Leadership

Let’s Take Bharat to Pinnacle of Its Glory

Dr Mohan Bhagawat On August 15, Bharat will complete 75 years of Independence. Amrit Mahotsav programmes are already being organised to commemorate the occasion. We are in a festive mood; it does not mean we have resolved all our problems. Some old issues are still pending and a few new ones are emerging. Despite this, the joy of Amrit Mahotsav celebration is natural and justified. After many centuries, on August 15, 1947, we regained the right to self-governance. The period of colonisation was long and so was the battle for Swaraj. The Bharatiya society fought against foreign rule in a comprehensive, all-pervasive fashion. All sections of the society contributed to the cause as per their ability. Along with various armed and unarmed movements, social awakening started about the evils that turned out to be obstacles in the path of attaining our freedom. Due to these comprehensive efforts, we attained a position to self-govern on August 15, 1947. After sending off the British rulers, we took reins of the country’s administration to run it as per our will, as per our choice, by our very own people. Hence, the enthusiastic celebratory mood around Amrit Mahotsav is obvious and appropriate. This is also an opportunity to revisit the known and lesser-known stories of struggles and sacrifices made by people from various sections of society. (Many such events are mentioned in the folklore). The character, devotion and inspiration of our freedom fighters that led to the complete sacrifice of everything to protect the interests of fellow nationals can be the guiding force for us. At the same time, we should remember our objectives, resolves, responsibilities and equip ourselves to fulfil them by quickly getting into action. Why does a country need Swarajya or self-rule? Can good governance under some foreign rule allow us to realise our national objectives? The answer is ‘NO’. The expression of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) is natural aspiration of each individual and nation; this very urge becomes the inspiration for Independence. Hence, human beings can experience Su-Rajya only where there is Swa-Rajya. As Swami Vivekananda said, each nation evolves and exists to make a certain contribution to the world. Such a role can be played only by an independent country. Therefore, being independent and capable is a precondition for a country to fulfil its destined role. Several great leaders have also explained the purpose of Bharat’s Independence. Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore, through his famous poem, ‘चित्त जेथा भयशून्य, उन्नत जतो शिर’ (Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high), explained the expected environment in independent Bharat. Mahatma Gandhi, through ‘Hind-Swaraj’, elaborated on his ideas of free Bharat. Veer Savarkar in his epic poem dedicated to Swatantrya Devi, the Goddess of Independence, envisioned that she would bring excellence, nobility and progress. Dr B R Ambedkar, while presenting draft Constitution to the Constituent Assembly articulated the purpose of Independence and our duties to realise the same. Along with Amrit Mahotsava celebrations, we should introspect on a few questions: What is the content of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) that will fulfil the purpose of our national Independence? What would be the nature of our power on the global stage? How to prepare the society for our global role? We need a churning and absolute clarity on the eternal ideals of Bharat and its contemporary manifestation. This was the driving force behind our freedom struggle till 1947. Bharat has a distinctive message to the world based on experiments, experience and truth, reflected in eternal vision, thinking, culture and action, which is comprehensive, integral and inclusive. Here, diversity is not seen as differences but as the expression of same unity. For being one, one need not be the same. The mind-set of painting everyone in the same colour leads to uprooting and discord. An unconditional affection, standing firm on our fundamentals and still respecting the uniqueness of others is the only way to organise our society in one thread. Our motherland is the common factor that binds us. Our eternal culture gives us the wisdom of being erudite, benevolent and compassionate towards each other. It also teaches us how to purify – our minds and the environment around us. Since times immemorial, our common, brave and ethical forefathers guided us to adopt the right path. We should utilise this treasure, with its own peculiarities, but minus the narrow selfish and divisive interests. We need to consider national interest as the sole foundation of all our actions. We have no option but to organise the entire society on these lines. Besides social awakening, each of us needs to present exemplary conduct to get rid of the evils that infected our society over the period – whether discriminations based on caste, region, language and sect or petty selfish interests arising out of material or social aspirations. Only an egalitarian and exploitation-free society can garner the strength to protect its freedom. Some forces, internally and externally, are indulging in instigation and division through confusion created in the society for their petty interests. The alert, organised and powerful society does not give space or shelter such elements. There have been certain essential preconditions for success of a democratic system: 1. the ability of citizens to find synergy between national interest, merit of the candidate and ideology of the party and 2. basic knowledge and natural habit of following the laws, Constitution and civic discipline. However, erosion caused in these fundamental values due to political gimmicks is before us. People are losing control over their tongue to score brownie points in a debate. In Social Media such speech incontinence is a norm which is also a reason for disharmony. Every one of us, including the leadership, has to create an atmosphere where civic discipline and restrictions imposed by the law are respected and followed. No change is possible without individuals and society both being competent. We need to follow four principles for the necessary systemic modifications based on the idea of ‘Swa’ – clarity about the Swa (our

