October -  21

• Advani plays territorial integrity card as he hits out scam tainted UPA
• Do not politicise Tai death: Org
• Bandh at Meka against dam
• APCC retorts to Advani comments
• Orgs appeals for incentives for medal winners
• School without science stream even after approval
• Affected people demands scraping of Lower Siang Project
• DRDA vigilance and monitoring committee meet held
• Reflection of Anna phenomena - the power of Non-Violence

Advani plays territorial integrity card as he hits out scam tainted UPA

M. Doley  

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: Veteran BJP leader and chairman of party’s Parliamentary Board  Lal Krishna Advani today said that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

Advani addressed a massive gathering in Naharlagun as he arrived from Hyderabad as part of his 40 days ‘Jana Chetna Rally’, which started on October 11 last in Bihar. The rally would cover 23 states and four Union Territories.

“BJP would always oppose any Chinese move to stake claim on Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, which were integral parts of India,” Advani said while reiterating that there cannot be any compromise on territorial integrity of the state.

“What a coincidence that my programme took place on a day when China attacked India on October 20 in 1962  amidst ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai’ policy of then Government which left Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru shocked and devastated,” Advani said. Since then, it has been BJP's policy to give priority to all issues related to Arunachal in particular and North East as a whole," Advani said.

"The main objective of the rally was to ask the Centre to stop corruption and bring back black moneys deposited in Swiss Bank by Indian depositors," the BJP leader.

The total amount deposited from depositors from India in Swiss Bank is Rs 25 Lakh Crore which is more than the total deposit in the bank by the depositors from China, Russia, France, America etc., he informed.

“If brought back, the amount is more than enough for providing electricity, drinking water, good hospitals, schools, pucca roads etc. in all six lakh villages in the country, he said.

Holding the UPA government responsible for altogether eight scams, including 2G spectrum scams, CWG scam etc., under its rule amounting to crores of rupees, the BJP leader said corruption, price rise of essentials were issues, which had affected the lives of people across the length and breadth of the country during the rule of the UPA government.

Advani said that the issue of black money stashed away in Swiss Banks would be vigorously raised by the BJP during the winter session of Parliament beginning November 21.

He said that Government must take the issues seriously and bring back all black money and award exemplary punishment to the corrupts.

He called  upon leaders, workers and party cadres of Arunachal Pradesh to take pledge not to give and take any bribe to make our country corruption free.  State BJP president, Dr Tangor Tapak, termed the ''Jana Chetna Yatra'' under the leadership of L K Advani  a historic day for Arunachal Pradesh.

Stating that the state was passing through a difficult time, Dr Tapok said corruption was rampant in the Congress-ruled states of the country and public money was being looted and stashed away in Swiss Banks.

'' As good governance and clean politics are the need of hour, Advani has embarked on such yatra to create awareness among the masses, '' former BJP MP and national general secretary Tapir Gao said and flayed the Gamlin-led Congress government in the state for failing on all fronts.

He pointed at the poor conditions of roads, PDS, whereas the Congress ministers and MLAs were camping in New Delhi due to internal strife within the Congress party.

Advani was accompanied by Ravi Shankar, MP and BJP Spokesman, Kiran Maheswari, Rajasthan MLA and Party’s National General Secretary.

 

Do not politicise Tai death: Org

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: The All Heri Youth Welfare Association has urged everyone not to play politics in the name of late Heri Tai who died for the cause of the society. In a press release, association said that even though family members are yet to overcome the deep trauma of losing their beloved son, various groups are trying to politicise the issue.

Association appealed every section of people not to hold any rally or call for bandh in capital complex till the investigation of October 11 IG park firing incident is completed. Coming down heavily on state government for their delay in booking culprit, association said, “It is time for govt of AP to wake up from deep slumber and ensure that culprit is arrested sooner. We are giving seven days ultimatum and if govt fails to arrest within this period we will resort to our own course of action and then state govt will be held sole responsible for any eventuality. Govt must understand that only financial help announced in newspaper will not bring solace to the aggrieved family. Early arrest and exemplary punishment to the culprit will only ease the pain of family members.”

“We are at loss of words to express our deep anguish over news item in cross section of local dailies published recently wherein Nyishi Consultative Committee (NCC) had declared to organize another referendum rally in some pockets of Nyishi inhabited area. Their decision to hold rally at this juncture had demeaned the supreme sacrifice of late Tai and brought to light the evil and true intention of NCC,” said Association. Further they added, “Instead of sympathizing with Heri family at this sad hour, NCC is daring to organize another referendum rally. Is sacrifice of one young man Heri Tai not enough for them? Or do they want another Heri Tai to sacrifice before wisdom prevails upon them, it said.  

 

Bandh at Meka against dam

ROING, Oct 20: The Downstream Anti Dam Committee, which is spearheading the downstream movement against the Dibang Multipurpose Project 3000 MW, today called for a 12 hour bandh on October 23 in Meka circle of Lower Dibang Valley district.

In a letter to Roing Deputy Commissioner, the committee said, “To show our resentment against the notified public hearing and to scrap the dam, we have called the bandh.”

It also threatened to go for 'indefinite' strike, if the authority did not take steps to cancel the public hearing for Dibang dam fixed on October 28 and 31 for New Anaya and Roing.

The district administration in its notification APSPCB-23(A)/2007/NHPC/DMP/5442 dtd 30th Sept/2011 had invited comments on the proposed project within October 28 from bonafide residents, environmental group and others from project affected site, paving way for conduct of public hearing.

The committee responded to the notification with the call for a strike in Meka circle.

 

APCC retorts to Advani comments

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has reacted to senior BJP leader L K Advani speech today at Naharlagun where he is reported to have accused the Congress party in the state and at the Centre of corruption and synonymous with corruption and scams.

“It is unbecoming of a leader of Advani’s stature to talk of corruption to hoodwink the masses, when there are numerous examples of corruption involving BJP leaders” it said in a statement.

Had Advaniji forgotten that during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh as deputy prime minister he had given commitment for allocation of funds in his public address at Itanagar, it asked while adding that it was nothing but false promise to befool the people as not a single penny was sanctioned by the NDA government for the state. Is it special treatment of BJP given to Arunachal, the party asked.

The UPA-II government through its numerous ambitious and flagship programmes has taken steps to benefit every section of the people of the country. The people are the best judge and no tactic of the opposition party would help it garner support to come back to power, it added.

The call given by General Secretary Tapir Gao to eradicate Congress from the country would remain BJP’s dream, a Congress statement further added.  Meanwhile Lok Sabha member Takam Sanjay said ‘the Arunachal situation is an internal matter of the party and Advani has no locus standi to question the elected government.’

Sanjoy contended that Advani’s yatra had ‘no relevance for the North Eastern states, particularly Arunachal,’ terming it an eyewash to mend his (Advani’s) mistakes of laying a foundation for the 500-bedded hospital at Naharlagun and the greenfield airport at Banderdewa. ‘Both the projects never took off, while the UPA government has sanctioned the hospital project recently,’ Sanjoy said.

‘The BJP cannot befool people with tall claims,’ he added.

 

Orgs appeals for incentives for medal winners

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: ANSU has appealed to the state government to explore sporting talent in the state and called for establishment and development of sports college and infrastructure. It further said that the  Government need to hire expert and coach from outside to hone the talents of the sportspersons.    

Appreciating the recent achievement of the weightlifters at a recent competition in South Africa, the Union said that it was proud moment for the people.

It further said the sportspersons of the state have it in them to bring glory for the state and it is the duty and responsibilities of sports and youth affairs department to provides both monetary and non-monetary incentives and motivation to the winners including government jobs.

It further appealed to the sports and youth department to promote traditional sports of the state.

Meanwhile, All Honik-Hoke Welfare Association (AHHWA) has appealed to the state Govt to provide incentives to the Yukar Sibi and Soram Hitler Tagru who won gold medals in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship concluded recently at Cape Town, South Africa.  Sibi won one gold and 2 silvers in senior (Men) section. With 3 gold medals under his belt, Sibi was also adjudged as best lifter.  Soram Hitler Tagru won one gold and two silver under 62 kg in boys section.

While appreciating the medal winners, the Association also encouraged the youths of the area to give equal importance  to both sports and education.

 

School without science stream even after approval

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: The Government Higher Secondary School, Likabali needs immediate attention of the concerned authority.

The school is running without science stream even after the approval for establishment of science stream from the state government a decade back.

Further, the Science laboratory building of the school is also in verse of collapse due to non maintenance and establishment of science stream and placing of required laboratory items.

