Blog | Page 38 of 890

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17 March 2023

If there’s one country that has really surprised the world with its diplomatic maneuvers, it is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA). The undeclared declared leader of the Islamic world, KSA has appeared close to Russia than ever before, especially after Joe Biden assumed office.

Biden’s election rhetoric about Jamal Khashoggi, the Human rights crisis in Yemen and the Saudi involvement there, and the Biden administration’s temporary ban on sales of Arms and ammunition to KSA have spooked the now-not-so-new Saudi crown prince Mohd. bin Salman(MBS).

Saudi Arabia in the recent past has been looked upon as a stooge of the United States with American bases operating on its oil-rich soil ensuring the safety of the royals and stability in Riyadh. The Saudis have never looked like going against Uncle Sam after the infamous assassination of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In return, America has ensured Saudi’s dominance in International Oil Trade and its undisputed position as the leader of the Muslim ummah for the past 3 decades. But things started to go downhill after two major events. First, the elevation of MBS to the mighty position of the crown prince, and Second, the election of Donald Trump.

MBS is known to the world as a man who gets things done by any means necessary, be it the undeclared trade war against the tiny super-rich kingdom of Qatar, his stride against the Muslim Brotherhood, Saudi’s aggressive stance in the Yemen civil war and last but not the least the infamous cold-blooded murder of Jamal Khashoggi’s in turkey. All these events have shaped him as a ruthless leader who is yet to be unleashed on a unipolar world controlled by the oval office.

Donald Trump, for what a character he was hasn’t left a legacy he can be proud about. As if his actions when he was the president weren’t enough, the 6^th of January has just added to Trump’s Hall of Fame. Though not impeached by congress, Trump surely won’t be remembered as a president whose actions spoke louder than words. Meanwhile, Trump maintained a cordial bond with the Saudis. His willingness to overlook the human rights concerns brought the Al-Saud close to America. A classical American Businessman, Trump even cleared the sale of precision-guided ammunition to Saudi, though Biden put a temporary ban on the same owing to Saudi’s role in the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Biden a democrat has stressed on human rights and the issues important to the left. And it so happens that the Saudis under MBS don’t happen to like the new normal under Biden. Reciprocating the actions, the KSA signed an agreement with Russia about cutting down oil production when the US wanted it the most. Joining hands with the Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the American Shale from dominating the international market, Saudi has made it quite clear that it is no more just a rich oil-producing orthodox state in the distant middle east but an important player in the world politics now.

Adding more to the Saudis’ estranged stance was a recent pact brokered by China between the kingdom and their supposed arch-rivals in the east, Iran. After the recent Hijab protests in Iran, Tehran had to face a lot of criticism from the international community. Such an unprecedented pact about resetting the ties between the two polar ends of the Islamic world has sent a strong message to KSA’s western allies for sure.

When under the Trump administration, the historic Abraham accords were signed, it looked as if the distance Israel and the Middle East would come closer, but Saudis don’t seem to be changing their minds and getting along with their Jewish neighbors (Israel) in the Middle East ,who also happen to be America’s all-weather friend.

Saudi Arabia has been easing restrictions on women, not recognizing the new Afghan emirate under the old Taliban, liberalizing on the domestic front, and trying to erase the orthodox stereotypical image of the kingdom which is a nation with a lot of oil controlled by a crazy rich king who has got a lot of kids. While siding with the Kremlin and China on important world issues has really forced the experts and analysts back to the drawing board to understand what really is MBS up to.

Confusion and Controversy over J&K Property Tax!

Opinions

rsgill9419196789

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17 March 2023

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<strong>Confusion and Controversy over J&K Property Tax!</strong>

Controversy over the imposition of Property tax in Jammu Kashmir has not subsided despite J&K Administration’s extensive canvassing. The proposed Property Tax may be inevitable in J&K, however, some quarters observe the exercise as irregular and felt sufficient debatable grounds – legal, constitutional and socio-political.

Imposition of Property Tax is well within the domain of Urban Local bodies that have inherent power to impose it under Sub-section 1 (a) of Section 84 and Sub-section 1 (a) of Section 65 respectively of J&K Municipal Corporation Act (MC Act) and J&K Municipal Act (Municipal Act) both of 2000. However, it was never imposed for certain reasons as neither the Municipal bodies passed such a resolution nor the Government came out with rules prescribing rates and assessment mechanisms.

A narrative that the Property Tax, a local tax otherwise alien to the erstwhile Jammu Kashmir state, is being imposed by the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration after emasculating Art 370 and by bifurcation the state of Jammu Kashmir into J&K Union Territory, lacks the substance as the incumbent Administration has only enforced the provision already available since 2000 and pushed the Urban Local bodies to impose the provision of Property Tax that was duly provided for in both the Municipal Acts of 2000 passed by the then National Government led by Dr Farooq Abdullah.

It is also wrong to say that there was no property tax ever in Jammu and Kashmir. The state was subjected to Property Tax charged by the state government (not by the local bodies) under J&K Urban Immovable Property Act 1962 till it was repealed in 2002 after the new Municipal Acts 2000 were passed.

It was undoubtedly a well-thought plan by the Centre as it was very clear on the strengthening of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions in J&K. That is why, the Central government while introducing J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, did not repeal that time the JK Municipal Corporation Act 2000 and JK Municipal Act 2000 and also J&K Urban Immovable Property Tax (Repeal and Saving) Act 2002 among the list of 166 repealed state laws. The central government had made up its mind to bring Municipal and Local Bodies’ laws at par with the provisions commensurate with the 74th Constitutional Amendments to devolve empowerments to the Urban Local Bodies enabling these bodies entitled to more funds and grant-in-aid from Central Finance Commission and State Finance Commission besides share in State’s revenue.

To achieve this objective, a couple of provisions of the act to make the existing Municipal Laws adaptable and empower the government to exercise statutory and controlling powers of making rules for exemptions etc, and for the interim arrangements for rate, assessments and collection at the annual taxable value of property tax under section 143A and 71A respectively (both sections added by the amendment in 2020).

While the Central Government often swears in the name of empowerment to the Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments respectively, on Oct 05, 2020, it amended both J&K Municipal Corporation Act and J&K Municipal Act by incorporating the additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications of some existing provisions by its Jammu Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Third Order 2020 issued vide SO 3466 and thus impaired these Urban Local Bodies subservient to the Government beyond the spirit of 74th Amendment. Now, the urban local bodies have no power but to pass a resolution to impose the property tax as ordered within thirty days of notifications SO 86 and SO 87 both dated 21.02.2023.

In the absence of any logical reasoning against the application of universal property tax, the opponents have put forth two major issues against the Administration’s move on Property Tax – First, the important one is that the Administration should have left such an important policy matter for the popular government that would be in place once the impending Assembly polls are soon held as per multiple assurances by the centre,

The second grudge is that the LG’s administration, due to its disconnect with the people and the local political parties (including the local unit of BJP), always acts in a sudden and arbitrary manner. The Administration, according to the opponents, does not discuss, important issues affecting the people, even with the elected representatives of local bodies and PRIs, what to talk of the political representatives in J&K.

The issue of regressive property tax first emerged only when the centre amended the Municipal Corporation Act and Municipal Act both on Oct 05, 2020, which met with severe criticism and reactions from the political parties. Two weeks after i.e. on Oct 20, 2020, while addressing a function at Baramulla in Kashmir, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha stated the issue of property tax was misrepresented by some people adding that there were such plans for the union territory.

Following the LG’s statement, Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta and also much later his successor Rajinder Sharma (both of BJP) announced in the General House Meetings that there was no proposal of imposing Property Tax by JMC.