Business Policy

549

Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption

Congress culture of institutionalized corruption that seeped into other political formations must end. Rising above corruption is real tribute to freedom fighters as Bharat enters a new era @75. K.A.Badarinath When Enforcement Directorate raided Trinamool Congress leader Partha Chatterjee and his associate Arpita, there was hue and cry debunking the move as ‘political coercion’ against Mamta Banerjee’s government in West Bengal. Trunks full of cash, jewelry, property documents found from two flats in South West Kolkata and Belghoria blunted the opposition tirade against Narendra Modi government of using Enforcement Directorate as a political utility tool. TMC’s undeclared second in command Partha Chatterjee was audacious enough to claim that he had nothing to do with proceeds of school jobs scam parked in Arpita’s flats. Arpita also denies knowledge of this treasure trove that has turned out to be a billion dollar question for the enforcement sleuths. Conveniently enough, TMC supremo Mamta Banerjee disowned Partha and refused to take his calls in wee hours thereby making a desperate attempt to wash her hands off the scam or own up responsibility. The drama that unfolded post-cam drama last two weeks point to criminal collapse of governance structures in West Bengal and institutionalization of corruption that’s practiced with no remorse whatsoever. Should Mamta Banerjee not own up and offer a more rational explanation for using primary schools to fill in the party leaders’ coffers In the first place, the school jobs scam investigation got underway owing to hard work put in by enforcement officials in sync with a directive from the Kolkata High Court based on an in-depth analysis and findings of a high powered committee. So, the first argument that Modi went after his political rivals may not stand. Elected representatives’ brazenness to force youngsters to cough up bribes is rather unnerving. Manipulation of merit sheets, in teachers and personnel recruitment in schools reeks of a system that collapsed during previous communist rule. This system has conveniently been used by TMC political machinery and perfected for illegal gains. Second salvo against Modi government was fired by the Shiv Sena that lost out in Maharastra power slugfest owing to vertical spit in the party run by Uddav Thakarey. When Enforcement officials took custody of Sanjay Raut on charges of money laundering along with Wadhawans, Shiv Sena cried foul and ‘political vendetta’ to finish the Sena. Corruption and Shiv Sena were never two entities in the latter’s growth under Balasaheb and now Uddav Thakarey. Sena may have grudge against BJP for outwitting it in electoral machinations and managing political equations. Core question here is whether it can defend its leaders that have seeped themselves in charges of money laundering with select businessmen? Is investigation into a case of money laundering by Enforcement Directorate an illegal and politically motivated operation? Does Sena have plausible explanation for the laundering charges against its biggies? Whose liquid cash was lying in Sanjay Rout’s place? Thankfully, till now he has not dis-owned the retrieved cash like his TMC counterpart Partha Chatterjee? Third case in point is the huge cash chest recovered from three Jharkhand MLAs of Congress at Howrah by Kolkata Police. Well, are these public representatives available for sale is the moot question? Interestingly enough, the tipoff on cash was passed on to TMC by the JMM political leadership and both seem to have sensed an opportunity to settle their political scores with Congress in Jharkhand as well as West Bengal. In the process, what happened is that murky side of Congress culture bereft of values got exposed. It’s rather laughable that Congress leadership suspended these MLAs instantly ‘for anti-party activities’. But then, who would hold the Congress leadership to account for having bred a culture of corruption post-independence to benefit a few close buddies of the party’s ‘first family’? Can one forget umpteen numbers of scandals that tumbled out of Congress cupboard especially during two terms of United Progressive Alliance government at centre? Even today, the Congress first family is under scrutiny of Enforcement Directorate on charges of money laundering through trusts and corporate entities that own National Herald. Case of Satyendar Jain, an AAP minister in-charge of party’s affairs in Punjab is rather very interesting. Has Enforcement Directorate perpetuated a crime by probing his alleged money laundering activities? Acquiring assets that are disproportionate to his known sources of income is a very serious charge against Satyendar Jain on which the Enforcement sleuths have filed a first information report. Gold coins and cash retrieved from Jain and his associates may be dismissed by the opposition parties as part of BJP and NDA vendetta against its political rivals. But then, what’s the source of these funds or assets is the key question? AAP, as a party assumed power on an anti-corruption platform about ten years ago. They were given charge of Punjab with a thumping mandate and in a week after the swearing in, the state’s health minister had to be forced out. Sadly enough, top leaders getting netted in laundering cases or corruption is anti-thesis of what Kejriwal’s fledgling formation had promised in initial years. It’s a double edged sword on which anti-corruption agencies work. In their campaigns against well-oiled machinery of corrupt uncouth individuals, parties and leaders, they are bound to face both bouquets and brickbats from ruling as well as opposition parties. They may have to live with these charges and counter-charges of favouring one or other individual or party. Zero tolerance to corruption – both political and business linked – should be the state policy unlike Congress regimes of the past that institutionalized irregularities and murky deals with all impunity. None can be above corruption. Probity in public life is what Mahatma prescribed and that’s precisely why he recommended disbanding the Congress which evolved as a pre-independence political platform of leaders with different ideologies. Evolving a self-governance model sans corruption will be the biggest tribute to freedom fighters that liberated Bharat from stranglehold of imperialist forces. (The author is Director & Chief Executive of

Fact Sheet Media Misinformation Policy

575

Spare us, My Lord!

