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Political Diary
Farmers Protest: GLOBAL, GOVT MUST LISTEN, By Shivaji Sarkar, 16 February 2024 |
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Economic
Highlights
New
Delhi, 16 February 2024
Farmers Protest
GLOBAL, GOVT MUST LISTEN
By Shivaji Sarkar
Farmers
are protesting in an election year all over the world. The day the Indian
farmers were made to face severe assault on February 13 and the roads to Delhi
were blocked with concrete walls, barbed wire and spikes; farmers in Brussels clogged
streets, with 1300 tractors, leading to Paris pressing for fairer deals almost
akin to their Indian brethren. They did not face any hostility anywhere, though
agriculture according to Bloomsberg, has become a key battleground in a wider
culture war over money, food and climate change.
The list
of “grievances long - soaring costs, increasing bureaucracy, new European Union
regulations in its Green Deal and imports diluting their markets”. A placard
says: “He who sows misery reaps anger”. What an irony! These farmers are
agitating as the European Union goes to the polls. The government listens to
them without accusing them of politicking. A month back German farmers blocked
highways.
Indian
farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh travelling to Delhi on tractors
with supplies for a long sit-in, have demands that are similar to the French
farmers. Their placard says, India must quit WTO along with their demands for a
guaranteed minimum support price (MSP), implying that the market must ensure fair
price, food and sustainable farming. While Indian farmers are labelled with
being “supported by Pakistan, Khalistanis and other anti-country forces”, the farmers
in Paris are patiently heard by their government, and they put off protests.
The contrast
is sharp. The government of Haryana state blocked their roads at Punjab border,
fired tear gas shells, lobbed shells from drones. In talks with Union ministers,
Arjun Munda and Piyush Goyal, they have received no assurance on key issues
though the government says agreement reached on ten other issues. They are
alleged to be provoked by the opposition parties, AAP in Punjab and now with
Rahul Gandhi’s announcement of a guaranteed MSP, if his party voted to power,
also the Congress. But for the alleged intervention of Punjab government
officials, situation at Ambala’ Shambhu border could have been worse.
The
farmers have a long history of indignation, particularly in France and the
problems are not confined to Europe. Among the 70 countries going to polls, is
the EU, India and the US. In France, the farmers complain that politicians only
want to get elected, so they are latching onto the farmers movement. Most
politicians and parties keep off them. Even Congress party’s Black Paper on
economy only cursorily mentions them.
The
Manmohanomics of the Congress party is responsible for the beginning of
corporatisation of farming, an aim of the International Monetary Fund and World
Bank. Their successor government has been following the Manmohanomics and only
aggravated the issues of marketing. In 2006, during the UPA government, Bihar
abolished the mandis or APMs. It closed procurement. Punjab farmers rush to
Bihar, buy food grains, ship it to Punjab, sell at MSP and earn profits. Bihar farmers
suffer.
During
the past few years, many long marches have been held by farmers even during UPA
government, as also long dharnas during the NDA, as along Delhi borders with Haryana
and UP in 2022. The similarities are stark. In Europe, farmers have been
holding protests in Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Romania. Polish farmers have
vociferously opposed food grain arriving from neighbouring Ukraine and forced
the government to negotiate. In Delhi, government blocked roads to check
farmers entry to the national Capital, in Germany farmers blocked highways in
January for a week against cuts in subsidies on diesel.
Indian
farmers, so far, did not even protest petrol and diesel prices that are almost
double that of international crude prices. They even did not protest against
auto-lobby-NGT sponsored illegal seizures of their ten-year-new cars and
tractors, for which they paid EMIs for seven years. They suffered takeover of
their land for building of roads for irrationally high tolls. Climate issues
for grain, horticulture or fish farmers are wrecking them.
Climate
change is a big issue for European and US farmers. Though the governments there
may not be that intent on the issues, they are not hostile. A US retired
diplomat Hegadorn is quoted as saying, “You can live without an electric car,
you can live without a mobile phone, but you’re not going to live without
farmers and the food they produce”. Sensible approach in a country that has
only a miniscule percentage left as farmers. Corporatisation of agriculture has
neither helped the farming community in Europe nor in the US.