Amidst the stiff opposition to Property Tax proposal, Jammu observed a complete shutdown Saturday (11.03.2023) on a Bandh call given by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries. The same day, Dr Farooq Abdullah held an all-party meeting (minus BJP, Apni Party & Democratic Azad Party) at his Jammu residence and has resolved to meet the national opposition parties in Delhi during the resumed Parliamentary session.

About the Author: Rattan Singh Gill is an Advocate at J&K High Court and a Freelancer. Email: [email protected]

Bhindranwale 2.0 Pakistan’s desperate attempts to destabilize India?

Opinions

sai1947

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16 March 2023

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Bhindranwale 2.0 Pakistan’s desperate attempts to destabilize India?

ISI Funded Efforts for destabilization of India:

Amrit Pal Singh Sandhu, the Khalistan activist who is so-called “Waris Punjab De” a social organization by Actor Deep Sidhu. After Sidhu died in an accident On 15th Feb 2022, on 4th March 2022 was made leader of the organization. Surprisingly Deep Sidhu’s brother said he was equally shocked by how he was made the leader of Waris Punjab De. “Nothing to do with Amritpal and our family. We Don’t agree with Amritpal’s ideology of starting a “war against the government for a separate homeland for Sikhs”. He said. “It is a surprise to us on how he was made Waris Punjab De leader” He added.

Another fascination is that Intelligence officials say he went to Georgia before coming to India from Dubai. He even says he follows Bhindranwale’s path.

He however was seen with a haircut and without turban in his Dubai selfies breaking rules of Sikh and he wants to be the leader of Sikhs. As Bhindranwale, he is also targeting Hindus in Punjab.

The Deep Sidhu’s Family doesn’t know how he was made leader of Waris Punjab De. According to officials he went to Georgia before coming to India from Dubai, he deleted his Instagram and twitter accounts. Came unknowingly to India nowhere even related to Waris Punjab De before seems even suspicious.

This is also similar story of radicalistic activist Bhindranwale who was supported by congress and also the ISI. Congress supported for votes and ISI to bleed India. He attacked Hindus and Hindu supporting Sikhs downing Gurudwaras and Demanded Khalistan. However larger portion of Punjab was divided to Pakistan in 1947 but no Khalistani activist demands that portion also. And say “Sikhs are safer in Pakistan than India”. But the reality shows another picture.

Pakistan Sikhs Struggle:-

Attacks happen on Sikhs by “radical Islamists” in Pakistan and no charges against them. Sikhs in Pakistan struggle there for living but Khalistan supporters don’t even react on killings of Sikhs in Pakistan where most of the respected Sikh community leaders were born.

Even after Pakistani Sikhs raise their voice, there voice is suppressed by both Pakistan and International Sikh Community as their “Khalistan narrative gets spoiled”.

This shows that the Khalistan movement is ISI funded and International Sikh Community does not even care about their Own Pakistani Brother Sikhs.

Why is Pakistan doing it?

Pakistan may have numerous reasons but main reason as per geopolitical analysists is “Ego”. They cannot believe that India which was a poor, destabilized and struggling is now well developing, stabilized and fastest growing economies and Pakistan whereas on the other hand was doing well and because of political Instability lost its economy, support in one word Pakistan can be called ‘Destabilized’. Dying with jealousy maybe they are desperate to see destabilized India.

Controversies surrounding Norway’s child welfare service: Examining the criticisms and the impact of “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway”

Opinions

Girish Kumar Bairwa

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15 March 2023

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There is much controversy surrounding the Child Welfare Service, Barnevernet, in Norway, the agency responsible for safeguarding children. Families, human right activists, and lawyers have criticized the organization’s decision-making processes, alleging that it prioritizes the child’s rights over those of the parents, lacks transparency, and takes an authoritarian approach to child protection.

In recent years, a number of Norwegian child welfare cases have been brought before the European Court of Human Rights, with many claiming violations of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees respect for private and family life, including the right to family reunification and the right to make decisions about one’s family without state interference.

Various human rights activists have called for reforms to the Norwegian child protection system, advocating for greater transparency, improved communication with families, and thorough assessments of individual cases. Although the Norwegian child protection system is renowned for prioritizing the well-being and best interests of children, the upcoming film “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway” has revived a more than decade-old battle of an Indian couple fighting for custody of their two children against the Norwegian government.

The family upon which this film is based was purportedly placed under surveillance by the child welfare service for an extended period of time. In May 2011, the authorities took the couple’s offspring into their care, alleging poor parenting practices, and placed them in foster care. The parents objected to the agency’s allegations that they were forcibly feeding their infant, while the authorities also expressed concern over the children sleeping in the same bed as their parents. Moreover, the mother was accused of striking her toddler, and the children were said to have been provided with inappropriate clothing and toys.

Barnevernet is a public organization in Norway tasked with protecting children in the country, and it imposes strict regulations on all citizens living there. Under Norwegian law, strict conditions must be met before any action is taken to care for children, making it the last resort. The Child Welfare Service’s obligation to maintain confidentiality and privacy in accordance with Norwegian law made it challenging to provide details addressing the criticism in this case. However, the parents bringing their dispute to the public eased the one-sided condemnation in India.

The trailer for “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway” portrays Norway unfavorably, suggesting it is an inhumane country with a child protection agency that removes children, and foster homes are viewed as businesses. The comments section of the trailer supports this view, with many individuals, including Bollywood celebrities, claiming to have shed tears after watching it.

The film’s impact on India-Norway relations and Indians living in Norway depends on the reception and responses from both governments. Nevertheless, its depiction of the Norwegian child welfare system and its treatment of foreign families could significantly damage the country’s child protection reputation and harm relations. The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Families and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should work to minimize the adverse effects on Norway’s brand.

Despite differing opinions, it is evident that the upcoming film has brought ongoing debates surrounding the role of child protection services in Norway and their adherence to international standards to the fore.

What freedom is?

Opinions

siddhant

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15 March 2023

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Don’t you feel pain when you see your family members in pain? Don’t you help members of your family in the times of distress? You cannot, then How can you remain aloof from joys and sorrows of your family members? Individuals sacrificing for the good of society is in our tradition. Why did Shiva swallow poison? Why did sage Dhadhichi sacrifice his bones?

They did soo for the sake of society, all the people around the world. They were eager to sacrifice self, for society, for people. Then why individuals for society and society for the nation aren’t so eager to sacrifice? Why does a society feels that its progress lies in downfall of others. Why People and society feels that progress for another will hinder their own progress? Why does human beings thinks that there is “Survival of the Fittest” or we feel to be in struggle for survival with another.

Is a seed in struggle with a leaf? Are the Roots in struggle with the trees standing over them? Then why are we involved in struggle? The Leaves, The Flowers, The Trunk, The Branches, The Roots – all have taken their forms, from the Seed. In the same manner, we can’t see our nationalism. But it is present in every Indian. If we’ll search for our seed, We’ll fell our Nationalism. And if that Seed of Nationalism is within us, then how can one be different from another. And if each and every individual; society; community is equal as we have learnt from our culture of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”- (i.e. The World Is One Family).

Yet we did not accept the British rule , Why? Because “Liberty” is dear to us. But what the “Liberty” actually means. Does it just mean being free from the slavery of another person or state? Does it only mean doing as we please? Don’t people have to accept the rules of the society. Doesn’t the society have to accept the rules of the Nation?

So even after acceptance of rules of society and state why do we feel that we are free? What is the awareness of Liberty that is equally felt by a person, society, and nation. What is that thread which binds the person, the society, the nation yet makes them feel independent. What is it that “ Independence” gives to a person that he becomes so eager to lay down his life. What is that mechanism that we called INDEPENDENCE.

We believe in the mechanism which our sages and thinkers have created for us, we believe in those eternal values which our ancestors have created and the principle of “Well-being of All” which our ancestors have followed have been inherited by us.