Judicial reforms that entail clearing large pendency and delivering justice to the last man standing in antyodaya spirit should be the focus. K.A.Badarinath Is holding a view opposed to Justice J.B.Pardiwala an equivalent of media trial by default? Do live wire TV debates or instant digital media scrutiny of honourable judges’ comments translate to holding ‘kangaroo courts’? Well, these are larger questions of interpretation especially after Chief Justice of India N V Ramana took TV and digital media to task while delivering a lecture at Ranchi. After the ‘Kangaroo courts’ comment of Justice Ramana, key point to ponder was if media in India overstepped their mandate and hurt the essentials of democracy? If yes, then what are the corrective measures that should be put in place as part of course correction? Or, should our judges and judiciary reconcile and adapt to ‘real time media coverage and scrutiny’ of controversial issues that engulf our society? Well, the jury is out. Is instant and incessant analyses of issues by hyper-active media same as holding Kangaroo courts? A quick search on the internet said that Kangaroo courts were ‘unofficial courts of law’ or punishment by hanging without due process. Ochlocracy, lynch laws or criminal syndicalism are other thesaurus synonyms for Kangaroo courts. A loose definition of criminal syndicalism was doctrine of criminal acts to advocate crime, sabotage, violence and other unlawful methods of terrorism. Has Indian media been so irresponsible that it functioned like Kangaroo courts? Well, as a practicing newsman for over 35-years, it’s an unpardonable insult to call our body of professional work as Kangaroo court delivering judgment without due process. Media in India’s thriving and chaotic democracy pre and post-independence has played a significant role in upholding societal values, subjecting every institution to scrutiny including the judiciary. Most scams were unearthed by very serious and alert news professionals and media houses risking their lives. Otherwise, the Rs 133 crore urea scam involving the then Prime Minister would not have hogged headlines. Corrupt Bofors deal that seriously compromised India’s security apparatus would not have got exposed. Investigation into allocation of spectrum would not have happened. Serious irregularities in purchase of fodder would not have seen light. ‘Sweet heart deals’ owing to politicians and bankers nexus were uncovered only due to hard work of media organizations and enterprising serious journalists My Lord! Media and journalists were the biggest victims of anti-democratic internal emergency imposed on June 26, 1975 following the ouster of Indira Gandhi owing to electoral malpractices through an Allahabad High Court verdict. Media role in independence movement can never be ignored nor needs amplification. Majority media houses – print, electronic, digital and social – have largely been serious players with a purpose as pursuit of objective journalism is too sacred for hard core newsmen and women. Like majority of judges and judiciary is serious about its profession of delivering flawless justice, serious media players are driven by commitment and conviction. Both, media and judiciary will have to co-exist with equanimity as equitable stakeholders in Indian democracy along with the executive and legislature. Respecting each other’s work and professional ethics and operating in their space recognizing the inter-linkages is something that needs to evolve organically and without a blemish. Stepping on each other’s toes or name calling may not be the best solution My Lord! One would tend to agree with Union Information and Broadcasting minister Anurag Singh Thakur that self-discipline and self-regulation should be the buzz words for meaningful media contribution to the narrative and conversations. Several reforms in media have become operative after the pre-British days’ First Press Regulation of 1799. Press and Regulation of Books Act of 1867 coupled with various provisions under Indian Penal Code of 1860 paved the way for an organized media in this country. Post-independence, there have been several changes to press laws. Newsmen and media have largely followed a particular path to strengthen Indian democratic traditions, objectivity and keep the discourse in public space intact. In this context, a clear distinction needs to be made between judicial activism, restraint and overreach. This may not be limited to the relationship between judiciary, executive and the legislature. Free and responsible media is also an important organ that makes the circle complete. Justice S.N.Aggarwal recently pointed to citizens overlooking the fallibility of judicial officers considering the judge as the supreme, the primus inter pares that gets to have the last word especially on issues of public importance. Scrutiny, restraint and self-regulation are what the doctor prescribed for each of the democratic organs and not just the media or journalists. For instance, should Justice J.B.Pardiwala not have given enough thought before making a scathing remark on Nupur Sharma’s utterances of Prophet Mohammad? Do we expect citizens and readers to endorse Madras High Court calling Election Commission of India as an institution of ‘murderers’ holding it solely responsible for second wave of Covid 19 spread? Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah had rightly taken the line that judges need to be cautious about making off the cuff remarks that may be subject to interpretation and scrutiny. The learned judges have carefully noted that hysteria and chaos should not be result of even unintended comments made by the Lordships. Reforms in judiciary should be prima donna focus of the judiciary rather than satiating to the urge for hitting headlines day after day on each and every issue. These judicial reforms will have to lead to delivery of justice to last man standing in the queue of hundreds of thousands waiting to be heard. Introspection into workings of the judiciary should pre-occupy our top judicial minds rather than resorting to flippant comments on the media or transgressing into domains of legislature or executive. Ending huge pendency of cases at each level beginning with mofussil courts should become the priority. Setting its own house in order with reforming its processes from filing of a petition to delivery of justice must be pursued on mission mode. (This article is