In
contrast, India has over 54 per cent left in agriculture or over 75 crore
people. Since the last farmers agitation two years back, withdrawal of three
supposedly anti-farmer laws, the government has continued with the
Manmohanomics and heaped miseries on the farmers. It should not be obsessed
with the factor that they are agitating during election time. World over it is
so.
The
farmers are being neglected and overlooked in policy framing from the richest
US and European countries to the poorest India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In all
these countries while corporate profits swell, farmers wages remain stagnant
for decades. Their input costs on seed, fertilisers, machines or pesticides multiplied
everywhere.
Economic
Survey of 2016 says farmers income was Rs 1700 a month. This as per National
Statistical Office was Rs 10218 a year or about Rs 2000 a month as per Rajya
Sabha statement in December 2022. Market-linking of agriculture or
corporatisation in the prevailing circumstances has failed in the affluent
countries. In the US, farmers complain they are being priced out by big
companies.
Those
advising in India that it could be a success are apparently misleading policy
planners. More sensitivity is required. Farmers the world over are agitating
not because there are elections, they want patient hearing for solving the
global crisis.
Delhi
belongs to all countrymen. The government should invite the farmers with open
arms and not with spiked roads. If attended, it is easy to solve as promising
guaranteed MSP would not burden the exchequer with more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore (trillion)
of additional expenses, which the government agencies recover as they sell the
food grains. Listening in any regime is an asset.---INFA
(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)
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Modi In UAE: REACHING NEW HEIGHTS, By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri, 17 February 2024 |
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Round The World
New Delhi, 17 February 2024
Modi In UAE
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri
(Secretary General, Assn
for Democratic Socialism)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the Gulf country UAE on 13-14
February. This was his eighth visit which shows the growing partnership between
the two countries. He was received by the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan with a special ceremonial welcome at the airport. On his arrival,
Modi said he was meeting his ‘brother’ (President) and felt like coming home. Modi
visited UAE for the first time in 2015. His friendship with the UAE leadership
has been growing ever since. He was conferred the ‘prestigious’ order of Zayed
in 2019, the highest civilian award of UAE.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi was meeting the UAE President for the
third time in eight months. They had a bilateral meeting in July 2023 and again
in COP 28 in November, the same year, where Modi was given the rare honour of
being the only visiting dignitary to address the ceremonial opening of the
session. Likewise, Sheikh Mohamed was in Delhi in September for the G-20 summit
as one of India’s special invitees. He returned in January 2024 for the Gujarat
Global Summit as the Chief Guest.
The primary purpose of Modi’s visit to UAE was to inaugurate the BAPS
– Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha - temple in Abu Dhabi. Built
on the land of 27 acres with 700 crores, a 108-ft tall structure, it is the
largest temple in the Middle-East. It is situated in Abu Mreikhah, near Al
Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. Inaugurating it, PM Modi
said, “A golden chapter in human history has been written in UAE today. This
temple will become a symbol of communal harmony and global unity for the entire
world,” a shared heritage of humanity.
Modi profusely thanked the President of UAE for making the grand
temple a reality. He said, “President Sheikh Mohammad has won the hearts of not
only Indians living in the Gulf nation but also of 140 crore Indians back home.
He added that UAE was so far known for Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque,
future museum and other high-tech buildings. Now it has added another
magnificent cultural monument to its identity.
Modi was given a massive welcome called ‘Hello Modi’ (Ahlan Modi in
Arabic) in Zayed City Sports Stadium. Modi said he was overwhelmed by the
affection shown by the Indian community. UAE has the largest Indian Diaspora of
3.5 million people. In his speech, Modi exuded tremendous confidence as he
proclaimed India will be the third largest economy of the world in his third
term as the Prime Minister. Modi added that the Vice President of UAE has
offered to give a land in Dubai for the construction of a hospital for Indian
workers.
Modi was the guest of honour at the 11th World Government Summit in
Dubai. This summit is Dubai’s version of Davos, an annual conference of government
leaders, heads of international organisations, captains of industries and
thought leaders from around the world. Modi’s speech focussed on peoples’
participation, social inclusion and sustainability. He touched upon themes like
empowering people and delivering change where he gave the illustration of
schemes like Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan, Jan Bhagidari, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.