As the capacity to gain scientific knowledge is the source of Freedom, The values created under eternal truth and light of knowledge by our ancestors that is our mechanism of Independence. That is why we seek Liberty.

But, can quest for best values differ from person to person or community to community? The answer is yes, it’s because we can’t see the seed which is present in every part of the tree, in the same way we are not seeing the culture which is flowing in every part of the tree. We are not able to see our roots but seeing our outward differences and are refuting our oneness. We are not able to see the Unity in our Diversity or maybe we are deliberately refusing to see it because of our selfish political interest. But the fact is that Political system is not culture although it can supplement the culture but not a synonym for culture.

Culture shows the way for the progress of people, society, and nation. So the responsibility of politics too is the progress of people, society, and nation. Then why do people fight in the name of the system, perhaps because they do not see the common goal of the Progress of people, society, and nation. Or because their selfish interests motivate them to oppose each other. This selfishness and lack of unity had previously compelled us to surrender our self respect to the Britishers. Unfortunately all the kingdoms of that time had not challenged the Britishers with unity, Because they lacked national character. If all those republics had united as one nation and challenged the Britishers,it have not been possible for British to conquer this land.

And if we see in the present Scenario we can see the differences prevalent in today’s Society. We are still divided into various castes and social groups .we can see the Religious differences in our society, although People of different religion lives together in our country but still at some point we can see the hatred present in people of one religion for the people of other and these hatred we can see during the time of religious riots for recent example In early April 2022,when communal violence erupted in four Indian states Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal – during processions on 10 April 2022, on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Ram Naomi, the birth anniversary of Hindu God Rama. Dozens of people were injured, including police officers.

We are not understanding that if we don’t have the feeling of Oneness now also then in upcoming time this hatred between different communities will get increase and then it might cause serious thread to our Liberty.

So need of the hour is for all of us to unite so that this Nation can become more competent, more powerful, and more glorious.

Does the Seattle Caste Legislation soft-sell Hinduphobia?

agnihotrirati21

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13 March 2023

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<strong>Does the Seattle Caste Legislation soft-sell Hinduphobia?</strong>

A conference that took place about a year and a half back had called for the dismantling of ‘global Hindutva’. The conference that was streamed online received a lot of backlash from Hindu rights groups and Hindu citizens across the world. It had on its list of sponsors the names of several leading American universities (some of these names were withdrawn later on).

The conference essentially demonized anybody who spoke of Hindu rights and practiced Hindu activism. The logic espoused by this line of thought is that anybody who has anything to do with Hindutva is oppressive, anti-Dalit, anti-women, anti-minorities, and anti-human rights by default. That seems like quite a leap of logic for anyone with common sense. But not for the folks whose ‘activism’ and ‘scholarship’ is rooted in this kind of anti-logic.

Caste is pretty much the only weapon in the hands of people who critique Hindutva. They have also created this dichotomy between Hinduism and Hindutva saying that those who only follow Hinduism and are apolitical are good Hindus, whereas those who associate themselves with the political contours of Hindutva are casteist and bad Hindus. Leap of logic again, is it?

The recently passed law by the Seattle City Council banning caste discrimination also seems like a leap of logic. Nobody in their right mind can be against a law banning caste discrimination. But one has to examine the purpose of the law and whether there is a need for such a law. Where is the evidence of caste discrimination in the US? When a law banning discrimination has to be framed especially invoking the word caste, one would assume that caste discrimination in the US must have crossed all limits. Then, why can’t one recall even single incident of caste discrimination and abuse from the US that the media has reported over the past couple of years?

According to various Hindu organizations in the US like the Hindu American Foundation and COHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America), the Hindu society in the US is not organized on the lines of caste. They say that the word caste and the way it’s being talked about in the context of discrimination is an utter shock to them. According to them, they worry about the repercussions of such a law on their kids who are completely oblivious to the caste discourse. Such a law brings their Hindu identity into the spotlight in a negative fashion. It makes them stand out and vulnerable to all kinds of discrimination and stereotyping.

The Seattle Anti-Caste Resolution is problematic because it presumes that Hindus are a bigoted lot and whichever place they go to, they take along the baggage of caste-based hierarchies with them. This not just demonizes the Hindus in the US but also opens up Pandora ’s Box of discrimination against the Hindu diaspora all over the world. It also ensures that Hindus traveling to the US on work visas would also be looked at with suspicion and vigorously monitored (just because they are Hindus). This would pretty much discourage companies in the US from hiring Hindu staff.

Now let’s take a look at the so-called evidence on the basis of which this bigoted law was passed by the Seattle City Council. It is a report titled ‘Caste in the United States’ put together by Equality Labs which calls itself a champion of Dalit rights. When you visit its website, you can see its only targets are Hindus and Hinduism. If you click on the report ‘Caste in the United States’, there is a section called ‘What is Caste’ that explicitly defines caste as the Hindu classification of ‘Brahmin’, ‘Kshatriya’, ‘Vaishya’ and ‘Shudra. It further says that ‘Wherever South Asians Go, they Take Caste with Them’.

‘Caste is not limited to the Subcontinent, caste has been found where ever South Asian migrants go. In the United States, many caste-oppressed migrant communities who come from caste and religious backgrounds impacted by caste discrimination are finding that caste has replicated itself in South Asian community, religious, and business institutions. This has led to many shocking experiences of caste discrimination in the united states that includes physical assault, verbal slurs, and discrimination in schools, businesses, and work places’, it says.

Now let’s take a look at the so-called evidence this report gives us. All we get are statistics giving the percentage of Dalits who reported caste-based discrimination in various forms. Some of these categories of discrimination are too loosely defined and subjective for example, ‘Two out of three Dalits reported being treated unfairly at the work place’, ‘60 percent of Dalits report experiencing Caste-based derogatory jokes or comments’, ‘over 40 percent of Dalit respondents have reported being rejected in a Romantic Relationship on the basis of caste’, One in Two of all Dalit respondents and One in Four of All Shudra respondents live in fear of their caste being outed’.

To any sane mind, some of these categories would seem outrightly fabricated. Take the whole thing about discrimination in romantic relationships. It doesn’t make sense. Aren’t romantic relationships supposed to be about choice? By that logic, every 3rd person would have some grievance against some other person rejecting them on the basis of their looks, social status, economic status, etc. Then, ‘the fear of their caste being ousted’ is subjective to the extent of being abstract. How do you measure such a fear? Anyone can say anything out of their subjective biases and prejudice but does that amount to evidence of caste discrimination?

A cursory look at these so-called categories of caste discrimination by Equality Labs is enough to understand that Hindus in the United States are being unjustly framed and targeted using the weapon of caste.

Also, Equality Labs is funded by the Open Society Foundation of George Soros who has been a lot in the news lately for his sustained propaganda machinery to demonize the Indian political system and Indians.

Hindus are a minority in the US. Isn’t it a paradox that when there is so much talk of minority rights and all that, the Hindu minority in the US is being viciously targeted and demonized?

Seattle is the first city to pass such a law but similar resolutions are reportedly in the process of getting tabled in many other states of the US. If such a catastrophe happens, it would be a collective demonization of the Hindu diaspora in the US.

I think the Indian government should take this up diplomatically with the US government to stop this blatant demonization of the American Hindu community using caste as a weapon.

About the author: Rati Agnihotri

Rati Agnihotri is an independent journalist and writer currently based in Dehradun (Uttarakhand). Rati has extensive experience in broadcast journalism having worked as a Correspondent for Xinhua Media for 8 years. She was based at their New Delhi bureau. She has also worked across radio and digital media and was a Fellow with Radio Deutsche Welle in Bonn.

She is now based in Dehradun and pursuing independent work regularly contributing news analysis videos to a nationalist news portal (India Speaks Daily) with a considerable youtube presence.

Rati has completed a MA (International Journalism) from the University of Leeds, U.K., and a BA (Hons) in English Literature from Miranda House, Delhi University.

