from them, his concept of 21st century socialism insomniac like Castro with whom political prescriptions too were into practice, would have made the he used to discuss books, on line not in accord with liberal ethos or Opposition’s fear of heading towards at length. His was not, anyway, a democratic spirit, though there was ”majoritarianism” real. His policies closed mind. He could possibly have formal compliance with the letter had in them the potential for dividing liberalized his views, and reached the law. When the written law did the nation into two uncompromising out to more people, if he was spared not suit his agenda, on occasions, camps between whom “dialogue and a few more years. Before he could he freely resorted to the populist discussion” may not be possible. As look back on his ideology and take device of referendum, which more against these it must be admitted that his adversaries on board, he was often than not, favored his proposals. the Opposition had a racial streak snatched away from his people by besides being plutocratic and hence pre-mature death. In the 2010 parliamentary election some of his seeming excesses. for the 165 member single chamber References: National Assembly, his United For all this, Chavez was not, at (1) The Hindu, March7, 2013 Socialist Party and Communist the core, dogmatic. He would not “Fourteen years that shook allies managed to annex nearly have gone on with such a hard ball the World” by Aravind 100 seats with 5.4 million votes, mindset, if he had sensed that the Sivaramakrishnan as against only 65 seats with 5.7 nation was heading for a crisis, (2) OPEC is Organization of the million votes of the Opposition, provocations from the Opposition Petroleum Exporting Counties. by a rather devious means of camp notwithstanding. For, he It has become dysfunctional and removal of was not a Communist of classical after Iran-Iraq war and then the proportional representation. In the type. “I don’t believe in dogmatic first Gulf-war. same year, he got passed an Enabling postulates of Marxist revolution. I Act by the captive legislature, giving don’t accept that we are living in (3) Pages 201, 202 “Confessions him powers to rule by decrees for a period of proletarian revolutions. of an Economic Hit Man” by 18 months, without the legislature. All that must be revised”, he told “John Perkins” He got the constitution amended by Tariq Ali. He was wise enough to (4) Ibid means of referendum for removing know that Communism could not (5) The Economist, 15th Dec, 2012 the two term restriction on holding the be implemented in full. “I am not “Preparing to pass the torch” President’s post, and for extending for abolition of private property (6) The statistics and the quote the tenure of the President from 4 to or of class society… I am only are taken from “Front Line” 6 years, so that he could context and interested in helping the poor. The Nov 21, 2012 by John Cherian win 3rd and 4th terms for extended rich should pay the taxes. And some “Chavismo works” periods of 6 years. Sometimes, his redistribution of wealth may be (7) The Economist, Sept 29, 2012 critics like Raul Baduel were not necessary,” he clarified.(14) “Briefing” spared though they had been his (8) Page 198 “John Perkins” political allies earlier(13). On the Besides, Chavez was an avid “Confessions….” other hand, opposition too did not reader. In weekly appearances, on (9) Read “End of the Revolution” play fair with Chavez: they staged a Sundays, over TV “Alo Presidento”, by Tim Padgett in Time weekly, coup in 2002 that failed, in cahoots he used to counsel his people to read March 18, 2013 with the CIA. In the following year, books like Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”. (10) Frontline, April 5, 2013 the entire technical staff, mostly He believed that cultivation of art “Bolivarian Revolutionary” by American trained, of the country’s could change the people’s mindset. Prakash Karat Oil Company PDVSA, went on a He got a million copies of that novel (11) Frontline, April 5, 2013 “The General Strike for nearly an year. distributed among his people. In a Man who made his Revolution” defiant speech at the UN General by John Cherian Then to call the Army “Chavista” Assembly, at the time when Bush (12) Refer (9) is also objectionable. It defies the invaded Iraq, he asked the delegates (13) Refer (1) primary principle that the army to go through Noam Chomsky’s (14) Frontline, April5, 2013 and the civil service should be book “Hegemony or Survival”, as “Undefeated in death” by Tariq strictly neutral in a multi-party probably a panacea for inordinate Ali 14 JANATA, June 9, 2013 Delhi University FYUP : Fast at Rajghat

The three-day fast observed by I had felt completely awed by the into the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of the Dr Prem Singh, Professor Delhi ambience, the intellectual and the FYUP, but would like to make two University, in protest against the creative warmth prevailing in the submissions in this connection. undemocratic implementation of campus. Alongside the broad lanes FYUP in Delhi University, came and the shady trees on the ridge, The first is that many of our to an end on June 7 evening. The one had experienced the power of students come from families who famous Hindi writer, Rajendra the J.P. Movement, the trauma of cannot afford to send their wards to yadav, ended Dr Prem Singh’s three- the Emergency, the horrific killing private, expensive colleges. These day fast by offering him fruit juice. of Mrs. Gandhi and the shame of are the first generation learners communal riots. There were no who come to broaden their mental A number of members from grilled enclosures in the campus and material horizons. Within their civil society of Delhi and teachers then, to shut out the pulse of the limited time and resources at hand, from Delhi University came to nation and such ‘out side’ concerns they seek to work for the DU degree, lend their support and solidarity and influences. They were a part of not a diploma. The second point to the protest. Justice Rajendra the unwritten curriculum integral to is that the actual and practical Sacchar, who had written to the the students’ learning process. implementation of the citizens’ Prime minister earlier on the issue of constitutional and fundamental FYUP, was present on the all three One has seen much water, waste rights to speak and to be heard days of the fast. Amar Dev Sharma, and wishes flow down the Yamuna should happen at the university ( President DUTA), Harish Khanna these forty years, first as a student campus. Whatever the outcome, (Vice President DUTA), Abha of the DU and then as a teacher. DU whatever the ultimate decision, the Dev Habib ( Member Executive still stirs up a certain eagerness and first lesson and the first ‘foundation Council D U ), Saswat Mazumdar expectations while interacting with course’ that our students need to (Ex President,(DUTA), Dr Sandeep new students and their tentative believe in is that they are born into Yadav from Central University of dreams. There can be no greater a free and constitutionally governed Jharkhand, many teachers from joy than to see the new order take country. other central universities and various over the old, better still, if it is in other DUTA activist participated a direction different from the past, I would like to appeal to the in the Protest. Udit Raj, political and in accordance with the present government, the university and the activist also came forward to support reality, needs and circumstances of law to let good sense prevail and the cause. the new world. to ensure that the Delhi University At the end of the fast a meeting The DU has been a place continues to retain its reputation as of prominent citizens of Delhi and where major social, academic and a centre of democratic values and Delhi University teachers was held even political changes have been academic excellence. Mahatma and all the members issued an appeal contemplated and debated upon. Gandhi’s concern for equal, to the authorities to intervene in the Despite the several disagreements, inexpensive, accessible and quality matter and defer the implementation the DU fraternity has always education should not be forgotten. In of the FYUP. Further it was resolved respected the constitutional right humble remembrance and tribute to that all efforts would be made to to speak our minds and encourage my alma mater, the Delhi University, oppose the hasty implementation healthy debate. In this sense, it has and to Mahatma Gandhi, I have of the highly debated FYUP in D U been a centre of values that have planned to observe a three day (5 this year. instilled a democratic mindset into June-7 June 2013) fast at Rajghat its students’ psyche. While stating with the hope that wider implications Dr, Prem Singh had issued the so today, I am visited by a genuine of education, which is the mark and following note at the beginning of anxiety that many of colleagues the strength of a democratic country his fast: “Coming from the rural might share with me. I am stuck like India, continues to flourish to outskirts of Delhi during the early by the irreverent, intimidating and serve Gandhi’s last man in the row.” 70’s, I had joined Delhi University anti-democratic wind blowing across (DU) as a Hindi literature student. the university. I do not wish to enter –H. Khanna JANATA, June 9, 2013 15 Demonstration against ADB

Peoples Front Against IFIs Nanda from Bangiya Paromparik it is shocking to see that activists are greeted the 46th Annual Governors’ Kaaru O Bastra Shilpi Sangho, an not allowed even to protest at public Meeting of the Asian Development artisans’ and weavers’ organisation: places. The central government is Bank with a demonstration and rally villages have been destroyed by the challenging our constitutional rights at Greater Noida in U.P. on May 2, ADB sponsored infrastructure and to protest to please ADB officials. 2013. urbanisation projects resulting in He further shared his experience of pauperisation of traditional artisans, water privatisation of ADB projects ADB Quit India, Quit Asia, India weavers and performing artistes. in Madhya Pradesh which have is not for sale ... were some of the Gautam Bandopadhyay of Nadi resulted in the hike of water price slogans shouted by the activists Ghati Morcha: ADB has become four times in a span of two years. during the demonstration which “Anti-Human Destruction Bank” - He said that in the name of reforms started from YMCA, Greater Noida, a bank to support private sector in of water, electricity, education in the face of continued resistance order to ensure maximum profit for sector ADB is not only ensuring from police and administration. This corporate and MNCs. Dr. Sunilam, privatisation but also is a threat to protest was scheduled at Pari Chowk President of, Kisan Sangharsh the role of welfare state. but the police did not allow the move Samiti and a senior leader of NAPM: towards Pari Chowk. Protesters (Continued from Page 6) (Continued from Page 8) broke the police cordon and to move the Naxalites. But otherwise they people of the return to former forward in a spontaneous rally. don’t pay much heed to what the regime’s tactics of harassment of Naxalites say or do. Leaders addressing the rally made opposition leaders. the following points. Leader of What is urgently needed is It is also worrying that the the National Hawkers’ Federation, improvement in work culture immediate political benefit of Saktiman Ghosh: ADB is supporting of the salaried people, be they the revolution seems to have various projects in cities which officers, clerks, school teachers, are displacing the hawkers in big bank employees, etc. They should gone to a sectarian group called numbers from roadsides. Vidya treat the farmers and other common Muslim Brotherhood. A genuine Dinker from Citizens Forum for people who visit their offices for democracy will have to be non- Mangalore Development said: ADB some works to be done. Doing it sectarian, and secular. Advocates is supporting water privatisation in a reasonably prompt way would of democracy all over the world, projects which are even opposed help a lot. mainly in Europe and America by the corporators. Debashis Das will have to be very careful in In Gadchiroli district, a number from NHF: in the name of urban reacting to the fragile situation of voluntary groups are helping development ADB is supporting in the Arab world. There are the tribals to obtain individual or programmes which has threatened reports that European leaders have community pattas for the strips of directly or indirectly supported the very existence of the marginal lands which they are cultivating the dictators for partisan gains. sections of the society especially or growing forests. Many panchas This will undermine a hugely urban poor and farmers. Irfan, and sarpanchs are engaged in joint successful people’s movement Vice President of NHF: Bihar has forest management activities not experienced anti-poor and anti- minding the occasional threats held for democracy and human rights. people policies, which clearly show out by the Naxalites. People are bold. The international community that we need to oppose ADB policies The politicians should follow suit. does nothing to help the march in a big way. Ali Baqri, NHF, Andhra And the security personnel need to towards democracy. Progressive Pradesh: the government has made work imaginatively by taking the parties like ESDP, now a member a policy in which international common people into confidence and of international social democratic investors are exempted from paying by honouring the human rights of the family needs all the support to tax but the poor or middle classes have people at large. promote their agenda for peace, to pay all kind of taxes. Biswendu - Pannalal Surana equality, and freedom. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, June 9, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, June 9, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday June 12, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 23 Era change in BJP June 16, 2013 S. Viswam

Last week’s developments in the Thirdly, and this is taken for New push to Hindutava Bharatiya Janata Party, climaxing granted now after the induction of Kuldip Nayar in the resignation of Lal Krishna Modi as chairman of the campaign Advani from all party posts, are committee and the exit of Advani in the nature of what journalists from the party’s top posts, that the call a “developing story”. At the NDA as it exists is in for a dramatic The Logic of self-interest time of writing, which is a day change in composition. Let us not and its victims after Advani caught his own party forget that Advani did not choose K. S. Chalam and his colleagues in the NDA by to give up his post as the working a surprise, and plunged the BJP chairman of the NDA. Right now into a crisis it had not anticipated it is doubtful whether the BJP will or prepared for, a fluid situation be the main player in the new NDA Doyen of Women’s Studies prevails in the crisis-ridden BJP. or whether the NDA itself will yield Movement in India There is still some uncertainty on place to a federal front as proposed Vibhuti Patel whether or not Advani will insist by Mamata Bannerjee and supported on his resignation or whether or by Naveen Patnaik and Jayalalithaa. not the Modi faction of the BJP will join in the campaign to persuade Although the elevation of Modi Who Should Advani to call off his protest. As to a post that has a prime importance Appoint the Judges? of now, what is abundantly clear ahead of a national election brought Bapu Heddurshetti is that the elevation of Narendra about a vertical split in the BJP Modi to a position of power and dividing it into two factions, one for influence in the party and the split Modi and another against him, the resulting therefrom mark the end of RSS is out to ensure that Modi stays Editor : the Vajpayee-Advani era in the BJP. where he has been catapulted into. In G. G. Parikh Secondly, it is equally clear that other words, Modi’s promotion and the war of attrition that is currently his projection as the BJP’s possible Managing Editor : Guddi on in the BJP is not between Modi prime ministerial nominee is not and Advani but between the RSS negotiable. Regardless of Advani’s D-15, Ganesh Prasad, and Advani. Available indications position, the RSS and the sections Naushir Bharucha Marg, suggest that the RSS will eventually within the BJP supporting him are Mumbai - 400 007. jettison Advani and back Modi’s not likely to accept replacing Modi candidature as the saffron parivar’s with Advani. In this RSS-Advani Email : [email protected] prime ministerial candidate in the face-off, Advani will come out second 2014 Lok Sabha polls. best since the stakes for the RSS are 2 JANATA, June 16, 2013 quite high. Presently, the RSS is Between the lines proceeding on the assumption that Modi is the saffron parivar’s mascot as far as the 2014 Lok Sabha polls New push to Hindutava are concerned.

Advani’s reaction was only to be Kuldip Nayar expected. He was sidelined, ignored and humiliated. His suggestion that Politics in India may not be the between the BJP, a Hindu outfit, Modi was not the proper choice same again. The Bhartiya Janata and the Congress, with secular to lead the party in the polls was Party (BJP) has charged the agenda. credentials. laughed at. He had no choice but to It has introduced pure communalism do something to tell his side of the into the soft Hindutava that prevailed This may or may not happen story. The resignation was the best so far. By appointing the hardliner but the BJP has embarked upon the option for him. In his letter to Rajnath Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief task of Singh, Advani bemoaned that most Minister, the campaign panel chief of the BJP leaders of today were now wiping the slate clean with no for the 2014 parliament election, just concerned with their personal mention of secularism whatsoever. the party has dropped every bit of agendas. Ironically enough, Advani Since independence, even long ambiguity over secularism. It is stark himself is equally concerned with before it, the freedom struggle was Hinduism for all to see. his own personal agenda, namely, based on the idea of an independent his own prime ministerial ambitions. Apparently, the old leadership India which would know no Although the party (the RSS in other resisted the decision. Tall L.K.Advani difference on the basis of community words) denies him this reward for had even submitted his resignation or caste. his services to the Parivar from 1980 from all the posts he held in the party. The leaders immersed in that when the BJP was born till the day Yet the irresponsible younger cadre of his resignation. The realization struggle agreed to India’s partition was in no mood to accommodate but not to the thesis that the religion that he had earned a high reward for the sober point of view. For them, a his services was what persuaded the could be mixed with politics. sharper communal politics was the Secularism is thus the corner stone RSS to ask Vajpayee to make Advani minimum. Advani had reportedly of the structure that India has tried to a deputy prime minister. Now, the warned, behind the walls, that Modi raise after partition. It has not been RSS thinks Advani’s contribution was not a proper person for India. to the consolidation of the Parivar an ideal effort. Yet it has kept the is less than that of Modi! The atmosphere may become more country together, with no recurring bitter when the BJP propagates the example of communal divide. Saffron politics has once again Hindu Rashtriyata openly. True, the In the process, the nation has divided the polity. The RSS can concept goes against the very grain also come to recognize the distance be depended upon to exploit of the constitution which wanted the between the communal forces and Modi’s image as a strong Hindutva country to be a secular democratic the secular elements. It has resulted proponent by reviving all the republic. But the BJP has found no into a healthy development: secular Hindutva campaign issues including benefit from it. In the future, the very political parties have generally Article 370, the uniform civil code word, secularism, will come under kept away from the BJP to stall and the Ram Mandir issue. The different interpretations. Parties, its installation at the Centre. The RSS will consider the revival of the however parochial in outlook, will induction of Modi may not defeat the Hindutva slogans as the only means claim to be secular. of ensuring Hindu votes in areas process. But it will definitely confuse where Modi is an unknown factor. Therefore, Modi’s acceptance the Hindus who, leave some apart, This can be the only explanation for speech was understandably vehement are animated with cosmopolitan the RSS risking the consolidation against the Congress, the largest thoughts. They stopped the BJP of Muslim votes against Modi and political party which has come to winning in the last two parliamentary in favour of other secular parties. be associated with secularism. He election because when the time for wants the party to disappear from the casting votes came, they put their (Continued on Page 4) scene so that there is no confusion weight behind the liberal forces JANATA, June 16, 2013 3 which have kept the country more or less midway, neither left or right. The logic of self-interest and its victims The danger of its going right has increased now. K. S. Chalam

RSS, which has initiated and supported Modi, sees in him someone In the history of ideas, ‘self’ leaders of the era, have contributed nearer to their ideology of Hindutava and ‘self-interest’ are considered to human sciences before Adam and anti-Muslim. Real Modi was, as very central in the process of Smith published his Wealth of however, exposed when he blessed human progress. Anthropologists Nations in 1776 few years before the the massacre of Muslims in Gujarat and philosophers have deliberated French and American revolutions. It a decade ago. Not a word of regret as to how savages became civilised was David Hume and Adam Smith even after years only underlines through the arduous task of encounters who set the fundamentals for a his anti-Muslim thinking. How can with nature and circumstances in the libertarian ideology. India have a person like him as the long journey of humankind. But, Prime Minister? the human beings who once lived Interestingly Marx had also his in groups became independent and moorings in Smith. The present The repercussions of such a person were again shackled ultimately issue of how the self-interest is at the helm of BJP, not possessing to fight against the artificial responsible for the development of a even a semblance of liberalism, conditions to become free. In this capitalist system has evoked debate can be dangerous. Obsessed with evolution, she/he has accumulated that has become one sided due to driving a wedge between Hindus unimaginable depths of knowledge the hegemony of Bretton Woods’s and Muslims, he can vitiate the and experience to be used either institutions and stoic silence of the young minds. Liberalism or idealism to live without restraint or remain opponents after the fall of Berlin already receding to the background, unfree. Philosophers and thinkers wall. This has enabled several bigotism and extremism will go had given us abundant wisdom and states including India to adopt the to annihilate what is left of the institutions to dabble with. The libertarian policies in the name of composite culture. When I was ontological understanding of ‘who reducing poverty and rapid economic India’s High Commissioner at am I’ and the universe around us growth. Though the rudiments London, Prime Minister Margret helped to generate different concepts of LPG were present in the early Thatcher asked me the secret of and ideas in different civilisations 1980s, the loud declaration was India staying together for centuries. depending upon their geography, made in 1991. This has unleashed I told her that we did not believe that history and the circumstances. the sleeping giant to leap forward the country was divided into black One society might have called self, and created billionaires from India and white. We believed that there another soul and still others with who found their names listed in the was a vast grey area. We went on innovative ideas to describe human Fortune 500. Yet, several socio- expanding that area. That was our experience. As humans, we inherit economic internal contradictions secularism. The idea kept the all the contributions irrespective of includinginequalities have been widened. nation together. She was reportedly to what nation or group they belong impressed by my explanation and and exchange the ideas for mutual Though the metaphysical she told this to Soviet President benefit. deliberations about the self and its Gorbachev. He sent a delegation to India to study the strength of grey It was during the age of liberation from temporal attractions area, secularism. Modi will make Enlightenment, a strong cultural were deeply imbedded in different black further bleak and shut every and Intellectual foundation was laid societies, the elucidation of the opening for the grey area to expand. to free humankind from all kinds of concept as self-interest during the In the last few decades, the BJP has superstitions. There were intense enlightenment period seem to have purveyed the impression that it is scholarly debates by schoolmen been baked in pure materialistic looking for a space that will give it an (scholastics) on every important process. Adam Smith was given image of being right of Right, that of event giving birth to disciplinary the credit for using the concept knowledge. David Hume, Petty, to usher in a new era in Europe (Continued on Page 7) Turgot, Quesnay, to name a few using the gifts of enlightenment. 4 JANATA, June 16, 2013

