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PM lays stone for infrastructure projects in Jaipur, Rajasthan Vol. 13, No. 14 16-31 July, 2018 (Fortnightly) `20

‘spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to ensure party’s victory’

The GST EXPERIENCE A new India is rising GST16-31 is not JULY, only 2018 the I victory KAMAL SANDESH of integrity... I 1 BJP National President Shri Amit Shah along with BJP National BJP National President Shri Amit Shah along with General Secretary (Org) Shri Ramlal paying floral tribute to Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadanvish visiting the the founder of Jana Sangh Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi in Pune, Maharashtra his birth anniversary (6th July) at BJP HQ, New Delhi

BJP National President Shri Amit Shah interacts with BJP BJP National President Shri Amit Shah waving Social Media volunteers in Varanasi, UP at the gathering of Shakthi Kendra in-charges from 6 Parliamentary constituencies of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuramm, Kerala ‘Sampark For Samarthan’

BJP National President Shri Amit Shah meets great As a part of “Sampark For Samarthan” campaign As a part of “Sampark For Samarthan” campaign scholar, thinker and recipient of Padma Vibhushan Shri BJP National President Shri Amit Shah meets BJP National President Shri Amit Shah presenting a P Parameswaran ji in Thiruvananthapuram, Keral. He Swami Satyamitranand Giri Ji Maharaj and Swami booklet on 4 years achievement of Modi Govt. to held several key posts in Jan Sangh. He is the President Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj at Bharat Mata Mandir in Shivshahir Shri Babasaheb Purandare at his home in of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari and the director Haridwar, Uttarakhand Pune, Maharashtra 2 I KAMAL SANDESHof Bharatiya I 16-31Vichara JULY, Kendra 2018 Fortnightly Magazine Editor Prabhat Jha

Executive Editor Dr. Shiv Shakti Bakshi

Associate Editors Ram Prasad Tripathy Vikash Anand

Creative Editors Vikas Saini Mukesh Kumar

Phone +91(11) 23381428 FAX +91(11) 23387887 Historic hike in MSP to Transform lives of E-mail farmers [email protected] Giving a major boost for the farmers’ income, the Cabinet Committee [email protected] 08 on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has Website: www.kamalsandesh.org approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all ...

06 ‘Modi government Vaichariki brought various He taught the people how to live 17 farmer-friendly policy decisions ever since it Shradhanjali came to power’ To strengthen the party Bal Gangadhar Tilak: The Father of Indian National Movement 19 and to feel the pulse of the people ahead of the 2019... article 11 BJP making ‘steady progress in right The GST EXPERIENCE 20 direction’ in Kerala: A new India is rising: PM Modi and the NDA government are Amit Shah BJP National President working hard to get us there by 2022 26 Shri Amit Shah arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, Others Kerala on 03 July, 2018... Madanlal Saini appointed as new BJP Rajasthan President 13

Social security schemes empower people: PM 24 14 ‘Indirect Tax collections increase by 11.9% post GST roll out’ After failure of Congress, It’s BJP’s responsibility to ... 25 Government of India celebrated the 1st GST Day on July 01 in Delhi. The event saw an address on PM lays stone for infrastructure projects in Jaipur, Rajasthan 28 the eventful 1st year journey of GST over a live... ‘GST is not only the victory of integrity but it is also... 30

Emergency was a black spot on democracy: Modi 32 16 Renewable energy sector employed 4.3 lakh people in 2017: Report PM pays homage to the great saint and poet Kabir on his Around 4.32 lakh people were employed in the renewable energy sector in India in 2017, 500th death anniversary 33 according to India Spend report that cited a...

Publisher and Printer: Printed by Dr. Nandkishore Garg, Published by Dr. Nandkishore Garg on behalf of Dr. Mookerjee Smruti Nyas and Printed16-31 at JULY, HT Media 2018 Limited, I KAMAL B-2, Sector-63, SANDESH Noida I 3 (UP)-201307 and Published from PP-66, Subramanya Bharati Marg, New Delhi-110003. Editor - Prabhat Jha. SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER

I congratulate PM Narendra Modi and @narendramodi his cabinet for approving historic rise in I congratulate the people of India on the special MSP for Kharif crops. This reflects Modi occasion of GST completing 1 year. A vibrant govt’s commitment towards doubling example of cooperative federalism and a ‘Team farmer’s income. This will not only assure India’ spirit, GST has brought a positive change better price for farmer’s produce but will in the Indian economy. #GSTForNewIndia. also improve their quality of life. Modi govt earlier introduced effective crop insurance for farmers and now this historic jump in MSP is testimony to Modi govt’s commitment towards Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas. Unlike previous governments whose schemes remained only on files and on their @ChouhanShivraj manifestos, Modi sarkar is delivering on ground. GST is a transformative initiative which has — Amit Shah had a multiplier effect on our economy- increasing tax compliance, fostering growth, The ‘Khan Prahari’ app uses space ensuring seamless movement of goods within technology to curb illegal coal mining the country, binding India into an economic union and activity in the coalfield areas of the improving the ease of doing business. #GSTforNewIndia. country, and provides people with a platform where they can report such incidents. — Piyush Goyal

For 60 yrs @INCIndia treated farmers @DevendraFadnavis as vote banks & made no attempt for Yet another promise fulfilled ! Thank you their upliftment. Historic decision to Hon. PM @narendramodi ji for the historic declare MSP 150% of procurement announcement of increase in MSP of all major cost will make farming viable,bring crops for the year 2018-19 ! 1.5 times MSP of the prosperity to our villages & help in production cost will bring a huge relief to our our stated goal of doubling farm incomes by 2022. farmers. Great step towards #DoublingFarmersIncome ! — Muralidhar Rao Courtesy: Social Media

4 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 EDITORIAL Enhanced MSP to revolutionize agriculture s nation celebrates completion of one year of successful implementation of GST, the Modi government has brought immense relief to farmers across the country by announcing enhanced rates of MSP for A Kharif crops. As promised in the Budget 2018-19, the farmers are now assured of 1.5 times return on their cost of production. It’s a historic step which is set to revolutionize the agricultural sector and bring smiles on the faces of the farmers. It is for the first time that the issue of farmers has been addressed with the aim of bringing long-term solution to their problems and instil faith in the heart of the toiling masses. The highest enhancement in MSP so far shows the commitment of Modi government to address the agrarian distress due to decades of neglect and misplaced priorities in the agricultural sector. It is for the first time that the government is trying to address farmers distress through multi-pronged approach with the aim of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. The announcement of MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production is a leap in that direction. It is for the first Agriculture has remained the backbone of our society. The farmers have not only given time that the issue food security to our nation with their hard work but this sector has also given employment of farmers has been to large number of people in the country. It is highly unfortunate to note that the successive addressed with the governments at the centre under Congress regimes have failed to set priorities in this aim of bringing long- field and due to continuous neglect and apathy a situation is created wherein people term solution to their started leaving agriculture. Agriculture not only became unprofitable and risky but there problems and instil was no policy looking for long-term solutions in this sector. The farmers were left to fend faith in the heart of for themselves with no effective support from the government. It is for the first time that a the toiling masses. The planned attempt is being made to double the farmer’s income through various schemes highest enhancement and programmes. The crop insurance scheme has empowered the farmers to take risks in MSP so far shows and go for new experiments while ‘per-drop, more crop’ is making farmers to make full use the commitment of of each drop of water. Soil health cards are equipping farmers in remote villages with new Modi government to insights about their agricultural lands and they are accordingly deciding their cropping address the agrarian patterns. A large number of irrigation projects that were stalled due to lack of funds are distress due to either complete or nearing completion now. Moreover, huge investments in agricultural and decades of neglect rural sector in successive budgets are changing the rural landscape and strengthening and misplaced agriculture in the country. priorities in the It is strange to see that some people have chosen to criticise even the increase in MSP agricultural sector. on baseless grounds. The same set of people who earlier doubted that government may not be able to fulfil its budgetary promise of increasing MSP by 1.5 times of the cost of production, are now saying such steps entails a huge burden on economy. Those who lamented the plight of the farmers are now feeling that such a ‘whopping’ enhancement in paddy MSP was unnecessary! A new argument is that increasing MSP is not the real solution! These are the same set of people who talk about problems but when solution is provided they try to portray them as another problem. The mindless criticism will not stop the benefits of good work from reaching to the masses who are now well convinced of the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards rural sector, farmers, poor and deprived sections of the society. Only a government committed to the welfare of farmers could have enhanced MSP to such an extent and launched so many schemes aiming to double their income. All the policies and programmes of the government under the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi are aimed at longterm solutions for our country. Those who criticised GST are now seeing the benefits of this huge reform which is transforming the Indian economy. Those who are criticising hike in MSP will also later realize that it has revolutionized agricultural sector in India. [email protected]

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 5 cover story BJP President’s UP Pravas

‘Modi government brought various farmer-friendly policy decisions ever since it came to power’

o strengthen the party and to feel the pulse Agra where leaders and vistaraks from Kanpur- of the people ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha Bundelkhand, western UP and Braj participated. T elections and directly interact with the These three regions constitute 30 Lok Sabha Karyakartas of the state, BJP National President seats and are crucial for the party's scheme of things Shri Amit Shah arrived for a two-day Pravas to Uttar to ensure a repeat of its 2014 performance. The BJP- Pradesh on 04 July, 2018. He held a day-long meeting led NDA won 73 out of 80 seats in the state in the with vistarak of eastern and central UP in Mirzapur. He 2014 Lok Sabha elections. visited Varanasi on the same day to attend a meeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, State BJP President of the 'BJP cyber warriors’. Shri Shah met ‘vistaraks’ Shri Mahendra Nath Pandey, BJP National General who visited booths to assess the party’s base during Secretary Shri Bhupendra Yadav, BJP ally Apna Dal the last six months. leader and Union minister Smt. Anupriya Patel, UP Shri Amit Shah also met leaders and vistaraks Deputy Chief Minister Shri Dinesh Sharma, attended of Awadh, Gorakhpur and Kashi prants at Mirzapur the meetings. on 04 July while the next day, he did the same in 'SOCIAL MEDIA VOLUNTEERS MEET OF EASTERN UP', VARANASI Amit Shah asks 'BJP cyber warriors' to ensure that party wins 2019 LS polls Terming the party's social media volunteers "cyber warriors", BJP National President Shri Amit Shah on 04 July, 2018 asked them to spread like fire from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari to ensure the party's victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Shri Shah, who addressed the BJP's 'Social media volunteers meet of Eastern UP' held in Varanasi, said the volunteers need to use their creative minds to defeat opponents and give a befitting reply to those spreading lies against the party and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said that there was no leader like Shri Modi