Aspirational India and changing narratives

Opinions

sreehariblogger

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13 March 2023

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Aspirational India and changing narratives

I think this is the perfect time to discuss this topic, especially at a time when we are hosting the G20 presidency this year. The last decade has been a dream run for India as far as its foreign policy vis a vis other countries are concerned. We have considerably improved our might as a military, geo-politically and economic superpower before the world. No countries take India lightly as they used to during the start of this century. It is a great honour for us as a Nation that we didn’t have an IMF bailout for the last 3 decades while our neighbours, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Srilanka are once again approaching the IMF for monetary relief.

You can clearly see the narrative changing in global diplomacy. Even the U.S. doesn’t want to bully India for buying Russian Oil at cheaper rates because they can’t afford the cost of estranging an ally like India. We are one of the rare countries who can mediate between Russia and Ukraine during this unfortunate war with a clear and resounding message of ‘it is not the time for war’. We have surpassed our former coloniser to emerge as the fifth-largest economy in the world.

In times of unprecedented recession and economic instability, India is the only large economy showing signs of economic growth. We have gone away from the position of accepting foreign aid to providing monetary relief to countries like Afghanistan and Srilanka.

We have shown the world how to be global leaders in the health sector by offering vaccines to other developed and developing countries through our vaccine diplomacy. We are a power to reckon with in the Quad grouping, with countries like Japan, Australia and the U.S. openly supporting our pursuit to counter belligerent China.

While we are an ally of the U.S. and Russia, the middle east is still friendly with India and considers us a significant business partner. The data shows that Saudi Arabia invests more in India than in their natural ally, Pakistan. This is where we are placed globally, and with the G20 presidency, our superiority will only improve in the coming days.

It is not my intent that we should be aggressive towards other countries and prove our mettle as an economic power. But I think the time has come for Indians to be confident of our own narratives. We can no longer allow the Western Neo-Colonial media to shape our narratives. The same Western media that stereotypes us as a country of snake charmers, and we are more interested in global ranking reports coming from these same organizations.

I think it is time not to be self-deprecating but honestly be self-critical of where we stand as a Nation after attaining Independence in 1947. We cannot be in an eco-chamber where we tell ourselves we are the best and we shall continue to be the best.

At the same time, we cannot simply allow some vested interests to undermine India’s growth story. The course correction should come from the citizens themselves, and we should be more forward-looking to pure data rather than this political propaganda by either the left or right parties. The Mandal politics that began in the late 20th Century is finally losing its steam with development works more concentrated on creating visible physical infrastructure in the forms of highways and other logistical constructions.

The trend of offering freebies at the cost of capital expenditure is still a dominant narrative in some state politics, but the nation as a whole has tried to move away from this vote-bank politics. While there are religious pressure groups to satisfy in terms of allocating funds, the overall story of investing in real hard infrastructure to provide employment has picked up momentum in the last decade.

Nowadays, the most prominent debates in our news channels have zeroed in on Indian youth migrating to other countries in pursuit of better jobs and living conditions. We have become some sort of a global hub in exporting talent to other developed countries where there is a scarcity of skilled human resources. This has been happening right under our nose for such a long time, and we are ignorant about it like it is a natural phenomenon in a globalised world. This happens because we have the skill and expertise, but we don’t have the conviction or confidence in our own abilities.

It is a reality that the government can only provide employment to a fraction of the population, but the attitude towards entrepreneurship should change. Indian families are usually more or less comfortable with their children aiming for a permanent government or highly salaried private jobs with employment benefits. With the weakening of the Chinese economy, we have immense opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

This can only happen if this whole negative attitude about India changes in a matter of perception. We cannot allow foreign or domestic media to cloud our minds with this endless negativity. They have rating obligations and targets to meet, but for us, we have a bright future to accomplish. While we course correct whatever that is going wrong on our part, it is also important to look at the brighter side and be happy about it. There is always a hidden picture in all the narratives.

Annamalai, an equal threat to corruption, DMK and AIADMK

Opinions

S Ranganathan

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11 March 2023

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<strong>Annamalai, an equal threat to corruption, DMK and AIADMK</strong>

The recent rhetoric war between some AIADMK and BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu is certainly a good sign but many political analysts would say differently because of electoral reality where both BJP and AIADMK are necessary for each other to convert votes to seat.

A strong BJP is not the one that opposes DMK at ideological and other levels but also must oppose AIADMK’s weakness and the leadership crisis of the party. Most of the AIADMK supporters are essentially anti-DMK voters and they can gravitate towards BJP only when they see BJP is growing, very aggressive and will not be subservient to alliance partner and instead BJP is an equal force in Tamil Nadu. Definitely, BJP after the entry of Annamalai to the center stage, has turned BJP into a formidable force in Tamil Nadu, a force that cannot be dismissed easily by both DMK and AIADMK.

BJP is a growing political force in Tamil Nadu and will grow rapidly. AIADMK must realize the bitter truth that the party is in decline ever since Amma died and therefore, AIADMK require BJP. The initial decline of AIADMK will definitely favour DMK and soon the decline of AIADMK will ensure the phenomenal growth of BJP.

The political messaging of Anna, great charisma and appeal of MGR and political prudence of Amma and the personal integrity of Kamaraj, all we can find in excess in Annamalai.

Therefore, dealing Annamalai is not easy. Only political leader next to Amit Shaw who can reflect the mind of Modiji in India is Annamalai. Like a powerful magnet, Annamalai attract people across the spectrum, and, need much more support of central leadership of BJP to Annamalai.

If AIADMK decides to terminate its political partnership with BJP, the loss is going to be great for AIADMK than for BJP. Such decision would further disintegrate AIADMK after the cruel loss in the coming election and certainly that would go in favour of BJP in near future. Today, it looks like AIADMK is at the mercy of BJP, definitely not on poll arithmetic but for own survival and relevance.

India has transformed dramatically thanks to the good and transformative governance of Modiji and sooner than later, people of Tamil Nadu are also going to realize and will reject both drawidian parties totally.

The rapid growth of BJP in Tamil Nadu at ideological level in turn would consolidate the ideological support base of DMK and therefore DMK may like the growth of BJP for the time being but the clueless, headless chicken-AIADMK is going to suffer greatly both from ideological level and political level due to the increasing relevance of BJP.

Annamalai must take a clear stand. It is not teaching a fitting lesson electorally to DMK alone should be goal of BJP but BJP also must show the place of EPS led AIADMK faction in Tamil Nadu politics.

The political isolation and political anathema created by single ownerships based political parties in India along with family run congress to play anti-Hindu politics only has given massive support base for BJP which is going remain forever. Similarly, if AIADMK decides to terminate alliance with BJP to woo minority voters, will bring tectonic shift in Tamil Nadu politics like the one happened in India when Modiji came to the centre stage of Indian politics from Gujarat politics.

Annamalai is seen by most people of Tamil Nadu as the future of Tamil Nadu from leadership per se and therefore, the central leadership of BJP must pamper Annamalai and must provide him free hand and space.

If AIADMK decides to dig own graveyard, BJP should not bother much because in long run, BJP is only going to benefit from the suicide of EPS led AIADMK fraction for the break of political alliance with BJP. BJP must focus in southern districts of Tamil Nadu along with OPS, TTV and others and in the fortress of EPS, Annamalai and Senthil Balajee of DMK can easily teach a lesson to EPS led AIADMK fraction.

The day will prove EPS had committed a grave mistake and will realize he has also lost his time to correct as he has gone irrelevant like Sasikala. Tamil Nadu is going to have Annamalai as its Chief Minister, it is not prediction but a definite pointer.