It is necessary to keep in mind distributional aspects of a society. invisible hand and self-interest in the historical conditions and the This justification countenanced every walk of life, be it income, uncivilized exploitation of colonies business people to bring IPL in India. scams, corruption, rapes, moral by the East India (mercantilists) It is further argued that if individual turpitude, demeanour of the nation, company under the protection of talents or resources are kept idle etc. No one can take the credit the state that made Smith to react. without use, they are a waste and or blame both for the growth or He was compelled to appeal to self- if they are traded in the market, decadence, except the preceptors of interest of every individual as an they become wealth. Interestingly, self-interest as a virtue. author of 'theory of moral sentiments' most of the characters that are for the possibility of enhancing associated with the recent events in Unfortunately, the exuberance the happiness of the enlightened India are drawn from a traditional has started dwindling and the individual and the society. He has business class. What is the harm if drubbings are so pervasive that the explained how the spontaneous individual players are bought and preceptors of self interest in the realization of every individual to sold like commodities depending West were swallowed long ago. truck, barter and exchange one thing upon their demand? Does it not The behemoth in India in the early for the other as a part of pure self- sound reasonable and pragmatic? part of its operation devoured in interest benefits everyone with daily the form of Hawala and Jain dairy bread. He has further discussed the Pareto, the libertarian has developed and now eating into the vitals of topic with illustrations as to how it the thesis of welfare optimization our civilization. Now, in times of would work as an 'invisible hand' within the given system that operates acute depredation, does the Buddhist as a self-regulating mechanism that under the spell of invisible hand. precept of seeking refuge in society brings good to society. The concept Amartya Sen responded to this by (sangham) provide metaphysical of division of labour and how it saying that, " a society in which solace? is limited by the extent of market some people lead lives of great (Continued from Page 2) are broadly related to laissez-faire. luxury while others live in acute The basic elements of capitalist misery can still be Pareto optimal Which is why the Congress is happy development thus move around the if the agony of the deprived cannot that Modi is being made much of by the BJP. The Congress had better notion of self-interest. However, be reduced without cutting into the be prepared to counter effectively the role of the state to moderate ecstasy of the affluent". The theories the saffron brigade’s Hindu Rashtra disharmony of interests as advocated of libertarians have contributed campaign in the coming months. by Smith was capriciously kept aside. for the expansion of globalization Also, the personal tirades which The metaphor of invisible hand of within the parameters of liberty Modi can be expected to launch Smith like the base-superstructure of and equality without qualifying the against Manmohan Singh, Sonia Marx has created warring groups to context and historical significance Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The continue their intellectual cudgels. and identity of each nation. India level of electoral politics in India The application of these ideas to along with some other third world is bound to decline in the coming contemporary situations by policy countries was attracted towards this months if the track record of Modi makers to find practical solutions thesis around 1980s and that became is any guide. has created more problems than they a national policy in 1991. During resolved. In fact, the philosophical the last two decades irrespective Janata Subscription debate is taken to a newer height of the political party in power, Annual Rs. : 260/- by scholars like Robert Nozick, they have sincerely adhered to the Three Years : 750/- the author of ‘Anarchy, State and agenda of making self-interest as the Utopia’, the champion of libertarians, catalyst of economic development Demand Draft / Cheque on argued that it is within the principle with a quantum jump of wealth Mumbai Bank of liberty and justice if a basket-ball of cronies and thus GDP. This has in favour of champion like Chamberlain was enabled a dozen out of 120 crores JANATA TRUST given 25 cents by a million people of people to own almost all that to earn an income of $ 250000, was created during the period. This D-15, Ganesh Prasad, more than the average earnings, accomplishment was attributed Naushir Bharucha Marg, irrespective of how it upsets the to the operation of principles of Mumbai 400 007 JANATA, June 16, 2013 5

Notebook

Tensions in the North-East

In the first week of June, 2013, in London. When the Janata Party and four-five underground groups there was great tension on the government came into power at claim to be that “government” and Nagaland-Assam border. A few days Delhi, Jayaprakash Narayana (JP) collect taxes at multiple points like earlier, some Naga farmers had asked was approached by some Naga purchase, transit, sale, etc. Naturally, those in a nearby village, situated in people urging him to intervene. the business community is impatient. Assam, to vacate the land which the JP was not well at that time. After But its threat of road block adversely latter were cultivating on lease. On talking with , then affects the common people, not only not complying with the request, the Prime Minister of India, JP deputed of Nagaland, but also of Manipur Naga farmer, a firearm in hand, shot S. M. Joshi to go and meet Phizo. As and Mizoram, because they are down an Assamese tenant. A huge a result of all that process, ceasefire dependent on N.H.36 for their crowd gathered in front of the police was agreed to by the NSCN and the supplies from Bengal and Assam station concerned and demanded Government of India. Nagaland, of cloth, petroleum, sugar, etc. stern action against the offender. Mizoram and Manipur were carved Whenever there is a road block, It flared up into a conflict between out of the State of Assam within the prices of necessaries shoot sky-high. two States. Everybody in Assam framework of the Constitution of Petrol is sold at Rs. 200 per litre. And was shouting against the Nagas. An India. Elections to State Assemblies, the Government pleads helplessness. M.L.A. who led one such morcha including that of Nagaland , were A bold political initiative from , asserted that it was one instance held. A representative government amongst the local people is urgently among hundreds which show how was installed at Kohima, the capital called for. of Nagaland. But a small faction of negligent the Chief Minister is in On the same day, there was a the NSCN under the leadership of safeguarding the interests of the demand for recognition, by the Muivah, challenged the cease-fire citizens of the state. On the Nagaland leaders of the Tikhir tribe. Virtually and took to insurgency. Incidents of side, there was hue and cry as to how there are innumerable tribes in all armed actions by the NSCN(I-M) the tribals are being harassed by the those Seven Sister States. Every are few and far between. But the plainspeople. tribe considers itself as superior to newspapers are forced by the others, though, fortunately there is In Dimapur, the second largest underground groups to repeatedly no religious hierarchy like the caste city of Nagaland, an Action publish the demand for solution system of the mainland India. How Committee Against Multiple of the Naga problem. And nobody to make the people of different tribes Taxation, served a final ultimatum dares to take a public stand that realise that chauvinistic feelings are to the NSCN(I-M) saying that if since vast majority of the electorate of no use for solving the problems of a date within five days was not have participated in the successive bread and butter. People will have to fixed for talks, the businessmen elections, there is no point in asking overcome such petty considerations and professionals would observe for talks between the Government and imbibe the spirit of national Road Block on highway no.36 of India and the NSCN(I-M), or in citizenship. Then alone the problems alias Highway Asia no.1.The word continuing insurgency or whatever of of development and social justice ‘taxation is an euphemism for hapta it is left. The NSCN(I-M) is running can be effectively tackled. by three or four underground groups an “underground government” functioning under the umbrella of the underground government Prof. Vinod Prasad Singh run by the NSCN(I-M). It may be recalled that the National Socialist “Vinod was a devoted soldier He was an activist to the core as Council of Nagaland was formed in the Socialist movement. As a also an intellectual and research by the late Naga leader M. Phizo teacher of economics in the Satyavati scholar. While persuading the party in 1970s. It had launched an armed insurgency against the Government College of Delhi University he used comrades to be attentive to the details of India to carve out a sovereign to be very methodical and endeared of building of party organization, he State of Nagaland. He was staying students by his personal rapport. compiled documents of the Socialist 6 JANATA, June 16, 2013 movement in two volumes and the third was almost complete when his Doyen of Women’s Studies health developed some difficulties. Movement in India It is our duty to complete it and get it published” observed Prof. Vibhuti Patel Ramvinod of Darbhanga who was his college mate and close friend. With passing away of Dr. ‘Ma’ versus “Maal’, dichotomy On his 73rd birthday anniversary, Veena Mazumdar, our Veenadee, that worships motherhood and the huge gathering in the Gandhi the Indian Women’s Movement dehumanizes/commodifies the Sangrahalaya of Patna, his friends, has experienced an irreparable rest of women. Her contemporary colleagues, students and admirers loss. Veenadee personified in her powerful men in the Universities, expressed grief and incalculable loss a far sighted and strong willed research institutions and ministries due to his death in the last January. thinker and forceful speaker and called her ‘bulldozer’ while women Ahemed Razi, Director, Gandhi convincing debater who had faith in scholars and practitioners found Sangrahalaya, presided. Mohammad ‘human goodness’. Her intellectual her the most trustworthy friend Shahabuddin, former M.L.A. and prowess did not make her ivory and mentor. I worked closely with Vinod’s neighbor had organized the tower in her approach towards her Veenadee during 1981 for the I function in which various speakers colleagues and fellow travelers Women’s Studies Conference hosted expressed their sentiments and - academicians, policy makers, by SNDT Women’s University, in vouched to carry on the work that researchers and feminist activists. 1985 for preparation of ‘End of the Vinod left unfinished. Ramachandra She always remained warm at heart, Decade’ alternate country report Purve, former education minister easy to approach, instant building on Status of Women in India, in and president of Rashtriya Janata of rapport, magnanimous in sharing 1986 for Research Committee 32’s Dal, Bihar, said that when he was her knowledge and institutional panel discussion on ‘Ante Natal resources as Director of Centre for serving in the college of which Prof. Sex Selective and Abortions of Women’s Development Studies. Vinod was the secretary, he was Female Foetus in India’ for World Her charm lay in her electrifying surprised that the latter never tried Sociological Conference and in 1988 persona, always smiling face for a multi-centric research project to induct his relatives and friends conveying optimism, down to earth on ‘Child Care as an Essential Input in the college staff. Kumar Vijay approach, ideological sharpness, for women’s Development’. narrated some of his student days story-telling with witty humour memories. Dr. Somnath Tripathi and, the most important, courage of Veena Mazumdar was born in of Varanasi extolled his qualities conviction combined with honesty 1927 and completed her schooling in as a leader of a political party of purpose. This is what explained Calcutta. She did her honours course while in adversity. Alka and Rekha, her commanding of agenda setting from Benaras Hindu University as daughters of Prof Vinod, expressed power whether she was in the well as Ashutosh College, Calcutta their sense of gratitude to their decision making bodies of UGC, University and completed D.Phil. father’s coworkers. Vishwanath ICSSR, Planning Commission of from Oxford University. In 1947, Bagi, Gautam Sagar Rana and others India and several ministries or she went to Oxford University to also spoke. A committee was formed, outside of them. She could galvanize complete her graduation in 1951. with Prof Vinodkumar of Chapara, students, teachers, researchers, In 1960, once again she enrolled as president, and Shahabuddin women’s organizations, trade as a research scholar at Oxford as convener, to edit and publish unionists, bureaucrats, politicians University and within two years was Vinod’s unpublished works and also and law makers into action as she awarded D.Phil there in 1962. to decide about the handing over was one of the best ‘argumentative of his library, consisting of eight Indians’ produced by ‘women’s Veenadee taught Political Science cupboards of valuable books, to a studies movement’. She was very at Patna University and Berhampur suitable institution. good at coining catchy terms such as University for couple of years. After ‘women’s studies movement’ ‘The that she joined UGC. As an Officer –Pannalal Surana Indian psyche defined by binary in the UGC Secretariat she made a JANATA, June 16, 2013 7 mark as an energetic officer. She observation with Veenadee, she Education & Social Change: Three was also selected as a Fellow of mobilsed women’s delegation to Studies on Nineteenth Century the Indian Institute of Advanced meet the health minister to stop abuse India. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Simla. In 1972, when the of amniocentesis for sex selective Study, 1972; Role of Rural Women Indian government agreed to honour abortions. Veenadee was a great in Development. University of UN mandate to prepare a status champion of participatory action Sussex. Institute of Development report on women, Veenadee was research. Her writings provided road Studies. Allied Publishers, 1978; appointed as Member Secretary of map for developmental initiatives. Symbols of Power: Studies on the Committee on the Status of Women Her memoir, Memories of a Rolling Political Status of Women in India. in India. Her unique contribution Stone pulished by Zubaan Books in Allied, 1979; Emergence of the while preparation of landmark 2010 provides vivid description of Women’s Question in India and the report “Towards Equality” as a her principles, programmes, policy Role of Women’s Studies. Centre researcher and analytical rigour to initiatives in collaboration with her for Women’s Development Studies, explain material and ideological team of ‘movers and shakers’. 1985; Peasant Women Organise conditions that determined women’s for Empowerment: The Bankura predicament in India made her Veenadee will remain with us Experiment. Centre for Women’s most sought after scholar-activist with her insightful publications: Development Studies. 1989. during 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and the (Continued from Page 4) millennium era. pro-Hindu but not of extremist type. image of parochialism comes in During International Women’s Modi will stop such an ideology the open. The idea of India will be jeopardized. It is a pity that the Year (1975), Veenadee was developing. It will be saffron all the country will be unsettling when it is appointed as Director, Programme way. The BJP has foolishly come to settling down to an ideology which of Women’s Studies, Indian Council realize that it would have to sharpen may not be purely secular but does of Social Science Research for five difference with the Muslims to look not disturb people of different faiths years (1975-80). She was Founder- different. It believes that if there is to live a life of their own in their Director of the Centre for Women’s any time to play the Hindu card, it own way. Development Studies, New Delhi is now. This is a wrong thinking, from 1980 to 1991, and thereafter leaving no space for even small Studies in Socialism was Senior Fellow at CWDS and gestures for conciliation. Advani’s presence evokes hope. The greatest JP Naik National Fellow, ICSSR, By for two years. From 1996-2013, benefit of Modi’s importance will Dr. Veena Mazumdar was the be to the Congress. Not that it is Chairperson, Centre for Women’s intrinsically secular but it has the Ashok Mehta Development Studies, New Delhi. reputation of being so. The Muslim She was a heart and soul of Indian electorate, nearly 15 per cent, will Published by Association of Women’s Studies. move towards the Congress and Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan adversely affect large parties like Centre for Socialist Studies- In 1974, When All India Institute of Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadi Bangaluru of Medical Science began conducting party, which has a large Muslim a sample survey of amniocentesis following in UP. The party’s image is Price Rs. 250.00 postage extra to find out about foetal genetic also secular. The Congress will gain conditions and easily managed to because the next election is not that Send your order to enroll 11000 pregnant women as of state assembly but of Parliament. Centre for Socialist Studies volunteers for its research, main The Muslims, know the importance. 191, 10th Cross, 10th Main, NGFI interest of these volunteer pregnant The National Democratic Alliance Layout Nagurbani, women was to know sex of the (NDA), the BJP’s allies, may still Bengaluru 560 072 part company with the party. The foetus. Once the results were out, Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan Munshi those women who were told that real loss is that of the Indian nation. Sadan Chowpatty, Mumbai 400 007 they were carrying female fetuses, At a time when it looks that the or demanded abortion. When the young various elements have found their researcher of AIIMS shared this identity within the country, Modi’s Janata Trust 8 JANATA, June 16, 2013 Who should appoint the Judges?