 

Affected people demands scraping of Lower Siang Project

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: A general mass meeting of Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project affected people of Sirit Siyom Banggo was held at Pessing General Ground under Jomlo Mobuk circle of West Siang District recently to take a decision regarding the scraping of 2700MW Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project.

The house appealed to the central and state governments to immediately issue necessary order for scrapping of the 2700MW Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project and also urged the Jaypee Arunachal and its authorities to immediately stop all kinds of work and activities related to the LSHEP and to urgently evacuate all kinds of their establishment, properties and manpower from Adi belt.

The house further appealed to the MLA Tamiyo Taga to take up the issue with central and State government for immediate scrapping of the LSHEP and raise the matter at Arunachal Pradesh State Legislative Assembly. They further demanded his immediately resignation from the Chairman Steering Committee Lower Siang Hydro Electric Power to show his solidarity with the cause of Adi people.

It further demanded his resignation from the post of MLA on moral ground if he failed to resign from the steering committee.

The house said that the self proposed Jaypee sponsored Jomlo Mobuk Dam Effected Welfare Association stands dissolved and the communication and representation made by this association to central, state and other authorities declared null and void. They demanded the executive members of the dissolved association to immediately withdraw their representation dated 07/09/2010 submitted to the Chief Minister at Pasighat within 15 days. They also unanimously urged to all the Adi people who are employed and drawing any payment honorarium etc from the Jaypee Arunachal to tender their resignation within 15 days.

The meeting further decides to provide full support and protection to the leaders of DAPFSSB activist and any members of Adi People for their any roles and actions in the ongoing Anti Dam Movement till the cause and welfare is fully achieved.

Meanwhile, Dam Affected Peoples’ Forum of Siyom Sirit Banggo (DAPFSSB) has been constituted with Tachong Mibang, Tayek Mije and Takar Komut as its President, Vice President and General Secretary respectively.

 

DRDA vigilance and monitoring committee meet held

YUPIA, Oct 20: The 8th District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meeting of Papum Pare was held here at DRDA conference hall, Yupia today.

Presiding over the meeting, Papum Pare Zila Parishad chairperson Nabam Aka stressed on proper monitoring and supervision of the on going implementation of pilot projects. She also called upon all

BDOs and officers of all line departments to cooperate and maintain transparency in dissemination of information about all CSS programmes.

In order to submit authentic report to the higher authorities, a team of PRI members and district administration should conduct joint visit and video graph entire works under various schemes.

The DC cum CEO Pige Ligu reviewed the scheme wise performance of all CSS programmes in the district. He called upon the BDOs and PRI members present in the house to share their information and views on various flagship programmes of the Centre which are being carried out the district. Efforts are being made to give all kinds of support in all fields, he said and urged upon all BDOs to cooperate with PRI members in selecting need based programme for all beneficiaries so that benefit could reach the targeted people. Taking note of absenteeism of HoDs in the meeting, DC assured that shortly a review meeting will be held where all officers will be present.

Earlier, PD, DRDA Takir Nyicyor presented an overview of receipt and expenditure of 2010-11 of various ongoing centrally sponsored schemes implemented through DRDA in PapumPare district in the house. DIPRO

 

Reflection of Anna phenomena - the power of Non-Violence

Mr. Kiron Lonchung

Prologue: (Phenomena: During Media Discourse)

Any socially sensitive person, no matter one is activist or academic, one is sympathetic or critic of the political system can’t ignore social movements of the time. Our understanding of the nature of political institutions, their workings, nature of political decisions and legislations remain incomplete without social understanding movement. India’s Assertive new middle class under Anna made an attempt to appropriate the Legacy of Gandhi. kleptocracy is a product of middle class disgust at the sight of either too little or too much of governance. Before independence it was the zamindars that controlled the strings of governance which reconstructed Land reforms as an opening to redistributive Justice. But after LPG it is again the SEZ owners and industrialists who have become the neo-zamindars and remain busy in reversing the process of redistributive justice. This is what is the beginning of Political corruption- Politics has become a business, there is need of umpires and referees to say “You are out, please leave the Ground”. So respects for parliamentary practice are gradually diminishing. There is the need to have consensus on the role of constitutional authorities. The reason being the retired Judges, CAG, members of Election Commission prefer to be parliamentarians but they also continue to undermine parliamentary institutions. Even the Supreme Court ruling was being defied by the Bellary mining.

Morality in politics has become a suspicious concept. There are competitive corruptions instead of competitive politics. This is because, even after indictment and credible report of corruption, a Chief-Minister holds office in connivance with the Chief Secretary. This is believed, a fact that, if audit and account is taken into consideration no Chief Minister in Indian state politics can remain in office for more than one month because of the issue of corruption. Governments have failed to find out strategies to handle corruption ever after media debates and communication. So Government is not Pro-active to issues of corruption. This is the time when Anna has taken the Govt. into hostage and ransom since 16th August. Young people need a better India. So they have projected Anna as the symbol of their hope. The young India’s movement has sensitized the Civil Society, the media, the political parties that it is time to think that our nation is first. Young India has suffered on the fronts of police reforms, License and Permit Raj, PDS, Education and Health systems because of corruptions. But the fact remains, what is emotionally right many not be rationally prudent.

We must appreciate the method of Non-Violence against corruption and the feeling that let us not shoot the mission, the messenger of non-violence. When factual statements of corruption are revealed in Public domain, the Govt. is disturbed. The Public has a conviction that the Govt. is for itself, not for the people. The Prison-Coup of Anna has galvanized the momentum to the movement. Denial to the people their democratic right for peaceful protest has questioned the credibility of the governance and corruption has it’s resonance in the fasting of Anna. The deficit in governance has compelled the People to come on the roads. The symbol of this movement against corruption is called as arm-chair Maoist, a facist; has created a bizarre situation and Anna is now a National Hero. Anna has got support beyond Government’s imagination. While BJP is exploiting the Government’s discomfort over the issue of corruption. Since Govt. did not reach out to BJP as the opposition in initial drafts on Lokpal , BJP is trying to make a political score.

There is no doubt that corruption has obstructed the mobility but not the mobilization of a mass-movement i.e. Anti-corruption movement. This is a revelation by the people, of the people, to be seen whether it will be for the people. Anna has carbonized the movement after understanding the tyranny of money and has projected this in its right perspective. Neither Anna is a great-thinker, nor a political leader but a social activist. This transformation to the position of mass-leader indicates the Taste-structure of Indian middle class. Those who are with Anna spearheading the movement are not great ideologues. They have harnessed the public sentiments when political class is caught off-guard. Now it is adapted to public anguish. The assistance of IT brain is a major factor in disseminating the spirit of the movement in Indian hemisphere. Misuse of power by political class has given the opportunity to create the ‘Anna Phenomena’. The impetus from people has authorized one activist to bring the largest democracy to its knees. The political class has, let the country down and Anna jumped to this Civil disobedience movement. It is a defining movement for India to re-write constitutional- political history.  The debate, what is constitutionally correct in matters of introducing Anna’s JON LPKPAL BILL has agitated the minds of the polity. No doubt corruption issue has united India and Anna has   become a political ICON. When NO ICON is emerging Anna has cemented his position. He has assured the masses to transform their emotions to its logical conclusion. That is, making India corruption free through non-violence. There is no place for belligerency. Certainly our democracy can be sustained through this shock- treatment which will open the way for self-correction. Though the debate on corruption is apolitical it has strong political currents. The fire brands in Gandhi-garb led middleclass to revolt. Anna Team is known for populist contempt for institutions, such as parliament and apparent authoritarianism.

The Anna- Team has chankyas in the form of Kejriwal, Shanti Bhusan, Prasanta Bhusan, Hegde, Manish Sisodia and Kiran Bedi. All are protagonists of anti- corruption drives in their respective ways. Kejriwal was instrumental in formulating RTI 2005 draft as a member of Aruna Roy Team, Shanti Bhusan fought the Raj Narain case against  late Indira Gandhi in Allahabad High Court, Prashanta Bhushan was a lieutenant of Medha Patekar in the Narmada Bacho Anodalon, Hedge happened to be the illustrious son of Late justice Hedge Who resigned on the issue of supersession of judges in 1971 and the man instrumental in the fall of Yedurappa the Karnataka Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia happens to be the functionary of NGO ‘Parivartan and its strategist for publicity having wide exposure to mass-media. Kiran Bedi’s view, ‘Anna is  India, India is Anna’ reflected the psyche of Dr. D.K.Baruah who once said “India is Indira and Indira is India.” These Chanakyas were the face of anti-corruption movement from Tihar to Ramlila Maidan. This was the travesty of Indian Democracy. The perception that brand India is associated not with growth but corruption was a tribute to India Democracy, not a slur. They made Anna the Catalyst to bring to Public fora politician’s contempt for middle class and how these hobnob with the rich exploiting the poor. The slogan was, it will be a mistake if we donot take the advantage of the democratic dividends of the youth as partners of this upsurge. The call was well heard by the Youth and the Chankayas galvanized the movement.

