Tag: News Analysis

News analysis for scholar to understand the issues in a better way.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, first phase of Census 2021 and updation of NPR postponed until further orders

The Census 2021 was scheduled to be conducted in two phases, viz., (a) Phase I i.e. House listing & Housing Census during April-September, 2020 and (b) Phase II  i.e. Population Enumeration during 9th to 28th February, 2021.The updation of NPR was also proposed to be done along with the Phase I of Census 2021 in all the States/UTs, except Assam.

Due to the outbreak ofCOVID-19 pandemic, high alert has been declared by the Government of India as well as the States/Union Territories. The Ministry of Home Affairs vide order dated 24th March, 2020 has issued Guidelines with the directions for their strict implementation, on the measures to be taken by the Ministries/Departments of Government of India and State/Union Territory Governments for containment of COVID-19 Epidemic in the country. Lockdown has also been declared by many State/UT governments. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has issued advisories for various precautionary measures, including social distancing.

Keeping in view the above, the first phase of Census 2021 and updation of NPR, which was to begin on various dates decided by the State/UT governments beginning 1st April 2020 and various related field activities, are postponeduntil further orders

Delhi Development Authority Recruitment 2020: 629 Posts, Apply Online

Delhi Development Authority Recruitment 2020:- Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi invites online application from eligible candidates for filling up its 629 posts in various categories on Direct Recruitment Basis.

dda-announced-job-notification-for-patwari-vacancies-freshers-can-apply-1584428291
dda-announced-job-notification-for-patwari-vacancies-freshers-can-apply-1584428291

1. Post Name:- Deputy Director (System)

  • No of posts:- 2 Posts (UR-2)
  • Age limit:- Not exceeding 40 years. Relaxable in accordance with the instructions/orders issued by the Central Govt.
  • Pay Scale:- Level- 11
  • Educational Qualification:-
    (a) Ph. D in Computer Science/ IT
    OR
    (b) M.E./M.Tech. in Computer Science/ IT with First Class or minimum 60% marks in aggregate from Govt. recognized Institution/ University and with 3 years relevant experience
    OR
    (c) B.E./ B. Tech./ M.Sc. in Computer Science/ IT/ MCA with First Class or minimum 60% marks in aggregate from Govt. recognized Institution/ University and with 5 years relevant experience in Computer Programming.

2. Post Name:- Deputy Director (Planning)

  • No of posts:- 5 Posts (UR-4, OBC-1)
  • Age limit:- Not exceeding 40 years. Relaxable in accordance with the instructions/orders issued by the Central Govt.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-11
  • Educational Qualification:-
    (i) Bachelor’s Degree in Planning/ Architecture/ Civil/ Municipal Engineering or Master’s Degree in Geography/ Sociology/ Economics from a recognized University/ Institute or equivalent.
    (ii) Postgraduation in Planning with specialization in any of the fields of Town/ City/ Urban/ Housing/ Transport/ Environmental Planning from a recognized University/Institute or equivalent.
    (iii) At least 5 years’ experience in a planning office in development authority or local body or in a Government Undertaking.
  • Desirable:-
    (i) Degree/Diploma in Geographic Information System (GIS)/ Geo-Informatics or equivalent from a recognized University/Institute.
    (ii) Associate Membership of the Institute of Town Planners (India).

3. Post Name:- Asstt. Director (Plg.)

  • No of posts:- 5 Posts (UR-2, EWS-1, OBC-2)
  • Age limit:- Not exceeding 40 years. Relaxable in accordance with the instructions/orders issued by the Central Govt.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-10
  • Educational Qualification:-
    (i) Bachelor’s Degree in Planning/ Architecture/ Civil/ Municipal Engineering or Master’s Degree in Geography/ Sociology/ Economics from a recognized University/ Institute or equivalent.
    (ii) Postgraduation in Planning with specialization in any of the fields of Town/ City/ Urban/ Housing/ Transport/ Environmental Planning from a recognized University/Institute or equivalent.
    (iii) At least 5 years’ experience in a planning office in development authority or local body or in a Government Undertaking.
  • Desirable:-
    (i) Degree/Diploma in Geographic Information System (GIS)/ Geo-Informatics or equivalent from a recognized University/Institute.
    (ii) Associate Membership of the Institute of Town Planners (India).

