Vol: 26 | No. 8 | August 2018| R20

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Cover Story THE LONE RANGER His crusade against corruption across party line makes him stand out. Why isn’t BJP bringing him into the mainstream? Thank You BIPL %DODML,QIUD3URMHFWV/LPLWHG www.balaji.co.in www.dighiport.in editorial political club, Mumbai RNI UP–ENG 70032/92, Volume 26, No 8 commercial syndicates have EDITOR Prashant Tewari Associate Editor common agenda –Target Swamy Dr Rahul Misra r Subramanium Swamy is a target of deeper nexus between Delhi darbar Political Editor and Mumbai syndicate. Despite his formidable credentials, corrupt lobbies Prakhar Misra have successfully kept him out of ministerial office during the current re- BUREAU CHIEF D Anshuman Dogra (DELHI), Diwakar Shetty gime. It reminded us of the political conspiracies during Subhash Chandra Bose and (MUMBAI), Sidhartha Sharma (), Syama Prasad era when both the leaders were systematically phased out Lakshmi Devi ( ) DIvyash Bajpai of the mainstream politics by a stronger cunning political and (USA), KAPIL DUDAKIA (UNITED KINGDOM) Rajiv Agnihotri (MAURITIUS), Romil Raj business syndicate. Surprisingly, RSS has endorsed his can- Bhagat (), Herman Silochan (CANADA), didature yet it was blocked successfully. Prime Minister Modi Dr Shiv Kumar (AUS/NZ), Nithya Ramesh has done tremendous hard work single handedly without any (Fashion & Entertainment ) talent in the cabinet with exception of few but he is a human Content partner being with limitations too. The results of upcoming general Pratham Pravakta elections will show the shortcoming in the approach of gov- Legal Advisors ernance that people expected while voting for Vishnu Sharma Adv in 2014. Personally, I don’t like his approach of targeting indi- Vijai Krishna Adv viduals but his commitment to national interest is beyond any Advertisement / Marketing Director doubt. Swamy’s lack of fear has its basis in his uncompromising honesty. “I cannot Diwakar Shetty Gopal Chopra be bought off, and both the netas and industrialists know that. So no one offers me anything,” he says with a smile. Seeing some skepticism, he adds: “If I had done Administrative Director Amit Pandey anything wrong, I would have been in prison long ago.” He has a point, since he’s Bal Mukund Gaur under scrutiny by industry and politicians, both seeking to bring him down. That Corporate Communication / PR they haven’t succeeded so far proves his contention. Despite Swamy’s formidable Sanjay Mendiratta intellectual abilities and personal integrity, he has failed to capitalize it in political M M Upadhaya arena. His open arm approach, simple going attitude and blunt speeches have been Graphics & Design Writeword Commuications (Studio 8) an obstacle in scaling the political ladder of ’s apex power zone. Swamy is largely misunderstood by his own party leaders due to insecurities that they carry Photographer Ratan Shukla within themselves. Today Swamy is perhaps the most popular leader in India after Overseas Marketing Narendra Modi. The RSS being the ideologue of BJP have realized the value of Dr OEMCL Ltd (Mauritius), OEHCL ltd (DUBAI) Swamy and it was RSS in 2014 that forced BJP leadership to welcome Dr Swamy Advertisement / Circulation: in party to gain pan India footprint. It was RSS that forced the BJP leadership to Delhi / NCR - Hemant Sharma: D 239 offer seat to Dr Swamy in 2016 in spite of huge resentment within the Defence Colony 110024 INDIA Tel – 011 49060350 BJP leadership opposed to the entry of Swamy in the upper house of Parliament. Mumbai - Vijay Kalantri – Advisor: New Dr. is a lone warrior who is fighting alone for many battles in ExcelsIor BUILDING, 6tH Floor, A.K. NAYAK the national interest. As we are approaching the next general elections in 2019, BJP MARG, Fort, MUMBAI - 400001 (INDIA). leadership must introspect how badly they have missed the services of Swamy? Yet Phone: 91 - 22 - 22019265 / 22019160 again, the sad story of Subhash Chandra Bose and Syama Prasad Mookerjee is rep- FAX : 91-22- 22019764 / 22019760 licated in modern times. The world class economist, seasoned politician, trained The magazine is published and printed by Rajiv Agnihotri for Opinion Express Communications diplomat and anti–corruption crusader is left alone to fight the epic battle on his & Entertainments Pvt Ltd, from Kumpu Graphic own for his countrymen. However, Swamy is confident that in this battle of right Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow & printed at and wrong, he will have the last laugh. We have included a short interview with Dr Kumpu Graphic Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow – 226001 Tele : 91-522-4060880 & Swamy with the cover article that gives an overall perception of his personality and Nikhil Offset An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certified thought process, it is a must read. Company 223, DSIDC Complex, Okhla Industrial Another interesting political story building up in Delhi is the that former Presi- Area Phase - I, New Delhi - 110020 Tele : 91- dent of India and perhaps the most competent political leader of present times 26812316, 26810097, 26810458, FAX:91 45792362 E-Mail : [email protected], is playing a significant role in bringing non-Congress, non-BJP [email protected] leaders together to form an alternative front ahead of 2019. He was surprisingly in- Registered Office: OPINION EXPRESS HOUSE vited as the chief guest at RSS event recently. Pranab Mukherjee has sent out signals 24-A Clyde Road, Lucknow-226001 (India) Phone: 91-522-4060880 that he is not a write-off just yet. While many are stumped in the Congress party, the Fax: 91-522-2208242 # 24x7 move is seen as a clear indication that former first Citizen Mukherjee is asserting an mobility +91 9984437000 identity independent of the Congress, his party of over five decades. Recently various email: [email protected] political heavy weights across party lines have confirmed that the 82-year-old is play- All disputes are subject to be under jurisdiction of courts in Delhi. ing a significant role in bringing non-Congress, non-BJP leaders together to form All content published may be subject to copyright, an alternative front ahead of 2019. Some of those leaders went as far as to pitch the seek written permission to re-produce. Opinion former president as a potential prime ministerial candidate in 2019. Express is trade mark brand of Opinion Express —Prashant Tewari , Editor-in-Chief Communications & Entertainment Private Limited. Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 3 A Monthly News Magazine AUGUST 2018 Cover Story The Missing Link: Subramanian Swamy — The Story of A Lone Crusader P 5-15 Father of The Holy 16 Economic 26 44 River Reforms Pranab Yamuna: The sacred Recipe of Mukherjee, or the success for RSS and his persecute 20 BJP to ensure role for 2019 victory in 2019 India is a 28 priority destination for Korean businesses 42 Trendy Overview of SOPE generates 50 Montenegro goods and HOPE for the Trendy 35 service tax planet earth Khadi

4 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express Cover story The Missing Link The Story of A Lone Crusader Why has BJP sidelined its best brain? Does it realize its pitfalls?

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 5 Subhash Syama Swamy es of an expert in 2014. Today, BJP stands to lose its large core vote bank of middle class and trading community large- ubramanian Swamy is among the leading in- ly due to the poor management of economy. Surely, it could tellectual, academicians and politician of the have been addressed by a competent finance minister and present time. He is a rare combination of Sub- what better choice could there be but Dr Swamy. He would hash Chandra Bose’s aggression and Syama have simultaneously attacked the corrupt lobbies resulting in Prasad Mookerjee’s intellect. All the three creation of public goodwill for the Modi government. leaders have similar leadership traits and moral courage to stand for truth. As India is still looking to find out the reasons of Bose and Syama SPrasad’s mysterious deaths that cut short their bril- liant political careers and similarly country is look- ing for an answer from BJP as to why Dr Swamy is sidelined by PM Narendra Modi while selecting his cabinet colleagues in 2014 to cut short his best pe- riod of political life? Swamy aggression is largely appreciated by masses though it creates fear in his own party colleagues of being overshadowed by his persona. It is a known fact that Swamy’s name was suggested as Finance Minister by RSS top leadership in the midnight tussles at Gujarat Bhawan on May 25, 2014, but his name was forced out from the final list due to the tan- trums played by BJP Delhi gang members and vested corporate interests. It is extremely unfor- tunate that PM Narendra Modi did not opt for Dr Swamy for navigating the country’s economy. Surely, his availability in the party could have been better utilized than merely offering a Rajya Sabha seat to target traditional BJP political adversaries. To PM Narendra Modi’s credit, his government has performed well on all parameters except on the economic front, anti corruption action against corrupt leaders of UPA regime and J&K fiasco. This economic mess could have been avoided had Modi opted for the servic-

6 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express Dr Swamy is perhaps the most lit- erate politician of the present time in India. He has Bachelors Honours de- gree in Mathematics Hindu College, University of Delhi and master’s degree in Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. He was later recom- mended by Hendrik S. Houthakker at on a full Rockefeller scholarship where he received a PhD in Economics in 1965. His thesis adviser was Nobel Laureate . In July 1965, immediately after obtaining his PhD in economics from Harvard, Swamy joined the faculty of economics at the same institution as an assistant

It is extremely unfortunate that PM Narendra Modi did not opt for Dr Swamy for navigating the country’s economy. Surely, his availability in the party could have been better utilized than merely offering a Rajya Sabha seat to target traditional BJP political adversaries.

professor; in 1969, he was made an as- sociate professor. As associate profes- sor, he was invited by to occupy the chair on Chinese studies at the Delhi School of Economics. He ac- cepted the offer, and indeed he even travelled to India to take up the posi- tion, but his appointment was cancelled at the last minute due to his views on India’s economic policy and also its nuclear policy. At that time, India was partially oriented towards Socialism and the “command economy” model instituted by Nehru and Swamy was a believer in free markets. Thereafter, Swamy moved to the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and he was a full Professor of Mathematical Economics there from 1969 to the early 1970s. He was removed from the position by its board of governors in the early 1970s. The real turn in his political career came after his sacking from IIT but was le-

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 7 gally reinstated in the late 1990s by the eralization” in 1991 which dismantled . He continued the infamous “license raj” and paved in the position until 1991 when he re- Dr Swamy was a staunch the way for real economic growth in In- signed to become a cabinet minister. He opponent of Indira dia. The Architect for reforms was none served on the Board of Governors of the other than Dr Subramanian Swamy, off IIT, Delhi (1977–80) and on the Coun- Gandhi so the right wing course with PV Narsimha Rao politi- cil of IITs (1980–82). He also taught cal brilliance and administrative skills. economics courses in summer session political party Bharatiya Way back in the late 1960s Dr Swamy at Harvard until 2011. Jana Sangh sent him had done in-depth research in Indian Dr Swamy was a staunch opponent economy & presented his analysis in of so the right wing po- to Rajya Sabha – the the form of a comprehensive book titled litical party sent upper house of Indian “Indian Economic Planning: An Alter- him to Rajya Sabha – the upper house native Approach” in which he had given of Indian Parliament in 1974. He was Parliament in 1974. He a detailed blueprint & proposed dis- elected Member of Parliament five times mantling of “license raj” to revive entre- between 1974 and 1999. Swamy was a was elected Member of preneurship & boost Indian economy. hero during due to mav- Parliament five times By connecting the sequence of events, erick exit from the country and landing one cannot help but acknowledge that in Parliament and then again escape to between 1974 and 1999. Dr Subramanian Swamy was the brain- abroad. He was the Global Ambassador child behind the blueprint & the archi- of RSS against Emergency exposing In- tect of Indian economic reforms, which dira Gandhi. He has twice represented on Economic Co-operation between rescued our economy, dismantled li- the city of Mumbai (North East) during Developing countries (ECDC). Swamy cense raj, revived entrepreneurship, 1977 and 1980. Swamy has served as a also simplified trade procedures and boosted industry, reversed brain-drain, member of the Planning Commission of formulated a new export strategy which and our economy since then has been India and was a Cabinet Minister in the became the forerunner of trade reform scaling new heights.However, with this government. Earlier adopted subsequently. In 1994, Swamy formidable track record of exemplary in November 1978, Swamy was mem- was Chairman of the Commission on excellence: BJP leadership had other ber of the Group of Eminent Persons Labour Standards and International idea of economics. Swamy’s natural and was called to Geneva, Switzerland Trade set up by former Prime Minister claim to Ministry of Finance to address to prepare a report of the United Na- P. V. Narasimha Rao. However, his most several structural issues of the Indian tions (United Nations Conference on important contribution to Indian econ- economy and fix corrupt syndicate Trade and Development(UNCTAD)) omy has been that of the “Economic lib- groups operating in India was ignored

8 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express by the first BJP majority government in 2014. People in India and the global PIO population are extremely disap- Swamy’s natural claim to Ministry of Finance to pointed with the Prime Minister Modi decision to exclude Swamy from the address several structural issues of the Indian cabinet because Swamy enjoys tremen- economy and fix corrupt syndicate groups operating dous goodwill amongst liberal intellec- tuals in India and even more with the in India was ignored by the first BJP majority overseas Indians. government in 2014. People in India and the global Dr Swamy has written on foreign af- fairs of India dealing largely with Peo- PIO population are extremely disappointed with the ple’s Republic of (PRC), Prime Minister Modi decision to exclude Swamy and .In fact with his huge interna- tional experience,if put to effective use, from the cabinet because Swamy enjoys tremendous can be extremely beneficial in drafting the contemporary foreign policy of In- goodwill amongst liberal intellectuals in India and dia. He is a rare leader in India having even more with the overseas Indians. great relations with both USA and Chi- na. Swamy learned Chinese language to understand the political develop- its own nuclear equipment in order to was in attendance. Swamy made pio- ments in China, while closely tracking defend itself from any future external neering efforts towards India’s estab- the developments in China during the threats.However, Swamy has worked lishment of diplomatic relations with 1960s, Dr Swamy noticed that the Chi- towards normalising relations between Israel. In 1982, Swamy became the first nese were very serious about regular China and India. According to Swamy, Indian political leader to make a well- up-gradation of their military systems. the re-opening of the Kailash Mansaro- publicised trip to Israel, where he met In 1964, when China successfully test- var pilgrimage route was announced at with several important Israeli leaders ed its first nuclear weapon, Dr Swamy a meeting convened by the People’s Re- such as and then-Prime was one of the first visionaries in India public of China paramount leader Deng Minister . His efforts who realized that India also must have Xiaoping in April 1981, in which Swamy at normalising relations with Israel have