Anna symbolises a great mix of politics and spirituality, the methods of both Shivaji and Gandhiji respectively. The man is committed to public service throughout his life and is determined for a tangible law to check corruption. That law will regulate the CBI, CVC, PM, MPS, Judiciary under Lokpal. So Lokpal of Anna hits Govt. where it hurts them most. This anti-corruption crusader against constitution on 16th August declared “it is my way and there is no way” i.e. His version of Lokpal i.e. Jan Lokpal is the credible law. This agitation was followed by his arrest which Govt. said was a Police act and Anna Team declared it as Political Act. Government acted myopically and further damaged its credibility. It exposed government’s political ineptness when Hazari was released. Government was identified as repressive regime cramping upon liberties of it’s citizens.Civilized political and democratic discourse became a causality. Slogan like “Kasbah Ko Chicken Biriyani, Annaji ko Jail” reflected public anguish. There was cacophony within media-aids without any reasoning.  Out falling of emotions strengthened the conviction of Anna. Before fighting popular perception the UPA-II failed in introspection. This was the time when popular social activist Aruna Roy came with her brand of Lokpal Bill. Prime Minister declared for national consensus and accommodating the diversity of views. He declared with pain that dialogue, debate are corner- stones of democracy and not exchange of shabby words or resorting to rhetoric.

The debate started centering on agitation at Ramlila Maidan spearheaded by Anna Chankyas keeping the shield of Anna fast. The Jan Lokpal, Govt bill on Lokpal, T.N. Sheshan’s conception of lokpal, JP group’s draft on Lokpal, occupied the centre stage of media-debate. Anna became a National ICON when he declared it is my way only. Anna Team branded Govt. Lokpal as Joke Pal and a bill to protection of corruption. But Anna was committed to create a political will, while Anna Team behaved like a Trade-Union encashing the public anguish against corruption.  Negotiation started with one IAS officer taking the initiatives between Govt. and Anna Team. But it was certain that either Govt. was confused or adamant over the issue of Lokpal. UPA was in Blunderland because of the public focus on Anna’s arrest- a hyper- Technico CRPC/IPC advice to Govt. Many civil society activists desired this movement could be used for a constructive way. It was viewed by them that it was seer vulgarity to compare this protest as second freedom movement. This lacked ideology and there was the encashment of emotions. The youths who are born in a political vaccume used this opportunity to show their frustrations. So Team Anna sold the IMAGE and URBAN INDIA bought it. Thus the movement took the shape, from campaign against stupidity of the governance. The middleclass, born out of economic liberalism are not guarded by Governance, thus suspicious of the state.  This provided the strength to the movement. So the movement was transformed from apathy to anguish. The need became to go beyond the ideological idioms. The talk centered around corporate corruption and not to make the bill an unilateral agenda. Essence of civil society is plurality not homogeneity. So Govt. could not defend the indefensible, but could convince that a strong Lokpal is against the spirit of federal structure. Govt. agreed to sustain the debate on corruption because a functional democracy believes in consensus building. If one has the right to dissent, too has obligation to listen. Policy making and Law making on longer issues must go through due process and Anna Team was averse to it. Further civil society is a larger area, not Anna Team. Independence of judiciary is absolutely essential for democratic health and the controversy over centralization Vs decentralization. But the organized blackmail by Anna Team came for severe criticism by no other than the renowned activists. Anna tool of e-revolution started disruptions in the dialogues, leading to Anna Logjam. Public opinion through media started circulating that democratic discourse never believed in absolutism, against constitutionalism. It was the very constitution which gave the right to garner support. Many academicians ridiculed the belligerent attitude of Anna Team members and Govt’s crisis of Lack of credibility on the issue. Lack of trust between the Govt. and the people, gave a chance to Anna Team to capitalize on the capitalistic paradigm of Govt. The movement got national imagination followed by gheoroes of the residents of popular representatives. Was it a rush of blood or diplomacy of Chankyas, only history will tell? Certainly there was a trust deficit. Issue of corruption quitessentially a political issue and needs a political solution. There was no need to bungle the govt. or to dilute the democracy. So there was a change with the tempo and direction of the movement with the entry of spiritual gurus, the likes of Vayuji Maharaja from M.P. ( a trusted lieutenant of Anna spiritualism ) followed by Sri Sri Ravishankar. The debate turned around the legal, procedural and constitutional aspects of Anna’s bill. The govt. got some relief and became hopeful for a possible breakthrough. The People were convinced that our’s is not a Bannana Republic to be dictated by Team Anna. There was consensus that the need of the hour is to preserve the Parliamentary Democracy. Accepted social activist Medha  Petakar fuelled the agitation with her views on “Jal, Jamin, Jangal” corruptions. There was absolute hatration against political class. So, second phase of negotiation through spiritual Gurus broke down initially. Factions of Anna Team believed that dead line is not the feature of Gandhian principle. It was a historic time to strengthen the institution of parliament and   not to finish it. Anna hardliners rejected and remained quite adamant. The fact that many put their collective weight behind the anti-corruption stir for a stronger law was due to the legitimacy of the cause, the credibility of Team Anna, and a growing impatience with corruption and its manifestation in daily lives.

The elites across nation joined the media supported Anna movement and broke the silence, the consensus created around broad-areas. Anna was credited for fashioning of a possible and positive law against corruption, but doubted the credibility of the demographic character of the movement. Law protects who protects them. And the chairmen of the standing committee publicly announced to accumulate the Anna’ perception moderately, marginally or significantly only through due process Varun Gandhi and Rajiv  Chandrasekhar both MP’s from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha made a declaration to Pilot Anna’s  Bill as Private Members Bill. So, the context became new. But during this period i.e. by 22nd of August the enormous public upsurge indicated that people have made the constitution alive and transformed the slippery politicians as responsible creatures. Speaker, PM, Opposition leader, civil society appealed Anna to break his fast. This time the messenger was Vilasrao Desmukh who was entrusted the task to break the deadlock. The communication was, ‘it would be disrespect to the national sentiment if he did not break his fast.’ But Anna was messimanised. Probably the distinction between agitation and popular movement was beyond UPA’s comprehension.  People started talking of defeat of democracy and constitution. Likely political instinct failed congress. But suddenly the young Turks of congress converted their social profile into political profile. They came out and opened their mind in the legislature. They sounded that street democracy was dangerous and there was no need of binnaries. BJP understood that political scores are not enough to sustain its image in public as Anna attacked BJP this time. BJP was interested only in making parliament and Govt. dysfunctional. Anna Teams demand was akin to that used by the Sangha Parivar and the BJP which had asserted that 90% people of India (Hindus) want to build the Ram Tample at the disputed Babrimasjid site. L.K. Adwani and VHP said it was a people’s movement.   He gave a call to make it’s idea clear on the De facto Junk i.e. Govt. Bill Vs Anna Bill. This time Chankya of congress Mr. Pranab Mukharjee, known for his crisis management, along with law Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs preferred direct negotiation with Anna through Vilasrao Desmukh and Sandip Dikshit. By that time, Team Anna was riding on 2nd grade pedagogy, melodrama, Bad theatric activities, non-sense social science attacking parliamentarians. BJP blamed congress for logjam. People across states voiced that the country is built upon positivities, there is no place for complacency. There is a difference between change and uprooting the structure. Institutions of democracy have failed us, but should we finish it or strengthen it? In politics, the perceptions are different but not the basics of our constitution. Both Anna and Govt. realized and came for an agreement. Anna was adamant for a written resolution on the three points which created logjams and Govt. obliged. Anna broke his fast when govt. assured to guarantee the rectitudes of spirit of JanLokpal Bill. BJP did not say, anymore it was not privy to govt. and Anna talks, after the resolution was passed in the floor unanimously, UPA learnt the importance of the role of opposition and BJP too learnt the compulsions of coalition. Ultimately it is the people who won this battle of Democracy. 73 years Social Activist whose gentle demeanor and enthusiasm is a phenomena itself.  