6 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 BJP President’s UP Pravas cover story

During the last elections the party had expected a winning figure of 65 seats but the people gave a mandate of 73 seats. “Now, in the next year’s elections volunteers must ensure that we add one more seat and win 74 seats”.

in the country whose reach was pan-India. "Does Shri Shah said under Shri Modi's leadership, (Andhra Pradesh CM) Chandrababu (Naidu) or India was globally respected and he also praised (former PM) Deve Gowda have a reach like Modiji? the Centre for carrying out surgical strikes against Can people hear their speeches in Uttar Pradesh," he Pakistan, saying after America and Israel, India was asked. the only country to take revenge through such a step. "People reach in large number to hear PM Modiji The BJP President also said, "Some were pointing whether it be Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir or anywhere fingers at us but in the last four years not asingle across the country. He is loved and accepted by instance of corruption could be proved against us... people," he said. The Uttar Pradesh government had delivered a He also praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister transparent and corruption free governance." Yogi Adityanath, saying law and order had improved He said during the last elections the party had in the state and criminals had gone into hiding expected a winning figure of 65 seats but the people in neighbouring Delhi, where the situation had gave a mandate of 73 seats. "Now, in the next year's deteriorated. elections volunteers must ensure that we add one more seat and win 74 seats," he said. Earlier, he visited Mirzapur and hailed the Centre's decision to increase the minimum support price of kharif crop as "historical", stating that the move would benefit the farming community in a major way. He stressed that the Modi government was coming up with various farmer-friendly policy decisions ever since it came to power. A case in point, he said, black marketing of urea was checked by introducing neem-coated urea. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at its meeting today approved the MSP of 14 Kharif (summer-sown crops for the 2018-19 season. The decision, taken by the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, comes less than a year before next general election.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 7 cover story MSP hike

Historic hike in MSP to Transform lives of farmers Cabinet approves hike in MSP for Kharif Crops for 2018-19 Season

iving a major boost for the farmers’ income, of arhar (tur) has been raised by Rs 225 per quintal the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs yielding a return over cost by 65.36 per cent and urad G chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi by Rs 200 per quintal with a return over cost by 62.89 has approved the increase in the Minimum Support per cent in order to maintain inter-crop-price parity. Prices (MSPs) for all kharif crops for 2018-19 Season. Similarly, the MSP of Bajra has been raised by Rs.525 The decision of the CCEA is a historic one as it per quintal yielding a return of 96.97 per cent over redeems the promise of the pre-determined principle cost. of fixing the MSPs at a level of at least 150 percent Promoting cultivation of pulses can help India of the cost of production announced by the Union overcome nutrition insecurity, improve soil fertility Budget for 2018-19. The Commission for Agricultural by nitrogen fixation and provide income support to Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended MSPs farmers. Thus, increased MSPs for pulses will give a for all kharif crops broadly in line with the announced price signal to farmers to increase acreage. Further principle. enhanced MSPs would boost production of oilseeds The Budget for 2018-19 had indicated that a and encourage investment in its productivity and help paradigm shift in the agricultural policies is needed to reduce India’s import bill. Increase in MSPs of nutri- achieve the objective of doubling farmers’ income by cereals will improve nutritional security and allow 2022 through greater emphasis on generating higher farmers to get higher prices. incomes of farmers. The increase in the MSPs of Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other Nigerseed at Rs.1827 per quintal, moong by Rs.1400 designated State Agencies would continue to per quintal, sunflower seed by Rs.1288 per quintal provide price support to the farmers in the case of and cotton by Rs. 1130 per quintal is unprecedented. cereals including nutri-cereals. National Agricultural Amongst cereals and nutri cereals, in terms of Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited absolute increase, MSP of paddy (common) has (NAFED), FCI, Small Farmers Agri -Business been raised by Rs 200 per quintal, jowar (hybrid) by Consortium (SFAC) and other designated Central Rs 730 per quintal and ragi by Rs 997 per quintal. Agencies would continue to undertake procurement The highest percentage increase in MSP over the of pulses and oilseeds. Cotton Corporation of India previous year is for ragi (52.47 %) followed by jowar (CCI) will be the central nodal agency for undertaking hybrid (42.94%). For pulses, apart from Moong, MSP price support operations for Cotton.

8 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 MSP hike cover story

PM Modi says govt committed to agriculture goals After announcing the highest ever single-year raise in the minimum support price of paddy, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said the government has fulfilled its promise to farmers. “I am very happy that the promise made by the MSP hike to boost farm income, government to our farmer brothers and sisters spur growth: Assocham of giving minimum support price at 1.5 times the production cost has been fulfilled. There has been The government’s decision to hike the minimum a historic increase in the MSP. Congratulations to support price (MSP) for 14 khariff crops would all farmers,” he tweeted. boost farmers’ income, resulting in a huge rural Assuring that the government is committed demand push to the Indian economy, industry to the development of the agriculture sector, PM body Assocham said. Shri Modi said, “We have been taking steps in this The BJP-led government increased the MSP direction and will continue to do so,” he added. for paddy by a record Rs 200 per quintal that will cost the exchequer over Rs 15,000 crore, and MSP hike a historic decision: help fulfil its poll promise to Amit Shah give farmers 50 BJP National President Shri Amit Shah called this per cent more as a historic decision and said, “Modi govt has than their cost always taken decisions in favour of farmers”. of production. In a tweet he wrote, "I congratulate PM @ “The entire narendramodi and his cabinet for approving rural landscape historic rise in MSP for Kharif crops. This reflects constitutes about 70 per cent of our consumer Modi govt's commitment towards doubling basket and unless they have adequate purchasing farmer’s income. This will not only assure better power, the much-needed demand push for India price for farmer’s produce but will also improve Inc would not materialise,” Assocham Secretary their quality of life." General said in a statement. He further said the concern over MSP increase Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh also leading to inflationary pressure may be addressed lauded decision and told ANI, ” Farmers are the by improving the administrative machinery in the biggest producer and consumer but they have foodgrains and vegetable mandis, which are still never got what they deserved. PM Shri Modi under the clutches of cartels. has realized this and gave 1.5 extra of what they “The state governments have a key role in produce. demolishing the mandi cartels which trigger a Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath huge volatility in agri prices, especially those of said the decision would improve the quality life of fruits and vegetables,” the industry body said. farmers and that this will bring happiness.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 9 cover story MSP hike

Farmer friendly initiatives by the • The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is Government being implemented with the vision of extending Besides increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) the coverage of irrigation ‘Har Khet ko Pani’ of kharif crops, Government has also taken several and improving water use efficiency ‘Per Drop farmer friendly initiatives. These are as follows: More Crop ‘ in a focused manner with end to • The premium rates to be paid by farmers are end solution on source creation, distribution, very low - 2 % of sum insured for all kharif crops, management, field application and extension 1.5% for all rabi crops and 5 % for commercial activities. and horticulture crops under smart technology • Government is focusing on improving through phones & remote sensing for quick production and productivity of crops such as estimation and early settlement of claims. The rice, wheat, coarse grains and pulses under the Government has also launched a Mobile App National Food Security Mission. “Crop Insurance” which will help farmers to find • A dedicated online interface e-KrishiSamvad out complete details about insurance cover provides direct and effective solutions to available in their area and to calculate the problems faced by farmers. insurance premium for notified crops. • Government is encouraging formation of Farmer • The Government has also launched a scheme to Producer Organisations. The Budget for 2018- develop a pan India electronic trading platform 19 has extended a favourable taxation treatment under ‘National Agriculture Market’ (NAM) to Farmer Producers Organisations (FPQs) for aiming to integrate 585 regulated markets helping farmers aggregate their needs of inputs, with the common e-market platform in order farm services, processing and sale operations. to facilitate better price discovery and ensure • Government has set up a buffer stock of pulses remunerative prices to farmers. Each State is and domestic procurement of pulses is also being encouraged to undertake three major being done under Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) reforms - allow electronic trading, have a single mainly with a view to protect consumers. The license valid throughout the State and a single Budget for 2018-19 indicated that increasing entry point market fee. It will also enable farmers MSP. is not adequate and it is more important to discover better prices for their produce. As on that farmers should get full benefit of the 23rd March, 2018, 585 markets in 16 States and announced MSP. For this, it is essential that if 2 Union Territories have already been brought price of the agriculture produce market is less on the e-NAM platform. than MSP, then Government should purchase • Government has also formulated a new model either at MSP or work in a manner to provide Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing MSP for the farmers through some other (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2017 to provide mechanism. NITI Aayog, in consultation with farmers market options beyond the existing Central and State Governments, will put in place APMC regulated market yards. a fool-proof mechanism so that farmers will get • Soil Health Cards are being issued to farmers adequate price for their produce. across the country. These will be renewed • A handbook for women farmers ‘Farm Women every two years. The card provides information Friendly Hand Book’ containing special on fertility status of soil and a soil test based provisions and package of assistance which advisory on use of fertilizers. As on 25th June, women farmers can claim under various on­ 2018, 15.14 crore Soil Health Cards have been going Missions/ Submissions/ Schemes of distributed. Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & • Under ParamparagatKrishiVikasYojana (PKVY), Farmers Welfare has been brought out. the Government is promoting organic farming • With the above measures taken, the Government and development of potential market for organic has set a target to double the farmers’ Income products. by 2022.