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 9 borne fruit with both India as well as politicians in concerned for Israel deciding in 1992 to facilitate the the welfare and human rights of Tam- The demolition man building of embassies in their respec- ils in , placing the onus on the Swamy’s transformation from a tive countries. Swamy, on several occa- LTTE for slightly idiosyncratic, outspoken, some- sions, has voiced support for the state of Dr Swamy strictly adheres to the times annoying politician to the man In- Sri Lanka in its role during Sri Lanka’s politics with principle and knowledge dia Inc. fears (and, grudgingly respects) protracted civil war with the LTTE, for with character. Swamy understood the started with the 2G spectrum scam in which he was criticised as “pro Lanka” power of the press to influence pub- 2010. Swamy’s activism in the 2G case by his political opponents domestically. lic opinion. And he has maintained resulted in licences worth Rs 9,000 crore In an interview given to The Sunday extremely close relations with media being cancelled. “I don’t care about what Leader newspaper, Swamy stated that friends in Delhi to articulate his views. money they lose,” says Swamy, who of- the Indian government should attend This is the single most relevant reason ten threatened to send Anil Ambani and the CHOGM meeting held in for Swamy’s glorious success in public Ratan Tata to prison during the 2G scan- despite stiff opposition from Indian life. dal (both Tata Tele and Reliance ADAG

10 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express had bought licenses). “The truth is more dent judicial system of India. In Oct 2014, the Supreme Court of India accepted important to me.” Dr Swamy has been Swamy filed a petition in Supreme Court Swamy’s petition against the Prime a lone crusader against mega corrup- praying for declaring Sections 499 and Minister’s Office in the 2G case, saying tion in India. In fact, a large section of 500 of the , that deal that all public authorities should give a the Indian population knows him as an with criminal defamation, as unconstitu- sanction within three months against anti-corruption crusader rather than an tional. In 1996, Swamy had filed a crimi- any public official if a request is made economist or politician. Swamy’s moral nal complaint against Jayalalitha which for prosecution.The Supreme Court said integrity is the strong trunk from which led to her prosecution, conviction and that Swamy had the locus standi to seek all the branches of his life grew. His in- sentencing to four years imprisonment sanction from the Prime Minister for the tegrity has many roots in the soil, in edu- by the trial court in 2014. Later, on May prosecution of A Raja in the 2G case. cation and in Bhagwad Gita. Swamy is a 11, 2015, a special Bench of the Karnata- Sanction by a competent authority for diehard nationalist and believes in one ka High Court set aside the trial court or- the prosecution of a public servant has India. Dr Swamy tirade against corrup- der convicting former Tamil Nadu Chief to be granted within a time frame, the tion was largely facilitated by indepen- Minister Jayalalitha, who was acquitted apex court said. Justice AK Ganguly said of all charges in the disproportionate as- that the sanction would be deemed to sets case. An Appeal against the High be granted if competent authority failed court verdict was filed in Supreme Court. to take a decision within four months. However, keeping personal differences Swamy’s arguments were that he wrote aside, he wished her a speedy recovery to the PMO on 29 November 2008, but it on her last illness and advised she visit was only on 19 March 2010 the PMO re- for plied that the plea treatment. The made by Swamy final verdict of was “premature” Supreme Court In fact, a large section as investigation came in Febru- was being carried ary, 2017 that in- of the Indian population out by the Central dicted Jayalalitha Bureau of Inves- posthumously knows him as an anti- tigation (CBI).His and upheld the corruption crusader relentless pursuit trial court judg- of truth may cost ment in toto. In rather than an economist corporate India. November 2008, or politician. Swamy’s After the telecom Swamy amongst scam, at stake is a others wrote the moral integrity is the $900 million (Rs first of five letters 5,643.9 crore) in- to Prime Minister strong trunk from which vestment of Eti- all the branches of his had in debt and seeking permis- equity into Jet, a sion to prosecute life grew. His integrity $30 million in- A. Raja in regard has many rootsin the vestment in the to 2G spectrum Air Asia deal, and case. After not soil, in education and in $100 million to receiving any re- be put in for the sponse, Swamy Bhagwad Gita Tata-Singapore decided to file a Airlines carrier. case on his own Apart from this, in the Supreme there’s also his Court of India regarding the matter, accusation that the sale of the Indian which then asked the Central Bureau telecom provider Aircel to Malaysia’s of Investigation to produce a detailed Maxis was manipulated to ensure that report on it.On 15 April 2011, he filed a Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and 206-page petition with PM Singh seek- his son Karti Chidambaram benefited ing permission to prosecute Sonia Gan- financially. He also accused the Chidam- dhi on charges of corruption. He also barams of money-laundering; this epic raised doubts regarding her acquisition battle is likely to come to a decisive con- of Indian citizenship. Swamy filed docu- clusion soon. ments in the court to prosecute Minister Swamy always stood for the indepen- of Home Affairs P. Chidambaram on 15 dence of institutions in India. He assisted January 2008 on various corruption Election Commission of India in improv- charges;Swamy placed on record the ing the transparency of voting system certified copy of the minutes of a meet- when he demanded that an independent ing between Chidambaram, Raja and the committee should be formed to check the Prime Minister during the tenure of Raja security and safety of the Electronic Vot- as the MOC&IT. On 31 January 2012, ing Machines (EVM) to avoid any rigging

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 11 or tampering. He argued that countries tar Pradesh. The acquired place was in- like US, Japan, UK, Germany and Neth- tended only for newspaper purposes but erlands have abandoned EVMs and are was used for running a passport office, using paper-ballot system and demanded amounting to rental income of lakhs of that a printed receipt should be given to rupees, it alleges. Swamy further added every voter after casting the vote. His PIL that hid the facts in his affi- to investigate the working of EVM was davit while filing nomination for the 2009 dismissed by the on 17 LokSabha elections.It further alleges that January 2012. The court refused to give on 26 February 2011 AJPL approved the any direction to the Election Commis- transfer of unsecured loan of ₹900 mil- sion to bring back paper-ballot system or lion (US$13 million) from the All India use of printed receipts. The Commission Congress Committee at zero interest. argued that the use of Swamy argued that paper is not feasible it is illegal for any due to the huge size of political party to Indian electorate. The The lend the loan as per court further asked violation of Section the Election Commis- case demolished 269T of Income Tax sion to “immediately credibility of apex Act 1961. On 2 No- begin a process of vember, the party wider consultations” Congress leadership. responded that the and the Parliament “to On 1 November loan was given only go into this question in for reviving National depth and decide”.On 2012 Swamy alleged Herald newspaper 22 January 2013 the with no commercial Election Commission that both Sonia and interest. Swamy de- informed the Supreme Rahul Gandhi have cided to approach Court that it would the Supreme Court include Voter Verifi- committed fraud and for de-recognising able Paper Audit Trail to a the Congress party, (VVPAT) system which while the Election is in the testing phase tune of ₹20 billion Commission or- after the court agreed (US$300 million) by dered the probe on ity of the population suffers, tiny minor- with some points 17 November 2012. ity of 3% is its principal beneficiary. The raised by Swamy who acquiring a public The hearing of the black economy as a percentage of na- was the contender, in case had been taken tional income (GDP) is supposed to have the machines so that ltd company called up thereafter on grown from about 3% in the mid fifties to every voter will come Associated Journals different occasions over 50% in the present times. Given its to know who he/she with the court ob- significant size, it is little wonder that the is voting by getting Private Ltd (AJPL) serving prima facie citizen’s life is affected by the black econ- a printed slip after through their owned evidence against omy at every step. Whether it is the land- pressing the EVM but- all the accused. On lord harassing the tenant for a higher rent ton. The voter paper private company 1 August 2014 the or the builder, broker and developer who audit trail has then Enforcement Di- cheat the public in the real estate mar- been in use from 4 rectorate initiated ket, or the trader who sells adulterated September 2013.On probe to find any stuff (food & medicine) or the restaurant 8 October 2013 the Supreme Court di- in the case while on owner who serves sub-standard food, the rected the Election Commission to imple- the same day Swamy was served notice public have no respite. Then there are ment audit trail system in 2014 general by the High Court. On 18 September 2015 mafia operating in slums that makes life election in phases. it was reported that the Enforcement Di- hell. All this encourages drugs peddling, The National Herald case demolished rectorate had reopened the investigation. prostitution, gambling, contract killings, credibility of apex Congress leadership. Following it, on 19 December 2015 Pa- petty crime and thefts. The corrupt police On 1 November 2012 Swamy alleged tiala House Court granted unconditional force provides no help and the citizens that both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have bail immediately on the hearing to all the are left with no justice. Even the justice committed fraud and land grabbing to a five accused but one. system is overpowered by the corruption tune of ₹20 billion (US$300 million) by Dr Swamy has fought an epic battle leading to increase in organized gangs, acquiring a public ltd company called against black money and corruption in terrorist groups, mafia formations, naxal Associated Journals Private Ltd (AJPL) India. According to Dr Swamy, the black activities. As the citizens are increasingly through their owned private company, economy in India is all pervasive, affect- getting cynical of the system, the only way Young Indian which was formed on 23 ing the day-to-day life of the common to restore their confidence is to attack the November 2010. Through this they had man. Be it the purchase of a house or a source of corruption with relentless zeal got publication rights of National Her- pin, people has to pay higher price either and conviction. We have to clean the po- ald and QuamiAwaz newspapers, with due to corruption or due to poor quality litical, administrative and judicial system real estate properties in Delhi and Ut- or due to a black premium. While major- to restore faith in common citizen of the

12 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express rule of law. Finally, the black economy filed a petition in the Supreme Court with the integration of the country, especially in India leads to inefficiency in the- sys priests of the dikshitars sect challenging when at the height of unrest in J&K and tem unlike in the developed world. The the decision of the LTTE era in Tamil NADU. In September time wasted due to non-functioning tele- on transferring the administration of the 2008, Swamy stridently retorted against phones, queues for payment of munici- Nataraja temple to the then Tamil Nadu the contentions of some Indian colum- pality bills, delays in banks, slow move- government in 2009.Swamy on referring nists who voiced their opinions in favor ment of materials for industry or trade to the provisions of Tamil Nadu Hindu of “peacefully” surrendering Kashmir to etc raises transaction costs all round. This Religious and Charitable Endowments Pakistan. He said,”I would say that the leads to low productivity, poor quality of Act, contended that PoduDikshitars have silent suffering majority of India wants goods& services and non-competitiveness right to administer the temple and ar- none of this. The ‘Kashmir issue,’ in fact, of exports (In spite of low wages). This gued on handing over the administration can no more be solved by dialogue ei- inefficiency is part and parcel of the exis- on mismanagement grounds of temple’s ther with the Pakistanis or the Hurriyat, tence of the black economy since people wealth is violation under article 26 of the leave alone the Constitutional impossi- pay extra for any work where additional . On 6 January 2014 bility of allowing it to secede. Kashmir, costs and hassles are involved. Swamy the Supreme Court ruled that the admin- in fact, is now our defining identity. It is has been the original campaigner against istration is to be handed over back to the a touchstone for our resolve to preserve corruption by bringing to light the 2G priests of the temple from the state gov- our national integrity. The population of case and coal scam. He founded Action ernment. Ayodhya temple case: On 22 that State may be majority Muslim but Committee against Corruption in India February 2016, Swamy filed a petition in the land and its history is predominantly (ACACI) on 14 October 2011 and acted the Supreme Court allowing construction Hindu. For our commitment to the sur- as a chairperson. ACACI’s goal is to take of Ram temple at the disputed site where vival of the ancient civilization of India specific action against corruption at very Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992, and the composite culture that secularists high places of government and Indian and expediting the adjudication related to talk of, we have not only to win that com- black money stashed abroad, Swamy is order of the Allahabad High Court on 30 ing inevitable war but also resolve never the petitioner in Supreme Court for the September 2010, petition was accepted to part with Kashmir. battle against corruption and it is due to on 26 February to be later heard by the Dr Swamy is the tallest Tamil leader his efforts that SIT was constituted by court. According to Dr Swamy, the Ram in BJP today. He is loved and hated by the Supreme Court to track black money in temple issue is a matter of faith rather a native Tamil population of Tamil Nadu India and abroad. simple land dispute, and majority Hindu largely due to his non-diplomatic pro– Swamy has defended the cause of community must get an access to huge Hindu political approach. Yet again, the in courts with extreme zeal to ram temple at the earliest. RSS / BJP leadership has relied on the become de-facto RSS ideologue. He had Swamy has extensively worked on likes of Gurumurthy and OPS/EPS com-

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 13 bine to expand party’s political base with an absolute failure at the ground polity of Tamil Nadu. Swamy is well known for his Swamy: Post- critical views against the “Aryan versus Dravidian” politics of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy calling it as the theory forwarded by the British administration and evangelists to divide and rule emergency, non- the people of Indian sub continent based on imaginary histo- ries and racial myths – to an extent of inventing an entirely new meritorious race called Dravidians. In late 1870’s: Bishop Caldwell became one of the pioneering missionaries in South India who shaped Chamchas were what now flourishes as the Dravidan identity. The concept of dissociating Tamils from mainstream Hindu spirituality pro- vided Caldwell an ethica rationale for Christian proselytization. promoted by Surely, it is the reason why missionaries have targeted Swamy for his hard-line approach on Hindu identity. And it would establishment have consolidated huge section of Tamil population in favour of BJP party struggling to find its foot prints in the state but You have seen pre & post emergency era of In- again BJP leadership had other ideas. He has been a staunch dia, what according to you have changed in INDIA opponent of the armed rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil post emergency? Eelam. He also urged the Indian government not to support Post emergency, non-meritorious chamchas were pro- the US led resolution condemning war crimes in the Sri Lankan moted by the establishment officially. The Congress party Civil War, citing it as one-sided and not in the interest of In- was gradually taken over by the private secretary, politi- dia. Swamy moved the court and got the order restoring quota cal advisers and has started ignoring mass based leaders, for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in colleges in the state.Swamy the process was facilitated faster by in the obtained Supreme Court Stay against the implementation of recent times. The institutions were attacked and politics Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP). He believes penetrated in constitutional positions. Unfortunately, the that it would hurt the sentiments of people who believe that process is the order of the day even now. this shallow land connecting between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lan- ka was built by god Ram. He strongly opposes the In a popular and large democratic country like implementation of SSCP citing that implementing this scheme India where regional divide, caste divide and re- will be a criminal offence under section 295 Indian Penal Code. ligious segregation are virtual realities, do you He wrote letters to in June 2009 asking think the exceptional merit and impeccable char- him to stop the project and had informed the Supreme Court acter of a leader can facilitate his journey to the on 14 October 2015 that the government may not continue with highest level in politics? the Sethusamudram Project. Yes, I see a struggle but ultimately, Swamy’s lack of fear has its basis in his uncompromising there is no alternate for talent. Q&A honesty. “I cannot be bought off, and both the netas and in- dustrialists know that. So no one offers me anything,” he says You are a mascot of India’s with a smile. Seeing some skepticism, he adds: “If I had done anti corruption movement but do you think it is anything wrong, I would have been in prison long ago.” He has a relevant issue to a large section of society, when a point, since he’s under scrutiny by industry and politicians, the leadership is build on caste and religious plat- both seeking to bring him down. That they haven’t succeeded forms? Glaring examples are Lalu Prasad Yadav so far proves his contention. Despite Swamy’s formidable in- in or DMK leadership in your state of Tamil tellectual abilities and personal integrity, he has failed to capi- Nadu? talize on it in political arena. His open arm approach, simple In a religious and caste ridden society, the first priority going attitude and blunt speeches have been an obstacle in of the voters is to select its own caste leader to establish scaling the political ladder of India’s apex power zone. Swamy superiority in the social order but the democracy in India is largely misunderstood by his own party leaders due to in- is maturing fast, the glaring example is the Narendra Modi securities that they carry within themselves. Today Swamy is Election of 2014. People are by and large dislike corrup- perhaps the most popular leader in India after Narendra Modi. tion and bad governance but there should be an alternate The RSS being the ideologue of BJPhave realized the value of to attract voters for cleaner politics. In 2014: Narendra Dr Swamy and it was RSS in 2014 that forced BJP leadership to Modi was the clear alternate and people from all sections welcome Dr Swamy in party to gain pan India footprint. It was of the society voted for him. RSS that forced the BJP leadership to offer Rajya Sabha seat to Dr Swamy in 2016 in spite of huge resentment within the BJP You are a bitter critic of leadership opposed to the entry of Swamy in the upper house and his socialist policy despite Nehru contrib- of Parliament. Dr. Subramanian Swamy is a lone warrior who uted in setting up industrial base of the country is fighting alone for many battles in the national interest. As we that brought scientific temper, world class institu- are approaching the next general elections in 2019, BJP leader- tions? ship must introspect how badly they have missed the services I have never opposed any individual in person, I am of Swamy? Yet again, the sad story of Subhash Chandra Bose opposed to ideology or policies of individuals. His adop- and Syama Prasad Mookerjee is replicated in modern times. tion of the Soviet economic model, with its neglect of ag- The world class economist, seasoned politician, trained diplo- riculture, quotas and licenses caused India’s GDP growth mat and anti–corruption crusader is left alone to fight the epic stunted at 3 ½ % per years rate for 40 years till my re- battle on his own for his countrymen. form blueprint developed as Minister in 1990-91 and cou-

