Bharat Rakshak

The unnamed young students of Ahmedabad who had a question or two for Rahul Gandhi this week were pertinent, not pert. They also provided more evidence that students are doing the job that journalists either cannot, or will not, do; which is, ask relevant questions. In this case, media was prevented from reporting the event, so journalists can't be faulted, and we know what happened thanks only to an enterprising reporter from the Times of India who had a source inside the hall.

The essence was simple and the same: students wanted to know why they should vote for the Congress when Narendra Modi had developed Gujarat so much. One answer given by Rahul Gandhi was odd, to say the very least. Mao Zedong, said Rahul Gandhi, also developed China but "he caused destruction to the country, too". I am not too sure whether Narendra Modi would mind being compared to one of the great figures of the twentieth century, warts and all. Rahul Gandhi probably gets his views on history from some briefing by a young and fresh associate, but he could have checked with the Chinese. They have moved on from Mao, just as India and the Congress have moved on from Mahatma Gandhi, but China still reveres the leader of the Long March as the leader who laid the foundations of China's economic miracle. Mao's portrait dominates Tiananmen Square as well as the nation's banknotes. If Modi can become the second Gujarati to have his picture on the Indian rupee, he will consider his life well spent. Chairman Modi has quite a nice ring to it as well, although Modi would be going too far if he published a little red book packed with his quotable quotes and asked millions of young people to wave it in unison during a cultural revolution.

A young girl was sharper in her question. She asked which Congress leaders could measure up to Modi on the development matrix. Rahul Gandhi had four names on the tip of his tongue: Manmohan Singh, P. Chidambaram, Jairam Ramesh and A.K. Antony. It is interesting that three of the four did not contest the Lok Sabha elections, and the voters in Chidambaram's own constituency had such a poor view of his development capabilities that he was declared defeated before he was declared elected in the 2009 general elections. It would be interesting if Jairam Ramesh could find a constituency from where he could get elected on a development platform, but his ministry does take its priority cues from Rahul Gandhi's travel plans. What is definitely interesting is that the Finance Minister of India, Pranab Mukherjee, does not figure in Rahul Gandhi's list of heroes, either in development or honesty. The two lists are, in fact, similar, because Rahul thought that the three most incorruptible ministers were also the PM, Antony and Chidambaram. He did not however consider Jairam Ramesh worthy of a position in the honest brigade. Poor Jairam. Or, one wonders, is it more appropriate to say, rich Jairam?

One doubts if the people will give too much credence to such certificates from the Prime Minister-in-waiting, but the large tribe of Rahul-watchers in Delhi must have already done an instant calculus, shifted positions on the pecking order and altered levels of homage. The big winners are obviously Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh; the first jumps to the top of seniors, and the second takes pole position on the second tier. The certificate slates them as stars of Rahul's first Cabinet, whenever or if ever that comes about, so now you know who to call if you want anything done.

The Ahmedabad students did not get into a critique of the heir's remarks, but they did press on about Modi. Why was Rahul denying Modi credit for Gujarat's development? He had caused "some issues" replied Rahul Gandhi. Did he mean riots? At this point the story takes a curious turn. This was where Rahul Gandhi could have departed from fudge and become forthright. Instead, says the report, "the Congress leader refused to engage further and walked out saying he was getting late". Perhaps he was only getting restive. Rahul Gandhi had found out what Barack Obama discovered when he met Mumbai students at St. Xavier's College. It is easier to field questions from journalists than students. But that does not explain why he was evasive at the end. The students were more specific and forthright than him. It must be a recurrence of the old Congress disease, trying to play both sides against the middle.

Those who take the young for granted do not understand the young. They like cosmetics, but they never confuse make-up with the face.

Congress sources say that a resolution on the matter is likely next week. Sources add that the UPA is likely to give in to the TRS's demand in order to win its support in the region.

HYDERABAD: Despite sitting on an expansive agricultural land bank of two crore acres, Andhra Pradesh grows just about four crops, cotton, paddy, maize and groundnut, all through the year. In fact, according to government statistics, these crops make up for 70% of the state's total cultivable land, leaving a meagre 30% space for other crops. Reason? The "unhealthy" rise in modern agricultural technologies, say experts.