10 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 BJP President’s Pravas organisational activities Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala BJP making ‘steady progress in right direction’ in Kerala: Amit Shah

JP National President Shri Amit Shah arrived in achievements of the Modi government, and also hold Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 03 July, 2018 discussions with leaders from Lakshadweep. B on one day Kerala visit, seeking to tone up the Addressing the workers convention from six Lok party apparatus and cadres ahead of the Lok Sabha Sabha constituencies in South Kerala, BJP President polls next year. said the saffron party’s mission would be complete Shri Shah was accorded a rousing welcome at the only with the formation of its governments in Kerala, airport by BJP state leadership and party workers. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. He attended a meeting of the party’s state Referring to the party position in Kerala, Shri Shah core committee members on the progress in the said the BJP was making “steady progress in the electioneering plans for Lok Sabha elections which right direction” despite the political violence against was chalked out during earlier visits, addressed its cadres unleashed by ruling CPI-M. He said the leaders from select districts, attended the joint meeting martyrdom of BJP-RSS workers would not become of leaders in charge of Parliamentary constituencies meaningful unless the CPI-M was rooted out of Kerala as well as full-timers assigned to these constituencies as it happened in Tripura and West Bengal. Alleging and inaugurated a convention of party workers of that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible 6 parliamentary constituencies of southern Kerala for the political violence in the state, Shri Shah said 84 that are; Thiruvananthapuram, Attingal, Kollam, RSS-BJP workers had been killed in Kannur, the home Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Mavelikkara etc. district of Vijayan. Later, he met the senior leaders of the RSS and The BJP president also alleged that political clashes other affiliated organizations. Shri Shah also met some were not based on any ideology, and said it was state prominent people of the state as part of his ‘Sampark sponsored killings. “The BJP does not believe in for Samarthan’ initiative to inform them about the retaliating violence with violence, but with development.”

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 11 organisational activities BJP President’s Pravas

Listing the various schemes and development projects with Shakti Kendra in-charges and co-in-charges in initiated by the Narendra Modi government, Shri Shah Bhubaneswar, Odisha. said NDA was able to provide a corruption free and He said, “With such energy and enthusiasm among transparent government to the country in contrast to the Odisha BJP karyakartas, BJP is all set to sweep Odisha earlier Congress-led UPA regimes. in 2019 under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi.” “The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Over 2,400 panchayat-level Shakti Kendra has completed four years in office. Even Opposition committee heads and their deputies had assembled in has not been able to level a single graft charge of one Bhubaneswar to hear him. Shri Shah has given a call rupee against the government,” he said. “We have to party workers to work towards winning at least 120 been able to provide a transparent government,” he of the 147 seats in the Assembly elections in the state. added. PM Shri Modi was able to enhance the pride of On the issue of the missing keys to the Ratnabhandar the country abroad, he said. The large gathering and (treasure) of the Jagannath temple, the BJP President warm welcome the Prime Minister was getting in each criticized the Naveen Patnaik government for failing to country was actually not for him or the BJP, but for the “safeguard the aspirations of Hindus”. 125 crore people of India, he said. Earlier in the day,Shri In five back-to-back closed-door meetings, Shri Shah also addressed a core committee meeting of the Shah met senior party functionaries and grassroots party’s state unit. workers of the Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri Lok Sabha constituencies. “The party has been making Pravas in Bhubaneswar, Odisha sustained preparation for elections. The party president noted down feedback. Leaders also got to know what ‘Will sweep polls in Odisha’ is expected of them”. BJP National President Shri Amit Shah on 01 July, Earlier, BJP National President was given a rousing 2018 said that party would win the Lok Sabha and the welcome by BJP State President Shri Basant Panda Assembly elections in Odisha in 2019. Shri Shah, who and other Party Senior leaders, Union Ministers Shri was on a one-day visit to the State to take stock of Jual Oram and Shri Dharmendra Paradhan and scores the party’s poll preparedness, addressed a meeting of party workers on his arrival at the Airport.

12 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 BJP President’s Pravas organisational activities

Pravas in Imphal, Manipur The BJP has formed governments on its own Amit Shah asks party leaders to ensure in Arunachal, Assam and Tripura and is an alliance partner in Manipur and Meghalaya governments. BJP victory in North-Eastern states Ahead of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram unit Bharatiya Janata Party National President Shri Amit delegations meetings, Tripura Chief Minister Shri Biplab Shah on 30 June, 2018 asked party leaders in the Kumar Deb led party leaders in an hour-long meeting North-East to work hard to ensure party’s victory in the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections this year and the next. “Our National Party President wants us to work hard to win the elections. He also advised us to join hands with a regional party in Mizoram to fight the ruling Congress”, BJP Mizoram General Secretary Shri Vanlal Hmuaka informed it to the media after meeting with Shri Shah. Assembly elections in Mizoram is slated later this year end while Arunachal Pradesh will have its assembly elections next year along with the Lok Sabha with Shri Amit Shah. All the meetings were attended by polls. BJP National General Secretary Shri Ram Madhav, BJP Sharing a similar sentiment, BJP Arunachal Pradesh North-East In-Charge Shri Ajay Jamwal and North East President Shri Tapir Gao after the meeting with the BJP Democratic Alliance convener and Assam Minister Shri National President said, “In our meeting with Shri Amit Himanta Biswa Sharma. Shahji, we discussed about our party’s strategies, Earlier, the BJP National President was accorded a planning and organizational matters to win all the seats warm welcome by the State Chief Minister Shri N Biren in the forthcoming elections.” Singh and BJP state President Shri Kh Bhabananda.

Madanlal Saini appointed as new BJP Rajasthan President

JP National of Bharatiya Mazdoor President Shri Amit Sangh and later BJP Kisan B Shah appointed Morcha. He was elected Rajya Sabha MP and senior MLA in 1990 and was sent leader Shri Madanlal Saini to Rajya Sabha in 2018. as the new BJP President of He has been associated Rajasthan on 29 June, 2018. with the RSS since 1952 Shri Saini is a prominent and BJP since its inception. OBC leader from Sikar and After assuming the will replace former BJP charge Shri Saini told State President Shri Ashok media persons that he Parnami who stepped-down would be part of workers' from his post in April this activities and continue year. with booth management Shri Madanlal Saini, 72, began his political career programmes and will work round the clock with the in the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. Shri Saini, who has Karyakartas by which the party can get 180 seats in been a RSS Swayamsevak, was General Secretary the upcoming Assembly polls in Rajasthan.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 13 government’s achievement one year of GST ‘Indirect Tax collections increase by 11.9% post GST roll out’

overnment of India celebrated the 1st GST Day on July 01 in Delhi. The event saw an G address on the eventful 1st year journey of GST over a live video link by Union Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley. Union Minister for Railways, Coal, Finance & Corporate Affairs, Shri Piyush Goyal presided over as the Chief Guest of the event and Minister of State for Finance, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla was the Guest of Honour. Addressing the distinguished gathering via video link, Shri Arun Jaitley recalled the pre-GST taxation system in India was one of the most complicated tax systems in the world. Multiple taxes, multiple returns to be filed by assesees, interface with multiple tax authorities, cascading effect of taxes, rising inflation, no free flow of goods across the country, fragmented markets across the country, inter alia, were some of the tenuous issues plaguing the indirect taxation system in India. GST has persuaded people to do businesses in a transparent manner without evading taxes, Shri Jaitley added. year post implementation of GST is about Rs. 8.2 lakh Shri Jaitley said that GST had an unequivocal crores, which if extrapolated for the whole year comes support of the Prime Minister of India, hence the to about Rs. 11 lakh crores, an 11.9% increase in Union Government could work closely with the States indirect tax collections. in a coordinated and collaborative fashion to make Talking about the capacity to rationalise present GST a success. “We analysed reasons why past GST slabs, Shri Jaitley said that the GST Council is Governments could not implement the GST. We constantly working in that direction and the desired resolved all issues raised by the States and assured rationalisation will come with the setting in of the them the immunity from fall in their revenue collection. stability of GST system, increasing tax collections The GST Council is India’s first consensus based through curbing tax evasion and increasing the tax federal decision making body”, the Minister said. net. The Minister said that according to his projection, Listing out the remarkable successes that the GST an increase of 1.5% in indirect tax collections is has achieved in a short span of 1 year, Shri Jaitley expected in the Non oil category, which will facilitate said that this reform has created a unified market, the the automatic rationalisation of tax slabs in near future. cascading of taxes has been eliminated, the weighted In his conclusion, Shri Jaitley thanked the Finance average of total taxation basket has come down, the Ministers and officers of different States without whose GST Council is working upon continuous rationalisation cooperation GST could not have been a success that of tax slabs, advance direct tax payments increased it is today. Though GST has given a lot of reasons to as result of successful implementation of GST, among cheer about with its first year achievements, the best others. The Minister informed that the total indirect of GST in terms of its contribution to the society is yet tax collection for 9 month period in previous financial to come, the Minister added.

