On Bapu’s death anniversary, hundreds come together to fight corruption
(TODAY WAS MY 46TH B'DAY.I CELEBRATED IT HAVING NICE EVENING DINNER AT HOME WITH ALL FAMILY MEMBERS.SUDHIRJI'S BROTHER,NEPHEW(FAMILY),2 SISTERS(ONE FROM BHOPAL) AND ONE'S HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER(FAMILY) BESIDES....OUR FAMILY OF MA-BABUJI,SUDHIRJI,CHINU AND ME.....BUT IN THE AFTERNOON,I HAVE BEEN TO THIS RALLY(I HAVE BEEN TO SUCH RALLY ONCE BEFORE)...I THINK ITS MY WAY TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE FATHER OF THE NATION.
GOOD TO SEE AND HEAR WORTHWHILE VIEWS AND SPIRITED SPEECHES.BEST PART OF IT WAS NOT 'BHADE/KIRAYEE KI BHEEDH' BUT REAL ENTHUSIASTIC AND RESPONDING 'AAM JANTA',I WAS ONE OF THEM.
ATLEAST 70% OF PEOPLE WERE LISTENING AND RESPONDING TO THEM,IF NOT 100%.GOOD WISHES IF ITS DEMAND CONVERTED INTO CONCRETE REALITY OF DRAFTS AS LAWS AND CHANGE IN PEOPLE'S MINDSET.MET FEW PEOPLE OF 'ART OF LIVING' GROUP FROM AUDIENCES...HAD CONVERSATION....ONE QUESTION IS STILL IN PEOPLE'S MIND...IF I AM DOING A JOB OR A HOUSEWIFE???.
WELL I WAS A FULL TIME MEDIA PERSON TILL 2000(THOUGH I WORKED 'RUK-RUK KE.'NOW FREELANCING OCCASSIONALLY.SO NOW FOR SO MANY YEARS I AM A HOUSEWIFE THOUGH WORKED FOR AN NGO(VMS) FOR SENIOR WOMEN CITIZENS-AN AFFLIATED BRANCH OF NATIONAL WOMEN COMMISSION IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD AS VOLUNTEER.WORKING HOURS WERE OF FEW HOURS OF ALTERNATE DAYS IN A WEEK. MY CONCEPT OF FORMING IT IS DIFFERENT.ITS MORE LIKE PARIWAAR OF WHICH OBJECTIVES ARE FAMILY RELATED PROBLEMS WHICH EFFECT IN DAILY LIFE OF A PERSON...AND PERSONS FORMS A FAMILY AND FAMILIES FORMS A SOCIETY AND THUS 'SPECTRUM' OR 'DAYRA' EXPANDS AND ITS COLLECTIVE EFFORTS AND PROBLEMS REFLECTS IN COUNTRY'S GROWTH.AND SO ON IN WORLDS GROWTH AS EVEN COUNTRY'S HAS NEIGHBOURHOOD PROBLEMS.ITS A BASIC THEORY OF SOCIOLOGY.BUT DO BELIEVE IN GETTING IT DONE PROFESSIONALLY.WELL PROFESSIONALISM DOESN'T MEAN BLEWING UP MONEY UNNECCESSARILY IN SHOWOFFS ONLY.ITS MY VIEW.ONE CAN BE PROFESSIONAL WHILE WORKING SPENTTHREFTLY....NOT SPENDING MONEY UNNECCESSARILY.
WAS GIRL GUIDE IN SCHOOL AND IN NCC (FOR A YEAR) IN COLLEGE(THAT WAS MANDATORY)...VOLUNTEERED IN NSS WITHOUT BEING ITS MEMBER AND USED TO READ OUT LESSONS REGULARLY FOR MY JUNIOR BLIND FRIEND IN COLLEGE HOSTEL(WAS NOT NECCESSARY TO MENTION IT BUT???WAS EDITOR OF COLLEGE MAGAZINE,PRESIDENT OF WRITERS FORUM,GENERAL SECRATORY OF HINDI SAHITYA SABHA THERE!!!HAD ORGANIZED NATIONAL DEBATE COMPETITION FOR COLLEGE PLATINIUM JUBLEE FOR WHICH MR.NATWAR SINGHJI,SMT MRINAL PANDEYJI,JUSTICE SHRI H.R.KHANNAJI CAME WITH THE VOLUNTEERILY HELP BY SUDHIRJI WHO HAD DESIGNED OUR TROPHY AND LOGO,POSTERS ETC FREE OF COST,WHICH WAS SPONSORED BY HIS TIMES GROUP...TO IMPRESS ME THEN!!!FOLLOWING OUR FOOTPRINT,ADITI HAS ALSO ORGANIZED AND PARTICIPATED AND WON TROPHY IN INTER COLLEGE FASHION SHOWS IN AND OUT AT DELHI COLLEGE OF ART AND AT BIT'S PILANI,IIT RONDEVOUS(WON 2ND PRIZE) AND AT NID COLLEGE FESTIVALS..
....ONE OF MY SCHOOL FRIEND(WAS 30 YRS BACK) WISHED ME TO BECOME MORE WISE WITH TIME AND HAVE MORE WISEDOM...SO AS MANY MORE DIFFERENT NICE AND POSITIVE CENTIMENTS AND VIEWS...THROUGH MAILS.
IN SO MANY YEARS,I HAVE LEARNT MUCH MORE FROM LIFE AND FROM SUDHIRJI SPECIALLY TV PROGRAMME MAKING, AS I HAVE DONE MANY THINGS WHICH,I HAD DONE EARLIER BUT WHEN SUDHIRJI HAS DONE IT,I LEARNT TO BE MORE OBJECTIVE AND PERFECTIONIST IN EVERY WORK...AS I WAS BIT ADVENTOROUS,"AS OTHERS OBSERVED AND SAID" ...IN MY WORK AND LIFE. CAN'T SAY IF HE HAS LEARNT ANYTHING FROM ME OR NOT,THAT HE'LL SAY. HE IS MUCH RESPECTED PERSON.WAS A SCIENCE STUDENT TILL GRADUATION BUT HAS DONE M.A. IN ENGLISH LITREATURE....BUT GOOD IN BOTH THE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE....HAS WRITTEN REPORTS FOR NBT..ON DROUGHT OF RAJASTHAN AND TAKEN INTERVIEWS OF PERSONALITIES....BESIDES CARICATURING THEM FOR HIS COLOUMN THERE AND IN HT.HAS USED TO ORGANIZE ANNUA;L CARTOON CONTEST.HAS CONTRIBUTED IN ART AND CULTURE OF COUNTRY....AS ART OF CARTOONING COMES UNDER BOTH CATEGORY OF ART AND JOURNALISM.HE DO MAKE CARTOONS ON SOCIAL AND DEVOLOPMENT ISSUES INCLUDING HEALTH EDUCATION ETC,BESIDES ON NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL NEWS.
BUT WE DO THINK BIT DIFFERENTLY AT TIMES AS AN INDIVIDUAL.....!!!
I DON'T BELIEVE IN 'GIVE AND TAKE' OF GIFTS AND MONEY UNNECCESSRILY.
BUT DO LIKE MOTIVATING OR GUIDING YOUNGSTERS AND EVEN LEARNING FROM THEM...IF NECCESSARY...ITS A PERSONALITY DEVOLOPMENT POINTS.
THOUGH IT IS IN OUR INDIAN CULTURE.'RINAM KRITVA GHRITAM PIVETE'....BUT TO FOLLOW ALL RITUALS AND TRADITIONS WHETHER ITS NECCESSARY OR NOT???
NOW STARTED AN NGO.."ADITIFOUNDATION"(THOUGH HAVENOT DONE MUCH...WHEN IT STARTED ADITIFOUNDATION.BLOGSPOT.COM'S BLOG,FIRST THING I DID WAS PUTTING 'CAG REPORT' ON IN IT'S FLASH IN SIDE COLOUMN OF IT.IT GET UPDATED EVERYDAY.)....WISH TO WORK AND MAKE MY CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY,AND PAYBACK TO IT,WHICH HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH AND DEFINITLY CREATE MY OWN IDENTITY AND GROW OR EVOLVE AS A PERSON AND CONTRIBUTES IN BECOMING SAMARTH PARIWAR,BUT FOR THAT ONE NEED TO DO FIELD WORK ALSO OFFICIALLY.BESIDES BEING A GOOD HOUSEWIFE,BAHU OF FAMILY,WIFE OF SUDHIRJI,MOTHER OF A DAUGHTER,AND BHABHI...OTHER THEN BETI OF BIHAR AND BAHU OF RAJASTHAN(I AM PROUD OF BOTH)!!!...WHICH I ALWAYS WAS AND WILL BE.THAT'S MY PRIORITY.ITS UPTO FAMILY MEMBERS TO REALISE OR SAY WHATEVER CONTRIBUTION WAS MINE IN THEIR LIVES AND PARIWAR.WHETHER I WAS BUSY OR FREE.
I DON'T NEED TO PROVE THAT ATLEAST.
OTHERS ARE ALREADY DOING BOTH THE WORK,SO NO NEED TO DESCRIBE IT!!!.....VIBHA TAILANG)
Some called it independent India’s largest “civil uprising” against corruption, others called it the best initiative to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary. Azad Maidan in South Mumbai saw several hundred people turn up on Sunday evening to protest against corruption — not as many as the organisers would have liked, but all of them with a clear and united voice against the spate of scams that have come to light in the past few months.
The rally was organised in various cities across the country simultaneously by a group of NGOs who came together under the common platform of ‘India Against Corruption’. Amongst the many demands of the group, the most voiced ones included strengthening of anti-corruption laws and creation of the anti-corruption authority in the Lokpal at the Centre and a Lokayukta in each state for speedy prosecution of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats.
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The group is opposed to the ineffective prosecution of tainted politicians and bureaucrats and is demanding the introduction of a new Lokpal Bill drafted by citizens’ consensus. Mayank Gandhi from the Jagrut Nagrik Manch said that while departmental inquiries yield no results, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau are mere puppets in the hands of the ruling party. “We are demanding the formation of a Lokpal and Lokayuktas who will be directly elected by people of the country. We want this independent body to have power to dismiss a corrupt officer or politician. It will have the right to enquire and hear in to every complaint,” said Gandhi.
Former commissioner of police Julio Ribeiro said the urgent need was to create awareness about the inappropriate attitude amongst ruling politicians and bureaucrats. “Over the past decades, bureaucrats and politicians have forgotten that they are given their position to serve the nation and its people. But as we are witnessing so many scams and poor prosecution levels, it seems like these people have begun to believe that it is their right to misuse the powers vested in the position that they hold,” said Ribeiro.
The group is against the existing Lokpal Bill which gives Lokayukta only advisory powers at the state level. “The proposed recommendations to the Lokpal Bill have been drafted by Kiran Bedi, JM Lyngdoh, Justice Santosh Hegde and Advocate Prashant Bhushan. These will make the Lokayukta powerful and the prosecution period for a convicted corrupt government official will not extend beyond two years. If the government opposes the implementation of these recommendations and fails to accept them by March 31, we will go on a hunger strike,” said Gandhi.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Rahul Gandhi on drive to attract youth"The rot is in the political structure. We have to change that-my work is to repair the political system29/1/11
Youth Congress: Rahul Gandhi on drive to attract youth
AURANGABAD (MAHARASHTRA): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said political parties lack democracy and there was a "rot" in the political structure which needs to be changed by opening the doors of the system.
"The rot is in the political structure. We have to change that. My whole attention is towards that," he said.
"The answer lies in opening the doors of political system," Rahul, who is on the last leg of his three-day visit to Maharashtra, told reporters here.
On the issue of corruption, he said, "Corruption is taking place because doors of the political system are closed and the average person who wants to do good is not allowed in."
"Common people feel politics is corrupt...it is not working the way it should work. We believe the only way to change this is to look at the way parties are structured," he said.
Rahul said he was extremely happy to see the response we are getting in Youth Congress .
To a query on his party fielding him as Prime Minister in next polls, Rahul said, "This is your assumption, not my assumption. My assumption and my work is to repair the political system."
AURANGABAD (MAHARASHTRA): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said political parties lack democracy and there was a "rot" in the political structure which needs to be changed by opening the doors of the system.
"The rot is in the political structure. We have to change that. My whole attention is towards that," he said.
"The answer lies in opening the doors of political system," Rahul, who is on the last leg of his three-day visit to Maharashtra, told reporters here.
On the issue of corruption, he said, "Corruption is taking place because doors of the political system are closed and the average person who wants to do good is not allowed in."
"Common people feel politics is corrupt...it is not working the way it should work. We believe the only way to change this is to look at the way parties are structured," he said.
Rahul said he was extremely happy to see the response we are getting in Youth Congress .
To a query on his party fielding him as Prime Minister in next polls, Rahul said, "This is your assumption, not my assumption. My assumption and my work is to repair the political system."
Terrorism a crime, don't complain, act: Rahul/Comparing 'corruption' with 'cancer'"Everyone points out at corruption but few wants to correct that." "
Terrorism a crime, don't complain, act: Rahul
Saturday, January 29, 2011, 11:24 [IST]
(GOOD WISHES TO HIM BUT MUST TAKE PEOPLE WHO REALLY BELIEVES IN SERIOUSLY WORKING FOR OUR SOCIETY AND OUR COUNTRY AS A POLITICIAN AND NOT JUST A PASS TIME.SHOULD HAVE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GROUND REALITIES OR ATLEAST HAS INTEREST IN LEARNING IT AS A BEGINNER AND NOT JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE RICH AND FAMOUS AND CAN HELP IN GETTING 'BHEED',AS IN EARLIER DAYS LEADERS LIKE LATE SHRI SARDAR PATEL,SHRI NEHRUJI,SHRI GANDHIJI,ETC...NEVER NEEDED ANY CROWD PULLERS TO SHOW JADOO,TO SPEAK DIALOUGES OF THEIR MOVIES ETC....OR ANY OTHER GIMMICKS FOR THEIR PROGRAMMES.PEOPLE WANTED TO SEE AND LISTEN TO THEM.THEY HAD THEIR OWN AURA,INTELLIGENCE AND CHARISMA(NOT MENTIONING PERSONAL LIFE PROBLEMS AND CONTROVERSIES,WHICH THEY OVERCOME SIMULTANIOUSLY!!!......VIBHA TAILANG)
AND I DO BELIEVE ANY PERSON/CITIZEN CAN CONTRIBUTE IN POSITIVE CHANGE OF SOCIETY AND COUNTRY IF SHE/HE IS DETERMINE TO FOLLOW PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,LAW AND HUMANITY WITHOUT BECOMING A POLITICIAN OR PART OF PARLIAMENT AND OUR COUNTRY'S POLITICAL SYSTEM IN REALITY(AND NOT JUST IN FICTION).
Aurangabad, Jan 29: After Uttar Pradseh, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi started campaigning for the Youth Congress in Maharashtra. During the visit, Rahul urged youth to join politics in the wake of India being a indomitable presence in the world stage.
Buzz up!
Rahul in Nagpur on 3-day Maharashtra tour
Addressing the media, Rahul stated, "I assure you, after 10 years, you will be proud of your decision (to join politics), and the country's politics will take a new direction."
Expressing his unhappiness over politics, Congress general secretary claimed, "Indian politics lack democracy" and he also asserted, "to join Youth Congress, candidates don't need to show their last name."
Comparing 'corruption' with 'cancer', Rahul said, "Everyone points out at corruption but few wants to correct that."
"Don't complain, change the system. Act on right time," urged Rahul while reiterating that "coalition politics" indeed create more hazards and makes things more complicated.
Rahul on coalition politics
Stating on the long disputed issue of India, terrorism, Rahul said, "Terrorism must be treated as another crime. It (terrorism) doesn't bind to any specific religion."
OneIndia News
Saturday, January 29, 2011, 11:24 [IST]
(GOOD WISHES TO HIM BUT MUST TAKE PEOPLE WHO REALLY BELIEVES IN SERIOUSLY WORKING FOR OUR SOCIETY AND OUR COUNTRY AS A POLITICIAN AND NOT JUST A PASS TIME.SHOULD HAVE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GROUND REALITIES OR ATLEAST HAS INTEREST IN LEARNING IT AS A BEGINNER AND NOT JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE RICH AND FAMOUS AND CAN HELP IN GETTING 'BHEED',AS IN EARLIER DAYS LEADERS LIKE LATE SHRI SARDAR PATEL,SHRI NEHRUJI,SHRI GANDHIJI,ETC...NEVER NEEDED ANY CROWD PULLERS TO SHOW JADOO,TO SPEAK DIALOUGES OF THEIR MOVIES ETC....OR ANY OTHER GIMMICKS FOR THEIR PROGRAMMES.PEOPLE WANTED TO SEE AND LISTEN TO THEM.THEY HAD THEIR OWN AURA,INTELLIGENCE AND CHARISMA(NOT MENTIONING PERSONAL LIFE PROBLEMS AND CONTROVERSIES,WHICH THEY OVERCOME SIMULTANIOUSLY!!!......VIBHA TAILANG)
AND I DO BELIEVE ANY PERSON/CITIZEN CAN CONTRIBUTE IN POSITIVE CHANGE OF SOCIETY AND COUNTRY IF SHE/HE IS DETERMINE TO FOLLOW PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,LAW AND HUMANITY WITHOUT BECOMING A POLITICIAN OR PART OF PARLIAMENT AND OUR COUNTRY'S POLITICAL SYSTEM IN REALITY(AND NOT JUST IN FICTION).
Aurangabad, Jan 29: After Uttar Pradseh, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi started campaigning for the Youth Congress in Maharashtra. During the visit, Rahul urged youth to join politics in the wake of India being a indomitable presence in the world stage.
Buzz up!
Rahul in Nagpur on 3-day Maharashtra tour
Addressing the media, Rahul stated, "I assure you, after 10 years, you will be proud of your decision (to join politics), and the country's politics will take a new direction."
Expressing his unhappiness over politics, Congress general secretary claimed, "Indian politics lack democracy" and he also asserted, "to join Youth Congress, candidates don't need to show their last name."
Comparing 'corruption' with 'cancer', Rahul said, "Everyone points out at corruption but few wants to correct that."
"Don't complain, change the system. Act on right time," urged Rahul while reiterating that "coalition politics" indeed create more hazards and makes things more complicated.
Rahul on coalition politics
Stating on the long disputed issue of India, terrorism, Rahul said, "Terrorism must be treated as another crime. It (terrorism) doesn't bind to any specific religion."
OneIndia News
Game on, says HC to Greenpeace; no relief to Tatas-Jan 29, 2011
Game on, says HC to Greenpeace; no relief to Tatas
Abhinav Garg, TNN, Jan 29, 2011, 07.56am IST
NEW DELHI: Holding that "freedom of expression" can't be stifled, the Delhi HC on Friday refused to grant an interim injunction to the Tata Group against an online game "Turtle vs Tata" run by Greenpeace India.