14 November2017 Opinion Express rageously implemented by Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and raised resources by auctioning natural resources such as through Manmohan Singh during 1991-96 changed it over Spectrum and coal. I would have lowered interest rates to 9% 8% per year. During this period I also held a Cabinet rank as prime lending rate and raised fixed deposit rates to 9%. post in Rao’s government. R&D expenditures would be tax exempt while innovation development would get matching grants from government, How do you rate last four years of Modi govern- agriculture become global exporting sector, and got opened ment? colleges in such numbers especially by alumni of universities Except for gross economic mismanagement, I would give that Reservation quota would become redundant. full marks to Narendra Modi government. Although I must confess that PM selection of certain bureaucrats in the im- How do you assess the upcoming 2019 General portant positions has brought down the prestige of the gov- Elections? ernment. And the lack of talent in the present cabinet has If Hindutva agenda is implement such as adopting De- made the PM’s job more stressful. vanagari script as additional compulsory alphabetical script, encouraging by liberal grants teaching Sanskrit synonyms for Congress party utilized the services of economist English technical terms, abolition of Article 370, finding le- Dr Manmohan Singh extensively in the last three de- gal ways for building Ram Temple, ensuring fast tracking in cades, even to an extent of appointing him the Prime courts of my cases against the Gandhi family and Chidamba- Minister of the country. However, BJP had the equal- ram family, then majority in is certain. ly competent economist in you but they ignored the claim for the reasons best known to them. How do you think you would have planned the economy dif- Article complied with inputs from J Gopikrishnan – The ferently if you were to head the finance ministry? Pioneer, Dr Pradeep B & Dr Swamy interview conducted I would have reformed the tax system to make it simple by Prashant Tewari Editor-in-Chief of Opinion Express and incentive oriented such as abolition of income tax, re- Group. The feed-back can be shared at prashanttewari@ ducing indirect taxes to 22 commodities, zero tax on services, opinionexpress.in

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 15 Father of Economic Reforms PVR’s contribution to India’s economic reforms is second to none

Opinion Express Political Bureau nity to reform were available to prime of a long-standing BoP problem that ministers before 1991 – in fact, this was plagued Independent India, barring a June 2018 marked the 97th a much-discussed idea in the corridors few years. In the initial decades, budget birth anniversary of P.V. of power since the 1970s. However, deficit was met by concessional assis- 28 Narasimha Rao, the former 1991 saw the emergence of the third in- tance flowing into the country. By the Prime Minister of India, whose term gredient – the man – P.V. Narasimha 80s, deficit had to be met through non- from 1991 to 1996 laid the foundation Rao. Once Mr Rao assumed power, the concessional loans, mostly borrowed for the rapidly-growing Indian econ- miracle called economic transforma- at market terms from the IMF. The re- omy of today. One of the statesmen- tion happened, resulting in a paradigm sult was a debt-driven economy where politicians of India, Mr. Rao’s term as shift in the thinking of people not only borrowed foreign exchange loans were Prime Minister was one of the most within India but in the way other coun- used for imports as well as investments transformative periods in the history of tries perceived India. instead of growing the exports. This post-independent India. The catalyst for the reforms was the was a completely unsustainable model The idea of economic reforms was unprecedented economic crisis, in es- that led to the near collapse of the In- not new but its time came only in 1991. sence a Balance of Payments crisis, of dian economy. By 1990-91, most of It is said that if a miracle has to hap- 1991. Many economists have described these loans became due for repayment. pen three ingredients are needed – the this in great detail. Loans taken ear- Adding to the woes, the flight of NRI man, the moment and the idea. In this lier had to be repaid to IMF in dollars deposits and drastic reduction of dol- case, the last two ingredients – the idea and India simply didn’t have those dol- lar inflows from the Middle East NRIs of economic reforms and the opportu- lars. This crisis was the culmination because of the Gulf War aggravated the

16 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express situation. The final assault came from but also saw an opportunity to create a same objective as always – serving the the tripling of oil prices and consequent new economic structure. The reforms poorest of the poor and ensuring their depletion of foreign exchange reserves. demolished the three pillars of the old well-being. He stressed upon the dif- It was a crisis unprecedented in Inde- dispensation – state spending on the ferent roles of the market and the gov- pendent India. It was at this juncture public sector, shackled private sector ernment, explaining that they should that P.V. Narasimha Rao became the and the Indian economy getting cut off complement each other and not replace Prime Minister of the country. from the rest of the world. The new eco- each other. Within 45 days of taking over, Mr nomic policy of Liberalisation, Privati- He was always committed to in- Rao changed policy and procedure sation and Globalisation replaced the clusive growth, as clearly visible in his to accommodate liberalisation of the old model. thought and action in the5 years of his economy by bringing in trade reforms, tenure. His tenure has not only seen devaluation of rupee by 20%, tariffs and Reforms with a ‘Human economic reforms but also some firm subsidies, and introduced free exchange Face’ steps towards poverty alleviation. His regime. He unshackled the private sec- While ushering in such far-reach- speech in Davos 1993 clearly elucidates tor industry by abolishing the Licence ing reforms in the economy, Mr. Rao the thought behind the economic re- Permit Raj and by connecting it to the believed that creating wealth and its forms – “In the newfound enthusiasm global markets. He also allowed foreign redistribution equitably to the masses for change, the Government should not investment in literally every sector, save were two sides of the same coin and go overboard and plunge large chunks 18 specific areas. Narasimha Rao’s big were interdependent. He would go on of people into mass misery. We have to bang reforms were comprehensively to say at various fora that economic re- find solutions which involve reforms targeted to overcome the BoP crisis forms were the tools used to meet the but with a human face. Each society

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 17 has to find its middle way suited to its but most importantly, there has to be a genius and circumstance. We accept huge rural development programme. the change because it is necessary, not PV was therefore of He never believed in piecemeal rural because we are helpless – definitely not the opinion that while development. He advocated compre- because there is no other solution – hensive and overall development of all voluntary acceptance is the crux of the economic reforms the sectors contributing to the rural matter.” economy and rural welfare. He wanted PV was therefore of the opinion that result in accelerated clean water to be made available, wom- while economic reforms result in ac- development of en empowerment through DWCRA, im- celerated development of the economy, provements in primary health, primary simultaneously benefits should also ac- the economy, education, empowering of artisans, crue to the socially deprived section of simultaneously benefits animal husbandry, poultry, small and society – an idea that is an early expres- tiny scale industry, khadi and village in- sion of today’s catchphrase of ‘Inclusive should also accrue to the dustry, textiles, in fact, improvements Growth’. He believed that economic socially deprived section in every possible sector. Implementing reforms should not create disparity or such schemes for rural development create social tensions. The fruits of re- of society – an idea that would require huge funds. And so, the forms should reach the lowest rung in allocation of funds was increased to Rs the social pyramid and ensure that they is an early expression of 30000 crores in the Eighth Plan from become self-reliant and lead a life of today’s catchphrase of a mere Rs 7000 crores in the Seventh dignity and freedom. Not just inclusive Plan. Ambitious targets of Rs 60000 growth, his ideas of reform and develop- ‘Inclusive Growth’. crores were set for the Ninth Plan. But ment encompassed another buzzword where did these funds come from? The of today – ‘sustainable development’. answer to this question comes from Mr He strongly believed that the process Commitment to Rural De- Rao’s vision for economic reforms. For of economic reforms should depend on velopment the first time in the history of Indepen- three considerations – level of material His birth in a farmer’s family, his dent India, he proposed that the large benefit necessary for a human being to upbringing in rural India, and his own infrastructure projects hitherto being attain his full creativity, the level of ex- experiments in agriculture as a pro- funded by the State, instead be thrown ploitation of nature consistent with its gressive farmer left Mr Rao with strong open to the private sector and foreign need to replenish itself and the need to insights into the rural economy. He re- investors. As a result of this, it became ensure comparable benefits to the vast alised that if the country has to grow, in- possible to utilise the thousands of mass of people and life. frastructure has to grow, manufacturing crores, which would have been tied up has to grow for employment generation, in these projects, for rural development

18 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express and social welfare. He used to say, “Let the top be taken care of by private funds and we will take care of the grassroots.” The idea was to create more wealth for the country which could be effectively and meaningfully distributed between development and welfare.

Socialist or Capitalist? Naysayers have often accused the first generation economic reforms of 1991, and Mr Rao, of being pro-capital- ist. As evinced by the concept of ‘reforms with a human face’, and with his person- al commitment to rural development, it is clear that the reforms were neither capitalist nor socialist. If increasing the wealth of the nation is a capitalist idea, then the appropriate redistribu- tion of such wealth amongst the people is a form of socialism. Both go hand-in- hand. So was P.V. Narasimha Rao a so- cialist who went astray? Was he a capi- talist? Did he stay a staunch socialist? In my analysis, he was a social democrat who believed in hardcore pragmatism. Ultimately, no ‘ism’ mattered to him as long as his policies yielded results and benefited the poorest of the poor. The vision of the economic reforms was ul- timately to improve the lot of India’s economically backward population. Mr Rao braved many brickbats in attaining his vision. He was aware of the strong socialist-capitalist criticism he was fac- ing, but did not care as long as the com- mon man benefited. He quipped during the TATA Memorial Lecture 1999 – “I lost one job pursuing a so-called social- ist policy, and as though to compensate that, I lost the second one pursuing the capitalist policy!”

Remembering a great patri- ot-statesman which was hovering around Rs 3000 P.V. Narasimha Rao once said, “I crores in 1991 increased fifteen-fold by About the author: P. V. Prabha- have been a doer throughout my life, 1996. GDP grew from 3.5% to 7-7.5% kar Rao is the President of the Swami less of a talker and very few to talk for There was substantial increase in Ramananda Tirtha Institute of Socio- me.” In the years after his term as Prime growth figures of industry agriculture Economic Research and National In- Minister, this has largely been true. Mr and exports and the inflation almost tegration, a member of the Swami Rao has been ignored at best, and un- halved from the double digit figures of Ramananda Tirtha Memorial Com- fairly vilified at worst. It is only now 1991. The benefits of his policies are still mittee, and the Managing Director of that India is waking up to the fact that being enjoyed by the average Indian. a not-for-profit company he started this man’s foresight and vision paved The name P.V. Narasimha Rao in the name of his father, statesman the way to a better and greatly improved brings to our mind attributes like intel- politician Sri P.V. Narasimha Rao. (and still improving) India. He spelled lectual excellence, exceptional political Mr. Prabhakar Rao is very conversant out the most important decisions post- sagacity, and a man of learning. Above with post 1980s politics in India. In ad- Independence, so much so that if some- all it carries the image of a great Prime dition to his four-decade long career as one sits down to write the history of Minister who changed the destiny of an industrialist and entrepreneur, Mr post-Independence India, he will have millions of Indians through his poli- Rao assisted his father by coordinating to write it in two parts – pre Narasimha cies. It is time we honour a man who his activities with other senior political Rao’s term as PM and post Narasimha spent his life serving his country and dignitaries and bureaucrats, handling Rao’s Prime Ministership. The result of his fellow-citizens by awarding him the his media interactions, and collating his efforts is that the foreign exchange Bharat Ratna. data from the grassroots.