14 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 one year of GST government’s achievement

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Railways, Coal, Finance and Corporate Affairs, @narendramodi Shri Piyush Goyal congratulated all stakeholders, I congratulate the people of India on the including State leaderships involving different political special occasion of GST completing 1 parties, officers, trade and industry, who have strived hard in making GST a success. GST is a symbol of year. A vibrant example of cooperative cooperative and collaborative federalism, and GST federalism and a ‘Team India’ spirit, GST day is a day of 1.25 billion Indians, it’s a cause for has brought a positive change in the celebration. We should compliment each other for its Indian economy. #GSTForNewIndia grand success, the Minister said. Speaking about the magnitude of the path breaking tax reform, Shri Goyal said that Dr. Ambedkar stitched @AmitShah the Nation through one Constitution, Sardar Patel I congratulate PM @narendramodi and bonded the fragmented Nation geographically, now his government on successful completion GST is a landmark reform that has transformed the of one year of implementing GST, a Nation into an economic union with the motto ‘ONE NATION, ONE TAX, ONE MARKET’. No other Nation historic tax reform. India, specially small in the world, so huge, with so many regional socio- businesses, have benefitted immensely economic and political interests has been able to from this new tax regime, which has implement such a tax reform ever in history, he added. brought transparency & convinence. This reform has put an end to the illegal activities like tax evasion by simplifying the tax administration and #GSTForNewIndia. bringing a transformation in the culture among trade and industry in the country towards faithful payment is proposing to bring an amendment to extend this of indirect taxes. The youth of India has embraced the limit to businesses with Rs. 1.5 crores turnover, he reform with open hands. This tax reform is dedicated informed. to the young generation of India who want to conduct Speaking on reduction of tax slabs under GST, Shri their businesses in a legal and transparent fashion, Goyal clarified that the different tax slabs have been Shri Goyal said. decided after due deliberations in the GST Council, Terming GST as a Game changer for small keeping in mind the socio-economic make up of businesses, Shri Goyal said that enterprises having a this country. The Minister encouraged citizens of the turnover of Rs. 20 lakhs are exempted from GST and country to help the Government to eliminate the culture those with a turnover upto Rs. 1 crore have to pay 1% of tax evasion and contribute whole heartedly in the tax. In the coming monsoon session the Government success of GST and development of this country.

now E-Magazine KAMAL SANDESH is available online www.kamalsandesh.org Become part of a vibrant ideological16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL move SANDESHment I 15 government’s achievement Renewable energy sector employed 4.3 lakh people in 2017: Report

round 4.32 lakh people were employed in the renewable energy sector in India in 2017, A according to India Spend report that cited a recent analysis by the inter-governmental International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The renewable energy sector created 47,000 new job in the previous year, accounting for over 20 percent of 5 lakh new green jobs created globally. The number of jobs in India’s green energy sector, excluding large hydropower projects, rose by 12 percent to 4.32 lakh people in 2017 from 3.85 lakh people in 2016, the report said. The increase in number of jobs has been due to "gradually switching to clean energy in sync with their commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement 2015”. "Renewable energy has become a pillar of low- carbon economic growth for governments all over the technical levels. world, a fact reflected by the growing number of jobs India received $1.77 billion foreign direct created in the sector," Director-general of IRENA, said investment (FDI) in non-conventional energy sector in a statement. from April 2014 to September 2016. The renewable energy sector has been growing The country has been working towards achieving in India because of several factors. The government the target of producing 175 GW by end-December has opened routes for foreign investors to establish 2022. Of the total target, 100 GW is to come from renewable energy-based power generation projects solar power, 60 GW from wind power, 10 GW from and collaborate with Indian firms on financial and biomass and 5 GW from small hydropower.

A study titled Documentation and of their respective interventions directed Compilation of the Best Practices of at upliftment of the last person based Sustainable Development as propounded on the concept of ‘Antyodaya’ meaning by Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya is being ‘upliftment of the last person’. After a undertaken by Indian Social Responsibility validation process by a jury appointed in Network (ISRN), that intends to collect this regard, the selected best practices the Antyodaya based best practices from will form of the Report on the study organizations/ institutions/ individuals across mentioned above. India, to highlight, document and share it with a Interested organization may visit the link larger audience to motivate and replicate similar https://goo.gl/forms/XaHXKRsKXFHSvKU72 For models of sustainable development. further details. In this regard, we appeal to organizations/ The last date for submitting the details on best institutions/ individuals to submit best practices, practices is 30 August, 2018. 16 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 Vaichariki He taught the people how to live

defined as a gregarious unreal course, the channels through ceases to be human if he loses which their services would have social sense and becomes self- found expression might have centred. Dr. Hedgewar, therefore, been different. It is not only the never liked the use of the word soldier and the statesman but ‘Deshbhakta’ with the names of also the scavenger and the saint individuals to laud them. The use who serve the nation. Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya of this appellative with particular It was in keeping with this view persons only denoted a lack that he once changed the caption r. Keshava Baliram of this common quality among under a photograph, from ‘Teach Hedgewar was a born the people, and if people in me how to die’ to ‘teach me how D patriot in the real sense of general were patriotic they were a to live’. And truly he taught the the term. It was neither reaction people no more. He also felt that people how to live. nor frustration that drove him aggressive designs by others or to national work. No doubt he existence of a foreign rule was not Fruits of Negative was against the British rule and necessary for the manifestation of Nationalism wanted to end it by whatever this basic virtue of the individual. It was this positive concept of means possible. Patriotism is a positive virtue and nationalism that made him stress Once he is reported to have not a Negative Reaction to the on Hinduism. Noncooperation said that for the independence of Misdeeds of an Alien Society. and Khilafat, expedient measures the motherland he was prepared ‘Would there have been a adopted as a basis of agitation to work even as a shoeblack of Shiva if there was no Aurangzeb?’ against the Britishers, had given the Briton and if necessary also Was one of the questions being a slant to the whole national to use that very shoe to drive him once put to swayamsevaks who movement and distorted our out. had gathered round him for a vision of the nation. He did not make a ‘fetish’ of the chat? No cooperation was obviously means to attain freedom which in ‘No’ some of us opined. negative. It advocated boycott of the words of Lokmanya Tilak he It was the tyrannical rule and all that was British but did not lay considered ‘our birthright’. He, religious bigotry of Aurangzeb down any positive norms of our therefore, not only participated that Chhatrapati Shivaji fought. national behaviour. Khilafat was in all freedom movements of Why should he have taken all out and out a sectarian movement his time but encouraged and the trouble he did if there was a fostering extraterritorial loyalties. It helped everybody who worked benign sovereign at Delhi? did not bind the Muslims of India for the realisation of that end. But But Doctorji’s answer was to this land but to some extent his love for the country was not in the affirmative. It is only a tended to sap the loyalties that because it was in chains. Love of historical coincidence that Shivaji they had developed by tradition the motherland according to him had to wage a war against and habitat. So much so that is a natural state of the human Aurangzeb, and Maharana Pratap in the course of the movement mind, Nationalism of patriotism against Akbar. Even if there was some prominent Muslims even is not an extraordinary attribute no Mughal power at Delhi these though of leaving India to reside of an individual but a normal worthy sons of Bharat would have in Afghanistan, which according quality in a social and cultured served the people and enhanced to them was an Islamic country. man. In fact man who has been the glory of the motherland. Of If there was any understanding

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 17 Vaichariki between him Khilafat and the the image of the Mother in all its movement. The reformer lays Congress leaders it was only salient features. They have also emphasis on institutional changes temporary and expedient. Each succeeded in denouncing and and feels that by such changes one perhaps, wanted to exploit denigrating the true picture of he will change the man and the the other for their own ends. our nationhood. The result is the society. In certain circumstances The Congress leaders wanted to present state of affairs threatening he may be justified and might oust the Britishers and for that complete disintegration of the succeed also. But Dr. Hedgewar purpose they found it useful to country and total annihilation of its felt that what we needed was not align with the Muslims who for the national couture and civilisation. reforms but organisation. Unless first time after 1857 were angry However, the RSS is still the only we can re-establish the basic with the Britishers for their breach ray of hope, one shoulder to relationship between individual of faith on the issue of Khilafat. think what would have been our and the society no amount of But when Kamal Ataturk himself fate, had not Dr. Hedgewar with reformist zeal or institutional put an end to Khilafat the Muslims his prescience, taken steps to arrangements would serve our had no cause to be against the preserve and promote the real purpose. It is like ‘Dharma’ which Britishers. The Congress leaders, nature of our nationhood. sustains all smrities and shastras however, did not realise the Dr. Hedgewar was not only and through them the society. changed situation and instead of an idealist but a realist. He was Today when we see in regenerating and consolidating a dreamer but lived to translate retrospect we are amazed at the the normal national tradition, his dreams into reality. And in this greatness of his personality, the tried to perpetuate the expedient attempt he has bequeathed to us height of his stature and the depth unity and give it some content. It the great organisation Rashtriya of his thinking. But those who had resulted in giving up everything Swaymesewak Sangh. It was lived with him could never feel that had been the basis of our through the instrumentality of the that they were in the company of nationalism throughout the ages RSS that he wanted to see the one who was so much superior and in its place inventing newer picture of an organised society to them. ‘He seemed only a step forms that inspired none. It was capable of leading a meaningful forward, recounted Sri Bala Saheb in these circumstances that Dr. life. Deoras who had worked under Hedgewar put forward in clear People with sectarian and him since his student days. A step and unambiguous terms the idea narrow outlook consider the more and you would be with him of Hindu Rashtra. RSS as a rival organisation was the feeling and aspiration of threatening to oust them. But every Swayamsevak. But as you The Barrenness of the they are mistaken. The RSS is stepped up, like your shadow you ‘Composite-nationalism’ not exclusive. It is pervasive would find him still ahead but then Concept and wants to embrace and only a step further. It was thus that It can be said that for the last enthuse the whole society. Some he led the people on and on, and forty years this struggle between sympathisers of the RSS have out of ordinary men fashioned real nationalism and pseudo also some misunderstanding the great organisers who have nationalism had been going on. about the organisation. They want taken his message to the nook The protagonists of composite to serve some one or the other and corner of the country. And nationalism have not been able to purpose. They commit the fallacy even today let us not idolize him create anything that can sustain of confusing the part with whole. and worship him for that will not and inspire the people. But please him but let us live up to his definitely they have succeeded in No Reform Movement, this ideals; which only requires a step confusing and confounding them. It must be understood that Dr. forward and no more.’ They have defiled and destroyed Hedgewar’s was not a reform [Organiser, 2 April, 1962]