On the second theme, he talked about financial inclusion for all where he
referred to banking facility for 500 million people in India which makes the
country the world leader in fintech and digital payments.
The third theme was about India’s start-up surge. It has become the
third largest start-up eco system in the world. With all such projects, 200
million people have been lifted out of poverty and 130 crore people have
digital identity. Fourth, Modi talked about India leading on the climate change
actions. Projects like mission life and green credit system have facilitated
India’s investment in solar, wind, biofuel, green hydrogen and so on for a
sustainable future.
Finally, Prime Minister summed up his speech by emphasising on
pro-people approach in governance that also protects the environment. He said,
“The world must embrace a smart, technology driven, transparent and
environmentally sustainable governance.”
On the economic front, eight agreements were signed with UAE on
investment, electricity, trade, digital payments, connectivity etc. Remember, a
Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2022, which among other things, eliminated
the duties of 99 per cent of the UAE’s imports from India. These pacts will
take the bilateralism into greater heights. A bilateral Investment Treaty was
signed which will have long-lasting impact as a follow-up of FTA. A MoU on
electrical inter-connection and trade was signed which would open up new areas
of collaboration in energy including energy security.
Another agreement on linking the instant payment platforms, India’s
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and UAE’s AANI was signed. Along with it,
India’s domestic debit and credit cards, RuPay was linked with UAE’s Jaywan
which would enhance RuPay’s acceptance in the UAE. A MoU was signed on digital
infrastructure projects – sharing of technical knowledge and expertise and
investment on digital infrastructure. Two more agreements fostering cooperation
between national achieves of two countries were signed. They are meant to help
restoration and preservation of archival material in the fields of heritage and
museums.
Prime Minister discussed with the President the upcoming major
project, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) which is a
counterweight to ambitious BRI – Belt and Road Initiative of China. The IMEC
will build on earlier understanding of the participating countries and foster
cooperation for regional connectivity. Prime Minister invited UAE to actively
participate in this project.
Modi inaugurated the Bharat Mart, a joint venture of Dubai-based DP
World and India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Bharat Mart is meant to
boost export of India’s micro, small and medium enterprises with retail,
warehousing and logistic facilities. It is located in Dubai’s Jebel Free Zone
area built on a plot of 1.3 million sq ft containing 8000 showrooms and 18
warehouses.
Prime Minister Modi said that India and UAE are partners in
progress which could serve as a model for the rest of the world. Partnership is
reaching new heights scripting a new history in the third decade of the 21st
century. Metaphorically, the scripting of a better future for both countries
was written on Duniya ki Kitab (Book of the World) by Waqt ki Kalam (The
Pen of Time). The partnership consists of talent, innovation and culture. It seems the partnership between India and UAE
is experiencing a ratchet growth which is good for both the countries and the
region. ---INFA
(Copyright, India News
& Feature Alliance)
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POLL BODY, PRESSURES & INDEPENDENCE, By Inder Jit, 15 February 2024 |
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REWIND
New Delhi, 15 February 2024
POLL BODY, PRESSURES & INDEPENDENCE
By Inder Jit
(Released on 10 February 1990)
India has once again proved its claim to being the world’s biggest
democracy. Nearly 300 million people exercised their franchise recently and
brought about a smooth change of Government. The country is again poised to
hold elections in eight States and one Union Territory --- this time to the
Assemblies. Outwardly, the electoral system has worked well. Inwardly, however,
it is sick and leaves much to be desired. Happily, the Prime Minister, Mr V.P.
Singh, convened on January 9 an all-party meeting for consultation on electoral
reforms. Subsequently, a 12-member Committee came to be constituted to go into
all aspects of electoral reforms and submit its report to the Government
expeditiously for required legislative and other action. Most of the maladies of our electoral system are well
known so also the available remedies. But of crucial importance to free and
fair elections and to the future of our democracy is the need to ensure the
Election Commission’s vital independence which, most sadly, has come to face
mounting threat from India’s rulers during the past seven years and more.