II

Epiphenomenon: (The Epilogue)

The mere conferment of the right to information without changing the prevalent style of governance would make the entire exercise futile. In the context of our present scenario of politicization of bureaucracy (The change in the complexion and functioning of politics influenced by the bureaucratization in the form of rigidity, adherence to rules and regulations, formal structures. The informal and flexible form of functioning of politics is said to become formal and rigid) and bureaucratization of politics (it is considered to be contrary or opposite to the concept of political neutrality. It implies public service and its functioning getting influenced and used for party purpose. The appointment, promotion and tonsure of public servants is said to be influenced by activities and decisions of the party in power.) There is confusion. Lack of political will and reluctant attitude of bureaucracy to recognize people’s right to information, the role of civil society organizations, have become crucial and significant in ushering in a new era of open, transparent and accountable governance. India is the largest functional democracy. The civil society plays a catalytic role in public life. The more these organizations come forward to enlighten and mobiles the people, the more will be the realization of the immense potential of the right to information.

One of the requirements for the proper functioning of a democratic system lies in the prompt and effective redressal of the grievances of the citizens arising from the abuse of power by those in whose favour the people delegate their power and who are expected to exercise surveillance and control over those civil servants who are said to constitute the steel frame of public Administration. Scandinavian office of ombudsman (Ombuds means representative of   another people) of 1809 (Sweden introduced this office in 1809, followed by Finland in 1951, Denmark, 1970,  Norway 1977, followed by Austria, France, Netherland and Britain 2000) has gained widespread attention in the democratic world as a device for controlling bureaucracy.

Bureau pathologies like Red tape, conflict, duplication, waste, corruptions are better known as misplaced loyalty and magnanimity that eats into vitals of ethical order in the public Administration. Bureaucracy remains to be self- centered, group-centered, organization centered, never people centered. Thus the preference for Ombuds-man like institution is the need to regulate Democracy.

It was K.M Munshi followed by Dr. Rajendera Prasad and M. Setalvad, the then Attorney General, favoured the creation of the institution of Ombudsman. Even President Dr. Rajendra Prased proposed to Prime-Minister Nehru that such a high officer should be appointed in India to probe the challenges of corruption against people in his position, including ministers and Prime-Minister. But it was L.M. Singhvi, who in early 1960’s coined the term Lokpal and demanded its creation. Prime –Minister Nehru had jestfully asked Mr. Singhvi, who was reportedly urging for creation of our Ombudsman,. “To what Zoo does this animal belong? Dr. Singhvi you must indigenize it”. The young Turk, who could converse in Sanskrit, then coined the Hindi word ‘Lokpal’ and its associate ‘Lokayukt’. Mr singhvi campaigned ceaselessly for a Lokpal Bill from 1963 to 1967. However, since he was an independent MP, he could not get any legislation passed. It was only when he left parliament and continued with his campaign for Lokpal, that the govt. moved the first Bill through Home Minister Y.B. Chavan in 1969. The bill lapsed owing to the dissolution of the Loksabha in 1970. The Janata Govt. made another effort in 1987. The bill got out of the Joint select committee. Unfortunately the matter was once again closed owing to the dissolution of Lok Sabha in 1979. The effort of the National front govt. had the same fate in 1990. In 2002 NDA worked on the same line but failed. However, Orissa was the first state to have Lokayukta Act, followed by Maharastra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. The Philosophy behind Lokayukta was (a) To regulate executive control and orders, permits, Licenses, that leads to administrative inefficiency like delays, red-tapism, lethargy and arbitrariness of administration (b) Since redress and grievance mechanisms are becomng costly and time consuming, the need is to have a machinery less costly, less formal, quicker effective, impartial and can create people’s confidence. But there is lack of uniformly in its application in all these states. There is no coherence among CBI, CVC, Lok Ayuktas, Anti-corruption departments in dealing with the cases of corruptions.

The classical concern of public administration centered around efficiency, responsibility, integrity; while concerns of modern administration centers around equity, Justice, openness, compassion, altruism , responsiveness, human rights, dignity. The shift in the focus is due to the introduction of liberalization. The important aspects of governance identified by World Bank in 1992 refers to accountability and transparency. So democracy is responsive administration towards the citizens, stakeholders and consumer of public services. A popular govt. without popular information or means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or tragedy or perhaps both. In the American system, ‘whisttle-blowing’ by public employees is considered as legitimate and statutorily protected. Public employees are expected to use their voice to protest against administrative activities that are illegal or immoral.  They can even resort to resignations from their positions to give vent to their protest. In the American federal govt. there functions a hot- line, called “FRAUD-NET’ for preventing fraud, waste and abuse. Through this hot line, employees and other can anonymously report instances of misconduct for investigation to the General Accounting Office. Besides, the American public employees enjoy constitutional protection on speaking out on matters of public concern like dangers to public Health or safety. Even the office of Govt. ETHICS, an independent agency, helps the senate in the process of confirming or rejecting presidential appointments, particularly on financial decision. All these phenomena have an impact upon governances of the systems linked with World Bank.

The legal system of a country determines considerably the efficacy of the ethical concerns in governance system. A neatly formulated law, with a clear stress on the norms of fair conduct and honesty, is likely to distinguish chaff from grain in the ethical universe. Conversely, nebulous laws, with confusing definition of corruption and its explanations, will only promote corruption for it would not be able to instill the fear of God or fear of law among those violating the laws of the land and mores of the society. Besides, an efficient and effective Judiciary with fast-track-Justice system will prove road-block to immorality in public-affairs. Conversely, a slow-moving Judiciary, with a concern for, letter than the spirit of law, will dither and delay and event help the perpetrators of crimes giving them leeway through prolonged trials and benefits of doubt. Thus, the issue corruption is the point of civil society discourse. Corruption is the abuse of authority for personal gains. It is a betrayal of public trust for protecting private interests. The demand for govt. rewards frequently exceeds the supply, and routine decision-making processes are lengthy, costly and uncertain in their outcome. For these reasons, legally sanctioned decision-making processes constitute a bottle-neck between what people want and what they get. The temptation to get around the bottleneck –to speed things up and make favorable decisions more probable-is built into this relationship between govt. and society. To get around the bottleneck, one must use political influence and corruption, which by definition cuts across established and legitimate processes, is a most effective form of influence. Because of the scarcity of what people want from the govt., they are willing to pay bribes in exchange for jobs, land, licenses, quotas, admissions, passports, utility service connections etc, or even getting them speedily or illegitimately. They may also bribe the administrators for escaping   arrests, punishments, fines or major inconveniences. All these are examples of transactional corruption. This acquires frightening proportions when it becomes an accepted trait of the socio- cultural system.

The process of marginalization has also been historically embedded in a socio-cultural context. Significantly, there are strong institutional, normative and ideological bases, stemming out of the primordial interpretation of the institutional and normative arrangements of caste, ethnicity, race, gender, patriarchy, religion, and so on, to provide legitimacy to the process of marginalization. Again, the on-going processes of socialization, education, politicization, enculturation etc, contribute to their reproduction in the society. Thus, over-time, the socially constructed   marginalized categories tend to be empirical categories. Thus follows the politics of denials and deprivations both in political and cultural essences. Thus the welfare state has a responsibility for system integration. But the development strategies, which are/were implemented within the Pre-existing structural arrangements of the society’ have not been able to bring an end to the deprivation of the marginalized group, rather have largely contributed to the social reproduction of marginalization. This has further accentuated the dynamics of corruption i.e. political corruption. The behaviour of politicians has a demonstration effect on civil servants. Besides, the capacity of the less honest political masters to control civil servant is immense. The science of administration gets integrated with ethics of administration. And in this integrated regime, only that empirical concern is value, which respects the normative concerns in the delivery of administrative services. Thus rulers are expected to possess stronger moral fibre than the subjects. Since there are hardly any instrumentalities to protect and nurture administrative morality vis-à-vis the general social morality, such an expectation remains at the most an elusive model. Hence there is obvious need to go deeper into the problem. If the media is objective and fearless, its role in preventive corruption can be effective. It can work as a catalyst to the promotion of ethical behavior among administrators. The role of media is important if performed with the content of social responsibility rather than sensationalism. Ethics evolves respectful attitudes to the citizens. It respresents a commitment to the fulfillment of one’s responsibilities with a spirit of dedication, involvement, and sincerity. Compassion involves a sense of empathy. It does not end with pity. It invokes sensibilities to understand and even feel the pain of others and motivates one to be truly helpful in over coming this pain. Hence, administration ethics in public affairs envisages that the domain of feelings and the universe of rationality should find a happy blending is thought as well as action of civil servants. But the political class work as a block in creating this blending. The election system in India is considered to be the biggest propeller to political corruption spending millions on the election compels a candidate to reimburse his expenses through fair or foul means-more foul than fair. WHILE FAIR HAS LIMITS FOUL HAS NONE. It is generally argued that the administrative class – comprising civil servants at higher, middle as well as lower levels – emerges from the society itself. Naturally, therefore, the mores, values and behavioural patterns prevalent in this society are likely to be reflected in the conduct of administrators. To expect that the administration will be insulated from the orientations and norms evidenced in the society, would grossly unrealistic. Thus politicization of bureaucracy and bureauration of politics in the phase of LPG are responsible for a Jobless, voiceless, ruthless, fruitless and future less growth leading to immorality of governor – views the civil society India against corruption. Judiciary is an indispensable part of good governance in terms of maintenance of rule of law and upholding social Justice. The IAC views that judiciary too has failed to be the guardian of wider morality. All anti-corruption mechanisms have come under serious public scrutiny.