Capturing the largest share of land are cotton and paddy, most of them genetically developed breeds, which cover almost 104 lakh acres of the area. So much so that AP, as per national records, now produces 80% of the country's hybrid rice. And while government authorities consider this as a matter of pride, experts squarely blame such over-production for the death of biodiversity in the state. "What is the need to grow only cotton and paddy when the state can also cultivate oilseeds, pulses and millets," questioned G V Ramanjaneyulu, executive director of city-based Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), during an event held by the organization on the third day of the international biodiversity meet (CoP-11) underway in the city. A study conducted by the body, primarily on Bt cotton and Bt rice, reveals that neither have helped in improving yields or arresting farmer suicides, as was promised by its promoters (read: government authorities).

On the contrary, yields, across the country have dropped following the entry of hybrid crops, CSA findings stated.

If the percentage rise in production of cotton prior to the aggressive marketing of Bt varieties was an impressive 70%, it fell to just about 2% thereafter. Further, national crime bureau records put the total number of farmer suicides in the last 17 years at a jaw-dropping 2.7 lakh. In AP, the figure is an unfortunate 33,000. That most of them were cotton and paddy growers is another story. "Sadly, even our research institutes have turned a blind eye to this agrarian crisis. What they are instead promoting is biotechnology and all other modern agricultural methods that have driven farmers to commit suicide," said Sridhar Radhakrishnan, convener of a coalition on GM-free India, comprising scientists, citizens and other concerned individuals.

Participants highlighted that modern methods have killed the Indian biodiversity story. For instance, as against 50,000 varieties of rice, India today has just about a dozen. And 85% of its rice demand is met through only 10 varieties. Considering many of them are technologically 'raised', their nutrient content remains highly questionable. "The country traditionally had an array of rice breeds including those that are drought-tolerant, flood-tolerant and even salt-tolerant. Now, we have lost all that and are trying to grow them genetically," Ramanjaneyulu said, along with questioning the Bt varieties reducing the use of pesticides. Quoting from data released by the Directorate of Plant Protection, the agricultural scientist said how the usage had in fact shot manifold across cotton growing states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab over the last six decades. "We cannot afford to move ahead with such risky methodologies when it is burdening the exchequer as they have to bear the subsidies of bringing such technologies to the country," said Kavita Kuruganti, convener, Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture.

In a major shift in its policy towards Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth office has said that the British High Commissioner in New Delhi will visit Gujarat to meet the Chief Minister and other senior figures in the state, to discuss how to take forward the country’s relationship with Gujarat.

The UK had cut off ties with Modi and the state of Gujarat following the 2002 riots.

A statement issued in this regard, said that the move would allow the UK to “discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest and to explore opportunities for closer cooperation, in line with the British Government’s stated objective of improving bilateral relations with India.”

Modi has said that this is a recognition of his work in the state: Reuters
The statement went on to note that the UK had “a broad range of interests in Gujarat.”

However, the 2002 riots were still alluded to in the statement, which read, “We want to secure justice for the families of the British nationals who were killed in 2002. We want to support human rights and good governance in the state. We also want to provide the best possible support for British nationals who live in, work in or visit Gujarat; and to the many Gujaratis who now make up one of the most successful and dynamic communities in the UK.”

The news was welcomed by an elated Narendra Modi who tweeted,

@narendramodi
Der Aaye Durasta Aaye!! I welcome UK Govt's step for active engagement & strengthening relations with Guj. God is Great nm4.in

Modi’s official site said that the UK move was recognition of “the progress Gujarat has made in the past 11 years under the leadership of Shri Modi”. It also noted that the “Chief Minister is already extremely popular among the British-Gujarati diaspora.”

Modi has not visited Britain since 2003.

The Ministry of External Affairs has welcomed the move, while British MP Lord Bhikhu Parekh said that the move was a recognition by the UK that it couldn’t hope to trade with India while leaving Gujarat out.

diggy doggy piggy • 2 hours ago −
UK is a RSS agent

It has become a routine affair these days to manufacture your favorite accounting of facts to kick the Gujarat Model around.