Not many are aware that the former Government, headed by Mr. Rajiv
Gandhi, wanted the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr R.V.S. Peri Sastri, time and
again to so hold various elections and by-elections as would load the dice in
favour of the Congress-I. The powers that be, for instance, wanted the Presidential
poll to precede the election to the Haryana Assembly in 1987. But Mr Peri
Sastri refused to compromise with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
The Haryana poll, which swept Mr Devi Lal and his Lok Dal to power, was held on
June 17 and the Presidential poll on July 13. On June 16, 1988, the ruling
Congress-I demanded a repoll in the Lok Sabha by- election from Faridabad
following widespread violence and booth capturing. The CEC again declined to
oblige. Instead, he ordered a repoll in 161 polling stations. Matters again
worsened over the revision of the electoral rolls in Assam. The CEC was even
accused of siding with the AGP in his interpretation of the Assam Accord. But
he refused to be bullied by the Government.
Various pressures were thereafter mounted on Mr Peri Sastri to force him
to resign. But these too failed. A new strategy was then forged for a “take
over” of the Election Commission. On October 9 last, a Presidential
notification was issued out of the blue clearing the way for a three-member
Election Commission. A week later, Mr. S.S. Dhanoa, a retired IAS official, and
Mr V.S. Seigell, a retired IB official, were sworn in as the Commissioners. All
the formalities were completed in record time, notwithstanding the Government’s
earlier opposition to the proposal. On December 16, 1988, Mr Gandhi himself
turned down in the Rajya Sabha a demand for a multi-member Election Commission
and stated: “This demand means that some Opposition members have no faith in
the single-member Commission”. Again, the appointment of the two Commissioners
was justified on the ground of an increase in the work-load following reduction
in the voting age to 18 years. Yet, the additional workload had already been
handled by Mr Peri Sastri and the rolls revised earlier --- by the end of
August.
Some of Mr. Gandhi’s aides expected Mr. Peri Sastri to quit in disgust.
Not one of the names suggested by him for additional appointment as
Commissioners was accepted by the Government. (One name suggested was that of
the senior-most among the Chief Electoral Officers in the State.) Worse, Mr
Peri Sastri was reduced to a minority in the Commission. However, he kept his
cool and decided to face the new challenge. This came barely a day later. Early
on October 17, the Government decided on its own to hold the General Election
on November 22 and even made its decision public. This was wholly improper as
the decision is the prerogative of the Election Commission. Expectedly, Mr.
Peri Sastri was livid and refused to ditto the formal announcement. However, he
decided to overlook the impropriety in the larger interest of democracy and a
timely poll. (Remember, there was repeated talk then about the possibility of
the Rajiv Government somehow postponing the poll by a year or more but the CEC
eventually made the announcement only after he was able to sound the Opposition
leaders and secure their acceptance of the dates.)
The fat was again in the fire before the day was out. The Government, I
learn, wanted the Election Commission to announce its programme for the general
election on October 17 itself and simultaneously make the required
recommendation to the President for issuance of the formal notification for the
general election. This was intended to give the Opposition leaders even less
time to put their act together and ensure a one-to-one fight against the
Congress-I. This was viewed by the CEC as grossly unfair and improper. He,
therefore, declined, leading to a fresh crisis. (Even the Prime Minister’s
Principal Secretary was constrained to call on Mr Peri Sastri during the course
of the drama-packed day.) In fact, things came to such a pass that some of Mr.
Gandhi's top advisers explored at one stage the possibility of summoning
Parliament to oust Mr Peri Sastri. (The CEC can be removed only in like manner
as a Supreme Court Judge.) Fortunately, good sense prevailed at the highest
level. Mr Peri Sastri was allowed to have his way. The President was able to
issue the poll notification only on October 22.