Justice S Ravindra Bhat dismissed Tata's plea for interim injunction on the game, launched last year by the famous environmental NGO, to spread awareness about an alleged threat posed by Tata's Dhamra port in Orissa to a sensitive ecosystem that is home to the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. It is a parody of the famous PACMAN online game but shows the Tata symbols as demons.
High court said it "prima-facie" saw no case of trademark infringement by Greenpeace's decision to host such a game online, as it was being used for a completely non-commercial purpose.
Abhinav Garg, TNN, Jan 29, 2011, 07.56am IST
NEW DELHI: Holding that "freedom of expression" can't be stifled, the Delhi HC on Friday refused to grant an interim injunction to the Tata Group against an online game "Turtle vs Tata" run by Greenpeace India.
Justice S Ravindra Bhat dismissed Tata's plea for interim injunction on the game, launched last year by the famous environmental NGO, to spread awareness about an alleged threat posed by Tata's Dhamra port in Orissa to a sensitive ecosystem that is home to the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. It is a parody of the famous PACMAN online game but shows the Tata symbols as demons.
High court said it "prima-facie" saw no case of trademark infringement by Greenpeace's decision to host such a game online, as it was being used for a completely non-commercial purpose.
Guard against misuse of gender tests: Describing female foeticide as a “disgrace” to society- Pratibha-20/1/11
Guard against misuse of gender tests: Pratibha
Special Correspondent
Describing female foeticide as a “disgrace” to society, President Pratibha Patil has called upon the medical fraternity to ensure that diagnostic tests are not misused for pre-natal gender determination.
“We have laws and legal provisions that specially prohibit medical practitioners from disclosing the gender of the foetus. It is not only illegal, but it is socially immoral and detrimental to society. It is very important that all medical facilities, doctors and radiologists adhere to this so as to prevent female foeticide,” Ms. Patil said inaugurating the 64th National Conference of the Indian Radiologist and Imaging Association here on Friday.
End bias against girl child
“A skewed population composition, due to a bias against the girl child, can have many adverse social consequences. We have a social responsibility to bring about an end to prejudices and discrimination against the girl child. We must encourage all such steps that will contribute to the welfare of the girl child — proper nutrition, education, opportunity to work and to be financially independent. A girl child is an asset to the nation.”
‘Health for all' challenge
Pointing out that at the macro level ‘health for all' was a major challenge before the nation, Ms. Patil said though some successes like an increase in life expectancy and eradication of some endemic diseases had been achieved, it was still work in progress.
“We are yet to reach our goal of health for all. Access to and affordability of healthcare, especially for the underprivileged and marginalised sections, in particular women and children, remain under-accomplished tasks.”
Calling upon doctors and medical practitioners to follow the highest standards of medical ethics so as to maintain the reputation of the profession, Ms. Patil said the expertise and professional skills of Indian doctors were acknowledged across the world.
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi asked doctors to use technology judiciously as overutilisation of medical imaging examinations could be detrimental to patients, exposing them to unnecessary radiation.
“Recent reports have drawn attention to the ionising radiation associated with some imaging procedures. These cases must be weighed against the benefit of the diagnostic information or treatment result one specific procedure may provide.”
Special Correspondent
Describing female foeticide as a “disgrace” to society, President Pratibha Patil has called upon the medical fraternity to ensure that diagnostic tests are not misused for pre-natal gender determination.
“We have laws and legal provisions that specially prohibit medical practitioners from disclosing the gender of the foetus. It is not only illegal, but it is socially immoral and detrimental to society. It is very important that all medical facilities, doctors and radiologists adhere to this so as to prevent female foeticide,” Ms. Patil said inaugurating the 64th National Conference of the Indian Radiologist and Imaging Association here on Friday.
End bias against girl child
“A skewed population composition, due to a bias against the girl child, can have many adverse social consequences. We have a social responsibility to bring about an end to prejudices and discrimination against the girl child. We must encourage all such steps that will contribute to the welfare of the girl child — proper nutrition, education, opportunity to work and to be financially independent. A girl child is an asset to the nation.”
‘Health for all' challenge
Pointing out that at the macro level ‘health for all' was a major challenge before the nation, Ms. Patil said though some successes like an increase in life expectancy and eradication of some endemic diseases had been achieved, it was still work in progress.
“We are yet to reach our goal of health for all. Access to and affordability of healthcare, especially for the underprivileged and marginalised sections, in particular women and children, remain under-accomplished tasks.”
Calling upon doctors and medical practitioners to follow the highest standards of medical ethics so as to maintain the reputation of the profession, Ms. Patil said the expertise and professional skills of Indian doctors were acknowledged across the world.
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi asked doctors to use technology judiciously as overutilisation of medical imaging examinations could be detrimental to patients, exposing them to unnecessary radiation.
“Recent reports have drawn attention to the ionising radiation associated with some imaging procedures. These cases must be weighed against the benefit of the diagnostic information or treatment result one specific procedure may provide.”
Burma: End of an Era or a Dynasty's Beginning ?-29/1/11
Burma: End of an Era or a Dynasty's Beginning ?
When Burma's new Parliament convenes in Naypyidaw at the end of this month, some say it will be a political transition marking the end of decades of military rule—at least symbolically.
However, the majority of Burmese people view the event as nothing more than an attempt by junta chief Than Shwe to maintain his hold on power and secure the wealth and influence of his close family members and loyalists in the name of "disciplined democracy."
Speculation has been rife that the new government will be headed by Than Shwe himself or one of his core loyalists, including Thura Shwe Mann, Tin Aung Myint Oo and Prime Minister Thein Sein.
Whoever becomes either president or vice-president, however, he will be required to declare all of his family assets, including land, houses, businesses, savings and other valuables, to the Parliament, according to the Constitution.
It is doubtful, however, that Than Shwe or his loyalists will ever disclose the full extent of the wealth they have acquired over the past two decades. But as Parliament prepares to convene on Jan. 31, it may be worthwhile to examine some of the evidence of their ill-gotten gains.
In this first in a series of reports, we look at the fortunes of the first family of military-ruled Burma, the Than Shwe clan.
Burma's Ali Baba and his Family
It is said that Than Shwe believes himself to be a reincarnation of an ancient Burmese monarch. Whether this rumor is true or not, the junta chief has certainly styled himself in that way, for example by having his wife, children and his favorite grandchild take the most important seats at official ceremonies.
In keeping with this status, Than Shwe and his family have amassed enormous wealth. In part he has done this by treating Burma's revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas as his own personal fortune. By recording these revenues at the official exchange rate (six kyat to the US dollar, in contrast to the real rate of 815 kyat to the dollar), he and his closest loyalists have been able to keep most of the money earned from the sale of Burma's resources for themselves.
Most of this money has ended up in overseas bank accounts. Than Shwe has even assigned former Lt-Gen Tin Aye, one of his closest military loyalists, to manage these bank accounts. He has also reportedly bought several houses in Beijing and Shanghai with these secret funds.
But the Than Shwe clan's pilfering of wealth is not limited to stealing from the country. Sources in the Ministry of Defense said that when Than Shwe's wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and daughters make trips to other parts of the country unaccompanied by the senior general, the wives of regional military commanders have to present them with "diamonds, gold and valuable jewelery" on a tray.
"They take what they like most from the trays and leave the rest. But they never walk away without taking at least 200,000,000 kyat (US$ 245,000) worth of the precious stones and other items," said a source.
The first family's appetite for the finer things in life was already in evidence five years ago, when Than Shwe's youngest daughter, Thandar Shwe, was showered with diamonds and other expensive gifts at her wedding.
These days, they are more likely to be seen plundering shopping malls. "They just point at any item they desire and the wives of the regional military commanders have to pick up the tab," said the source.
Following in the tradition of Burmese monarchs, Than Shwe's family controls the ownership of lucrative hand-dug oil wells in Magwe and Monywa divisions and also gold mines in Kawlin and Wuntho townships in Sagaing Division.
The licenses for operating those oil wells and gold mines have to be obtained from regional commanders. Since the average license fee for an acre of these gold mines or oil wells is 3,000,000 kyat (US$3,680), those working on those sites have to pay nearly one billion kyat ($1.2 million) annually. It was Honda Tin Maung in Mandalay, a man often associated with the Chinese business group Great Wall in Burma, who bought licenses for those mines and oil wells.
Unsatisfied with ownership of several of the finest houses in Naypyidaw and Maymyo, Than Shwe's family has also controlled state-owned houses and lands in the vicinity of Rangoon's Inya Lake, alongside which opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi lives.
A few years ago, a residential compound on Pyay Road and near Inya Lake, whose ownership had been disputed in a legal family feud, was given to Khin Than Nwet, the wife of former Lt-Gen Tin Oo, who was killed in a mysterious helicopter crash in 2001. When Khin Than Nwet refused to accept it, Kyaing Kyaing, Than Shwe's wife, asked Tay Za, Burma's best-known business tycoon, to grab the estate for her.
In Burma's business circle, Tay Za is well known as an agent for the business affairs of Than Shwe's family. Than Shwe's daughters have shares in Tay Za's hotels in the popular beach resort towns of Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung in Lower Burma. They are also shareholders in a hospital near Inya Lake named Kantharyar, which was sold off to Tay Za as part of the government's recent privatization process.
Even Than Shwe's favorite grandson, Nay Shwe Thwe Aung (nicknamed Pho La Pyae), has recently become a commercial broker. One of his money-making activities is helping companies to clear customs at the country's ports, enabling them to illegally import goods upon receipt of a "tax" payable directly to him.
He is also known as a middleman between government ministers and business owners who wish to open new businesses on Rangoon estates. In one notable case, he helped a group of Indian businessmen, called Naing Group, to win permission to work on a large estate next to the Thai embassy in Rangoon, after they were earlier denied a permit by Rangoon's mayor, Aung Thein Lin. In exchange for Nay Shwe Thwe Aung's assistance, the Indian businessmen paid him 500 million kyat ($610,000).
The children and grandchildren of other members of the military elite are also involved in such shady deals, but Nay Shwe Thwe Aung always makes sure that he remains dominant among them. For example, in 2009, he ordered the closure of a coffee shop in Rangoon called "Seven Lekkers," which was owned by Tay Za Saw Oo, the son of the junta's fourth-ranking official, Tin Aung Myint Oo.
It is also known that he ordered his followers to physically beat Win Hlaing Htwe, the son of Gen Win Hlaing, a former director general in the Ministry of Defense, over a a tussle involving an estate in People's Park near Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon.
On another occasion, he ordered police to arrest one of his former friends for writing something bad about him on Facebook while the latter was studying in a foreign country. In a similar incident in 2009, he was unable to order the arrest of another former friend for writing something negative about him on the Internet because he was studying in Singapore, so he had his ex-friend's parents arrested.
"Before those arrests were made, a group of men went and threw stones at his friend's house in Rangoon under orders from Pho La Pyae," said a source.
When the parents of his friend were brought before him, Nay Shwe Thwe Aung ordered them to kneel down and pay respects to him and ask for his pardon for their son's wrongdoing to him. Out of fear for their son's personal safety, the parents did as they were told, sources said.
In another incident last November, a military captain working as the personal assistant of Foreign Minister Nyan Win incurred Nay Shwe Thwe Aung's wrath by inadvertently blocking his car in front of the office of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, a business conglomerate controlled by the military. Than Shwe's grandchild reportedly responded by ordering the officer to stand at attention while he lectured him about the code of conduct for civil officers.
More recently, Aung Thet Mann, the son of the junta's third-ranking official, Thura Shwe Mann, had to give up an already booked VIP seat on a local Air Bagan flight to Naypyidaw when Nay Shwe Thwe Aung and his followers suddenly appeared on the same plane.
While Than Shwe's daughters hold senior positions in foreign embassies (where they reportedly do little more than collect bags of money at the end of the day), his sons, Kyaing San Shwe and Tun Naing Shwe, own hotel businesses in Naypyidaw and control gas stations which have mushroomed across the country.
Tun Naing Shwe is also the owner the J-Donuts, a popular chain of donut shops, and a business partner of Myanmar VES Joint Venture Co, Ltd, a leading gems company.
"What's really bizarre is that Than Shwe's family believe that they're entitled to everything they've got because of their good karma in the past," said a military source.
Notwithstanding their belief that they are merely enjoying the fruits of their own merit, Than Shwe's family members have also been careful to guard the real source of their privileges. That is why Kyaing Kyaing urged her husband last year not to retire from the military, and even asked Burmese Buddhist monks in India to talk him into staying in power when the couple made a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya last July.
Military sources said that Than Shwe is also wary of stepping aside to make way for a new generation of leaders. They say he doesn't trust top-ranking officials like Tin Aung Myint Oo, and his greatest fear is a fate similar to that of his predecessor, Ne Win, who died under house arrest after his son-in-law and grandsons were accused of plotting against the current regime.
As the author of Ne Win's eventual downfall, Than Shwe knows only too well how quickly trust can turn to treachery once a dictator begins to lose his grip.
The Burmese people will soon know what role Than Shwe intends to play in the future government, which is expected to be formed by the end of next month. Whatever the outcome, there is no doubt that Than Shwe will always go to great lengths to ensure his own safety and that of his family.
One sign that he is preparing for the worst is a recent report that he has established his own private security company to protect himself and his family. The company, Eagle Security, is headed by Thein Han, a retired colonel who was one of the military officers involved in the junta-orchestrated deadly ambush on Aung San Suu Kyi and her convoy in Depayin, Sagaing Division, in 2003.
In a forthcoming article, The Irrawaddy will reveal the personal secrets of the junta's third-ranking official, Thura Shwe Mann, and the extent of the wealth owned by his family.
When Burma's new Parliament convenes in Naypyidaw at the end of this month, some say it will be a political transition marking the end of decades of military rule—at least symbolically.
However, the majority of Burmese people view the event as nothing more than an attempt by junta chief Than Shwe to maintain his hold on power and secure the wealth and influence of his close family members and loyalists in the name of "disciplined democracy."
Speculation has been rife that the new government will be headed by Than Shwe himself or one of his core loyalists, including Thura Shwe Mann, Tin Aung Myint Oo and Prime Minister Thein Sein.
Whoever becomes either president or vice-president, however, he will be required to declare all of his family assets, including land, houses, businesses, savings and other valuables, to the Parliament, according to the Constitution.
It is doubtful, however, that Than Shwe or his loyalists will ever disclose the full extent of the wealth they have acquired over the past two decades. But as Parliament prepares to convene on Jan. 31, it may be worthwhile to examine some of the evidence of their ill-gotten gains.
In this first in a series of reports, we look at the fortunes of the first family of military-ruled Burma, the Than Shwe clan.
Burma's Ali Baba and his Family
It is said that Than Shwe believes himself to be a reincarnation of an ancient Burmese monarch. Whether this rumor is true or not, the junta chief has certainly styled himself in that way, for example by having his wife, children and his favorite grandchild take the most important seats at official ceremonies.
In keeping with this status, Than Shwe and his family have amassed enormous wealth. In part he has done this by treating Burma's revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas as his own personal fortune. By recording these revenues at the official exchange rate (six kyat to the US dollar, in contrast to the real rate of 815 kyat to the dollar), he and his closest loyalists have been able to keep most of the money earned from the sale of Burma's resources for themselves.
Most of this money has ended up in overseas bank accounts. Than Shwe has even assigned former Lt-Gen Tin Aye, one of his closest military loyalists, to manage these bank accounts. He has also reportedly bought several houses in Beijing and Shanghai with these secret funds.
But the Than Shwe clan's pilfering of wealth is not limited to stealing from the country. Sources in the Ministry of Defense said that when Than Shwe's wife, Kyaing Kyaing, and daughters make trips to other parts of the country unaccompanied by the senior general, the wives of regional military commanders have to present them with "diamonds, gold and valuable jewelery" on a tray.
"They take what they like most from the trays and leave the rest. But they never walk away without taking at least 200,000,000 kyat (US$ 245,000) worth of the precious stones and other items," said a source.
The first family's appetite for the finer things in life was already in evidence five years ago, when Than Shwe's youngest daughter, Thandar Shwe, was showered with diamonds and other expensive gifts at her wedding.
These days, they are more likely to be seen plundering shopping malls. "They just point at any item they desire and the wives of the regional military commanders have to pick up the tab," said the source.
Following in the tradition of Burmese monarchs, Than Shwe's family controls the ownership of lucrative hand-dug oil wells in Magwe and Monywa divisions and also gold mines in Kawlin and Wuntho townships in Sagaing Division.
The licenses for operating those oil wells and gold mines have to be obtained from regional commanders. Since the average license fee for an acre of these gold mines or oil wells is 3,000,000 kyat (US$3,680), those working on those sites have to pay nearly one billion kyat ($1.2 million) annually. It was Honda Tin Maung in Mandalay, a man often associated with the Chinese business group Great Wall in Burma, who bought licenses for those mines and oil wells.
Unsatisfied with ownership of several of the finest houses in Naypyidaw and Maymyo, Than Shwe's family has also controlled state-owned houses and lands in the vicinity of Rangoon's Inya Lake, alongside which opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi lives.
A few years ago, a residential compound on Pyay Road and near Inya Lake, whose ownership had been disputed in a legal family feud, was given to Khin Than Nwet, the wife of former Lt-Gen Tin Oo, who was killed in a mysterious helicopter crash in 2001. When Khin Than Nwet refused to accept it, Kyaing Kyaing, Than Shwe's wife, asked Tay Za, Burma's best-known business tycoon, to grab the estate for her.
In Burma's business circle, Tay Za is well known as an agent for the business affairs of Than Shwe's family. Than Shwe's daughters have shares in Tay Za's hotels in the popular beach resort towns of Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung in Lower Burma. They are also shareholders in a hospital near Inya Lake named Kantharyar, which was sold off to Tay Za as part of the government's recent privatization process.
Even Than Shwe's favorite grandson, Nay Shwe Thwe Aung (nicknamed Pho La Pyae), has recently become a commercial broker. One of his money-making activities is helping companies to clear customs at the country's ports, enabling them to illegally import goods upon receipt of a "tax" payable directly to him.
He is also known as a middleman between government ministers and business owners who wish to open new businesses on Rangoon estates. In one notable case, he helped a group of Indian businessmen, called Naing Group, to win permission to work on a large estate next to the Thai embassy in Rangoon, after they were earlier denied a permit by Rangoon's mayor, Aung Thein Lin. In exchange for Nay Shwe Thwe Aung's assistance, the Indian businessmen paid him 500 million kyat ($610,000).
The children and grandchildren of other members of the military elite are also involved in such shady deals, but Nay Shwe Thwe Aung always makes sure that he remains dominant among them. For example, in 2009, he ordered the closure of a coffee shop in Rangoon called "Seven Lekkers," which was owned by Tay Za Saw Oo, the son of the junta's fourth-ranking official, Tin Aung Myint Oo.