Bapu Heddurshetti

By saying that the executive Thus the Judges have to be 1982, 1993 and 1998 the Supreme should have a say in the appointment appointed by the President. But Court crossed all judicial limits of of judges, the Law Minister Kapil the President has to exercise his interpretation and ruled that not only Sibal, has once again raised the powers in accordance with the was the ‘consultation’ ‘compulsory’ question: ‘who should appoint the advice tendered by a council of but also that the opinion given by the judges?’ ministers. Article 74 providing for judges in the course of ‘consultation’ the same reads as follows: was ‘binding’ on the President. So The Constitution speaks of the by one stretch of interpretation the following procedure for appointment (1) There shall be a Council of Supreme Court wrested the power of Judges of the Supreme Court and Ministers with the Prime Minister of appointment of judges of the the High Courts. Article 124 (2) at the head to aid and advise the higher judiciary from the executive, dealing with the appointment of a President who shall, in the exercise i.e., the President of India, i.e., the Judge of the Supreme Court reads of his functions, act in accordance Council of Ministers, and vested as follows: with such advice. the power in itself, thereby virtually ‘amended’ the constitution. The Thus, under the constitution it (2) Every Judge of the Supreme Supreme Court evolved ‘its own’ was the President, acting on the Court shall be appointed by the collegium, consisting of the Chief advice of the Council of Ministers, President by warrant under his hand Justice of India and ‘four senior- who was empowered to appoint and seal after consultation with such most judges’ of the Supreme Court the judges of the Supreme Court of the Judges of the Supreme Court to make the recommendation as to and the High Courts. However, and of the High Court in the States who should be appointed as a judge the President i.e., the Council of as the President may deem necessary of the higher judiciary. Ministers, was to ‘consult such of for the purpose and shall hold office the Judges of the Supreme Court and until he attains the age of sixty-five Barrister Nath Pai, the Praja of the High Court in the States as years: Socialist Member of Parliament, the President may deem necessary had cognised the tendency of the and then appoint such person as the Provided that in the case of Supreme Court to ‘amend’ the Judge of the Supreme Court or the appointment of a judge other than constitution as long back as in 1967. High Court. the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice When the Supreme Court ruled on th of India shall always be consulted: Three things become apparent 27 February 1967 in the Golak from a plain reading of these Nath’s case that the Parliament Article 217 dealing with the provisions: First, that the President cannot amend the fundamental appointment of the Judges of the acting on the advice of the Council rights, so as to abridge them, it had High Courts reads as follows: of Ministers was empowered to in effect ‘amended’ the constitution. appoint the judges. Two, there This was noticed by Nath Pai (1) Every judge of a High Court was an option for the President to who moved an amendment to the shall be appointed by the President consult any judge. Three, what was constitution to restore that power to by warrant under his hand and seal contemplated under the article was the Parliament. Nath Pai had said after consultation with the Chief only a ‘consultation’ with the judges in Parliament: “The Supreme Court justice of India, the Governor of the of his choice. This system was has introduced an amendment State, and, in the case of appointment working since promulgation of the (emphasis added) of the constitution. of a judge other than the Chief constitution till 1993. The Constitution, after the Judgment Justice, the Chief Justice of the High in Golak Nath’s case is a different Court, and, shall hold office, until he However, in the now famous or constitution. What I am trying to do attains the age of Sixty-two years: ‘infamous’ series of judgements in by my amendment is to restore to JANATA, June 16, 2013 9 the people of India the Constitution, and reported that “In all other ‘independence’ of the Judiciary from the sovereignty, which belonged to constitutions either the executive is the executive. The independence of them before the Supreme Court took the sole authority to appoint judges, the judiciary was, for the first time in it away, by a slender majority of six or the executive appoints judges in independent India, assaulted by the to five.” consultation with the Chief Justice.” then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1973 when she superseded three Recently when three Judges were The students of jurisprudence senior judges and appointed Justice to be appointed to the Supreme have heard of what is called ‘judge Ajit Nath Ray as the Chief Justice Court, the Chief Justice of India made law’ where the judges while of India and as a result of which the sent the names of three persons interpreting the law made by the three superseded judges resigned to be appointed as judges, to the legislature, ‘make the law’ in order from the Supreme Court. Thereafter President of India, who returned the to fill the loopholes etc., but that the she also got several of the judges of recommendation stating that many judges do ‘amend the constitution’ the various High Courts transferred senior judges had been overlooked itself is unheard of in the annals from one to the other High Courts. It in selecting the recommended of law. Another interesting point is is interesting that the judiciary which persons. The Chief Justice sent that while the constitution provides crawled before the authoritarian back the same names stating that that the Parliament can amend the rule of Smt. Gandhi and legitimised the ‘recommendation’ of the Chief constitution by “a majority of the the ‘Emergency’ started asserting Justice is ‘binding’ on the President total membership of that House and its ‘independence’ once she was of India. by a majority of not less than two- defeated in the elections and the Thus in the words of a retired thirds of the members of that House Janata Party formed the government. Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice present and voting”, and that for Ruma Paul, the Supreme Court, certain amendments affecting the However the claim does not with the help of “interpretative federal structure of the constitution, appear to be justified. If one looks tools at its command - termed by the amendment had to be ‘ratified to the history of our Supreme Court, many as an unacceptable feat of by the Legislatures of not less one finds that the Judges appointed judicial activism - by a composite than one half of the States’, by before the power of appointment judgment in several public interest a feat of judicial interpretation, was wrested from the executive have litigations, virtually wrested the a few judges of the Supreme in fact been more ‘independent’. powers of appointment, confirmation Court effectively ‘amended’ the Justice Ruma Pal asks a question and transfer of judges from the constitution in clear violation of and answers it: “has this almost Executive”. This procedure does the constitutional provision itself complete insulation achieved the not find a place in the constitution for amending the constitution. The object for which the constitutional and hence it can certainly be termed resultant position is that while a interpretation was strained to an ‘extra-constitutional’ if not ‘un- few judges of the Supreme Court extent never witnessed before or constitutional’. Interestingly this can ‘amend’ the constitution, though after? In my opinion it has not”. It is feat was accomplished by the not provided for in the constitution, also interesting to note that even in Supreme Court by using another of through the instrumentality of a the new system, the ‘collegium’ has its “interpretative tools” namely the ‘judgement’ in a case, the Parliament retained and is exercising the power so-called Public Interest Litigation. can undo this ‘amendment’ by to transfer several judges from one Journalist Neena Vyas calls it a again ‘amending’ the constitution High Court to the other as though “bloodless revolution but with dire through the instrumentality of a such transfers do not hamper the consequences”. constitutional amendment provided ‘independence’ of the judiciary. for in the constitution itself by a It is admitted on all sides that this majority of the House and by a Recently Chief Justice of India system of ‘judicial endogamy’, i.e., two thirds majority of the members Altamas Kabir defended the the judges appointing the judges is ‘present and voting’. This is a sheer Collegium system, saying that unique to India and is no where to undermining of democracy. the appointments are made after be found in the world. Even the Law “intense deliberations”. However Commission in 2008 examined the At the time it was claimed that the the ‘intense deliberations’ are position in various other countries Supreme Court wanted to ensure the held behind the closed doors and 10 JANATA, June 16, 2013 hence there is no transparency in extent of saying that the judges to the past history of our country, it the appointments. One does not should not rule the country as they (Supreme Court) could not implicitly know whether there are ‘intense are not accountable to the people. believe...the representatives of deliberations’ or something else goes the people, for uncontrolled and on behind these closed doors. One Actually, the government is not unrestricted power might lead to an has to take the words of the Chief trying to do anything new. It is only authoritarian State” and Nath Pai Justice Altamas Kabir at their face trying to restore the earlier system of had retorted in Parliament saying value. However, a retired Judge of the executive appointing the judges “I have got my right, with all my the Supreme Court Justice Pal says but with more checks and balances respect for the judiciary, to express “Consensus within the collegium is and with more transparency. This my greater faith in the wisdom of my sometimes resolved through a trade- kind of procedure for appointment of people; I respect the judiciary, but I off resulting in dubious appointments constitutional authorities is not new. respect my people more. They are with disastrous consequences for The Supreme Court itself foisted dumb and they are illiterate, I know, the litigants and the credibility on the government ‘guidelines’ for but through their dumbness came of the judicial system”. Thus the appointment of the Central Vigilance the freedom of this country and not ‘collegium’ system of appointing Commissioner by a committee through the scholarship of a bunch the judges has neither accountability consisting of the Prime Minister, of individuals and scholars”. not transparency built into it nor has the Home Minister and the Leader it achieved the purpose for which it of the Opposition. In the United The question is not a simple was evolved. States the Judges appointed by the ‘who should appoint the judges’. President to the Supreme Court The question is whether we should The Law Minister has said have to be approved by a committee have ‘democracy’ of the ‘masses’ “that the collegium system has of the Senate after subjecting the or replace it with the ‘oligarchy’ of not worked to our expectations. I appointees to a vigorous and intense the ‘judges’. don’t think it even worked to the questioning in its sittings. expectations of the judiciary.” He has When there are equally serious suggested a ‘Judicial Appointments allegations of corruption and Commission’, consisting of the Chief nepotism against the present Justice of India as the Chairman and judiciary, it would be knave to say two Judges of the Supreme Court, that since the executive is corrupt, it the Law Minister of the Government should not be permitted to appoint of India and two eminent jurists the judges. At least the corrupt nominated by the President as executive is subject to control members for appointment of and correction by the Parliament Judges of the Supreme Court and during its sessions and by the people of the various High Courts. The during the elections whereas there government appears to be open to is no such controlling or correcting the idea of including the Leader of mechanism for the judiciary. The Opposition in the Commission. words of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar are pregnant During a Rajya Sabha debate on with warning bells: “The fact of August 18, 2011 even the leader the matter is that the judiciary is of opposition Arun Jaitley, who is the only unique institution that has a noted lawyer himself said: “The no accountability to the people in a system of judges alone appointing democracy. In this overall context, Price: Rs. 20/- judges must now change. India needs it is absolutely essential to involve a National Judicial Commission to Janata Trust outside elements in the process of D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir appoint judges.” He further said that judicial accountability.” the judiciary has been pronouncing Bharucha Marg, on areas it has no business to. Chief Chief Justice of India Justice Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007. Justice S. H. Kapadia went to the Wanchoo had said “But having regard JANATA, June 16, 2013 11 No hands on the loom

Ritu Sethi, Devaki Jain

In the current context of concerted efforts to bring about a handlooms census 2009-10). competitive trading, it is important change in the Handloom Reservation for India to hold on to the special Act, and to alter the definition of Handlooms offer an alternative features of what it produces. Product handloom to open the floodgates to to mass and anonymous production, differentiation and patenting are manufactured weaving production based as they are on the qualities of ways in which the competition at the cost of handloom. Such a hand, oral knowledge and tradition. is muted to the advantage of the backdoor policy change bodes ill for The products of the loom are woven seller. One way in which countries the industry. by a skilled workforce, trained and can keep their special brand is educated through apprenticeship to strengthen the presence of the The steering committee offered and inter-generational guru-shishya uniquely handmade: support its several prescriptions for renewal and parampara, outside the formal survival and even subsidise it via tax growth. Recognising not only the technical training system. The relief and other measures. Therefore, huge numbers gainfully employed ecosystem of handloom production it is worrying that the newly declared in textiles in rural India (second- is well defined; its regional variations policy for handloom textiles in largest behind agriculture) and its are home-grown, being indigenously India has taken the view that for home-based workforce that requires and differently organised from that the sake of volume, the restrictions minimal capital investment, it took of the so-called organised sectors. imposed on the space provided to into account another significant Policies need to recognise this power looms and large mechanised aspect that cannot be quantified differently organised handmade mills, which already have the lion’s in monetary terms: the social and sector and build on its advantages share of textile production, will be cultural significance of handlooms, to create delivery systems that removed. the traditional knowledge associated prioritise its growth. with its production, and the entire Those who are dedicated to handloom value chain that it While tools and looms are in preserving Indian traditions in sustains, including those who wear need of urgent development and production and enabling the people and value handloom. This needs improvement, field work has shown who fabricate them have often to be factored in before imposing how innovative changes have been argued for the critical value of changes that will disrupt, rather than introduced by weavers themselves handmade goods to rural livelihoods. enhance, employment, production to enhance productivity. Loom It would be a shame if we were to and development. technologies represent indigenous now shift our approach to textile ingenuity at its best, and are built, production from one of shared spaces At a time when the market value repaired and maintained within the to cannibalising the handloom. of handlooms is increasing, the village ecosystem. They are not sector is being punished by forced dependant on spare parts from the At expert committee meetings mechanisation. The strength of city. With 87 per cent of weavers and during the six-month-long handloom lies in its hand-skills, and located in rural India, with limited deliberations of the steering any attempts to mechanise would pit access to continuous electricity, committee and working groups it directly against power looms and the new proposal of mechanising for the 12th Five Year Plan, there mills that have been cannibalising looms would be ill-considered. was no discussion on amending the handloom industry by copying Mechanisation of the loom as the Handloom Reservation Act, designs and passing off products proposed by the new policy will the definition of handloom, or as handmade. Over 33 per cent of link the production of handloom the mechanisation of looms. The handloom workers report that their to the power supply — which is strength of the power loom and mill- greatest threat comes from the mill erratic, at best, in areas of handloom owners lobby can be gauged by their and power loom sector (NCAER production. Mechanisation will, in 12 JANATA, June 16, 2013 the short run, result in declining productivity, as loom work will be Delhi gang rape tied to unreliable electricity supply, inevitably leading to declining What prompted you to write a broke around the time of the Delhi production. play based on the Delhi gang rape? victim’s rape and death. She was Like the rest of the world, I was a teenager. Gang raped, every If, for the sake of argument, we deeply affected by the rape, the finger and both legs broken and assume there is an uninterrupted victim’s courageous fight for her disemboweled, she died hours later supply of power in rural weaving life and subsequent death. People in the hospital. The extraordinary centres, it is counter-intuitive to have theorised why this one case thing was that, at the time, I felt a expect increased production as a stood out and became a tipping point strange envy of India as the streets major bottleneck to production for so many. What matters is that it rose in protest around its victim. is yarn availability at the right broke the barrier of indifference and But I believe India harbours the price and quality. This has been an appropriate level of righteous possibility for global change on and continues to be a concern. rage suddenly manifested itself on sexual violence precisely because The supply is regulated, managed New Delhi’s streets. The national it is severe here, and because I saw and controlled by the state-owned response to her death in India made the streets rise and say “enough National Handloom Development it clear that the time for change has is enough”. For this reason, this Corporation (NHDC). Until the come. As a playwright, I am attuned project will be quintessentially NHDC is restructured to be more to the tides of what affects us as Indian. effective and efficient, the handloom communities and societies. I believe sector and weavers will continue to in what I consider to be theatre’s What did you make of the media be under-served. true, original intention — to show us coverage of the incident? ourselves in our raw form in order to There is always a sensationalist Over 72 per cent of weaver be a healthier society. aspect to the way sexual violence communities belong to the is covered in the media. The Will this play focus solely on this economically and socially eroticisation of sexual violence disadvantaged SC/ST/OBC and incident in India? causes a deep confusion about the other minority groups. Each What happened on that bus nature of rape and sexual assault. loom provides employment to an happened in India. But I am from Rape is not an act of sexual average of six to nine workers on South Africa. My native country desire. It is an act of deepest the pre-loom, on-loom and post- has been called the rape capital of violence, humiliation and hatred. loom process. Seventy per cent the world. India’s sexual violence Euphemisms like “eve teasing” of this skilled workforce is in the statistics are shameful. But so as opposed to “harassment” are productive age group of 18 to 45 are America’s and that of many deeply problematic. Teasing is years. This move could result in two European countries. Acid attacks are to four workers being unemployed, something children do in a school on the rise in Italy against women. yard. Harassment is a frightening resulting in the inevitable migration I have no interest in making a piece and vicious form of intimidation. to already swollen cities, the de- that locates sexual violence in India The media defines the terms that skilling and disenfranchising of alone and leaves the rest of the enters public discourse. With weavers and the entire village global community comfortable and this case, there was, however, ecosystem. relieved they are not dealing with an unavoidable shock factor to the same issues. Misogyny, sexual the brutality that was given the While there is an argument that and gender-based violence is not an gravitas it deserved. The haunting India is not able to produce as much Indian or a South African crisis. It is question was why one of any as it could and needs to, it is specious a global crisis. to link growth in textile production number of cases each day does not to encouraging power looms at the The case of Anene Booysen get the same attention. But that is cost of handlooms. (in a small town in South Africa) the power of a tipping point. From an interview with the South African playwright Yael Farber –the Indian Express –EYE JANATA, June 16, 2013 13

Communications

Letter to the Prime Minister of in the higher education system/ be taken into consideration before India: policy should first be considered such a plan is implemented. The and examined by the MHRD and financial burden of paying for a year We write this letter to draw your the Parliament in consultation with more is a major concern for many kind attention to the four years under prominent educationists of India. families who send their wards to DU. graduate programme (FYUP) being The Delhi University does not exist In view of the serious apprehensions introduced by the Delhi University in isolation. If this change is so voiced by so many educationists, from this academic session. The four valuable it should be implemented social workers and teachers, we year degree programme changes the on national level and there should plead to intervene and prevent its existing 10+2+3 structure adopted be a national debate about its merit. implementation immediately. nationally. We have followed the Delhi University can wait for a debate over this contentious issue couple of years in the best interest Signatories in the media. Several educationists of the students all over India. and intellectuals all over the country - Justice Rajindar Sachar, have expressed their apprehensions We further request you that the Kuldip Nayar, Bhai Vaidya, about the merit of this decision. We impact on the minorities/SC/ST/OBC Sandeep Pandey, Ravi Kiran Jain, too believe that such a basic change and financially weaker sections must Anil Nauriya. 'Maoist sympathies'

In response to an article by Mr facts reported in the opinion piece. street boys and girls in Hyderabad. Shekhar Gupta ‘The Bleeding I therefore felt I should respond For running these homes, as house Heartless’ in the Indian Express, June formally to the report. But since this mothers and home managers, it is 1 2013, I sent the letter reproduced response has not been carried, and our policy to give preference to below on 3 June 2013, which has not on the other hand it is being publicly single women, women survivors of yet been carried by Indian Express. referred to by others as well, I felt it domestic violence, and homeless I try not to respond polemically to would be best to place this reply in and destitute women, so that the articles which disagree with my the public domain. children’s home also provides them views on public policy or other a place of safety and healing. Under issues, as these differences are Dear Shekhar, the name of Sirisha, a woman came perfectly legitimate in a democracy. to my colleagues in Hyderabad in the Greetings! And who is to be sure that I am right, year 2008 saying she was estranged and my critics are wrong? But this from her husband and only son This relates to your article ‘The was different, because it utterly Bleeding Heartless’ in the Indian and was in severe depression , and falsely described my ideological Express, June 1 2013. that she be given the chance to live position on Maoism as sympathetic, among the children so that it would whereas I have always been In the article, you have mentioned help her to heal. She requested passionately and publicly opposed that Padma, the wife of a leading initially for the chance to live in the to all forms of violence, including Maoist Ramakrishna, managed an home and volunteer her services. In Maoist violence. Moreover it linked orphanage run by the NGO Aman time, when a position in the same this to my membership in the NAC, Vedika with which I am associated. home fell vacant, she was appointed and through that by implication to The facts of the matter are as follows. as one of the home managers, the many pro-poor agendas I sought In several cities, my colleagues and I because she performed her duties to bring into and support within the are helping run 45 residential homes of child care well. No one had the NAC in the two years that I was for the education and care of around faintest idea about her true identity. a member. Finally Indian Express 4000 homeless street girls and boys. After more than 2 years with us, she did not check with me the full There are about 20 such homes for applied for 10 days’ long leave for 14 JANATA, June 16, 2013 the first time. A few days later, we my liberal friends, who in any fight injustice, in my opinion, are heard from the newspapers that she way romanticise or even indirectly non-violence and democracy. was Padma, second wife of a Maoist rationalise their resort to violence, leader, and she was arrested by the and those who suggest that their I would be happy to contribute police in Odisha. violence is justified because of a longer article to your esteemed the structural violence of poverty, newspaper to clarify the facts and On the larger question of ‘Maoist my position on Maoist violence. exploitation and state violence. I sympathies’, I have absolutely none. Alternately, I would be grateful if feel that there is no such thing as I have consistently written and you would kindly at least publish altruistic violence. Violence, even spoken about my unambiguous and my clarification. resolute opposition to all forms of when deployed in the name of the violence, including Maoist violence. oppressed, ultimately brutalises all, With warm regards, I have strongly and consistently and the oppressed suffer the most. disagreed with those, among them The only legitimate instruments to –Harsh Mander

With due apologies, My Lords.

The Supreme Court on April 2, Sterlite alone cannot be faulted for heavy industries’. Yet the Supreme 2013 allowed the Sterlite Copper environmental degradations. The Court ignored these pleadings and Smelter plant in Tuticorin to working partners in the State and upheld the Madras HC verdict function in ‘public interest’, but Central governments who abetted/ paving the way for closure of nearly asked the company to pay Rs. 100 permitted these violations are 700 textile processing units. 700 crore compensation for violating allowed to go scot free. dyers from Tirupur are no match the environmental laws. The court to an alien Agarwal. did admit that the company had Despite the constitutional misrepresented and suppressed provisions and the notices issued In the Oleum Gas Leak case, a material facts in the SLP. The Bench by the Supreme Court, the river five-judge SC bench unanimously noted that the plant contributed Ganga was brazenly polluted by ruled that “an enterprise which is substantially to copper production in many tanneries in Kanpur. The engaged in a hazardous or inherently India. It has about 1,300 employees Apex Court was constrained to dangerous industry which poses a and, also provides employment to issue directions for the closure potential threat to the health and a large number of people through of the tanneries. The court was safety of the persons working in contractors. A number of ancillary conscious that closure of tanneries the factory and residing in the industries are also dependent on might bring unemployment and surrounding areas owes an absolute it. It generates huge revenue to the loss of revenue. But it significantly and non-delegable duty to the Central and State Governments. It ruled that, ‘life, health and ecology community to ensure that no harm also contributes to 10 per cent of have greater importance to the results to anyone on account of the total cargo volume of Tuticorin people’. Life, health and ecology hazardous or inherently dangerous port. For these considerations of of Tuticorin, probably, have lesser nature of the activity which it has ‘public interest’, it did not want to importance. undertaken. Such hazardous or refuse relief to the company. inherently dangerous activity for In the Tirupur Dying Factory private profit can be tolerated only It is not clear how the fine was case (2009), it was pleaded by on condition that the enterprise computed by the court. Violations the dyers, ‘Tirupur is providing engaged in such activity indemnifies are established. But there is no employment to 5 lakh persons. The all those who suffer on account punishment for the company’s country earns about 10,000 cr in of the carrying on of such activity wilful criminality, fraud and foreign exchange annually. A large regardless of whether it is carried cheating. Anil Agarwal, perhaps, number of people have indulged in on carefully or not.” Has Sterlite is different from Italian Marines. transport activities because of such indemnified all those who suffer on JANATA, June 16, 2013 15 account of the carrying on of such to pay the cost to the individual Last but not the least. Rs 200 activity? sufferers as well as the cost of crore is a peanut for Vedanta. Yet reversing the damaged ecology.” Sterlite has been allowed to pay In Vellore Citizens Forum Is the 100 cr compensation ordered the compensation in installments case, the Apex Court held that good enough to pay the cost to spreading over to five years. “the Precautionary Principle and the individual sufferers as well as Such windfalls are denied to the the Polluter Pays Principle are the cost of reversing the damaged farmers and other entrepreneurs essential features of Sustainable ecology? The court noted that the by our banks. Will SC shower such Development. The absolute liability company’s profit before tax for mercies on the ordinary citizens of for harm to the environment 2010-11 was Rs. 1,043 crore, 40 per this land? Manu, the Law Giver, extends not only to compensate cent more than the previous fiscal’s dictates the king, ‘Adopt any means the victims of pollution but also the Rs. 744 crore. Based on the health to recover the debt in time; but in cost of restoring the environmental of the balance sheet, compensation the case of a Brahmin debtor, you degradation. Remediation of the was fixed. If the company’s balance may recover it in installments.’ I damaged environment is part of the sheet was in red, can we say good was under the wrong impression process of Sustainable Development bye to the suffering people and the that IPC and not Manu Smriti and as such the polluter is liable damaged ecology? rules us. - Sankara Narayanan Electoral Battle of 2014 All truly secular-minded people of their delivery into the moribund subcontinent. Here it found a in the country are anxious about the and scheming clutches of the Mullas hospitable soil on both sides of the outcome of the next Parliamentary and Moulavis was covertly blessed Divide. That in turn has instigated elections to be held in 2014. by these Congressmen, because they once-dormant Hindu obscurantism, The issues that matter most to contrived and insinuated to act as which when triggered into statecraft the electorate, as has been rightly the Congress’ plighted vote bankers. is bound to ignite a religio-fascism pointed out by you, are price rise Hamid Dalwais and Ashgar Ali of such ballistic potency which the and corruption, and in the minds of Engineers were condemned out of world has not witnessed so far. most of them, the latter is the cause court as apostates. (May their tribe of the former. increase!). The myopic Khadi-clad Therefore, in plain terms my netas of those days smugly ruled submission is, the electoral battle Much more than ‘Congress- the roost flaunting the outward garb of 2014 has to be fought in the first style opportunism’, of today the of democracy, without a thought to instance, to quell the menace of cant, hypocrisy and cynicism of the need for assiduous nurturing of religio-fascism. Gross and mulish the conservative leading lights of the entire citizenery in the rigorous anti-Congressism by left-of-centre the Congress party of the post- culture of secular democracy. and the left forces will accelerate Independence days, excluding the wholesale social regression, likes of Pandit Nehru, are to blame In the momentous years that mounting distributive injustice and the most for the present plight of the followed, the doctrinated helmsmen toxic worship of GDP. Many fence- Muslim minority. For the Congress steering the ever–rising tide of petro- sitters will then become turncoats patriarchs turned a blind eye to the dollars in Arabia and the Islamic smittenly euphoric about ‘national pressing need for launching a cultural Mid-East, crafted, not so slyly, the interest’. renaissance among their rank and rise of vindictive fundamentalism file. Instead the insidious process which has contaminated the Indian Arun Chavan