18 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 Jayanti 23 july SHRADHANJALI Bal Gangadhar Tilak: The Father of Indian National Movement al Gangadhar Tilak or Lokmanya Tilak, born as the New English School for secondary education and Keshav Gangadhar Tilak was a great freedom Fergusson College in 1885 for post-secondary studies. B fighter, nationalist, teacher, social reformer and Tilak taught mathematics at Fergusson College. lawyer. He was the first widely known Indian political Tilak had a long political career agitating for Indian leader of the Indian Independence Movement and autonomy from the British rule. Before Gandhi, he British colonial authorities called him, “The father of the was the most widely known Indian political leader. Indian unrest.” He was also conferred with the title of He was considered a radical Nationalist but a Social “Lokmanya”, which means accepted by the people as conservative. He was imprisoned on a number of their leader. occasions that included a long stint at Mandalay. At Tilak was one of the first and strongest advocates one stage in his political life he was called “the father of of Swaraj or “self-rule” and a strong radical in Indian Indian unrest” by the British authorities. Tilak opposed consciousness. He is known for his quote: the moderate views of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, “Swarajya is my birthright and I shall have it!”. and was supported by fellow Indian nationalists He formed a close alliance with many Indian Bipin Chandra Pal in Bengal and Lala Lajpat National Congress leaders including Bipin Rai in Punjab. They were referred to as the Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo “Lal-Bal-Pal triumvirate”. Ghose, V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and When World War 1 started in August of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. 1914, Tilak cabled the King-Emperor George Lokmanya Tilak was born in a Marathi V of his support and turned his oratory to find family in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra on 23 July, new recruits for war efforts. He welcomed 1856. His ancestral village was Chikhali. His The Indian Councils Act, popularly known as father, Gangadhar Tilak was a school teacher Minto-Morley Reforms, which had been passed and a Sanskrit scholar who died when Tilak was by British Parliament in May 1909, terming it as “a sixteen. Tilak graduated from Deccan College Pune marked increase of confidence between the Rulers and in 1877. In 1871 Tilak was married to Tapibai when the Ruled”. He also tried to convince Mohandas Gandhi he was sixteen, a few months before his father’s to leave the idea of Total non-violence (“Total Ahimsa”) death. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in first class and try to get self-rule (“Swarajya”) by all means. in Mathematics from Deccan College of Pune in 1877. Tilak started two weeklies, Kesari (“The Lion”) in He left his M.A. course of study midway to join the Marathi and Mahratta in English in 1880–81 with Gopal LL.B course instead, and in 1879 he obtained his LL.B Ganesh Agarkar as the first editor. By this he was degree from Government Law College. After graduating, recognized as ‘awakener of India’. Tilak started teaching mathematics at a private school In 1894, Tilak transformed the household in Pune. Later, due to ideological differences with the worshipping of Ganesha into a grand public event colleagues in the new school, he withdrew and became (Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav). In 1895, Tilak founded the a journalist. Shri Shivaji Fund Committee for celebration of “Shiv He organised the Deccan Education Society in 1884 Jayanti”, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the with a few of his college friends. Their goal was to improve founder of the Maratha Empire. the quality of education for India’s youth. The Deccan Bal Gangadhar Tilak breathed his last on 01 August, Education Society was set up to create a new system 1920 at the age of 64. that taught young Indians nationalist ideas through an Kamal Sandesh Parivar pays tribute to this great son emphasis on Indian culture. The Society established of Bharatmata on his Jayanti.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 19 article THE EXPERIENCE regressive. In a country where questions as to why some Chief diverse sections of population Ministers were not comfortable Arun Jaitley with different paying capacities, with the idea of GST during the everybody pays the same rate of UPA period. The fact is that almost t has been one year since tax, the rate cannot be different for everyone wanted the GST but not a the country’s switchover the wealthy and the not so wealthy single State was comfortable with I to a new indirect taxation as in the case of a direct tax. But the UPA’s model of GST. There system - the Good and Services in the selection of the commodities were two prime reasons for this. Tax. One single tax replaced which are tax-free or less taxed, Firstly, the UPA Government seventeen taxes and multiple a differential could be made in lost the confidence of the States, cesses imposed by the Central a society like India. Secondly, including the Congress ruled and the State Governments. India had multiple markets, each States. In a move towards the This had obviously necessitated constituting a different market single tax system, the UPA asked every assesse to file multiple which needed to be consolidated. the States to abolish the CST. It returns, have an interface with Thirdly, the essence of Indian promised the States that it would multiple inspectors and assessing federalism had to be respected. give them a compensation in lieu authorities, suffer the cascading India is a Union of States where of the CST for a certain number effect of having to pay tax even both the Union and the States of years. The States acted on the tax component already have to be fiscally strong. A accordingly, abolished the CST paid, having to pay tax separately weak Union is detrimental to both and the Central Government in every State when movement national sovereignty and growth owed the States several thousand of goods took place, to suffer and weak States won’t be able to crores as CST compensation. the inordinate delays of multiple deliver development. India is not When the States demanded CST checkpoints and obstacles, and a confederation of States and, compensation, the Centre would being fed up with the taxation therefore, strengthening of State look the other way. When I took system devises measures on how revenues cannot be at the cost over as the Finance Minister in to bypass the tax system. The very of Central revenues. If the Union May 2014, all the States, including foundational idea of the Goods does not survive, what will happen the BJP ruled States, told me and Services Tax was not original. to India i.e. ‘Bharat’ – the Union of that they don’t trust the Central It had been experimented in States? Government because of what the several countries of the world. The UPA Government had done. They Indian model had to be devised The Flawed UPA Model of GST will discuss GST only if past CST keeping several facts in mind. An My friends in the UPA and the compensation is paid. I conceded indirect tax, unlike a direct tax, is Congress Party occasionally raise that the UPA let down of the States

20 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 article was unacceptable and in order to the Congress Finance Ministers’ decides. For this I would continue bridge the trust, despite pressures in the States, they don’t seem to make my earnest efforts and on the Central revenue, I will clear to be ready for it. But what was hopefully when the States are the arrears of the Central CST. I, the UPA’s own track record on more comfortable with the revenue accordingly, did that. The CST petroleum products in the GST? position, it would be an ideal time compensation was paid. The The Constitution amendment to strike for a consensus between States were then willing to come proposed by the UPA permanently them. to the table and move further on kept all petroleum products the GST. outside the GST. Thus till such The Experience After One Year The second reason why the time that the Constitution was When the GST was to be UPA failed in its effort to bring ever amended again (it is normally launched on the 1st of July, the GST was that every State difficult to amend the Constitution), 2017, we were being advised by was apprehensive that during the petroleum products would never the Congress to postpone it. A transition period there would be a be in the GST as per UPA. Having reluctant Government can never loss of revenue to the States. How won over the trust of the States, I take reformist decisions. We would the States be compensated used the inclusion of petroleum went ahead. At the initial stage, for the loss of revenue? Their demand seemed logical but UPA chose not to address it. The When the GST was to be launched on the Constitution amendment proposed 1st of July, 2017, we were being advised by by the UPA had no provision for the Congress to postpone it. A reluctant compensating the loosing State. Manufacturing States like Tamil Government can never take reformist Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra decisions. We went ahead. At the initial and Karnataka were particularly stage, we fixed the first set of rates. A apprehensive. They had raised a flag “No Compensation No large number of requests started coming GST”. Having brought them to the from trades, industry and, therefore, we negotiating table on the strength of started rationalising the rates. the CST payment I agreed to pay to the States, after discussing in the GST Council, a 14% increase products as a bargaining issue we fixed the first set of rates. A of revenue for the first five years with the States while conceding large number of requests started for any loss of revenue. The States the CST and compensation coming from trades, industry and, jumped for this proposal and we payment to the States. I worked therefore, we started rationalising succeeded in winning trust of the out a formulae that petroleum the rates. States back for the GST enactment. products would be included in the The initial few meetings of the Our positive commitment to Constitution amendment providing GST Council started reducing the the federal principles was for the GST but the council can rates wherever it was desirable. unambiguously established. decide the date from which to bring If we look at the entire basket of them into GST. The States agreed. goods and services, the rates The Petroleum Products Issue The UPA kept petroleum products today taken collectively are far Both Rahul Gandhi and P. permanently outside GST. On the lesser than under the previous Chidambaram have repeatedly contrary, we brought them back taxation system. With the demanded that petroleum into the Constitution as levyable cascading effect of tax on tax products be forthwith brought to GST and can gradually impose going away, the liability in any within the GST. When I speak to the GST when the GST Council so case came down.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 21 article

To develop a consensus, be lacking is the television bites place. Once the invoice matching we passed the Constitution that some Ministers’ give after the starts, evasion would become amendment enabling the GST meeting, which may be necessary extremely difficult. The assessee’s unanimously. All legislations for their own political positon. I am life has become easier. He files his enabling the GST were passed willing to live with the experience returns online and his interface with unanimously. The rules were put of a healthy debate and unanimity multiple authorities is gone. The before the GST Council. The have within the Council and a show return filing process is also being been approved unanimously. We of dissent outside the Council simplified. The Group of Ministers’ have held 27 meetings of the meetings. has already worked out that GST Council so far where every We have had amongst the mechanism. The overall weighable decision has been taken by smoothest switchovers in one of the tax basket has come down. consensus and unanimity. All the of the largest tax reforms in the As the tax base increases, our rates are fixed through consensus country. All the check-posts capacity to rationalise taxes and on the recommendation of the disappeared overnight. The slabs will increase further. Rates Committee. Whenever system of input tax credit ensures The very small businesses there are contrarian views in the that disclosures are made. The have been protected. Those Council, a representative Group of GST has encouraged enormous with turnover of less than Rs.20 Ministers of the State is constituted voluntary tax registration. Detailed lakhs don’t pay GST. Those to work out a via media and we calculations done in this year’s with a turnover upto Rs.1 crore try to evolve consensus one way Economic Survey show that as can compound their GST with a or the other. I do realise that the of December 2017, about 1.7 payment of 1% tax on the turnover, delicate federal balance in India million registrants were those who and file a quarterly return. has to be maintained. The GST fell below the GST threshold but Council is India’s first experience nevertheless chose to be part of A Single Slab at cooperative-federalism based the GST. Similarly, more than 50 Rahul Gandhi has been advocating decision-making authority. We percent of those who could have a single slab GST for India. It is a cannot afford to risk a failure and, chosen to opt for the simpler flawed idea. A single slab GST can therefore, it is functioning as to composition scheme chose to function only in those countries arouse confidence amongst all register under the regular GST where the entire population has States. The meetings have always scheme. a similar and a higher level of been consensus based. The only To ensure further compliance, paying capacity. Being fascinated area where unanimity seems to the e-Way Bill has been put in by the Singapore model is understandable but the population profile of a state like Singapore and To ensure further compliance, the e-Way India is very different. Singapore can charge 7% GST on food and Bill has been put in place. Once the invoice 7% on luxury goods. Will that matching starts, evasion would become model work for India? Since GST is extremely difficult. The assessee’s life has a regressive tax, the poor have to become easier. He files his returns online be given a substantial relief. Thus most food items – agricultural and his interface with multiple authorities products and the AamAadmi used is gone. The return filing process is also products have to be tax exempt. being simplified. The Group of Ministers’ Some others have to be taxed at a nominal rate. The others could has already worked out that mechanism. be taxed higher. Eventually, as the collections improve, many more