It is also known that he ordered his followers to physically beat Win Hlaing Htwe, the son of Gen Win Hlaing, a former director general in the Ministry of Defense, over a a tussle involving an estate in People's Park near Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon.
On another occasion, he ordered police to arrest one of his former friends for writing something bad about him on Facebook while the latter was studying in a foreign country. In a similar incident in 2009, he was unable to order the arrest of another former friend for writing something negative about him on the Internet because he was studying in Singapore, so he had his ex-friend's parents arrested.
"Before those arrests were made, a group of men went and threw stones at his friend's house in Rangoon under orders from Pho La Pyae," said a source.
When the parents of his friend were brought before him, Nay Shwe Thwe Aung ordered them to kneel down and pay respects to him and ask for his pardon for their son's wrongdoing to him. Out of fear for their son's personal safety, the parents did as they were told, sources said.
In another incident last November, a military captain working as the personal assistant of Foreign Minister Nyan Win incurred Nay Shwe Thwe Aung's wrath by inadvertently blocking his car in front of the office of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, a business conglomerate controlled by the military. Than Shwe's grandchild reportedly responded by ordering the officer to stand at attention while he lectured him about the code of conduct for civil officers.
More recently, Aung Thet Mann, the son of the junta's third-ranking official, Thura Shwe Mann, had to give up an already booked VIP seat on a local Air Bagan flight to Naypyidaw when Nay Shwe Thwe Aung and his followers suddenly appeared on the same plane.
While Than Shwe's daughters hold senior positions in foreign embassies (where they reportedly do little more than collect bags of money at the end of the day), his sons, Kyaing San Shwe and Tun Naing Shwe, own hotel businesses in Naypyidaw and control gas stations which have mushroomed across the country.
Tun Naing Shwe is also the owner the J-Donuts, a popular chain of donut shops, and a business partner of Myanmar VES Joint Venture Co, Ltd, a leading gems company.
"What's really bizarre is that Than Shwe's family believe that they're entitled to everything they've got because of their good karma in the past," said a military source.
Notwithstanding their belief that they are merely enjoying the fruits of their own merit, Than Shwe's family members have also been careful to guard the real source of their privileges. That is why Kyaing Kyaing urged her husband last year not to retire from the military, and even asked Burmese Buddhist monks in India to talk him into staying in power when the couple made a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya last July.
Military sources said that Than Shwe is also wary of stepping aside to make way for a new generation of leaders. They say he doesn't trust top-ranking officials like Tin Aung Myint Oo, and his greatest fear is a fate similar to that of his predecessor, Ne Win, who died under house arrest after his son-in-law and grandsons were accused of plotting against the current regime.
As the author of Ne Win's eventual downfall, Than Shwe knows only too well how quickly trust can turn to treachery once a dictator begins to lose his grip.
The Burmese people will soon know what role Than Shwe intends to play in the future government, which is expected to be formed by the end of next month. Whatever the outcome, there is no doubt that Than Shwe will always go to great lengths to ensure his own safety and that of his family.
One sign that he is preparing for the worst is a recent report that he has established his own private security company to protect himself and his family. The company, Eagle Security, is headed by Thein Han, a retired colonel who was one of the military officers involved in the junta-orchestrated deadly ambush on Aung San Suu Kyi and her convoy in Depayin, Sagaing Division, in 2003.
In a forthcoming article, The Irrawaddy will reveal the personal secrets of the junta's third-ranking official, Thura Shwe Mann, and the extent of the wealth owned by his family.
Many Egyptians seen wounded, TV says one dead REUTERS, Jan 28, 2011, 07.04pm
Many Egyptians seen wounded, TV says one dead
REUTERS, Jan 28, 2011, 07.04pm IST
CAIRO: Witnesses saw dozens of Egyptians bruised, bloodied and fainting in Cairo during protests on Friday and Al Jazeera said at least one person was killed.
One Reuters witness saw blood streaming from people with head wounds and others collapsing to the ground, though the causes were not immediately clear in the chaotic streets. Other witnesses gave similar descriptions.
Al Jazeera said at least one was dead and dozens were wounded in a square in central Cairo. The death could not be confirmed. The channel also said Ayman Nour, who came a distant second in the 2005 presidential race, was hurt.
The unrest is unprecedented in Mubarak's rule in Egypt, where security services keep a tight grip on dissent. It was triggered by the overthrow two weeks ago of Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Al Ben Ali in a popular revolt which also inspired anti-government protests in Yemen and Algeria.
The events pose a quandary for the United States, which has professed its wish for democracy to spread across the Middle East. Mubarak, however, has been a close Washington ally for many years and the recipient of huge amounts of military aid.
In response to the protests, US President Barack Obama said social and political reforms in Egypt were "absolutely critical".
REUTERS, Jan 28, 2011, 07.04pm IST
CAIRO: Witnesses saw dozens of Egyptians bruised, bloodied and fainting in Cairo during protests on Friday and Al Jazeera said at least one person was killed.
One Reuters witness saw blood streaming from people with head wounds and others collapsing to the ground, though the causes were not immediately clear in the chaotic streets. Other witnesses gave similar descriptions.
Al Jazeera said at least one was dead and dozens were wounded in a square in central Cairo. The death could not be confirmed. The channel also said Ayman Nour, who came a distant second in the 2005 presidential race, was hurt.
The unrest is unprecedented in Mubarak's rule in Egypt, where security services keep a tight grip on dissent. It was triggered by the overthrow two weeks ago of Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Al Ben Ali in a popular revolt which also inspired anti-government protests in Yemen and Algeria.
The events pose a quandary for the United States, which has professed its wish for democracy to spread across the Middle East. Mubarak, however, has been a close Washington ally for many years and the recipient of huge amounts of military aid.
In response to the protests, US President Barack Obama said social and political reforms in Egypt were "absolutely critical".
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sonawane killing expose mafia worth Rs 10,000cr-January 28, 2011
Sonawane killing expose mafia worth Rs 10,000cr
Friday, January 28, 2011, 11:07 [IST]
Mumbai, Jan 28: The gruesome murder of Additional District Collector of Malegaon, Yeshwant Sonawane has acted as a rude shock to the administration on the oil mafia that has gripped the country. Now with the Maharashtra administration going into an overdrive to nab the culprits and to bring to the book the oil pilferage rampant in the state, news of the lax attitude of top babus have come to light.
Buzz up!
Reports claim that Sonawane had approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to file a complaint that he was being harassed by some government officials in the Manmad area for bribes.
The death has sparked a massive manhunt for those involved in the adulteration of oil and so far close to 200 people have been arrested and close to 1250 litres of oil seized. The Oil Ministry is gearing up to reform its policies to curb the disturbing oil adulteration racket that is estimated to be in the range of Rs. 10,000 crore.
Read: Addl District Collector burnt alive in Malegaon
Popat Shinde, the main accused of the heinous crime is in hospital after suffering third-degree burns. 11 people have been arrested in the murder of Sonawane so far.
The murder has blown the lid on the massive clout the oil mafia enjoys and how the administration is turning a blind eye to their lawlessness. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has been quoted as saying, "The bigger thing is the difference between the kerosene prices we give through the PDS and the cost when it is adulterated with diesel. The difference is so huge."
The Opposition has cried fowl in the matter and is accusing the government of being fully aware of the mafia that operates with full political support.
Friday, January 28, 2011, 11:07 [IST]
Mumbai, Jan 28: The gruesome murder of Additional District Collector of Malegaon, Yeshwant Sonawane has acted as a rude shock to the administration on the oil mafia that has gripped the country. Now with the Maharashtra administration going into an overdrive to nab the culprits and to bring to the book the oil pilferage rampant in the state, news of the lax attitude of top babus have come to light.
Buzz up!
Reports claim that Sonawane had approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to file a complaint that he was being harassed by some government officials in the Manmad area for bribes.
The death has sparked a massive manhunt for those involved in the adulteration of oil and so far close to 200 people have been arrested and close to 1250 litres of oil seized. The Oil Ministry is gearing up to reform its policies to curb the disturbing oil adulteration racket that is estimated to be in the range of Rs. 10,000 crore.
Read: Addl District Collector burnt alive in Malegaon
Popat Shinde, the main accused of the heinous crime is in hospital after suffering third-degree burns. 11 people have been arrested in the murder of Sonawane so far.
The murder has blown the lid on the massive clout the oil mafia enjoys and how the administration is turning a blind eye to their lawlessness. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has been quoted as saying, "The bigger thing is the difference between the kerosene prices we give through the PDS and the cost when it is adulterated with diesel. The difference is so huge."
The Opposition has cried fowl in the matter and is accusing the government of being fully aware of the mafia that operates with full political support.
Oil mafias go underground as raids continue-Sonawane effect: cops begin mafia crackdown-Jan 28, 2011
Oil mafias go underground as raids continue
CNN-IBN
Updated Jan 28, 2011 at 10:40am IST
Nasik: Fuel mafias went underground to avoid arrests after the crackdown on mafia networks began on Thursday in Maharashtra.
However, raids on other consumer product (milk/fuel/illegal sand mining etc) adulterators are to be continued on Friday by local police teams of various districts.
Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil had ordered the crackdown and asked the police to provide assistance to raiding parties on priority following the murder incident of Malegaon Additional District Collector Yahswant Sonawane.
Oil mafias go underground as raids continue
After the orders from the government, Maharahtra Police on Thursday started a crackdown on adulteration mafias across the state.
Over 200 locations were raided on Thursday in several districts, in which more than 200 people have been arrested under various acts.
Meanwhile, the Centre on Thursday said that the subsidy on kerosene is the reason why the mafia is flourishing. "The states need to tighten their distribution of kerosene," said Minister of States for Petroleum RPN Singh.
However, Union Minister of Petroleum Jaipal Reddy ruled out any reduction in subsidy for 'politically sensitive' kerosene and diesel.
With the Union Petroleum Ministry joined the action, more raids are expected, not only in Maharshtra but across the country.
CNN-IBN
Updated Jan 28, 2011 at 10:40am IST
Nasik: Fuel mafias went underground to avoid arrests after the crackdown on mafia networks began on Thursday in Maharashtra.
However, raids on other consumer product (milk/fuel/illegal sand mining etc) adulterators are to be continued on Friday by local police teams of various districts.
Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil had ordered the crackdown and asked the police to provide assistance to raiding parties on priority following the murder incident of Malegaon Additional District Collector Yahswant Sonawane.
Oil mafias go underground as raids continue
After the orders from the government, Maharahtra Police on Thursday started a crackdown on adulteration mafias across the state.
Over 200 locations were raided on Thursday in several districts, in which more than 200 people have been arrested under various acts.
Meanwhile, the Centre on Thursday said that the subsidy on kerosene is the reason why the mafia is flourishing. "The states need to tighten their distribution of kerosene," said Minister of States for Petroleum RPN Singh.
However, Union Minister of Petroleum Jaipal Reddy ruled out any reduction in subsidy for 'politically sensitive' kerosene and diesel.
With the Union Petroleum Ministry joined the action, more raids are expected, not only in Maharshtra but across the country.
Bihar govt to promote organic farming/Makes Headway on Girls’ Education/Villagers generategreen’electricity/to facilitateinterlinking ofrivers21/1/ 11
Bihar govt to promote organic farming
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:34 PM PST
PATNA: The Bihar government has launched an “organic farming promotion programme” for the cultivation of organic crops in all the districts of the state. The government has decided to develop 38 “organic grams (organic villages)” for which a sum of Rs 255 crore has been sanctioned for five years.
Some of these villages are: Dahour (Patna), Sartha (Nalanda), Belsand (Gopalganj), Gaighat Jaata (Muzaffarpur), Rajapaakar (Vaishali) and Narpatganj (Araria).
This programme is being run under the leadership of A K Sinha, agriculture production commissioner (APC). At the district level, the district agriculture officer (DAO) has been entrusted with the task of monitoring the programme.
Any farmer residing in the chosen villages, who has land possession certificate (LPC), can do organic farming. For this, the minimum land requirement is one acre and maximum four hectares. In return, farmers growing organic crops will get all the benefits from the government.
At present, farmers in these villages are producing only organic vegetables and fruits, including potato, cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, peas, ladyfinger, carrot, litchi, guava, mango, etc.
At present, certification of organic crops produced in Nalanda has started which is being done by an agency, Ecocert. In Muzaffarpur, the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) is doing certification of “litchi”. For the certification of organic crops in rest of the districts, the government will soon float tenders.
Under this plan, the government is currently helping these farmers in producing natural fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. For the first time in India, Bihar farmers will get 50% subsidy for production of wormy compost, a natural fertilizer.
Dr R K Sohane, director, Bihar Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (Bameti), told TOI, “Organic farming is in the agricultural roadmap of the Bihar CM. These organic crops will be available in market for domestic buyers and for catering industry which includes hotels, flights, etc. But along with that, we are planning to export them to bring benefit to state farmers.”
“The changing lifestyle of people and increasing demand for healthy food has forced the government to take this initiative,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, deputy director, horticulture department, Bihar.
Source:The Times of India
Bihar Makes Headway on Girls’ Education
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:27 PM PST
The number of girls aged five and 6-14 has increased across India in 2010. Yet, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) report has singled out Bihar state for its progress, lauded as “commendable.”
The ASER was prepared Pratham – a non-governmental organization in India. The report has been conducted annually for the past five years. Last year, the survey reached 522 districts, more 14,000 villages, 300,000 households and almost 700,000 children.
Enrolment rates in Bihar have been on the rise since 2005, for girls especially. In 2006, 17.5% of girls aged 11-14 were out of school. By 2010, this number had fallen to 4.6%. The number of girls out of school in Bihar is even lower than the national average of 5.9% in 2010.
Bihar’s progress is especially impressive because of its high poverty rate. Several other Indian states, such as Gujarat, are often held up as examples of more successful development but have performed lower on indicators for gender parity in education.
Across India, the overall share of out-of-school children has dropped significantly to only 3.5% (the same as Bihar’s). Today, more than 96% of children attend school, even if simply for school feeding programmes.
In southern India, greater enrolment of children aged 6-14 in private schools has been identified as a recent trend. Roughly a quarter of children in this age group are now enrolled in private schools.
Children aged 6-14 are covered under the national Right to Education Act. Still, the number of five year old children enrolled in school has also increased in rural areas. In 2009, the number of five year olds enrolled in school was only 54.6%. But by the end of 2010, this number reached 62.8%.
The region of Karnataka has made the biggest overall improvement here, with the number of five year olds in school more than tripling from 17.1% in 2009 to 67.6% in 2010.
However, the ASER report also found that the absolute number of children in school, as measured by gross enrolment and attendance rates, isn’t a good enough indicator about educational progress. The quality of education remains a major debate, as Indian children’s basic abilities to read and write have stagnated, while mathematical abilities have declined.
Students’ actual learning, generally measured through standardized testing, is the foremost indicator of the quality of education. Learning is influenced by a variety of factors ranging from the availability of textbooks, supplies and facilities to teaching styles and strategies (pedagogies).
Once again, Bihar has performed well above national statistics. While nationally, only 50% of Class VIII students can solve level-appropriate math questions, 69% of students in Bihar can solve them.
Going forward, while the challenges are enormous, educational planners in India must ensure that schools are properly equipped, classroom sizes are manageable and that teacher absenteeism is reduced. As the Bihar story shows, by matching quantitative improvements with qualitative ones, India’s children could see rapid gains in universal primary education.
Source:sos children villages
Villagers generate ‘green’ electricity in Bihar
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:18 PM PST
Operating under the name of ‘Husk Power System’, a group of villagers from Bihar’s Madhubani District got together to generate electricity using paddy husk.
The initiative, which has 26 plants, is lighting over 10,000 homes in the region.
Suresh Prasad Gupta, an official of the Husk Power Plant, said their initiative does not have a profit motive behind it.
“This machinery is a part of a husk power plant. We generate energy from rice husk. And we give the supply to the whole village. With the help of rice husk we give a supply of full six hours of power in the rural areas where there is no electricity,” he said.
Muyutyanjya Pandey, former village head, said the power plant has proved to be a blessing for the children in the village, who are no more dependent on daylight for their studies.
“With the help of this, children of our village are able to study. With better resources, everyone is able to study and the electricity is available for six continuous hours from 6 in the evening till 12 in night,” said Pandey.
The village till date does not form part of electrification projects undertaken by the government in the region.
The village initiative, which is three year old, operated its first plant in August 2007.
Source:Sify News
Bihar Nitish to facilitate interlinking of rivers
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:15 PM PST
Interlinking of rivers will not only solve the perennial problem of floods but will also create irrigation opportunities.
Patna: In a significant step towards putting Bihar on the development map, Nitish Kumar’s ruling government is to start interlinking rivers in the state.
The move, officials said, will not only solve the perennial problem of floods — which are an annual phenomenon in the state — but will also create irrigation opportunities, a necessity to increase agricultural production.
The past five years have seen huge destruction of crops either by floods or droughts.
Authorities said that the first such project concerning the interlinking of the Burhi Gandak river with Noon, Baya and Ganga rivers would start by mid 2011-12. The total estimated cost of this project is above Rs4 billion.
Advanced stages
“The pre-feasibility report of the scheme has already been cleared by the department and the preparation for the detailed project report is in advanced stage,” Bihar’s Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said.
Stating that the National Water Development Agency of the Federal government was the project consultant, the minister said that he expected to complete this ambitious project in a couple of years or so.
Source:Gulf News
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:34 PM PST
PATNA: The Bihar government has launched an “organic farming promotion programme” for the cultivation of organic crops in all the districts of the state. The government has decided to develop 38 “organic grams (organic villages)” for which a sum of Rs 255 crore has been sanctioned for five years.
Some of these villages are: Dahour (Patna), Sartha (Nalanda), Belsand (Gopalganj), Gaighat Jaata (Muzaffarpur), Rajapaakar (Vaishali) and Narpatganj (Araria).
This programme is being run under the leadership of A K Sinha, agriculture production commissioner (APC). At the district level, the district agriculture officer (DAO) has been entrusted with the task of monitoring the programme.
Any farmer residing in the chosen villages, who has land possession certificate (LPC), can do organic farming. For this, the minimum land requirement is one acre and maximum four hectares. In return, farmers growing organic crops will get all the benefits from the government.
At present, farmers in these villages are producing only organic vegetables and fruits, including potato, cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, peas, ladyfinger, carrot, litchi, guava, mango, etc.
At present, certification of organic crops produced in Nalanda has started which is being done by an agency, Ecocert. In Muzaffarpur, the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) is doing certification of “litchi”. For the certification of organic crops in rest of the districts, the government will soon float tenders.
Under this plan, the government is currently helping these farmers in producing natural fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. For the first time in India, Bihar farmers will get 50% subsidy for production of wormy compost, a natural fertilizer.