I have read with great interest Mr. Bapu Heddurshetti’s article on changing the electoral system in your issue of 5 May, 2013. I am very much in favour of changing the present electoral system so that the legislatures and the Governments are based not on a minority of votes but a clear majority and under a system in which every vote counts. –Syed Shahabuddin R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, June 16, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, June 16, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday June 19, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 24 Lest you forget Emergency June 23, 2013 Kuldip Nayar

Business Corporation as Fiefdom India should never forget certain offer except to rule more ruthlessly K. S. Chalam days in its history. One of them through her son Sanjay Gandhi who is June 26 when the Emergency had become an extra-constitutional Whither Justice: was imposed late at night 38 years authority. The Emergency lasted Fabricated Cases and State ago. Lights of personal freedom for nearly two years. Fortunately, Ram Puniyani were switched off and the nation elections threw out the mother and was left to grope in the darkness of Social Justice vs. Maoists the son lock, stock and barrel for Violence dictatorship. The Constitution was democracy to return. Rajindar Sachar suspended, the press gagged and liberty stamped out. The government The atrocities which the two A Homage to Asgar Ali became an illegal authority to harass, committed were shameful. One Engineer harm, detain and whatever went with glaring thing was to remove Niranjan Haldar it to silence critics. All this happened thousands of people forcibly from because the then Prime Minister, their homes and putting them in Our Shallow Democracy Indira Gandhi, was unseated from the wilderness many miles away. Jawaharlal Jasthi Parliament for a poll offence and This became a precedent for some Craziness about FDI disqualified for five years. She extremist organizations like the Shiv Himalayan watershed disaster could have appealed against what is Sena which some years later picked Telangana Agitators popularly known as the Allahabad up the Bangladeshis, the people they Naxal menace just an excuse High Court judgment to the Supreme didn’t like to push them forcibly to Domestic Workers Day Court. But she preferred to change the Bangladesh border. Future of democracy in India the system itself and appropriated power to introduce her personal rule. In fact, Smt. Gandhi set many pernicious precedents, such as Editor : A democratic country embracing making the civil service servile and G. G. Parikh dictatorship came as a shock to the the police obedient to the rulers’ Managing Editor : Guddi liberal world. For the people in India, whims. Today many chief ministers, it was unbelievable after having not necessarily those of the Congress D-15, Ganesh Prasad, enjoyed a constitutional polity for party, use civil servants and the Naushir Bharucha Marg, almost three decades. One remark by police as part of their retinue to Mumbai - 400 007. a close associate of Smt. Gandhi was punish critics – just as she did. poignant: “I can take care of enemies Email : [email protected] but what do I tell our friends?” The Emergency also saw how Smt. Gandhi had no explanation to pliable the mighty judiciary had 2 JANATA, June 23, 2013 become. Four out of five Supreme Court judges, including the so- Business Corporation as Fiefdom called liberal, P. N. Bhagwati, justified the imposition of the K. S. Chalam Emergency. The only one who did not toe the line was Justice H. R. Most of the economic frauds do what is good for the company or Khanna. He was superseded when during the last few years in the corporation. This is one of the most Smt. Gandhi appointed the Chief country are exhumed in the world important innovations adopted by Justice of India. If the judiciary still of business enterprises. There are the capitalist system to compete and looks battered, it is because it has however, instances of other realms outwit a demoralised totalitarian not yet recovered from the blows where such incidences are manifested Soviet model. it received during those dark days. like the BCCI/IPL. Though, we have inherited different kinds of business Though the modern capitalist Amt. Gandhi’s father, Jawaharlal organisations through the colonial system is far ahead of what its Nehru, was entirely different. He legacy, the Joint-Stock company or critiques hypothesised during the opted for the democratic republic Business Corporation and few others nineteenth century, the intellectual after independence and saw to are found to be very prominent. and media support during the current its growth. Take the example of The Managing Agency System phase has disguised most of its the judiciary. Once he thought of introduced by the British to run some failures which are now discernible. superseding Justice Mehr Chand businesses through Indian agents The money that is invested to Mahajan because of his ‘views’. like the Tea gardens was abolished outsource the intellectual discourse Nehru had to give in when he found and it is only part of history now. on capitalism seems to have failed the entire Supreme Court bench was The kind of business organisation to endure the system from its moral proposing to resign if there was that conquer commerce and trade and intellectual collapse in the form supersession. Indeed, Mahajan was is a very important unit of analysis of 2008 recession and its aftermath. appointed the Chief Justice of India. for understanding the resilience We have today episodes of economic breakdown everywhere. There The most reprehensible thing of capitalism in the twenty-first is a serious upshot in the ethical was the forced family planning. century. The triumph of world dimension of business ventures At the instance of Sanjay Gandhi, capitalism is declared by experts due to the unscrupulous practices Smt. Gandhi introduced forced as final, for there is no alternative paraded as optimal outcomes. sterilisation. Having less number (TINA) to it particularly after the This has no doubt enhanced the of children was not something Soviet and Chinese experiences. economic status of some individuals condemnable. But when it came The efficiency and the democratic and groups. But, all of them have to implementation, the tactics used were no different from those of space provided by the Business lost the moral bearing that the Stalin or Mao Zedong. Many above Corporation is eulogised by accomplishments are within the the age of 65 were sterilised during Management gurus as the most norms of civilized and commonly the Emergency and even boys who sustainable model that is beyond agreed behaviour. It is here one had hardly entered puberty became disparagement. In fact, we have can find that the erstwhile socialist victims. A policeman could even dozens of treatises and memoirs by countries are found to be more enter into your sleeping room to great innovators and entrepreneurs upright during the periods of collapse check whether family planning who became icons overnight after the (plunge is drastic subsequently) instructions had been followed. 1991 economic policy. They have all than the kind of decadence we used the public/private Corporation witness in the liberal societies Detention without trial was as a tool to accumulate capital and now. The moral consequence of the colonial legacy. Smt. Gandhi run the business. It is claimed that the recent happenings is so serious imprisoned more than 100,000 the company/ corporation as a that the threats to human survival registered business organisation is are imminent. The naked display within the values of democracy and of extreme voracity increasingly (Continued on Page 13) at the same time enjoy freedom to internalised by some persons and JANATA, June 23, 2013 3 groups is so dreadful that might modern business enterprise. Thus, corporation is that it can allot its ultimately annul the distinction the Harvard scholars examining the shares (Art. 42) to private party between a human and an animal. It essential elements of corporate law and can call it public offer and is in this context, we may examine maintained that everywhere law allot shares to its directors and how the corporation has been used must, of necessity, provide for the employees, read family members. as tool in this process? above five features. To be sure, there The corporation can buy back its are other forms of business enterprise own shares when it grows strong The evolution of Corporation that lack one or more of these through different means to make as a business organisation was characteristics. But the remarkable it a pure family affair. Thus, the promoted by the Fabians and Labour fact—and the fact that we wish to capital marketization through the party functionaries in Great Britain stress—is that, in market economies, corporations is one and halftimes during the early part of the last almost all large-scale business firms that of our GDP or Rs 13541699 century. Economists like A.C Pigou adopt a legal form that possesses all lakh crores is under the rule of few and J .M. Keynes wanted to use five of the basic characteristics of families. Corporation as a tool for successful the business corporation. Indeed, nationalisation of basic industries most small jointly-owned firms The foremost issue of the in course of gradual transition adopt this corporate form as well, corporate world is that we have so to a socialist economy. The kind although sometimes with deviations far 1289229 registered companies of Public Corporation that they from one or more of the five basic including the suit case companies. perceived as an institution to avoid characteristics to fit their special Interestingly, only 872957 are in political control over public utilities needs. In virtually all economically operation and majority of them are and at the same time should enjoy important jurisdictions, there is in Finance, Banking, Insurance, autonomy to take prudent decisions a basic statute that provides for Real Estate, Service sectors and in the day to day functioning of the formation of firms with all of only 22 per cent are registered as the business was ideal. Though, these characteristics. As this pattern manufacturing firms. Does it convey England had pioneered the concept suggests, these characteristics have the anarchy or a native grown pattern in an ideological backdrop, the strongly complementary qualities for in our economic operations that corporation has emerged differently the five core values to reduce costs reflect our society? in diverse economies. Thus, the kind of conducting business. of corporation like BBC in England It is difficult to convince some is different from that of France, The public Corporation or of our activist scholars that feudal Japan, USA and others. Private Corporation in India was characteristics prevail and sustain introduced through the Companies in an advanced capitalist system. A corporation is a legal entity Act 1956 and was reintroduced But India, according to R. S. Sharma with set of objectives to run public in 2012 with some modifications. (and others), had feudalism during utilities in the beginning and The difference between the private 300-1200 AD. But he has qualified has been slowly adopted by the limited and public limited is that the that his study ‘does not consider its business enterprises. In fact, the former needs seven members and impact on social and cultural life’. Tennessee Valley Authority is an the latter can be registered with a There are other scholars, who claim example of legal entity created minimum of two and with limited that India had a different kind of through a legislative process to liability. The latest amendment to Asiatic Mode of Production that does operate the irrigation project in the the Act has provided for one man not necessarily correspond to that of USA. Consider, in this regard, the company/corporation. There are European feudal category. However, basic legal characteristics of the other provisions like voting rights, it is relevant here to understand that business corporation. They are: election of chairman, nomination feudalism as a form of governance legal personality, limited liability, of auditors, etc. But, there is also or mode of production is related transferable shares, delegated a provision through which the to land and the fief of a lord. The management under a board structure, board can amend the articles and landlord under the fiefdom controls and investor ownership. These memorandum making the provisions everything and exploits the workers characteristics respond to the trivial. The interesting part of the and may develop an ideology based economic exigencies of the large functioning of the company or on faith or social bond to keep 4 JANATA, June 23, 2013 them under his control. It seems the characteristics of fiefdom sneaked Whither Justice: into our corporate world. This is Fabricated Cases and State manifested openly during the last few weeks when BCCI chairman Ram Puniyani openly accusing his detractors as harbouring a bias against the South. A popular weekly has made Rihai Manch, a forum for getting since the last one year, and now an observation on a much touted justice to the falsely implicated when it has been released finally, corporation and the promoter as youth in the cases of acts of terror the government is refraining from “…missed a trick by mechanically has currently (June 2013), a protest taking action, hiding behind the passing the baton on to each of the Dharna (sit in) to demand the arrest argument that it will be discussed founders. The firm effectively closed of police and IB officials responsible in future Assembly session before the door to outside talent which for the death of Maulana Khalid action is taken on the report. As such could have taken it to the next level Mujahid, to implement the R. D. Government has full prerogative to of success” (Semi-capitalism 17, Nimesh Commission report and to take action at Cabinet level. People June, 2013). There seems to be some release the innocent Muslim youth fear that this commission report kind of a bias against the South from implicated in acts of terror. This may also face the same fate as the the time of Satyam in the media as campaign is getting broader support other commission reports, which are the episodes of billions of rupees of from more human rights groups generally put on the backburner or scams in other parts of the country and affected community. This is the put in the cold storage. are given tepid treatment till they major effort by a civic society group overflow under their gravity and not to democratically protest against Ashsish Khaitan, one otherwise. the insensitive and biased state of the journalists with dogged machinery, to pressurize it to come determination, sensitivity and Thus, all the support structures to the path of justice. honesty, has floated a portal, and the ethos of liberalisation in India Gulail (Slingshot) to highlight did not show any evidence of conflict The Samajvadi Party-Akhilesh the investigative reports related with the feudal institutions like Yadav Government in UP, had to the framing of innocents by fiefdom, caste, joint-family, guild, earlier claimed to be the major authorities. Many an officer have etc, in applying the Corporate Law. champion of the cause of Muslims, falsely implicated innocents, despite This warrants a critical reflection and to the extent that the main leader of knowing the truth, to enhance their debate for an enhanced engagement this party Mulayam Singh Yadav was own career prospects or due to the on the situation. derogatorily called Mulla Mulayam. biases which have gripped the large But as he came to power last time sections of the law enforcement also during his regime many a agencies. These agencies regard Janata Subscription communal episode of violence that only youth from one religious Annual Rs. : 260/- took place under the very nose of community are responsible for the Three Years : 750/- the Government. Currently also acts of terror. Khiatan also opines Akhilesh Yadav‘s regime is marked that putting forward the truth of Demand Draft / Cheque on by over 27 episodes of major riots. such cases is also not of much use; Mumbai Bank On the top of that this Government as in such cases reports of honest in its election promise had said that investigations are overshadowed by in favour of the innocents, implicated in the acts the biased reporting and opinions in of terror would be released. On the print, T.V. and social media. He JANATA TRUST the contrary, the death of Maulana is pinning his hopes on judiciary D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Khalid Mujahid in the police custody and the people’s campaigns for Naushir Bharucha Marg, has raised sufficient doubts about getting justice. The ongoing dharna the intentions of the Government. in UP is drawing the attention Mumbai 400 007 Even R. D. Nimesh Commission of the social groups and is being report was kept in the cold storage sustained for over two weeks by the JANATA, June 23, 2013 5 social activists and the pained and This is due to multiple factors. The intensification of efforts anguished community, whose young One is that these supposedly secular through judiciary and popular ones are being incarcerated and have parties are also being trapped by protests has to be intensified. The to suffer not only the future career the considerations other than the rot set in our democratic polity due prospects but have also to get the values of secularism. So, controlling to the infiltration of communalism blame, which ostracize them from of communal violence, which through different mechanisms has social life. In this direction various is possible if there is adequate been a very dangerous one to the efforts have been undertaken in the determination to do so, is not being values of our Constitution. It is time past but after temporary response and done effectively. The second reason that we as a nation introspect and restraint the investigation agencies is the communalized state machinery, get over the biases and prejudiced lapse into their usual prejudiced the investigating agencies, police behaviors towards weaker sections actions. and bureaucracy. How to investigate of our society. The path to social the cases, how to frame the innocents progress is paved through amity Not only can this be seen in is an easy enough job, which the and justice. Professional attitude the case of UP, but overall one authorities do and their Khaki in investigation of acts of violence, sees the wide gulf between the uniform empowers them to do it communal amity and justice for promises and actual actions of the with ease. It is precisely due to this all are the prerequisites of social so-called ‘secular parties’. While in that the fate of inquiry commission progress, progress of society in the Maharashtra the Congress coalition reports has not been significant one. real sense. came to power with the promise Starting from Madon Commission of implementing Shrikrishna of inquiry into Bhiwandi riots, Commission report of 1992-93 to Shrikrishna Commission and riots, after coming to power on this Liberhan Commission reports, the promise it put forward the usual outcome, taking action based on Studies in Socialism excuses and the guilty police officers the report, is close to zero as the and political leadership continued to implementing authorities that is By be in their positions of power despite political leadership is opportunist Ashok Mehta sufficient proof of their involvement and lacks the strength to stick to in instigating and participating in principles. the riots., As for as justice to the Published by victims and action against the guilty So where do we go from here? Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan is concerned Samajvadi Party seems While the communal forces are Centre for Socialist Studies- to be no different. The R. D. Nimesh out to proactively browbeat the Bangaluru Commission has given the full truth religious minorities, the secular based on which it can proceed to formations do not have the spine to Price Rs. 250.00 postage extra punish the guilty police officers, ensure justice and equity. It is here, but that’s what is being avoided. that the social activism which has The credentials of so-called secular prominently come up during last Send your order to parties are more are less similar, two decades in particular, needs to Centre for Socialist Studies be it the Congress or be it the be strengthened. The activist groups 191, 10th Cross, 10th Main, NGFI Samajvadi Party. They have very have taken up these issues seriously Layout Nagurbani, opportunistic attitude as far as the and the initiatives by social activists Bengaluru 560 072 justice to minorities is concerned. is a major landmark in this direction. Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan Munshi While communal parties are out to One wonders, why are the left Sadan Chowpatty, Mumbai 400 007 do away with the rights of minorities parties, which should be principally and deny them justice through and secular to the core are shunning these or through, these so-called secular efforts. Their joining these efforts to parties have dual character. They get equity and justice to minorities Janata Trust promise and are unable to deliver as will put pressure on the parties like their calculations are built around the Congress and Samajvadi to try to vote bank politics. become sincere in their efforts. 6 JANATA, June 23, 2013 Social Justice vs. Maoists Violence

Rajindar Sachar

The recent murderous attack by “terrorists”, a Central tribal minister But that requires taking on Maoists in Chhattisgarh resulting has rightly warned against this the corporate sector which is in death of 28 persons, including approach and reproached the state ravishingly exploiting the mineral Congress leaders, their security government for having encouraged wealth and denying to the tribals officers and ordinary villagers of Salwa Judum’s sinful strategy, even their modest share. Why area, has to be treated as a diabolical and which was also commented does the government not accept act by the self-styled leaders of the adversely by the Supreme Court. the suggestion of human right “revolutionary movement”, CPI organizations, including the PUCL, (Maoist), who delude themselves Even the normally conservative to hold public discussions on this that they are struggling for bringing Planning Commission has suddenly vital matter in the presence of tribal about a revolution of workers and thought fit to suggest universal leaders, among others? Is the reason peasants. One of the seriously injured coverage and to away with the the presence of many mine owners persons, senior Congress leader V. C. BPL test in 22 most backward of belonging to the ruling party at the Shukla, died on Wednesday, June 82 IAP districts. Did we need these Centre? This charge finds support 12. In fact, I would describe the murders to face the reality of the from the continued detention of Soni activities of these “revolutionaries” a total deprivation of the tribals and Suri, a social worker among tribals, massive mad act which has damaged their desperation which provides on a fake charge of being a conduit greatly the cause of tribals. It is also easy catch to Naxalite groups. for passing money to Maoists on most foul as Maoists have tried to behalf of a mining company given stop political activity they do not Naxalite leaders have made no to her by company’s contractor – agree with through violent means. secret of their aim. They feel (though inexplicably he has been denied bail, Their politics is as evil as those in my opinion they are disastrously but the contractor or the owner has they claim to be fighting against mistaken) that by spreading terror not been arrested. One is pained to and should be rejected outright by and trying to keep some areas see this strange nexus between the all those who stand for democratic outside the civil authority, they ruling party and the corporate sector. norms in political struggles for peace would one day be able to launch a with justice. Of course, I accept that the Maoist fierce onslaught to capture political act of brutality and terrorism can power in Delhi even if they are If people expected that the two never be justified, even if they be said to have a strong presence in major political parties will, realising in response to equally heinous and 185 districts out of the total 607 the urgency of the situation, forget brutal acts unleashed by the security their petty public posturing, they districts. This is because the Indian forces, as we are seeing presently in were mistaken. While Union Home state, however weak, will never be Chhattisgarh. This situation no doubt Minister and so weak as to allow itself to be taken poses a knotty question and the Chief Minister Raman Singh issue a over by such rump groups, even if Supreme Court has answered thus: statement that they are going to work it is able to equip itself with some together, state Congress leaders have arms – the fire power of a modern “Indeed, we recognise that the announced that they are boycotting state is too overwhelmingly superior state faces many serious problems the all-party meeting called by the to Maoist groups. The real reason for on account of Maoist/Naxalite Chhattisgarh Chief Minister. Even Maoist presence is the indefensible violence. Notwithstanding the within Congress high-ups there is antipathy of the government to fact that there may be social and now a sharp division – while one follow the policy of development economic circumstances, and certain Central minister, who used to take a with justice to the tribals, which policies followed by the state itself, somewhat humanitarian approach to alone will make Maoist influence leading to the emergence of extremist the Maoist problem, now calls them wither away. violence, we cannot condone it. The JANATA, June 23, 2013 7 state necessarily has the obligation, order problem that is to be rooted state honestly acts in the interest of moral and constitutional, to combat out with the use of force. This cycle the poor and the tribals, and does not such extremism and provide security of mindless violence and counter- connive with corporate mine owners to the people of the country. violence may continue unless the in their exploitive acts.