4. Post Name:- Asstt. Director (System)

  • No of posts:- 2 Posts (UR-1, SC-1)
  • Age limit:- Not exceeding 30 years. Relaxable in accordance with the instructions/orders issued by the Central Govt.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-10
  • Educational Qualification:-
    (a) M.E./ M.Tech. in Computer Science/ IT with First Class or minimum 60% marks in aggregate from Govt. recognized Institution/ University.
    OR
    (b) B.E./ B.Tech./ M.Sc. in Computer Science/ IT/ MCA with First Class or minimum 60% marks in aggregate from Govt. recognized Institution/ University and with one-year experience in the relevant field.

5. Post Name:- Assistant Accounts Officer

  • No of posts:- 11 Posts (UR-5, EWS-1, SC-1, OBC-4)
  • Age limit:- 30 years as on the last date of closing of application. The upper age limit relaxation as per Govt rules.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-8
  • Educational Qualification:- Chartered Accountant (CA)/ Company Secretary (CS)/ ICWA/ Master in Financial Control/ MBA (Finance), or equivalent from a recognized University/ Institution.

6. Post Name:- Planning Assistant

  • No of posts:- 1 Post
  • Age limit:- Not exceeding 30 years. Relaxable in accordance with the instructions/orders issued by the Central Govt.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-7
  • Educational Qualification:– Bachelor’s Degree in Planning/ Architecture from a recognized University/ Institute or equivalent.

7. Post Name:- SO (Horticulture)

  • No of posts:- 48 Posts (UR-21, EWS-5, SC-2, ST-6, OBC-14)
  • Age limit:- Not exceeding 30 years. Relaxable in accordance with the instructions/orders issued by the Central Govt.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-6
  • Educational Qualification:- Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture or Forestry from a recognized University or Institute or equivalent.

8. Post Name:- Architectural Assistant

  • No of posts:- 8 Posts (UR-4, EWS-1, SC-1, OBC-2)
  • Age limit:- 30 years as on the last date of closing of application. The upper age limit relaxation as per Govt rules.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-7
  • Educational Qualification:- Degree in Architecture from a recognized University/ Institution or equivalent.

9. Post Name:- Surveyor

  • No of posts:- 11 Posts (SC-3, ST-2, OBC-6)
  • Age limit:- 18- 25 years as on the last date of closing of application.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-5
  • Educational Qualification:- Diploma or 2 years National Trade Certificate in Surveying from recognized Institute or equivalent and 2 years experience in Survey work.

10. Post Name:- Stenographer Grade-D

  • No of posts:- 100 Posts (UR-44, EWS-10, SC-15, OBC-31)Age limit:- 18- 30 years as on the last date of closing of application. The upper age limit relaxation as per Govt rules.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-4
  • Educational Qualification:- Senior Secondary Certificate (12th Class pass) or equivalent from a recognized Board/ University.
  • Skill Test Norms:-
  • Dictation:- 10 min at the speed of 80 w.p.m.
  • Transcription:- (Only on the computer) 50 min (English),  65 min (Hindi)
  • Desirable:- Preference to be given to such persons who have acquired Diploma in Office Management & Secretarial Practice from any recognized institution.

11. Post Name:- Patwari

  • No of posts:- 44 Posts (UR-24, EWS-2, SC-6, ST-3, OBC-9)
  • Age limit:- 21- 27 years as on the last date of closing of application.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-3
  • Educational Qualification:- Graduate from any recognized University or equivalent thereof
  • Desirable
    (i) Proficiency in computers.
    (ii) Working knowledge of Urdu/ Hindi.

12. Post Name:- Jr. Secretariat Assistant

  • No of posts:- 292 Posts (UR-121, EWS-29, SC-43, ST-21, OBC-78)
  • Age limit:- 18- 27 years as on the last date of closing of application.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-2
  • Educational Qualification:-
    (i) 12th class pass or equivalent qualification from a recognized Board or University.
    (ii) Typing speed of 35 w.p.m. in English and 30 w.p.m. in Hindi on Computer (35 w.p.m. and 30 w.p.m. corresponding to 10500 KDPH/ 9000 KDPH on an average of 5 key depressions for each word.)