Not just that. Information available to me before I left for Darjeeling
on October 28 to contest the Lok Sabha poll shows that the decision to go in
for a three-member Election Commission was mainly calculated to put maximum
spokes in the Janata Dal’s wheel. The Janata Dal, it may be recalled, had
claimed the poll symbol of the erstwhile Janata Party, namely, a farmer with a
haldar, following its birth through the merger of the Janata Party and the Lok
Dal. But this claim was disputed by Dr Subramanian Swamy on behalf of the Janata
Party and by Mr. R.N. Kushwaha on behalf of the Lok Dal. Both Mr Dhanoa and Mr
Seigell wanted the Janata Dal denied recognition as a national party and
allotment of any reserve symbo1, pending a final decision on the dispute. But
Mr Peri Shatri was able to ensure fair play prior to the poll by handling the
matter deftly. The Janata Dal as well as the Janata Party and the Lok Dal were
allotted reserve symbols in an interim order with the consent of all the three
parties. The Janata Dal would surely not have bagged as many seats had it been
forced to fight the po1l on free (and confusing) symbols from constituency to
constituency!
One question arises. What can be done to ensure the independence of the
Election Commission? Or, as the respected Dr H.N. Kuzru put it to Dr Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly: Can something be done to “provide such safeguards as
will give general satisfaction that our electoral machinery will be free not
only from provincial political influences but also from the central political
influences.” The Jayaprakash Narayan Committee on Electoral Reforms as also the
earlier Joint Parliamentary Committee on Amendments to Election Law favoured a
multi-member Election Commission. The idea is no doubt sound in theory. But, as
Mr. S.L. Shakdhar, formerly Chief Election Commissioner, told me in his time:
“The proposal is not practicable. I could not have ordered a repoll in Garhwal
promptly and thereby prevented the place from going up in smoke if I was not a
one-man Commission.” Mr Peri Sastri’s view is no different. In fact, the recent
three-member Commission proved to be a near disaster, hamstringing speedy
action time and again.
How does one ensure that the one-man Commission will be fair and
impartial? We have had among our CECs Dr. S.L. Shakdher and Mr. Peri Sastri on
the one hand and Mr R.K. Trivedi on the other. (Remember, Mr. Trivedi was
rewarded with a Governorship for his good work!) Various suggestions have been
made over the years. The BJP President, Mr L.K. Advani, would like the Chief
Election Commissioner barred from being appointed to any office of profit after
retirement. Some want the CEC to be appointed by the Chief Justice of India and
to senior Chief Justices of the State High Courts. Others want the CEC to be
chosen by the President, the Vice President and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha---
or by the Government in consultation with the Opposition. However, we need to
remember one basic truth: a process of consultation does not guarantee
anything, specially in our feudal environment. A formal ban on the CEC from
holding any office on retirement is highly desirable and should help.
Ultimately, we must think in terms of an arrangement which would enable him to
get what he needs most: moral authority.
Fortunately, the Election Commission has reportedly came forward with a
suggestion, described as “the ideal arrangement”. The Chief Election
Commissioner, it is proposed, should come to be chosen on the basis of his
professional expertise, experience and seniority like the Chief Justice of
India in accordance with established convention. Such an arrangement, we are
told, could be evolved by establishing another all-India cadre: the Indian
Election Service. The Chief Election Commissioner could then be chosen from the
service itself --- from among persons designated Chief Electoral Officers and
accorded the same status as the Chief Secretary in a state. Even today we have
Chief Electoral Officers in the States. They are, however, a part of the
administration and open to political pressures both from the State Governments
and the Centre. An Indian Election Service, which would essentially be skeleton
in character, could provide the answer. The Commission’s proposal merits
serious consideration. – INFA
(Copyright,
India News & Feature Alliance)
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White & Black Papers: POT CALLING KETTLE BLACK?, By Dhurjati Mukherjee, 14 February 2024 |
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Open Forum
New Delhi, 14 February 2024
White & Black Papers
POT CALLING KETTLE BLACK?
By Dhurjati Mukherjee
The
White and Black Papers released recently by the ruling party and the Congress
respectively have tried to find fault with the other. Though such analysis may
be useful in understanding the way each government has functioned, one of these
studies has shown how they plan to tackle future economic problems. These
papers come close on the heels of three important southern States, led by
Karnataka, protesting denial of adequate funds only because of their better
performance in various sectors compared to northern States.