“However the primordial problem lies deep within the socio-economic policies pursued by the state in a society that was already endemically and horrifically suffering from gross inequalities. Our Constitution provides the guidelines within which the state is to act, both to assert such authority to transgress those guidelines is to act unlawfully, to imperil the moral and legal authority of the state and the Constitution.”

It is, however, very important that the revolting nature of extremist acts cannot serve as a basis or pretext for the governments to disregard their national and international obligations, the caution highlighted by the International Council of Jurists in its Berlin Declaration on August 28, 2004, namely that “both contemporary human rights and humanitarian law allow states a reasonably wide margin of flexibility to combat terrorism without contravening human rights and humanitarian legal obligations”. Warning has been given in a report titled “Development Challenges in Extremist Affected Areas” by an expert group constituted by the Planning Commission of India in the following manner: “In the case of tribes in particular it has ended up in destroying their social organization, cultural identity, and resource base.....which cumulatively makes them increasingly vulnerable to exploitation.”

And yet, all that the government does is not to face the causes of the rage and despair that nurture such movements. Instead, it considers the matter as a menace, a law and 8 JANATA, June 23, 2013 A Homage to Asgar Ali Engineer

Niranjan Haldar

Those who read ‘Twenty Years of of Bombay High Court declared requesting him to withdraw the Babri Masjid Demolition’ by Asgar that the loyalty-letter to Syedna was case of sedition charge against Ali Engineer in the December issue against the Indian Constitution, but Chandralekha (Bhartnatyam dancer) of IRHA Newsletter, did not imagine the then Congress Government of and Sadanand Menon (journalist) - that he would pass away so soon. He Bombay restored the rights of the both of them were active in training breathed his last, on May 12, 2013 in Syedna. the social communicators of Tamil Mumbai, at the age of seventy-six. Nadu. In 1970, Asgar Ali Engineer started He was born in a Dawoodi a movement against the anti-human In 1984, we met again in South Bohra family in Rajasthan, studied rights practices in the Dawoodi Gujarat University campus in Surat, Engineering in Indore, worked in Bohra community. His movement in a seminar on Caste and Communal Bombay Municipal Corporation, was supported by Humanists like V. Riots in Gujarat. Later on , he as an engineer. Here, he replaced M. Tarkunde, Prof A. B. Shah and sought donations from his friends, his family surname by his adopted others in Maharashtra. His bi-lingual to conduct a study on communal surname ‘Engineer’. Very soon, fortnightly, Bohra Chronicle became and caste based riots in Gujarat. he left the job, to work as a social the mouthpiece of the movement. Myself, and Dr Hussanur Rahman activist. Pro- Syedna groups did not sit idle. (historian), were the two donors Engineer was physically attacked in from Calcutta. He established the While he was a student, he Cairo. He could not hold meeting Institute for Islamic Studies in witnessed an anti-Muslim riot in M.P. in Calcutta, due to pressure from 1980 and the Centre for Study in after the rape of a college-student the Bohra businessmen in Calcutta. Democracy and Secularism, in 1983. in Jabalpur in 1960. Afterwards, The Muslim Institute cancelled the He interpreted the Quran from the he started a youth organisation, to booking of the hall. modern as well as humanist view- fight against communalism. For In 1978, on behalf of Citizens for point. He was the opposite face some years, he had worked with Democracy, J. P. Narayan and V. M. of Jihaadi Muslims. His activities Sampradayikata Virodhi Manch, led Tarkunde set up a Peoples’ Bench, spread to other Asian countries. by Subhadra Joshi , of C.P.I. Soon, presided over by a former Justice He was the Chairman of Bangkok- he realised that authoritarianism in in Ahmedabad. Dr Moin Shakir, a based Asian Resource Centre, with a community affects the freedom historian, became one of the judges, Abdus Sabur from Bangladesh as of the individuals much more But Syedna-loyalists attacked the its Secretary. I had the opportunity than class.In the Dawoodi Bohra place of Peoples’ Bench and the to attend their workshop on Human community, everyone has to sign police had to rescue the judges. Rights Education, in Thonburi, a letter of loyalty to the religious Thailand, in 1993. head, known as Syedna, have to In 1982, he attended a seminar pay the donations when demanded. in Madras. He and Balraj Puri of He was a believer in God. A If he, or she said anything against Jammu used to visit the Muslim question may arise ‘Why would the Syedna, he would be expelled areas in the evening, and discovered atheists and humanists would pay from the community, and his/her that the Urdu-speaking Muslims of homage to him?’ The answer is: we relationship with parents, brother(s), Tamil Nadu belonged to the national fought on the same platform with sister(s), wife, son(s), and daughter(s) political parties, while the Tamil- him against communal ism, for would cease automatically. This speaking Muslims belonged to any Democracy, Secularism, and Human is against human rights of the of the two main Tamil political Rights. Considering the areas of individuals, against fundamental parties. The three of us visited agreement, we consider him as one rights as mentioned in the Indian the office of the Chief Minister of us. We salute the life-long fighter Constitution. Justice M. C. Chagla Ramachandran, to deliver a letter, for Human Rights, and Peace. JANATA, June 23, 2013 9

Communications

Craziness about FDI

The Finance minister and his aired its opposition on grounds of expand exports. It would be wise to officers have become panicky .There security. Employees in the banking curtail imports particularly of oil and has been persistent withdrawal and insurance sector have been petroleum and gold. Imports of oil of bond money. Reasons seem holding demonstrations against can be curtailed if determined efforts to be twofold. Rupee is falling. foreign participation. About the are made to curtail its domestic So, earlier the withdrawal, lesser retail, all the major political parties consumption. The Government the loss. Secondly, multinational and organizations of traders are up can decide to put all the vehicles companies need more liquidity in in arms. In a pre-election year, it is of the political office-holders and the American market because the near impossible to sell that policy. the bureaucrats in the garages once Federal Reserve (Central bank of in a week. Private small cars be the USA) is rolling back the policy Important point to ponder over is discouraged to ply on roads of metro of advancing stimulant money that importing more foreign capital centres. Public transport should initiated in the aftermath of the 2008 will not help to narrow the gap be revamped. Secondly, policy of recession. The announcement was between huge imports and limping import substitution must be pursued made by its chairman Ben Bernanke exports. That would defer, for a vigorously. Thirdly, steps must a few weeks ago. while, the obligation of clearing be taken to increasing purchasing the credits to those foreign sellers power in the hands of the 73 percent The flow of both FII and FDI is from whom we are purchasing of working population whose daily narrowing down for the last 3-4 years. the goods imported. The foreign income is less than Rs. 35 per day Our planners are anxious because capital is certain to go back, after per head. If the unemployed and they feel that the rate of growth of a few years, to the parent countries the underemployed are provided GDP, declining for the last two years, along with sumptuous profits. with meaningful employment, the may take a further dive. Allowing CAD(current account deficit in demand in the domestic market will more foreign participation may be foreign trade) today is 6.7 pedrcent enhance and stimulate investment helpful. So they are contemplating of the GDP. It can be narrowed in the manufacturing sector. That of raising the present cap in the down either by increasing exports would also help raise standard of fields of Telecommunications to 74 or cutting down imports. Because living of the vulnerable sections percent, defense to 49 percent, Retail of the turmoil in some European of society. Shri Chidambaran and to 74 percent, banking, pension and countries like Spain, France, Italy as Shri Ahaluvalia would do well to insurance to 49 percent. In case of also in the USA, which are our main listen these wise counsels and avoid defense, its ministry has already purchasers, there is little scope to flirting with the foreign capital.

–Pannalal Surana Himalayan watershed disaster

Advocates of indiscriminate watershed with mere monetization of worship. No agency should urbanization, industrialization and in mind. be allowed to build permanent tourism must restore the ecological structures in ecologically fragile integrity of the Himalayan Devotees of all ilk are callous zones. Development fundamentalism watershed and comprehend its about Himalayan watershed and combined with religious tourism is geological reality to prevent are grossly anthropocentric in their eroding ecological heritage. such occurrences in future. Both behavior. Ecological heritage must Indian and Chinese agencies be conserved for coming generations. In the aftermath of these disasters are myopically mutilating the This principle applies to all places if lessons are indeed learnt then 10 JANATA, June 23, 2013 all ongoing development projects hydroelectric plant has been stopped would be submerged or damaged by must be reviewed and revisited due to high silt content in the turgid dams and related activities.” Stage and their carrying capacity and and fast-moving Sutlej river. SJVN managed and faulty environmental cumulative impact on Himalayan Ltd’s Nathpa Jhakri project is a and forest clearances in Indian and ecosystem should be assessed joint venture between the Union China contribute to the colossal and the ecological integrity of and Himachal Pradesh governments. crisis that is staring us in the face. the Himalayan watershed must be The 1,000-MW Karchham Wantoo made non-negotiable. project has also been shut due to Both in India and China, massive heavy silt in Sutlej. These projects land use change in the watershed has It must be understood that the feed the northern grid. The disaster made its ecosystem fragile causing entire Himalayan watershed is an seeks answers from the project increase in incidence of landslides eco-sensitive zone and deforestation proponents of such projects as and disastrous floods. in this zone has led to landslide and to whether they had factored in floods. Huge increase in building of their adverse consequences on this If people destroy something dams, tunnels, roads and townships ecologically fragile watershed. replaceable made by mankind, along with religious tourism has they are called vandals; if they gone beyond the carrying capacity Studies done by Chinese Academy destroy something irreplaceable of the Himalayan watershed. of Sciences in Kunming and made by Nature, they are called University of Delhi on the impact developers. This mindset is the cause Meanwhile, operations at the 292 of the planned Himalayan of Himalayan watershed becoming 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri project in dams have underlined that “about disaster prone. Himachal Pradesh, India’s largest 1700 square kilometres of forests –Gopal Krishna Telangana Agitators

Andhra Pradesh is in turmoil people. Small states in India, given The Andhra Pradesh Assembly once again over the demand of a the population size of the country, convened on 10th of June has separate Telangana. The struggle will still be big by international remained paralysed on the issue for a separate Telangana has been standards. With a population of of Telangana. It’s unfortunate to ongoing for a long time now. The about 3 crores, Telangana, if and see the extraordinary measures central and state governments as when created, will be viable as a that have been taken up by the well as the major political parties in state of the Indian Union. Demands government to suppress the ‘Chalo the state have played opportunistic for making governments responsive Assembly’ call, given by the and partisan political games with and accountable, need for redressing Telangana Joint Action Committee, people’s sentiments. Exploiting an umbrella organisation of several administrative inefficiency, and people’s emotions for vote bank pro-Telangana groups popular aspiration for a better life politics, parties have supported have set the stage for a new phase formation of unholy alliances and National Alliance of People’s of states’ reorganization. politics of divide and rule. The Movements believes that while it uncertainty over the demand for is necessary to maintain the law The people’s movement for a Telangana state must end now and order situation, suppression Telangana has reached new heights so that people can carry on their of democratic people’s protest by occupations and work without anger, in recent years. People’s struggles mass illegal arrests of activists, ill-will and anxiety. and sacrifices have made it clear threatening the people of Telangana, that the demand for a separate state and cancellation of monthly The formation of smaller states of Telangana now represents the pensions and essential commodities in the Indian Union is, in general, a aspirations of an overwhelming through fair price shops to people significant step towards bringing the majority of the people in this participating in Telangana agitation, locus of political power closer to the region. is totally unacceptable. JANATA, June 23, 2013 11

NAPM, no doubt, has always however, supports the popular the issue of Telangana. In spite supported the demand for smaller demand for Telangana which will of widespread support in Andhra states, whether in Jharkhand benefit not only the agitating people Pradesh for the Telangana cause, or Uttarakhand but has also from the Region but all in the present there seems to be an impasse warned that without change in State of Andhra Pradesh whose lives over statehood for the region. The the paradigm of development and and livelihood are continuously Telangana movement offers credible system of governance, there can affected due to keeping the issue hope of changing the iniquitous be no fundamental change in the burning with struggle as well as structures of power and control in politics or relations of power in oppression becoming an unending favour of the toiling masses. We politics to be faced by common the state and its failure could see repeat this warning in the case of people. the forces of lawlessness acquiring Telangana, having witnessed the new strength, with disastrous continued injustice and exploitation Hence, NAPM calls for an consequences for the common in the newly formed states. NAPM, immediate political resolution on people. –Medha Patkar, Ramakrishnam Raju, Prafulla Samantara Naxal menace just an excuse

This refers to ‘Rs 1K – cr Package ecologically unsustainable and dramatically increased. The tortures, for Naxal Dists’. It is not a fact ethically immoral. the renditions, the displacement that only extremist affected tribal of thousands upon thousands of areas remain underdeveloped. After the recent massacre in civilians — in all these respects, Tribal areas in toto are deliberately Sukma dist, Ramachandra Guha Dantewada seemed to me to be a neglected since decades. Who (noted historian and one of the micro version of Iraq or Afghanistan. prevents the governments from petitioners in the case against Salwa Placed between the Maoists and the developing those tribal areas free Judum in SC) in a well written article vigilantes, the adivasis are being from extremist violence? Why not called the government’s bluff thus: squeezed from both sides. Orissa, the rulers do it on a war footing so ‘’The CG government had neither a state once completely free of that ‘’the misguided’’ Adivasis in tackled the extremism nor sincerely Naxalites, has seen them acquiring the troubled areas will realise their implemented the constitutional considerable influence in several folly and stop ‘the popular support provisions guaranteeing the land and districts. A first step here would be enjoyed by the Naxals’? The 1000 tribal forest rights of the adivasis and for the top leadership of the present cr package now proposed by the improved the delivery of health and government to reach out directly to Planning Commission will only education services. Instead it granted the adivasis. The Prime Minister and flatten the purses of the Neta- a slew of leases to industrialists, the Chairperson of the UPA should Babu-Contractor trio leaving over-riding the protests of gram together tour through the strife-torn the tribals high and dry as it had panchayats and handing over large areas of CG, Jharkhand and Orissa, happened in all these years. The of tribal land to mining companies. promising the full implementation of rebellion in the Central India is It promoted a vigilante army, the Forest Rights Act, a temporary not due to lack of development. distributing guns to near illiterate ban on mining projects in Fifth Tribals have been putting up with tribal youth. These goons then Schedule Areas, and a revival of the our utter contempt and injustice roamed the countryside, in search of powers of gram panchayats. That since ages. Rather the unrest is Naxalites real or fictitious. In a series would be a far more effective strike due to the neo-liberal development of shocking incidents, they burnt against Naxalites than sending in model being pursued vigorously homes (sometimes entire villages), fighter planes or massed battalions’’. by the rulers of all hues since raped women, and looted granaries Let us hope wiser counsel will 1991. This development is socially of those adivasis who refused prevail. divisive, economically exclusive, to join them. In the first decade politically undemocratic, of this century Maoits presence –Sankara Narayanan, 12 JANATA, June 23, 2013 Domestic Workers Day

16 June is observed as the extend Social Security measures protected under a special Act of the International Domestic Workers for domestic workers Parliament. Day all over the world to celebrate the adoption of the International Inclusion of domestic workers Even though India is the largest Convention on Domestic Workers under the ESI and Maternity Benefit country sending domestic workers by the International Labour Act of the Central Government in the world, the country has not still ratified the ILO Convention Organization (ILO) in 2011. A national campaign has –189 to protect domestic workers. been launched in the country to The AP Domestic Workers Nor are there sufficient measures achieve these demands under the Movement, Montfort Social by the government to protect banner of National Platform for Institute-Domestic Workers Forum impoverished women immigrants Comprehensive Legislation for India, AP Migrant Forum Asia and abroad, particularly in the Gulf Domestic Workers. the AP State Domestic Workers Countries, who go for domestic Union celebrated the day with a A signature Campaign has work. Andhra Pradesh is among large gathering of domestic workers been launched to build support for the largest states sending domestic at Indira Park, Hyderabad on 15 these demands. Twenty five lakh workers in the country. June, 2013. signatures that will be gathered from all over the country will be presented Andhra Pradesh constituted the On this day, the domestic workers to the Prime Minister in Delhi on State Social Welfare Board more demanded: 30 July. than a year ago. But the Board is yet to meet to form rules and come A comprehensive National Even though India is home to the to the rescue of workers, especially Legislation for Domestic Workers largest number of domestic workers domestic workers. in the world, making it the largest Ratification of ILO Convention sector of employment of women Similarly suitable amendments -189 on Domestic Workers by the workers in urban India, they are have to be brought to the Maternity Government of India not brought under the labour laws Benefit and ESI Acts of the of the country. Given the large Government of India to include Activation of Andhra Pradesh number of workers and their special domestic workers for availing these State Social Welfare Board to conditions of work, they need to be benefits. –Bro. Varghese Theckanaths, S. Lissy Joseph, VijayaLaxmi The future of democracy in India

As political parties make plans Diversity breeds a creative society. existence of diverse elements of for rolling out their campaigns for On the other hand homogenization nature, a democracy must provide the next Parliamentary elections, Its of cultures leads to complacency and egalitarian environment for a vibrant, time for citizens to revisit our beliefs chauvinism. While diversity makes confident and innovative society of before we decide who to entrust the a society vibrant, homogenization diverse cultures and ideas to evolve. makes it lethargic. next five years of our future. A leader willfail if he or she A key role of people’s begins to let his individual will and The only way a nation can progress representatives in a democracy is to vision to prevail over the collective negotiate for equitable distribution is if every citizen, regardless of his interest of a diverse society. or her religion, caste, tribe, or social of resources. status feels included in shaping the Just as mother earth provides In a society where resources future. an environment conducive for co- are limited and claimants to the JANATA, June 23, 2013 13 resources too many, corruption is on the information dished out to them Do not believe anymore in bound to creep into public life. It by political parties and broadcast promises made in manifestos or is important therefore to remember media, people must depend on their TV campaigns of political parties. that“Eternal vigilance is the price own social networks. They are worth nothing more than of liberty”. Every time an election marketing materials of corporations. is announced the voters must defeat My earnest request to India is, Do not vote for someone because the representatives who use political please do not be swayed by the you or your parents have voted for influence to amass personal wealth. promises of a powerful leader, him or her- they have become a Only then people’s power will no matter which party he or she part of the system. Rather look for prevail over ambitions and greed belongs to- When people mobilize someone who is angry atthe system, of leaders. on the streets for a cause they have has a passion for a cause and a greater power than leaders who positive outlook to the future. Free flow of information pull strings from the comforts of decentralizes power, education their palatial bungalows. A leader In essence leaders have failed us. empowers people with knowledge is more likely to succumb to a Its time to take charge, demolish and imagination, and technology corrupt system. On the other hand, the system, put new people in, and gives them the tools to co-create a mobilization scares corrupt people participate in the democracy with better future. Rather than depending in the administration. fresh ideas.