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 19 Recipe of success for BJP to ensure victory in 2019 As BJP gears up to defend its citadel at the Centre, here is a ready reckoner to follow

20 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express Abhishek Bhardwaj government has now come to an end. People and even the BJP are appearing There has been multi-faceted growth in complacent today. Although, the re- he Bharatiya led by India in these four years. Even though cently held state elections have mostly Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country is progressing at a never went in the favour of BJP the 2019 Lok Thad comfortably secured the ma- seen before pace and there is a definite Sabha elections will be a different game jority to form the government at the increase in how Indians and outsiders altogether. BJP cannot afford to show centre in 2014. BJP and PM Modi’s win look at India today, something seems laxity today, especially since there are in 2014 was historic and the decisive to be lacking. The urgency of the vot- talks of a united opposition doing the mandate made it clear that the people ers to get rid of Congress in 2014 had rounds in the political circles today and really wanted to see PM Modi in power. played an active part in BJP’s landslide the country has seen desperate opposi- Four of the five year term of the BJP win. That scenario has changed today. tion parties putting together rag-tag co- alition to stop the juggernaut of the BJP in various by-polls. From Mayawati and Akhilesh Ya- dav’s SP-BSP in to Lalu Yadav’s RJD in Bihar, leaders who have faced losses at the hands of BJP in state and Lok Sabha are trying to join hands. Congress too has been trying to get a piece of the united opposition game which has been going on for quite some time now. There definitely are visible

From Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav’s SP- BSP in Uttar Pradesh to Lalu Yadav’s RJD in Bihar, leaders who have faced losses at the hands of BJP in state and Lok Sabha are trying to join hands. Congress too has been trying to get a piece of the united opposition game which has been going on for quite some time now.

differences between the united opposi- tion leaders but there is also the chance that the collective fear against PM Modi led BJP could drive them towards join- ing hands for the polls to be held in 2019. BJP as a party should remain active in the public sphere and keep doing ac- tivities which resonate with the public on ground levels. Their focus should be on settling the Ram Janmbhoomi Temple issue before the elections. BJP should keep pushing forward for early judgment from the Supreme Court with no further delays in the hearings

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 21 if it wants to fulfill its election promise. decisions. Implementation of Uniform in a timely manner, preferably before The development of Hindu pilgrimages Civil Code throughout India could also the 2019 elections. It will clear the and a nationwide religious tourism cir- do the trick for BJP, UCC is necessary in clouds over what BJP has been accus- cuit starting from Ayodhya would give a diverse country like India to provide ing the Congress leaders of doing over them an added advantage. The Ram equal treatment to the citizens. the years. The corrupt Congress leaders Janmbhoomi issue has been raging on After the surgical strikes, the govern- will be face public humiliation and it for quite long now and political parties ment has somewhat softened its stance will further embolden the BJP workers have taken benefit from stretching the towards Pakistan. It should switch back who have fought for a corruption free matter for as long as possible. Congress, to offensive mode and suspend direct India. The party needs to keep pushing very recently, tried to put a stay on the talks with Pakistan until it takes sub- forward just like it did in the Lalu Yadav hearings of the Ayodhya Temple case. stantial action against the terror groups fodder scam case. Successful completion of the issue will operating from its soil. Ceasefire viola- The party will benefit immensely if repose the faith of the people in BJP tions from the Pakistani side of the bor- the economic offenders like Vijay Mal- and its promises. der have been going on for the longest lya and Nirav Modi could be brought BJP could try to bring about big possible time in Kashmir and other ar- back to India before the elections in policies to give further boost to the eas, a decisive surgical strike could be 2019. Kingfisher and Punjab National economy. The government could think carried out once again to put an end to Bank incidents had its seeds in the of something along the lines of Demon- the terrorism in Pakistan. This mes- Congress led UPA II regime but BJP etisation or creation of Special Eco- sage will go on to prove that BJP has could send a strong message by doing nomic Zones in all states of the country not softened its stance on terrorism and a decisive crackdown on them. Bring- to boost manufacturing and trade. One is not looking forward to appeasement ing them to justice would send a strong step that Modi government could push politics on the international level as was message that the BJP is not going to let for is bringing the petroleum products done by Congress in UPA II regime. the economic offenders relax under its within the purview of GST. Granting There are many ongoing cases rule. Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill of special status to states like Andhra against prominent Congress leaders has enabled the government to get hold Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the south like, Congress President Rahul Gandhi of their properties inside and out of the could also improve chances of BJP’s and Sonia Gandhi’s National Herald country but their arrest and deporta- win from these states. TDP is likely to case or P. Chidambaram’s 2G spec- tion will give the symbolic final stamp come back again to BJPs side following trum case and Aircel-Maxis case. BJP of crackdown. Public faith on BJP will the grant of special status while Tamil should push for expediting the judicial be reinforced and it will show in the Nadu is a swing state at the moment and process in these cases and make sure elections of 2019. BJP could gain massively from these that the guilty get their comeuppance —————

22 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express

It’s Modi vs The Rest The coalition against our PM is hinged on following points

Abhishek Tiwari tion and remain aligned with Muslim and there should be loots and arson on vote seeking parties . the roads so that people start loosing 1. To counter combined hindu fold, 6. Opposition is funding and pro- faith in the govt. and governance. create caste divides. moting anti establishment agitations 10. In the coming months congress 2. Since many muslims have been like statue of Ambedkar breaking and will try to create law and order issues, traditionally voting against B.J.P and defacement incidents etc and Kisan kisan agitations, rail agitations and la- Modi ji especially , opposition wants to riots to depict that Govt is elitist . It bour unrests to bring down the econo- further create a vote bank by promoting expects that state forces to control law my to discard the claim of good gover- and aligning Muslims with caste- domi- and order will further breed anti BJP nance and growth . nated parties. feelings among people . In case major- 11. Since the congress coalition com- 3. Opposition thinks that polariza- ity BJP states use force against back- prises of tarnished image leaders from tion on hindu muslim basis, will harm ward caste and Dalit caste affiliated all corners, Congress will not like to be them therefore they do not want open Kisan leaders during riots and agita- challenged and contest elections on is- polarization as they think that silent tions , it will create Anti Dalit and anti sues of good governance and growth polarization of muslim in their favor backward image of B.J.P. centric policies . is a good situation. Opposition further 7. Mr Jignish of Gujarat and Mr Congress will like to derail the elec- thinks that open polarization of hindu Hardik Patel were nurtured by congress tion agenda on non issues and to blow votes will be adversely impacting them. to spread caste divides to weaken the them out of proportion to disrepute the 4. The opposition led by congress B.J,P vote base in Gujarat. Modi led BJP Govt - wants that Hindus should remain di- 8. Similarly academic institutions vided among caste based parties like SP like JNU etc are being systematically What next for B.J.P. and B.S.P etc to weaken the composite planted with such student leaders to 1. To divide the coalition by wooing vote base of B.J.P. create student unrest in the country. potential leaders so that coalition re- 5. Opposition further wants that 9. Congress further wants that small mains confused and suspicious about backward castes and Dalits should re- small issues of student and farmers etc. some leaders . main separated from hindu polariza- should be bloated out of proportion 2. Too woo other leaders of back-

24 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express ward and Dalit castes to support the 10. Better media management to parties will be too much to reconcile and B.J.P. or form the coalition like apna keep motor mouths of BJP silent . that can very well be exploited by BJP dal etc in U.P. 11. To expose people and media to make reasonable deals with them to 3. To divide important coalition of about the ground governance initiatives stop the vote polarization against BJP. leaders like madam Mayawatiji , Naveen 12. Flogging political representa- In this process BJP may have to give up Patnaik ji and other South Indian leaders tives to work among people to show certain states to the regional parties and so that the coalition is not able to polar- case the achievements of govt. become second fiddle as congress has ize opposition votes against B.J.P. 13. The coalition of opposition par- done in .BJP should think ties has been broadly engineered by that centre is more important and states Main forces of Indian Poli- congress against Modi led B.J.P. How- may have broad coalitions with alliance tics which must be kept in ever congress is ready to concede the partners to share the power. Something good control. state space to these parties . But many is better than nothing . These regional 1. Pro kisan measures. Govt should regional parties are themselves com- parties have no ambition for centre and not only do but appear to be doing that petitors of each other and are afraid of that’s why they were alluded by congress 2. Pro business policies fixing aber- pan india expansion of BJP in all states smoothly . rations and other such problems in the . Now BJP should also rethink about 16. Another strategy of BJP should implementation of G.S.T. conceding regional space in lieu of cen- be creating better acceptabilities among 3. Creating more jobs on contract tral politics . other backward castes by giving leader- models so that huge chunks of people 14. Many regional parties have been ship opportunities to their leaders also can be benefitted. fighting against regional parties like SP so that some regional caste based par- 4. Keeping good control on univer- with BSP , DMK with AIDMK etc. and their ties with OBC strong holds, may not be sity campus politics and issues . alliance will remain intact only till loksab- able to blame BJP as an upper-caste 5. Keeping goods control on cow ha elections at the most. After Loksabha dominated party. vigilantes to avoid issue less media con- elections their alliance will shatter during 17. With these strategies and better troversies . assembly elections. This is what congress selection of candidates keeping in mind 6. Expediting the Ram Janam wants . If BJP does the master stroke of the caste profile of constituencies and Bhoomi issue so that a huge wave of Ram Janam Bhoomi temple , increasing making of constituency wise manifes- Hindu self respect may be generated to the retirement age of supreme court judg- tos, BJP with its great brand Modi im- counter the caste divides es, Govt employees and elections of state age, can form govt. at Center is 2019. I 7. Expediting infrastructural and and center at one time then the opposition am sure that each every nationalist per- rural development projects. coalition can collapse much earlier . son who thinks that nation is first, fully 8. Creating good infrastructure and 15. Congress is trying to sacrifice supports the idea that modi ji should at eco system to help farmers to double regional ambitions to negotiate for lok least be given one more chance to form up their income and ensuring health sabha elections. Congress is not bothered govt and implement the policies and insurance and crop security to all farm- to make its own chief ministers in many programs started by his govt. ers of india. states but to make Rahul ji as the Prime A law student in Amity Uni- 9. Keeping the price under control Minister . Incase both elections happen versity [email protected] specially with regard to oil and fertilizers. together the divides among regional 7011988964

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 25 Pranab Mukherjee, RSS and his role for 2019 Pranab Da created a flutter when he agreed to visit the RSS nerve centre in Nagpur. Will it have a bearing on his role in 2019? Prashant Tewari Congress party, the move is seen as a Patnaik, the chief of the Biju Janata Dal clear indication that former first Citizen (BJD). Mr Patnaik had invited the lead- loud of uncertainty over up- Mukherjee is asserting an identity in- ers for the launch of a biography of his coming general elections dependent of the Congress, his party of father Biju Patnaik. The attendees were in 2019 sets in, Politicians over five decades. Reent varius political Pranab Mukherjee, Janata Dal Secu- across party lines say Pranab heavy weights across party lines have lar’s Deve Gowda, Left leader Sitaram CMukherjee is playing a significant role confirmed that the 82-year-old is play- Yechury and BJP veteran LK Advani in bringing non-Congress, non-BJP ing a significant role in bringing non- having lunch with Mr Patnaik. It was leaders together to form an alterna- Congress, non-BJP leaders together to the first meetings that set the ball roll- tive front ahead of 2019. He is a former form an alternative front ahead of 2019. ing on a potential Third Front. Many president, most prominent Congress Some of those leaders went as far as to others say the starting point was a much leader in contemporary politics but pitch the former president as a potential earlier meeting at Rashtrapati Bhawan was invited as the chief guest at an RSS prime ministerial candidate in 2019. last year when Chief Minister Patnaik event recently. Pranab Mukherjee has It all goes back to a low-key meeting had lunch with Pranab Mukherjee and sent out signals that he is not a write-off held in Bhubaneswar in January at the then they dialled another “Third Front” just yet. While many are stumped in the home of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen player, Bengal Chief Minister and Tri-

26 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express namool Congress chief Mamata Baner- rious thought while on a holiday in the evolved,” said a senior Bengal leader, ex- jee. Kaushambi Hills.” That didn’t happen. plaining the bond between Mamata Ba- Since it involves a former president, But this was not the first let-down in his nerjee and the former president. A senior there is defining silence in the political years in the Congress. BJP minister tracking the developments circles but key leaders in the Congress, The veteran Congressman had to with interest believes Ms Banerjee’s re- BJP, Trinamool and the BJD have con- spend some years away from the party cent overtures to the Telangana Rash- firmed the developments. “He is very after a falling out with in tra Samiti (TRS) of K Chandrasekhara political and he may be the only one the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s death Rao are also backed by Mr Mukherjee. with the stature to match Prime Min- in 1984. Many say it was prompted by “Whatever Mamata is doing is on behalf ister Narendra Modi,” said a BJD MP. the fact that when Rajiv Gandhi asked of Pranab Mukherjee,” he said. “They “And he is open to playing a key role as who was most senior in the party to take are trying to create a front that will de- a non-NDA pole position,” he added. over after his mother’s assassination, Mr termine India’s future in the next five Often described as the “prime min- Mukherjee’s name came up. Mr Mukher- years. The idea is that one of them will ister India never had”, Mr Mukherjee jee has declared stories that he aspired be prime minister.” has documented how he was passed to be interim PM “false and spiteful”. In Finally it is a settled case that RSS over for the job in 2004 in his book 2012, when his name was first proposed will be having the key to power corridor The Coalition Years. He shares that he for President, it was Mamata Banerjee in 2019 general elections. There can be thought then Congress president Sonia who swung it for him, backed also by the two possible outcome of the next gen- Gandhi would choose him and send Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. Significantly, eral elections namely the present status Manmohan Singh to Rashtrapati Bha- Ms Banerjee along with MPs of other quo with Narendra Modi remains in the wan (as president). “I returned with a parties including from the Shiv Sena power for the next five years or if BJP vague impression that she might wish marched to the Rashtrapati Bhavan on strength in the Lok Sabha is reduced to to consider Manmohan Singh as the 16 November 2016, in a protest against less than 220 seats: then an alternate UPA presidential nominee. I thought demonetisation. with the blessings of RSS can emerge. that if she selected Singh for the presi- “It is Pranab Mukherjee who held There can be no third option available dential office, she may choose me as the Bengal politics together for decades with the current political arithmetic. RSS prime minister. I had heard a rumour and it is because of him that the Tri- has cleverly decided in advance to book that she had given this formulation se- namool Congress and Mamata Banerjee both the options. The present status quo suits the RSS because it has facilitated rapid expansion of RSS philosophy in the entire country. RSS Chief remains the most powerful per- son in the country with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The RSS has tremen- dous influence over governance in the country. BJP has successfully expanded in almost two third of the country with over 16 state governments under its belt. The narrative of the country has changed and the history is getting rewritten by bringing aggressive hindutva in public discourse. With firm grip on the national politics, RSS has designed an alternate plan to remain in centre of power. The closing of gap with an independent most accomplished Congressman is seen as the master stroke to run India peace- fully. RSS is a nationalist organization and it is in the national interest that an efficient nationalist person must head the next government. The lack of tal- ent in the present BJP minus Narendra Modi has compelled RSS to close bridge with Pranab Da and evoke the legacy of legendary . The simple arithmetic of next Lok Sabha elections will determine the Prime Min- ister candidate – how many seats are with Narendra Modi? Anything over 220 will ensure the status quo and less than 220 is likely to push for the leadership of RSS modern Syama Prasad Mukherjee. (Writer is Editor-in-Chief of Opinion Express)

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 27 India is a priority destination for Korean businesses India and Korea not just share history, but also have immense shared business interests. Samsung plant in NCR is just a beginning

Dr Rajaram Panda

he South Korean President Moon Jae-in paid a four-day visit to In- Tdia in July (7-10) and held dele- gation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest with a view to further strengthen the special strategic partnership between the two countries. This was Moon’s first visit to India after he took over as the President of South Korea in 2017. It was one of the most productive visits to India by a foreign leader as the talks ended with a big-ticket investment announcement that would further deepen bilateral ties between Asia’s third and fourth largest economies, particularly in the economic sphere. Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to mention how India is concerned about North Korea’s nuclear weapon development programmes, and appreciated Moon’s initiative to ad- dress this issue. For India, Pyongyang’s nuclear link with Pakistan has remained a matter of concern for a long time.