Disinformation Hindus Human Rights Misinformation

585

Persecution of minority Hindu, Sikh and Christian Women and Girls in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Disinformation Fact Sheet Hindus Human Rights Misinformation Policy

580

State of Religious Minorities in India

Indian minorities are at the forefront of socio-economic development of the nation. The Indian government has set up a separate ministry named the Ministry of Minority Affairs to work for the all round growth of minorities. The ministry designs and implements schemes and programs for their welfare. The Constitution of India recognises six religious minorities in India, which are, Muslims, Parsis, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians, which constitute around 20 percent of the Indian population (Census 2011). Indian government and those at the state level have invested consider able resources in the upliftment of minorities, however, their efforts get sidelined by narratives that are propagated by divisive forces. Hence, an in-depth analysis based on evidence and data provided by the government and other relevant authorities becomes crucial. This report presents an overview of the efforts of the government and its agencies in the development and welfare of Indian minori-ties. Read More…

Business Policy World

596

Economic Divergence Unfolds

India has emerged as fastest growing economy with 8.7 per cent surge while China struggled to stay afloat with $ 5.5 trillion package K.A.Badarinath It’s a tale in contrast. The two countries have always been viewed as competitors to gain global footprint, acceptability and reach. Presently, the two nations in question are going through a differential economic curve that depicts a picture in contrast. Without second guess, one would easily make out that it’s the economic story of China and India that are unfolding differently in the backdrop of a huge crisis in Eastern Europe and Baltic region, rise in commodity prices leading to huge inflationary pressures and thereby tightening of money policy by central banks. The humungous fiscal stimulus package announced by President Xi Jinping’s administration indicates that not everything is going right for China’s economy that’s in complete control of the Communist Party of China, its minions and the oligarchs. Protracted lockdowns in various cities of China owing to Covid 19 pandemic has pushed the dragon country’s economy into an abyss. While it struggles to stay afloat with positive growth, China has lost its exalted position as the fastest growing country. President Xi, cabinet, state council and CPC decision to pump prime the economy speaks volumes on the crisis that has rattled the world’s second largest economy. Ukraine war, disruption in its supply chains and resultant slide in manufacturing growth has led to rampant pink slips and loss of livelihoods. Bloomberg’s back of the envelope calculation put the fiscal stimulus at $ 5.3 trillion that President Xi’s communist administration has announced. From deep tax rebates, cheap loans, withdrawal of restrictions on automobiles buying to booster dose for e-platform companies, China seems to be trying every trick to get back the growth mojo. Already, Chinese monetary authorities and its central bank seem to have reconciled to the challenge faced in achieving downwardly revised growth of 5.5 per cent in 2022. Investment bank UBS forecast of 4.2 – 3 per cent growth in China has not only unnerved President Xi who’s preparing for third term coronation in September. Earlier this week, J.P.Morgan had also cut the China growth forecast to 3.7 per cent from earlier 4.2 per cent. There seems to be no easy way out of economic bind in which China has landed itself especially after the Communist regime went on a war path against the growth drivers like the big home grown technology companies and platform enterprises. David Qu, Bloomberg’s China economist may be right when he says that Chinese central bank has now only played a supportive role. And, the government’s fiscal measures had more space to support growth in the $ 17 trillion Chinese economy. Implementing the fiscal package may also pose a big problem as there’s reported resistance from states and local governments whose finances are already fragile, borrowings touching the roof and very little elbow room to undertake development projects. Otherwise, there’s no plausible reason for Xi’s administration to send dedicated task forces to 12 provinces to realize the actual economic package. In contrast, Indian that’s celebrating eight years of BJP government in office is on a virtual high. Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership to deliver on economic and development front has worked. India has emerged as the fastest growing economy globally displacing China with 8.7 per cent GDP uptick in fiscal year ending April 2022. Incidentally, this is the highest growth posted by India in 22 years after 8.8 per cent reported in 2000. India with its $ 3 trillion economy is making waves globally with new partnerships and markets thereby creating new work opportunities for the aspiring youth. Having navigated the two difficult waves of Covid 19 pandemic relatively unscathed, India’s reading along with its partners like Australia, Japan and US to displace China with alternative and sustainable supply Chains. If one were to go by chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, even in current fiscal, India’s economic growth has been estimated at 7.5 – 8 per cent. At this juncture, these projections may look daunting due to slide reported in January – March 2022 at 4.1 per cent. Economic resilience back home and deft management is what one can bank upon to realize this expansion. Core sector performance of 8.6 per cent spread over eight infrastructure areas during April 2022 provides enough optimism for maintaining the growth momentum in the Indian context. Given the government’s continued commitment to invest over Rs 750,000 crore across infrastructure areas, India will continue to be the brightest spot in the global growth sweepstakes. Given the hard work put in by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government in last eight years, retaining the tag of fastest growing economy should be celebrated as a big leap forward. This does not mean that Indian leadership should be carried away by the euphoria and not recognize the challenges like crude prices touching $ 120 as against budgeted $ 75 per barrel apart from surge in other commodities prices. If data available with credible agencies like International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank are anything to go by, then India may be the only large economy that would post GDP growth beyond 7 per cent till 2025. Creating jobs for millions of unskilled, semi-skilled and low-end earners in rural hinterlands may have to be the focus while Prime Minister Modi’s government goes about methodically in economic integration to evolve India as a unified behemoth. (Author is Director & Chief Executive of Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies based in New Delhi.)