In the dark ages anything that the PAPAL CHURCH said was true, but not in 21st century. Rebellion and revolt in the middle East, Egypt, Yemen, Syria & Libya are facts to justify, and it is difficult to resist mass mobilization, against authoritarianism. When a force becomes too strong and oppressive, the counter-force has to be equally strong to bring the balance to the golden mean. It was Vinobha Bhave who persuaded land lords to give their spare fields to the poor after our national movement led by Gandhi. This was followed by the total revolution by Jayaprakash against corrupt administration in 1974-75, but emergency sealed its fate. Now after a gap of 36 years an added excitement came from the sense of being righteous, moral, austere without the danger of being denounced as a fundamentalist or religious demogogue or of being  beaten up or peppered with bullets- the youth have had a chance to feel empowered in an ethical, moral and righteous manner.  Anna believes that the constitution is a document that contains the vision for India. But the strategies and tactics to be used to realize this vision will have to change with changing times. Thus the leader is that human face of determination and courage that has the power to rise above the system. Anna has shown exemplary courage. The people have to remain vigilant, not letting these time-honored values hijacked by narrow political interests. The peaceful, yet forceful, revolution made Anna the symbol, when society is bereft of role models.

India ranks 87 in Transparency International’s corruption Index (CPI) ranking for 178 counties in 2010. In the survey India got 3.3 out of 10, not even pass- mark in matters of honesty. So there is the need of a just social order. The huge pendency of cases in courts is simple evidence of a jaded Judiciary. Over 3 crore cases are pending in Indian courts, of these 2.5 million are in the 21 high courts. Starting from 2G to CWG, scams have irritated the minds of middle-class tax-payers. The campaign for Jonlokpal Bill gathered steam around the same time as embarrassing revelations by Wikileaks and a series of scams, including the 2G, broke, in which major corporate, senior journalists, Govt. ministers and politicians from the Congress and BJP seems to have colluded in various ways as hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees are siphoned off from the public exchequer. For the first time in years, journalists-lobbyists were disgraced and it seemed as if major captains of corporate India could actually end up in prison. Perfect timing for a people’s anti-corruption agitation. It is a perfect timing for IAC to lunch such a movement, known as Anna phenomena. It started as a fight against corruption, and media made it a fight against government, then parliament and now it appears to be a fight against constitution. The question public opinion asks, it is not paid news? Is it not corruption? Remember it was not just when Gandhiji discarded his foreigner clothes that the swadeshi movement gained momentum, it was only when each and every Indian started wearing Khadi were the foreigners alarmed? Thus the country cannot run by discussion on television channels, but by parliament through debates. Holding a gun to Parliaments head may be a way to make you heard but it is not certainly the way to get things done. Anna is not above Parliament. Agents of corruption are not confined to the corridors of power or the bureaucracy.  Mr Anna is  just a convenient escape route for us to avoid the dictum while pinning the blame on the popular and easy targets—politicians and bureaucrats. People belonging to all walks of life indulge in corrupt practices. The drive against corruption is no doubt challenging but it should actually emanate from within- as a self- imposed resolution. Let us look at ourselves in the mirror. Let students take pledge to be law-abiding citizens. Let us not be emotionally charged on issue of corruption. Let us socially boycott who indulge in corruption. Gandhi said ‘Be the change that wish to see the world’. For any analyst, these are the missing points in the Anna phenomena. But certainly the allegation, Mr. Hazare is obstinate and unreasonable, is misplaced. To brand his agitation a blackmailing tactics is unfair. How can one discard the man who says, ‘whether I am there or not, don’t allow this flame to be extinguished. Till the country is free from corruption, this torch should burn.’’ While his means may be Gandhian, Anna Hazare’s demands are certainly not “Contrary to Gandhian ideas about the decentralization of power, the Jan Lokpal bill is a draconian, anti-corruption law, in which a panel of carefully chosen people will administer a giant bureaucracy, with thousand’s of employees, with power to police everybody from the Prime Minister, the Judiciary, members of parliament, and all of the bureaucracy down to the lowest govt. officials. The Lokpal will have the powers of investigation, surveillance and prosecution, Except for the fact that it would not have its own prison, it will function, as an independent administration, meant to counter the bloated, unaccountable, corrupt one that we already have, two oligarchies, instead of just one”. Fair enough, Arundhoti Roy, a writer of class, poses some logical questions, those need to be addressed.(a) Does the solution to the problems faced by ordinary people lie in addressing the structural inequality, or in creating, yet another power structure that people will have defer to? Why Anna supports, Raj Thackeray’s Marathi Manos Xenophobia? (b) Is it surprising that members of Anna Team have also been associated with Youth for equality, the anti-reservation (Pro-merit) movement? The campaign is being handled by people who run a clutch generously funded NGO’S whose donors include Coca-Cola and lehman brothers, ‘Kabir’, an NGO, run by Arvind Kejirwal and Manish Sisodia, Key figures in team Anna, has received 4,00,000 dollars from the ford foundation in the last three years. At one point team Anna indicated that it could drop the demand for bringing the Prime Minister within the ambit of Lokpal, but wanted all NGOs excluded. A committee member said, ‘if there house is so squeaky clean, why do they want to keep NGO’s out of Lokpal Purview? (c) At a time when the state is withdrawing from its traditional duties and corporations and NGOs taking over govt.  functions (water Supply, electricity, transport ), Telecommunication, mining, health, education; at a time when the terrifying power and reach of corporate owned media is trying to control the public imagination, one would think that these institutions – the corporations, the media, the NGOS would be included in the jurisdiction of a lokpal bill. Instead Jan lokpal Bill, leaves them out completely. By demolishing the Govt. they have further invited the state to withdraw from Public service and second round reforms. All these analysis are now in Public domain and need careful considerations. (A.Roy, ‘I had rather not be Anna’, The Hindu)

“For complete different reasons and in complete different ways, you could say that Maoists and the Jan lokpal Bill have one thing in common-They both seek the over throw of the state” (See A. Roy I’d rather not be Anna”) this is rather unwarranted. Mr Hazare has led a crusade against Corruption for over three decades in Maharashtra. The Present Political Circumstances have compelled him to the Centre stage of National Politics. That the de- Politicized middle-class is in the fore- front, mobilizing masses for a strong Lokpal bill, is a Pointer to the charisma of the social activist. Mrs. Roy deserves Praise and support for expressing her honest opinion, unmindful of the reaction of crusaders against corruption. One is reminded of what Frank Moraes wrote in “Witness to an Era’’. Rabindranath Tagore was not enamoured of the civil disobedience Movement of 1942. He was a giant of an intellectual who had the courage to say what he felt about civil disobedient”. “England can hold India only by consent. “We can not rule it by Sword” was the voice of Sir Charles Innes, the provincial Governor in 1930. So lessons are learnt now, the question is to find out a way. The objectivity should not be misconstructed as a mechanical and rigid adherence to laws and rules. From the decision- making angle, it has undoubtedly wider ramifications encompassing a set of positive orientations.

Few questions or issues which have come to the Public domain need careful considerations too:-

(a) What will happen if someone goes on a fast to death at Jantar Manter asking total independence for Kashmir and someone else sits on a similar fast demanding abolition of the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir?

(b)  Remember that a large part of bribe givers are happy and willing to chase officials privately with money to escape lawful punishment, avoid paying taxes and dues or to jump the queue to get benefits not due to them or to get ahead of those who are waiting . They are not going to complain anyone. The bribe-offer is higher than bribe- demand.