A brief history India-South Korea relations are not recent but for reasons other than eco- nomics, bilateral relations remained in a state of “strategic disconnect”. India’s policy of “non-alignment and economic autarchy” and the perceived closeness with the then Soviet Union were seen by the US and its allies, such as Japan and South Korea, with suspicion. Un- der the circumstances, there was little prospect for India-South Korea rela- tions to develop. Even the important role played by India in dispatching the 60th Parachute Field Military Ambu- lance Platoon — a mobile army surgical hospital that treated more than half of the wounded soldiers and an average of 250 to 300 civilians a day, during the UN operations in late 1951 following

28 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express the Korean War — though remembered between the people of the two nations. with gratitude, did not substantially Even Nobel laureate Rabindranath Even the important help remove political barriers to forge Tagore’s evocative poem that Korea will a partnership that could have fetched be the lamp bearer for the illumination role played by India in mutual benefits. of Asia could not translate to concrete dispatching the 60th There are civilisational linkages be- construction of an India-South Korea tween the two countries too. It is popu- partnership until the ideological gulf Parachute Field Military larly believed in South Korea that the remained. The collapse of the Soviet Ambulance Platoon — a legendary Korean King Suro married an Union and India’s Look East policy, re- Indian princess from Ayodhya centu- christened now as Act East policy, dra- mobile army surgical ries ago and mothered the Kim dynasty. matically altered the perceptions in re- Almost 80 per cent of the present gen- viewing India-South Korea bilateral ties hospital that treated eration bearing the name Kim traces in a different light in which economic, more than half of the their ancestry to the ancient dynasty. defence, and strategic dimensions were wounded soldiers and So, there is an emotional connection found enmeshed. The strategic history an average of 250 to 300 civilians a day, during the UN operations in late 1951 following the Korean War — though remembered with gratitude

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 29 30 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express of India’s ties with this Northeast na- tion, that remained disjointed for al- most four decades since the end of the Korean War, has been successfully re- cast now. Put briefly, India-South Korea rela- tions have developed in stages. The years since diplomatic ties were established in 1973 until early 1990 was the first stage or the ‘budding period’. Though some ef- forts were made by both, they could not realise the potentials because of their “inherent ideological incongruity and differences in their policy orientation”.

India’s choice of inward-looking import substitution model of development sharply contrasted with South Korea’s outward- looking export-oriented development path prevented the growth of economic ties between them

While India adopted a socialist, secular, democratic government at home and pursued the policy of non-alignment of the third world in international affairs, South Korea remained tied in a security alliance with the US. So, both saw each other as belonging to different camps and “were blinded by the blinkers of the global block politics of the time”. India’s choice of inward-looking im- port substitution model of development sharply contrasted with South Korea’s outward-looking export-oriented de- velopment path prevented the growth of economic ties between them. Though the diplomatic and other bilateral inter- actions continued smoothly, not much headway could be made in expanding the economic ties. The second stage of the bilateral ties between 1991 and 2009 can be called the phase of ‘economic and commercial cooperation’. Both countries discovered a convergence of interests in many areas during this period. In the third stage, the bilateral relationship was elevated into a ‘strategic partnership’. This strategic partnership could be achieved because

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 31 of the convergence of India’s Look East Policy and Korea’s New Asia Diplomat- ic Initiative described as “policy rendez- The Comprehensive Economic Partnership vous”. First, the bilateral relationship Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2009 was also was catapulted into a higher gear when President Roh Myun-Hwan visited In- implemented and entered into force from January 1, dia in 2004 and a “long-term coopera- 2010, thereby jumpstarting the dormant economic tive partnership” was established. This served as the bedrock for bilateral rela- component of the bilateral ties. The CEPA — which tions. This relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership when came into force on January 1, 2010 — was the first President Lee Myung-bak paid a histor- deal of its kind which India signed with an OECD ic visit to India in January 2010 as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebra- country, and South Korea with a BRIC nation. tions. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2009 was also implemented and en- Foreign Ministers from both countries started with North Korea’s participa- tered into force from January 1, 2010, have also visited, each time elevating tion in the PyeongChang Winter Olym- thereby jumpstarting the dormant eco- the relationship to a higher level. pics and subsequently led to a summit nomic component of the bilateral ties. meeting with Kim Jong-un on April 27, The CEPA — which came into force on Significance of Moon’s visit and later paved the way for the first ever January 1, 2010 — was the first deal Against this background as the rela- summit between Kim and US President of its kind which India signed with an tionship evolved, Moon’s recent trip to in Singapore on June OECD country, and South Korea with a India is another milestone in the bilat- 12. India-South Korea relations were BRIC nation. eral ties. Firstly, the timing of the visit elevated to ‘special strategic partner- Subsequently, several top level vis- is significant as it coincided with the ship’ after Modi visited South Korea in its have taken place between the two changes taking place with breathtaking May 2015, seeking investments in many countries: Former President Pratibha rapidity in the geopolitical landscape flagship programmes of the Govern- Patil’s visit in July 2011, former Prime of Northeast Asia. The architect of the ment, including Skill India and Make in Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit in changes is none other than President India. The South Korean Government March 2012, and others. Defence and Moon whose peace overtures — which earmarked a whopping $10 billion as

32 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express “financing arrangement for infrastruc- multifarious dimensions, upgrading ture development in India”. business ties to the level Korea has with Moon’s dynamic leadership aside The reason why the China. Indeed, Moon has been pushing from his efforts to solve the nuclear economic dimension Korean majors to raise their investment dilemma of North Korea became de- in India. monstrably clear, or at least his intent, in the partnership The reason why the economic di- even during the presidential election mension in the partnership is signifi- campaign in 2017 wherein he pledged is significant can be cant can be deciphered from the ad- that he would elevate ties with India to deciphered from the dress Moon made to the India-Korea the level of Korea’s relations with four Business Forum organised by the Fed- major powers in and around the Korean address Moon made eration of Indian Chambers of Com- Peninsula — China, Japan, Russia, and to the India-Korea merce and Industry. It was attended by the US. This aside, he intended to craft top management of the major chaebols India prominently in his “new South- Business Forum or large family-owned mega-conglom- ern policy” and include the 10-mem- erates from Korea, such as Samsung, ber ASEAN group in its ambit. This is organised by the Hyundai, and LG. The three companies a significant departure from Korea’s Federation of Indian command large chunks of the export traditional foreign policy and possibly and domestic consumer and industrial could be, as some analysts suggested, Chambers of Commerce markets in Korea. This was the second a hedging strategy amid the US-China and Industry such event in less than five months. In stand-off, coupled with the desire to February, Modi had addressed a mega forge a robust India-South Korea part- delegation of 150-odd Korean compa- nership in the interest of building peace nies, wherein he had exhorted the chae- and stability in the region. Though for ation — is becoming equally important. bols to further expand the $2.7 billion India, South Korea is a valued partner, The two sides are looking at defence worth of investment mainly in the au- bilateral trade is below its potential. Bi- hardware procurement and manufac- tomobile and engineering sectors. Con- lateral trade in 2017 totaled $20 billion ture. India is looking for minesweepers sumer products of Korean companies, and investment has shown an upward for the Navy, and South Korea could be such as Samsung and LG, are household trend. Both sides have pledged to in- a possible source. India has also sourced names and therefore important players crease it to $50 billion by 2030. There artillery guns from South Korea and is in the Indian consumer market. In the are about 300 Korean companies which looking to manufacture them in India automobile sector, Hyundai competes have invested about $3 billion, employ- under the Make in India programme. In equally with Japanese products, such as ing about 40,000 workers. The only this light, Moon’s India visit shall pave Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi. aberration in the bilateral ties seems the way for expanding bilateral ties in There are some trade and tariff issues to be that the POSCO project in Odisha did not take off despite that it was the single biggest foreign direct investment project to the tune of $12 billion, owing to land acquisition problems. This 12-million capacity steel plant was floated in 2005 and POSCO had the patience to wait for close to a decade to see the project become functional. In the process, the company invested a lot of money in the social sector, including the CSR. But despite strong govern- mental support to the company to make the required land available for the steel project to be set up, the efforts failed and POSCO was forced to pull out of the project in 2017, after waiting for 12 long years as public resistance continued with no sign of ending. Though POSCO was an unhappy experience for South Korea, this did not deter it to halt investment in India in other projects, such as by firms like Kia and Samsung, in recognition of the Indian market and the buying power of the urban middle class estimated to be to the tune of 350 million plus. Though the main driving force in the bilateral re- lations remains economic, the strategic dimension — including defence cooper-

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 33 adopted a series of economic retalia- tory measures against Korean products, thereby severely affecting the Korean economy. South Korea is yet to recover from this. Moon now seeks to enhance economic and trade relations with the ASEAN and India, thus announcing his southern policy. Moon’s strategy is laudable but not without difficulties. Many bilateral eco- nomic issues concerning trade and tar- iff need to be sorted out. Moreover, if Moon targets the ASEAN grouping as a single package, that would be difficult, as a strategy that fits all countries may not be possible as the characteristics of each country could be different. For ex- ample, if South Korea wants to expand the market presence of its carmakers in Indonesia — the largest car market in Southeast Asia where Japanese vehicles enjoy 98.6 per cent market share, but the Korean cars take up only about 0.1 per cent — the challenge could be huge. that need to be sorted out. For example, in Bio-technology and Bio-economy. On the other hand, India holds the India seeks zero duty on items such as Two other MoUs were signed between greatest potential for South Korea and sesame and motor parts. Korea is reluc- the Council of Scientific and Industrial has the least risk, which is why India is tant to accede to this request. South Ko- Research (CSIR) and South Korean Na- a priority destination for Korean busi- rea imports 630 per cent duty on Indian tional Research Council for Science and nesses. The absence of any sensitive sesame, while imports 24,000 tonnes a Technology and IIT Mumbai and Korea issue, either historical or geographi- year from China at zero duty, and there- Institute of Science and Technology, to cal, also works in India’s favour to be a fore, India’s request is legitimate. Korea further accelerate future-oriented co- preferred partner for South Korea. The feels that opening tariff lines to a coun- operation. Moon Government has, therefore, pri- try ensures zero custom duty to import- During his visit, Moon inaugurated oritised India to deepen and strengthen ers of the country to which it is opened. a Samsung manufacturing unit, the multidimensional relations. The duty is applicable for products un- largest in the world, in Noida in which With its population expected to reach der those tariff lines. From the strategic the company has invested $760 million, 1.5 billion in 2030, India has the poten- perspective, the importance of South demonstrating the trust and business tial to emerge as the world’s single larg- Korea in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy confidence in Indian market despite the est market. In view of this, any nation came out clear in Modi’s keynote ad- unhappy experience of POSCO. This is doing business with another country dress at the Shangri-La Dialogue on going to be the world’s largest mobile may find it irresistible to overlook India June 1, 2018, when he mentioned South phone manufacturing facility, touting to be a partner in pursuit of economic Korea was an important component of Modi’s pet Make in India to propel In- prosperity. Moon is aware that India is the Act East policy. dia to become the world’s second-larg- eyeing the tag of the world’s third larg- During Modi’s visit to South Korea est manufacturer of mobile phones as est economy by 2030, after overtaking in 2015, the two sides sought amend- the number of factories soared to 120 France as the sixth largest economy ment to the bilateral Air Services Agree- from just two, four years ago. Apart and coming close to the UK, which is at ment to enhance flight connectivity cov- from creating four lakh direct jobs, 30 the fifth place. Indian economy is at the ering more cities. As Korean business in per cent of the phones manufactured at take-off stage and is expected to be the Indian cities expands, Korea would be the factory — built at a cost of Rs 5,000 world’s third largest by 2030 with the interested in increasing direct flights crore — will be exported to the Middle GDP worth $10 trillion. This means In- from the existing six in a week. That East and Africa. India was already the dia is aiming to overtake the UK, Japan, time, an MoU was inked on cooperation R&D hub for Samsung, now it will be a and Germany by 2030, to be behind only in audio-visual co-production, paving manufacturing base too. the US and China. As far as doing busi- the way for co-production of films, ani- Would India be the next China for ness is concerned, India presents tempt- mation and broadcasting programmes. South Korea, as claimed by Korea’s ing prospects for any country, and South This time during Moon’s visit, five Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong? It Korea is well aware of this. MoUs in the field of science and tech- may be recalled when South Korea de- nology were signed. Science and Tech- ployed the THAAD US missile defense Writer is former Senior nology Minister Harsh Vardhan and system in 2017, a decision taken by Fellow at the IDSA, was until his Korean counterpart You Young Min Moon’s predecessor, a diplomatic row recently ICCR Chair Professor signed three MoUs on Programme of broke out between South Korea and at Reitaku University, Japan. Cooperation 2018-21, Establishment of China as the latter felt that THAAD [email protected] II Future Strategy Group and Cooperation breached into China’s security. China Courtesy: The Pioneer

34 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express OVERVIEW OF GOODS AND SERVICE TAX A year on, where do we stand vis-a-vis Goods & Services Tax?

ntroduction of GST from 1 of July, tax burden on goods and services. In- ent character, is easier to administer 2017 is the most momentous step troduction of GST has also made our leading to ease of doing business, which in the field of indirect tax reforms products competitive in the domestic would also attract greater FDI. Rank- of independent India by creation and international markets. For as- ing of India in ease of doing business Iof one indirect tax(GST), one nation sesses, there is online architecture on index has improved to 100 from 130 (economic union) and one common a common portal (www.gst.gov.in) for earlier. Introduction of E-way bill from national market. GST is the destination registration, payment and filing of - re 1st April, 2018 for inter-sate movement based consumption tax with provision turns with obviation of grappling with of goods and completion of e-way bill of seamless flow/set off of Input Tax multiple agencies/states. Studies show for intra-state movement of goods by Credit across the entire supply chain for that this would instantly spur economic 3rd June, 2018 has made movement either intra-state supply or inter-state growth. Our GDP growth is 7.7% for of goods and thus trading simpler, supply of goods or services or both. By the quarter ending March, 2018, which smoother and swifter. It has led to amalgamating a large number of Cen- is all time high. There is revenue gain paradigm shift from departmental po- tral and State/UT taxes /cesses into a to the Centre and the States/ Union licing model to self- declaration model single tax and allowing set-off of prior- Territories due to widening of the tax in tandem with self-assessment as in stage taxes, it has mitigated the ill ef- base, increase in trade volumes and im- vogue in GST. 6.25 million GST returns fects of cascading of taxes and paved proved tax compliance. GST collection were filed in May, 2018 as against 6.05 the way for a common national market. has already soared to Rupees one lakh million Returns filed in April, 2018, For the consumers, the greatest gain crore per month. Last, but not the least, which is also a pointer towards growth is in terms of reduction in the overall this tax (GST), because of its transpar- and compliance.