Human Rights

802

Nehru – Liaquat Pact Dumped!

Persecution of minority Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists & Jains in Pakistan led to CAA in India Pankaj Singh / New Delhi Indian and Pakistan governments entered into pact on security and rights of minorities on April 8, 1950. The famed Nehru-Liaquat agreement was signed in the backdrop of unprecedented and large-scale migration of persons belonging to minority communities between the two countries after East Pakistan and Noakhali riots. Nehru-Liaquat agreement encompasses inter alia, complete equality of citizenship, irrespective of religion, a full sense of security in respect of life, culture, property and personal honour, freedom of movement within each country, occupation, speech and worship subject to law and morality. India and Pakistan agreed that minorities will have equal opportunity vis-à-vis majority community to participate in public life and hold political office. Both the governments declared that these rights were fundamental. Both sides agreed to such rights for migrants from East Bengal, West Bengal, Assam and Tripura where communal violence occurred. They committed to freedom of movement and protection during transit, rights of ownership in or occupancy of the immovable property of migrants shall not be disturbed. If such property was disturbed during his absence, it shall be returned to him or her in case they return by December 31, 1950. In cases where restoration of such immovable property to migrants who return within stipulated time was not possible, the two governments were to take appropriate steps to rehabilitate them. Scope of these terms was general based on exigency and prevailing situation at that time in India and Pakistan. In a nutshell, the idea behind signing of the pact was to provide a framework and obligations for treatment of minorities in both the countries post-Independence. India kept its word and protected its minorities. But, successive governments in Pakistan failed to protect the minorities. These rights were guaranteed to all minorities as per specific provisions in the Indian Constitution. Similar provisions do exist in the Objectives Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. There was always an element of doubt on Pakistan sticking to its commitment to equitably treat the minority Hindus in its territory. This lingering apprehension got intense after Pakistan declared itself as an Islamic State in 1973. Violence that followed after partition is still sore for the two countries till date. Discrimination hitherto limited to political leadership and military establishment seems to have seeped into the Pakistan society with Islamist extremists holding sway. Otherwise, how does one explain two Sikh businessmen being shot dead on May 15, 2022 by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province? While the state turned mute spectator, minority Hindus continued to get targeted elsewhere. Anti-Hindu protests staged outside temples in cities and towns of southern Pakistan where most Pakistani Hindus live bear testimony to state of minorities in the South Asian country. One Hindu man was killed and four temples were damaged by Muslim demonstrators. Muslims attacked temples across Pakistan. What stands out is the government of this overwhelmingly muslim majority nation that closed offices and schools for one day to protest the destruction of the Babri mosque in India. Marchers shouted slogans such as “Crush India” and “Death to Hinduism”. In Lahore, Punjab’s capital, muslims used a bulldozer, hammers and bare hands to demolish the Jain temple near Punjab University. As per National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan, Hindu population may be around eight million today. Hindu population of Pakistan is geographically concentrated in rural areas of Sindh province where more than 90 per cent of them live. Small groups of Hindus can be found in Balochistan and Punjab as well. Hindus of Pakistan residing in the interior of Sindh or Balochistan belong principally to the untouchable class, scheduled caste Hindus. Many of them are landless bonded labourers working on lands of big Sindhi landlords (known as Jagirdars). Those who live in towns and cities also have a menial standing and are generally employed as sweepers or Jamadars.” In March 2019, protestors in Sindh attacked and burned Hindu shops as well as their temples following two incidents: in the first, one muslim maulvi accused a Hindu veterinarian of wrapping medicine with paper that had verses from the holy Quran. In the second, a student leveled blasphemy charges against principal of the school that happens to be a Hindu. In July 2020, Pakistan government backtracked on its decision to allow construction of a Hindu temple in Islamabad, largely under duress from Islamic terrorists, religious groups and parties. The tackling of religious extremism continued to be on low priority for Pakistan though communal violence, religious and sectarian hatred have become a regular feature. In one of these incidents, the shrine of a Hindu saint was vandalised and torched in Karak. International Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) establishes obligations of state parties to respect, ensure racial equality and the right to be free from discrimination. Several other human rights treaties contain prohibitions on racial and other forms of discrimination, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Human Rights Council, the central human rights institution of the United Nations has affirmed that “racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance condoned by governmental policies violate human rights, as established in the relevant international and regional human rights instruments, and are incompatible with democracy, the rule of law and transparent and accountable governance.” The Human Rights Council has also urged “governments to summon the necessary political will to take decisive steps to combat racism in all its forms and manifestations.” As a state party, India has committed to upholding its human rights obligations under ICERD, ICCPR, and other international human rights law treaties “in good faith,” and may not invoke “provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty.” In December 2019, Indian Parliament adopted the much debated Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). It was a courageous step that provides fast track to Indian citizenship for minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Disinformation Human Rights Misinformation World