The 59-page NDA Paper accused
the UPA rule of bringing public finances to a ‘perilous state’ with high levels
of fiscal deficit, which a panel headed by noted economist Vijay Kelkar had
pointed out. As a result of fiscal mismanagement, the deficit ended up much
higher than it was expected, and subsequently ended up borrowing 27% more from
the market than what it had budgeted for in 2011-12.
Regarding the banking crisis,
the report said that in September 2013, the ratio of gross NPAs to advances,
including restructured loans, climbed to 12.3% largely because of political
interference on commercial lending decisions. These observations have been
rightly pointed out, specially the improvement of the health of the banks
during the NDA regime, though it can’t be denied that interference in bank
management continued. This is corroborated in the case of Mehul Choksi and
lately Gautam Adani, both of whom are said to be close to the Prime Minister.
The paper highlighted Modi
government’s successes, saying it cleared loans of over Rs 1.9 lakh crore taken
during the UPA regime to fund food, fertilizer and oil subsidies with over Rs 1
lakh crore to be paid in the coming years as principal and interest. It pointed
to revival of the Indian economy from a
state of crisis. “When the NDA government took over the reins in 2014, the
economy was in bad shape, nay, crisis. We faced the hydra-headed challenge of
fixing an economy mismanaged for a decade, and restoring its fundamentals to
sound health,” stated the white paper. Besides, it highlighted how the economy
emerged stronger in the past decade under the BJP-led NDA government and is today
counted amongst the top five economies of the world.
The Paper referred to the
mismanagement of the economy during the UPA regime and apart from the various
scams, it found that over Rs 94,000 crore or 6.4% of the budgeted expenditure
for 14 major schemes and rural sector ministries remained unspent over 10
years. Besides, it showed that funds not deployed properly as capital
expenditure fell from 31% during 2003-04 to 16% in 2013-14, resulting in a
“supply constrained economy”. Additionally, a large part of resources was used
for unproductive purposes, involving an estimated outgo of Rs 26,000 crore in
2008-09 and Rs 52,000 crore farm loan waivers as cases in point.
The overall improvement of the
economy has been well highlighted but what has not been said is whether this
uptrend has benefitted the poor, the marginalised and the economically weaker
sections. Various experts and studies have pointed out that the main beneficiaries
of the government’s policies have been the rich and one segment of the middle
class or perhaps the entire middle class. As per the World Bank’s Commission on Global Poverty using the
leaked data of the NSS revealed that 320 million rural Indians lived in acute
poverty in 2017-18, 50 million over six years earlier.
It would be appropriate to
mention the Oxfam report, released last month, which revealed that the
wealthiest 1% of the population possess 40% of the nation’s wealth, while the
remaining 50% hold just 3%. Furthermore, the number of billionaires in India
has seen a notable rise. The UNDP report indicated that the top 10% of the
population commanded 65% of the country’s wealth. Over the past decade the real
wages of 35% of the population have experienced a decline. Real wages denote
the purchasing power of wages concerning goods and services. India was ranked
139th on the Global hunger Index. In per capita incomes, India is at
the bottom of all the G-20 countries. Parliamentarians questioned whether the
real Amrit Kaal would start only when all people get equal healthcare,
education and opportunities to grow?
Thus, the overall scenario is
quite grim though India may be the fifth largest economy. This has been
revealed in Congress’ Black Paper, which pointed out that “the Modi
government’s 10 years in power devastated the country’s economy, aggravated
unemployment, destroyed the country’s agricultural sector, abetted crimes
against women and committed grave injustices against minorities in the
country”. The 54-page Paper said the highest rate of unemployment in 45 years,
going from 1 crore in 2012 and 4 crore in 2022, 10 lakh sanctioned central
government post still unfilled, despite high unemployment, 33% unemployed amongst
graduates and post-graduates and 2 employed persons dying by suicide every
year. On inflation, the Congress stated that there has been a steep increase in
the prices of essential commodities from 2014 to 2024 – 120% in increase in the
cost of LPG, 37% for petrol and 64% for diesel, 59% for mustard oil and 59% for
wheat flour and 71% for milk.