22 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 article items from the 28% category can possibly come down. Only sin products and luxury goods can The biggest success of the GST has been remain there. There would also that the GST Council has proved to be be a scope again, depending on an extremely effective and powerful the collection going up, to merge decision making federal institution. The some of the mid category slabs but for that we have to see the Finance Ministers’ of the States have progress of the new tax regime and created history in the matter of federal the possible upward movement in governance. It has indeed been my the collections. privilege to have got the cooperation of The Tax Effect each one of them. The impact of the GST on the direct tax is already visible. Those who have to disclose business of 2015-16 with the help of the of the Revenue Secretary Shri turnover are now having to compensation cess. Eventually, HasmukhAdhia, all the officers disclose their income for the when the blocked IGST is of the CBIC and revenue and tax purposes of the income tax. gradually released to the Centre departments of the Center and The direct tax collection have, and the States, even without the all the states, officials of GSTN, therefore, picked up as per the compensation cess, most States and the Chief Economic Adviser, initial indications. When we look would cross the 14% growth target. Arvind Subramanian. at the GST performance in the first It may also be borne in mind that There is always scope for nine months from July, 2017 to even today the compensation improvement. Key areas of March, 2018, and add the entire requirement are minimal and the future action will include further amount collected - the CGST, current level of compensation cess simplifying and rationalizing SGST, IGST and the composition about Rs.7000 crores monthly is the rate structure and bringing cess, we will get the sum total of more than adequate to ensure that more products into the GST. I the GST collection. In the very the States are compensated for am confident that once revenue first nine months, the total amount any loss of revenue. Significantly, stabilizes and the GST settles, the collected is Rs.8.2 lakh crore– the GST is expanding the tax base GST Council will look into these Rs.11 lakh crores if annualised, of the less developed consuming carefully and act judiciously. yielding a revenue growth of states which will provide more The biggest success of the GST 11.9% i.e. a tax buoyancy of resources for them to devote for has been that the GST Council 1.22, which has historically been development purposes. has proved to be an extremely achieved very rarely for indirect The indirect tax base is effective and powerful decision taxes and espite rates being expanding. There is a seamless making federal institution. The lowered for consumers. As more flow of goods and services Finance Ministers’ of the States and more anti-evasion steps will across the country. The ‘Doing have created history in the matter of be put in place, the tax buoyancy of Business’ has become simpler. federal governance. It has indeed will increase further. The GST will The switchover has taken place been my privilege to have got the strengthen the country’s tax base without any major disruption. cooperation of each one of them. for the medium term, adding up The IT system after initial teething Thank you, Finance Ministers for to an additional 1.5 percentage trouble is functioning much having collectively made the GST points of GDP. better. For all of this, I want to a historic transformation and an Today the States are getting express my heartfelt thanks to experience worth it for the country. a 14% increase on the tax base and appreciation for the efforts (The writer is a Union Minister, GoI)

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 23 Social security schemes empower people: PM PM interacts with beneficiaries of various social security schemes across the country through video bridge

he Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on Minister said that more than 13 crore people have availed June 27 interacted with the beneficiaries of the scheme. Under Pradhan MantriSurakshaBima T various social security schemes from across Yojana, people can claim accidental insurance coverage the country, through video bridge. The interaction of upto Rs. 2 lakh by paying premium of just Rs. 12 per covered four major social security schemes namely year. Atal Bima Yojana, Pradhan MantriJeevanJyoti Yojana, During the interaction, Prime Minister summarized Pradhan MantriSurakshaBima Yojana and VayaVandana various initiatives of the government in taking care of Yojana. This is the eighth interaction in the series by the the old and elderly. He said that about three lakh elderly Prime Minister through video conference with various people have benefitted from the VayaVandana Yojana beneficiaries of Government schemes. started last year, under which citizens above 60 years Expressing happiness in interacting with people who get 8 % fixed return for 10 years. In addition, Government fought adversities and emerged much stronger, Prime also increased the basic limit of income tax, from Rs. 2.5 Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that Social security lakh to Rs. 3 lakh for senior citizens. He emphasized schemes empower people. He added that these social security schemes of the present Government not only help people effectively deal with the uncertainties of life, but also empower them to rise over the financially difficult situations of the family. Prime Minister outlined the various aspects pursued by the Government to ensure financial security for the poor and the vulnerable. They are - opening the doors of the banks for the poor- banking the unbanked; ensuring access to capital for small business and budding entrepreneurs- funding the unfunded and; providing social security cover for the poor and vulnerable - financially securing the unsecured. that the government is committed to the wellbeing of the Interacting with beneficiaries Prime Minister said that elderly population. the total number of 28 crore bank accounts opened Reiterating Government’s commitment to provide under Pradhan MantriJan DhanYojana during the period social security coverage to all, Prime Minister noted 2014 – 2017 is nearly 55% of the total bank accounts that over 20 crore people have been brought under opened in the world. He also expressed happiness that the three major social security schemes (Pradhan more women have bank accounts in India now and that MantriSurakshaBima Yojana, Pradhan MantriJeevanJyoti number of bank accounts in India has reached 80% Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana ) in the last three years. from 53% in 2014. Prime Minister also ensured the beneficiaries that the Listening to the adversities faced by people, Prime government will continue its efforts of ensuring welfare Minister said that even though the loss of a person can of all its citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable, and never be compensated, the Government has always empower them in the best way possible. strived to ensure economic security to the affected Interacting with the Prime Minister, beneficiaries of family. He said that more than five crore people have various social security schemes explained how these benefitted from Pradhan MantriJeevanJyoti Yojana, by schemes helped them during the times of great need. paying a very low premium of around Rs. 300. They also thanked the Prime Minister for the various Talking about the accidental insurance coverage schemes he introduced andpointed out that most of the scheme, Pradhan MantriSurakshaBima Yojana, Prime schemes have been a life changer for many.

24 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 Prashikshan Mahabhiyan Meeting

After failure of Congress, It’s BJP’s responsibility to carry the legacy of ‘Good Politics’ s part of the ongoing Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay training program is designed so that we not only promote Prashikshan Mahabhiyan the BJP on 28 June, 2018 the best people but also groom our party workers to satisfy A conducted a one-day meeting of the important aspirations of the nation.” functionaries of 29 departments and projects constituted BJP initiated the Prashikshan Mahabhiyan in 2015 and by the party National President Shri Amit Shah at it’s during the 1st phase the party had taken up cadre training headquarters in Delhi. This meeting was presided by the at Mandal, District & State level & has already trained over party National General Secretary & in-charge of national 10 Lakh party workers. In the 2nd phase training of under training program Shri P. Muralidhar Rao. the “Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan” the This meeting is also considered to be significant in the training of all Morcha’s and spokesperson, etc. has been context of the upcoming assembly elections in 3 states viz. initiated and initiation of this phase can be said to be the M.P, Rajasthan & Chhattisgarh and the general election of third phase of trainings. 2019. These departments consisting of Department for Good “This is a unique political training project of party cadres Governance, and Center State Coordination, Department which was taken up on the instructions of the party National for Policy Research, Media Department, Media Relations President Shri Amit Shah who has focused on rebuilding & Department, Training Department, Department for Political reorienting the party on firm ideological foundations. This is Feedback, Department for Political Program and Meeting, the first time any political party in India has ever taken up Library & Documentation, Disaster Relief & Assistance, such a massive cadre training program. Under Shri Amit President’s Office Tour & Programs, Department Publicity Shah the party had first taken up the Mahasadasyata Abhiyan & Literature, Department Coordination of Trust, Department in which the BJP made a world record of inducting over 11 of Election Management, Department of Coordination with crores party members. Then as a part of the Mahasampark Election, Department for Law & Legal Affairs, Department Abhiyan the BJP contacted all the new entrants in the party for Journals and Publication, Department for Coordination to acquaint to them with the party’s core ideology and of IT, Website and Social Media Activities, Department of working methodology,” Shri Mahesh Sharma, convener of International Relations, Department of Ajeevan Sahayog the training program informed. Nidhi. All these projects and departments are also crucial in The important functionaries who attended the program gearing up the party for the upcoming political battles. were Shri Arvind Menon who is the coordinator for all the Speaking at the meeting, the BJP General Secretary and departments of the party. It was attended by Shri Jagdeep Training Incharge, Shri P. Muralidhar Rao said, “Congress Dhankar (Ex Minister and Legal Cell Incharge), Shri V. Satish has betrayed the nation and failed in its responsibility of (National Jt. General Secretary, Organisation), Shri Ravindra taking forward the ideals of good politics. The spirit of Sathe, Shri R. Balashankar, Shri Sunil Pandey, Shri Hemant mission which existed prior to independence no more exists Goswami and Dr. Shiv Shakti Bakshi (In-Charge, Journals in Congress and it has transformed into a family company. & Publications) of National Training Department, Shri Amit People now look upto BJP to carry the nations ethos, Malviya (IT Incharge), Shri Vijay Chauthaiwala (International spirit and the mission of reform and BJP can’t fail in it. Our Relations) and many other important national functionaries.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 25 article A new India is rising: PM Modi and the NDA government are working hard to get us there by 2022