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 35 II. Salient Features of GST ucts, viz. petroleum crude, motor spirit h. Central Surcharges and Cesses in so The salient features of GST are stat- (petrol), high speed diesel, natural gas far as they related to supply of goods ed hereunder: and aviation turbine fuel. It applies to and services like SBC & KKC (i) The GST is applicable/ levi- all services barring a few specified in able on supply of goods or services as tune with erstwhile scenario under Ser- (vi) State taxes subsumed un- against the erstwhile concept of tax on vice Tax. der the GST are: the manufacture (Central Excise) and (iv) Tobacco and tobacco prod- a. State VAT sale of goods (erstwhile State/UT VAT) ucts are subject to GST. In addition, the b. Central Sales Tax or provision of services (erstwhile Ser- Centre has retained the power to levy c. Luxury Tax vice Tax). The incidence of taxation has Central Excise duty on these products. d. Entry Tax (all forms) shifted to supply of goods and/or ser- The States have retained power to levy e. Entertainment and Amusement Tax vices or as against manufacture or sale VAT on’ alcoholic liquor for human con- (except when levied by the local bodies) or provision of service. It is a destina- sumption’, which is outside the purview f. Taxes on advertisements tion based consumption tax, where the of GST. g. Purchase Tax taxation effectively is on value addition (v) The GST has replaced the h. Taxes on lotteries, betting and gam- in the entire supply chain. following taxes currently levied bling: Excepting these other actionable (ii) It is a dual GST with the Centre and collected by the Centre: claims are outside the purview of GST and States simultaneously levying it on a. Central Excise duty (Schedule III of CGST Act) a common tax base. The GST levied on b. Duties of Excise (Medicinal and Toi- i. State Surcharges and Cesses in so far intra- State/UT supply of goods and / let Preparations) as they relate to supply of goods and or services by Centre is called by name c. Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of services Central GST(CGST) and by State/ UT Special Importance) (vii) The CGST and SGST is being is called by name State GST (SGST)/ d. Additional Duties of Excise (Textiles levied at rates jointly decided by the Union Territory GST (UTGST). Both and Textile Products) Centre and States. The rates have been CGST and SGST/UTGST is levied on a e. Additional Duties of Customs (com- notified on the recommendations of the common tax base. monly known as CVD) GST Council. The normal rates fixed (iii) The GST applies to all goods f. Special Additional Duty of Customs are from 5 percent to 28 percent ad va- other than alcoholic liquor for human (SAD) lorem. About 50 goods or services are consumption and five petroleum prod- g. Service Tax in 28 percent slab.

36 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express cise of option for composition scheme has to be exercised at the beginning of Financial Year by electronically filing on common portal an intimation in Form GST CMP-01. This would be available from the beginning of next month. Composition Scheme is not available to Pan Masala, Ice Cream, Tobacco and tobacco products, edible Ice etc. (xi) Tax payers shall be allowed to take credit of taxes paid on inputs (In- put Tax Credit) and utilize the same for payment of output tax. However, no Input Tax Credit on account of CGST shall be utilized towards payment of SGST and vice versa. The credit of IGST would be permitted to be utilized for payment of IGST, CGST and SGST in that order. (xii) International HSN (Har- monised System of Nomenclature) of World Customs Organisation [used by over 200 countries and covering over 98 percent of international trade mer- chandise] is to be used for classifying the goods under the GST regime. Tax- payers whose turnover is above Rs. 1.5 crores but below Rs. 5 crores shall use 2-digit code and the taxpayers whose turnover is Rs. 5 crores and above shall use 4-digit code. Taxpayers whose turn- over is below Rs. 1.5 crores are not re- quired to mention HSN Code in their invoices, though there is no bar in men- tioning HSN codes. (viii) The list of exempted goods and verse charge basis are not be eligible for (xiii) Exports and supplies to SEZ/ services are common for the Centre and threshold exemption. SEZ Developer shall be treated as ze- the States/UTs. (x) Small taxpayers with an aggre- ro-rated supplies. The exporter has (ix) Threshold Exemption: Tax gate turnover in a financial year up to an option to either pay output tax and payers with an aggregate turnover in Rs. 100 lakhs are eligible for Composi- claim its refund or export under bond/ a financial year up to Rs.20 lakhs are tion Levy (Section 10). The threshold is LUT without payment of tax(IGST) and exempt from tax. [Aggregate turnover 75 lakhs in case of seven States of North- claim refund of Input Tax Credit. The {section 2(6)} include the aggregate east, Sikkim & Himachal Pradesh. Un- Government has made filing of LUT value of all taxable supplies, exempt der the scheme, a taxpayer shall pay tax request online, which is also accepted supplies and exports of goods and/or as a percentage of his turnover during online. services and Inter-state supplies but ex- the year without the benefit of ITC and (xiv) Supplies to EOU’s and from cludes taxes viz. GST and cess]. Aggre- also without levying/charging any GST one EOU to another EOU shall be like gate turnover shall be computed on all in his Bill of Supply. The floor rate of any other supply. Supply from Manu- India basis for a person {section 2(84)} tax for CGST and SGST is 1% in case of facturer Exporter to Merchant Exporter having the same Permanent Account manufacturer/ trader and 5% in any in shall also be like any other supply. Number(PAN). For special category case supply of food, non-alcoholic drink (xv) Import of goods and services states as specified in sub-clause (g) of and other articles of human consump- would be treated as inter-State supplies clause (4) of Article 279A of the Con- tion like caterer/ restaurant. A tax pay- and would be subject to IGST in addi- stitution (like seven NE States, Sikkim, er opting for composition levy shall not tion to the applicable customs duties Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh), the collect any tax from his customers nor and Cess. The IGST paid shall be avail- exemption threshold is Rs. 10 lakhs. All will he be eligible to avail any Input Tax able as ITC for further transactions. taxpayers eligible for threshold exemp- credit in respect of supplies received by (xvi) The laws, regulations and pro- tion have the option of paying tax with him. cedures for levy and collection of CGST input tax credit (ITC) benefit by getting The composition scheme is optional. and SGST have been harmonized to the them registered as a Casual Taxable Tax payers making inter-State supplies extent possible. Person under section 24 of the CGST or paying tax on reverse charge basis or Act, which would aid them in availing making supplies through an Electronic Sanjay Saran: Input Tax Credit. Tax payers making Commerce Operator shall not be eligi- Writer was Commissioner inter-State supplies or paying tax on re- ble for composition scheme. The exer- of Customs & CGST ( Retd )

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 37 Propaganda journalism can destroy us from within Yellow journalism takes a more diabolic turn Syeda Laraib Fatima Warsi

t a time when India’s society is clearly strained along communal Aand caste lines, some of our TV news channels are deplorably wedging these uneasy divides further and deep- er. What a shame it is to see respected names of the media industry trading ethics and news values for cheap sensa- tionalism. The abysmal standard of journalism seen in the coverage of the tragic Kas- ganj incident is a case in point. On Jaunary 26th – as India geared up to celebrate the ideals of this secu- lar democratic republic – communal violence tore apart this small town in northwest Uttar Pradesh. The riot al- legedly began as a minor altercation between two groups over a matter of lines contain a subtext about Pakistan But this is the voice of a national Republic Day celebrations and flag- as India’s enemy. Secondly, they force news channel. These are the words of waving. By the time the situation was the reader to connect Indian Muslims professional journalists and therefore controlled, one man had lost his life, to Pakistan in his mind. And third - per- ring with credibility and authority. Un- several were injured and scores of busi- haps the most controversial implication fortunately, these statements are also nesses, shops and the city’s infrastruc- - the above two ‘hidden messages’ lead unproven, suggestive and extremely ture had been torched and destroyed. to the accusation that Indian Muslims leading. More than two weeks later, the air in are enemies (Pakistanis) in their own Is it ethically correct for media to U.P.’s legislative assembly is thick with country. make derogatory statements about a accusations. Despite a few people being In crafting each of the above boldly community? taken into custody, there is not a single flashing headlines, the journalists dis- Is it responsible journalism to con- official consensus about the investiga- pensed of objective facts completely and coct leading headlines without irrefut- tion into the riot’s causes. presented a patently fake picture of the able evidence? Our news channels, apparently, care incident before the people of the coun- Who are these “enemies of the tri- little about official probes and find- try. The idea, presumably, was to feed color” in Kasganj? ings. Indeed, in the aftermath of the on the insecurity and mistrust between As a young Indian Muslim and an as- incident, a clutch of India’s mainstream two religious communities. In the pro- piring journalist, I can’t help questioning TV media had shockingly started airing cess, the media risked biasing, even in- why the “flag-waving” or “flag-hoisting” incendiary and provocative headlines. doctrinating, thousands of ill-informed by Indian Muslims is news at all. Sample these: viewers. Not to mention the aggravating Why should I, or any other Muslim 1. Sampradayik hinsa se mukti kab? effect these headlines would have on al- citizen of India, become a recipe for 2. Desh ke andar aise kitne Pakistan ready prejudiced and radicalized minds TRPs or a news angle on patriotism on panap rahe hai? in both communities. our republic day? 3. UP- kasganj hinsa me ab tak 49 This is not just shoddy journalism With the penetration of the Internet aaropi giraftar! but, more alarmingly, also a dangerous and social media, a truckload of propa- Let us for a moment set aside all catalyst added to India’s already volatile ganda and lies disguised as news are foreknowledge of the Kasganj incident and incensed society. seeping into more and more Indians and analyze these headlines. If this type of sloganeering were be- every day. If trusted names of media To a student of journalism like me, ing done by en extremist organization industry and large, respectable news it is obvious how these proclamations and there are plenty of them around channels take the same road, our soci- would widely be read and interpreted – , for instance, whose ag- ety’s bubbling tensions could erupt in by the average Indian audience. And my gressive posturing is still fresh news - several more Kasganj-like tragedies. analysis scares me. it would still be understandable, if not (Writer is a regular contribu- Firstly, the aforementioned head- pardonable. tor to this magazine)

38 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express SC’s interim order on reservation in promotions: A temporary measure? The SC order has put the Central govt in a bind

vacation bench of the Supreme Court has passed the interim or- A der on June 05, 2018 clarifying that Union of India is not debarred from making promotions in accordance with law, subject to further orders, pending further consideration of the matter. The Supreme Court interim order will permit the government to fill a large number of vacancies in government de- partments. The circulars issued by the department of personnel and training can be followed to make promotions as per existing reservation policy. The Government was not able to fill up vacancies in the wake of conflicting judgments by different courts. The Su- preme Court’s decision will protect the government from being in contempt. Now, the government can proceed with promotions in accordance with laws. But which are these laws? That, how- ever, is not clear yet.The court should have clarified on what circular or rules should the government go ahead with the promotions until a final judgment is given by the Supreme Court. Even the Nagaraj judgment given by the Supreme Court in 2006 has to be revisited. With regards to the power vested with the government for reser- vation in promotions, there are three conditions that must be met before promotions are decided. These are backwardness, inadequate representa- tion, and efficiency in administration. Since various circulars issues by Gov- ernment for reservation in promotion had not taken care of these parameters laid down by the Supreme Court, many ment for faculty posts in the super spe- im order is only a temporary relief and High Courts struck down the Govern- cialties in AIIMS. The Supreme Court till the Constitution Bench delivers the ment circulars thereby stalling the ruled that no reservation in promotions Judgment. The Government will still whole process of promotions in Gov- would be given. All parties had protest- have to make promotions in accordance ernment Departments. ed this decision, but nothing happened with law and that law is enunciated in It is to be remembered that provi- after that. Nagaraj case too. Filling up the vacan- sions under articles 16(4), 16 (4A) and The Supreme Court while passing cies with principles of reservation in 16 (4B) of the Constitution providing the interim order on June 05, 2018 has promotion under the interim order will for reservation in promotion are only clarified that the Government is not be subject to final decision of the Apex enabling provisions and not a funda- debarred from making promotions in Court. mental right. A few years ago, there was accordance with law, subject to further By PK Malhotra: former Law a case relating to reservation in appoint- orders. Effectively it means that inter- Secretary of India Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 39 Hindu Jewish Unity /11/2008 has gone in history as truth, righteousness, peace and love for then we have the famous quote from Ed- 26the day the whole of India, and the whole of humanity is a message that mund Burke, “The only thing necessary the wider world, awoke to the constant the world needs at this most critical junc- for the triumph of evil is for good men cross-border terrorism that India has had ture in time. to do nothing”. Quotations are great, to face for decades. Some ten terrorists However, whereas in the past the at- and these quotations are so often quoted from Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic terror- tacks upon us were primarily physical, by the very same people who hide their ist organisation based in Pakistan, car- in the 21st Century we see these attacks true duplicitous nature with a smile in ried out a series of 12 coordinated shoot- being supplemented with the dark art of the public arena. We the silent majority ing and bombing attacks in Mumbai that social media, political coercion and the must now find our voice. Social media is went on for four days. In the trail of this wholesale distribution of militant Islam great, but it has been taken over by the ex- unwarranted terrorist attack on India, it by way of the Petro dollar. In the last few tremists from the far left and the far right. left 164 people dead with some 308 more years even the most ardent supporters Increasingly the threat is in fact from the who were wounded. of these extremist regimes have finally far left who have moved so far to the left, Whilst most of the attacks were of that they have morphed into the fascists public buildings frequented by a diversity Konversations of the 21st Century. Under the cloak of of people, one people in particular had equality and diversity, they hoodwink been singled out for their faith. This was with Kapil the masses with their grotesque outrage at Nariman House. Locally also known at anything and everything. They have as Chabad House which is a Jewish Cen- in fact become a pack of ‘mischief’ who tre. Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife are intent in causing as much mischief Rivka Holtzberg, who was six months as they can under the camouflage of pre- pregnant at the time, were murdered with meditated anarchy. The question arises, four other hostages. Security forces who who is funding this global phenomenon? freed the Chabad House from this terror- After all, does anyone seriously believe ist attack also lost lives and many were that it ‘just’ happens? Surely one cannot injured. be that deluded! In 2010 January I was honoured to In this era of orchestrated chaos and accompany HRH Prince Michael of Kent white noise, is it any wonder that we now on our visit to the Chabad to witness, and have at the same time on the world stage, to hear, first-hand accounts of what actu- leaders like President Trump, PM Modi ally transpired. It was also a clear sign of and PM Netanyahu. You must not con- our support for the Jewish Community in fuse right of centre and nationalist lead- Mumbai, and to the victims who suffered ers with the ‘far-right’. Everyone abhors so greatly during that attack. the ‘far-right’ and rightly so. However, in I present this as my starting position Chabad House the day after the attack the world the vast majority of the silent since it crystallises for me the immoral at- voters are beginning to find their voice tack that both Hindus and Jews have had realised that this is now an unsustain- by voting in politicians and leaders who to endure for decades. Hindus and Jews able model that must be deconstructed if are right of centre and those who wish to have lived side by side with our Mus- the world is to enter this new millennium protect the people and the nation. I have lim brothers and sisters for a long time. with any hope of peace for the whole of listed three major leaders, but you are However, this resurgence of the militant humanity. Duplicity that has been the welcome to traverse the globe, continent Islamic ideology that has spread through- cornerstone of the work of the United by continent and you will soon see the out the world now threatens all of us yet Nations now has to be challenged. It is dynamics at play. However, in countries again. Our two communities are the most time that right-minded people, leaders like France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Po- in danger from these terrorists since they with a moral and ethical spine, and the land we have seen a move whereby the view our communities as a direct threat. independent institutions come out and frustrations of many people are now lead- The Jewish community have endured challenge the bigots on the world stage ing them to support far-right parties that more than a millennia of savagery from who thrive on terror and extremism. Si- are beginning to make inroads into main- it’s neighbours, and almost always on lence is no longer an option. As Albert stream politics. For Europe at least, the grounds of faith and race. In similar vein, Einstein said rightly before, “The world warning signs cannot be clearer or louder. Hindus have endured more than a thou- is a dangerous place to live, not because Ignore them, as in the past, at your peril. sand years of invaders and their persecu- of the people who are evil, but because of Don’t be too surprised to see the opposite tion. With this amount of murderous in- the people who don’t do anything about in some countries where far-left and so- tent and persecution, both the Jews and it”. Couple that with the words of the Ma- cialists come into power, but their own the Hindus have survived. Once again, hatma, “When I despair, I remember that agenda of governance by anarchy. these two communities are beginning to all through history the way of truth and There are but two options for the rise up and rise above their historical dis- love have always won. There have been world order. Either there is a global re- advantage and are now leading the way in tyrants and murderers, and for a time, alignment which ensures that duplic- the world in all spheres of life. The values they can seem invincible, but in the end, ity over terror and extremism, whether it imbibed within these two communities of they always fall. Think of it--always”. And comes from a religious ideology or from a