Dr R K Sohane, director, Bihar Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (Bameti), told TOI, “Organic farming is in the agricultural roadmap of the Bihar CM. These organic crops will be available in market for domestic buyers and for catering industry which includes hotels, flights, etc. But along with that, we are planning to export them to bring benefit to state farmers.”
“The changing lifestyle of people and increasing demand for healthy food has forced the government to take this initiative,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, deputy director, horticulture department, Bihar.
Source:The Times of India
Bihar Makes Headway on Girls’ Education
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:27 PM PST
The number of girls aged five and 6-14 has increased across India in 2010. Yet, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) report has singled out Bihar state for its progress, lauded as “commendable.”
The ASER was prepared Pratham – a non-governmental organization in India. The report has been conducted annually for the past five years. Last year, the survey reached 522 districts, more 14,000 villages, 300,000 households and almost 700,000 children.
Enrolment rates in Bihar have been on the rise since 2005, for girls especially. In 2006, 17.5% of girls aged 11-14 were out of school. By 2010, this number had fallen to 4.6%. The number of girls out of school in Bihar is even lower than the national average of 5.9% in 2010.
Bihar’s progress is especially impressive because of its high poverty rate. Several other Indian states, such as Gujarat, are often held up as examples of more successful development but have performed lower on indicators for gender parity in education.
Across India, the overall share of out-of-school children has dropped significantly to only 3.5% (the same as Bihar’s). Today, more than 96% of children attend school, even if simply for school feeding programmes.
In southern India, greater enrolment of children aged 6-14 in private schools has been identified as a recent trend. Roughly a quarter of children in this age group are now enrolled in private schools.
Children aged 6-14 are covered under the national Right to Education Act. Still, the number of five year old children enrolled in school has also increased in rural areas. In 2009, the number of five year olds enrolled in school was only 54.6%. But by the end of 2010, this number reached 62.8%.
The region of Karnataka has made the biggest overall improvement here, with the number of five year olds in school more than tripling from 17.1% in 2009 to 67.6% in 2010.
However, the ASER report also found that the absolute number of children in school, as measured by gross enrolment and attendance rates, isn’t a good enough indicator about educational progress. The quality of education remains a major debate, as Indian children’s basic abilities to read and write have stagnated, while mathematical abilities have declined.
Students’ actual learning, generally measured through standardized testing, is the foremost indicator of the quality of education. Learning is influenced by a variety of factors ranging from the availability of textbooks, supplies and facilities to teaching styles and strategies (pedagogies).
Once again, Bihar has performed well above national statistics. While nationally, only 50% of Class VIII students can solve level-appropriate math questions, 69% of students in Bihar can solve them.
Going forward, while the challenges are enormous, educational planners in India must ensure that schools are properly equipped, classroom sizes are manageable and that teacher absenteeism is reduced. As the Bihar story shows, by matching quantitative improvements with qualitative ones, India’s children could see rapid gains in universal primary education.
Source:sos children villages
Villagers generate ‘green’ electricity in Bihar
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:18 PM PST
Operating under the name of ‘Husk Power System’, a group of villagers from Bihar’s Madhubani District got together to generate electricity using paddy husk.
The initiative, which has 26 plants, is lighting over 10,000 homes in the region.
Suresh Prasad Gupta, an official of the Husk Power Plant, said their initiative does not have a profit motive behind it.
“This machinery is a part of a husk power plant. We generate energy from rice husk. And we give the supply to the whole village. With the help of rice husk we give a supply of full six hours of power in the rural areas where there is no electricity,” he said.
Muyutyanjya Pandey, former village head, said the power plant has proved to be a blessing for the children in the village, who are no more dependent on daylight for their studies.
“With the help of this, children of our village are able to study. With better resources, everyone is able to study and the electricity is available for six continuous hours from 6 in the evening till 12 in night,” said Pandey.
The village till date does not form part of electrification projects undertaken by the government in the region.
The village initiative, which is three year old, operated its first plant in August 2007.
Source:Sify News
Bihar Nitish to facilitate interlinking of rivers
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:15 PM PST
Interlinking of rivers will not only solve the perennial problem of floods but will also create irrigation opportunities.
Patna: In a significant step towards putting Bihar on the development map, Nitish Kumar’s ruling government is to start interlinking rivers in the state.
The move, officials said, will not only solve the perennial problem of floods — which are an annual phenomenon in the state — but will also create irrigation opportunities, a necessity to increase agricultural production.
The past five years have seen huge destruction of crops either by floods or droughts.
Authorities said that the first such project concerning the interlinking of the Burhi Gandak river with Noon, Baya and Ganga rivers would start by mid 2011-12. The total estimated cost of this project is above Rs4 billion.
Advanced stages
“The pre-feasibility report of the scheme has already been cleared by the department and the preparation for the detailed project report is in advanced stage,” Bihar’s Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said.
Stating that the National Water Development Agency of the Federal government was the project consultant, the minister said that he expected to complete this ambitious project in a couple of years or so.
Source:Gulf News
Bihar to give incentives to industrialists: Modi- 21 Jan 2011
Bihar to give incentives to industrialists: Modi
Posted: 21 Jan 2011 09:34 PM PST
PATNA: Bihar Government on Friday promised various incentives to industrialists and traders to boost development of the state during the second term of the NDA rule.
Stating this, Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Modi did not elaborate on the proposed incentives to reporters at the sidelines of a pre-Budget interaction with the members of industrialists and traders fraternity.
He said that the state government would also formulate new industrial and information technology policies to give a thrust to the industrial development of the state.
Modi said that a number of corporate houses as well as NRIs of Bihari origin had evinced keen interest in setting up industrial units in the state in view of the improved law and order situation.
“There have already been investments worth thousands of crores of rupees in Bihar in the industrial sector in the past five years,” Modi said, adding that the state government was more than willing to meet various expectations of investors to encourage them to come over and set up their industrial units in the state.
Meanwhile, the representatives of various industrial bodies raised a number of demands, including streamlining taxation and reduction in VAT during their interaction with Modi and the Industries Minister Renu Kumari.
Bihar unit of CII President Satyajit Singh alleged that the state government had diverted a Rs 1000-crore special package for compensation to the losses incurred by the industries for bifurcation of the state in 2000.
Source:The Economic Times
Posted: 21 Jan 2011 09:34 PM PST
PATNA: Bihar Government on Friday promised various incentives to industrialists and traders to boost development of the state during the second term of the NDA rule.
Stating this, Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Modi did not elaborate on the proposed incentives to reporters at the sidelines of a pre-Budget interaction with the members of industrialists and traders fraternity.
He said that the state government would also formulate new industrial and information technology policies to give a thrust to the industrial development of the state.
Modi said that a number of corporate houses as well as NRIs of Bihari origin had evinced keen interest in setting up industrial units in the state in view of the improved law and order situation.
“There have already been investments worth thousands of crores of rupees in Bihar in the industrial sector in the past five years,” Modi said, adding that the state government was more than willing to meet various expectations of investors to encourage them to come over and set up their industrial units in the state.
Meanwhile, the representatives of various industrial bodies raised a number of demands, including streamlining taxation and reduction in VAT during their interaction with Modi and the Industries Minister Renu Kumari.
Bihar unit of CII President Satyajit Singh alleged that the state government had diverted a Rs 1000-crore special package for compensation to the losses incurred by the industries for bifurcation of the state in 2000.
Source:The Economic Times
Bihar to streamline PDS-21 Jan 2011
Bihar to streamline PDS
Posted: 21 Jan 2011 10:02 PM PST
Patna, Jan 21 (PTI) Bihar government has decided to ensure food security and streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) making fortified flour available to BPL card holders through PDS.
“We have taken steps towards ensuring food security and streamlining the PDS making fortified flour available to the BPL households through PDS,” state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Shyam Rajak said today.
He said the PDS would now now work under supervision of the Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs).
The SDOs will be made accountable for any lapses or complaints pertaining to PDS, he said.
The state government would also introduce distribution of fortified flour through PDS. “As a pilot project, the project will be implemented in two districts initially, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali where every ration card holder will be given nearly 13 kg of flour instead of 14 kg of wheat,+ Rajak said.
The minister said the government had also decided to entrust the task for procuring foodgrains to the state good corporation and increase the role of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in improving the PDS.
Source:One India News
Posted: 21 Jan 2011 10:02 PM PST
Patna, Jan 21 (PTI) Bihar government has decided to ensure food security and streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) making fortified flour available to BPL card holders through PDS.
“We have taken steps towards ensuring food security and streamlining the PDS making fortified flour available to the BPL households through PDS,” state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Shyam Rajak said today.
He said the PDS would now now work under supervision of the Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs).
The SDOs will be made accountable for any lapses or complaints pertaining to PDS, he said.
The state government would also introduce distribution of fortified flour through PDS. “As a pilot project, the project will be implemented in two districts initially, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali where every ration card holder will be given nearly 13 kg of flour instead of 14 kg of wheat,+ Rajak said.
The minister said the government had also decided to entrust the task for procuring foodgrains to the state good corporation and increase the role of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in improving the PDS.
Source:One India News
China to help develop Nalanda International University: Envoy-22 January 2011
China to help develop Nalanda International University: Envoy
22 January 2011
PATNA: China will provide all possible help for the development of Nalanda International University in Bihar, Chinese envoy to India Zhang Yan said on Friday during his visit to Nalanda district.
Zhang Yan, who arrived here Thursday on a two-day visit, first by a Chinese diplomat in decades, would hold discussions with the chancellor and vice-chancellor of Nalanda University and also see the Xuan Zang memorial hall, named after the legendary Chinese traveller in Nalanda.
The Nalanda University Bill, 2010, will help form a central university in Nalanda district on the lines of the ancient university which was founded during fifth century A.D. and became a centre of learning for students from Southeast Asia.
Singapore, China, India and Japan had in 2006 announced a plan to restore and revive the ancient university as Nalanda International University.
Source:The Economic Times
22 January 2011
PATNA: China will provide all possible help for the development of Nalanda International University in Bihar, Chinese envoy to India Zhang Yan said on Friday during his visit to Nalanda district.
Zhang Yan, who arrived here Thursday on a two-day visit, first by a Chinese diplomat in decades, would hold discussions with the chancellor and vice-chancellor of Nalanda University and also see the Xuan Zang memorial hall, named after the legendary Chinese traveller in Nalanda.
The Nalanda University Bill, 2010, will help form a central university in Nalanda district on the lines of the ancient university which was founded during fifth century A.D. and became a centre of learning for students from Southeast Asia.
Singapore, China, India and Japan had in 2006 announced a plan to restore and revive the ancient university as Nalanda International University.
Source:The Economic Times
Bihar govt to promote organic farming-18/1/11/Bihar Makes Headway on Girls’ Education/Villagers generate ‘green’ electricity/ interlinking of rivers
Bihar govt to promote organic farming
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:34 PM PST
PATNA: The Bihar government has launched an “organic farming promotion programme” for the cultivation of organic crops in all the districts of the state. The government has decided to develop 38 “organic grams (organic villages)” for which a sum of Rs 255 crore has been sanctioned for five years.
Some of these villages are: Dahour (Patna), Sartha (Nalanda), Belsand (Gopalganj), Gaighat Jaata (Muzaffarpur), Rajapaakar (Vaishali) and Narpatganj (Araria).
This programme is being run under the leadership of A K Sinha, agriculture production commissioner (APC). At the district level, the district agriculture officer (DAO) has been entrusted with the task of monitoring the programme.
Any farmer residing in the chosen villages, who has land possession certificate (LPC), can do organic farming. For this, the minimum land requirement is one acre and maximum four hectares. In return, farmers growing organic crops will get all the benefits from the government.
At present, farmers in these villages are producing only organic vegetables and fruits, including potato, cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, peas, ladyfinger, carrot, litchi, guava, mango, etc.
At present, certification of organic crops produced in Nalanda has started which is being done by an agency, Ecocert. In Muzaffarpur, the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) is doing certification of “litchi”. For the certification of organic crops in rest of the districts, the government will soon float tenders.
Under this plan, the government is currently helping these farmers in producing natural fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. For the first time in India, Bihar farmers will get 50% subsidy for production of wormy compost, a natural fertilizer.
Dr R K Sohane, director, Bihar Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (Bameti), told TOI, “Organic farming is in the agricultural roadmap of the Bihar CM. These organic crops will be available in market for domestic buyers and for catering industry which includes hotels, flights, etc. But along with that, we are planning to export them to bring benefit to state farmers.”
“The changing lifestyle of people and increasing demand for healthy food has forced the government to take this initiative,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, deputy director, horticulture department, Bihar.
Source:The Times of India
Bihar Makes Headway on Girls’ Education
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:27 PM PST
The number of girls aged five and 6-14 has increased across India in 2010. Yet, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) report has singled out Bihar state for its progress, lauded as “commendable.”
The ASER was prepared Pratham – a non-governmental organization in India. The report has been conducted annually for the past five years. Last year, the survey reached 522 districts, more 14,000 villages, 300,000 households and almost 700,000 children.
Enrolment rates in Bihar have been on the rise since 2005, for girls especially. In 2006, 17.5% of girls aged 11-14 were out of school. By 2010, this number had fallen to 4.6%. The number of girls out of school in Bihar is even lower than the national average of 5.9% in 2010.
Bihar’s progress is especially impressive because of its high poverty rate. Several other Indian states, such as Gujarat, are often held up as examples of more successful development but have performed lower on indicators for gender parity in education.
Across India, the overall share of out-of-school children has dropped significantly to only 3.5% (the same as Bihar’s). Today, more than 96% of children attend school, even if simply for school feeding programmes.
In southern India, greater enrolment of children aged 6-14 in private schools has been identified as a recent trend. Roughly a quarter of children in this age group are now enrolled in private schools.
Children aged 6-14 are covered under the national Right to Education Act. Still, the number of five year old children enrolled in school has also increased in rural areas. In 2009, the number of five year olds enrolled in school was only 54.6%. But by the end of 2010, this number reached 62.8%.
The region of Karnataka has made the biggest overall improvement here, with the number of five year olds in school more than tripling from 17.1% in 2009 to 67.6% in 2010.
However, the ASER report also found that the absolute number of children in school, as measured by gross enrolment and attendance rates, isn’t a good enough indicator about educational progress. The quality of education remains a major debate, as Indian children’s basic abilities to read and write have stagnated, while mathematical abilities have declined.
Students’ actual learning, generally measured through standardized testing, is the foremost indicator of the quality of education. Learning is influenced by a variety of factors ranging from the availability of textbooks, supplies and facilities to teaching styles and strategies (pedagogies).
Once again, Bihar has performed well above national statistics. While nationally, only 50% of Class VIII students can solve level-appropriate math questions, 69% of students in Bihar can solve them.
Going forward, while the challenges are enormous, educational planners in India must ensure that schools are properly equipped, classroom sizes are manageable and that teacher absenteeism is reduced. As the Bihar story shows, by matching quantitative improvements with qualitative ones, India’s children could see rapid gains in universal primary education.
Source:sos children villages
Villagers generate ‘green’ electricity in Bihar
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:18 PM PST
Operating under the name of ‘Husk Power System’, a group of villagers from Bihar’s Madhubani District got together to generate electricity using paddy husk.
The initiative, which has 26 plants, is lighting over 10,000 homes in the region.
Suresh Prasad Gupta, an official of the Husk Power Plant, said their initiative does not have a profit motive behind it.
“This machinery is a part of a husk power plant. We generate energy from rice husk. And we give the supply to the whole village. With the help of rice husk we give a supply of full six hours of power in the rural areas where there is no electricity,” he said.
Muyutyanjya Pandey, former village head, said the power plant has proved to be a blessing for the children in the village, who are no more dependent on daylight for their studies.
“With the help of this, children of our village are able to study. With better resources, everyone is able to study and the electricity is available for six continuous hours from 6 in the evening till 12 in night,” said Pandey.
The village till date does not form part of electrification projects undertaken by the government in the region.
The village initiative, which is three year old, operated its first plant in August 2007.
Source:Sify News
Bihar Nitish to facilitate interlinking of rivers
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:15 PM PST
Interlinking of rivers will not only solve the perennial problem of floods but will also create irrigation opportunities.
Patna: In a significant step towards putting Bihar on the development map, Nitish Kumar’s ruling government is to start interlinking rivers in the state.
The move, officials said, will not only solve the perennial problem of floods — which are an annual phenomenon in the state — but will also create irrigation opportunities, a necessity to increase agricultural production.
The past five years have seen huge destruction of crops either by floods or droughts.
Authorities said that the first such project concerning the interlinking of the Burhi Gandak river with Noon, Baya and Ganga rivers would start by mid 2011-12. The total estimated cost of this project is above Rs4 billion.
Advanced stages
“The pre-feasibility report of the scheme has already been cleared by the department and the preparation for the detailed project report is in advanced stage,” Bihar’s Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said.
Stating that the National Water Development Agency of the Federal government was the project consultant, the minister said that he expected to complete this ambitious project in a couple of years or so.
Source:Gulf News
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:34 PM PST
PATNA: The Bihar government has launched an “organic farming promotion programme” for the cultivation of organic crops in all the districts of the state. The government has decided to develop 38 “organic grams (organic villages)” for which a sum of Rs 255 crore has been sanctioned for five years.
Some of these villages are: Dahour (Patna), Sartha (Nalanda), Belsand (Gopalganj), Gaighat Jaata (Muzaffarpur), Rajapaakar (Vaishali) and Narpatganj (Araria).
This programme is being run under the leadership of A K Sinha, agriculture production commissioner (APC). At the district level, the district agriculture officer (DAO) has been entrusted with the task of monitoring the programme.
Any farmer residing in the chosen villages, who has land possession certificate (LPC), can do organic farming. For this, the minimum land requirement is one acre and maximum four hectares. In return, farmers growing organic crops will get all the benefits from the government.
At present, farmers in these villages are producing only organic vegetables and fruits, including potato, cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, peas, ladyfinger, carrot, litchi, guava, mango, etc.
At present, certification of organic crops produced in Nalanda has started which is being done by an agency, Ecocert. In Muzaffarpur, the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) is doing certification of “litchi”. For the certification of organic crops in rest of the districts, the government will soon float tenders.
Under this plan, the government is currently helping these farmers in producing natural fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. For the first time in India, Bihar farmers will get 50% subsidy for production of wormy compost, a natural fertilizer.
Dr R K Sohane, director, Bihar Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (Bameti), told TOI, “Organic farming is in the agricultural roadmap of the Bihar CM. These organic crops will be available in market for domestic buyers and for catering industry which includes hotels, flights, etc. But along with that, we are planning to export them to bring benefit to state farmers.”
“The changing lifestyle of people and increasing demand for healthy food has forced the government to take this initiative,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, deputy director, horticulture department, Bihar.