स्वास्थ्य, शराब, शिक्षा और सिसोदिया। Part-2

Nagendra Pratap Singh

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11 March 2023

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मित्रो पिछले अंक में हमने देखा था की कैसे पत्रकारिता छोड़कर श्री अरविन्द केजरीवाल जी के साथ मनीष सिसोदिया जी जुड़ गए और कबीर फॉउण्डेशन से लेकर अन्ना हजारे के आंदोलन तक और फिर दिल्ली की सत्ता में भागीदार बनकर “शिक्षा घोटाला” में आरोपी बनने तक श्री मनीष सिसोदिया जी का सफर कैसा रहा। अब इस अंक में हम देखेंगे कि किस प्रकार नई अबकारी निति के अंतर्गत शराब घोटाला की पृष्ठ्भूमि बनी और मनीष जी अंतत: गिरफ्तार कर लिए गए।

अब शिक्षा मंत्री ने किस प्रकार अपनी प्रतिभा का उपयोग अबकारी विभाग में किया और एक नया घोटाला सामने आया, आइये देखें इसमे कैसे और क्या क्या हुआ?

दिल्ली के अबकारी विभाग ने श्री अरविन्द केजरीवाल जी के निर्देश पर और श्री मनीष सिसोदिया के नेतृत्व में नई और क्रांतिकारी अबकारी नीति के निर्माण का कार्य शुरु हुआ। मुख्यमंत्री और उपमुख्यमंत्री ने अत्यंत हि उत्साह और उमंग से बताया कि इस नयी अबकारी नीति के द्वारा दिल्ली के राजस्व में कुल ३५०० करोड़ रुपये का लाभ होगा।

१:- नवंबर २०२१ में बनकर तैयार की गयी नई अबकारी नीति के तहत दिल्ली में शराब की दुकानों कि संख्या बढ़ा दी गयी और अब ये ८४९ हो गयी।

२:-इस अबकारी (शराब) नीति से पूर्व दिल्ली कि ६०% दुकानें सरकार के कब्जे में थी परन्तु इस नई नीति के अंतर्गत १००% दुकाने Private Sector को दे दी गयी अत: इससे सरकार को सीधे राजस्व प्राप्त होता था उसके दरवाज़े बंद कर दिये गये।

३:-नई अबकारी नीति के अंतर्गत शराब बेचने के लिए दिये जाने वाले लाइसेंस की फीस में अभूतपूर्व वृद्धि कर दी गयी। L-1 लाइसेंस पहले २५ लाख रुपए में दे दिया जाता था इस नई शराब नीति लागू होने के पश्चात इसकी राशि ५ करोड़ रुपए कर दी गयी। इस वृद्धि से छोटे ठेकेदार लाइसेंस नहीं ले सके, जिसका सीधा लाभ बड़े व्यपारियों को मिला।

४:-उप मुख्यमंत्री और आबकारी मंत्री श्री मनीष सिसोदिया के हि निर्देश पर आबकारी विभाग द्वारा L-1 लाइसेंस प्राप्त करने वाले बिडर को ३० करोड़ रुपए वापस कर दिए,जबकि दिल्ली एक्साइज पॉलिसी में किसी भी बिडर का पैसा वापस करने का नियम नहीं है।

५:- मित्रों कोरोना काल से शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य, लघु और कुटीर उद्योग, किसान, मजदूर और बेरोजगार वर्ग को लाभ पहुंचाने की कोशिश की जर रही थी, केंद्र तथा अन्य राज्य सरकारों के द्वारा परन्तु दिल्ली की बात हि कुछ और थी, कोरोना काल में दिल्ली में सबसे ज्यादा परेशान शराब व्यवसायी हुए थे केजरीवाल और सिसोदिया की दृष्टि में अत: शराब कंपनियों को हुए नुकसान की भरपाई करने के नाम पर केजरीवाल सरकार ने लाइसेंस फीस में बड़ी छूट दी, जिसके तहत सरकार ने कंपनियों की १४४.३६ करोड़ रुपए की लाइसेंस फीस माफ कर दी थी।

६:- मनीष सिसोदिया जी ने विदेशी शराब और बियर पर मनमाने ढंग से ५० रुपए प्रति बोतल की छूट दी। यह छूट इन विदेशी कंपनियों को लाभ पहुंचाने के लिए दी गई थी। दिल्ली सरकार ने नई शराब नीति के तहत राज्य को ३२ जोन में बाँटा थाऔर् इसमें से २ जोन के ठेके एक ऐसी कंपनी को दिए गए जो ब्लैक लिस्टेड थी।

७:- मनीष सिसोदिया जी यही नहीं रुके, उन्होंने शराब बेचने वाली कंपनियों के बीच कार्टेल पर प्रतिबंध होने के बाद भी इन शराब विक्रेता कंपनियों के कार्टेल को लाइसेंस दिये और् इसके तहत शराब कंपनियों को शराब पर डिस्काउंट देने और एमआरपी पर बेचने के बजाय खुद कीमत तय करने की छूट मिल गई और बताने की आवश्यकता नहीं कि इसका लाभ भी शराब बेचने वालों को हि हुआ।

८:-नियमों को ताक पर रखते हुए कैबिनेट नोट सर्कुलेशन के बिना ही प्रस्ताव पास करा दिए गए और नई शराब नीति को लेकर कैबिनेट की बैठकों में मनमाने ढंग से फैसले लिए गए। यही नहीं, शराब विक्रेताओं को फायदा पहुँचाने के उद्देश्य से ड्राई डे की संख्या घटा दी गई अर्थात वर्ष में जंहा ड्राई डे की संख्या पहले २१ थी, वहीं नई शराब नीति के तहत दिल्ली में ड्राई डे केवल 3 दिनों तक ही सिमित कर दिया गया। इससे शिक्षा मंत्री ने अबकारी विभाग के अंतर्गत दिल्लिवासियों खासकर युवा पीढ़ी को १९ दिन ज्यादा शराब पिने का मौका दिया।

९:-मनीष सिसोदिया जी ने शराब ठेकेदारों को मिलने वाले कमीशन का प्रतिशत ५ से बढ़ाकर १२ कर दिया परन्तु यह किस नियम के अनुसार किया गया, क्यों किया गया और इससे सरकार को कैसे लाभ हुआ यह बताने में पूर्णतया असफल हो गये।

१०:-नियम यह है कि शराब को बनाने वाली कम्पनी अर्थात निर्माता कंपनी और शराब के रिटेल विक्रेता अलग-अलग होते हैँ परन्तु सिसोदिया के नेतृत्व में केजरीवाल सरकार ने दिल्ली के ३२ में से २ जोन में शराब निर्माता कंपनी को हि रिटेल में शराब बेचने की अनुमति दी। यही नहीं उपराज्यपाल को धता बताकर और उन्हे नगण्य समझकर उपराज्यपाल से अनुमति लिए बिना ही दो बार आबकारी नीति को आगे बढ़ाया गया। साथ ही मनमाने ढंग से छूट दी गई, जी हाँ मित्रों कैबिनेट की बैठक बुलाकर ही सारे फैसले ले लिए गए और इसका शराब कंपनियों ने जमकर लाभ उठाया।

११:- हमारे शिक्षा मंत्री अबकारी विभाग में इस प्रकार रच बस गये की उनके नेतृत्व में दिल्ली सरकार ने बिना किसी ठोस आधार के टेंडर में नई शर्त जोड़ते हुए कहा था कि हर वार्ड में कम से कम दो दुकानें खोलनी पड़ेंगीं। इसके लिए दिल्ली के आबकारी विभाग ने भी केंद्र सरकार से अनुमति लिए बिना ही अतिरिक्त दुकानें खोलने की अनुमति दे दी। इसका शराब निर्माता कंपनियों ने फायदा उठाया और दिल्ली के युवाओं को शराब की कमी ना हो इसके लिए सम्पूर्ण प्रबंध करा दिया।