40 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express political ideology, is tackled head on and trampled on, at will, with protest after doom to systematically dismantle all in- put in check. Or there will be a violent re- protest. They want to turn society into a ternational structures that have hitherto action from the grass roots that will over- paradise for anarchy, the arena in which kept them in check. On the international whelm many of the nations. We witness they reign supreme. plane the only two countries who have this churning in the European Union at So folks, be warned. I titled this piece a sound moral and ethical compass that present. Its leaders blinded by their own for the Hindus and for the Jews. How- has passed the test of many millennia are self gratification and the need to cling on ever, that which attacks these two com- India and Israel. Increasingly I am seeing to power by gerrymandering the social munities today will also have the capacity that maybe the only protection this world fabric of voters. However, the people at to destroy the peace of the world tomor- has or will have is for these two bastions the grass roots are increasingly losing row. Be warned, we allowed far right of humanity to forge a partnership to take their patience. We have seen the erup- monsters to reap havoc with devasting on the extremists wherever they might tion of riots in many of these countries. consequences. We also allowed the far- be, and in whatever form they hide. In some countries, no go areas have been left dictators space and they murdered Countries like the United States, and I created such that even the local Police are millions for their ideology. The political hope the United Kingdom, will have to too frightened to patrol. The politicians elite of yesteryears are now out of touch lend support overtly. The stakes are too and many of the intuitions with vested with the people they claim to represent. high, and we cannot be complacent this interested can ignore the people, but at Increasingly one is left with the view that time round. their peril. And who are the people who the PC brigade’s dictum: ‘We do not need So I leave you with one thought, that will suffer greatly? Yes, it will be us the to be tolerant; you need to be tolerant to from Martin Luther King Jr, ‘He who pas- ethnic minorities. We will all be labelled our intolerance’, is fast becoming the one sively accepts evil is as much involved in under the same banner, we will all be at- and only commandment of the political it as he who helps to perpetrate it’. tacked, and we will all pay a price for the left and of the socialist fraternity. crimes of the few. The PC Brigade that On the world stage we see how the Note about the writer: Kapil Dudakia appears to champion our cause are in fact United Nations has been hijacked by the is a seasoned businessman and a leading the very reason for our demise. They are, extremist. They will pass Anti-Israel (Gaza thought provoking writer from the UK. for all intents and purposes, the new im- related normally) and Anti-India resolu- His command of detail and his ability to perial masters who have conquered the tions (Kashmir related normally) for fun. see issues and events years before they art of being your friends and having the Am I surprised when the United States come to fruition is worthy of note. He capacity to brain wash our communities recently declared that they were opting has advised very senior politicians on a into believing that they have our interest out of the United Nations Human Rights variety of issues. Being independent of at heart. Nothing can be further from the Council. I am surprised frankly that many thought, he does not compromise, nor truth. Their aim is to usher in the most other leading countries, including India does he bow to pressures to become po- extremes of a socialist order where any and the UK, have not followed suit. If a litically correct. He understands the form of challenge or disobedience will be nation appeases the extremists agenda at East, and he lives in the West. A unique met with wholesale bullying, harassment the UN in the hope for world peace, then grasp of perspectives that is often food and abuse. We witness this already on they are sadly mistaken. Appeasement is for thoughts for all of us. social media and in how our streets are the required first step for these agents of : @kk_OEG

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 41 SOPE generates HOPE for the planet earth It’s a great citizen-driven initiative to spread green message

ave our Planet Earth (SOPE) island himself he wants to motivate substantial transformation in the past is an NGO that was founded in Mauritians and people of all nations to two decades. It’s fast development and 2011 by Rajiv Agnihotri, Non assume their responsibility and actively attractiveness to big businesses from Resident Indian living in Mau- work on sustainable development to various industries has led to the devel- Sritius since last two decades. After real- preserve our planet. As Rajiv Agnihotri opment of transport around the island. izing that the government while building states “I am doing it for the next genera- As the majority of the population trav- its highways was felling and uprooting tion”. According to him, the total avail- els by public transport, in buses, many thousands of trees, with no intention able natural resources in the planet are new roads and highways were built in to replant them, Rajiv founded SOPE enough to sustain 2.2 billion people but order to enable faster travel. This de- to tackle the problem himself, and start the incriminate population growth of velopment in infrastructurecaused nu- replanting trees. Trees are vital plants human beings to over 7 billion has com- merous endemic plants to beuprooted. in any ecosystem, for the cycling of nu- pletely changed the dynamics of living. While development and an improved trients, retention of water and fertility And if the corrective measures are not infrastructure are valuable assets for of soils. Trees, more importantly, ab- immediately taken, then the mother Mauritius, preserving the nature is a sorb carbon dioxide and produce oxy- earth will be destroyed beyond repair. priority as well. gen that we, as many other organisms Mauritius is a volcanic island located The development of countries rely on for survival. He understood the in the Indian Ocean. Its isolation from has to happen responsibly in order to detrimental effect such careless activi- any land mass enabled it to develop make it sustainable over time. After ties could have on the island as a whole an important and unique biodiversity enquiring about finding a solution, the if no one were to put their foot down of flora and fauna. Mauritius is ade- Road Development authority (RDA) and raise their voice. As a citizen of the veloping country that has experienced assigned sites on the roadsides of mo-

42 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express torways to SOPE in order to replant trees. Therefore, SOPE replants and manages many sites across Mauritius. The NGO has been able to design slo- gans with shrubs on these sites such as: “Protegeonsl’Environment” (let’s protect the environment), as commis- sioned by a major company in Mauri- tius. The main companies that sponsor this sort of activity are: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BOB), New India Assurance co Ltd and Indian Oil. The high exposure SOPE gets due to the location of their sites, in high-traffic areas, allows for the NGO to gain a lot

The high exposure SOPE gets due to the location of their sites, in high- traffic areas, allows for the NGO to gain a lot of attention.This exposurehas enabled SOPE to diversify its activity; caring for all things environment related. prove infrastructure (such as transport) War, with its main aim being: “Peace are in the work and several sites are be- and the fulfilment of humankind’s po- ginning or under construction. To en- tential”.It is the largest youth-non-prof- of attention.This exposurehas enabled sure that this new policy will be applied, it-organization in the world and aspires SOPE to diversify its activity; caring for SOPE, has begun surveying the abun- to enable students to develop their abil- all things environment related. SOPE dance and specifying the exact amount ities and strengths through leadership. has taken on other causes alongside its of trees that will have to be replanted. This collaboration allows SOPE to main activity of embellishing the city. By As plastic pollution, anen vogue welcome volunteers from all around running campaigns in schools and pub- topic, increasingly poses a huge threat the world to come to help themfor a few lic places, participating in seminars,and to our environment, SOPE tries to do weekswith their mission here in Mauri- surveying tree biodiversity, SOPE its part. The challenge with a relatively tius. The volunteers, that are most often prides itself in raising awareness to all small island, surrounded by the sea, is students, learn about Mauritius, its bio- Mauritians about the threat of climate that any disregarded litter and plastic is diversity and witness how global warm- change, the drastic effects it could have bound to find its way on to the beaches ing threatens it. Furthermore, the NGO on the island and more specifically and into our oceans. SOPE orchestrates intends to enhance the student’s aware- what solutions and behavioral changes beach cleanups to try and interrupt this ness and understanding of the prob- the people can adopt to try and slow process by collecting all plastic before it lems arising, so theydon’t only leave it down.Instead of watching the Earth ends up in the ocean. an impact on the island but the island turn to flames, SOPE inviteseveryone to As a Non- Profit organization, SOPE itself and the NGO equally impacts the be part of the movement;to take action relies on volunteers to help with the volunteers.SOPE helps to develop each and make a contribution in conserving planting and upkeep of various sites volunteer’s potential, by trusting them the environment through their lifestyle as well as running its awareness cam- with responsibilities and allows them to and individual behavior. paigns. Not only national but also inter- widen their perspectives by comparing In reaction to certain citizens’ con- national volunteers are welcome to join and contrasting the attitude to the envi- cerns and within their responsibility SOPE. For the past 3 years, SOPE has ronment with their hometowns. towards the environment, the Mauri- collaborated with AIESEC (Association tian government promised to plant five Internationale des Etudiantsen Sci- By Léa and Joséphine ( SOPE new trees for every individual uprooted ences Economiques et Commerciales). Volunteers ) tree. AIESEC is an international corporation SOPE MAURITIUS Currently, some big projects to im- founded at the end of the Second World +23057880379

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 43 The Sacred, Or Persecuted? The holy river crying for policy-makers’ attention

Ankit Kishore Delhi. From a pristine water course that all their tributaries, streams, every nat- was mesmerised by the Mughals it now ural water flowing with flow continu- he Yamuna river is highly ven- meanders wearily loaded with pollut- ously or intermittently of these rivers, erated in the Hindu religion ants. as juristic/legal persons/living entities and is worshipped as goddess The major cause of pollution of the having the status of a legal person with Yamuna, further the river river Yamuna is basically related to the all corresponding. Tmarks its relevance as the daughter of religious practices that are carried out This judgement by the Uttarakhand the Sun God and the sister of Yama, by the people in day to day lives. Yamu- High Court has not only mentioned that the god of death. The river is so holy in na is a river which passes cities whereby the river Yamuna is a living entity but Hindu religion, it is strongly believed a lot of religious institutions are present also has to protect the river Yamuna. that bathing in its sacred waters frees like for an instance Vrindavan, people in River pollution is a big menace to one from all sins. The parody is as such Hindu religion whereby the holy river is the environment and of course human that the holy waters of the river is being thought to be as a place whereby offer- health too, the other factors related to abused in such a manner that the river ings are to be made and this is a general the contribution in the pollution are the is suffering and in connection the lives adopted practice by the Hindus. Industrial wastes, mixtures of chemi- of the people is getting affected too. A recent judgement by the Uttara- cals, heavy metals are all discharged For a long period of time the holy khand High Court, the division bench in water and these are difficult to clean river Yamuna has been the lifeline for states that rivers Ganga and Yamuna, up.

44 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express In the long term, if the continuous river pollution continues it will be a threat to the biodiversity and also the extinction of some species can disrupt the ecosystem completely, as we are aware about the chains of the ecosys- tem. The rivers situation at present is very alarming and people in their refer- ences term it to be a huge sewage canal, its water is unfit for human consump- tion and cannot be qualified for any use, it cannot even support bacteria or any aquatic life. At present the government has spent hundreds of crores Indian rupees in the cleaning of these rivers but still the river still remains to flow dirty. Yamuna enters into Delhi at Wazira- bad barrage, it is reflected in the picture P.1, the water stored in left beaker is the water of Yamuna before entering Delhi and the water stored in the right side of the beaker is the water of Yamuna after entering Delhi. It seems that human activity is the major cause by which the river Yamu- na is killed, the colour of the water has turned completely black which contains heavy metals, toxic metals, pesticides and nuclear wastes and which results in destruction of the properties of water, the oxygen level of the Yamuna water remains to be zero. The very first solution of this prob- lem has been mentioned in this article itself whereby it is important to know the stakeholders to the particular issue, once the stakeholders have been iden- tified the responsibility of the cleaning of the river Yamuna can be shifted to them. Dozens of countries have established regulatory bodies for instance in some states of U.S the regulatory bodies are public Utility Commission, in England It has been observed on the banks of health problems and disorders in hu- and Whales a regulatory body was cre- of the river people enjoy the call of the mans. Not only it affects the human life ated OFWAT in 1989, and many coun- nature which adversely affects the river but also affects the aquatic life, leading tries choose for privatization for the health. to the growth of fishes that are unsuit- concern of water management which The Yamuna has been sentenced able for human consumption which fur- India should also implement. to the harshest treatment by the hu- ther results in mass killing of the aquat- The another is “awareness”, once the mans, the Yamuna is a garbage dump ic life too. Many economic activities are government is successful in creating the for more than 57% of the Delhi waste carried out by the people on these water awareness that the river contributes a lot thrown into it and only 55% of Delhi’s bodies for an instance fishing and there to the people and it is their duty to pro- residents are connected to proper sew- are people whose livelihood depends on tect it the pollution level will go tremen- age system which negates the other 45% the aquatic life. Further it is not only dously down. The government should of the population which again remains limited to humans and the aquatic life formulate policy by making field research not properly connected to the proper but also animals and birds who drink and identify the polluters and apply the sewage system. According to Centre for the water of the river. After drinking concept of Polluters Pay Principle. Science and Environmental Pollution, the toxic water of the river mostly the around 80% of the Yamuna’s pollution animals, birds, humans and aquatic (Ankit Kishore is a law is due to raw sewage. life suffers disorders and result in their student School of Law, KIIT The river pollution leads to number death. University)

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 45 YOGA DAY CELEBRATED BY GOPIO CHAPTERS AROUND THE WORLD oga is essentially a discipline which also brings harmo- ny in all walks of life, and thus is known for disease pre- Yvention, health promotion and management of many lifestyle-related disorders. Yoga is a 5,000-year old physical, mental and spiritual practice speculated to date back to pre- Vedic Indian traditions, but most likely developed around the sixth and fifth centuries BC. Yoga gurus / teachers from India later introduced yoga to the West, following the success of in the late 19th and early 20th century. Yoga Day was celebrated by several GOPIO chapter around the word. Here are reports from some of the chap- ters. South Africa Parliament M.P. Omie Singh, Provincial Parliament M.P. Shaheen Rajabansi, Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal, In- dian Consul General Dr. Shashank Vikram, GOPIO Executive VP Ishwar Gopio-reunion organizes yoga day for Ramlutchman and Indian Consul for Visa and OCI Anil Kumar Pathak. people with physical and metal dissabilities On Thursday, June 21st, GOPIO-Reunion organized a of yoga allows students to be still in a world consumed with day of Initiation to Yoga in a hospital for adults and children chaos. Peace and tranquility achieved through focused train- with physical and mental disabilities in the East of Reunion ing appeals to everyone. It is estimated that close to 200 mil- Island. During the three hours, the teacher presented the au- lion people around the world practice yoga (of some form or dience with some ideas. This is the second year that GOPIO the other), a majority of them in lndia and over 20 million of Reunion island offers yoga day in the island. them in the United States alone. With this resolution for an lnternational Yoga Day, more people are aware of the tenets of yoga and are encouraged to follow a yogic life style, a life that is healthy, humble and devout.