Source:The Times of India
Bihar Makes Headway on Girls’ Education
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:27 PM PST
The number of girls aged five and 6-14 has increased across India in 2010. Yet, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) report has singled out Bihar state for its progress, lauded as “commendable.”
The ASER was prepared Pratham – a non-governmental organization in India. The report has been conducted annually for the past five years. Last year, the survey reached 522 districts, more 14,000 villages, 300,000 households and almost 700,000 children.
Enrolment rates in Bihar have been on the rise since 2005, for girls especially. In 2006, 17.5% of girls aged 11-14 were out of school. By 2010, this number had fallen to 4.6%. The number of girls out of school in Bihar is even lower than the national average of 5.9% in 2010.
Bihar’s progress is especially impressive because of its high poverty rate. Several other Indian states, such as Gujarat, are often held up as examples of more successful development but have performed lower on indicators for gender parity in education.
Across India, the overall share of out-of-school children has dropped significantly to only 3.5% (the same as Bihar’s). Today, more than 96% of children attend school, even if simply for school feeding programmes.
In southern India, greater enrolment of children aged 6-14 in private schools has been identified as a recent trend. Roughly a quarter of children in this age group are now enrolled in private schools.
Children aged 6-14 are covered under the national Right to Education Act. Still, the number of five year old children enrolled in school has also increased in rural areas. In 2009, the number of five year olds enrolled in school was only 54.6%. But by the end of 2010, this number reached 62.8%.
The region of Karnataka has made the biggest overall improvement here, with the number of five year olds in school more than tripling from 17.1% in 2009 to 67.6% in 2010.
However, the ASER report also found that the absolute number of children in school, as measured by gross enrolment and attendance rates, isn’t a good enough indicator about educational progress. The quality of education remains a major debate, as Indian children’s basic abilities to read and write have stagnated, while mathematical abilities have declined.
Students’ actual learning, generally measured through standardized testing, is the foremost indicator of the quality of education. Learning is influenced by a variety of factors ranging from the availability of textbooks, supplies and facilities to teaching styles and strategies (pedagogies).
Once again, Bihar has performed well above national statistics. While nationally, only 50% of Class VIII students can solve level-appropriate math questions, 69% of students in Bihar can solve them.
Going forward, while the challenges are enormous, educational planners in India must ensure that schools are properly equipped, classroom sizes are manageable and that teacher absenteeism is reduced. As the Bihar story shows, by matching quantitative improvements with qualitative ones, India’s children could see rapid gains in universal primary education.
Source:sos children villages
Villagers generate ‘green’ electricity in Bihar
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:18 PM PST
Operating under the name of ‘Husk Power System’, a group of villagers from Bihar’s Madhubani District got together to generate electricity using paddy husk.
The initiative, which has 26 plants, is lighting over 10,000 homes in the region.
Suresh Prasad Gupta, an official of the Husk Power Plant, said their initiative does not have a profit motive behind it.
“This machinery is a part of a husk power plant. We generate energy from rice husk. And we give the supply to the whole village. With the help of rice husk we give a supply of full six hours of power in the rural areas where there is no electricity,” he said.
Muyutyanjya Pandey, former village head, said the power plant has proved to be a blessing for the children in the village, who are no more dependent on daylight for their studies.
“With the help of this, children of our village are able to study. With better resources, everyone is able to study and the electricity is available for six continuous hours from 6 in the evening till 12 in night,” said Pandey.
The village till date does not form part of electrification projects undertaken by the government in the region.
The village initiative, which is three year old, operated its first plant in August 2007.
Source:Sify News
Bihar Nitish to facilitate interlinking of rivers
Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:15 PM PST
Interlinking of rivers will not only solve the perennial problem of floods but will also create irrigation opportunities.
Patna: In a significant step towards putting Bihar on the development map, Nitish Kumar’s ruling government is to start interlinking rivers in the state.
The move, officials said, will not only solve the perennial problem of floods — which are an annual phenomenon in the state — but will also create irrigation opportunities, a necessity to increase agricultural production.
The past five years have seen huge destruction of crops either by floods or droughts.
Authorities said that the first such project concerning the interlinking of the Burhi Gandak river with Noon, Baya and Ganga rivers would start by mid 2011-12. The total estimated cost of this project is above Rs4 billion.
Advanced stages
“The pre-feasibility report of the scheme has already been cleared by the department and the preparation for the detailed project report is in advanced stage,” Bihar’s Water Resources Department Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said.
Stating that the National Water Development Agency of the Federal government was the project consultant, the minister said that he expected to complete this ambitious project in a couple of years or so.
Source:Gulf News
BIHAR SHOWS THE WAY- 21/1/11
BIHAR SHOWS THE WAY
Posted: 21/1/11 09:41 PM PST
Politics and governance of a country are always enriched by ideas from other shores as much as its economy and culture. In fact, ideas and influences from outside are the only means to revive and nourish indigenous ways, especially when they become decadent. West Bengal needs winds of change blowing in from other places more than ever in its contemporary history. For some changes, it needs to look no further than Bihar. Given the tenacity of Bengal’s politicians to flout the rules and its officials’ inability to implement them, the coming assembly polls in the state could once again prove to be another season of extraordinary visual and sound pollution for Calcuttans. What Bihar did during the last state polls there holds some promise for Bengal, if only the Election Commission can repeat the success story. It is not that Bengal lacks laws to stop politicians from defacing Calcutta’s walls or to force them to abide by the rules about campaign expenditure or about the use of microphones. What ails Bengal is a collective incapacity to change its self-destructive ways.
However, changing the way of election campaigns is only a sideshow to the larger message of change that Bengal can take from Bihar. Nitish Kumar has shown that there is no contradiction between the demands of electoral democracy and those of development. His low-key rhetoric and pragmatic style of governance are a far cry from the raucous, populist din that passes for politics in Bengal. Mr Kumar’s Bihar is raising itself from the casteist violence and lawlessness that once made it India’s badlands. By contrast, Left-ruled Bengal has plunged into the pits of political terror and violence. Before Mr Kumar took over office, development was an impossible dream in Bihar. In today’s Bengal, competitive destructiveness is the stuff of politics.
Ultimately, what seems to have made the Bihar story possible is the people’s refusal to accept darkness as inescapable and their quiet determination to bring light back into their lives. Mr Kumar’s success lies in capturing this shift in the public mood and in trying to live up to it. It is common to hear the people of Bengal groan and moan over the state of their lives and blame it all on their unscrupulous politicians and inefficient government. But plunging deeper into despair and doing nothing to get out of it are typical signs of decadence. The forthcoming elections in the state may have inspired hopes for a change of government. But such is the depth of the pessimism that doubts have already been raised if a new dispensation at Writers’ Buildings will really lift the gloom currently enveloping the state’s horizon. Bihar shows that the people’s quest for a better life can ultimately defeat the forces of destruction. If Bengal is left with any will to learn and reform, an example is there next door. Can West Bengal regain the will to live and learn à la Bihar?
Posted: 21/1/11 09:41 PM PST
Politics and governance of a country are always enriched by ideas from other shores as much as its economy and culture. In fact, ideas and influences from outside are the only means to revive and nourish indigenous ways, especially when they become decadent. West Bengal needs winds of change blowing in from other places more than ever in its contemporary history. For some changes, it needs to look no further than Bihar. Given the tenacity of Bengal’s politicians to flout the rules and its officials’ inability to implement them, the coming assembly polls in the state could once again prove to be another season of extraordinary visual and sound pollution for Calcuttans. What Bihar did during the last state polls there holds some promise for Bengal, if only the Election Commission can repeat the success story. It is not that Bengal lacks laws to stop politicians from defacing Calcutta’s walls or to force them to abide by the rules about campaign expenditure or about the use of microphones. What ails Bengal is a collective incapacity to change its self-destructive ways.
However, changing the way of election campaigns is only a sideshow to the larger message of change that Bengal can take from Bihar. Nitish Kumar has shown that there is no contradiction between the demands of electoral democracy and those of development. His low-key rhetoric and pragmatic style of governance are a far cry from the raucous, populist din that passes for politics in Bengal. Mr Kumar’s Bihar is raising itself from the casteist violence and lawlessness that once made it India’s badlands. By contrast, Left-ruled Bengal has plunged into the pits of political terror and violence. Before Mr Kumar took over office, development was an impossible dream in Bihar. In today’s Bengal, competitive destructiveness is the stuff of politics.
Ultimately, what seems to have made the Bihar story possible is the people’s refusal to accept darkness as inescapable and their quiet determination to bring light back into their lives. Mr Kumar’s success lies in capturing this shift in the public mood and in trying to live up to it. It is common to hear the people of Bengal groan and moan over the state of their lives and blame it all on their unscrupulous politicians and inefficient government. But plunging deeper into despair and doing nothing to get out of it are typical signs of decadence. The forthcoming elections in the state may have inspired hopes for a change of government. But such is the depth of the pessimism that doubts have already been raised if a new dispensation at Writers’ Buildings will really lift the gloom currently enveloping the state’s horizon. Bihar shows that the people’s quest for a better life can ultimately defeat the forces of destruction. If Bengal is left with any will to learn and reform, an example is there next door. Can West Bengal regain the will to live and learn à la Bihar?
राजस्थान के दस जिलो में बालिका सशक्तिकरण योजना की शुरुआत-January 27, 2011
Written on January 27, 2011 at 5:03 pm by admin
राजस्थान के दस जिलो में बालिका सशक्तिकरण योजना की शुरुआत
Filed under Rajasthan no comments
Girl Child Empowerment Scheme
श्रीगंगानगर : जिले में राजीव गांधी बालिका सशक्तिकरण योजना ”सबला” की शुरूआत बुधवार को जिला परिषद सभाहॉल में की गई। योजना की शुरूआत जिला प्रमुख श्रीमती शान्तिदेवी पूनिया तथा जिला कलेक्टर सुबीर कुमार ने की। जिला प्रमुख श्रीमती शान्तिदेवी ने कहा कि बालिका के सशक्तिकरण के लिए यह योजना कारगर साबित होगी। जिन बालिकाओं को पूर्ण भोजन या पौष्टिक तत्व नहीं मिल पाते है, उन्हे इस योजना के माध्यम से पौष्टिक खाद्य सामग्री प्राप्त होगी। जिला कलेक्टर सुबीर कुमार ने कहा कि नारी में अदभुद धैर्य होता है तथा वे विषम परिस्थितियों में विचलित नही होती है। उनका मानसिक संतुलन बना रहे, इसके लिए स्वस्थ शरीर की आवश्यकता है। यह योजना राजस्थान के दस जिलों में प्रारंभ की गई है, जिनमें श्रीगंगानगर भी शामिल है। उन्होंने कहा कि जिले के सभी आंगनबाडी केन्द्रों पर ग्यारह से पन्द्रह वर्ष तक की स्कूल नही जाने वाली लड़कियो और पन्द्रह से अठारह वर्ष की स्कूल जाने वाली लड़कियो को इस योजना का लाभ मिलेगा। प्रत्येक किशोरी को माह में दो उपमा के पैकेट तथा दो हलवा के पैकेट दिए जाएंगे। उपमा का एक पैकेट 840 ग्राम तथा हलवा का पैकेट 845 ग्राम का होगा। उपमा 130 ग्राम तथा हलवा 140 ग्राम प्रतिदिन के हिसाब से खाना होगा। इस अवसर पर जिला रसद अधिकारी अजयपाल ज्याणी, जिला परिषद के सीईओ शंकर लाल शर्मा, एसीईओ के, एल. बाडेतियां, सीपीओ इंदीवर दुबे उपस्थित थे।
राजस्थान के दस जिलो में बालिका सशक्तिकरण योजना की शुरुआत
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Girl Child Empowerment Scheme
श्रीगंगानगर : जिले में राजीव गांधी बालिका सशक्तिकरण योजना ”सबला” की शुरूआत बुधवार को जिला परिषद सभाहॉल में की गई। योजना की शुरूआत जिला प्रमुख श्रीमती शान्तिदेवी पूनिया तथा जिला कलेक्टर सुबीर कुमार ने की। जिला प्रमुख श्रीमती शान्तिदेवी ने कहा कि बालिका के सशक्तिकरण के लिए यह योजना कारगर साबित होगी। जिन बालिकाओं को पूर्ण भोजन या पौष्टिक तत्व नहीं मिल पाते है, उन्हे इस योजना के माध्यम से पौष्टिक खाद्य सामग्री प्राप्त होगी। जिला कलेक्टर सुबीर कुमार ने कहा कि नारी में अदभुद धैर्य होता है तथा वे विषम परिस्थितियों में विचलित नही होती है। उनका मानसिक संतुलन बना रहे, इसके लिए स्वस्थ शरीर की आवश्यकता है। यह योजना राजस्थान के दस जिलों में प्रारंभ की गई है, जिनमें श्रीगंगानगर भी शामिल है। उन्होंने कहा कि जिले के सभी आंगनबाडी केन्द्रों पर ग्यारह से पन्द्रह वर्ष तक की स्कूल नही जाने वाली लड़कियो और पन्द्रह से अठारह वर्ष की स्कूल जाने वाली लड़कियो को इस योजना का लाभ मिलेगा। प्रत्येक किशोरी को माह में दो उपमा के पैकेट तथा दो हलवा के पैकेट दिए जाएंगे। उपमा का एक पैकेट 840 ग्राम तथा हलवा का पैकेट 845 ग्राम का होगा। उपमा 130 ग्राम तथा हलवा 140 ग्राम प्रतिदिन के हिसाब से खाना होगा। इस अवसर पर जिला रसद अधिकारी अजयपाल ज्याणी, जिला परिषद के सीईओ शंकर लाल शर्मा, एसीईओ के, एल. बाडेतियां, सीपीओ इंदीवर दुबे उपस्थित थे।
Rahul Gandhi against criminals entering politics-Jan 27, 2011
Rahul Gandhi against criminals entering politics
Published: Thursday, Jan 27, 2011, 22:37 IST
Place: Parbhani | Agency: PTI
Youth should join politics but they should not have a criminal background, the AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi said here today.
Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit of the state, was addressing a meeting of Youth Congress and NSUI workers.
In a question and answer session with the audience, Gandhi pointed to Meghna, daughter of Congress legislator Ramprasad Bordikar and asked those assembled whether they would elect her as she has political background.
"People replied that they will if she came through Youth Congress system," Meghna, a software consultant, said.
The Youth Congress will be strengthened through elections, Gandhi said. "Youth should come into politcs but they should not be from criminal background," he said.
Expressing opposition to 'dynasty politics', Gandhi said "I am also from Gandhi family.... Whoever will work will survive. Your work should speak for you, not just because you are related to someone."
Before the organisational elections in Youth Congress, "if you were nominated you would be selected, but that is no longer the case," he said.
"You say that politicians get scope but it is upto voters to elect them," he said. "We won't impose a leader. It will be through elections."
Gandhi asked the gathering how many people had relatives in politics. A few raised hands. "Only 10% people consistently stay in politics. The remaining 90% get sidelined," he said.
Published: Thursday, Jan 27, 2011, 22:37 IST
Place: Parbhani | Agency: PTI
Youth should join politics but they should not have a criminal background, the AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi said here today.
Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit of the state, was addressing a meeting of Youth Congress and NSUI workers.
In a question and answer session with the audience, Gandhi pointed to Meghna, daughter of Congress legislator Ramprasad Bordikar and asked those assembled whether they would elect her as she has political background.
"People replied that they will if she came through Youth Congress system," Meghna, a software consultant, said.
The Youth Congress will be strengthened through elections, Gandhi said. "Youth should come into politcs but they should not be from criminal background," he said.
Expressing opposition to 'dynasty politics', Gandhi said "I am also from Gandhi family.... Whoever will work will survive. Your work should speak for you, not just because you are related to someone."
Before the organisational elections in Youth Congress, "if you were nominated you would be selected, but that is no longer the case," he said.
"You say that politicians get scope but it is upto voters to elect them," he said. "We won't impose a leader. It will be through elections."
Gandhi asked the gathering how many people had relatives in politics. A few raised hands. "Only 10% people consistently stay in politics. The remaining 90% get sidelined," he said.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
''Partnership between India and Pakistan to bring stability''-Jan 27,2011
''Partnership between India and Pakistan to bring stability''
PTI | 09:01 AM,Jan 27,2011
Lalit K Jha Washington, Jan 27 (PTI) Ahead of the foreign secretary level talks in Thimphu, the White House has hoped that Islamabad and New Delhi would continue with their peace talks as partnership between India and Pakistan would bring stability to this all important region of the world. "It serves both the interest of India and the interest of Pakistan and that of the US and the world to develop the kind of relationship that allows for greater trust, that allows for potential partnership between India and Pakistan, because that would bring stability to the region and both peoples would prosper," said Mike Hammer spokesperson National Security Council, White House. "What we have done is to encourage both countries to engage in dialogue between them. We have seen some efforts of it," Hammer told PTI in an interview referring to the series of talks between India and Pakistan at various levels in the last two years. Spokesperson of the National Security Council for the first two years of the Obama Administration, Hammer now moves to the State Department from next week. He had travelled to India with the US President Barack Obama in November last year. "This (talks) needs to, one would have hoped would continue again because it is an area of the world that can have great impact on the rest of the world and we want to promote peace and stability," he said. "The best way has been to encourage both of our friends India and Pakistan to try to bridge this historical challenges and the problems that they had difficulty in overcoming in the past to do that," he observed. "We realize that this takes courage on both sides, but we want to be supportive in any way that we can if the parties decide that the United States can be helpful," he said. Noting that there has been a strong focus of this administration on Pakistan from its very outset, he, however, asserted that this has not been at the expense of any other country, including India. "We have seen strategic dialogue initiated here across various government agencies with our Pakistani partners. What we will see in 2011 will be continuation of that. But I want to make sure that it is understood that because we are doing this, is not at the expense of other relationship or partnership in South Asia or the world," he said. One of the great qualities of the United States is that it has the capacity to have very intense focus in engagement with a number of countries around the world. "We have a number of staff here at the National Security Council, but also across the United States Government that work on these issues every day," he said. "So seemingly, some partnership or relationship would appear to have getting more attention on any given month or week, you have these other relationships that continue to move forward," he said. Referring to the federal notification of the Department of Commerce removing several Indian companies from entities list, he said this was follow up to the export control agreements that were reached between Prime Minister Singh and President Obama. "So while we are engaged in issues related to Pakistan, we are following up on the commitments that the President made with prime Minister Singh in India," he said.