There is however an interesting insight that the CLSA’s State of the states report has revealed that has hitherto not been highlighted which should stump the naysayers.

According to the CLSA a common trend across Indian states is the struggle to make the transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. A result of this according to the CLSA is the large number of people who remain dependent on Agriculture while Manufacturing fails to generate large scale employment.

This is where CLSA argues Gujarat breaks ahead of the pack:

Gujarat has however bucked this overall trend with industry still accounting for 40% of GSDP vis-à-vis 27% for India. Gujarat also scores well when compared to other industrialized states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which have been witnessing fall in share of industry in overall GSDP.

Not surprising, Gujarat’s industry GDP contribution to national industry GDP has increased from 8-8.5% in FY01 to 11-11.5% in FY11

Some more interesting excerpts from the CLSA report:

13% of Gujarat’s GSDP is from agriculture – significantly higher than industrialized states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Gujarat has doubled its agriculture GDP contribution to national agriculture GDP over the past 10 years.

In our “State of States” report, Gujarat is one of the best states in terms of improved governance in the past decade within the developed states.

Results are visible with superior growth in state’s literacy levels, per capita income, drinking water and sanitation facilities. Some of the less developed states are albeit witnessing faster improvement but that is because of low base effect.

Gujarat’s share in central devolution has largely remained unchanged at 3.4% of overall devolution over past 10 years. Share of devolution is lower than states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Improved governance will likely help Gujarat to converge in other important social indicators like IMR and HDI with states like Maharashtra and TN.

nawabs wrote: Improved governance will likely help Gujarat to converge in other important social indicators like IMR and HDI with states like Maharashtra and TN.[/b]

Akhilesh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh government seems to be in favour of lifting ban from Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which was declared unlawful 12 years ago after some of its members were allegedly found to be involved in terror activities. Health minister Ahmad Hasan on Tuesday said that there have been no activity in the last six months which suggests that the outfit was involved in any activity against the country.

DMK president M. Karunanidhi, a strong proponent of the Sethusamudram Project, on Tuesday reacted strongly to the State government’s submission against the project in the Supreme Court, accusing Chief Minister Jayalalithaa of betraying the interest of Tamil Nadu.

PMK leader S. Ramadoss said it was highly condemnable that the State government was seeking to destroy a project aimed at boosting the growth of the State.

Mr. Karunanidhi in a statement said the Chief Minister had given a burial to a project that was expected to give fresh life to the economy of Tamil Nadu.

“It is not a betrayal of interest of the State?” Mr. Karunanidhi said in a statement.

He said for 150 years scientists and experts studied the project and the Centre also went through it thoroughly.

“It allocated hundreds of crores and now the Chief Minister had come to a conclusion that the project was not necessary and filed a petition in the court,” he alleged.

The DMK leader said Ms. Jayalalithaa adopted double-standards on this issue since the DMK and other political parties vociferously advocated the project and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government went ahead with its implementation.

“She played double-game because she did not want the DMK and other parties to take the credit. Now she had dropped the project,” Mr. Karunanidhi said.

He said the objective of the project was to ameliorate the livelihood of people in southern districts and their socio-economic conditions. Now the AIADMK Government has closed it at a single stroke.

Recalling the AIADMK’s election manifestoes advocating the project, Mr. Karunanidhi wondered how could Ms. Jayalalithaa who earlier wanted to remove the sand bunds in Adam’s Bridge, suddenly changed tack and talked about ‘Rama’s Bridge’ and wanted to project the site as an ancient monument.

Dr. Ramadoss said when the Central government led by A.B. Vajpayee announced the project Ms. Jayalalithaa sought to take the credit for it. “But she started opposing it after its implementation,” he said.

The PMK leader said “Rama’s Bridge” was an imaginative concept, and religious issues should not be allowed to come in the way of the nation’s progress.

“The government should not pay heed to imaginary stories and should withdraw the petition against the project in the Supreme Court,” he said.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav has asked Uttar Pradesh government to weigh the option of introducing Urdu as a compulsory subject in government schools.