(c) Anna belittled and ridiculed our independence by saying “We have no independence. Just the Groras (white) have gone and kalas (Blacks) have come,” Does he have the right to claim as Gandhijis follower? Kejirwalla says the notification of the standing committee inviting comments from the public at large on the Lokpal is eye- wash and a diversionary tactics. Is it not that an imperfect democracy is for better than dictatorship. People are angry with corruption but do not understand the nuances of democratic institution. As civil society leader, Team Anna needs to maintain restraints while riding on emotions.       

Some of the contentious issues which precipitated in the course of agitation was (i) selection and removal of Lokpal. Team Anna demanded that it should be fully empowered statutory institution with Administrative, Financial and functional independence, from the Govt. The civil society objection to a selection committee in which the government nominates 5 out of 9 members and also has the power to suspend the Lokpal, is unanswerable. (The five members in the government Lokpal bill are the Prime Minister, the Speaker, a Union cabinet minister, an eminent Jurist and a person of eminence in public life). The Jan Lokpal bills Provision for a two stage process of a search committee and a selection committee dominated by former constitutional authorities, in which only politicians would be Prime minister and the leader of opposition, has a far better logic and appeal. (2) The second issue to be resolved is the proposed inclusion in the Jan Lokpal Bill of “Provisions for Lokayaktas in the states to deal with public servant of the state. This demand by team Anna bristles with difficulties. The creation of Lokayuktas is currently understood to be in Jurisdiction of state legislatures and having it legislated by parliament would seem to go against the principles of federalism and states right under the constitutional scheme. (3) The third issues relates to Jurisdiction of the Lokpal. Team Anna’s demand that in addition to Ministers, MPs and Group “A” officers, the lower bureaucracy, and the prime minister must be brought under the Jurisdiction of Lokpal.   

The provision in Jan Lokpal draft to transfer the anti-corruption wing of the central bureau of investigation to the Lokpal is in tune with this logic. However, the demand for bringing corrupt acts of MPS in respect of their speeches or votes in parliament under the Lokpals jurisdiction comes up against article 105 of the constitution, which deals with the powers, privileges and immunities of members of parliament. This constitutional question needed to be resolved. (4) Team Anna demanded that a grievance redressal system backed by a provision mandating every public authority to prepare a citizen’s charter and fulfil its commitments to citizens within a specific time-limit should be created under the lokpal might not relate strictly to the issue of corruption. But the idea is progressive.

The Jan Lokpal drafts provisions for transparency and accountability of the Lokpal, for the encouragement of whistle-blowing on corruption in any public authority and full protection to the whistle – blowers, and the safeguards against entertaining vexatious complaints, such as the requirement that permission to investigate or prosecute the Prime Ministers and MPS from seven member bench of the Lokpal with strong legal credentials, are sound. Where as, bringing the Judiciary under Lokpal has not found much purchase.

So Anna Team had designed to pressure the Govt. to agree to introduce legislation for setting up credible, independent Judicial conduct commission, which will be empowered not merely to look into the misconduct of Judges but also to investigate allegations of corruption against them.

During the course of discourse on Lokpal in the ongoing phenomena, social activist Aruna Roy led National council for protection of right to information flashed a draft on lokpal. The followings were the distinguishing features of their draft. NCPRI suggested for a principal Lokpal to tackle political corruption and corruption among senior bureaucracy. It further opined to have a strengthened CVC to investigate and prosecute the remaining categories of civil servants. A judicial accountability commission brought into force by a fortified Judicial accountability and standard bill. It farther supported as independent grievance redress commission to address everyday corruption and complaints, followed by a whistle – blowers protection law. It pointed out that the major flaw of the Jan Lokpal bill was, under which the lokpal would be investigator, prosecutor and Judge.

The other draft which too appeared in public domain was Jaya Prakash Narayan of Lok Satta, a civil  society, group. It suggested that the lokpal Jurisdiction over Prime Minister should be subjected to certain coveats i.e. sovereignty, integrity, security, the lower bureaucracy should be under CVC, who should be part of Lokpal as ex.-offico. The two wings of CBI i.e. normal crime-investigation wing and the other anti-corruption wing, the later should be accountable to CVC, not the govt. It too supported a National Judicial commission and Judicial standards and accountability bill. It suggested to amend the prevention of corruption act and other laws to enlarge the definition of corruption. It was time to recollect Ambedkar. On 25th November 1949, Ambedkar wanted of three possible dangers to the new-born democracy. These related to social and economic inequalities, the use of unconstitutional methods, and hero-worship. (S.Thorat, “Ambedkar’s way and Anna  Hazares methods”, the Hindu, p.6, 23rd Aug, 2011).   

A special session on Lokpal was held on Saturday i.e. 28th August. By that time it was clear that the political consensus favoured addressing Judicial corruption separately through Judicial Accountability bill, this left little elbow room for Team Anna which reluctantly agreed to drop the demand, only insisting that the judicial Accountability bill be enabled simultaneously with the Lokpal bill. The Anna group also hit a wall on bringing the parliamentary conduct of MPS under the Lokpal. All parties sticked to the provision of Art 105. The Anna Team started with the maximalist position of only the Jan Lokpal bill and by August 30. But later on, agreed to a 3 points resolution which was not put to vote. The finale allowed both sides to claim victory. Anna team because, it had forced parliament to convene a special session where speaker accepted that corruption need to be tackled head-on. The govt. and the political class, because they had shown that they could collectively rise to the occasion – and without compromising on parliamentary integrity and due process.    

   Team Anna’s resolution:

(a) A Lokpal Bill shall be passed by parliament in the on-going sessions of parliament which will set up an independent Lokpal institution at the centre and independent Lokayukta institution on the same model in each state.

(b) Lokpal should have Jurisdiction over all govt. servants (barring judicial officers) at the centre and Lokayukta shall have Jurisdictions over all public servants in respective state.

(c) Such law would require that all govt. departments make citizens charters to provide which public dealing work will be done on how much time and by which officer, violation of citizen charter shall be penalizes by Lokpal or Lokayukta.

Resolution adopted by both houses:

‘The house discussed various issues relating to setting up of a strong and effective Lokpal. This house agree in Principle on the following issues (a) citizen charter (b) lower bureaucracy also to be under the Lokpal through appropriate mechanism (c) establishment of a Lokayukta in the states. And further, resolved to transmit the proceedings to the department related standing committee for its perusal while formulating its recommendations for the Lokpal Bill.

Anti- corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Sunday broke his 12 days fast on the Lokpal issue, declaring that he had only suspended his movement and not ended it. It is not the end, but the beginning of an end i.e. a corruption free India. The Lokpal issue will be followed by issues of decentralization of power, education reforms, labour and farmer’s issue. Anna confessed the source of his strength were secularism and non-violence. Through his 288 hours of fast from Aug 16, after Gandhi, Anna showed the world the strength and relevance of Gandhism in 21st century- ‘Anna Tum sangharsh Karo, desh tumara sath hai’’. It was a people’s movement and its strength was that for all the 13 days it was peaceful and non-violent setting an example before the world. A key negotiator of Govt, union law minister remarked ‘we have reached out to a remarkable man; remarkable movement and we want the movement to go forward and give India a much beter scheme of things. We are determined to make it happen’’. Kejiriwal, fire-brand Anna Team member, declared openly their respect for parliament, the constitution and its architect B.R. Ambedkar. Specifically he thanked Prime Minister Singh for his efforts to resolve the Jan Lokpal Bill Logjam. This is the beginning for the young India to take serious interests in political processes. Credit goes to the crusader ANNA and his convictions on methods of Non-violence.     

(I am grateful to Dr.  R.B. Tripathy for is guidance to prepare this script)

 

Gathering of Arunachalees at Varanasi

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: In a meeting of Arunachal Pradesh Students' Welfare Association Varanasi (APSWAV), B.H.U  in Varanasi, has decided to organise a mass gathering, followed by a football match between two teams comprising of Arunachalee students studying in Varanasi at BHU on 26th November. The theme of the gathering and the Football Match will be "Unity In Diversity".

As APSWAV comprise of students from different tribes, communities and different sections of the society of Arunachal Pradesh, the programme will send the message of Peace, Brotherhood and Unity back to the State, said a release.

The students further appointed Depi Lollen of Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, B.H.U as the Women Representative of the Association.

 

Rahul to meet NE students

NEW DELHI, Oct 20: AICC general secretary (i/c YC & NSUI) Rahul Gandhi during his interaction with the tribal student leaders of the North-East based in Delhi would seek feedbacks on various problems confronting them in the national capital and working out solutions, AICC secretary (i/c of NSUI) Girish Chodankar and Lok Sabha member Takam Sanjoy told a meeting of the students here today.