13. Post Name:- Mali

  • No of posts:- 100 Posts (UR-41, EWS-10, SC-15, ST-7, OBC-27)
  • Age limit:- 18- 25 years as on the last date of closing of application.
  • Pay Scale:- Level-1
  • Educational Qualification:- 10th pass from a recognized Board or equivalent.

How to apply for Delhi Development Authority Recruitment 2020

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the Delhi Development Authority website http://www.dda.org.in w.e.f. 01.04.2020 (10:00 AM) to 30.04.2020 (06:00 PM).

Advertisement No:- 01/2020/Rectt. Cell/Pers./DDA

For more details, please check Delhi-Development-Authority-Recruitment-2020-629-Posts and important dates notification Corrigendum23032020

Note: The eligible candidate can apply online from 01.04.2020 to 30.04.2020.

Elected Representatives Cannot Have A Right To Claim That A Particular Employee Be Posted At A Particular Station: HP HC

It is most heartening, most reassuring and most refreshing to learn that the Himachal Pradesh High Court most recently on March 18, 2020 in a latest, landmark and extremely laudable judgment titled Sunita Devi Vs. State of H.P. & Ors. in CWP No. 1978 of 2019 has held in no uncertain terms that elected representatives cannot have a right to claim that a particular employee be posted at a particular station and that the choice is to be made by administrative head and not by the legislators. All the legislators must pay heed to what has been held by the Himachal Pradesh High Court so explicitly, so elegantly and so effectively that leaves no room for doubt whatsoever!

neta-leaders-elected representative

To start with, the ball is set rolling in para 1 of this judgment authored by Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan for himself and Justice Chander Bhusan Barowalia by first and foremost observing in para 1 that, “This Court of late, more especially, after the closure of the H.P. Administrative Tribunal is flooded with the petitions in which the employees challenge the orders of their transfers.”

Quite alarmingly, it is then observed in para 2 that, “Despite the law on the subject being well settled, yet we find the same is being violated with impunity either by the political executive or by the administrative authority, constraining the employees to have initially approached the Administrative Tribunal and on its closure, this Court unnecessarily clogging its docket.”

Significantly, it is then very rightly pointed out in para 3 that, “It is trite that transfer is an incidence of service and as long as the authority acts keeping in view the administrative exigency and taking into consideration the public interest as the paramount consideration, it has unfettered powers to effect transfer subject of course to certain disciplines. Once it is admitted that the petitioner is State government employee and holds a transferable post then he is liable to be transferred from one place to the other within the District in case it is a District cadre post and throughout the State in case he holds a State cadre post. A government servant holding a transferable post has no vested right to remain posted at one place or the other and courts should not ordinarily interfere with the orders of transfer instead affected party should approach the higher authorities in the department. Who should be transferred where and in what manner is for the appropriate authority to decide. The courts and tribunals are not expected to interdict the working of the administrative system by transferring the officers to “proper place”. It is for the administration to take appropriate decision.”

What’s more, it is then also pertinently mentioned in para 4 that, “Even the administrative guidelines for regulating transfers or containing transfer policies at best may afford an opportunity to the officer or servant concerned to approach their higher authorities for redressal but cannot have the consequence of depriving or denying the competent authority to transfer a particular officer/servant to any place in public interest and as is found necessitated by exigencies of service as long as the official status is not affected adversely and there is no infraction of any career prospects such as seniority, scale of pay and secured emoluments. Even if the order of transfer is made in transgression of administrative guidelines, the same cannot be interfered with as it does not confer any legally enforceable rights unless the same is shown to have been vitiated by mala fides or made in violation of any statutory provision. The government is the best judge to decide how to distribute and utilize the services of its employees.”