PTI | 09:01 AM,Jan 27,2011
Lalit K Jha Washington, Jan 27 (PTI) Ahead of the foreign secretary level talks in Thimphu, the White House has hoped that Islamabad and New Delhi would continue with their peace talks as partnership between India and Pakistan would bring stability to this all important region of the world. "It serves both the interest of India and the interest of Pakistan and that of the US and the world to develop the kind of relationship that allows for greater trust, that allows for potential partnership between India and Pakistan, because that would bring stability to the region and both peoples would prosper," said Mike Hammer spokesperson National Security Council, White House. "What we have done is to encourage both countries to engage in dialogue between them. We have seen some efforts of it," Hammer told PTI in an interview referring to the series of talks between India and Pakistan at various levels in the last two years. Spokesperson of the National Security Council for the first two years of the Obama Administration, Hammer now moves to the State Department from next week. He had travelled to India with the US President Barack Obama in November last year. "This (talks) needs to, one would have hoped would continue again because it is an area of the world that can have great impact on the rest of the world and we want to promote peace and stability," he said. "The best way has been to encourage both of our friends India and Pakistan to try to bridge this historical challenges and the problems that they had difficulty in overcoming in the past to do that," he observed. "We realize that this takes courage on both sides, but we want to be supportive in any way that we can if the parties decide that the United States can be helpful," he said. Noting that there has been a strong focus of this administration on Pakistan from its very outset, he, however, asserted that this has not been at the expense of any other country, including India. "We have seen strategic dialogue initiated here across various government agencies with our Pakistani partners. What we will see in 2011 will be continuation of that. But I want to make sure that it is understood that because we are doing this, is not at the expense of other relationship or partnership in South Asia or the world," he said. One of the great qualities of the United States is that it has the capacity to have very intense focus in engagement with a number of countries around the world. "We have a number of staff here at the National Security Council, but also across the United States Government that work on these issues every day," he said. "So seemingly, some partnership or relationship would appear to have getting more attention on any given month or week, you have these other relationships that continue to move forward," he said. Referring to the federal notification of the Department of Commerce removing several Indian companies from entities list, he said this was follow up to the export control agreements that were reached between Prime Minister Singh and President Obama. "So while we are engaged in issues related to Pakistan, we are following up on the commitments that the President made with prime Minister Singh in India," he said.
Emerging nations fed up with West lecturingto open their economies without any reciprocity:This cannot be one way traffic Premji-January 27, 2011
Emerging nations fed up with West lecturing: Premji
Press Trust of India, January 27, 2011 (Davos)
(JUST GOT THIS NEWS AT 10.30AM.ITS TRUE ONE NEED GOOD OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW NEED TO LESSEN UP RISTRICTIONS....)
In a harsh criticism of the US 'restrictive' policies, the chairman of India-based Wipro, Azim Premji, told the gathering of global CEOs that the emerging economies are "more than fed up" of being lectured by the west to open their economies without any reciprocity.
"I think they (emerging economies) are fed up of being needled for opening their economies," Premji said at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.
He particularly expressed his disappointment with the US seeking more market for its goods in the developing economies, while putting restrictions on its import of services. The liberalisation of goods and services was being treated differently.
When asked whether the Asian economies are "fed up by the lecturing" by the west, the chairman of India's third largest software exporter said: "more than fed up".
"People don't seem to equate, liberalise both products and services. If you are talking about global trade -- it is products and services. You cannot have one standards of opening up economy for emerging countries to products and contrary (for the others) particularly the US, which has put all sorts of restrictions on services. This cannot be one way traffic," Premji said.
The Indian IT industry, which gets $50 billion of its revenue from the global outsourcing, mainly from the US is peeved at a string of restrictions by the American authorities for service imports.
These include hiking the visa fee for professionals. On the contrary, India has given deals worth $10 billion to the US which will create jobs for 50,000 Americans. Services are of key interest to India, as they provide about 55 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product.
Press Trust of India, January 27, 2011 (Davos)
(JUST GOT THIS NEWS AT 10.30AM.ITS TRUE ONE NEED GOOD OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW NEED TO LESSEN UP RISTRICTIONS....)
In a harsh criticism of the US 'restrictive' policies, the chairman of India-based Wipro, Azim Premji, told the gathering of global CEOs that the emerging economies are "more than fed up" of being lectured by the west to open their economies without any reciprocity.
"I think they (emerging economies) are fed up of being needled for opening their economies," Premji said at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.
He particularly expressed his disappointment with the US seeking more market for its goods in the developing economies, while putting restrictions on its import of services. The liberalisation of goods and services was being treated differently.
When asked whether the Asian economies are "fed up by the lecturing" by the west, the chairman of India's third largest software exporter said: "more than fed up".
"People don't seem to equate, liberalise both products and services. If you are talking about global trade -- it is products and services. You cannot have one standards of opening up economy for emerging countries to products and contrary (for the others) particularly the US, which has put all sorts of restrictions on services. This cannot be one way traffic," Premji said.
The Indian IT industry, which gets $50 billion of its revenue from the global outsourcing, mainly from the US is peeved at a string of restrictions by the American authorities for service imports.
These include hiking the visa fee for professionals. On the contrary, India has given deals worth $10 billion to the US which will create jobs for 50,000 Americans. Services are of key interest to India, as they provide about 55 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product.
So Will the President Get What He Wants?-Success will depend on whether he can keep the debate focused on the future instead - who can cut more26/1/11
STATE OF THE UNION: ANALYSIS
So Will the President Get What He Wants?
(WELL HE IS RIGHT.ONE NEED TO GRAB RIGHT OPPORTUNITIES WHETHER PERSON IS OVER AMBITIOUS LIKE KING ASHOKA OR NOT.EVERYONE NEED TO GROW IN EVERYSPHERE AND PROGRESS!!!....VIBHA)
Success for Obama will depend on whether he can keep the debate focused on the future instead of on who can cut more.
By Marc Ambinder
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 | 6:07 a.m.
Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
President Obama greets Speaker John Boehner before delivering his State of the Union address.
President Obama did not propose a massive stimulus package on Tuesday night. He didn’t grip the third rail of a social issue. He defended health care reform—but agreed that it could be improved. He said he was open to negotiating with Republicans on a corporate tax cut. He spoke favorably about clean-coal technology and nuclear energy. He noted that his budget would freeze spending. If Obama’s message to the country was about competitiveness and the future, the speech he gave to Congress contained very little that would, or could, repulse a rock-ribbed Republican. It’s a sign of the speech’s measured ambitions that the biggest complaint from the opposite party was that Obama didn’t go far enough.
Call it the State of "What-House-Republicans-Would-Conceivably-Pass" Union address.
White House officials told reporters Tuesday that the speech would not be a laundry list of new proposals. They were right. Obama offered little in the way of new anything. What he did propose amounts to a modest increase in spending that will be more than paid for in his budget, which will cut a lot more. These little bits of pasta won’t add too many calories to a country on a diet. If he can keep the debate focused on this future of which he speaks, he’s going to be in good shape. If he lets Republicans turn the debate into a contest over who can cut more, he’s going to lose. In fact, he’s already conceded that.
Unemployment remains higher than 9 percent, and there’s an election in less than two years. This was a speech yoked to those two realities. Rarely has a president’s political fate been so tightly bound to the need for the private sector to create jobs and sell products overseas.
And though spending increases of any sort could get stuck in the sinkhole of a Republican-led House of Representatives that is ferociously dedicated to domestic spending restraint, the right tone—and the right type of outreach—could conceivably convince the business lobby to pressure the GOP’s governing wing to respond favorably.
Complicating matters for Obama is the dismal jobs picture: Regardless of whether he gets credit for cutting spending, his reelection is in serious jeopardy unless the unemployment rate starts to decline and business starts to disgorge the cash it’s hoarding. It’s not in Obama’s interest to jockey with Republicans over a budget that contains everything he wants to get accomplished during the year.
He can make a good case that his frenetic lame-duck session provided the demand-side stimulus, provided some certainty about tax rates, and boosted economic forecasts; now he needs to get businesses to supply the jobs.
Among the measures with the best chance of passage are the ones dealing with nuclear energy, natural gas, and clean-coal technology. A top Republican leadership aide said that there is a “majority and consensus” in both chambers about the usefulness of the additional $2 billion Obama wants to spend on new clean-energy technology. ($2 billion seems a pittance—but it increases by one third what’s already been budgeted.) House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, could simply put the increase up for a vote. Republicans could even work toward Obama’s goal of 80 percent of energy consumption by 2045 will come from clean technology.
On education, too, Obama and Republicans, including Boehner, are fairly close to agreement on what they see as the flaws of No Child Left Behind. So long as the bill is considered discretely, there’s no particular reason—outside of a knee-jerk effort to block anything proposed by the White House—why Obama and House Republicans can’t meet in the middle here.
The same goes for Obama’s national wireless initiative. The administration will make it much easier for the telecommunications industry to extend broadband infrastructure to almost the entire country. Net neutrality battles will complicate any wireless legislation, but government incentives to get 4G into rural America are relatively uncontroversial.
Who’d object to spending hundreds of millions to hire and retain 100,000 science and math teachers?
Obama will run into problems on trade agreements, like one with South Korea that he sent to the Senate, but not with Republicans. The opposition will come mostly from Democrats.
Infrastructure spending is harder. Obama wants to spend $50 billion over six years, what the administration calls an “up-front investment.” He wanted the same thing last year, but it couldn’t pass with Democrats controlling both houses of Congress. Republicans are skeptical of increases for high-speed rail and mass transit, the type of programs that strike them as wasteful and that disproportionately benefit Democratic constituents. They like highways better. It will be politically untenable for them to pass a bill that increases the deficit. Republicans in charge of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee do want a bill that deals with long-term issues, as does virtually every sector of industry. But there is no way that Republicans will agree to a gas-tax increase, which is how Obama's deficit commission proposed to pay for more road projects. To get to $50 billion, Obama is going to have to spell out where the money comes from.
Within the budget process, Obama said Tuesday night he’s willing to work with Republicans on reducing corporate tax rates. This seems to be a large concession from the president of a party traditionally concerned with making sure that everyone pays their fair share. There are so many exemptions built in to the current law that each beneficiary will fight to preserve their own while endorsing the overall concept of closing loopholes. But it’s doable. “There’s room for compromise on that,” the Republican aide said.
The American people remain skeptical of government spending. It’s the job of Obama to persuade them that the economic interventions of the past two years were necessary—but that they will be quite different than those which are yet to come. Increasing spending on clean-energy technology by a third is not a bank bailout. Spending money to train and retain 100,000 science and math teachers does not play as badly as assuming the debts of an American auto company.
As envisioned by the White House, “Winning the Future” is more than gift-wrapping two years worth of "Obamanomics." At once patriotic (we want to be the best!) and anodyne (who doesn’t want to be the best?), this political frame could be the president’s best hope to win a second term.
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So Will the President Get What He Wants?
(WELL HE IS RIGHT.ONE NEED TO GRAB RIGHT OPPORTUNITIES WHETHER PERSON IS OVER AMBITIOUS LIKE KING ASHOKA OR NOT.EVERYONE NEED TO GROW IN EVERYSPHERE AND PROGRESS!!!....VIBHA)
Success for Obama will depend on whether he can keep the debate focused on the future instead of on who can cut more.
By Marc Ambinder
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 | 6:07 a.m.
Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
President Obama greets Speaker John Boehner before delivering his State of the Union address.
President Obama did not propose a massive stimulus package on Tuesday night. He didn’t grip the third rail of a social issue. He defended health care reform—but agreed that it could be improved. He said he was open to negotiating with Republicans on a corporate tax cut. He spoke favorably about clean-coal technology and nuclear energy. He noted that his budget would freeze spending. If Obama’s message to the country was about competitiveness and the future, the speech he gave to Congress contained very little that would, or could, repulse a rock-ribbed Republican. It’s a sign of the speech’s measured ambitions that the biggest complaint from the opposite party was that Obama didn’t go far enough.
Call it the State of "What-House-Republicans-Would-Conceivably-Pass" Union address.
White House officials told reporters Tuesday that the speech would not be a laundry list of new proposals. They were right. Obama offered little in the way of new anything. What he did propose amounts to a modest increase in spending that will be more than paid for in his budget, which will cut a lot more. These little bits of pasta won’t add too many calories to a country on a diet. If he can keep the debate focused on this future of which he speaks, he’s going to be in good shape. If he lets Republicans turn the debate into a contest over who can cut more, he’s going to lose. In fact, he’s already conceded that.
Unemployment remains higher than 9 percent, and there’s an election in less than two years. This was a speech yoked to those two realities. Rarely has a president’s political fate been so tightly bound to the need for the private sector to create jobs and sell products overseas.
And though spending increases of any sort could get stuck in the sinkhole of a Republican-led House of Representatives that is ferociously dedicated to domestic spending restraint, the right tone—and the right type of outreach—could conceivably convince the business lobby to pressure the GOP’s governing wing to respond favorably.
Complicating matters for Obama is the dismal jobs picture: Regardless of whether he gets credit for cutting spending, his reelection is in serious jeopardy unless the unemployment rate starts to decline and business starts to disgorge the cash it’s hoarding. It’s not in Obama’s interest to jockey with Republicans over a budget that contains everything he wants to get accomplished during the year.
He can make a good case that his frenetic lame-duck session provided the demand-side stimulus, provided some certainty about tax rates, and boosted economic forecasts; now he needs to get businesses to supply the jobs.
Among the measures with the best chance of passage are the ones dealing with nuclear energy, natural gas, and clean-coal technology. A top Republican leadership aide said that there is a “majority and consensus” in both chambers about the usefulness of the additional $2 billion Obama wants to spend on new clean-energy technology. ($2 billion seems a pittance—but it increases by one third what’s already been budgeted.) House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, could simply put the increase up for a vote. Republicans could even work toward Obama’s goal of 80 percent of energy consumption by 2045 will come from clean technology.
On education, too, Obama and Republicans, including Boehner, are fairly close to agreement on what they see as the flaws of No Child Left Behind. So long as the bill is considered discretely, there’s no particular reason—outside of a knee-jerk effort to block anything proposed by the White House—why Obama and House Republicans can’t meet in the middle here.
The same goes for Obama’s national wireless initiative. The administration will make it much easier for the telecommunications industry to extend broadband infrastructure to almost the entire country. Net neutrality battles will complicate any wireless legislation, but government incentives to get 4G into rural America are relatively uncontroversial.
Who’d object to spending hundreds of millions to hire and retain 100,000 science and math teachers?
Obama will run into problems on trade agreements, like one with South Korea that he sent to the Senate, but not with Republicans. The opposition will come mostly from Democrats.
Infrastructure spending is harder. Obama wants to spend $50 billion over six years, what the administration calls an “up-front investment.” He wanted the same thing last year, but it couldn’t pass with Democrats controlling both houses of Congress. Republicans are skeptical of increases for high-speed rail and mass transit, the type of programs that strike them as wasteful and that disproportionately benefit Democratic constituents. They like highways better. It will be politically untenable for them to pass a bill that increases the deficit. Republicans in charge of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee do want a bill that deals with long-term issues, as does virtually every sector of industry. But there is no way that Republicans will agree to a gas-tax increase, which is how Obama's deficit commission proposed to pay for more road projects. To get to $50 billion, Obama is going to have to spell out where the money comes from.
Within the budget process, Obama said Tuesday night he’s willing to work with Republicans on reducing corporate tax rates. This seems to be a large concession from the president of a party traditionally concerned with making sure that everyone pays their fair share. There are so many exemptions built in to the current law that each beneficiary will fight to preserve their own while endorsing the overall concept of closing loopholes. But it’s doable. “There’s room for compromise on that,” the Republican aide said.
The American people remain skeptical of government spending. It’s the job of Obama to persuade them that the economic interventions of the past two years were necessary—but that they will be quite different than those which are yet to come. Increasing spending on clean-energy technology by a third is not a bank bailout. Spending money to train and retain 100,000 science and math teachers does not play as badly as assuming the debts of an American auto company.
As envisioned by the White House, “Winning the Future” is more than gift-wrapping two years worth of "Obamanomics." At once patriotic (we want to be the best!) and anodyne (who doesn’t want to be the best?), this political frame could be the president’s best hope to win a second term.
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Sorting out Obama's address --The mantra was “win- the future.” innovate/innovation(11 times), “compete/competition (10)” and also “jobs” (31) 26/1/11
Sorting out Obama's address -- and Bachmann's 'facts'
By Eric Black | Published Wed, Jan 26 2011 8:01 am
President Obama delivers his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington.
REUTERS/Pablo Martinez MonsivaisPresident Obama delivers his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington.
The mantra was “win the future.” President Obama used that phrase or variations on it 10 times in his State of the Union address last night. It linked up with “innovate/innovation” (11 times), “compete/competition (10)” and also “jobs” (31) plus other buzz phrases to suggest that Obama knows what Americans want done — for the immediate future of the unemployed and underemployed and also for the long-term future of all of our kids — and has concrete (if smallish) ideas for getting it done.
Were you convinced? The instant polling suggests he sold it to those who watched, although such samples are always biased because more Dems tend to watch a Dem prez (and vice versa for Repubs). Most SOTUs are not long remembered, and I doubt this one will be an exception.
My own reaction? Mezza mezza. I Liked about two-thirds of his specific ideas, which is close to how I’ve been feeling about Obama for a few months now. By the time the speech began, I expected it to be an almost abject surrender to the Repub demands that he aggressively shrink the domestic discretionary budget. It wasn’t that, although I expect Paul Krugman will slam Obama for a retreat from his already tepid Keynesianism.
I think it was less than a surrender. The right will convict him of spendaholism because he offered only a flexible freeze on domestic discretionary spending while they want to roll it back. He offered a hand of compromise. I predict the Repubs will bite the hand and continue threatening to block the debt ceiling hike. They are playing with fire. I hope it ends happily.
Couple of high points
If Obama was trying to position himself closer to the middle of the spectrum, and as the adult who seeks reasonable compromise, I suspect he succeeded. Noting the much-hyped (but nonetheless pleasant) gesture of Repubs and Dems sitting together for the speech, Obama said:
“What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow.”
Repubs will have to think hard about whether they can afford to respond to that by continuing to portray Obama as a raging socialist and continue to offer him a series of take-it-or-leave-it propositions.
(Interruption for a brief political analysis: Obama, at the moment, looks like he will coast to renomination, so he can start appealing to the middle right away, while the Repub 2012 presidential candidates will have to position themselves as cavemen — and cavewomen — to get the nomination. Chances are, pending developments, that this helps Obama’s chances for a second term, although that will depend much more on the actual performance of the economy than on ideological positioning.)
On education, Obama broke out of the usual left-right argument over whether the key to better results is more spending or the power of teachers’ unions with this nice “personal responsibility” paragraph:
“It’s family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done. We need to teach our kids that it’s not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair; that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline.”
But, other than in his own role with Sasha and Malia, it wasn’t clear how he addresses the parental issues.
The teachers’ unions may have been slightly unnerved by “We want to reward good teachers and stop making excuses for bad ones.”