The interaction would be regular in nature, they said, adding that Gandhi has already constituted an 11-member NSUI cell in the AICC headquarters to look into the problems of NE students, they added. However, the first interaction proposed on November 4 would not be possible due to prior engagements and has been postponed to the convenience of Gandhi between November 10 to 14, they informed in a release.

 

Society rolls out red carpet for Yana

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: The Tarh Welfare Society organized a reception for Tarh Yana also known as Takio Yana on her return from Cape Town, South Africa after representing country in Commonwealth Weigh-tlifting Championship.

 She won 3 silver in recently concluded championship and brought laurel to country and state of Arunachal Pradesh. Society hopes her achievement will inspire other young girls of state to take up sport as serious profession. Further they urged state government to encourage sportsperson with every possible help.

 

NERAMAC organizes training

PASIGHAT, Oct 20: The Deputy Commissioner Talem Tapok inaugurated a training program to encourage local farmers (Agri & Horti) at the College of Horticulture (CAU) pasighat today. The training program is being sponsored by the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

Speaking on the occasion Tapok stated the training is being imparted to encourage he local growers/entrepreneurs with necessary inputs for good delivery and marketing system of their products. He further added NERAMAC played a significant role by intervening in the sourcing, procuring and marketing of local products in the reign ensuring better prices to the farmers/growers. Its role as a dynamic marketing organization has started showing visibility through its operations to sustain farmers’ interest in production by application of post harvest technology, added Tapok.

The DC while advising the trainees to update knowledge urged to create an economically viable environment so that agriculture/horticulture becomes a major activity bringing prosperity in the state. Agriculture is closely linked to many concerns, including climatic condition and water availability etc and the Arunachal being a land of diverse climatic conditions he suggested the NERAMAC consultants to carryout intensive research on sustainable crops according to the climatic conditions of the other districts too for quality and bumper productions. (DIPRO)

 

Badminton championship

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: The 2nd Dera Natung Memorial Badminton Championship would be held at DNGC Auditorium from October 22 to 26.

MLA Takam Tagar (Pario) and All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) president Sikka Gapak would attend the inaugural function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively on October 22, according to Students’ Union of DNGC.

 

Census at Papum Pare

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)-2011 will be canvassed in rural areas of Papum Pare district with effect from Nov 1, informed DC cum-Principal SECC officer, Papum Pare in a release today. He appealed to all panchayat leaders, gaon burahs, head GBs and NGOs of the district to extend all cooperation to the  supervisor and enumerators to make it a grand success.

 

AKKDSU demands arrest

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union (AKKDSU) has appealed to the state Govt to arrest the culprit involved in firing incident at I G Pak on Oct 11 which resulted into killing of Late Heri Tai of Kurung Kumey district and also demanded exemplary punishment as per law.

The Union blamed state Govt for Oct 11 incident and also questioned state Govt and ruling MLAs from Kurung Kumey district for delay in booking the culprit. Claiming that the people of Kurung Kumey are always victimized and not provided justice, the union said law of the land should be applied to all the citizens without discrimination. We want peace, co-existence and justice to the our people, it added.

 

ANYA faction reacts

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: Reacting to a news item under heading ‘ANYA election’ published in this daily on October 20, the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) under the president ship of Yumlam Achung condemned the ‘unauthorized’ conduction of election by a faction of ANYA to elect its executive body on October 16.

It said that the election was totally unauthorized, unrecognized while adding that differences between the two factions of ANYA should have been sorted out in a same platform before conduction of the election in the greater interest of the community.

 

Training on Disease Management

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Momong, Lohit conducted a one day training programme on “Integrated Disease Management Of Garlic And Onion(IDM)” for the practicing Farmers of Juna-II village w.e.f. 19.10.11. A total of 30 farmers were present in the training.

Madhumita Sonowal Bora, SMS (Plant Protection) thoroughly discussed about the concept of IDM management of garlic and onion. She also discussed about various method of disease management of garlic and onion.  During the training, problems faced by farmers in various crops were discussed.

 

Association say no to meetings

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: All Capital Complex Unemployed Youth Association has called on capital administration not to allow any political party and organization to conduct meeting nearby highway. They claim that such activities along highway cause traffic congestion thereby hampering life of common people.

Meanwhile Association stated their anti-tobacco movement will start from 22nd October.

 

Training on composite fish culture

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Upper Subansiri District organized demonstration programme on Composite fish culture at Sikarijo on October 19. Around 14 fish farmers from surrounding  villages participated at the programme.

Togom Yekar, progressive farmer and owner of the farm explained his practical experiences of fish farming and encouraged the farmers to take up fish farming.

 

Interschool meet

ITANANGAR, Oct 20: AAPSU General Secretary Toyum Poyum inaugurated the first Tintong Inter School Meet from 20th to 22nd October 2011  hosted by  Jubilee English School Lekhi Village,   here today. The sports and Literary Meet was organized by Arunachal Eimi School Association(AESA). Six schools in the twin capital city viz., Covenant Mission School Ganga Village, Blessed Mission English School Itanagar, Jubilee English School Naharlagun and Nyokum Lapang , Bethlehem Eng Academy and host school   participated in the meet. The programme started with Students March Past and flag hoisting by the Chief Guest.

In his address, Poyum appreciated the organizers for their efforts which he said will help the students to improve their personality and games and sports skills. He advises the students to give their best in their studies so that they can compete with students from other parts of the country. He emphasizes that the students should not waste their opportunity for education which many people cannot get due to poverty or ignorance. Poyum appealed the students to spread the message of love peace, harmony and brotherhood which will strengthen the State and the nation.

He requested the school heads and teachers present in the meet to give quality education to the students. He assured the support of AAPSU in this great cause.  

Mangboi Kipgen Organizing Secretary (AESA) in address appreciated all the participants for making the meet a success.

 

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Oct 20: Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU), Nyapin Sangram Phassang Students Union (NSPSU), Er Tai Kalley, UPO Koloriang  have condoled the  demise of Late Tai Relum of Pagba village, under Sangram  circle of Kurung Kumey district, who died in Itanagar today morning. She was 74, and mother of Tai Kalley and grand mother of ALSU president Tadar Tarish. The family members, the Unions prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

 

YMCA meet

ITANAGAR: Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) would conduct the 8th National Youth Assembly of YMCAs of India at Christian Revival Church, ESS sector, Itanagar from November 11 to 13 next.

Veteran Christian leaders Rev. (Dr.) Roger Gaikwad and Rev. Veenith Hoshy of National Council Churches of India will attend the conference as resource persons and deliver the keynote address on topic “Breaking barriers, Transforming the Lives” and Triumph over the life from deprave,”.

Environment and Forest Minister Setong Sena and Minister for Transport, Art and Culture of Mizoram Government PC Zoram Sangliana would attend the inaugural function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively while MLA Techi Kaso would be the special invitee.

 

Survey on Purioks

ITANAGAR: All Puroik Welfare Society, Kurung Kumey District Unit is conducting survey on Puroik bonded labour population at Kurung Kumey District from October 15 to November 15.

 

Fire guts two Govt quarters

ITANAGAR: Two government quarters were gutted down in a fire accident at D-Sector, Naharlagun on October 17 last.

MLA Techi Kaso and D-Sector Development Committee contributed relief materials to the fire victims.

 

Transfer and posting of police officers

ITANAGAR: In pursuance of the Govt order No HMB(A) -18/2006, Dt 08.08.2011 and No. HMB (A) -39/2004 Dt 09.09.2011, Alok Kumar, SP Pasighat has been transfer and posted as SP Capital.  On the other hand   Pushpendra Kumar, SP, Ziro has been transferred as SP Pasighat.  Similarly, P N Khrimey from SP (HQ) PHQ has been transferred as SP Ziro, G K Chetia transferred from SP (SEC), Itanagar to SP (HQ) and Apang Tamut from SP (Traffic) PHQ to SP (HQ) PHQ.

 

Petition dismissed as withdrawn

ITANAGAR: The Supreme Court of India has dismissed as withdrawn the Special Leave Petition (SLP) (C) 34368/2010 which has been filed for dismissal of the election petition of former Tali MLA Takam Sorang by Tali MLA Markio Tado and also allowed the Guahati High Court’s Itanagar permanent bench to further trial of the election petition against Markio Tado. Meanwhile, the SC reserved the judgment in another SLP (C) 30410/2010.  

News Impact

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All rights reserved.