While adding a caveat, it is then observed in para 5 that, “However, this power must be exercised honestly, bonafide and reasonably. It should be exercised in public interest. If the exercise of power is based on extraneous considerations without any factual background foundation or for achieving an alien purpose or an oblique motive it would amount to mala fide and colourable exercise of power. A transfer is mala fide when it is made not for professed purpose, such as in normal course or in public or administrative interest or in the exigencies of service but for other purpose, such as on the basis of complaints. It is the basic principle of rule of law and good administration, that even administrative action should be just and fair. An order of transfer is to satisfy the test of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution otherwise the same will be treated as arbitrary.”

Be it noted, it is then envisaged in para 6 that, “Judicial review of the order of transfer is permissible when the order is made on irrelevant consideration. Even when the order of transfer which otherwise appears to be innocuous on its face is passed on extraneous consideration then the court is competent to go into the matter to find out the real foundation of transfer. The court is competent to ascertain whether the order of transfer passed is bonafide or as a measure of punishment.”

What cannot be missed out here is what is then stated in para 31 that, “In the instant case, there was no independent decision taken by the Administrative Head rather there was no scope left for the said purpose and, therefore, the decision has been rendered vulnerable as being influenced by the proposal and recommendations made by the Minister concerned.”

As a corollary, it is then stated in para 32 that, “As observed by this Court, the Members of the Legislative Assembly or the Minister concerned have right to make a recommendations but these recommendations cannot be taken to be the final word. The underline principle for transfer is public interest or administrative exigency, which is conspicuously absent in the present case.”

To be sure, it is then held in para 33 to which the elected representatives must pay heed that, “As held by this Court in Amir Chand’s case (supra), we live in a democracy and our elected representatives under the Constitution are to work in the legislature and not as administrators. They cannot start interfering in the administration or the working of the Executive. It is they (Administrative Heads) who are the best judges to decide how the department has to be administered and which employee should be transferred to which place. The politicians cannot don the role of administration.”

Going one step ahead, the next para 34 then envisages that, “It was further held that the elected representatives cannot have a right to claim that a particular employee should be posted at a particular station. The choice has to be made by administrative head i.e. Executive and not by the legislators. Where an employee is to be posted must be decided by the administration. It is for the officers to show their independence by ensuring that they do not order transfers merely on the asking of an MLA or Minister. They can always send back a proposal showing why the same cannot be accepted.”

Not stopping here, it is then held in para 35 that, “Lastly, it is held that whenever any transfer is ordered not by the departments but on the recommendations of a Minister or MLA, then before ordering the transfer, the views of the administrative department must be ascertained and only after ascertaining the views of the administrative department, the transfer may be ordered if approved by the administrative department, meaning thereby the views of the administrative department have essentially to be sought in the matters of transfer. What follows is that the views of the administrative department must reflect subjective satisfaction and conscious application of mind that the transfer is essential on account of administrative exigency and/or public interest or that the transfer of employee is necessary for the effective utilization of his/her services.”

Truth be told, it is then conceded in para 36 that, “Adverting to the present case the order of transfer cannot withstand judicial scrutiny as the same does not show that the petitioner has been transferred on account of administrative exigency and/or public interest. The record  further does not reveal that the transfer has been effected for the effective utilization of the services of the petitioner and she has been transferred merely on the basis of the recommendations made by the political executive.”

Needless to say, it is then ostensibly concluded after analyzing everything in para 37 that, “In the given facts and circumstances of the case, the action of the respondents cannot be countenanced and sustained. Accordingly, the order dated 19.08.2019 whereby the petitioner has been ordered to be transferred from Forest Beat Gummer, Block Jawalamukhi Range Jawalamukhi under Forest Division Dehra to Forest Beat Kotla, Block Kotla, Range Dadasiba under Forest Division Dehra is quashed and set aside, leaving the parties to bear their own costs.”

Finally, before parting, it is then observed in the last para 38 that, “However, before parting, it needs to be observed that since the docket of this Court is full of cases relating to transfers of employees, the Government would be well advised to implement online transfer in its Departments, Boards, Corporations etc. having over 500 employees by framing an online transfer policy on similar line as that of the adjoining State of Haryana.”