As one would have expected, he warned Repubs to get over the idea of repealing the health care bill, but offered to work with them on improving it. He embraced the long-standing Repub goal of limiting medical malpractice lawsuits in order to avoid the practice of defensive medicine.
Having caved in or compromised, depending on your perspective, on Repub demands in December for an extension of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, Obama warned that he still wants to get rid of them. He also proposes to go after tax breaks for oil companies and generally talked trash about various business tax breaks that he’d like to repeal, as an offset for a general reduction in business tax rates.
As advertised in advance, he rejoined the crusade against earmarks and promised to veto any bill that comes to him with earmarks in it.
The writing of the speech was prosaic but workmanlike and solid. Obama delivered it well, as usual.
Repub responses
Rep. Paul Ryan of Wis., who gave the official Repub response, looked like a rookie by comparison, although he did better than the usual sacrificial responder. Sitting in a room by yourself (as Ryan did) just never lives up to the ermine robe and scepter treatment afforded to the prez when he visits the House chamber.
Ryan, the new chair of the House Budget Committee, is one of the most substantive of the radical fiscal hawks in the Repub caucus, and has actually developed a serious (if politically risky) plan for reining (and also privatizing) Social Security, and reducing the projected growth of Medicare (by voucherizing it). Ironically, he made no mention of his own ideas and stuck to a vague and bland (but civil) critique of Obama’s big-spending ways.
And, of course, Minnesota’s own Michele Bachmann also weighed in with a response on behalf of Tea Party Nation. Only CNN carried it. If you watched it there, as did I, you would have thought that she needs remedial help with her teleprompter skills, since she never looked directly into the camera. (You can see the unsettling effect here, as well as the whole speech). CNN noticed it too and reported post-Bachmann speech that she was looking directly into the camera that was feeding the Tea Party Express online.
Bachmann, as is her wont, took liberties with the facts, for example using a graph that wildly exaggerated the portion of the 2008-9 unemployment spike that could be attributed to Obama’s policies, versus those of his apparently more kissable predecessor.
She also repeated the already discredited estimate that the IRS will have to hire 16,500 new agents just to police the Obama health care bill.
Vin Weber’s reaction
I called former Repub congressman (now lobbyist and Washington bigfoot) Vin Weber after the speeches, and he surprised me with his reaction.
Weber considered Obama’s speech OK, not great or memorable, and felt the same about Ryan’s rebuttal. He said, surprisingly, that he agrees more with Obama’s position on the short-term discretionary spending freeze than on the Repub demand for deeper cuts in that portion of the budget. Something had clearly disappointed him sorely.
When I pressed him he said that Obama “had an opportunity to hit it out of ballpark” by making a serious stab at the long-awaited, much-advertised, never-begun adult conversation with the American people about what it’s really going to take to tackle the deficit/debt issue, namely a proposal to rein in the long-term cost of the big entitlement programs, Social Security and Medicare.
Since Republicans are so narrowly focused on the deficit, Weber “thought President Obama really had the opportunity to change the debate, if he had surprised everybody and said something serious about entitlements.”
The bipartisan deficit reduction commission, which Obama appointed, put out serious proposals for long-term, gradual changes in Social Security and Medicare, Weber said. Serious fiscal conservatives know that without tackling those programs, the federal debt cannot be controlled. If Obama had put it on the table, Weber believes, Republicans, who “have their green eyeshades on” and could not afford to look unserious about a big debt-reduction proposal, would have had to go along with him.
Obama, who has always presented himself as a serious debt hawk, “had an opportunity to break through,” Weber said. Instead, Obama made only a passing reference to the need for bipartisanship in dealing with Medicare and Social Security. Ryan also passed on it.
A few days after the midterm election, Weber had told me that he had high hopes that the work of the deficit commission might be taken seriously and lead to the tough decisions that will have to be made someday. Last night could have been the moment, perhaps the last moment for the work of the deficit commission to get serious consideration, Weber thought and hoped. But it passed.
Politics | Wed, Jan 26 2011 8:01 am | 14 Comments
Like what you just read? Support high-quality journalism in Minnesota by becoming a member of MinnPost.
By Eric Black | Published Wed, Jan 26 2011 8:01 am
President Obama delivers his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington.
REUTERS/Pablo Martinez MonsivaisPresident Obama delivers his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington.
The mantra was “win the future.” President Obama used that phrase or variations on it 10 times in his State of the Union address last night. It linked up with “innovate/innovation” (11 times), “compete/competition (10)” and also “jobs” (31) plus other buzz phrases to suggest that Obama knows what Americans want done — for the immediate future of the unemployed and underemployed and also for the long-term future of all of our kids — and has concrete (if smallish) ideas for getting it done.
Were you convinced? The instant polling suggests he sold it to those who watched, although such samples are always biased because more Dems tend to watch a Dem prez (and vice versa for Repubs). Most SOTUs are not long remembered, and I doubt this one will be an exception.
My own reaction? Mezza mezza. I Liked about two-thirds of his specific ideas, which is close to how I’ve been feeling about Obama for a few months now. By the time the speech began, I expected it to be an almost abject surrender to the Repub demands that he aggressively shrink the domestic discretionary budget. It wasn’t that, although I expect Paul Krugman will slam Obama for a retreat from his already tepid Keynesianism.
I think it was less than a surrender. The right will convict him of spendaholism because he offered only a flexible freeze on domestic discretionary spending while they want to roll it back. He offered a hand of compromise. I predict the Repubs will bite the hand and continue threatening to block the debt ceiling hike. They are playing with fire. I hope it ends happily.
Couple of high points
If Obama was trying to position himself closer to the middle of the spectrum, and as the adult who seeks reasonable compromise, I suspect he succeeded. Noting the much-hyped (but nonetheless pleasant) gesture of Repubs and Dems sitting together for the speech, Obama said:
“What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow.”
Repubs will have to think hard about whether they can afford to respond to that by continuing to portray Obama as a raging socialist and continue to offer him a series of take-it-or-leave-it propositions.
(Interruption for a brief political analysis: Obama, at the moment, looks like he will coast to renomination, so he can start appealing to the middle right away, while the Repub 2012 presidential candidates will have to position themselves as cavemen — and cavewomen — to get the nomination. Chances are, pending developments, that this helps Obama’s chances for a second term, although that will depend much more on the actual performance of the economy than on ideological positioning.)
On education, Obama broke out of the usual left-right argument over whether the key to better results is more spending or the power of teachers’ unions with this nice “personal responsibility” paragraph:
“It’s family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done. We need to teach our kids that it’s not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair; that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline.”
But, other than in his own role with Sasha and Malia, it wasn’t clear how he addresses the parental issues.
The teachers’ unions may have been slightly unnerved by “We want to reward good teachers and stop making excuses for bad ones.”
As one would have expected, he warned Repubs to get over the idea of repealing the health care bill, but offered to work with them on improving it. He embraced the long-standing Repub goal of limiting medical malpractice lawsuits in order to avoid the practice of defensive medicine.
Having caved in or compromised, depending on your perspective, on Repub demands in December for an extension of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, Obama warned that he still wants to get rid of them. He also proposes to go after tax breaks for oil companies and generally talked trash about various business tax breaks that he’d like to repeal, as an offset for a general reduction in business tax rates.
As advertised in advance, he rejoined the crusade against earmarks and promised to veto any bill that comes to him with earmarks in it.
The writing of the speech was prosaic but workmanlike and solid. Obama delivered it well, as usual.
Repub responses
Rep. Paul Ryan of Wis., who gave the official Repub response, looked like a rookie by comparison, although he did better than the usual sacrificial responder. Sitting in a room by yourself (as Ryan did) just never lives up to the ermine robe and scepter treatment afforded to the prez when he visits the House chamber.
Ryan, the new chair of the House Budget Committee, is one of the most substantive of the radical fiscal hawks in the Repub caucus, and has actually developed a serious (if politically risky) plan for reining (and also privatizing) Social Security, and reducing the projected growth of Medicare (by voucherizing it). Ironically, he made no mention of his own ideas and stuck to a vague and bland (but civil) critique of Obama’s big-spending ways.
And, of course, Minnesota’s own Michele Bachmann also weighed in with a response on behalf of Tea Party Nation. Only CNN carried it. If you watched it there, as did I, you would have thought that she needs remedial help with her teleprompter skills, since she never looked directly into the camera. (You can see the unsettling effect here, as well as the whole speech). CNN noticed it too and reported post-Bachmann speech that she was looking directly into the camera that was feeding the Tea Party Express online.
Bachmann, as is her wont, took liberties with the facts, for example using a graph that wildly exaggerated the portion of the 2008-9 unemployment spike that could be attributed to Obama’s policies, versus those of his apparently more kissable predecessor.
She also repeated the already discredited estimate that the IRS will have to hire 16,500 new agents just to police the Obama health care bill.
Vin Weber’s reaction
I called former Repub congressman (now lobbyist and Washington bigfoot) Vin Weber after the speeches, and he surprised me with his reaction.
Weber considered Obama’s speech OK, not great or memorable, and felt the same about Ryan’s rebuttal. He said, surprisingly, that he agrees more with Obama’s position on the short-term discretionary spending freeze than on the Repub demand for deeper cuts in that portion of the budget. Something had clearly disappointed him sorely.
When I pressed him he said that Obama “had an opportunity to hit it out of ballpark” by making a serious stab at the long-awaited, much-advertised, never-begun adult conversation with the American people about what it’s really going to take to tackle the deficit/debt issue, namely a proposal to rein in the long-term cost of the big entitlement programs, Social Security and Medicare.
Since Republicans are so narrowly focused on the deficit, Weber “thought President Obama really had the opportunity to change the debate, if he had surprised everybody and said something serious about entitlements.”
The bipartisan deficit reduction commission, which Obama appointed, put out serious proposals for long-term, gradual changes in Social Security and Medicare, Weber said. Serious fiscal conservatives know that without tackling those programs, the federal debt cannot be controlled. If Obama had put it on the table, Weber believes, Republicans, who “have their green eyeshades on” and could not afford to look unserious about a big debt-reduction proposal, would have had to go along with him.
Obama, who has always presented himself as a serious debt hawk, “had an opportunity to break through,” Weber said. Instead, Obama made only a passing reference to the need for bipartisanship in dealing with Medicare and Social Security. Ryan also passed on it.
A few days after the midterm election, Weber had told me that he had high hopes that the work of the deficit commission might be taken seriously and lead to the tough decisions that will have to be made someday. Last night could have been the moment, perhaps the last moment for the work of the deficit commission to get serious consideration, Weber thought and hoped. But it passed.
Politics | Wed, Jan 26 2011 8:01 am | 14 Comments
Like what you just read? Support high-quality journalism in Minnesota by becoming a member of MinnPost.
Nishank invites Omar to hoist tricolour in Uttarakhand- 2011-01-26
Nishank invites Omar to hoist tricolour in Uttarakhand
2011-01-26 17:30:00
Last Updated: 2011-01-26 17:46:22
Dehra Dun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank on Wednesday invited his Jammu and Kashmir counterpart Omar Abdullah to visit the hill state and hoist the tricolour anywhere.
Talking to reporters here, he voiced concern over the Jammu and Kashmir government thwarting BJP's march to Lal Chowk in Srinagar for unfurling the national flag there.
"The national flag is a symbol of pride and every citizen has the right to hoist it freely anywhere in the country," he said.
Nishank extended invitation to Abdullah to come to Uttarakhand and hoist the tricolour.
"I invite him (Abdullah) to come to Uttarakhand and freely hoist the tricolour anywhere.
"I want to assure him that the BJP will welcome him,” he said.
2011-01-26 17:30:00
Last Updated: 2011-01-26 17:46:22
Dehra Dun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank on Wednesday invited his Jammu and Kashmir counterpart Omar Abdullah to visit the hill state and hoist the tricolour anywhere.
Talking to reporters here, he voiced concern over the Jammu and Kashmir government thwarting BJP's march to Lal Chowk in Srinagar for unfurling the national flag there.
"The national flag is a symbol of pride and every citizen has the right to hoist it freely anywhere in the country," he said.
Nishank extended invitation to Abdullah to come to Uttarakhand and hoist the tricolour.
"I invite him (Abdullah) to come to Uttarakhand and freely hoist the tricolour anywhere.
"I want to assure him that the BJP will welcome him,” he said.
Be part of dialogue, Omar tells separatists-26/1/11
Be part of dialogue, Omar tells separatists
Jammu: Asking the separatists to become part of the J&K dialogue process by utilising the institution of interlocutors, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said they should make use of the present conducive atmosphere for dialogue to address political issues.
“I hope that you will become part of dialogue and contribute to a better future for the State,” he said in his Republic Day address. “The institution of interlocutors, created by the Union government for interaction with all shades of opinion, should be utilised earnestly to find a solution to the issues.” Mr. Abdullah also appealed to the separatists to rise to the occasion and play their role in bringing about peace and tranquillity in the State.
The Chief Minister reminded the people of the loss of precious lives and property during the period of militancy and the five months of summer unrest last year, and said violence never solved any problem. — PTI
Jammu: Asking the separatists to become part of the J&K dialogue process by utilising the institution of interlocutors, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said they should make use of the present conducive atmosphere for dialogue to address political issues.
“I hope that you will become part of dialogue and contribute to a better future for the State,” he said in his Republic Day address. “The institution of interlocutors, created by the Union government for interaction with all shades of opinion, should be utilised earnestly to find a solution to the issues.” Mr. Abdullah also appealed to the separatists to rise to the occasion and play their role in bringing about peace and tranquillity in the State.
The Chief Minister reminded the people of the loss of precious lives and property during the period of militancy and the five months of summer unrest last year, and said violence never solved any problem. — PTI
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Crush separatists in J&K: BJP tells Centre-Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Crush separatists in J&K: BJP tells Centre
Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 21:15 [IST]
New Delhi, Jan 25 (PTI) Former BJP President RajnathSingh today said the Congress-led UPA government should "go toany extent" to crush the separatists in Jammu and Kashmir andpledged all support from the party in this fight.
Singh, who is sitting on a hunger strike at Rajghat herein protest against the stopping of BJP''s Ekta Yatra toSrinagar to unfurl the national flag, said Congress and theOmar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir should stopcompromising with the separatists.
"For how long will they keep compromising with theseparatists? The government should crush them. There should bea final decision (aar paar ka nirnaya) on this issue. The mainopposition is fully with the government in fighting thiscrisis. A solution has to be found. Government should go toany extent. We will support," he told PTI.
The BJP leader maintained that not allowing his party tohoist the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on RepublicDay would encourage the separatists and send a wrong message.
"If the state and the Central government do not allow usto unfurl the national flag at Lal Chowk, it would give aboost to the separatists and encourage them. They will thinkit is a moral victory for them and a moral defeat for thenationalist forces," Singh said.
He insisted that providing security to anybody wantingto hoist the national flag - "whether at Lal Chowk or Lal Qila(Red Fort)" - was the responsibility of the government.
"We want to ask the government for how long will itcontinue to play with the sovereignty of the country in thename of the so-called law and order issue in Kashmir," Singhsaid, adding that the ordinary Muslim in the Valley wantedpeace and wished to be a part of India.
Singh, an MP from Ghaziabad, would continue his hungerstrike till the evening of January 26, party sources said.
Singh warned the Central and the Omar Abdullahgovernment not to toy with the idea of going for a pre-1953status which would give separate flag, constitution and headof government to the border state.
"That is not acceptable to us. We are in fact, talkingabout abrogation of Article 370 (which gives special status toJammu and Kashmir)," he said.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 21:15 [IST]
New Delhi, Jan 25 (PTI) Former BJP President RajnathSingh today said the Congress-led UPA government should "go toany extent" to crush the separatists in Jammu and Kashmir andpledged all support from the party in this fight.
Singh, who is sitting on a hunger strike at Rajghat herein protest against the stopping of BJP''s Ekta Yatra toSrinagar to unfurl the national flag, said Congress and theOmar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir should stopcompromising with the separatists.
"For how long will they keep compromising with theseparatists? The government should crush them. There should bea final decision (aar paar ka nirnaya) on this issue. The mainopposition is fully with the government in fighting thiscrisis. A solution has to be found. Government should go toany extent. We will support," he told PTI.
The BJP leader maintained that not allowing his party tohoist the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on RepublicDay would encourage the separatists and send a wrong message.
"If the state and the Central government do not allow usto unfurl the national flag at Lal Chowk, it would give aboost to the separatists and encourage them. They will thinkit is a moral victory for them and a moral defeat for thenationalist forces," Singh said.
He insisted that providing security to anybody wantingto hoist the national flag - "whether at Lal Chowk or Lal Qila(Red Fort)" - was the responsibility of the government.
"We want to ask the government for how long will itcontinue to play with the sovereignty of the country in thename of the so-called law and order issue in Kashmir," Singhsaid, adding that the ordinary Muslim in the Valley wantedpeace and wished to be a part of India.
Singh, an MP from Ghaziabad, would continue his hungerstrike till the evening of January 26, party sources said.
Singh warned the Central and the Omar Abdullahgovernment not to toy with the idea of going for a pre-1953status which would give separate flag, constitution and headof government to the border state.
"That is not acceptable to us. We are in fact, talkingabout abrogation of Article 370 (which gives special status toJammu and Kashmir)," he said.
President Patil expresses concern over rising inflation-25/1/11
President Patil expresses concern over rising inflation
Expressing concern over rising inflation, President Devisingh Patil on Tuesday called for urgent need to tackle the rising prices in the country.
Addressing the nation ahead of 62nd Republic Day, President Patil said: "Rising inflation particularly food prices, are a cause of serious concern and draw attention to the urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches towards food security, agricultural production and rural development.
Emphasizing that terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of mankind, President Patil said: Development and progress require an environment of stability and security. The work of our police and internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbours for stability in our region, and with the international community to create a peaceful world."
"India's profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today," she added.
As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, President Patil said India will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues.
She further said that we are fortunate that we are the inheritors of the ideals and values of one of the world's oldest civilizations, which has bequeathed to us a rich treasure of human experiences and thought.
"The concept of the human race being one, the importance of living in harmony with each other and with nature, the quest for knowledge and truth, find prominence in our age old culture. These ideas provided inspiration for our freedom movement and after our independence found a ready resonance in our Constitution," she added.
She further said that the strength of a nation is not determined by the challenges it faces, but by its responses to these challenges, especially so when it stands at a critical juncture and at a decisive point.
She pointed out that as a nation, our aim is to grow and to create a just society.
"Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity," she said.
"We are seeking good governance and a people-centric administration. In this, callous and casual attitudes in the sphere of public service are unacceptable. Delivery systems for schemes and programmes that promote the welfare of the people and spur economic growth should have inbuilt mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability," she added.
Stating that corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance, President Patil said: "Instead of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal more effectively with corruption." (ANI)
Expressing concern over rising inflation, President Devisingh Patil on Tuesday called for urgent need to tackle the rising prices in the country.