The above findings can’t be
denied as social and economic development was mainly geared towards the urban
sector and the privileged sections got the maximum benefit. Also, the middle-income
sections got their due share but the marginalised and backward sections didn’t notice
any perceptible change in their incomes and standard of living. However, in
recent years, the Modi government has turned its attention to the rural sector,
but real backward areas have yet to be brought into mainstream development.
It was expected that the paper
of the ruling dispensation while criticising the previous UPA regime would have
outlined future priorities, specially with regard to the farming community,
small traders, those working in unorganized sector, all of whom are a major
segment of the population. Though governance may have improved during the Modi
government, there is an absolute need for ensuring that welfare measures reach
these sections and development is geared in the right direction.
It goes without saying that
more resources are needed for which the wealthy must be imposed a wealth tax,
but the government is hesitant. The logic that such tax will not boost
investment can’t be accepted as private sector investment in recent years has
been quite low despite various government incentives.
Finally, the development matrix
must change, and the present government should be realistic and judicious in
allotment of funds to sectors that need them and those that cater to the
welfare of the major section of the population. Development must come from
below and its spread effect must be uniform, reaching all corners of the
country. ---INFA
(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)
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Of The House, For The House: DEPOLITICISE SPEAKER’s OFFICE, By Poonam I Kaushish, 13 February 2024 |
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Political Diary
New Delhi, 13
February 2024
Of The House, For The House
DEPOLITICISE SPEAKER’s OFFICE
By Poonam I Kaushish
It’s the season of Aya Ram Gaya Ram and prize catches. Specially in Maharashtra and Bihar where the political arena resembles a
Spanish bull-ring following three
Congress stalwarts ex- Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Milind Deora and Baba
Siddique dumping it. In Patna demise of JD(U)-RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan Government and resurrection of old BJP-JD(U) ties with “somersaulting”
Nitish again Chief Minister for ninth time.
Playing Matador to hilt, the new NDA Government enacted an emotion-filled
politico-drama Monday by removing Assembly Speaker RJD’s Chaudhary, who refused
to step down, via a no-confidence
motion prior to its trust vote. Reminiscent of 2022 when the Mahagathbandhan had got rid of BJP’s
Assembly Speaker. Justified by Speaker can be removed by an Assembly resolution
passed by majority.
Last
month too, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Narwekar took 18 months to rule Chief
Minister Shinde with 40 MLAs was the Shiv Sena and not Thackeray’s faction, but
refused to disqualify his 16 legislators, lobbing the ball back to Supreme
Court.
In 2020, Jyotiraditya
Scindia led 22 Congress MLAs sent their resignation to Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker who accepted their resignations only a
day before Supreme Court ordered a floor test which culminated in Kamal Nath’s
Government falling.
In July 2019 Karnataka Assembly
Speaker disqualified 11 Congress and three JD(S) MLAs leading to Kumaraswamy’s
Government collapse. In 2015-16
BJP had only 11 MLAs and support of 2 Independents in Arunachal but engineered
defections by winning over 21 of 47 Congress MLAs in the 60-Member Assembly.
The Speaker disqualified 14 MLAs, simultaneously BJP held an extraordinary
session wherein rebel Congress-BJP MLAs removed the Speaker. While Gauwhati
High Court upheld the disqualification, Supreme Court refused to give a verdict
on disqualification but restored Congress Government in July 2016.
Ditto
in Uttarakhand where Speaker disqualified 9 Congress rebel MLAs for voting against
the Appropriations Bill despite them not leaving Congress or
voting against it in the Assembly. The MLAs joined
BJP and upstaged Congress Government in 2016.
The issue is not whether the Speaker’s decision in
every case has politics written all over it or if he resigns or is removed. Nor
whether a political appointee should continue to be arbitrator in legislators’
defections? Neither that Parties have used Speaker’s post as lollipop to reward
and oblige a Party worker thus sounding another death knell of a Constitutional
institution. But why Speaker is so important in the Constitutional scheme of
things?
Primarily, as he represents the House, its dignity,
freedom and liberty. According to Erskine May, “The House has no Constitutional
existence without him.” He has to ensure Opposition has its say even as
Government has its way and is expected to be above Party politics and not Government’s
puppet.