573

US Figures Big On Human Rights Violations

Republicans & Democrats that point to rights violation and abuse elsewhere turn a blind eye on their own dubious record Neha Dahiya & Rohan Giri New Delhi US has turned out to be the biggest hub for racism, discrimination by colour, lack of freedom to express and is the biggest violator of basic human rights. While successive democratic and republican administrations at White House have made it their prime business to talk about purported rights violation elsewhere, they chose to turn blind eye to grave crimes in its own territory. Though several global organizations have been located in US, the country has failed miserably to stop wrong doings, ensure pluralism find uphold basic rights of its citizens. US has also been charged with massive rights violations in other countries While these crimes go either unreported or US administration has allowed racist violence to happen, the political leadership is now in a binge given that facts have come to light. Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR), an Indian organisation working on human rights and democracy released a report on Wednesday highlighting massive violation of these basic rights in US. The well documented report running into over 140 pages has come into public domain at a time when American organizations have levelled charges against foreign governments on not enabling safeguard of religious freedom and human rights. Case in point is the routine reports released by United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that talk about human rights violations in other countries. These US organizations by design or connivance with the political leadership in Washington DC seem to have ignored wrongdoings back home that they seek to eradicate elsewhere. People in US seem to have been kept in dark on such violations with a purpose said CDPHR in its latest report by Prerna Malhotra (Faculty at University of Delhi) and Arvind Kumar (Civil Rights Activist and writer based in US). Restrictions on free expression & media, violence, threats of violence, and unjustified arrests are some of the grave crimes that go unreported in US, said the report. The report charges US with building structural racism as part of its Constitution itself. Three-fifth clauses in US constitution violate the principle of equality. Fugitive Slave clause does not permit people to escape slavery. Third clause of fourth article in US Constitution authorises the enslavers to seize enslaved people. No person held to service or labour in one state under the laws was allowed to escape to other states. Unless discharged from such slavery, such labourers would be delivered back to the aggressors, as per US Constitutional provisions. Discrimination against those practicing non-Abrahamic faiths such as Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jain was on the rise in US. The holy symbols of Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists were desecrated or denigrated by politicians. For instance in January 2021, New York Senator Todd Kaminsky introduced a bill in New York Senate that proposed making it mandatory for schools in his state to teach ‘Swastika’, an auspicious and revered sign of Hindu Dharma, as an example of Hate. The Bill titled Senate Bill S2727 conflates the Dharmic Swastika with the Nazi sign of Hakenkreuz or Hooked Cross and mandates that the Swastika should be taught as an emblem of Nazi Germany. Therefore it should be taught as a Hate symbol from grade 6 through 12 in schools. The report points to normalization of gender discrimination and sexual violence in the USA. A study conducted on 1965 students in grade 7 – 12 revealed that 48 per cent students had faced some form of sexual harassment. Girls get sexually exploited by men in Power. Statistics show that nearly one in every five American women has been victims of rape or attempted rape. Big political names have figured in sexual exploitation, including the Presidents of the country. According to a study, one out of every five women has been raped at some point in their lives and nearly half of rape victims in the United States are raped by an acquaintance. In the workplace, women were discriminated in the United States that boasts of providing equal opportunities. The report revealed that 42 per cent of working women had experienced gender discrimination in the workplace, and 25 per cent paid fewer wages vis a vis their male counterparts for the same work. Children were also not spared in America. As per a report, in 2014, there were an estimated 42 million survivors of child abuse. It is rampant among government officials and politicians, but such cases are either covered up or the perpetrators are let off with light sentences. Racism against Black is always at a peak in the USA. Blacks were always used as pawns and puppets by the White supremacists, even the organisations of black were also controlled by whites. In America, poverty is higher among Blacks. They were routinely targeted with the intention to cull their population. Black women have the highest abortion rate in the country. Native Americans were also caged to poverty by the US Government. They were not allowed to manage their own lands since 1831, yet tribes were unable to make good their losses. Native Americans have their income 68 per cent below the national average, 20 per cent households earn less than $ 5000 annually as against 6 per cent national average, rape rate of wome n is 2.5 times higher and child abuse rate double. USA that talks big on humanitarian crises in the world may have to take responsibility for such crises in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine. Over 241,000 people including 71,000 civilians were killed in the Afghan War initiated by the US in 2011on false pretext that it was in response to terror attacks against USA carried out on September 11, 2001. Taliban regime in Afghanistan itself was a creation of the US government. The takeover by the Taliban has precipitated another humanitarian crisis with 3.5 million Afghans internally displaced and another 2.2 million refugees with millions