Although the SP had promised in its assembly election manifesto to establish Urdu medium primary and high schools in Muslim-dominated areas of UP, the fresh suggestion was a step ahead to keep the minorities in good faith.

The demand for Urdu as a compulsory subject from Class V in the state government-run schools was raised by Shia cleric Kalbe Jawwad during his meeting with Mulayam last month.

Party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said, "There is one such proposal on which the government is supposed to take a decision. But there is a process to follow before taking such a big decision."

A source in the government claimed that Mulayam has sent the proposal only after discussing its feasibility with his son and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

"The CM on his part talked to officers of the education department. They were of the view that a student can opt between Sanskrit and Urdu as their third subject. In private schools there are options between Sanskrit and other foreign languages like French, Russian, Japanese or Chinese. In government schools there is no such option other than Sanskrit. But if Mulayam has his way, there would be Urdu as a compulsory subject if the student doesn't want to take Sanskrit," an officer said on the condition of anonymity.

"Although some officers with rightist leaning are delaying the move, we believe that the government will take a final decision just before 2014 Lok Sabha elections to appease the 21 per cent Muslims in the state," he further said.

But Mohammad Shoeb, a lawyer and a human rights activist, said, "Mulayam is only misleading the Muslims. He had promised that false cases against Muslim youths in the name of curbing terrorism would be withdrawn. More than six months have passed since his son took over as CM but innocent youths are still languishing in jails."

Reacting sharply over Mulayam's plan, BJP's state president Laxmi Kant Bajpai said, "I have come to know that most of senior Muslim leaders of the SP are angry with Mulayam and his son Akhilesh. Former MP Shahid Siddiqui has already been sacked. Syed Ahmed Bhukahri, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid has never hidden his anger against the SP government. He is planning to start a movement against the SP government. Urban Development Minister Azam Khan is also not happy as Akhilesh doesn't listen to him. Obviously, Mulayam will try to do something to appease the Muslims."

Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda Friday announced the constitution of a Displacement Commission to look into the grievances of displaced people.

“We will soon constitute a Displacement Commission to look into the grievances of the displaced and ensure social security for them. The displaced people will be able to lodge complaints before the commission and the commission will look into the complaints,” said Munda to reporters during his Johar (gratitude) Yatra in Chaibasa Friday.

“The Jharkhand government is not in favour of any projects at the cost of the state’s people. People displaced by roads, irrigation, industries and other projects should get compensation, social security and other things,” he added.

More than 20 lakh people have been displaced in the state over the years for steel, mining, irrigation and other industrial projects.

Hari Seldon wrote:^^Modi's spectacular achievements in the power sector are just one example of the host of best practices so many of India's states (and their bankrupt SEBs) can borrow from the "Gujarat experiment".

Modi essentially asked people to choose between paying their fair share for reliable 24x7 power supply even into the villages (the jyotigram yojna) or get subsidized power a few hrs a day at unreliable times. This was inparallel with a massive crackdown onpower theft. The results are there for all to see. Seems people are happier paying for reliable power that they then strive to conserve and not use wastefully rather than depend on the tender mercies of a mai-baap state. The SEB (state electricity board) is healthy, the stateoitself is power surplus, further investments in generation as well as T&D are on the anvil, investment in renewable energy sources (wind, solar) are picking up like crazy.... I mean wow or what?

Where's the breathless debate and discussion on this singular magnificient achievement in Dilli tv studios, eh?

And this is just one sector - power, albeit a critical one. Look also at other big sectors - irrigation & water management (water tables are up all over the state compared to 10 yrs ago), girl child education, infant mortality stats, healthcare outreach...the list goes on. And I haven't even freakin' mentioned infra and industry yet!

This willingness to accept the 'lesser evil' of corruption, cronyism and servility to a teflon dynasty against such an awesome display of governance, service delivery and recorded gains in HDI? For what, I ask?!

prahaar wrote:There is a growing trend of foreign offices of different countries establishing a separate direct channel of communication with the states. Is this due to a weak central government? What are the long term consequences? And is this trend set to grow?