१२:- जब शिक्षा मंत्री के नेतृत्व में दिल्ली की सरकार स्वयं ज्यादा से ज्यादा मात्र में शराब की खपत बढ़ाने में लगी थी तो फिर शराब बेचने वाले लोग पीछे क्यों रहते उन्होंने भी दिल्ली एक्साइज नियम २०१० के २६ और २७ नियमो की धज्जियाँ उड़ाते हुए सोशल मीडिया, बैनर्स और होर्डिंग्स के जरिए शराब को बढ़ावा देने लगे और नई अबकारी नीति की आड़ में दिल्ली सरकार ने कोई कार्रवाई भी नहीं की।

१३:- इस प्रकार मित्रों क्रांतिकारी शिक्षा मंत्री जी ने शराब के माध्यम से क्रांति लाने हेतु नई आबकारी नीति लागू करने के लिए राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र दिल्ली सरकार अधिनियम, 1991(जीएनसीटी एक्ट-१९९१), ट्रांजैक्शन ऑफ बिजनेस रूल्स १९९३, दिल्ली एक्साइज एक्ट २००९ और दिल्ली एक्साइज रूल्स २०१० का सीधे तौर पर उल्लंघन किया।

अब शिक्षा मंत्री पर गाज कैसे गिरी?

हे मित्रों जुलाई २०२२ में दिल्ली के उपराज्यपाल विनय कुमार सक्सेना ने दिल्ली सरकार की एक्साइज पॉलिसी २०२१-२२ की जांच केंद्रीय जांच ब्यूरो (सीबीआई) से कराने की सिफारिश की थी। आदरणीय उपराज्यपाल विनय कुमार सक्सेना की कार्रवाई दिल्ली सरकार के मुख्य सचिव नरेश कुमार द्वारा प्रस्तुत एक रिपोर्ट पर आधारित थी। विदित हो कि दिल्ली के मुख्य सचिव नरेश कुमार ने उपराज्यपाल के कार्यालय को एक रिपोर्ट सौंपी थी, जिसमें अबकारी नीति के कार्यान्वयन में प्रक्रियात्मक खामियों का आरोप लगाया गया था और दावा किया गया था कि लाइसेंसधारियों को निविदा के बाद के लाभ दिए गए थे। सीबीआई मामले की जांच कर रही है।

सीबीआई ने जो पहली FIR दर्ज कराई थी उसमें दिनेश अरोड़ा का भी नाम था।दिनेश अरोड़ा दिल्ली के रेस्तरां इंडस्ट्री का जाना-माना नाम हैं । FIR में राधा इंडस्ट्रीज के डायरेक्टर दिनेश अरोड़ा के अलावा रिटेल प्राइवेट लिमिटेड कंपनी के डायरेक्टर अमित अरोड़ा और अर्जुन पांडे का नाम शामिल किया गया है। इन्हें डिप्टी सीएम मनीष सिसोदिया का करीबी बताया गया था। नवंबर २०२२ में दिनेश अरोड़ा ने खुद दिल्ली की अदालत में अर्जी दाखिल कर सरकारी गवाह बनने और मामले से जुड़ी सारी बातें बताने के लिए अर्जी दी थी। दिनेश अरोड़ा ने कोर्ट में बताया था उन पर किसी तरह का दबाव नहीं है और न ही CBI के कहने पर ऐसा किया है।

दिल्ली के उप-मुख्यमंत्री और शराब नीति बनाने वाले आबकारी मंत्री मनीष सिसोदिया की गिरफ्तारी को लेकर आम आदमी पार्टी हँगामा कर रही है। कहा जा रहा है कि चार्जशीट में नाम न होने के बाद भी उन्हें गिरफ्तार क्यों किया गया। दरअसल, सिसोदिया की गिरफ्तारी में दिल्ली के इसी बड़े कारोबारी दिनेश अरोड़ा की भूमिका अहम मानी जा रही है।मनीष सिसोदिया को २६ फरवरी २०२३ को ८ घंटे चली पूछताछ के बाद सीबीआई ने गिरफ्तार कर लिया! सिसोदिया पर आईपीसी की धारा 120-B(अपराधिक षड्यंत्र) और 47 -A (सबूत को नष्ट करने का अपराध) लगाई गई है!

दरअसल, शराब घोटाले के आरोपितों ने १७० फोन बदले थे। इसमें से सिसोदिया ने ४ फोन बदले थे। जाँच एजेंसियों का मानना है कि इन फोन में ही अहम सबूत थे। इसलिए सिसोदिया समेत अन्य आरोपितों ने या तो इन्हें बदल दिया या तोड़/नष्ट कर दिया। अब सीबीआई तमाम सबूतों को इकट्ठा करने के बाद सिसोदिया से पूछताछ कर रही है।

प्राथमिकी में कहा गया है कि सिसोदिया, दिल्ली के पूर्व आबकारी आयुक्त अरावा गोपी कृष्णा और दो अन्य वरिष्ठ आबकारी विभाग के अधिकारियों ने “वर्ष २०२१-२२ के लिए आबकारी नीति से संबंधित निर्णय लेने और सिफारिश करने में सहायक प्राधिकारी की मंजूरी के बिना विस्तार करने के इरादे तथा निविदा के बाद लाइसेंसधारी को अनुचित लाभ” पहुंचाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई थी। शिक्षा मंत्री ने गिरफ्तारी के बाद, २८ फरवरी २०२३ को अपने कैबिनेट सहयोगी, श्री सत्येंद्र जैन (जिन्हें भ्रष्टाचार के आरोप में गिरफ्तार भी किया गया था) के साथ केजरीवाल मंत्रालय से अपने अपने पदों से इस्तीफा दे दिया। दिल्ली के शराब घोटाला मामले में गिरफ्तार आरोपित मनीष सिसोदिया को सीबीआई ने दिल्ली की राउज एवेन्यू कोर्ट में पेश किया। जहाँ सुनवाई करते हुए कोर्ट ने उन्हें ५ दिन की रिमांड में भेज दिया है। इसका मतलब साफ है कि अब सीबीआई सिसोदिया से और कड़ी पूछताछ करेगी।

हालांकि दिल्ली के शराब नीति को लेकर केजरीवाल सरकार ने दावा किया था कि इससे राजस्व में ३५०० करोड़ रुपए का लाभ होगा, इस पूरे मामले की जाँच करते हुए ईडी ने पाया है कि इस शराब घोटाले से राजस्व में २८७३ करोड़ रुपए का नुकसान हुआ है।

निष्कर्ष:-

शिक्षा मंत्री ने शिक्षा मंत्रालय में हुए घोटाले के अंतर्गत १२१४ टॉयलेट्स को class room बताया था और शराब घोटाले में हर जोन में २ शराब की दुकाने खोलने का शर्तिया प्रावधान दिया था अत: उनका पुरा कार्यक्रम ये था की एक विद्यार्थी टॉयलेट के कम्बोड पर बैठ के फिनलैंड वाली पढ़ाई करेगा और स्कूल से छूटते हि पास की दुकान से बिल्कुल ताजी शराब की बोतल खरीदेगा और फिर नई शिक्षा नीति और अबकारी नीति के तहत बाकी लोगों को नौकरी देगा।

अब आप स्वयं सोचे यदी शिक्षक शराब बेचकर राजस्व कमाने की सोचने लगे तो फिर कुछ बचता हि नहीं।

विद्वत्त्वं दक्षता शीलं सङ्कान्तिरनुशीलनम् । शिक्षकस्य गुणाः सप्त सचेतस्त्वं प्रसन्नता ॥ अर्थात विद्वत्व, दक्षता, शील, संक्रांति, अनुशीलन, सचेतत्व, और प्रसन्नता – ये सात शिक्षक के गुण हैं , तो क्या ये शिक्षा मंत्री के गुण नहीं।