Addressing the nation ahead of 62nd Republic Day, President Patil said: "Rising inflation particularly food prices, are a cause of serious concern and draw attention to the urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches towards food security, agricultural production and rural development.
Emphasizing that terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of mankind, President Patil said: Development and progress require an environment of stability and security. The work of our police and internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbours for stability in our region, and with the international community to create a peaceful world."
"India's profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today," she added.
As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, President Patil said India will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues.
She further said that we are fortunate that we are the inheritors of the ideals and values of one of the world's oldest civilizations, which has bequeathed to us a rich treasure of human experiences and thought.
"The concept of the human race being one, the importance of living in harmony with each other and with nature, the quest for knowledge and truth, find prominence in our age old culture. These ideas provided inspiration for our freedom movement and after our independence found a ready resonance in our Constitution," she added.
She further said that the strength of a nation is not determined by the challenges it faces, but by its responses to these challenges, especially so when it stands at a critical juncture and at a decisive point.
She pointed out that as a nation, our aim is to grow and to create a just society.
"Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity," she said.
"We are seeking good governance and a people-centric administration. In this, callous and casual attitudes in the sphere of public service are unacceptable. Delivery systems for schemes and programmes that promote the welfare of the people and spur economic growth should have inbuilt mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability," she added.
Stating that corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance, President Patil said: "Instead of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal more effectively with corruption." (ANI)
President calls for constructive approach to JPC impasse-January 25, 2011
President calls for constructive approach to JPC impasse
Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, January 25, 2011
First Published: 20:01 IST(25/1/2011)
Last Updated: 21:39 IST(25/1/2011)
President Pratibha Patil presents presidential standards to a unit of Indian Air Force at a...
With the government trying to shore up its image tainted by a spate of scams, President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday described corruption as "the enemy of development" and called for "a constructive approach" to resolve the impasse over the demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the 2G
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* Price rise a serious concern, says President Patil
* President's speech underscores confidence in economic growth
spectrum scam.
In her all-encompassing address to the nation on the eve of the 62nd Republic Day, Patil also highlighted the growing global profile of India and called for the international community to take collective steps to eradicate the scourge of terrorism.
Putting social justice and inclusive growth on top of the national agenda, Patil called for a "national consensus on critical issues" and a fresh pledge to include the poor and the marginalised in the growth story of India.
Patil struck an optimistic note, saying the government was confident of achieving over 9 per cent economic growth next year, but admitted that rising inflation, specially food prices, is "a matter of serious concern".
"We are now returning to the pre-crisis growth pattern and are confident of growing at over 9% next year," Patil said in her address.
"All sectors of the economy will be contributors to our growth trajectory," she said, while underlining that the performance of the Indian economy was appreciable even in the face of difficult circumstances during the global financial downturn.
The presidential address also contained veiled references to the ongoing controversy over the opposition's demand for a joint parliamentary committee into the allocation of 2G spectrum and a spate of recent corruption scandals that has plagued the government.
"Corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance. Instead of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal more effectively with corruption," she said.
In an oblique criticism of the opposition that paralysed the winter session of parliament over the alleged 2G scam, Patil said the successful functioning of parliament was "a joint responsibility of both the government and the opposition".
"It is important that the decorum and dignity of the House is upheld at all times. The image of parliament in the public mind should be one where proceedings, debates and discussions take place with a view to resolve issues through a constructive and co-operative approach," she said.
She stressed that a failure to do so may derail democratic institutions.
Stressing on the "urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches towards food security, agricultural production and rural development", Patil called for a second green revolution.
"We need a Second Green Revolution that maximizes productivity, and yet generates income and employment opportunities for the rural population," she said.
In her 20-minute speech broadcast live in Hindi and English, the president alluded to the increasing influence of India, but repeatedly underlined the need for social justice and inclusive growth.
"We can be proud of our successes, but there are many significant tasks that are yet to be accomplished, in particular the pledge to empower the poor and the marginalized sections of our population so that they too can become a part of the growth story of our nation," she said.
"There should be national consensus on critical national goals," Patil said.
She identified these as the eradication of poverty, empowerment of women, access to quality education and affordable health facilities for all.
"Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity," she said while stressing on "good governance and a people-centric administration".
Without mentioning Pakistan, the president described terrorism as "the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind," and stressed on the need to engage neighbours in dialogue for the security of the region.
"There is a crucial need for concerted action by all members of the international community to eradicate the threat of terrorism," Patil said.
"India's profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today," Patil said.
"As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues," she added.
India entered the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member Jan 1, 2011, for a two-year term.
India's permanent representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri was elected chair of the UN counter-terrorism council, a UN body that leads transnational efforts to combat terrorism.
Full text of President's speech
Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, January 25, 2011
First Published: 20:01 IST(25/1/2011)
Last Updated: 21:39 IST(25/1/2011)
President Pratibha Patil presents presidential standards to a unit of Indian Air Force at a...
With the government trying to shore up its image tainted by a spate of scams, President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday described corruption as "the enemy of development" and called for "a constructive approach" to resolve the impasse over the demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the 2G
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spectrum scam.
In her all-encompassing address to the nation on the eve of the 62nd Republic Day, Patil also highlighted the growing global profile of India and called for the international community to take collective steps to eradicate the scourge of terrorism.
Putting social justice and inclusive growth on top of the national agenda, Patil called for a "national consensus on critical issues" and a fresh pledge to include the poor and the marginalised in the growth story of India.
Patil struck an optimistic note, saying the government was confident of achieving over 9 per cent economic growth next year, but admitted that rising inflation, specially food prices, is "a matter of serious concern".
"We are now returning to the pre-crisis growth pattern and are confident of growing at over 9% next year," Patil said in her address.
"All sectors of the economy will be contributors to our growth trajectory," she said, while underlining that the performance of the Indian economy was appreciable even in the face of difficult circumstances during the global financial downturn.
The presidential address also contained veiled references to the ongoing controversy over the opposition's demand for a joint parliamentary committee into the allocation of 2G spectrum and a spate of recent corruption scandals that has plagued the government.
"Corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance. Instead of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal more effectively with corruption," she said.
In an oblique criticism of the opposition that paralysed the winter session of parliament over the alleged 2G scam, Patil said the successful functioning of parliament was "a joint responsibility of both the government and the opposition".
"It is important that the decorum and dignity of the House is upheld at all times. The image of parliament in the public mind should be one where proceedings, debates and discussions take place with a view to resolve issues through a constructive and co-operative approach," she said.
She stressed that a failure to do so may derail democratic institutions.
Stressing on the "urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches towards food security, agricultural production and rural development", Patil called for a second green revolution.
"We need a Second Green Revolution that maximizes productivity, and yet generates income and employment opportunities for the rural population," she said.
In her 20-minute speech broadcast live in Hindi and English, the president alluded to the increasing influence of India, but repeatedly underlined the need for social justice and inclusive growth.
"We can be proud of our successes, but there are many significant tasks that are yet to be accomplished, in particular the pledge to empower the poor and the marginalized sections of our population so that they too can become a part of the growth story of our nation," she said.
"There should be national consensus on critical national goals," Patil said.
She identified these as the eradication of poverty, empowerment of women, access to quality education and affordable health facilities for all.
"Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity," she said while stressing on "good governance and a people-centric administration".
Without mentioning Pakistan, the president described terrorism as "the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind," and stressed on the need to engage neighbours in dialogue for the security of the region.
"There is a crucial need for concerted action by all members of the international community to eradicate the threat of terrorism," Patil said.
"India's profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today," Patil said.
"As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues," she added.
India entered the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member Jan 1, 2011, for a two-year term.
India's permanent representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri was elected chair of the UN counter-terrorism council, a UN body that leads transnational efforts to combat terrorism.
Full text of President's speech
Patil asks media to highlight positive news-25 Jan, 2011
25 Jan, 2011, 09.51PM IST,IANS
Patil asks media to highlight positive news
NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Patil Tuesday called upon the media to work in a positive spirit to highlight good work done by individuals and organisations that can set right examples in society.
In her address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day Wednesday, Patil said there were numerous examples of outstanding conduct in the country where Good Samaritans are rendering yeoman service to society, some civil society organisations are putting in selfless work, as are some philanthropists, scientists and educationalists doing pioneering work.
"By highlighting such actions, the media can inspire others to follow good examples, and I would urge the media to work in a positive spirit, as it expands its reach and coverage," she said in her televised address.
Noting that the media played an important role in bringing information, news and views to the public, she said this generated awareness, promoted discussion on issues and created perceptions.
"A responsive and responsible media is an asset in maintaining the vitality of democracy and its institutions," she added.
The government has been facing the heat over a number of corruption-related cases, including the conduct of the Commonwealth Games last year and the second generation airwave allotment to telecom companies, that have been seen wide media coverage in the recent months.
Patil asks media to highlight positive news
NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Patil Tuesday called upon the media to work in a positive spirit to highlight good work done by individuals and organisations that can set right examples in society.
In her address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day Wednesday, Patil said there were numerous examples of outstanding conduct in the country where Good Samaritans are rendering yeoman service to society, some civil society organisations are putting in selfless work, as are some philanthropists, scientists and educationalists doing pioneering work.
"By highlighting such actions, the media can inspire others to follow good examples, and I would urge the media to work in a positive spirit, as it expands its reach and coverage," she said in her televised address.
Noting that the media played an important role in bringing information, news and views to the public, she said this generated awareness, promoted discussion on issues and created perceptions.
"A responsive and responsible media is an asset in maintaining the vitality of democracy and its institutions," she added.
The government has been facing the heat over a number of corruption-related cases, including the conduct of the Commonwealth Games last year and the second generation airwave allotment to telecom companies, that have been seen wide media coverage in the recent months.
The final journey of a legend- 25 Jan 2011
The final journey of a legend
Padmanabha Venugopal
First Published : 25 Jan 2011 03:09:50 AM IST
Last Updated : 25 Jan 2011 11:26:06 AM IST
PUNE: Notes of ‘Mile sur mera tumhara’, the opening lines of a famous national-integration song that made Pandit Bhimsen Joshi an endearing figure for people at large, reverberated in the air as the epoch-defining Hindustani musician’s last journey began from residence Kalashree in Navi Peth area here to the crematorium on Monday.
Earlier, as the news of his death poured in, people made a beeline to his residence to pay last respects to the departed titan.
Pandit Joshi had been put on ventilator since January 17 after he was admitted to the ICU of a super-speciality hospital with kidney and respiratory complications.
Joshi had been the most celebrated exponent of the Kirana gharana of Hindustan Khayal music, though, soon into his career, his powerful voice, amazing breath control and sharp sensibility made his concerts sound a school of his own.
Born on February 4, 1922 at Gadag in Dharwad district of Karnataka, Pandit Joshi was a prominent disciple of Pandit Sawai Gandharva - and launched his music career in Pune.
Besides hardcore classical, he show tremendous flair for singing Sant Vani recitals modelled on the lines of Marathi Bhakti Sangeet. He also lent is voice as a Dhrupad singer for a Bengali film based on the life of classical composer Tansen. He also sang as a playback singer for Marathi film Gulacha Ganapati.
The Bharat Ratna was bestowed on him in 2008. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan and Madhya Pradesh Government’s Tansen Samman.
His elder son Jayant Joshi is a painter where as younger son Shrinivas Joshi is an accomplished Hindustani vocalist and composer.
Joshi launched Sawai Gandharva Music Festival at Pune decades ago as an homage to Pandit Sawai Gandharva.
This fete being held every year on the second weekend of December attracts Hindustani music lovers from all over the world.
Topics:
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Padmanabha Venugopal
First Published : 25 Jan 2011 03:09:50 AM IST
Last Updated : 25 Jan 2011 11:26:06 AM IST
PUNE: Notes of ‘Mile sur mera tumhara’, the opening lines of a famous national-integration song that made Pandit Bhimsen Joshi an endearing figure for people at large, reverberated in the air as the epoch-defining Hindustani musician’s last journey began from residence Kalashree in Navi Peth area here to the crematorium on Monday.
Earlier, as the news of his death poured in, people made a beeline to his residence to pay last respects to the departed titan.
Pandit Joshi had been put on ventilator since January 17 after he was admitted to the ICU of a super-speciality hospital with kidney and respiratory complications.
Joshi had been the most celebrated exponent of the Kirana gharana of Hindustan Khayal music, though, soon into his career, his powerful voice, amazing breath control and sharp sensibility made his concerts sound a school of his own.
Born on February 4, 1922 at Gadag in Dharwad district of Karnataka, Pandit Joshi was a prominent disciple of Pandit Sawai Gandharva - and launched his music career in Pune.
Besides hardcore classical, he show tremendous flair for singing Sant Vani recitals modelled on the lines of Marathi Bhakti Sangeet. He also lent is voice as a Dhrupad singer for a Bengali film based on the life of classical composer Tansen. He also sang as a playback singer for Marathi film Gulacha Ganapati.
The Bharat Ratna was bestowed on him in 2008. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan and Madhya Pradesh Government’s Tansen Samman.
His elder son Jayant Joshi is a painter where as younger son Shrinivas Joshi is an accomplished Hindustani vocalist and composer.
Joshi launched Sawai Gandharva Music Festival at Pune decades ago as an homage to Pandit Sawai Gandharva.
This fete being held every year on the second weekend of December attracts Hindustani music lovers from all over the world.
Topics:
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Nothing to hide on black money but can't reveal names: govt-January 25, 2011
Nothing to hide on black money but can't reveal names: govt
Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, January 25, 2011
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the estimate of black money stashed abroad by Indians and Indian entities was estimated at between $462 billion and $1.4 trillion and every step within means was being taken to bring it back. He also made it clear that unless there are
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legal provisions in other countries, the two pacts India has been entering with them -- double tax avoidance treaties and information exchange agreements -- cannot help in revealing the names of perpetrators.
Multi-disciplinary committee has been appointed to estimate the amount the black money stashed by Indians in foreign banks, he said.
He also said that various estimates of black money are unverifiable assumptions and approximations.
Government has also appointed a group to look into the possibility of amnesty scheme to bring out black money.
Declining to reveal any names he said, he has no intention to know the names of those who stashed money outside.
"I have no intention or authority to know the names of those who stashed money outside that have come to the government's hand," Mukherjee said.
He also said that Swiss government has not shared any information with the government so far.
"Swiss government has not shared information on black money with any government so far. The UBS Bank shared data with the US after entering an out of the court settlement under which no prosecution was pursued," he said.
Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, January 25, 2011
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the estimate of black money stashed abroad by Indians and Indian entities was estimated at between $462 billion and $1.4 trillion and every step within means was being taken to bring it back. He also made it clear that unless there are
related stories
* Black money in foreign banks: SC slams government
* After SC rap, Cabinet takes up black money
* Black money info can't be revealed: PM
* $104 billion black money taken out of country
legal provisions in other countries, the two pacts India has been entering with them -- double tax avoidance treaties and information exchange agreements -- cannot help in revealing the names of perpetrators.
Multi-disciplinary committee has been appointed to estimate the amount the black money stashed by Indians in foreign banks, he said.
He also said that various estimates of black money are unverifiable assumptions and approximations.
Government has also appointed a group to look into the possibility of amnesty scheme to bring out black money.
Declining to reveal any names he said, he has no intention to know the names of those who stashed money outside.
"I have no intention or authority to know the names of those who stashed money outside that have come to the government's hand," Mukherjee said.
He also said that Swiss government has not shared any information with the government so far.
"Swiss government has not shared information on black money with any government so far. The UBS Bank shared data with the US after entering an out of the court settlement under which no prosecution was pursued," he said.
Abhishek-Aishwarya titled as Power Couple by Stardust- January 25, 2011
Abhishek-Aishwarya titled as Power Couple by Stardust
Sampurn Wire
Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 9:21 [IST]
(GOOD WISHES TO THEM)
Bollywood’s golden couple Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan have been bestowed with the recognition of ‘Power Couple’ by the esteemed Stardust magazine. The mega stars got the title recently at the launch of the latest issue of Stardust in Delhi. Abhishek and Aishwarya graced the occasion as they lifted the veil off to reveal their own photos as the cover page.
Buzz up!
Abhishek and Aishwarya tied the nuptial knot around 4 years back on 20th April, 2007. Since then, the two have had an amazing off-screen chemistry and they always look head over heels in love with each other whenever they are spotted together.
The couple is hugely popular amidst the Bollywood movie lovers. They are big stars and have carved out a niche for themselves in the film industry. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan leapt into fame after winning the Miss World pageant in 1994. Since then there has been no looking back as she climbed the ladders of fame via her big ticket to the B-town.
Abhishek Bachchan made his Bollywood debut around 10 years back with Refugee. But over the years, he and Aishwarya have starred in a plethora of films. Though the two look spectacular together off-screen, it is ironic that their on-screen chemistry has been mostly ‘thanda’ (cold).
However, in Mani Ratnam’s Guru they, indeed, looked fabulous together and the camaraderie was extremely great. Abhishek and Aishwarya add star value to the Bachchan family that is led by Amitabh Bachchan considered as one of the greatest actors of all times.
Money, popularity, a sea of fan following, films, endorsements, good looks and repute, they have got it all. Hence, it’s no doubt that Abhi-Ash do deserve the ‘Power Couple’ title.
Sampurn Wire
Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 9:21 [IST]
(GOOD WISHES TO THEM)
Bollywood’s golden couple Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan have been bestowed with the recognition of ‘Power Couple’ by the esteemed Stardust magazine. The mega stars got the title recently at the launch of the latest issue of Stardust in Delhi. Abhishek and Aishwarya graced the occasion as they lifted the veil off to reveal their own photos as the cover page.
Buzz up!
Abhishek and Aishwarya tied the nuptial knot around 4 years back on 20th April, 2007. Since then, the two have had an amazing off-screen chemistry and they always look head over heels in love with each other whenever they are spotted together.
The couple is hugely popular amidst the Bollywood movie lovers. They are big stars and have carved out a niche for themselves in the film industry. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan leapt into fame after winning the Miss World pageant in 1994. Since then there has been no looking back as she climbed the ladders of fame via her big ticket to the B-town.
Abhishek Bachchan made his Bollywood debut around 10 years back with Refugee. But over the years, he and Aishwarya have starred in a plethora of films. Though the two look spectacular together off-screen, it is ironic that their on-screen chemistry has been mostly ‘thanda’ (cold).
However, in Mani Ratnam’s Guru they, indeed, looked fabulous together and the camaraderie was extremely great. Abhishek and Aishwarya add star value to the Bachchan family that is led by Amitabh Bachchan considered as one of the greatest actors of all times.
Money, popularity, a sea of fan following, films, endorsements, good looks and repute, they have got it all. Hence, it’s no doubt that Abhi-Ash do deserve the ‘Power Couple’ title.
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