On the whole, it is a very well written, well reasoned and well justified judgment which must be read in its entirety! Para 32 to Para 35 are the most critical part which makes the whole picture very clear on this vexed issue as has been already discussed above! All the elected representatives must always adhere to this in letter and spirit as has been very rightly held by the two Judge Bench of Himachal Pradesh High Court and refrain from interfering as has been directed also and due importance must be given to the administrative department in matters of transfer!

Sanjeev Sirohi, Advocate,

s/o Col BPS Sirohi,

A 82, Defence Enclave,

Sardhana Road, Kankerkhera,

Meerut – 250001,

Uttar Pradesh.

“Work from Home (WFH)”popular in India after Coronavirus/COVID-19

Before discussing impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) to implement the concept of  ‘Work from Home” in India few lines about the virus may be highlighted from the website of WHO, (www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus),  “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face”.

The COVID-19 which has created human devastation in the world has popularised a theory in secondary and tertiary sectors (in case of wage-employment) known as “Work from Home (WFH)” now a popular concept in India also. It was at low ebb in India, albeit, from ancient age handloom and  handicrafts works,  earthen utensils making, etc. were carrying out from home for business purpose indicating “Work from Home”, but these were self –employment. In case of wage employment, the concept is comparatively new and getting popularity. For example, according to US census data, 5.7 percent of workers in the US were working from home in 2017 which was around 8 million persons. The same was 5 percent in 2016 and 3.3 percent in 2000.  In USA, apart from some industries, viz., construction, primary health care and transportation, working from home has been able to flourish. This is mainly due to the advent and rise of increasingly efficient technology.  Anyway, in India, to reduce the spread  COVID-19, first schools and malls were closed and then many establishments asked employees to “Work from Home” wherever possible. Few data and facts to substantiate the statement are presented here collected from different websites.

Volvo Car, India and Tata Motors have announced work from home as a safety measure for its employees due to the rising number of coronavirus infections in India. In wake of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. auto Ford has asked 10,000 employees in India, except those in business-critical roles, to work from home, a step which has also been taken up by Swedish luxury car maker Volvo.

Also the Economic Times, March 23, 2020 reported that “about half of India’s technology workers – estimated at 3 million – have already begun to work from home as social distancing becomes key to contain the spread of the outbreak. If employees continue to work from home for a few more months, IT companies are likely to conclude that 20-30% of their workforce can operate remotely”.  Also it was reported that Tata Consultancy Services “has asked more than 40 percent of its employees to work from home. Accenture has moved over 60 percent of its employees to work from home in India and the Philippines”. Another case “Work from Home” is from a prestigious academic organisation located in Hyderabad known as the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), which is an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development, is a premier national centre of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj. Recognized internationally as one of the UN-ESCAP Centres of Excellence, it builds capacities of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of PRIs, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders through inter-related activities of training, research and consultancy. The NIRD&PR celebrated its Golden Jubilee Year of establishment in 2008. In addition to the main campus at Hyderabad, the Institute has North-Eastern Regional Centre at Guwahati, Assam to meet the NE-regional needs. This Organisation for the safety of its employees in view of outbreak of COVlD-19 has implemented “Work from Home” for the staffs, including consultants, contract, and outsourced employees up to, 31 March, 2020. However, the essential staffs viz., CMU (includes Electrical section, House Keeping, Water Supply, Sanitary Section etc), Health Centre, Garden section, Vehicle section, Security etc. are obligated to work on daily roster basis. “The Heads of each of the support units (Executive Engineer, Lady Medical Officer, Garden Superintendent, Multi-Tasking Staff, and Security Officer) will design a roster for the essential services”. It was reported that first time in the history of NIRDPR the “Work from Home” has been introduced.