with hazardous coal and wood- our rivers so as to make dozens based cooking for our womenfolk of waterways operational very by supplying LPG cylinders to soon; we are going to have a more than 41 million households. It clean Ganga by March next year. is rising out of the newly electrified We are building 101 smart cities. remote villages of India; we have We have already built Metro train Ram Madhav electrified all 5,97,464 villages services in ten cities; another five and 99% urban and 87% rural cities will be added very soon. households in the country. Urban connectivity has been he government aims to It is rising on the able shoulders totally transformed; electric public build, over the next three of millions of young men and transport is the next priority for the T years, 50 million houses women, especially the SCs and government to build a pollution- for poor families. That will end STs; we have extended soft loans free India. India’s homelessness completely. to over 70 million of them through We are going to launch A 19 year young college graduate Mudra Yojana. A new, confident Chandrayaan 2 later this year from a small village in Punjab, fired and well-trained India is rising; out and a unique solar mission called by the zeal to innovate, remotely of 20 AIIMS, 22 IITs and 20 IIMs Aditya-L1 next year. With almost runs a tractor in his small farmland that produce thousands of highly 12 launches in as many number sitting under a tree nearby. He skilled doctors and engineers. of months in this year, our Isro is says that he and other farmers in We have built over 1,20,000 adding new feathers to its glory the village need no longer toil in km of highways in the last four on a monthly basis. We are in scorching sun to till their lands. years, almost doubling the the process of building a million Elsewhere in India, the existing network. We are dredging kilometre fibre optic network daughters of a rickshaw puller and a madrassa teacher have impressive rankings in civil service Elsewhere in India, the daughters of a exams and are getting ready to rickshaw puller and a madrassa teacher lead the administration. A group have impressive rankings in civil service of six young women naval officers have just returned to our shores exams and are getting ready to lead the after circumnavigating the globe administration. A group of six young in a sailing boat called INSV Tarini, women naval officers have just returned a heroic act by any standards. A new India is rising. It is rising to our shores after circumnavigating the out of the environment-friendly globe in a sailing boat called INSV Tarini, LPG gas stoves of our rural poor a heroic act by any standards. households; we have done away

26 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 article to digitally connect 2,50,000 Indian villages by 2019. We have revolutionised the IT sector through Digital India campaign; the JAM trinity – Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile – has transformed the lives of ordinary Indians. We are building a Swachh Bharat – clean and hygienic India; households with toilets have gone up in the last four years from 38% to 85%. Over 70 million toilets have been built in private and public places in the country. All this and more have been achieved in a record time due to the visionary and disruptive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Four years ago we inherited a crumbling and corrupt economy. Corruption, once endemic to the Indian The PM undertook the task of system, has largely disappeared from the setting its basics right. It called for some harsh action that the public domain. The corrupt have to run economist Joseph Schumpeter today from pillar to post, ‘from Hong Kong to has called “creative destruction”, or London’. They may remain fugitives for some the “process of industrial mutation that incessantly revolutionises the time but they will have to return, to join economic structure from within, their comrades in Ranchi jail. The PM has incessantly destroying the old given a call to showcase a new India by the one, incessantly creating a new one”. 75th year of its Independence in 2022 – free Demonetisation, GST, of homelessness, joblessness, poverty and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code disease; united, rich, confident and happy. (IBC), etc are such measures. As a result, after a brief slowdown, the Indian economy is rising fast. as projected by the IMF, beating Hong Kong to London’. They may In Arth Shastra, Chanakya says China at 6.6%. We have record remain fugitives for some time “whoever imposes punishment as forex reserves of $415 billion. India but they will have to return, to join deserved becomes respectable. climbed 30 ranks in ease of doing their comrades in Ranchi jail. The For, punishment, when awarded business to reach 100th position. PM has given a call to showcase with due consideration, makes the Gross FDI inflow has gone up to a new India by the 75th year of people devoted to righteousness $61 billion this year. its Independence in 2022 – free and to works productive of wealth Corruption, once endemic to of homelessness, joblessness, and enjoyment”. the Indian system, has largely poverty and disease; united, rich, We are the fastest growing disappeared from the public confident and happy. major economy in the world today domain. The corrupt have to run (The writer is BJP National General with 7.5% annual GDP growth rate today from pillar to post, ‘from Secretary)

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 27 PM lays stone for infrastructure projects in Jaipur, Rajasthan Central Government and State Government working together for the progress of Rajasthan: PM

he Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a huge public meeting in Jaipur on @narendramodi T 07 July, 2018. He unveiled a plaque to mark the There is something very special about the laying of foundation stone of 13 Urban Infrastructure land of Rajasthan. This is a land of courage. projects for the State of Rajasthan. Next year Rajasthan completes 70 years. Let He then witnessed an audio-visual presentation of us reaffirm our commitment of creating a experience sharing by select beneficiaries of schemes developed Rajasthan, which will play a pivotal of the Government of India and Government of role in the building of a New India. Rajasthan. This presentation was moderated by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Smt. Vasundhara Raje. The schemes included Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, in the last few years. He described Rajasthan as a Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri land of courage. Be it living in harmony with nature or Awaas Yojana, among many others. defending our nation, Rajasthan has shown the way, Addressing the large and enthusiastic gathering, he added. the Prime Minister said he is witnessing first-hand, how Praising the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Smt. Rajasthan welcomes visitors. He said visitors can see Vasundhara Raje, Shri Modi said she had changed the true picture of the progress the State has made the work culture in the State. The Union Government

28 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 PM lays stone for infrastructure projects in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Rally of beneficiaries of welfare schemes ‘Congress is a ‘bail gaadi’, many of its leaders out on bail’ Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, Prime resolved the issue of one rank, one pension for Minister Shri Narendra Modi said the opposition defence personnel. party was now being called a ‘bail gaadi’ as several Shri Modi was addressing a rally of beneficiaries of its leaders were out on bail. of welfare schemes run by the Centre and the Several leaders who are called stalwarts of the Congress and former ministers are out on bail these days, Shri Modi said at a rally in Jaipur, making a pun using the Hindi word for bullock cart. Making an apparent reference to the surgical strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2016, he criticised the Congress for questioning the capabilities of the Army. “It is unfortunate that political opponents also committed a sin by state government in BJP-ruled Rajasthan, where raising questions on the capabilities of the Army. assembly elections are scheduled later this year. This has never happened before and the people Rajasthan Governor Shri Kalyan Singh, Chief will not forgive those who are doing this kind of Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje, BJP state president politics,” he said. Shri Madan Lal Saini and other leaders attended The Prime Minister said his government had the public meeting at ‘Amrudon ka Bagh’.

and the State Government are working together for Shri Narendra Modi also mentioned the progress the progress of Rajasthan, he said. He said that the made by various schemes of the Union Government happiness of the beneficiaries, who featured in the in the State of Rajasthan, including Swachh Bharat presentation today, was evident to everyone present Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awaas at the gathering. Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Saubhagya The Prime Minister spoke at length about how the Yojana. Union Government is working for the welfare of the Noting that Rajasthan completes 70 years next farmers. He talked about the increase in Minimum year, the Prime Minister gave a call to reaffirm the Support Price for various crops, announced for the commitment of creating a developed Rajasthan, which current Kharif season. will play a pivotal role in the building of a New India.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 29 Mann Ki Baat ‘GST is not only the victory of integrity but it is also a celebration of honesty’ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ interacted with the nation. In this episode Prime Minister Shri Modi appreciated Indian cricket team for their sportsman spirit and sportsmanship during test match with Afghanistan. He also discussed how GST curbed the inspector raj in taxation. Here,we are giving excerpts of the interaction for our esteemed readers: ’m fortunate once again to be face to face with witnessed its first, historic yoga programme and I am you in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. Just a told many aasans were demonstrated by women. On I few days ago, a historic Cricket match took the snow capped mountain peaks of Ladakh, Indian place in Bengaluru. Of course you must have realized and Chinese soldiers performed yoga in unison. that I am referring to the test match between India and Yoga breaks all barriers of borders and unites people. Afghanistan. It was Afghanistan’s first international Zealous citizens of hundreds of lands overlooked match and it’s a matter of honour for us that this historic divisions of caste, religion, region, colour and gender match for Afghanistan was played with India. Both teams to transform this occasion into a massive festival. If performed par excellence. Besides, bowler Rashid people from the entire world ardently participated in Khan had performed exceedingly well in the IPL earlier programmes on Yoga Day, why should India not feel this year. I remember Afghanistan President Shriman elated many times over? Ashraf Ghani’s words on Twitter tagging me along “The • Many of you have urged me on Mygov and Narendra people of Afghanistan are extremely, proud of our hero Modi app to mention Doctor’s Day, the 1st of July. Rashid Khan. I’m also thankful to our Indian friends who You are absolutely right. We think of doctors only created a platform for our players to showcase their during times of distress. But this is a day when the skills”. Rashid represents what constitutes the best of nation celebrates the achievements of our doctors Afghanistan. He is an asset to the world of cricket. Then and expresses gratitude for their spirit of service he quipped “No, we are not giving him to anyone!” and commitment towards society. We are a people This match will remain etched in our memories for a who, by nature, revere the Mother as the equivalent long time. Anyway, being the first match, it is naturally of god since she is the source of our very existence, memorable, but I will cherish it for a special reason. our life. On the other hand, there are times when it is The Indian team did something that is exemplary to the Doctor who gives us re-birth. The role of a doctor the whole world. What does a winning team do while is not limited to mere treatment of ailments. Often receiving the trophy? The Indian team, while receiving a doctor plays the role of a family friend, a lifestyle the trophy, warmly invited the Afghanistan team which guide. They not only cure but also heal. Today, had played its first international match to pose together doctors possess not just medical expertise; they for photographs. This incident exemplifies the very spirit have a vast experience on the co- relation between of sportsmanship. general lifestyle trends and their effect on our health. • My dear countrymen, this 21st of June, the fourth Indian doctors have carved a niche for themselves in Yoga Day presented the rarest of sights. The whole the entire world through their capabilities and skills. world appeared as one entity. In the European • Very few people would also be knowing that in 1937, Parliament in Brussels, at the UN headquarters in on the invitation of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, New York, on Japanese naval warships, there were Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore addressed the sights of people performing yoga. Saudi Arabia convocation in Kolkata University in Bangla. This was