–Uday Dandavate

(Continued from Page 2) people without trial. The tragedy guilty of committing excesses little difference between now and today is that the Home Ministry during those days, was punished. then. is copying those very methods. It is comical that some of those The ministry is restricting the found guilty are today at the There has to be accountability democratic space in the name of helm of affairs in Prime Minister without which none in power will curbing terrorism. The unlawful Manmohan Singh’s rule. be afraid of using authority that he activities act can detain people or she likes. The Lokpal Bill, under without trial in an open court of law. The failings of Smt. Gandhi’s discussion, is necessary to find out Such cases have to be okayed by successor government of the Janata who are guilty and how they can the government-appointed advisory Party brought her back to power in be punished. The government’s committee and the trial had to less than two years. As the Prime attitude is uncompromising. If the be held within the jail itself. Dr. Minister, she not only shelved Lokpal cannot look into the charges Vinayak Sen, the famous doctor- cases requiring punishment but against the Prime Minister, the activist, was first detained under this also appointed the same tainted judiciary, or the MPs indulging in act. Subsequently, the BJP-ruled officers to ensure that the spirit corruption even on the floor of the Jharkhand government charged him of Emergency stayed even if it house, what is the use of having with sedition for having “contacts” had not been imposed. The loss such an institution? The control with the Maoists. of democracy has been more or by the government of the Central less forgotten. The youth does Bureau of Investigation (CBI) I often wonder why we not know what the country went makes any action by the agency haven’t learnt a lesson from the through. The elders who recall the meaningless. It looks as if we are Emergency and why the rulers of period sound too wishy-washy. It in for anxious days. Thank God, different political parties pursue was a bad dream which was meant another Emergency cannot be more or less the same path that to be forgotten. But when today the imposed because the very measure Smt. Gandhi had taken to derail steps taken during the Emergency requires a two-thirds majority in democracy. I believe the reason have been adopted in the name of parliament and a similar strength is that nobody, who was found security and peace, there seems in state assemblies. 14 JANATA, June 23, 2013 Our Shallow Democracy Jawaharlal Jasthi

It certainly goes to the credit of accessed by a public authority under register, the one important condition the party in power at the center – law.” The Election Commission is is that the parties have to get their Indian National Congress – that they a constitutional body. It is given accounts audited by an auditor have allowed the parliament to pass right of access to the finances and on the panel of the Comptroller the Right To Information Act (RTI). accounts of each and every political and Auditor General of India. Having got it passed, it seems, they party that is recognized. The audited accounts are to be are regretting it. submitted to the Commission within Each one of the political parties six months from the date of closing The purpose of the Act is to has to get itself registered with the the accounts. This provision is make the public affairs transparent Election Commission under section analogous to the one applicable to so that the citizens could know 29A of the Representation of Peoples’ the government companies under the how the various organisations, that Act. Surprisingly, this provision is Companies Act. The Commission is have a bearing on their lives, are added into the Act by an amendment not concerned whether the accounts functioning. Nobody could say that in 1989. Till then, from the date are approved by the members of the political parties do not have any of passing the Representation of party. effect on our lives. But unless there Peoples Act in 1951, there was no is some legal provision to make provision under any law to insist But, when the accounts are them answerable, they will naturally that the political party shall be a prescribed for audit, it is absolutely refuse to answer. In order to escape recognized institution. It has to be necessary that the accounts are from this legal responsibility, it considered to be serious lapse when complete and reflect the true is being argued that the RTI Act our democracy is supposed to be picture of the organization and its applies only to public organisations based on political parties. There is no activities. If not, the auditor cannot or to organisations that receive mention of political parties even in accept the accounts. When Jagdeep substantial aid from government. It our constitution until 1985 when the Chokkar, one of the founders of the is a patently wrong argument. The X Schedule is introduced by the 52nd Association of Democratic Reforms Act is clear when it states that the amendment. There is no mention of applied for information regarding the information referred to in the Act political parties even under Art.120 sources of their funds, every political “includes information about any or Art.191 wherein disqualifications party considered it an affront and private party which can be accessed for membership of central and state raised a hue and cry. They started by a public authority under any law legislatures are enumerated. They to claim that the parties in India in force.” The right includes the are accepted only under freedom of are not funded by government right to inspect, take note and to get association.As such, political party and so are not covered by the RTI certified copies in any form. has no legal sanctity when it was Act. The petitioner approached the brought into the constitution through Central Information Commission “Public Authority” includes any the X Schedule. This was rectified and they made a ruling that political authority or institution of self- by amending the Representation parties must disclose the information government established under the of Peoples Act in 1989, wherein required by the petitioner. It is a constitution, law of Parliament or organisations claiming to be political real shock to see that none of the state legislature and includes non- parties are required to get registered political parties are willing to accept government organisations financed with the Election Commission. the decision of the Commission and by government. It is true that the Formats and processes were opposed it tooth and nail. political parties in the country are not announced by the Commission to financed by the government and are get the parties registered. Apart from But, there appears to be some not covered by this clause. But they all the organizational and functional opportunity for a different opinion are the organisations “which can be requirements to get eligibility to unfortunately. The Commission JANATA, June 23, 2013 15 adopted the principle of ‘substantial disclosed. It does not mean that the also that are not implemented by the funding’ by government so that the total amount need not be disclosed. government. We flatter ourselves parties are deemed to be ‘public It also implies that all contributors that our constitution has balance authorities’ and so they are covered giving more than Rs.20,000 must between the various branches of by the RTI Act. This funding is be disclosed. We do not know how the government. When all those supposed to be indirect by way of far this condition is being complied branches are in concert, if not privileges and exemptions under the with as the audited accounts are collusion, it is not the constitution taxation laws leading to financial not made public either by the alone that fails. It is the democracy advantage to the parties. The main parties or by the Commission. The that eludes us. Our credentials for advantage is by making the political auditors must be knowing it. So it democracy are very shallow. Let parties on par with charitable cannot be claimed that it is a private us nor boast that we are the biggest organization to get exemption from information to which public has no democracy on earth. taxation and the contributions by the access. donors made eligible for exemption from tax. It induces contributors to According to some of the reports contribute more and avoid tax. Even of the Election Commission, the the Companies Act is amended to Congress party has received a total Indian Socialists facilitate contributions to political fund of Rs.1660 crores during In dialogue with organisations. It is also possible the year 2011–2012 out of which Gandhi and Ambedkar that the parties are provided with Rs.330 crores are stated to be land and utilities at concessional from companies. The funds of by rates to political parties, directly or BSP amounted to Rs.1226 crores Bapu Heddurshetti indirectly. The influence that they whereas that of BJP was Rs.852 could wield in administration, even crores. CPI(M) is reported to have when not in power, is obvious. NCP, got Rs.67 crores every year from one of the major national parties, companies! In view of the lavish Published by conceded that the value of such sops visible expenditure incurred by the WordsWorth India, and supports to them comes to about various parties and the amounts D-31, Oxford Apartments 1.4 percent of their funds. But we do spent by the contesting candidates 11, I. P. Extension not know the actual amount as we do with support from their parties, it Delhi – 110092 (INDIA) not know the total of funds. Political is highly unlikely that the figures activity is a charitable activity for reported represent the total funds Email: tax purposes – that is how we value of the respective parties. That is [email protected] our democracy! why the Association of Democratic Website: Reforms felt it necessary to get true www.wordsworthindia.com But a private organization cannot information using the rights made be considered a public authority just available under the RTI Act. because it receives funds and support ISBN: 978-93-82955-01-6 from government. It is doubtful We are expecting transparency in whether we can bring the political functioning of government. When Price: Rs. 245/- parties under the purview of RTI none of the major political parties Act by virtue of this argument. But are willing to disclose source of they are the organisations that can their funds, it is futile to expect that be accessed by a public authority any law encouraging transparency under a law in force. The Election will be passed in the legislature. Copies can also be had Commission has the right to access Whatever may be the legal provisions from the accounts of the political parties and whatever may be the decisions Bapu Heddurshetti under the Representation of Peoples of Commissions and courts, they 26, 6th Main, P.G.Halli, Act. The rules may provide that are of no consequence when the Bangalore-560 003 names of contributors of amounts executive is determined to ignore less than Rs.20,000 need not be the same. There are many judgments R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, June 23, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, June 23, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday June 26, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007. Established 1946 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 68 No. 25 Man-made tragedy June 30, 2013 S. Viswam

Loss of national sensitivity Kuldip Nayar No organization, official or private, people have perished in the floods. neither the Union nor the state Others, from within Uttarakhand governments of Uttarakhand, nor the and outside, place the number far residents of the Himalayan foothills higher. Thousands are missing and CAD and Crisis in External Trade who also have been the victims of the hundreds still to be accounted for. The K. S. Chalam man-made tragedy that has overtaken people of the region are in fear that the Garhwal region have come out in the second instalment of the tragedy flying colours in the assessment of the will unfold this week when it begins role each of them played as Nature’s to rain again. The meteorologists had The untold story fury asserted itself last week. Even predicted heavy rains from Monday from Uttarakhand a week—and it has been a loooong June 23. Luckily, nobody is sorry that Ravi Chopra week—after Mother Nature decided they have been proved wrong again. to punish the humankind for playing For, it is doubtful if Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Catastrophe with the Himalayan ecology, neither can absorb the shock and trauma of the tragedy’s dimensions in its fullest continued ecological turbulence and range has been understood nor have manifestations of Nature’s wrath. all its victims been evacuated from the Bahuguna estimates that three years’ Slide of Rupee danger zones. Meanwhile, typically of development have been washed for India, politicians have converted away. This means that Uttarakhand Modi virsus Rahul ? flooded Garhwal as a playground will have to start again from where for games of competitive rivalry and it was in 2010, and unfortunately it Building New India one-upmanship and those out to make was not among the highly developed money have landed in the states in India even then. And the loss to make financial capital out of the in financial terms? His figure is Ra. Editor : misery of the victims. Overall, the 3000 crores. The prime minister was G. G. Parikh story unfolding before our eyes day perhaps advised that the loss would Managing Editor : Guddi after day these agonizing days is a exceed Rs. 1000 crores, which is repetition of what usually happens why he sanctioned what he felt was D-15, Ganesh Prasad, in India when unlearnt lessons inflict the minimum that needed to be doled Naushir Bharucha Marg, more tragedies on a hapless citizenry. out in the initial stage. But experience Mumbai - 400 007. tells us that the ultimate demand Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay for compensation by the state will Email : [email protected] Bahuguna has said that he and his scale higher to ten times the amount officials estimate that at least 1000 projected now. 2 JANATA, June 30, 2013

Six decades after independence, Between the lines our disaster management techniques are still primitive. Indeed, we as a nation have yet to imbibe the Loss of national sensitivity modern-day culture of disaster management, of any kind, caused Kuldip Nayar by natural causes or modern-day provocations. The country set up a National Disaster Management Not long ago, a disaster in any The de-silting of river is out of any Authority half a century after part of the country would elicit government’s agenda. The National freedom, and that organization is national response. People would Disaster Management Board was still learning the ropes. The Garhwal go door-to-door to collect money, tried for the first time and found Himalayan tragedy was the first test clothes, utensils, medicines and wanting. Political parties have done that confronted the NDMA, and it many other things of daily use to nothing concrete except politicizing failed to measure up to the challenge. transmit through agencies which the tragedy. The official appeal to It is not to be fully blamed in any case were voluntarily engaged in relief contribute to the Prime Minister’s because it has still to comprehend and rehabilitation work. The attitude Relief fund has been issued as a the nature of the challenges of has changed in the last few years. matter of routine. many forms it will be called upon People are, no doubt, concerned to combat. It is still formulating its and sympathetic. But there is no Surprisingly, no foreign country plan of action in reference to various countrywide effort to organize help. has offered help to evacuate the kinds of disaster. In this particular The atmosphere is no more animated stranded people, much less any tragedy it was not the only official with the zeal which, as I recall, used material assistance. Pakistan has agency to get caught unawares. The to be there. missed a golden opportunity to Centre and the state government befriend the common Indian. both ignored the CAG’s warning Take the example of Uttarakhand. Islamabad should have sent trucks that the NDMA had no plan of action The devastation has been on a of food and medicines to the Wagha yet for the Garhwal region leave massive scale. More than 5,000 border. New Delhi would have lost alone other parts of India. However, people have reportedly died and the face if it had stopped the aid. no special warning was necessary. material loss runs into hundreds of If one were to analyse the tragedy, It is not a secret that this particular crores of rupees. Yet the reaction one would come to the conclusion Himalayan region has always been has been tepid. Efforts are visible that the nation has lost sensitivity. prone to natural disasters thanks to on individual scale. But the nation as Different states have over the years its geographic location and the high- such is not concerned. Particularly, become islands by themselves and range tectonic activity there. the states in the south and the east have shown less involvement. there is hardly any tragedy which Unfortunately, the country transcends the border. When it came has totally neglected domestic The governments, both in the to rescuing the victims, states like tourism. Tourism is not regarded hilly state of Uttarakhand and at the West Bengal and Gujarat preferred as a remunerative portfolio by Centre, were too late to respond and to evacuate the habitants of their politicians who think they have had no clue what to do. Even after 10 own area. been punished if the prime minister days of the disaster, 20,000 people The absence of national feeling allots them the tourism portfolio. were stranded at different places. may well be the reason that Had we paid half the attention to What dominated the discussion every state is putting up dams in domestic and international tourism was not the scale of assistance but catchment areas. They think that and had we developed India as a whether it was man-made or the the consequential loss is to other hot tourist destination for global nature’s fury. Of course, it was man- states not to them. And so many travellers our infrastructure would made. The reasons are obvious. dams have come up that they are have benefited immensely. The The trees to accommodate the counterproductive. Of course, the absence of tourist shelters and guide ever growing bureaucracy were cut. money spent has enough leeway for (Continued on Page 3) JANATA, June 30, 2013 3 corruption at political and official values. There is not a semblance that any political party would place levels. The land and timber mafias of idealism left to talk about social the national interest first. Even have played havoc at the expense justice or to lift the lower half to several disasters like the one at of the nation. the level where it can lead a viable Uttarakhaned cannot change the living. Poverty, unemployment and thinking of political parties. It is The countrywide coordination is malnutrition, signs of a decaying tragic, but true. possible at the level of environment society, are increasing day by day. ministry. It can also ensure that We are, almost back to the Hindu (Continued from Page 2) ecology is not disturbed. But the growth rate of 4 per cent. A dollar posts and amenities and facilities ministry is so much under pressure fetches Rs. 60. In fact, the rupee is which the victims of the Garhwal from different lobbies and state in shambles. governments that it has become tragedy experienced would not have only a signing authority. The area Today’s spectacle of poor growth been felt. At least there would have around Uttarakhand is so fragile and the dismal future is because been some roads. Now there are neither roads nor any other facilities. that the central government did not political parties have catered to their want to disturb the ecology. But both fiefdoms without keeping before India may be in the 21st century but political parties, the Congress and them the picture of India on the it is still in the primitive stages of the BJP, joined hands to have the whole or the growth of every sector development. The people are paying proposal scuttled. or every area. Unfortunately, the a high price for the politicians’ parties have not realized that their refusal to learn from mistakes, and And the behavior of the people politics may feather their nests but their greed to enrich themselves first in Uttrakhand itself was inhuman. would not take the country forward. before tending to the needs of the There are instances to show how country. A great pity this. shopkeepers charged exorbitant Both the Congress and the BJP, prices for things of daily use. A the two main parties are most to biscuit packet was sold for Rs. 200. blame. They have seen to it that they A loaf of bread was priced at Rs. do not compromise even though a Studies in Socialism 100. There are instances of looting bit of cooperation would have done By and even molesting of women. One wonders. Parliament has been more woman required medical help. But or less at standstill. No business has Ashok Mehta her gold chain was pulled from her been transacted session after session, neck and she was left bleeding. creating a new record of inactivity. Even sadhus and sants made most The parties admit this and some Published by of the situation, robbing money and leading members have no hesitation Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan ornaments from the deceased. in saying so in private. Yet they do Centre for Socialist Studies- not cross the line even word-wise in Bangaluru The only bright side is the work the house lest it should harm them. done by the army and the air force. They evacuated thousands of India does not have much leeway. Price Rs. 250.00 postage extra people stuck at different places. The speed with which we are going The survivors in fact narrated the down the hill indicates a ruin of great difference between the government magnitude. There is every reason Send your order to which did not do anything and the why the two main parties should army and air force which rescued come together to take the country Centre for Socialist Studies them and gave food and shelter. further. They should at least have 191, 10th Cross, 10th Main, NGFI One air force helicopter, engaged in a joint action on the rehabilitation Layout Nagurbani, rescue operation, crashed because of of victims. But that would require a Bengaluru 560 072 bad weather. Twenty lives were lost. stand above party line. Bhartiya Vidya Bhuvan Munshi Sadan Chowpatty, Mumbai 400 007 India is a heartless state. Over In today’s approach to occupy the years, it has deteriorated in the kursi, it is difficult to imagine 4 JANATA, June 30, 2013 CAD and Crisis in External Trade