Business Policy World

596

War on Inflation Must Continue

Second cut in duties on petrol & diesel, GST rates and further increase in interest rates may be some options to fight price rise K.A.Badarinath / New Delhi Spectre of high inflation and higher interest rates is back with a vengeance. Heady mix of the two make a lethal combination and turn out to be biggest sore points for a growth oriented finance minister like Nirmala Sitharaman. One is reminded of the high inflation and interest rates that singed the Indian economy during 2009 – 14 when the governance was under control of Harvard trained veterans like Dr Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister and Palaniappan Chidambaram as finance minister. India’s modern economic history bears testimony to their complete incompetence and failure thereby derailing the famed growth story that stood test of times till then. In 2009, G-20 Presidents and Prime Ministers had gathered in a summit mode at Pittsburgh in US to discuss the economic turmoil heaped on the world owing to collapse of American financial markets that has had contagion effect across geographies. The then US President Barrack Obama famously said that world leaders at the head table leaned heavily on wisdom of Dr Singh to steer the economy out of woods. Well, Dr Singh’s prescription may have had worked for others that went by the rule book. But, India’s economic turmoil thereafter was too huge owing to ‘inaction’ and ‘policy paralysis’ combined with rampant corruption that was hallmark of UPA government in its second tenure. Consumers paid through their nose. Investors lost big time. Real incomes of most people were lost. Pink slips were order of the day notwithstanding economic rescue packages announced by the inept UPA government with Pranab Mukherjee in finance ministry. Kitchen budgets had to be cut. Purchases had to be postponed by force. And, this phenomenon continued till 2014 when the Narendra Modi led juggernaut swept Lok Sabha polls and the first BJP-led majority government came to power post-independence. Today again, globally induced inflation has raised its ugly head again. Inflation in wholesale market has hit a record high of 15.08 per cent in April 2022. At retail level, the consumer price index is inching towards 8 per cent mark. Vegetables (23.24 per cent), Potatoes (19.84 per cent), wheat (10.7 per cent) have contributed big time to inflation last 13-months that has been in double digits. When the WPI passes through to consumers in next few months, the impact is bound to be devastating whether a policymaker concedes or not. Hardening of fuel and power inflation at 38.7 per cent in April 2022 would make things worse for consumers that have been worst hit hard due to two-years of Covid 19, Russia – Ukraine conflict and consequent spurt in commodity prices. Unlike the UPA of yesteryears or Joe Biden’s present democratic administration in US, Indian government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been proactive in limiting consumers and middle-class salaried peoples’ woes. Otherwise, tackling inflation would not have been prioritized over growth with sudden interest rate hike of 40 basis points and increase in cash reserve ratio, Standard Deposit Facility and Marginal Standing Facility. Another round of rate hikes has been anticipated by money policy experts when the multi-member policy committee of RBI meets next month. Another 50 basis points increase is what has been factored in by the markets. Pulling inflation below the acceptable six per cent at retail level is an imperative from which neither the RBI nor the Modi government can escape. Nirmala Sitharaman, on her part, began rolling out measures to counter surge in inflation beginning November 2021. Excise duty on diesel and petrol were slashed. This led to revenue losses of over Rs 49,500 crore. She was willing to absorb these revenue losses too. Food, fuel and fertilizer subsidies form a big chunk of Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget that projected a total spending of Rs 39.45 lakh crore (US $ 527 billion) during this fiscal. She will have to consider tinkering with subsidies to negate impact of high input costs for economy owing to elevated price levels internationally. While the cost push has had its run leading to high inflation globally, easing demand may bring in some respite for finance minister Sitharaman. But then, this war on inflation and prices has to continue in the Indian context like most other economies internationally. Finance Minister Sitharaman and RBI governor Shakti Kanta Das may have to reconcile at sacrificing more of projected 7.5 per cent growth this fiscal with spill over impact for 2023-24. While none should risk stagflation or recession, a fresh round of cut in taxes on petroleum products may have to be attempted to cool down inflationary pressures. Both states and centre may have to act in tandem on this front. Foregoing revenue may turn out to be a clincher for both central and state governments. Fortunately, buoyant money and equity markets, continued demand for goods and services has kept industrial manufacturers and service providers on toes to deliver. As the rate hikes seep in, slowing demand may make things trickier in few months from now. There’s very little elbowroom for the government to rejig the goods and services tax rates. In any case, slash in GST rates can be done only in consultation with state finance ministers that are already under tremendous pressure to meet ends. In this backdrop, government’s decision to continue with infrastructure thrust and spending of Rs 7.5 lakh crore this fiscal is refreshing. This only means that next round of interest rates hike may be front-loaded. Another possibility that government may have to consider is a flexibly designed economic rescue package that needs to be rolled out on mission mode. (Author is Director & Chief Executive of Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies based in New Delhi.)

Disinformation Fact Sheet Hindus Human Rights Misinformation

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Listless Anti-India Propaganda Exposed!