लेखन और संकलन :- नागेंद्र प्रताप सिंह (अधिवक्ता)

स्वास्थ्य, शराब, शिक्षा और सिसोदिया: Part-1

Nagendra Pratap Singh

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11 March 2023

0

स्वास्थ्य, शराब, शिक्षा और सिसोदिया: Part-1

मित्रों आज हम इस लेख में कट्टर ईमानदार और क्रांतिकारी शिक्षा मंत्री आदरणीय श्री मनीष सिसोदिया जी के विषय में चर्चा और परिचर्चा करेंगे।

मित्रों शिक्षा के विषय में हमारे शास्त्र कहते हैँ:-

विद्यां ददाति विनयं विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्। पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति धनात् धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥

विद्या विनय देती है; विनय से पात्रता, पात्रता से धन, धन से धर्म, और धर्म से सुख प्राप्त होता है। अर्थात भौतिक, सांसारिक और अध्यात्मिक सुख का माध्यम ये विद्यार्जन या शिक्षा हि है।

इसी प्रकार मित्रों स्वास्थ्य के विषय में हमारे शास्त्र कहते हैँ:-

व्यायामात् लभते स्वास्थ्यं दीर्घायुष्यं बलं सुखं। आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम्॥

व्यायाम से स्वास्थ्य, लंबी आयु, शक्ति और प्रसन्नता प्राप्त होती है। स्वस्थ रहना परम नियति है और अन्य सभी कार्य स्वास्थ्य द्वारा सिद्ध होते हैं। अर्थात एक स्वस्थ मनुष्य हि समस्त सुखो का उपभोग कर सकता है, यादी आप मानसिक और शारीरिक रूप से स्वस्थ हैँ तो कोई भी लक्ष्य आपके लिए असाध्य नहीं।

मित्रों हमारे शास्त्रों ने मदिरा अर्थात शराब के विषय में भी कुछ कहते हैँ:-

हृत्सु पीतासो युध्यन्ते दुर्मदासो न सुरायाम्”

अर्थात सुरापान करने या नशीले पदार्थों को पीने वाले अक्सर युद्ध, मार-पिटाई या उत्पात मचाया करते हैं।

अब आइये हम मनीष सिसोदिया जी के बारे में थोड़ी सी जानकारी प्राप्त कर ले।

मनीष सिसोदिया का जन्म उत्तर प्रदेश के हापुड़ जिले के फगौता गांव के एक हिंदू परिवार में दिनांक ५ जनवरी १९७२ को हुआ था । इनके पिताजी एक पब्लिक स्कूल में शिक्षक थे, इन्होंने अपने गाँव के सरकारी स्कूल में दाखिला लिया और प्रारम्भिक शिक्षा प्राप्त कर लेने के पश्चात पत्रकारिता में डिप्लोमा पूरा करने के बाद एक पत्रकार के रूप में अपना करियर शुरू किया,और फिर वर्ष १९९७ से वर्ष २००५ के बीच एक रिपोर्टर, समाचार निर्माता और समाचार पाठक के रूप में ज़ी न्यूज़ के लिए काम किया।

अरविन्द केजरीवाल से मित्रता:-

पत्रकारिता के दौरान हि मनीष सिसोदिया की मुलाक़ात श्री अरविन्द केजरीवाल से हुई और फिर उन्होंने पत्रकारिता छोड़ने के पश्चात, केजरीवाल के साथ मिलकर एक “कबीर’ नामक गैर लाभकारी गैर सरकारी संगठन की स्थापना की। आपको बताते चले कि श्री अरविन्द केजरीवाल जी ने स्वयं स्वीकार किया की उनके “कबीर” नामक संगठन को जार्ज सोरोस नामक अमेरिकन व्यवसायी से फंड मिलता था, मित्रो ये वाही जार्ज सोरोस है, जिसने भारत की अर्थव्यवस्था को चौपट करने और माफी सरकार को गिराकर कांग्रेस की सरकार बनाने के लिए १ बिलियन डालर खर्च करने की बात कही है।

यह जार्ज सोरोस भारत के उन सभी NGO को अपने Ford Foundation और Open Society Foundation से फंडिंग करता है, जो भारत विरोधी गतिविधियों में संलग्न रहते हैँ, तो आप स्वयं समझ सकते हैँ कि फिर “कबीर” को पैसे देर के पीछे क्या उद्देश्य हो सकता है।यही नहीं मनीष जी, श्री अरविन्द केजरीवाल के साथ ‘सार्वजनिक हित अनुसन्धान फाउण्डेशन’ (Public Cause Research Foundation) नामक गैर सरकारी संगठन के सह-संस्थापक भी हैं। वे ‘अपना पन्ना’ नामक हिन्दी मासिक पत्र के सम्पादक हैं।

अन्ना हजारे का आंदोलन:-

मित्रों वर्ष २०११ तक दिल्ली हि नहीं पुरा देश कांग्रेस के लूटपाट और भ्र्ष्टाचार से त्राहि त्राहि कर रहा था उस पर से फिल्ली में हुए कमानवेल्थ खेल घोटाले ने जन आक्रोश का सैलाब ला दिया। इसी भ्र्ष्टाचार के विरुद्ध और लोकपाल बिल की मांग को लेकर महाराष्ट्र के अन्ना हजारे ने दिल्ली में एक धरना प्रदर्शन और भूख हड़ताल भी किया। यही से अरविन्द केजरीवाल और मनीष सिसोदिया ने मिलकर दिल्ली के सत्ता पर बैठने का ताना बाना तैयार कर लिया। वो पूरे तन और मन से इस आंदोलन में कुड़ पड़े और सही मौका देखते हि एक “आम आदमी पार्टी” की रचनाकर दिल्ली की सत्ता को हथियाने का कार्यक्रम शुरु किया और अंतत: सर्वप्रथम जिस कांग्रेस के भ्र्ष्टाचार के विरुद्ध उन्होंने आंदोलन शुतु किया था उसी कांग्रेस के साथ मिलकर सरकार बना ली।वह आम आदमी पार्टी (आप) की राष्ट्रीय कार्यकारी समिति के सदस्य हैं और आप के संस्थापक सदस्य भी हैं।

मित्रों आपको याद होगा की पहली बार जीतकर जब अरविन्द केजरीवाल और मनीष सिसोदिया ने दिल्ली में कांग्रेस के सहयोग से सरकार बनायीं तो पुराने भ्र्ष्टों का नये भ्र्ष्टों के साथ यह मेल ज्यादा लम्बा नहीं चला। अत:पहली सरकार जो आम आदमी पार्टी ने बनायीं वो गिर गयी और फिर से मध्यवाधि विधानसभा के चुनाव हुआ, जिसमे आम आदमी पार्टी सबसे बड़ी प्रती के रूप में सामने आयी और दिल्ली में उन्होंने बहुमत के आधार पर सरकार बना ली।मनीष सिसोदिया जी को पार्टी ने २०१३ के दिल्ली विधान सभा चुनाव के लिए पटपड़गंज विधान सभा क्षेत्र का उम्मीदवार बनाया और् इस चुनाव में वे विजयी रहे।

मनीष सिसोदिया जी दिनांक १४ फरवरी २०१५ से २८ फरवरी २०२३ ई तक लगातार दिल्ली के उपमुख्यमंत्री रहे और इनके पास, शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य और अबकारी (शराब) विभाग सहित कुल १८ विभाग रहे! इसके अतिरिक्त वो सभी विभाग भी इन्ही के हाथों में थे जो किसी अन्य मंत्री को नहीं दिये गये थे।