Sachin wrote: Interesting.. Isn't it two days back that the Pakistani PM invited Bihar CM, and even hosted a Diwali feast (which was say a "first" in Paki land ). Two things which caught my interest, was why go for the Bihar CM (why not say folks from other long standing "secular folks"). And, how come the trend of PMs of other countries dealing with State CMs in India, byepassing the Central Govt. The Central Govt. also seems to be happy with this way of working.

vera_k wrote:The Pakistanis are simply endorsing Nitish Kumar for the position of Prime Minister. Even Advani was advertising to Pakistani web sites during the last general elections.

With nearly 70 lakh litres of milk being handled daily by the cooperative and the organised players in the private sector, Tamil Nadu has emerged the second largest dairy player after Gujarat.

Though a far second, with cooperative in Gujarat alone handling 1.2 crore litres of milk, two of the largest players in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation and the private sector Hatsun Agro Product Ltd together procure nearly 50 lakh litres of milk directly from dairy farmers.

According to industry sources, on going flush season is seeing a rapid increase in milk production and the co-operative and private sector has managed to keep procurement going even as in neighbouring States the dairy industry is declaring a ‘procurement holiday’.

vera_k wrote:Next we'll hear that Advani did not travel to Pakistan and praise Jinnah. Whatever.

kapilrdave wrote:

vera_k wrote:Next we'll hear that Advani did not travel to Pakistan and praise Jinnah. Whatever.

Vijayk is right. Why are you being ignorant in understanding his technical reasoning? It has nothing to do with what Advani said about Jinnah and I'm sure no one is going to defend Advani for that, at least on this forum.

kapilrdave wrote:Vijayk is right. Why are you being ignorant in understanding his technical reasoning? It has nothing to do with what Advani said about Jinnah and I'm sure no one is going to defend Advani for that, at least on this forum.

The websites have been advertised in foreign sites such as Pakistan, US and Britain, apart from India.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Wednesday announced as many as 343 measures for the development of the state, which inlude industrial estates, energy parks, a mega power project, a ship building yard and developing tourist centres.

The three-day conference here of district collectors and police officers also decided to phase-out 35 Ambassador cars used for VIP escorts and convoys in Chennai and to induct high-speed vehicles and SUVs for senior police officials.

Reminding the officials that people are the ultimate masters in a democracy, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said: "All of us are here to help them lead a life of dignity free from want and full of opportunity and hope."

She said a solar energy park, fish processing parks and an mega power project would be set up in Ramanathapuram district while upgrading the Ramnad-Tuticorin road into four lanes to develop an industrial corridor.

Jayalalithaa said industrial estates would be established in Dharmapuri and Ariyalur districts and a textile park for Perambalur district would be sanctioned.

She added that a feasibility study for an information technology park at Vellore will be undertaken while the compensation in land acquisition for GAIL's pipeline project in Tiruppur will be linked to the market value.

The chief minister said Muthupettai in Tiruvarur district, Pachamalai hills in Tiruchirapalli district and Avalpoonthurai in Erode district would be developed as tourist areas.

The chief minister also said that the government would be amending the Goondas Act to include cyber crime.

The East-West metro corridor project in Kolkata is likely to face fresh uncertainties as the State Government has withdrawn moves to acquire land for a key stretch.

The State Transport Department recently withdrew its application from a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court pertaining to land acquisition on a certain stretch on B. B. Ganguly Street for a proposed station of the link.

“It clearly shows the State Government’s lack of interest towards the project. The Railways has already filed a recall petition in the Calcutta High Court in this regard,” Union Minister of State for Railways Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told Business Line.

Theo_Fidel wrote:What is going on in WB. Latest I hear is that Mamata has now put road blocks on the Metro project.
Sachin, where are you boss. What is going on in this critical state.

RamaY wrote:Chaiwalah tells me that there will be a package for Telangana region. Will share details when i get them.

ShyamSP wrote: If they give package to Telangana, what about Rayalaseema which is not developed than Telangana.

They need to burn some buses and trains to get package?