Self-proclaimed intelligentsia attempt to eulogize terror, terrorists & their handlers do not hold water. It’s against basic grain of democracy! Neha Dahiya / New Delhi On April 19, self-claimed intellectual Arundhati Roy spoke on “Religious Nationalism, Dissent and the Battle between myth and history” in University of Texas at Austin. Laced with false propaganda, inherent extreme bias, intellectual bankruptcy, hatred and many factual errors, Arundhati Roy seems particularly rattled by the current government’s firm stand on putting an end to decades-old nexus of anti-India forces, NGOs and terror groups. In her speech, she relentlessly picked out the word, BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi depicting her obsession and self-constructed fear for the current Indian government. Claims versus facts on RSS Contrary to claims made by Arundhati Roy, whose links with terror outfits is well documented, RSS is neither fascist nor racist. RSS is the largest voluntary organisation that’s service oriented, inculcates patriotic spirit amongst the Hindus globally and pushes for sustainable development agenda for humanity rooted in ‘Sanatan dharma’, Indian civilizational values. From providing education opportunities to millions of under-privileged kids to empowering girl children and women, RSS has been at forefront in bringing about fundamental shift in Indian society that got emancipated from the long British imperialist rule. RSS human service during natural disasters either in India, US or Europe has been widely reported. From saving lives to providing succour, RSS volunteers had shown exemplary idealism especially during earthquakes, floods epidemics or hurricanes. Completely ignoring RSS long track record of humanitarian approach to peoples’ problems, Arundhati making desperate attempt to label the organization ‘fascist’ has no basis. In fact, Arundhati and her Leftist hooligans are the intolerant fascists that unleashed terror on patriotic RSS volunteers in states like Kerala and West Bengal. In these states, Marxist cadres supported and promoted by Arundhati Roy have murdered scores of RSS volunteers till date. Yet another substantiated charge made by Arundhati Roy was that RSS is setting fire to the country and attacking both Christians and Muslims in Kashmir. Militant cadres inspired by Mao Tse Tung including Arundhati Roy have played with fire and have blood on their hands in India. Arundhati Roy and her political principals are known to have provided weapons to innocent tribals in Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh to create unrest and disturb peace in these states. Self-proclaimed intellectuals like Arundhati Roy were known to have provided shelter to Left wing extremists as well as anti-India terror groups with a subversive agenda. Arundhati says that RSS centennial celebrations in 2025 will be a watershed moment in Indian history. She’s right in a way. Rise of Hindutva inspired Indian society and people are bound to play a larger role on global stage. Be it environment, human rights to women’s empowerment, RSS and Hindus will make their mark internationally with classical civilizational values like ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbatam’ being the war cry. Turning the entire humanity into a larger family is what the likes of Arundhati Roy seem serious frightened about. What’s wrong in exposing the opponents of RSS that came into being in 1925? One hundred years of eventful, non-profit work of RSS stands out through a bouquet of its organizations dedicated to prosperity and wellbeing of the humanity. RSS rose like a phoenix after having been banned four times, thrice by the successive intolerant Congress regimes in India and once by the British rulers. These restrictions on a democratic, open and norms based organization, did not adversely impact the pace, progress and growth of RSS. Manipulated data on Hindu festivals What flummoxed most Hindus is Arundhati Roy’s concocted charges that they wielded swords and sticks against Muslims during the sacred festivals, Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. Each year, both Ram Navami and Muslim festival, Ramzan are celebrated more or less during same days leading to heightened tempers. Her ranting that Hindus were the first to provoke and attack muslims in eleven cities during the Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti processions is not based on based facts but figment of fertile imagination. In fact, on the ground in all eleven cities, it’s the peace-loving Hindus that were at the receiving end. Terror-linked Islamists urged and encouraged by the likes of Arundhati Roy attacked Hindus. On April 16, 2022, Islamist miscreants attacked Hindus in Delhi from all sides, pelted stones, beat up both the devotees of Ram & Hanuman as well as security personnel. Seven Islamists that were apprehended by the Delhi Police have past record of gambling and murder related crimes. In fact the attackers seriously injured eight police personnel manning law and order apart from one civilian. Three firearms and five swords recovered from the accused debunk claims of those supporting the arsonists. On April 11, 2022, in Khargone and Barwani of Madhya Pradesh, Islamists threw petrol bombs and stones on the procession and set many vehicles on fire. This incident has been given a different colour to suit the anti-Hindu and anti-India narrative peddled by Arundhati Roy and her comrades in arms. On April 11, 2022, in Himmatnagar of Indian western state Gujarat, Islamist arsonists attacked Hindu devotees that were peacefully singing bhajans in praise of Lord Ram during Ram Navami procession. Islamists hurled stones at them. In yet another incident at khambat of Gujarat, Islamists set ablaze eight Hindu shops and pelted stones on the devotees procession. At Lohardaga in Jharkhand, Islamists set ten bikes and one van belonging to Hindus on fire. In this violent attack that was perpetrated on April 10, 2022, one Hindu lost his life. Was this even taken cognisance of by Arundhati Roy and her proclaimed intellectuals gang working round the clock to push the wrong envelope? On April 10, 2022, in Howrah, West Bengal, Islamists attacked around twenty Hindus including three policemen who were in a procession. Two days prior to this, Islamists cut the power supply by design to attack and pelt stones on the Hindus. They set two cars and a bike on fire as well. In north-western state, Rajasthan’s

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