अब आइये शिक्षा मंत्री के रूप में इनके कार्य को देख लेते हैँ।

मित्रों आपको याद होगा कि जून २०२२ में मनीष सिसोदिया के विरुद्ध स्कूलों और कक्षाओं के निर्माण को लेकर दिल्ली सरकार की भ्रष्टाचार निरोधक शाखा (एसीबी) में शिकायत दर्ज कराई गई थी। जुलाई २०२२ में भ्रष्टाचार निरोधक प्राधिकरण दिल्ली लोकायुक्त भी जांच कर रहा है। आइये देखते हैँ पुरा मामला क्या है:-

:-मित्रों शिक्षा मंत्रालय का कार्यभार हाथ में आते हि मनीष सिसोदिया जी ने क्रांतिकारी कदम उठाना शुरु कर दिया। सर्वप्रथम उन्होंने सर्वें कराकर यह पता लगाया की स्कूलों में बच्चों को बैठने के लिए पर्याप्त कक्षाओं की व्यवस्था है नहीं

:- मित्रो इस सर्वें से ज्ञात हुआ कि दिल्ली के १९३ स्कूलों में करीब २४०५ अतिरिक्त कक्षाओं की आवश्यकता है। अत: लोक कल्याण विभाग (PWD) को उन कक्षाओ के निर्माण का निर्देश दिया गया। विदित हो की PWD और वित्त मंत्रालय भी आदरणीय मनीष सिसोदिया जी के पास हि था।

:- लोक निर्माण विभाग (PWD) ने भी सोचा, क्यों ना हम भी एक सर्वें करा ले। और जब इन्होंने सर्वें कराया तो पता चला कि दिल्ली के १९४ स्कूलों में कुल ७१८० कक्षाओं (ECR अर्थात Equivalent Class Room) की आवश्यकता है, जो की पहले के सर्वेक्षण से तिन गुना अधिक संख्या बतलाती है।

:- इसके पश्चात मुख्यमंत्री श्री अरविन्द केजरीवाल और उप मुख्यमंत्री मनीष शिशोदिया के आदेश पर युद्धस्तर पर कार्य आरम्भ कर दिया गया और कक्षाए तैयार होने लगी और इधर श्री मनीष सिसोदिया जी एक क्रांतिकारी शिक्षक के रूप में प्रचारित किये जाने लगे।

:- पर Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) अपना कार्य करती रही और दिनांक १७ फरवरी २०२० को एक रिपोर्ट तैयार करके करीब १३०० करोड़ रुपये के घोटाले का PWD पर आरोप लगाते हुए दिल्ली के Vigilance Department अर्थात सतर्कता विभाग को यह रिपोर्ट सौप कर उनकी टिप्पणी मांगी।

:- अब मित्रो सतर्कता विभाग अर्थात Vigilance Department भी सिसोदिया जी के हि हाथ में था अत: CVC की यह रिपोर्ट पूरे ढाई वर्ष तक दबा के रखी गयी।

:-इसके बाद अगस्त २०२२ में दिल्ली के LG (उप राजयपाल) ने मुख्य सचिव को निर्देश देकर इस २.५ बर्ष कि की गयी देरी की जांच करके रिपोर्ट देने को कहा।

:- दिल्ली के मुख्य सचिव द्वारा जाँच की बात सुन, सतर्कता विभाग जाग उठा और उसने CVC की रिपोर्ट पर अपनी मुहर लगाते हुए स्वीकार किया कि जम के घोटाला हुआ है।दिल्ली सरकार के विजिलेंस डिपार्टमेंट (DoV) ने मुख्य सचिव को अपनी रिपोर्ट सौपते हुए दावा किया कि राजधानी के १९३ सरकारी स्कूलों में २४०५ कक्षाओ के निर्माण के दौरान जमकर भ्रष्टाचार किया गया।

DoV की रिपोर्ट में क्या बताया गया:-

१:- टेंडर प्रोसेस में उलटफेर करने के लिए नियमों का उल्लंघन हुआ।

२:- बेहतर सुविधाएं बढ़ाने के नाम पर 205.45 करोड़ रुपए अतिरिक्त खर्च किया गया।

३:-गैर संवैधानिक एजेंसियां/व्यक्ति (जैसे मैसर्स बब्बर एंड बब्बर एसोसिएट्स) प्रसाशन चला रहे थे और सरकारी अधिकारियों के लिए नियम और शर्तें बना रहे थे और फिर दिल्ली का पुरा प्रशासन इन नियमों का पालन करवा रहा था।

:-बेहतर सुविधाओं के नाम पर कंस्ट्रक्शन कॉस्ट ९०% तक बढ़ाई गई। दिल्ली सरकार ने बिना टेंडर के ५०० करोड़ रुपए की बढ़ोतरी को मंजूरी भी दे दी।

:- जीएफआर Manual अर्थात Manual for the Procurement of Goods के नियमों अछूत माना गया।

:-सीपीडब्ल्यूडी वर्क्स मैनुअल( CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT) का जमकर उल्लंघन करते हुए घटिया क्वालिटी का अधूरा काम किया गया।

:-१९४ स्कूलों में १६० टॉयलेट्स बनाए जाने थे, लेकिन ३७ करोड़ रुपए अतिरिक्त खर्च करके १२१४ टॉयलेट बनाए दिये गये।

:- इन १२१४ टॉयलेट को Class-Room बताया गया।

:-इस प्रोजेक्ट के लिए शुरु में कुल ९८९.२६ करोड़ रुपये का आवंटन किया गया था, जबकी टेंडर की वैल्यू ८६०.६३ करोड़ रुपये थी।

:- प्रोजेक्ट में कुल १३१५.५७ करोड़ रुपए खर्च हुए।

:-कोई नया टेंडर दिए बिना अतिरिक्त कार्य किया जा रहा था, जिसके परिणामस्वरूप इस प्रोजेक्ट की कीमत ३२६.२५ करोड़ रुपए तक बढ़ गई, जो टेंडर के लिए सेंक्शन अमाउंट से ५३% ज्यादा है।

:- प्रोजेक्ट की कीमत तो ५३% बढ़ गयी परन्तु Class -Room केवल ४०२७ हि बनाये गये।

अब इस प्रकार देखें तो शिक्षा विभाग, PWD और वित्त मंत्रालय अभी इस घोटाले में डुबकी लगा हि रहा था कि शराब घोटाले कि नई पृष्ठभूमि तैयार हो गयी। मित्रों आपको ज्ञात होगा कि अभी कुछ दिन पूर्व हि दिल्ली के शिक्षकों को “फिनलैंड” भेजकर भारतीय बच्चों को कैसे शिक्षा दे इसका प्रशिक्षण लेने के लिए मनीष सिसोदिया जी द्वारा प्रेषित फाईल को मंजूरी देने से उप राज्यपाल जी ने मना कर दिया। अब मित्रों अब यह समझ से परे है की मनीष सिसोदिया जैसा क्रांतिकारी शिक्षक होने के बावजूद भी दिल्ली के शिक्षक फिनलैंड वालों से क्या सीखना चाहते थे। अत: संभव है की एक और घोटाला होते होते रह गया।

मित्रों हमारे शास्त्र शिक्षक अर्थात गुरु के बारे में निम्न विचार प्रस्तुत करते हैँ:-

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा ग्रुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः। गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः।।

अर्थात गुरु ब्रह्मा है, गुरु विष्णु है, और गुरु ही भगवान शंकर है। गुरु हि साक्षात् परब्रह्म है, उन सद्गुरु को प्रणाम करता हूँ। अब सोंचने वाली बात ये है कि क्या मनीष सिसोदिया या फिर बिहार के शिक्षा मंत्री चंद्रशेखर यादव के बारे में ऐसा सोचा जा सकता है। मित्रों इस अंक में शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में अद्भुत योगदान को हमने देखा अब अगले अंक में हम आबकारी (शराब) के क्षेत्र में सिसोदिया जी के क्रन्तिकारी योगदान पर चर्चा और परिचर्चा करेंगे।

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