30 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 Mann Ki Baat

the first time under British rule that the convocation in his life. Come! Let us forever remember Dr. Shyama Kolkata University had been addressed to in Bangla. Prasad Mukherjee’s message of unity imbued with From 1947 to 1950, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee the spirit of goodwill and brotherhood and remain was the first Industries minister of India and, ina proactive with all our might for the progress of India. sense, helaid a strong foundation for India’s industrial • In far-distant villages, daughters are providing development, he had prepared a solid base, it was services ranging from pension to issuance of he who had prepared a stout platform. The first passport to senior citizens through the aegis of industrial policy of Independent India, which came common service centers. Asister from Chhattisgarh in 1948, was stamped with his ideas and vision. Dr. collects custard apple and does business by making Mukherjee’s dream was for India to be industrially self- its ice cream. Like Anjan Prakash in Jharkhand, reliant, competent and prosperous in every sphere. many lakhs of young besides running the Yuva – He had wanted India to develop heavy industries and Jan Aushidhi kendras in the country are providing also pay full attention to MSME, handloom, textiles affordable medicines in the nearby villages. At and cottage industry. For the proper development of the same time a young man from West Bengal cottage and small industries with finance availability desperately seeking a job two to three years ago is and organizational setup- All India Handicrafts now a successful entrepreneur ; And not only this Board, All India Handloom Board and Khadi & he is providing employment to ten to fifteen people. Whereas young school students from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Goa are working on an important topic like waste management in their school’s tinkering lab. I just do not know how many such stories were shared with me, there wasn’t a single corner of the country where people did not have a success story of theirs to share with me. I am glad that in this entire programme I witnessed the accomplishments of the common man more than the achievements of the government, of the country’s power, the power of New India’s dreams, the power of the resolve of the new India – this is what I experienced! GST is not only the victory of integrity but it is also a celebration of honesty. Earlier, in the case of Village Industries Board were established between taxation and allied affairs in the country, there were 1948 and 1950. There was also a special emphasis rampant complaints of Inspector Raj. In the GST by Dr. Mukherjee on indigenization of India’s defence scheme,information technology has replaced the production, in the establishment of four most inspector. Everything from return to refund is done successful mega projects- Chittaranjan locomotive through online information technology. ..It is generally works factory, Hindustan aircraft factory, Sindri believed that such a big tax reform, in a huge country fertilizer factory and Damodar Valley Corporation like ours with such a large population takes 5 to 7 and other river valley projects, Dr. Shyama Prasad years for effective adoption. However within a year, Mukherjee contributed significantly. He was very the enthusiasm of the honest people of this nation, passionate about the development of West Bengal. the celebration of integrity in the country and the It was the result of his understanding, prudence and participation of people resulted in this new tax system activism that a part of Bengal could be saved and it managing to create a space for itself, has achieved is still a part of India. stability and according to the need, it will bring reform • For Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the most through its inbuilt arrangement. This is a huge success important thing was the integrity and unity of India - in itself which 125 crore Indians have earned for and for this, at the young age of 52, he also sacrificed themselves.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 31 BJP observes Emergency Anniversary as ‘Black Day’ Emergency was a black spot on democracy: Modi M Shri Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress party and the Gandhi family on the Emergency P Anniversary, saying the draconian measure (Emergency) was a “sin” of that party and the Constitution was misused for “one family”. Speaking to party karyakartas at a programme on the Dark Days of Emergency in Mumbai he said, “Emergency was a black spot on democracy. Marking its anniversary as black day is not just to criticise the Congress for its sin of imposing Emergency but also to make the present and future generations aware of what transpired and to learn lessons to protect the Constitution and democracy,” Shri Modi said. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, PM Shri Modi stated, while reiterating his government’s commitment to safeguarding the Constitution and protecting democracy. ‘Even 100 Indiras cannot shake up Indian democracy’ haratiya Janata Party National President Shri Amit Shah on 26 June, 2018 hit out at the B Congress party as the country marked the anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in 1975, stressing that India has deep roots in democracy. “India has deep roots in democracy… not one but 100 Indiras cannot shake it up through Emergency,” the BJP President said while speaking in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. “People who talk about Independence today don’t remember the time their ancestors ruled and how freedom of newspapers was curbed then. Akaashwani was made ‘Congresswani’,” Shri Shah said, recalling the Emergency days. He described Emergency as a black mark on India’s democratic history, saying his party doesn’t want people to forget the dark era and songs were also banned during the Emergency days “that is why we will repeatedly remind them” about it. because of Congress leader Sanjay Gandhi. Recalling The BJP President said June 26, the day when the contribution of RSS and Jan Sangh leaders and Emergency was imposed in the country in 1975, will be workers, Shri Shah said most of them worked against remembered as a Black Day to honour the bravery of the Emergency and even went to jail. those who were jailed for 21 months. “India was used to be a democracy since ancient Hitting out at those who level allegations of freedom times. Dwarka had democracy and Magdha also had it. of speech and expression being curbed under the There are deep roots of democracy in India and Indira present regime, Shah asked whether these people really Gandhi had made attempts to uproot it. Indira Gandhi care about the country’s past and history. He recalled also made attempts to disrupt elected representatives that legendary Bollywood singer Kishore Kumar’s and parties,” he said.

32 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018 pm visits kavir’s birth place Maghar, UP PM pays homage to the great saint and poet Kabir on his 500th death anniversary

he Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited The Prime Minister said that saints have risen Maghar in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar from time to time, in various parts of India, who have T Pradesh on 28 June, 2018. guided society to rid itself of social evils. Naming He offered floral tributes at Sant Kabir Samadhi, many such saints from various parts of India, on the occasion of the 500th death anniversary of the across different eras, the Prime Minister mentioned great saint and poet, Kabir. He also offered Chadar Babasaheb Ambedkar who ensured for every citizen at Sant Kabir Mazaar. He visited the Sant Kabir of India, equality, through the Constitution. Cave, and unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of Making a strong statement against political Foundation Stone of Sant Kabir Academy, which will opportunism, the Prime Minister recalled Sant Kabir’s highlight the great saint’s teachings and thought. teaching that the ideal ruler is one who understands At a public meeting, the Prime Minister said that the feelings and suffering of the people. He said a wish which he had for years, had been fulfilled, Sant Kabir had criticized all social structures which by paying homage to the great saint Kabir, at the discriminated among people. In this context, the hallowed land of Maghar, where legend says that Prime Minister mentioned the various schemes of the Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak and Baba Gorakhnath, had Union Government which seek to empower the poor engaged in spiritual discussion. and under privileged sections of society, such as Jan The Prime Minister said that Sant Kabir Academy, Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, insurance schemes, to be built at a cost of about Rs. 24 crore, would toilet construction, and direct benefits transfer. create an institution to preserve the legacy of Sant He also mentioned the increase in pace in various Kabir, as well as regional dialects and folk arts of infrastructure sectors such as roads, railways, optical Uttar Pradesh. fibre network etc. He said the Union Government is The Prime Minister said that Sant Kabir represents working to ensure that all parts of India receive the the essence of India’s soul. He broke the barriers of fruits of development. caste, and spoke the language of the ordinary, rural He hoped that the teachings of Sant Kabir would Indian, Shri Narendra Modi added. help us give shape to the vision of New India.

16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 33 The Hon’ble Prime Minister SHRI NARENDRA MODI and BJP National President Shri Amit Shah become Life Members of Kamal Sandesh BECOME PART OF A VIBRANT IDEOLOGICAL MOVEMENT SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS Name : ......

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34 I KAMAL SANDESH KI 16-31AMAL JULY, 2018 SANDESH - DEDICATED TO NATIONAL CAUSE Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath at the Samadhi of great saint and poet Kabir at his village Maghar in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh The Hon’ble Prime Minister SHRI NARENDRA MODI and BJP National President Shri Amit Shah become Life Members of Kamal Sandesh BECOME PART OF A VIBRANT IDEOLOGICAL MOVEMENT SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS Name : ......

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacting with a group PM Shri Narendra Modi paying floral tribute to Dr. Shyama Address : ...... of sugarcane farmers at his residence in New Delhi Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary (6 July) in central hall of parliament, New Delhi ...... Pin : ...... Phone : ...... Mobile : (1)...... (2)...... E-mail : ......

One Year `350/- Life Time (English or Hindi) `3000/- SUBSCRIPTION TYPE Three Years `1000/- Life Time (English+Hindi) `5000/- (DETAIL OF THE PAYMENT) Cheque/Draft No. :...... Date :...... Bank : ...... Note : * DD/Cheque will be made in favour of "Kamal Sandesh" * Money order and Cash accepted with details (Subscriber's Signature) SEND YOUR DD/CHEQUE ON THIS ADDRESS Dr. Mookerji Smruti Nyas, PP-66, Subramania Bharati Marg, New Delhi-110003 Ph.: 011-23381428 Fax: 011-23387887 E-mail: [email protected] PM Shri Narendra Modi receiving a plough from the farmers of Rajasthan and interacts with several beneficiaries of various schemes of the Central and Rajasthan Government in Jaipur KAMAL SANDESH - DEDICATED TO NATIONAL CAUSE 16-31 JULY, 2018 I KAMAL SANDESH I 35 Date of Posting : (i) 27-28 Adv. Month (ii) 12-13 Same Month RNI No. DELENG/2006/16838 Office of Posting : Lodhi Road H.O. New Delhi “REGISTERED” DL(S)-17/3265/2018-20 36 Pages with Cover Licence to Post without Prepayment Licence No. U(S)-42/2018-20

36 I KAMAL SANDESH I 16-31 JULY, 2018