 

Quality education is need of hour

 

Lack of access to quality education is preventing millions of people from escaping the cycle of extreme poverty around the world. Most of the 67.5 million children still out of school are amongst the poorest and hardest to reach. More than half of them are girls, and most are living in countries in conflict and in rural areas.

Education not only provides children and families with a pathway out of poverty, but it can also yield even bigger returns for the world's poorest countries through its impact on areas such as health and the economy. Educated mothers, for example, are more likely to have smaller families, and have their children immunized and send them to school. Education can also provide families and countries with more economic opportunities and help promote the civic participation that is critical to building democracies.

Many governments have taken the first step towards harnessing the potential of education by investing more resources into the sector. Sub-Saharan African countries, for example, sent 46.5 million children to school for the first time between 1999 and 2008 after many governments used some of the billions of dollars freed up by debt cancellation to help eliminate school fees.

Despite all efforts, state of Arunachal too is struggling hard to provide quality education to its children.  There are children living in far flung areas who are yet to get proper education. State govt need to put in more efforts to ensure that every children get access to best of modern education.

Police versus citizens

Dear Editor,

Being a policeman posted in Tezu and having served APP at various locations including-Doimuk,Roing,Tezu, I would also like to highlight the problems being endured by police personnel in our state.

We are always bound to restrict ourselves from any physical action against defaulters, despite seeing the violence. It is a common situations when local people defy the words of police on duty and more amazingly the police personnel are often attacked by the wrong-doers themselves.

While on duty if you are attacked with Daos, stones, broken beer bottles by drunkard kids & shouting bad & slang words often use by Army jawans, how will you react? We are also humans and majority are tribals of AP.

If impartial enquiry is done for all recent violence in Roing & capital complex, you would know who real culprits are. But such enquiries are never made public fearing law & order problem. So who is to blame?  We-policemen or the drunkard goons?

Several of my comrades were seriously hospitalized and still in hospital during recent violence at Roing & Capital but not a single newspaper have published about the policemen’s sufferings. We would also like to see a transparent enquiry into the mob violence and it has to be made public and the perpetrators should be punished.

Yours,

AP Policemen

 

 

Give us our due

Dear Editor,

I want to ask our authorities what has happened to PART B of pay for A/Ts in Arunachal Pradesh. It was heard that the then Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu promised to approve the same after cabinet decision. Later it was heard that the cabinet has decided for its implementation. The Teachers body (ATA) has moved it but the matter which is genuine since Vth pay commission has been buried by the Govt. and ATA. Is it because A/Ts are not doing their duty or is it because A/Ts have no voice? Is it because A/Ts were the grass root workers when COSAAP and ATA declared pen down strikes/ non cooperation movements? Is it because J/Ts /S/Ts/ or any other officials and officers are not entitled to this Part B pay fixation?

I am sure the Govt, ATA and the CoSSAP will help our poor A/T teachers who are being deprived of their pay which has been denied from Vth pay commission (Part B).

If each teacher get 2500 per month extra as part B with its increased DA for 15 years, how it would have helped each and every poor A/Ts. I would also like to request all A/Ts of Arunachal to come forward and press our demands to our Dist ATA Units and ATA CEC to pressurise Govt. for immediate inclusion and sanctioning of PART B in A/T Pays.

Yours,

Nomni Pertin

Margherita,  (on email)

 

 

A real bad omen

Dear Editor,

Being a mute spectator, I was wondering what exactly is happening in Arunachal Pradesh. Who is to blame or is it just a bane of progression in the state?

We are embracing 21st century culture, tradition and more and from the pages of history one can intelligently guess that these kind of social changes are marked by violent confrontation between opposing forces. But what stands out in our case is involvement of student fraternity in every political thread of the state. And that's a real bad omen.

One has to read and analyse why the involvement of student in politics is always a catastrophe. It can be a good social science thesis. But for now I can give you few points to ponder.

One, once this union starts to broaden their field of activities which logically should have been restricted to the campus; they are not guided by logic and economics but by sheer passion and emotion which is not at all rational.

Two, they are too young and inexperienced to shoulder the responsibility of vexing and complicated issues. Their knowledge is limited to books and rhetoric. Before taking to politics one should go through the grind of professional life and martial life.

Three, the morality issue is important to politics and on this count young student fail miserably. Morality is not issue or situation based instead it is a lesson learned, the hard way. It is, in fact, the gist of one's struggle in life.

Four, the indulgence of last row students in politics has made matter much worse. People with lowest tendency to knowledge, Shirker, disobedient, incapable and mischief monger, who were nuisance to their colleagues and teachers, has been entrusted with the responsibility of changing society.

I sincerely wish our people give heed to these points and discourage students getting into politics. Politics was not meant to be the profession of goons and social rejects. It in fact warrants only those who have successfully proved themselves in their professional work and martial life.

Yours,

Geken

Mumbai, (on email)

 

 

Development not at the cost of community

Dear Editor,

This is in response to a letter, "Kebang Vrs Development", by Pashoney Lego, Ayeng.

Before such statements are submitted to the press for publication, Lego should have atleast tried to gather few knowledge on Adi Communities, ground realities prevailing under Jomlo-Mobuk Circle and CCS Rules.

It is beyond everybody's doubt that the Bogum Bokang Kebang in Adi Community still exist besides Adi Bane Kebang. If it has been dissolved in any Adi Bane Kebang Meeting, and then Lego should clarify the date of the dissolution of Bogum Bokang Kebang in black and white. In the meeting on 15-10-2011 at Pessing, if I am not Mistaken, the highest Executive Members of Adi Bane Kebang did attend the meeting and renounced the Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project in a strong voice and as such we the public would like an explanation from him that how that meeting was false and misleading.

If he had been to that meeting then why Lego did not have the courage to express his opinion before the public, Adi Bane Kebang and Bogum Bokang Kebang at Pessing instead of onslaught after the meeting. This has raised doubts on indigenousness and integrity of Lego and compelled the people to believe and presumed him to be hand -in-glove with the Power Developers.

All the Govt. Officials whoever had attended the meeting were all victims of Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project and spoke within the ambit of the Fundamental Rights under Article 14 & 16 of the Constitution of India.

Meetings were held many times at Pessing and in all affected villages, educating them on the pros and cons of large Dams. As such, even the illiterate villagers know very much about the pros and cons of the big Dams so the organizers felt that it was not very important and was not been discussed at length and in details. However, actual ground realities of the area could have helped Lego to think twice before vomiting out such callous statement in the tune of the power developers.

Development at the cost of the extinction of a large Adi Community and its land cannot be called as development. Real development should be in which the people are benefited, living standards improved and there are job prospects, proper health and educations but without causing much losses to the people and the Adi Community.

Also, we are shaken to learn about the plan to form an underground Anti-National Forces in Arunachal Pradesh to fight against the Pro¬ Dam Activists. Further you are requested to explain as to whom you called "Desh Bhakt" or else we the organization are ready for open discussion on the issue with you.

The suspicious people like you who are dancing to the tune of the power developers are planning to inflict communal and inter Adi Communal conflict. But we the Adis will never be divided nor distracted by such a callous, mindless and irresponsible people's statement who is toiling hard for money from the power developers in Arunachal Pradesh. We also need your clarification on who were the Non-Adi people that attended the meeting.

Yours,

Takar Komut,

Secretary General

Dam Affected Peoples Forum of Sirrit/Syom Banggos.

 

 

Constables are not more professional than some IPS officers

Dear Editor,

This is apropos to the letter “All wrongs can’t blamed on police personnel” by a frustrated personnel. I do agree with all the points but the way you categorized the IPS officer in your letter sound egoistic. Here I want to ask you, do you mean that sparing the IPS officers, all other ranks can be intimidated by the street bullies, political leaders etc? I suppose rather you are underestimating the other ranks of police department. My experience says that there are some constables who are more professional in discharging their duties in comparison to few of the IPS officers. If you think that only IPS officer should run the department, then please change the recruitment rule. It is my humble request to you not to demoralize other rank of police department by categorizing the ranks. Let’s work together in the spirit of POLICE.

Lastly, I thank Tok Buttum for his mature understanding in respect of police department. And appeal the people to cooperate with police and lend your hands to meet up the shortfall of police department.

Yours

Another frustrated personnel, (on email)

 

 

Establish colleges

Dear Editor,

Education without illusion is the best way to combat corruption. Unfortunately, because of the limited colleges and infrastructures, especially in technical line, we have to stay out of our state facing lots of problems. Hope our state government will take a look at higher educational field of the state and establish some colleges that can at least accommodate our future young generation so that they won’t face the same we are facing now.

Yours,

Pakli Lombi

Coimbatore,  (one email)

 

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor