President Pranab says India and Bangladesh should walk ‘ shoulder to shoulder’

Asserting that the two Asian neighbours are inheritors of an undivided civilizational legacy, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said India and her people share a special connection with Bangladesh.

 
“It is with pride that Bangladesh engages in the task of building a modern, progressive and prosperous nation. As in 1971, so in 2013, the people of India stand beside the people of Bangladesh. We will walk with you as equal partners, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm. We are both inheritors of an undivided civilizational legacy. It is no wonder that India and her people share a special connection with Bangladesh. We have an abiding interest in the all-round development of Bangladesh,” said President Mukherjee in his acceptance and banquet speech on receipt of Bangladesh ‘Liberation War Honour’.
 
” However, the full potential of our cooperation is yet to be tapped. My discussions during this visit have been extremely rewarding. Our Governments have established a comprehensive framework for cooperation. Our endeavour will be to see how our bilateral cooperation can bring sustained benefits to our people and improve the quality of their lives. This will be the litmus test of the success of our relationship,” he added.
 
President Mukherjee said India is happy to see the tremendous strides made by Bangladesh.
 
“The impressive and path-breaking manner in which Bangladesh has faced the challenges of eradication of poverty is worthy of emulation. I pay tribute to the people of Bangladesh, its farmers, entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, scientists and many others who represent the creative genius of its people,” he added.
 
President Mukherjee said he is delighted to be in Bangladesh and grateful for the affection bestowed on him on his first state visit abroad after the assumption of the office of the President of India.
 
“As I stand here tonight, I am filled with memories of the events of 1971. I was 36 years old and a Member of Parliament when the people of Bangladesh engaged themselves in their liberation struggle. Many of us were passionately concerned about the events that were unfolding then. 24-hour television channels did not exist in those days – and it was the Free Bangladesh Radio and All India Radio that gave us reports of the heroic struggle of our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh,” said President Mukherjee.

 ”These bulletins were keenly followed by us in India – as the minds and hearts of all Indians were with the people of Bangladesh. The plight of millions of homeless people crossing the border, seeking refuge in the neighbouring States of India stirred the hearts of our people as they felt ine anguish of that hapless multitude. They came forward wholeheartedly to succour and any assistance they could provide to their brethren from Bangladesh in their hour of need. The images of the proud people of Bangladesh and their brave fight for justice and dignity were etched in every Indian’s consciousness,” he added.
 
President Mukherjee recalled that on June 15, 1971, he had the privilege to initiate a discussion on the floor of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, when he suggested that India should accord diplomatic recognition to the Government of Bangladesh in exile in Mujibnagar.
 
“My words are on the record in proceedings of Rajya Sabha. When a Member sought my suggestion on how to tackle the problem, I responded by saying: “I am talking of a political solution which means categorically recognising the sovereign democratic Government of Bangladesh. Political solution means giving material help to the democratic, sovereign Government of Bangladesh…,” said President Mukherjee.
 
” I reminded the House of the many instances in world history when intervention on similar grounds had taken place in past.,” he added.
 
President Mukherjee further said ‘as a Member of Indian Delegation in the 59th Conference of Inter Parliamentary Union in Paris (France) in 1971 from 2nd to 10th September, we took the opportunity of the presence of large number of Members of Parliaments of different countries to explain the situation in Bangladesh and urged them to prevail upon their Governments to speak out against the violation of human rights in Bangladesh’.
 
“I also had the privilege of visiting the United Kingdom and the then Federal Republic of Germany as a Member of the Goodwill Parliamentary Delegation in the same visit. I was mandated to brief the Members of the Parliaments and to the leaders of those countries about the situation. Late Shri H.D. Malviya, former Member of Parliament and activist of the World Peace Council had accompanied me in this mission,” said President Mukherjee.
 
“Later I was given the responsibility of visiting the refugee camps in the neighbouring  States of India – including Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya and coordinating with the local Governments on making them functional and comfortable,” he added.

 

Rajya Sabha passes SC/ST quota bill

A Constitution amendment bill providing for quota for SCs and STs in government job promotions was today passed by Rajya Sabha with an overwhelming vote of 206 in the 245-member House.

10 votes were polled against the proposed legislation, which was strongly opposed by UPA ally Samajwadi Party but pushed by another supporter BSP creating a difficult situation for the government.

Those who voted against the contentious Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012, were nine members of Samajwadi Party and an independent Md Adeeb.

Being a Constitution amendment bill, there was a requirement of the two-third majority, which was easily surpassed as 206 voted in favour in the House, where 216 members were present.

All four members of Shiv Sena, which was also opposed to the Bill, were not present in the House.

The bill, which provides for reservation proportionate to population of SCs and STs, was approved by the Union Cabinet on September 5 against the backdrop of Supreme Court quashing such a decision of the Uttar Pradesh government earlier this year.

Replying to the two-day debate, Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said the bill seeks to correct the “inadequacy” in representation of SCs/STs in higher positions in government jobs.

To garner maximum support, government incorporated some crucial elements like 22 per cent cap on promotions for which consideration of Annual Confidential Report (ACR) will be crucial.

Reeling out figures, Narayanasamy pointed out that discrimination against the SCs/STs/OBCs continue and they are inadequately represented in the top bureaucracy.

He said quota in promotion existed since 1995 but the decision in Indira Sawhney case put spokes in it.

Arguing that all parties including Samajwadi Party are convinced about social justice, Narayanasamy asked the UPA ally as to why they are opposing reservation in promotion when they accept reservation at the entry level.

Noting that the Supreme Court has asked for quantifiable data on it, he said, “From our side we are convinced that they are backward per se. Government is committed to provide reservation in promotion. This is commitment of our government and the party. We are for SCs/STs and OBCs.”

Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley sought an assurance from the government that the amendments will not affect people who have already been promoted since 1995 to which Narayanasamy said the government will write in this regard to state governments so that people who have been promoted are “not adversely affected”.

The Bill provides for amendments to Article 16(4) of the Constitution that will allow states to reserve seats in promotion for SCs and STs without collecting data to show the backwardness of class and inadequacy of that class in public appointments.

Samajwadi Party, which is strongly opposed to a bill asked the government to rethink on it, warning that it can have very serious fall-out and may be challenged in court.

Contending that his party is not against quota, Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said as far as reservation in jobs at the entry level is concerned, it is justifiable but after that people should be treated equally.

His party colleague Naresh Agrawal demanded that the Bill should be referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee to avoid a possible widespread uproar in the country.

Earlier, when the Bill was taken up for consideration last Thursday, high drama was witnessed in the House with SP members creating uproar forcing the Chair to ask two of them to leave.

Agrawal, whose party was a clear minority in opposing the Bill in the Upper House, requested members belonging to other parties to vote not on party lines, but as per inner voice.

Earlier, SP demanded proportionate reservation for Muslims through a Constitutional amendment.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Ram Gopal Yadav said the Rajinder Sachar Committee in its report pointed out that the condition of Muslims was worse than Dalits.

“When quota in promotion (for SC/ST) can be given by amending Constitution, then why Muslims should not be given reservation in proportion to their population through a Constitution Amendment Bill,” Yadav asked.

The debate also saw demands for reservation of Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians. Ali Anwar Ansari from JD-U while supporting bill said that change of religion does not change the social condition of people and urged parties supporting the bill to expand their heart and include Dalits from among Christians and Muslims as well.

“We are first Dalits, then we became Muslims or Christians,” Ansari said. Supporting the demand, Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) wanted to know whether Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims can be accommodated.

The CPI-M leader also asked the government to consider the creation of supernumerary post when the rules are drafted for the bill as there are already vacancies in government jobs so that others do not lose their promotion chances due.

BJP member Rama Jois had moved an amendment, which he withdrew later after an assurance by the government.

Shivanand Tiwari (JD-U) said that the data reeled out by the government also shows that the condition of OBCs is quite pathetic in government jobs and wanted to know whether it will launch any special drive to correct the anomaly. RJD also supported his contentions.

Prashnata Chatterjee wanted to know how long reservation will be confined to government sector and when will it be brought in private sector.

Supporting the bill, he said that when reservation is looked at it should be done from a “mother’s heart and not from an eagle’s eye” and that reservation is not giving favour but equality.

The issue triggered an uproar in the House in the morning with SP members rushing into the Well leading to its adjournment for 30 minutes during Question Hour.

After the bill was passed, BSP chief Mayawati walked up to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to say thanks. She was also seen in an animated chat with her party colleagues.

DMK against FDI but ‘very strongly’ backs government

Government ally DMK Thursday said it was against foreign investment in multi-brand retail but “very strongly” supports the ruling UPA and wants it to complete its full term.

DMK’s Tiruchi Siva told the Rajya Sabha that his party “finds it essential that the government should go for its full term for the progressive measures it has been taking.. and we want to keep away communal forces”.

The DMK spoke against allowing foreign investment in retail in the Lok Sabha but voted for the government Wednesday. It has 18 MPs in the lower house and seven in the upper house.

In a repeat of its stand, Siva said in the upper house: “DMK very strongly supports the government, but opposes the motion for FDI.

“The DMK has never let its friends down midway.. We started with a mission and the DMK will always be with the UPA.”

Terming FDI a “foreign invasion” by multinationals, Siva said: “FDI giants will eat the small farmers and shopkeepers.”

He urged the government to start a farmers market instead of bringing in FDI. “Through such a market, farmers can bring their produce directly to the market, such things can be done.”

Siva said the government should have gone in for consensus “to assuage the fears in the minds of the people” about FDI.

IANS

Inflation Above Comfort Level, Govt Concerned: Pranab

The government said inflation, which is above comfort level, is a matter of concern and steps are being taken to address the price situation.

“…inflation has been above comfort level and is a matter of concern,” Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

He, however, expressed satisfaction that inflation has started to decline. The headline inflation declined to 9.11 per cent in November against 9.73 per cent in the previous month. Similarly, food inflation eased to a nearly four-year low of 4.35 per cent for the week ended December 3.

Mukherjee said both the government and Reserve Bank were taking steps to contain inflation. Steps taken by government include, reducing import duties on pulses and edible oil to zero and banning export of certain edible oil and pulses. Besides, the government has reduced customs duty on crude oil.

The RBI on its part has adopted a tight monetary policy since March 2010 in its bid to tame inflation. When asked if increasing interest rates was the only option in the monetary policy to contain inflation, Mukherjee said RBI has multiple monetary policy instruments at its command. However “the use of each instrument is situation specific”.

Mukherjee further said high inflation and some of the efforts to control liquidity “has detrimental” effect on growth in the short term.

Since March 2010, the RBI has cumulatively raised the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points, and hiked the policy rate (repo rate) 13 times by 375 basis points. However, in its latest mid-quarter review, the RBI refrained from raising interest rates.

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India watching China’s move for exploration in Indian Ocean

India on Wednesday said it was keeping a close watch on developments concerning national security and commercial interests in the wake of China’s move for exploration in the South-West Indian Ocean.

“The government keeps a constant watch on all developments concerning our national security and commercial interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them in accordance with the prevailing security situation and strategic considerations,” Defence Minister A K Antony said during Question Hour.

He was responding to concerns expressed in Rajya Sabha over the issue.

Antony, however, said China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association’s 15-year contract with International Seabed Authority for prospecting and exploration of polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean ridge is in an area beyond the national jurisdiction of any state of the high seas.

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Celebs, Who Kept Away From Parliament

The Kingdom of Bollywoodis actively involved in almost everything like social work, fashion shows, product launches, restaurants or spas and above all politics. Coming to politics, some of the stars may be great achievers in their respective fields, but were singularly unimpressive as members of India’s two houses of parliament. Based on the statistics of Social Watch India, we take you through some of the great names who were conspicuous by their absence.

 1.Hema Malini

The beautiful yesteryear actress Hema Malini became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004. She was soon elected to the Rajya Sabha on BJP ticket. The actress-dancer fared better compared to others, with 10 percent attendance. She asked 179 questions and participated in the upper house debates 15 times, but her questions formed only 0.78 percent of totally raised.

2.Govinda

Next in our list is famous Actor Govinda, who joined the Congress party in 2004. Govinda was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mumbai with a thumping majority, beating the five time sitting MP by over 50000 votes. In the run up to the polls, Govinda had announced that his agenda was prawaas (transportation), swasthya (health) and gyaan (education). The Bollywood star Govinda did not even once attend the house proceedings during his MP stint, leave alone raising questions on these issues.

3.Dharmendra

Dharmendra was elected as a Member of the Parliament (MP) in the 2004 general elections, from Bikaner in Rajasthan, on a BJP ticket. Dharmendra rarely attended the Parliament when the house was in session, preferring to spend the time shooting movies and doing farm-work at his farm house. He also did not participate in any debates or raise any queries. Along with actor Govinda, Dharmendra has been criticized for ignoring his duties as a MP.

 4.Vinod Khanna

In 1997, Vinod Khanna joined the BJP and in the 1998 general elections was elected from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab. In 1999, he was re-elected to the Lok Sabha from the same constituency. He became the union minister for culture and tourism in July 2002. Vinod Khanna has essayed a variety of Bollywood roles with style, but had just four questions to ask the government, and spoke only twice in the discussions, while his average attendance was 5.5 percent during his tenure as a MP.

5. Jaya Prada

Samajwadi Party‘s Lok Sabha MP Jaya Prada was initiated into the Telugu Desam Party by her former co-star N.T.Rama Rao in 1994. She later broke away from him and joined the Chandrababu Naidu faction of the party. She was nominated to the Rajya Sabha representing Andhra Pradesh in 1996.Following differences with party Supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu, she left TDP to join Samajwadi Party and contested from Rampur parliamentary Constituency in UP, during the 2004 general elections. In her campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, she was issued a notice by the Election Commission for violating the code of conduct by distributing bindis to women in Rampur’s Swar locality. Throughout her political career Jaya Prada rarely attended the parliament and asked only 178 questions.

6.Jaya Bachchan

Jaya Bachchan was elected as a Samajwadi Party MP, representing the Rajya Sabha in 2009. Although being quite active in the parliamentary debates, Jaya Bachchan’s lack of attendance in the Rajya Sabha meetings has indicated her least interest towards politics. The yesteryear diva has raised only 159 questions in the house.

7.Shyam Benegal

Eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal, another Rajya Sabha member whose films have essayed contemporary social issues with great intensity, had no question to ask the government and only spoke twice in the debates of the house.

8.Navjyot Sindhu

Former cricketer and BJP’s Amritsar MP Navjot Sidhu may have impressed everyone with his banter and smart repartee, but as an MP the cricketer gets thumbs down as he remained uncharacteristically quiet during Lok Sabha debates. He asked only 0.38 percent of the questions and attended the house only six percent of the time.