Gopio-waikato new zealand organizes yoga day GOPIO Waikato partnered with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Kirikirirao Multicultural Council to lead celebrations International Yoga Day in Hamilton, New Zealand. Over 50 people attended the Yoga Day at the Western Community Center to align with effort of the High Commission of India. “It was a great celebration of the fourth International Yoga Day in Hamilton,” said, GOPIO-Waikato Founder President Suman Kapoor. Yoga teachers included Sanjay Joshi, Gayatri Photo left: Gopio members and yoga teacher at the Yoga Day. From L Romila Verma and Katie. Following Yoga session, fresh fruits to R. Ketty Carpaille, Yoga Teacher Yogesh Bonne, Christian Kichenap- and yoga-booklets were distributed to all those who attended. anaidou, and GOPIO-Reunion President Jean-Régis Ramsamy; photo National M.P. Timmacindoe and Labor M.P. Jemie Strange right: Yoga teacher having dialogue attendees with disabilities also graced the occasion participate in yoga session. Kapoor welcomed the guests and the session ended with Gopio-durban joins hands with indian vote of thanks by GOPIO-Waikato President Pradeep Ka- consulate and sivananda peace mission to poor. celebrate yoga day International Yoga Day celebrated in Durban in Associa- tion with Consulate General of India Durban and Sivananda Peace Foundation. On June 17th morning from 8.30 to 10.30 a.m., at the Durban Amphitheatre (opp. Elangeni Hotel, North Beach). Durban, South Africa. The objective of celebrating the International Day of Yoga is to create awareness about yoga and how it benefits every- one in better understanding the significance of traditional and authentic yoga techniques. With the announcement of June 21 as Yoga Day by the UN, it is being celebrated in every country. Yoga is not just about working out, it’s about a healthy lifestyle. The practice

46 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express Surge in Yoga Culture in America Inder Singh of Religions in Chicago. He started the Vedantic centre in New York in 1896 or the last several years, yoga and and taught Raja Yoga classes. In 1920, meditation are becoming more Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced Facceptable in America. Yoga has Transcendental Meditation (TM ) to surged in popularity and its impact is Americans in 1959. The TM technique everywhere: in movies, television, ad- involves the use of mantra and regular vertising, and schools. Americans have practice offers reduction of stress and witnessed an increase in yoga studios, fatigue. meditation centers and vegetarian res- Indra Devi was the first to teach taurants, all of which have roots in In- and propagate nonreligious yoga for the dia. Meditation was originally a huge Indra Devi American mainstream, with an empha- part of yoga. Now, yoga is marketed as sis on its physical benefits. She opened a series of asanas (postures) that makes unity of mind and body; thought and a yoga studio in Hollywood in 1947 one fit and helps in weight loss. Many action; restraint and fulfillment; har- with emphasis on the physical benefits Americans have incorporated yoga rou- mony between man and nature; a holis- of yoga. In an effort to publicize and tines as an essential part of their work tic approach to health and well-being.” spread yoga for health and wellness, out regime. The number of US yoga The first International Day of Yoga she cultivated movie stars like Gloria practitioners has increased exponen- was observed all over the world on Swanson and other famous people like tially to more than 36 million, up from June 21, 2015. In New Delhi, Prime Yehudi Menuhin to come to her Holly- 20.4 million in 2012, as per a 2016 Minister Modi, a large number of dig- wood yoga studio. She promoted yoga study conducted by Yoga Journal and nitaries from 84 nations, and a record to Americans as a system of physical Yoga Alliance. number of 35,985 people performed 21 exercise, consisting of a series of poses, In 2014, the UN General Assembly yoga asanas (postures) on Rajpath for postures and positions. adopted a resolution proclaiming June 35 minutes. At the UN Headquarters, B.K.S. Iyengar, considered one of 21 as ‘International Day of Yoga’. The Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and In- the foremost yoga teachers in the world, resolution introduced by India’s am- dia’s External Affairs Minister Sushma was the founder of “Iyengar Yoga”. He bassador to the UN was a follow up of spoke at the inaugural function made his first visit to the United States Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call which also featured a yoga demonstra- in 1956 and gave several lecture-dem- during his address to the UN General tion. onstrations. He published his first book, Assembly on September 27, 2014, ask- Swami Vivekananda introduced Light on Yoga, which became known as ing world leaders to adopt an interna- yoga to Americans. He came to the USA “the bible of yoga”. Iyengar started hun- tional Yoga day, as “Yoga embodies in 1893 to address the World Parliament dreds of yoga centers, teaching Iyengar

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 47 yoga which focuses on the correct align- brated yoga teacher and has a following Several entrepreneurs are flourish- ment of the body within each yoga pose, which runs into millions. He has revo- ing in this $30 billion industry. They making use of straps, wooden blocks, lutionized people’s thinking about yoga publish yoga magazines, yoga books, and other objects as aids in achieving exercises. His Pranayam exercises - a produce TV shows, make DVDs, video the correct postures. set of breathing exercises - are promot- games and apps, manufacture yoga Yogi Bhajan started teaching “Kun- ed to bring about balance between the clothes, yoga artifacts, yoga furniture dalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness” in body and mind. Zee TV in USA gives a and furnishings, yoga foods, yoga tea, 1968. He was an inspiring teacher and one hour program daily featuring Ram- yoga energy bars, and hundreds of trained thousands of teachers. Many of dev’s yoga asanas. Ramdev has attained products and services. The prolifera- his followers opened their yoga studios commercial success of his physical fit- tion of yoga products, DVDs, and in- in various parts of the world, populariz- ness yoga, with no parallel in India or ternet has made yoga accessible by one ing yoga for health and fitness. Bikram the western world. and all. Hundreds of yoga websites have Choudhary earned fame and fortune by America is now dotted with yoga all kind of information about yoga, from teaching yoga to Americans by opening gyms and studios providing easy access health and wellness to spiritual and heated yoga studios. In the 1990s, Bikram to everyone, including business execu- show simple to complex poses. Several trained thousands of certified instruc- tives and Hollywood celebrities. There New Age gurus, who travel across the tors who opened Bikram Yoga studios all are also many yoga professionals and globe, have contributed to yoga popu- over the world. For the last several years, teachers who have gained prominence larity. In the United States, best-selling Bikram has been involved in law suits due in this growing industry and are avail- author Deepak Chopra has significantly to his sexual transgressions. able for expert guidance. Several stud- contributed to Indian meditation phi- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar established the ies have shown that yoga reduces blood losophy and yoga going mainstream. International Art of Living Foundation pressure, back pain, relieves stress and Yoga has gone through several ups in 1981. He has been promoting the improves overall health. Several doc- and downs during the last sixty years Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing tors recommend yoga to their cancer but now has earned well deserved re- yoga exercise. In 1986, Sri Sri came to patients during and after treatment. spect and recognition. At its core, yoga California to conduct the first course to Many Americans are drawn to yoga for is both a physical and spiritual practice. be held in North America. Since then, physical fitness, others are attracted as But for most Americans, yoga is a work- he has been frequenting America to yoga provides relief from stress while out system that consists of a series of spread his brand of yoga. many others practice yoga for weight stretches, poses, and postures to tone Swami Ramdev is the most cele- management. and shape one’s body.

48 AUGUST 2018 Opinion Express Chief Justice is the master of roster Vishnu Sharma tions and judgements over the time and sensitive cases were being assigned by accepted by all stake holders that the Justice Misra to junior judges. inally putting an end to the long Chief Justice is first among judges and During the arguments, Attorney pending dispute, Supreme Court senior most,” said the Supreme Court. General KK Venugopal stressed on the Fbench ruled that The Chief Jus- In January, four top ranking judges need for “unity” among the judges of tice is the “master of the roster” and has called an unprecedented press confer- the top court and said that Mr Bhush- the power to assign cases. ence in which they took on the Chief an’s petition could lead to “conflict” Earlier Shanti Bhushan’s petition Justice Dipak Misra. among judges on who would hear a had called for a panel of senior judges Shanti Bhushan had said in his peti- case, besides creating a multiplicity of to decide on the rostering of judges and tion that “master of the roster” cannot authorities. assigning of cases. be an “unguided and unbridled” discre- “It is essential that there should be The government’s top lawyer had tionary power, exercised arbitrarily by one person doing this and if it has to be opposed it, saying it will result in cha- the Chief Justice by hand-picking the one person, then it has to be the CJI,” os. benches of select judges or by assigning the Attorney General had said. In April, a three-judge bench head- cases to particular judges. Senior counsel Dushyant Dave and ed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra In an unprecedented event on Janu- advocate Prashant Bhushan, who had held that the Chief Justice was “master ary 12, the four top ranking judges af- appeared for Shanti Bhushan, had of the roster” who alone has the pow- ter the Chief Justice - Justices J Che- questioned the manner in which some er to decide on the allocation of cases, lameswar (now retired), Ranjan Gogoi, “sensitive cases” were allocated to spe- virtually setting at rest the controversy Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph cific judges in violation of rules. They raised by four of its next senior-most - called an unprecedented press con- said there was “ambiguity” in the rules judges. ference in which they took on the Chief as to whether the Chief Justice did have “There is no dispute that the Chief Justice and said the situation in the top the power to frame the roster. Justice is the master of roster and allo- court was “not in order” and many “less cates cases to Judges. The constitution than desirable” things had taken place. (Writer is AOR Supreme Court is silent on the Chief Justice. Conven- The judges had also criticised the way of India)

Opinion Express AUGUST 2018 49 Trendy Montenegro Trendy Khadi 13th July National Day Celebrations of Montenegro in India 2018 his event was held at the Con- friendship with Khadi Trendy Monte- honesty, purity, hand woven and hand sulate of Montenegro by H.E negro Trendy Khadi, Hand woven hand spun is also called the National fabric of Tthe Honorary Consul General of spun each one of us in our country has India. Joining hands with Montenegro Montenegro in India Dr Janice Darbari the beautiful tradition of hand spun and is a historical Day today because Kha- was witnessed by an exclusive presence hand woven our artisans and handicraft di is going global. I am thankful to Ms of high ranking dignitaries from India with the support of the Dean we can Janice Darbari for giving this opportu- and the Diplomatic core gathering of take it to the Global level and can knit nity to take it Global.” Ambassador’s and High Commission- the cultural network all over the world The signature Fashion Show was ers and members of the diplomatic core and make it a celebration for every hu- choreographed by the Teachers of of different countries present in India. man being who wants and love freedom, D.A.V School Mausasm Vihar ,their alu- Dean of the Diplomatic Core H.E knitting this yarn right through the mini and senior students participated Mr Frank Hans Dannenberg Castel- grassroots level. I think we can bring a as models. lanos Ambassador Extraordinary and lot of economic freedom to everybody, Mrs Paridi Sharma N.G.O working Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Re- Welcome to a signature fashion show with khadi and Raj Darbari helped in public, Deputy Dean of the diplomatic .How this fabric is worn in India in a designing the trendy clothes .Mrs Sheila core H.E Mr Alem Tsehaye Woldemar- very friendly way.” Darbari aged 90 years popoualry known iam Ambassador Extraordinary and The Dean of the diplomats who had as the daughter of the British era the old- Plenipotentiary of the State of Eritrea, just flown in from abroad especially for est Alumini of DAV College dating back Honorary Consul General of Montene- this event stated, “On behalf of all my to 1947 brought back nostaligic memo- gro in India Dr Janice Darbari and Mr colleagues Montenegro is the very envy ries of 1942 as her father Jagdishwar V.KSaxena Chairman of Khadi and Vil- of all of us. We wish we had a good Hon- Nigam I.C.S was the district Magistrate lage Industries Commission and mem- orary Consul General like you. We are in Ballia who allowed a massmovement bers of the KVIC board. very happy you are very active you do a a crowd of 25 thousand satyagrahis en- The Chief Guest Mr Subrata Bhat- great job, and, I congratulate Montene- ter Ballia all wearing Khadi. She walked tacharjee of the Ministry of External Af- gro for having appointed you and than the ramp amidst a great applause as the fairs in India, speaking at the Occasion you for being one of us. You are always song “Apne azadi ko hum hargish mita said quote “Hon’ble Minister of state a part of our activities and doing a great sakte nahi sar kata sakte lekin sar jhukha Mr V.K Singh has visited the beautiful job for strengthening ties between India sakte nahi” (We cannot forget our free- country of Montenegro and I am good and Montenegro.” dom we can get our heads cut but we friends with the Ambassadors of the Mr V.K Saxena the Chairman of cannot bow our head.) The show stopper Balkans you can count on me and my Khadi gram Udyog stated “I want to Mrs Swheta Dagar former first runner Ministry as friends of Montenegro wish Congratulate Montenegro Dr Janice up Mrs India worlldwide 2017 ,wore a the Khadi promotion a great success”. Darbari on the Occasion of the National khadi saree looking absolutely stunning. “The Honorary Consul General Dr Jan- Day joining hands with Khadi by Mon- ice Darbari thanking Mr Saxena Chair- tenegro is a great conversion, a long way —Report filed by Anshuman man Khadi weaving a thread and a big to see Khadi going Global. Khadi means Dogra, Bureau Chief-Delhi

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