If a Party splits, Speaker decides whether it is a
“split” or defection case. His ruling is binding. By this one act he can
“destroy” a Party and facilitate another’s rule. His casting vote can swing
balance either way. Recall, Chandra Shekhar’s famous split which led to VP
Singh’s Government fall.
Besides, his powers to use or misuse Anti-Defection Act
which bestows the power of deciding whether a representative has become subject
to disqualification, post their defection on the Speaker offering ample scope
to him to exercise discretion and play political favourites, ignoring the
letter and spirit of the Act.
Alas, its par for the course when MPs-MLAs-Speaker
roles are inter-changed at a drop of a hat. Whereby, ruling Party Ministers,
MPs and MLAs accept Speakership only to exploit the office for richer political
dividends. Whereby, it is increasingly difficult to keep track of Minister’s
becoming Speaker’s and vice versa.
From second Speaker Ayyangar who became Bihar Governor
on his term’s expiry to GS Dhillon and Manohar Joshi who switched roles from
Ministers to Speakers, Balram Jhakar never concealed his identity as
Congressman, Rabi Ray lived up to his Janata Party’s expectation and Shivraj
Patil who post Speakership, lost the re-election, but was nominated by Congress
to Rajya Sabha and anointed Home Minister. In UPA I Congress Minister Meira
Kumar became Lok Sabha Speaker in UPA II. Today eyebrows are not even raised.
The entirety of a Speaker’s decisions can also be an
inducement for abuse. Instances of suspension of over 149 Opposition MPs from
Parliament in the winter session, almost all DMK MLAs were evicted en masse from the Tamil Nadu Assembly in
2016 while protesting raise crucial questions about our democracy’s health and
its democratic character.
Bringing things to such a pass, whereby a Speaker has acquired
a larger-than-life image and role and has become the primus entre peri. A demi-God who can do no
wrong, and whose actions are unquestionable. Forgotten in the quintessential
position, is the Speaker who is essentially servant of the House has fast
become its master, thanks to rules of procedure. Highlighting, falling
standards in conducting legislative business in Parliament and Assemblies.
Undoubtedly, the Speaker’s position is paradoxical. He
contests Parliament or State Assembly election and subsequently for the post on
a Party ticket, and yet is expected to conduct himself in a non-partisan
manner, all the while being beholden to the Party for a ticket for the next
election. Confided a ex-Lok Sabha Speaker: “We are elected on Party tickets
with Party funds. How can we claim independence? Moreover, even if we resign on
becoming Speaker, we still have to go back to the Party for sponsoring our next
election.”
Against this background and in our Aaya Ram Gaya Ram political milieu the Speaker’s job has not only
become all important and demanding but is the cynosure of all eyes today as the issue of having an independent Speaker is
vital.
Where does one go from here? Time to look afresh at the
Speaker’s powers, depoliticize his office, promote
neutrality. One way is follow Britain’s Parliamentary democracy whereby a MP
resigns from his Party once elected Speaker and is re-elected unopposed in
subsequent elections. Two, Speaker must walk a tight rope, place himself in a
judge’s position, not become partisan so as to avoid unconscious bias for or
against a particular view thus inspiring confidence in all sections of the
House about his integrity and impartiality.
Towards that end he has to play fair and set healthy
and gracious conventions for the high Constitutional office he holds which
calls for fairness, uprightness and adherence to Constitutional values and
conventions.
Consequently, rules have to be drastically changed to
ensure the Speaker’s Constitutional post is respected as it is sacrosanct.
Legislators and Governments must desist from reducing his office in to a
Constitutional extension of Government. Thereby, converting the post in to a
monument like Taj Mahal or Qutab Minar. We know what pigeons do to them.
Remember, a Speaker is an honoured position, a free
position and should be occupied always by men of outstanding ability and
impartiality as what matters are not men but institutions. We must recognize a Speaker’s key role in our
democracy by adopting the British maxim: Once a Speaker always the Speaker.
Succinctly, the Speaker is of the House, by the
House and for the House. Remember,
what matters are not men but institutions. One can tit for an individual but
not tat on the State. It is imperative our democracy is put back on the rails.
----- INFA
(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)
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