K. S. Chalam

The RBI officials are at pains price volatility. The middle class and banking and other capital market to explain to the layman as to how the neo-rich people have prospered transactions. The Foreign Exchange they are constrained by the CAD through real estate, bribes and black Management Act 1999 freed all in importing more gold into our money are restive as they know only the transactions which were once country. There are two items in which gold as the source of concealing their regulated and the capital is now international trade transactions are wealth unlike their counterparts in given an automatic route. It was expressed, one current account and capital market. thought that we would have an the other capital account. CAD advantage in getting more FDIs and that is Capital Account Deficit is CAD is directly related to the also takeovers outside so that the an outcome of more outflows than problem of Balance of Payments health and vigour of the economy inflows in the capital account. (BOP). It is defined as “a systematic could be doubled. It is difficult The concept of trade deficit is a record of a nation's total payments to to judge whether it was a good measure of balance of trade in foreign countries, including the price decision or a manipulated push in which imports exceeds exports. of imports and the outflow of capital view of the current crisis. In fact, This has an impact on the outflow and gold, along with the total receipts the IMF experts have studied the of domestic currency to foreign from abroad, including the price of trends of various countries and markets. There is an interesting exports and the inflow of capital and have come to the conclusion that a issue here as most of the countries gold in a year”. As per the double CAD between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent in the world keep US dollars as the entry accounting, the two accounts of GDP is sustainable. We had such reserve currency and the continued are automatically balanced with a comfort zones in the early part of trade deficit did not affect USA. balancing item. It is current account+ our liberalisation scene. But now it The recent fall in the prices of gold financial account+ capital account+ has become a big worry as the rate due to deliberate operations of the balancing item=0. The current has reached the highest level at 6.7 US treasury appears to be an act account consists of all transactions of GDP during 2012-13 (Survey) to strengthen US dollar as reserve in goods, services, investments due to fall in invisibles. Even the currencyin place of gold. Is it an overseas and transfers while capital much pampered IT services did not exception? Critics say whenever a account captures all inflow and come to the rescue and in fact they country wants to do away with US outflow of capital. The current are undergoing a crisis as seen from dollars it is in trouble. Economists account deficit can be met if there is the happenings during the last few do not touch this fact and leave it surplus on the capital account. This weeks. The sign of strain on BOP to political economists to comment. elementary understanding of foreign was indicated in the Economic trade is essential to appreciate the Survey 2012-13 when the moderate The availability of foreign capital significance of current account growth in net services coupled with depends upon the external sector deficit (definitions vary between lower net inflows under income and the rules of the game.Those IMF and others). Interestingly, we account resulted in decline in net who were arguing for full capital have a current account and a capital invisibles. convertibility a few years ago are account deficit. CAD is worrying silent now due to the anticipated our policy makers due to its long run A dispassionate discussion on troubles in the external sector. The implications for the economy. international trade is always delicate, enormous grit and gab shown by from the time of Adam Smith, due our RBI Governors in arguing with CAD consists of direct capital to the possibility of putting the the lobbies against convertibility transfers including FDIs such as argument either way is possible with and the need to maintain restraint takeovers of domestic companies the economists’ tools of short run, should be appreciated now. The by foreign countries. The investment long run and the two hands. However, common woman/man is angry that inflows include overseas investment CAD is considered by the experts as the price of gold has come down but in our government bonds and assets a boon to the LDCs as it improves there isn’t enough to buy under the and the ‘hot money’ flows into productivity through the imports and JANATA, June 30, 2013 5 the technology associated with it. trade dependent in terms of gross of our RBI and therefore up the But, the experience of India in this exports and imports both ways creek to express anxiety. The RBI case is different. The exports are reaching 108 per cent of GDP in data sheet on outward FDI of 500 increasingly overtaken by imports 2011-12. Most of our policies have Indian companies investing abroad creating tension in our external helped to link India with the world has shown that $ 104758.30 million sector for quite some time now in order to reap the opportunities ($104 billion) was capitalised by the though there is no possibility of a and are vulnerable to international end of April 2012. The liberalisation crisis situation like that of the 1991. crisis. The kind of stakes played of FERA allows corporates to hold It is due to the NRI deposits and by big players in the world gold FCA accounts and use the resources FDIs that provided a comfortable market in terms of physical demand to the extent of 400 times the net situation in foreign reserves. But, and speculative demand is a very worth of their company abroad (rules remember, they are all debts and intriguing matter that is beyond our apply). Even mutual funds of SBI the country needs to repay sooner competence to engage. The issue is, can be invested outside. Though RBI or later.Therefore, policy makers why should a common man who is prohibits real estate abroad, there are and regulators like RBI are worried not helped by these policies, except companies that are in construction about the trends. the state doles, accept this crunch? business. It is found that most of the firms are in the well-known tax There has been a change in the The crisis seemsto be much havens like Mauritius, Singapore, composition and direction of our alarming in recent weeks as the RBI Cayman Islands etc and we do not international trade during 1991- policy reveals. It is reported that FDI know what kind of transactions they 2013. Our share in the world trade withdrawals have increased during are making until ED enquires in to has increased manifold during the third week of June signalling such transactions. But, have they not the period and it stands at 2.1 a 1997 South Asian situation. Yet, used the scarce foreign exchange per cent of the world total (China there are several hidden stories abroad and contributed to the CAD? stands at 11. 2 per cent in 2012- behind the crisis. In an inadvertent 13). Interestingly, manufacturing mood, the Minister for Petroleum Some experts might say that they goods constituted 64.5 per cent has said that he was under threat in are creating opportunities abroad of our exports and primary sector the process of importing oil from and providing jobs to natives. But, exports were 16 per cent, of which abroad. There were stories and this is not reflected in the inflows. 87.5 per cent are agricultural items. front page headlines when some of The pressure on domestic currency The contribution of manufacturing our corporates have acquired assets is increasing and the decline in the sector to GDP is declining and is a and acquisitions and joined the value of rupee has not lifted our cause of concern. The trade surplus club of Trillionaires. What are the exports as expected since our goods or deficit has its repercussions on implications of these on our balance would be cheaper abroad. One of the our domestic economy. The current of payments? papers by RBI noted that ‘unlimited and capital account deficits indicate out flows for our outward FDI the transfer of our aggregate demand The RBI knew more about our could have significant implications outside the country and we will have economy and the hidden agendas for sustainability of external debt little control over it through our as most of the transactions of the profile’. Some IMF experts might policy packages. As indicated in my exporters and importers including say that it is a reflection of our earlier articles, UNCTAD report has the Mining mafia transactions are investment over savings. But the warned that free trade has widened bound to have been processed fact of the matter is that we have inequalities across and within the through them. It is not gold and reached the peak of savings at 37 countries. This can be seen in terms silver imports that constitute just per cent of GDP in 2008, and is now of our items of imports. The RBI and 10.5 per cent of our imports that 31 per cent, s contributed by the Government experts are pointing out put strain on our foreign exchange household sector. Is it possible to the high proportion of 38 per cent of and CAD. But, the payments made raise the savings when real incomes oil and 10.5 per cent of gold in our for import of oil that is processed of the people are declining? Why imports as the real problem since and sold at the cost of our natural the experts are not revealing the real they consume most of our earnings reserves and exchequer and the free factors behind the CAD and targeting and create CAD. How far is it true? flow of capital of the corporates only gold imports? In fact, all of that are serious issues to be looked The country has emerged as a into. It is perhaps beyond the brief (Continued on Page 15) 6 JANATA, June 30, 2013 A layman’s economics Slide of Rupee

Our economists as well as our ensure that the need for crude does an example of a stupid decision government are seriously worried not increase at the rate at which it is demeaning khadi and the country. An about the slide of the value of increasing. And we can work out a appeal to citizens to save khadi could rupee against the US dollar. Rightly slew of steps, nothing new or novel, have worked much more effectively, so. However, the solution that is such steps are there in the air for if the government wanted to promote overwhelmingly popular is ‘chase years. We talk of discouraging cars khadi. more dollars’. Everyone knows, we as a mode of personal commute in the should say those who offer this as the context of pollution and congested We need dollars to build airports, main solution, know that hot money roads and advocate popularizing sea ports, power plants, etc. or at can go out of the country anytime, public transport. We talk of car least that’s what we are brainwashed the FDI cannot go out as easily, but pools, walking, cycling, etc. in one to believe. We call this infrastructure. still can, and therefore, going round or the other context like the global But we can decide to build them with a begging bowl for dollars to warming. The urban road commuters ourselves – just announce. And we foreign countries is, to say the least, who suffer delay because of VIP can redefine infrastructure. It can a meaningless exercise even if it movements, cry out for reduction of be for us, rural roads, education, is to tide over a crisis. We should the number of vehicles that go with health care, watershed development, remind ourselves repeatedly that this the VIPs, not a difficult thing to do. a citizenry committed to green sliding has been precipitated by the The government can decide that its economy and the very announcement news that the US Federal Reserve is officers will take a train if the destiny of this type will stop the slide. going to withdraw the stimulus. The can be reached in a few hours or by US economy is picking up and the spending the night in it. Then there are economists who talk of competitiveness. What country’s economic managers have We need dollars to buy our concluded that there is no more need it means is simple. We compete defense needs. We can announce with our neighbours to increase to pump in more dollars in their that in view of the sliding rupee, we economy. We cannot determine our exports to the rich countries. will postpone our defense purchases We increase our productivity of what the US does, but what we can that require foreign exchange, and certainly determine is what we can per unit labour, in short, exploit instead, we will strengthen our our people, more and more. We do. What our state is doing, seeking defense preparedness in such a way more dollars to stem the slide, is not do everything to buy our natural that no foreign exchange will be resources cheaply. Or we subsidize the solution. The one good thing required. our government did is that we have exports which we are doing. We do started discouraging gold imports. It We need dollars for setting up not realise, again we can say, we is a step in the right direction and it import based industries. We can are brainwashed to believe that this should be pursued more vigorously. advice our industrialists to invest is our salvation. Export or perish But there are quite a few more things in such industries where the foreign was once a popular slogan. No of this type that we could, the most exchange component is low and one talks of it, because it has been internalized. But we have to learn important one could be reducing get them to voluntarily announce that the rich countries will import our need for dollars. And like the compliance. We can tell them to our goods on their terms and sooner US Federal Reserve, we have to just postpone their plans to take over or later, there will be a demand for announce what we intend to do and foreign units or setting up industries patronizing the local goods to save the slide will stop dramatically. They in foreign countries or buy land (we are emerging as land grabbers) jobs. We should take note of the say an energy unit saved is an energy for planting Jetropa or roses or finding of sociologists and others unit generated. This can usefully be whatever. who have studied the stress levels applied to reduce our dollar demand. of workers in call centres. They And we can decide – it will be suffer abuses, four letter words are We need dollars to import crude no sacrifice, not to get tempted by commonly used to describe them. and its demand is increasing every the offers of loans to beautify our Should our youngsters be exposed year. It is very easy to decide and cities, to build big dams, etc. The declare that we will do our best to ADB loan to popularize khadi is (Continued on Page 10) JANATA, June 30, 2013 7 Uttarakhand Catastrophe We cannot ignore the climate crisis anymore!

The India Climate Justice of this extreme rain. Extensive have already made huge profits by collective notes with deep anguish the deforestation of mountain tracts, fraudulently claiming CDM (clean devastating loss of life, livelihoods, by the state and more recently development mechanism) status. and homes in Uttarakhand and due to ‘development’ projects, led In 2009, the CAG had warned the beyond. The death toll is likely in to soil erosion and water run-off, government of Uttarakhand that the thousands, way beyond current thus destabilizing mountain slopes the “potential cumulative effect of official figures. We extend our and contributing to more intense multiple run-of-the-river projects deep condolences to the families and frequent landslides and floods. can turn out to be environmentally and friends of those killed, and our Unchecked hill tourism has resulted damaging”. Like many other support to those still fighting for in the huge growth of vehicular warnings by environmentalists and survival, and to local populations traffic, spread of roads not suitable local community groups in the past, whose livelihoods will take years to this mountainous terrain, and the this was also ignored. And now to rebuild. construction of poorly designed and we are facing one of the biggest unregulated hotels and structures, This tragedy was triggered by disasters that the country has seen many near rivers. Sand mining along extreme unseasonal rains in North in decades. river banks has intensified water India, 2-3 weeks in advance of flows into rivers. what is normal for this region. The central government of India The Director of the Indian and various state governments, Most of all, the construction Meteorological Department (IMD), including the government of and planning of hundreds of small, Dehradun, said that 340 mm fell in Uttarakhand, have prepared action medium and large dams across the a single day at Dehradun, a record plans for combating climate change. Himalayan states from Himachal not seen for five decades. Such Any such plan ought to include the Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the extreme and unseasonal rainfall establishment of a disaster-prediction northern Himalayas to Sikkim seems to us to indicate a global and warning mechanism. The and Arunachal Pradesh in the warming induced climate change Uttarakhand government has taken east, have destabilized an already phenomenon. Warmer air due to no measures to prepare for this kind fragile ecosystem and threatened global warming has the capacity of eventuality, though it has paid lip biodiversity. A staggering 680 dams to hold more moisture, leading to are in various stages of planning, or service to climate action plans over more intense bursts of rainfall. The construction in Uttarakhand alone! the last three years. In the present natural monsoon cycle in India has These dams have a direct connection case, the IMD issued inadequate already been badly disrupted, and a with the extent of the damage that warning, which was disregarded new cycle of extreme rainfall events can be caused in such flooding by the state government. An urgent and prolonged droughts have been events, in that the tunnelling and prior warning could have ensured reported from all over the country excavation in the so-called run-of- that pilgrims don’t move forward in the recent past. Thus, contrary to the-river projects cause huge and and retreat to relative safety, that statements by senior politicians, the unregulated dumping of excavated locals reduce their exposure to risk Uttarakhand disaster is not natural: debris into river basins, leading to the extent possible. Thousands of it is no less man-made than the to increased siltation, and in turn pilgrims from different states, locals, other contributors to the tragedy. aggravating the flood situation. The workers in hotels and dharamshalas, And if it is indeed induced by global electrical power generated by these and transport animals have been warming, similar catastrophes could dams will be consumed by urban killed. Cars with people inside them recur with increasing frequency and elites elsewhere. It is ironic that were washed away. Those who have intensity anywhere in the country in these dam projects, while adversely survived had to go without food for the coming years. impacting people’s access to their several days. Thousands are still In Uttarakhand, a chaotic process river commons, claim to be climate stranded at different points, or in of ‘development’ that goes back change solutions in the guise of forests, and we are still counting many years exacerbated the effects renewable and green energy, and the dead. 8 JANATA, June 30, 2013

There has also been extensive simply let it happen. We believe • That a proper assessment of the devastation of local lives and that adaptation to disasters does not carrying capacity of specific the regional economy. Serious just mean desperate rescue work ecosystems is carried out. devastation has been reported during and after the event, but also • That the eco-sensitive zone from over 200 villages, so far. reducing vulnerability and risk measures be implemented from Innumerable locals, including before. Effective adaptation involves Gaumukh to Uttarkashi and eco- agricultural workers, drowned in a series of measures that need to sensitive zones be established in be adopted on a war footing. The the raging waters or were submerged other river valleys. under mud and debris. Houses have sustainable development of a hill • That a river regulation zone be collapsed or been washed away. economy, and equity – not profit for enforced such that no permanent Tourism and the local employment it a few – should be at its core. generates have been hit indefinitely structures are allowed to be at the peak of the tourist season. India Climate Justice demands: constructed within 100 metres of Floods, landslides and debris have • That the governments at the any river. devastated agriculture along the central and state level retreat • That the residents and their rivers. Irrespective of whether these to a low carbon pathway of organizations are thoroughly extreme rains are due to climate development that has equity, consulted in a democratic change or not, this is what a climate decent employment, and plan on climate change, in the change world in the Himalayas looks sustainability at its core. revival of the local hill economy, like. This devastation is a glimpse • That the planning and and the generation of decent into a climate uncertain future. construction of dams in the entire employment. Indian Himalayas be reviewed, • That all working people be We see this tragedy as a result of and all construction be halted compensated for the loss of life cumulative and widespread injustice until such a review is carried out. and livelihood, and that urgent and wrongdoing: not only against • That the use of explosives in all plans are put in place for the the Himalayan environment, but such infrastructure development revival of local livelihoods and also against mountain communities works is completely stopped. agriculture. whose survival depends on that • That, given the likelihood of environment. This tragedy is also extreme rainfall events and • That the central government a crime, because our policy makers other climate extremes in the learn from the Uttarakhand and administrators are also part future, extensive and sub- catastrophe to put in place prior of the larger climate injustice at a regional warning systems are adaptation measures not just global scale that threatens, displaces put in place urgently across all for the mountainous regions and kills the marginal and the poor the Himalayan states, the coastal but beyond, for coastal and the everywhere. On another plane, they areas and beyond. drought-prone interiors as well. India Climate Justice Endorsing Organizations All India Forum of Forest Movements; Pairvi; Beyond Copenhagen; South Asia Network of Dams, Rivers and People; National Alliance of People’s Movements; Himalaya Niti Abhiyan; New Trade Union Initiative; All-India Union of Forest Working People; Chintan; Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha; Toxics Watch Alliance; Nadi Ghati Morcha, Chhattisgarh; Rural Volunteers Centre, Assam; Vettiver Collective, Chennai; Himal Prakriti, Uttarakhand; Maati, Uttarakhand; Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti; River Basin Friends (NE); India Youth Climate Network; Intercultural Resources; Kabani, Kerala; Human Rights Forum, Andhra Pradesh; National Cyclists Union, India; Equations; Posco Pratirodh Solidarity, Delhi; Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives; Science for Society, Bihar; Nagarik Mancha; SADED; JJBA, Jharkhand; BIRSA; Jharkhand Mines Area Coordination Committee; Adivasi Mulvasi Astitva Raksha Manch; National Adivasi Alliance; Bank Information Centre; Focus on the Global South; Jatiyo Sramik Jote, Dhaka; Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Andolan; People’s Union for Democratic Rights; All India Students Association; All India Progressive Women’s Association Individuals Badri Raina, Kamal Mahendroo, Benny Kuruvilla, Subrat Sahu, Arun Bidani, Saurav Shome, Amitava Guha India Climate Justice is a collective comprising social movements, trade unions, other organizations and individuals. It was formed in 2009 to respond to the growing climate crisis, from a perspective of justice and equity. JANATA, June 30, 2013 9 The untold story from Uttarakhand

Ravi Chopra

It is one week since Uttarakhand’s the tourist season. They help run the on in public memory, making the worst disaster in living memory. dhabas that line the entire 14 km trek revival of tourism doubtful in the Flash floods resulting from route from GauriKund to Kedarnath; foreseeable future. The abject failure extremely intense rainfall swept they sell raincoats, umbrellas, canes, of the State government, political away mountainsides, villages and walking sticks, soft drinks, water leaders and the administration is towns, thousands of people, animals, bottles, home-made snacks and therefore likely to impoverish the agricultural fields, irrigation canals, other supplies. On their backs, they State coffers too. domestic water sources, dams, roads, carry children, the old, the infirm bridges, and buildings — anything and tourists who are simply unfit The scale of participation in that stood in the way. and out of shape to walk the entire the kaanwar festival that starts in route. They run along the path with July — when about a million people A week later, media attention their ponies or horses carrying yatris. throng to the banks of the Ganga at remains riveted on the efforts to Hardwar over a couple of weeks and rescue tens of thousands of pilgrims Local residents tell of village take back Gangajal to their homes — and tourists visiting the shrines in the after village in the Mandakini valley will be revealing. The pressure on uppermost reaches of Uttarakhand’s below Kedarnath resounding with the State government will continue sacred rivers. But the deluge spread wails from homes whose boys and through September when the Nanda far beyond the Char Dhams — men have not yet returned and are Devi Raj Jaat (yatra), a once-in- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath now feared dead. One village near 12-years event, is scheduled. A and Badrinath — to cover the entire Guptkashi alone counts 78 missing. detailed discussion on the future of State. The catchments of many Uttarakhand’s tourism industry is smaller rivers also witnessed flash The tragedy of the families not possible here but it is clear that it floods but the media has yet to report dependent on religious tourism for requires a radical overhaul. With the on the destruction there. Eyewitness much of their annual income is ineptness of the State government accounts being gathered by official compounded by the fact that the now fully exposed, new policies for agencies and voluntary organisations yatra season is over for the year, and the revival of tourism in Uttarakhand have reported devastation from more is unlikely to resume even next year must follow an open debate. than 200 villages so far and more given the destruction of the roads affected villages are being reported and bridges in the upper reaches. The impact of the floods on every day. Villagers whose homes, Several thousand Char Dham valley Uttarakhand’s tourism leads to lands and animals have been swept families will now fall below the larger questions of what kind of away by the floods are in a state poverty line. Till the revival of the development Himalayan States of shock trying to imagine day-to- yatras, what will be the alternative should pursue. Before delving into day survival without their basic sources of employment for the newly that, it is important to understand the livelihood assets. unemployed? Most likely we will nature of the rainfall that deluged see increased male outmigration the State. Already several voices are The national media’s focus on from the region. arguing that the deluge is a random, the plight of tourists has grossly ‘freak’ event. Odisha’s super cyclone distorted the true nature of the Last week’s disaster not only spelt in 1999, torrential rains in Mumbai tragedy even in the Char Dham doom for thousands of household in 2005, and now the Uttarakhand area. It has not reported on the fate economies but also dealt a grievous downpour constitute three clear of the thousands — almost all male blow to Uttarakhand’s lucrative weather related events in less than — who come from the villages in religious tourism industry. With the 15 years, each causing massive these valleys (and elsewhere) to earn media focus almost exclusively on destruction or dislocation in India. a major part of their families’ annual the fate of pilgrims, the scenes of the These can hardly be called ‘freak’ income on the yatra routes during deluge and its aftermath will linger events. 10 JANATA, June 30, 2013

Several reports from the example for the world of what (Continued from Page 6) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate people-centric development could to them? What we are doing under Change (IPCC) have repeatedly look like. their watch, here ‘their’ means the warned that extreme weather ruling elite of rich countries, is re- incidents will become more frequent But in the 13 years after statehood, the leadership of the State has enslaving ourselves, re-creating the with global warming. We are already old imperial relations. riding the global warming curve. We succumbed to the conventional model of development with its will have to take into account the Basically, it is a fight for our familiar and single-minded goal likelihood of more frequent extreme soul, our freedom to determine our of creating monetary wealth. With weather events when planning for fate. The rupee slide is exposing as utter disregard for the State’s development, especially in the nothing else our vulnerability, the mountain character and its delicate fragile Himalayan region where vulnerability of our economy. Our ecosystems, successive governments crumbling mountains become ruling elite, instead of deciding to have blindly pushed roads, dams, murderous. reduce, end this vulnerability, is tunnels, bridges and unsafe buildings bent upon adding to it. The people of In the 1990s, when the demand for even in the most fragile regions. this country have to warn the rulers a separate State gained momentum, that it will not allow their rich – the at conferences, meetings, workshops In the process, denuded mountains rich of the rich countries – to rob and seminars, Uttarakhandi have remained deforested, roads our poor via our rich, helped and people repeatedly described the designed to minimise expenditure egged on by our government. This special character of the region. rather than enhance safety have has to end and we have to regain Consciousness created by the endangered human lives, tunnels our freedom. The road block will be pioneering Chipko Andolan raised blasted into mountainsides have our rich, our government flattened the hopes of village women that further weakened the fragile slopes corporate sector, our rulers. But their new State would pursue a green and dried up springs, ill-conceived they can be taken care of by our masses, our people. Our people development path, where denuded hydropower projects have destroyed will have to decide that they will slopes would be reforested, where rivers and their ecosystems, and not buy foreign goods, not invest in fuel wood and fodder would be hotels and land developers have encroached on river banks. the private corporate sector, not get plentiful in their own village forests, tempted by the ads and buy more where community ownership of Yes, wealth has been generated than required of any goods. We will these forests would provide their but the beneficiaries are very few have to reinvent, re-popularize the men with forest products-based — mainly in the towns and cities of instrument of boycott, that we used employment near their villages the southern terai plains and valleys during the freedom movement. The instead of forcing them to migrate where production investments have state is pathologically powerful to the plains, where afforestation concentrated. In the mountain enough to help our rich, but is and watershed development would villages, agricultural production shamefully supine to prostate itself revive their dry springs and dying has shrivelled, women still trudge for the glory of the rich. No more. rain-fed rivers, and where the the mountain slopes in search of We the people of India are the rulers, scourge of drunken, violent men fodder, fuel wood and water, and not its creation – the state. would be overcome. entire families wait longingly for an –Gunesh Prasade Year after year — in cities, opportunity to escape to the plains. Janata Subscription Annual Rs. : 260/- towns and villages — they led Last week’s floods have sounded Three Years : 750/- demonstrations demanding a an alarm bell. To pursue development mountain state of their own. Theirs without concern for the fragile Demand Draft / Cheque on was a vision of development that Himalayan environment is to invite Mumbai Bank would first enhance the human, disaster. Eco-sensitive development in favour of social and natural capital of the may mean a slower monetary growth JANATA TRUST State. Recalling the tremendous rate but a more sustainable and D-15, Ganesh Prasad, worldwide impact of the Chipko equitable one. movement, Uttarakhandi women Naushir Bharucha Marg, dreamed of setting yet another - The HINDU Mumbai 400 007 JANATA, June 30, 2013 11

Document Let us build a new India

The UPA Government recently Narendra Modi, do not have any new Parshuram Jayanti, all the political celebrated the completion of its vision. If elected, both will serve the parties of Uttar Pradesh, the BSP, nine years. It was highlighted that interest of the business corporations SP, BJP and Congress, organized this government has the distinction and US imperialism, not the Indian grand Brahmin conferences. All the of the longest tenure since 1977. people. Their development models parties seemed to vie with each other If the period of Emergency is not are almost the same, the one which to eulogize the Brahmin community. counted in the tenure of Indira has already played havoc with the It is a pity, since BSP was originally Gandhi(1966-77), soon Manmohan nation and its people. It is also clear established by Kanshiram as a Singh will become the longest serving that mere new blood in politics will movement against Brahminism and prime minister of independent India not make any difference. What is Manuism. Socialist Leader Ram after Jawahar Lal Nehru. It is an needed is a new and radical vision, a Manohar Lohia was one of the chief irony that the most corrupt and anti- leadership emerging from the people exponents of the war against caste people government of India is going and dedicated to the people, and a system. to complete its second term and mass movement for change. there has been no serious political The newer parties are no different. challenge to it. It is also ironic that Also needed is a new political Loksatta Party was formed recently the person democratically ruling culture and new style of functioning. by an ex-IAS officer. One of its over the country for the second Politics of existing mainstream candidates in the recent Karnataka longest term is the one who does parties is conducted from the top, Assembly election wrote against not have an independent personality it is detached and away from the dalit reservation on his Facebook or ideology, who has not been people, and full with opportunism, page. He also expressed his able to win a single dynasties and defection. It is devoid opposition to certain IPC sections and who can not deliver a good of any values or principles. These which criminalized cruelty against speech in public meetings. His Job parties and their leaders use money, women. Another candidate of the is to implement policies of World (mostly black money), muscle, caste party expressed her fascination Bank-IMF-USA in India. He can be and communalism to win elections. for RSS. A third candidate praised reasonably called their agent. That is why the grip of capitalists Narendra Modi in her Facebook and criminals over politics is update. When the updates became This serious and pitiable state increasing. It has become a vicious matter of embarrassment for the of affairs has arisen due to the circle. Candidates spend crores of party, its president Dr Jayprakash decay of Indian politics. All the rupees in elections. When they get Narayan removed the first candidate mainstream parties have become elected they try to earn many times and asked the other two candidates almost similar. There is not much more or favour those who have to remove the objectionable contents difference in their policies, character invested money in their elections. from their Facebook profile. Thus and style of functioning. All of Elections have become a business merely bringing together different them are promoting the policies and a gamble. Without breaking this people with different ideas cannot of capitalist globalization. The vicious circle, Indian politics cannot create new politics. Rather a present political system has no real deliver anything good. This vicious mutually consistent progressive alternative. Not only BJP but other circle can be broken only with the ideology is required. No revolution parties and leaders such as Nitish mobilization of the masses, their can take place without an ideology. Kumar, Jaylalitha, Mayawati, Navin organized power and big movements Patnaik, Akhilesh Yadav, Omar dedicated for change. Same is the case with the anti- Abdullah have also disappointed corruption movement and the party the nation. The two personalities The great downfall of Indian emerging out of it. Corruption is being projected as future prime Politics is indicated by a recent a serious problem. But corruption minister of India, Rahul Gandhi and example. On the occasion of is actually a symptom of a grave 12 JANATA, June 30, 2013 disease afflicting the society. We Internet for its mobilization. But Vidyalayas and certain laws like cannot treat a disease by merely 90% of Indian population is still Right to Education, Forest Rights Act, treating its symptoms. It is really outside the reach of Internet. The Right to Information Act, Domestic surprising that the leaders and discussion on Internet has its own Violence Act and proposed Food the exponents of the movement limitations. 95% of these discussions Security Bill as its achievements. never felt it necessary to discuss are in English. They are often full These programs and the laws may and debate the roots of corruption. with caste and class prejudices. Still have achieved something. But They did not organize even a single this new medium of communication even those who conceptualized and seminar on the issue. They are yet has its own importance among the campaigned for them are getting to take a clear stand on the issues of youth, and it should be used keeping disillusioned. This is indicated by class and gender inequality, caste in mind these limitations. the recent resignation of Aruna Roy system, globalization or modern from National Advisory Council development model. Thirdly, rise of middle class is headed by Sonia Gandhi. In fact, the mostly visible in the Metropolitan problem is that the basic policies of The Rise of the Middle Class cities. Although the population of the government are severely anti- The rise of middle class is a metropolitan cities has swelled people. The faulty development matter of discussion these days. It considerably in recent times, but model combined with the capitalist is said that they will play a decisive still it constitutes less than 10% globalization has promoted role in Indian politics in coming of the country’s population. The inequality, impoverishment, days. The middle class has shown conditions, circumstances and issues malnutrition, unemployment, its strength in the anti-corruption in the metropolitan areas, middle inflation and displacement, besides movement and surge against 16 cities, small cities, towns, villages destroying the environment. It has December gang rape incident in and tribal areas are quite different. also taken the corruption to a new Delhi. Samajwadi Jan Parishad height. The ill effects of the LPG welcomes this new consciousness Only if the rising consciousness policies are almost clear after the of the middle class. It indicates of the middle class aligns itself experience of the last two decades. that the people are finally getting with the concerns and problems Still the Government of India has disillusioned with globalization. The of farmers, workers, tribals, dalits refused to learn any lesson and is crisis is getting so much widespread and poor, it can serve as an agent of progressing on the suicidal path. that even the middle class cannot change. Today possibility of such To cover the ill effects of these remain silent and indifferent and a thing to happen is quite high but policies and to give a human face to they hit the streets. conscious effort is required. Further globalization such programs were it is also clear that the major forces launched. But the damage is so SJP has maintained that a big of change lie in the organization high that such small measures could revolutionary change cannot happen and struggles of the havenots, dalits, provide no relief. It is very obvious without the participation of the poor and other depressed classes. In that the capitalist globalization middle class. This class will be a absence of these forces the change cannot have any human face. Change source of many dedicated comrades will be incomplete and superficial. in the basic policy of globalization is and supporters. But few facts have to the only solution. be kept in mind in this regard: Human Face of Globalization is not Possible Capitalist Globalization and Firstly, the class that is labeled Recently UPA has started a chain the development promoted by it is as middle class is actually not in the of propaganda in the name of ‘Bharat causing havoc to the lives of the middle of the population. 75% of Nirman’. It reminds us of a similar people. The people are forced to the country’s population lies below campaign of ‘India Shining’ by struggle for their existence. Farmers it. Hence statistically speaking, this NDA government. Perhaps the UPA are forced to commit suicide due middle class is actually a part of the government is destined to a similar to crisis in agriculture. People are upper class. fate. fighting at Naiyamgiri, POSCO, Narmada Valley, Kundankulam, Secondly, it is a ‘virtual’ middle Central Government is projecting Lower Suktal, Chutka, Manesar and class and largely dependent on MNREGA, ICDS, Kasturba Kanya many more places. The Governments JANATA, June 30, 2013 13 are also supporting the companies to against dictators in Arab Countries their miseries do not end. In such exploit the workers and crush them. like Tunisia and Egypt in recent circumstances, they sometimes side The greatest evidence is the recent times. But the newly elected with reactionary and fundamentalist incident at Maruti Factory. The government in Egypt is also clashing forces. impact of so called labor reforms, with the people. There has also been outsourcing and contracting is news of clash from Turkey. The In fact, democratic revolutions that the real wages have actually most unfortunate condition prevails are important, and a step forward, decreased rather than increasing. in South Africa where a number of but they are not enough. Along The case of MNREGA is a typical mine workers were killed recently with these democratic revolutions, example where the government itself by the police. South Africa got its the socio-economic structure and is paying less than the statutory independence after a long struggle development model must also minimum wages. This is the real face against apartheid. But situation change. Then only the people of capitalism. remained almost the same even after will be liberated from misery and independence. Inequality, poverty democracy will get stabilized. To Ironically the ruling class of India and exploitation still prevail in South bring such a change the revolution which includes the leaders of the Africa. has to fight against the forces of major national parties, bureaucrats globalization and imperialism. The and intellectuals are running after The condition of Bangladesh is governments of Bangladesh, South capitalism at such time when the not very different. The factories Africa or India instead of opposing countries lying at the top of the manufacturing apparels for export these forces act as their agents. capitalism themselves are facing are having accidents one after severe crises. The crisis that started the other, killing hundreds and Socio-Religious in USA has now gripped Europe. thousands of workers. The working Reform Movements Millions of people are protesting in conditions in these factories are very The rise of fundamentalism at these countries against the system. pathetic. In order to provide cheap the global level can also be seen Innovative movements like ‘Occupy goods to European countries and in this context. When Western Wall Street’ are taking place. The America the companies are involved culture, capitalist globalisation Latin American countries that were in severe inhuman exploitation of and imperialism hurt the people, once considered as backyard of the workers. In Bangladesh in the their identity and their culture, USA are today protesting against form of Sahbad Movement the Youth and progressive ideology and globalization and American is rising against fundamentalist movements fail to provide a way out, imperialism. The new experiments forces. They are demanding to put then people seek refuge in religion of socialism are taking place there. the convicts of 1971 Mukti Sangram and tradition. Fundamentalist forces The important point here is that such to trial. But on the other side the use this opportunity. These forces are changes are coming through ballot, common poor people of Bangladesh promoted by the vested interests, but not the bullet. Various ex-guerrilla are showing support for Jamayte it is also a failure of the progressive leaders have today become elected Islami. Awami Leag, the party in movements. members of the Government and are power in Bangladesh is like Indian implementing policies in favor of the National Congress of India. Both For a long time, the leftist people. There may be some lacunas pretend to be a secular, but are groups have criticized and rejected in the Latin American Model and due surrounded by corruption and their religion considering it reactionary. to differences in the circumstances, it economic policies are increasing the Something like religion is a need cannot be replicated easily in other misery of the people. of the human society and its role countries. But the important thing is not always reactionary. Human is that they raised new hopes and Most of the South Asia (India, beings cannot cut themselves struggle for alternative to capitalism Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, from their tradition. That is why has gained new strength. Afghanistan, Nepal, Myanmar) is religion, tradition and culture should facing a similar dilemma. People not be outrightly opposed, but The Limitation of fight for independence, they revolt their progressive elements and Democratic Revolutions against dictators, they remove streams should be encouraged. An There were successful uprisings anti-people governments, but still attempt is needed to purge them 14 JANATA, June 30, 2013 from hypocrisy, superstitions, a holistic movement to build a new crucial moment for our country obscurantism, communalism and egalitarian society. as well as the world. The crisis inequalities. in capitalist civilization and Language Question the subsequent disillusionment In other words, today there is a Samajwadi Jan Parishad supports has created an opportunity for need for a socio-religious reform the six months long agitation by working towards a new, better moment which will be part of the Shyam Rudra Pathak to demand that and egalitarian society. There wider overall change. the High Courts and the Supreme are two important requirements Court function in Indian languages. for using this opportunity. One, Women and Caste It is shameful that after 66 years of clarity of thoughts and direction The incident of gang rape independence, a foreign language, of the alternative: Due to the lack of a young lady in Delhi on 16 language of our masters, is still of the ideological clarity and a December 2012 gave rise to a new ruling our country. The dominance clear vision, many big movements awareness on issues of crime against of English has increased further have deviated from their goals women and gender discrimination. in recent times. That is a cause of and disintegrated. Secondly, all Samajwadi Jan Parishad welcomes concern. Samajwadi Jan Parishad people’s struggles, organizations, this. Perhaps for the first time believes that English should be campaigns, groups and individuals women’s issues have become part replaced by Indian languages, should join together to build an all- of the mainstream discourse. But including those called dialects, the India movement. They are agitating the feminist movement has to languages people really speak. Then on different issues or campaigning mobilize and involve women at the only there will be true participation or doing constructive work. If they lower stratum of the society and join and empowerment of people and want their goals to be achieved, then forces with the other movements of meaningful education. There are they have to join forces to create a the poor and oppressed to carry many movements and campaigns new system. forward this movement. for recognition and promotion of these local languages and dialects. In the context of India, drawing This is also true of the movements SJP calls these groups to come inspiration from our independence of Dalit and backward castes. together to strive to build a new movement, but at the same time Caste system is becoming more India. entrenched rather than weakening. going ahead of it, we have to Caste atrocities continue even The privatization and launch another sort of independence today. The difference is that now commercialization of education, movement, so that a new India can depressed castes are organizing health and water has played havoc be built. This new India will be themselves (individually, rather than in the lives of the people. The based on a new development model collectively) to bargain for electoral opening of each and every aspect and values of equality, liberty, tickets and posts in governments or of our lives to the global market simplicity, democracy, diversity, at best reservation for their caste. has caused grave problems and plurality and decentralization. When such depressed caste leaders distortions. The IPL fixing scam is This struggle will necessarily be reach the top, they imitate Dvija a recent example. Sports, education, multi-dimensional, involve the leaders in amassing wealth, living knowledge, health, social service, participation of diverse groups at a luxurious life, self-glorification religion, politics, nature, all are the grass root level, and will be and personality cult. Their style of becoming victims of the forces of broadly non-violent and democratic. functioning is no different. profiteering. People are fighting Samajwadi Jan Parishad calls upon against them at various places and all patriotic and humanitarian The original idea of Dalits, levels, but it is high time that they individuals and groups to join backwards, minorities, poor and struggle jointly against the capitalist together towards this goal. women joining forces to break the globalization. stranglehold of the Brahminical (Political Resolution adopted system and the caste system has The Time Is Now at the National Conference of been lost somewhere. There is a Samajwadi Jan Parishad Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Varanasi, need to revive it and to strengthen believes that this is a delicate and 11-12 June 2013) JANATA, June 30, 2013 15 Modi virsus Rahul ? Thomas Kocherry,

BJP is projecting Modi and and prophetical character in each education for all, water for all, health Congress is projecting Rahul as religion is given way to the ritualism for all, houses for all, as a mandate their leaders. As far as the majority and dogmas in each religion. The from the Indian Constitution. We of the people are concerned what history of Islam and Christianity have to rise above seven deadly sins is the difference? As far as the shows how they murdered the as earmarked by the Mahatma: Globalization and Capitalism are opponents. However, the majority concerned both are in the same communalism is more dangerous “Wealth without work Pleasure boat. Both are competing with than minority communalisms. without conscience Science without each other on the issue of free humanity Knowledge without movement of Capital to make profit What we need today in India is an character Politics without principle at the expense of the vast majority, inclusive economy and development. Commerce without morality Worship who do not have the wherewithal That means true land reforms, without sacrifice.” to meet the basic needs of decent life. There is no social justice and (Continued from Page 5) distributive justice in India. The them are cumulatively affecting our of wealth, health, education and Globalization is organically linked domestic economy and prices and future of progeny. Sooner we realise with corruption amounting to lakhs the common man is paying in real this and reformulate our policies, and lakhs of crores of rupees. terms by foregoing his opportunities the better. There is no ethics. Both are trying growth model that depletes Natural Resources. Even after 73 years Indian Socialists In dialogue with since the Independence, both are not capable of bringing about Land Gandhi and Ambedkar Reforms as envisaged by the Indian Constitution. by Bapu Heddurshetti What is the difference? Congress is accusing BJP that it is communal. BJP is playing the card that it is Published by nationalist and belonging to the WordsWorth India, majority religion - Hinduism. The D-31, Oxford Apartments two outstanding examples used 11, I. P. Extension against each other by Rahul party and Modi party are: the killing Delhi – 110092 (INDIA) of Muslims after Godhra and the Email: killing of Sikhs after Indira Gandhi’s [email protected] murder. Both are in the same soup. Directly or indirectly both are Website: playing majority card and at the www.wordsworthindia.com same time trying to appease the minorities. ISBN: 978-93-82955-01-6 On the other hand fundamentalism is on the rise in all the three religions Price: Rs. 245/- - Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. All the three religions are using ritualism and dogmas to appease the Copies can also be had from majority in their respective domains. Bapu Heddurshetti They are bothered about quantity 26, 6th Main, P.G.Halli, Bangalore-560 003 rather than quality. The radicalism R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, June 30, 2013 P.R. No. MH/MR/WEST/275/2012-2014. Published on Sunday, June 30, 2013 & Posted on Wednesday July 3, 2013 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

*$1121'81.(5/(< &2/7' $Q,62±&RPSDQ\ 

5(*,67(5('2)),&(

1(:(;&(/6,25%8,/',1*5')/225$.1$<$.0$5* )257080%$,±

7(/)$;

:HEVLWHJDQQRQGXQNHUOH\FRP

(PDLO JGKR#PWQOQHWLQ

*$11216 $5( 63(&,$/,676 ,1 ,1'8675,$/ 6758&785(6 52$'6 %5,'*(6 5&& $1' 35(675(66(' &21&5(7(  5$,/:$< 75$&.6 7+(50$/ 32:(5 )(57,/,=(5 &+(0,&$/ 3$3(5 $1' &(0(17 3/$176 :$7(5  :$67( :$7(5 75($70(17 3/$176 3,/,1* )281'$7,21 )281'$7,21(1*,1((5,1*

*$11216 $5(( $/62 3,21((56 ,1 0$7(5,$/ +$1'(/,1* :25.6 0$18)$&785( 2) 35(675(66(' &21&5(7( 6/((3(56 (5(&7,21 2) 0(&+$1,&$/ (48,30(176  3,3,1* $1' 6833/< 2) 7(;7,/( 0$&+,1(5<$1'/,*+7(1*,1((5,1*,7(06

2)),&(6$7

$+0('$%$'&+(11$,&2,0%$725(+<'(5$%$' .2/.$7$080%$,1(:'(/+, 

Printed and Published by G.G. Parikh on behalf of Janata Trust. Printed at Mouj Printing Bureau, Khatau Wadi, Girgaum, Mumbai-400 004 and published at D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg (Sleater Road), Mumbai - 400 007.