Thus, in India in many sectors “Work from Home” has been implemented which is the outcome of COVlD-19. Eduindex News is also giving opportunity to writers and other experts Work from Home https://eduindexnews.com/tag/work-with-eduindex-news/ 

Relevant information collected from the websites:

https://qz.com/work/1392302/more-than-5-of-americans-now-work-from-home-new-statistics-show/

https://www.fastcompany.com/90330393/the-surprising-history-of-working-from-home

https://www.paymoapp.com/blog/working-from-home/

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/coronavirus-ford-asks-10000-employees-in-india-to-work-from-home/article31089427.ece

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/earn/coronavirus-and-worklife-tips-to-make-working-from-home-easy/articleshow/74745322.cms?from=mdr

 

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

J&K HC Dismisses PIL Against The Use Of Pellet Guns

In a very significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in a latest, landmark and extremely laudable judgment titled J&K High Court Bar Association v. Union of India & ors. in WP(C) (PIL) no. 14/2016 reserved on February 10, 2020 and pronounced on March 11, 2020 dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought prohibition of use of pellet guns. How long can security forces restrain themselves if public becomes unruly and start pelting stones, bottles and what not? Why can’t the public be more disciplined and not always just shout of fundamental rights promised to them by the Constitution but also play a more responsible role like a good citizen by always complying with the fundamental duties as enshrined in the Constitution?

pillet gun
pillet gun

To start with, a two Judge Bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court comprising of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur sets the ball rolling by first and foremost listing the points made by the petitioner in para 1 which runs as follows: “This petition has been filed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Srinagar, through its Executive Member, Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Bhat, way back in July, 2016, with the following prayers:

“a) That the respondents, their agents and servants be prohibited by a writ of prohibition from using or caused to be used 12-Bore Pellet Gun and or of any other Bore and Cartridges containing pellets as a means of crowd control against any group of people, including protestors in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The use of pellet gun be totally banned as a means of crowd control.

  1. b) That all the officers, who took the decision of using the pellet guns at the protestors and non-protestors after 8th July, 2016 and those who actually fired the pellet guns be prosecuted. Cases be directed to be registered against them for causing unlawful bodily injury, deprivation of eye sight etc.
  2. c) That the respondents, their agents and servants be directed to compensate all those persons whose names are mentioned in the petition as well as those whose particulars will come to the notice of this Hon’ble Court during the hearing of this petition and the compensation be determined in the context of violation of Article 21 of the Constitution as made applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, as these persons have either been deprived of their eye sight and or have suffered bodily injury, trauma, agony, mental pain etc.;
  3. d) That the Director, SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar, Principal, SKIMS, Medical College, Bemina; Director, Health Services, Kashmir, and the Medical Superintendent, SMHS Hospital be directed to furnish to this Hon’ble Court details of all those persons who reported in the SKIMS, Hospitals, District Hospitals, Sub District Hospitals, Primary Health Centres for treatment on account of pellet injury and the treatment provided to them.
  4. e) That the State of Jammu and Kashmir through Chief Secretary be directed to furnish report to this Hon’ble Court as to the circumstances and the time decision to refer pellet injury patients outside the State was taken. The respondents be also directed to bring competent and well trained surgeons from outside the State so as to provide treatment to those who are not willing to go outside for treatment or have no means for meeting the expenses of such treatment inside or outside the State. The Court may also determine negligence, if any, caused by any authority of the State in dealing with pellet injury patients.
  5. d) Any other appropriate writ direction or order as the Hon’ble Court may deem fit in the facts and circumstances of the case be also passed in favour of the petitioner and against the respondents.””

After hearing the learned counsel for the parties and considering the matter as pointed out in para 2, it is then brought out in para 3 that, “As per the averments made in the petition, the immediate cause for filing of this writ petition has been the unpleasant events which had occurred from 08.07.2016 wherein, according to the petitioner association, people, including teenagers, watching clashes between protestors and security forces, had received pellet injuries in their eyes, skulls and throats. It is alleged that about 4000 persons were injured and about 100 persons were blinded. The petitioner in para 7(f) of the petition has given particulars of 46 persons whose eyes, according to him, were damaged by pellet injuries. Alleging excessive use of force against protestors, the petitioner in the petition has referred to various provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure and other procedures to be adopted for dealing with and dispersal of assemblies. The petitioner association, profusedly, espousing a public interest, has filed this petition with the above prayers.”

Most crucially, it is then laudably pointed out elegantly in para 12 that, “Having considered the matter, in view of the above, we are of the opinion that so far as the constitutional tort is concerned, the State has fulfilled its obligation, inasmuch as they have made ex-gratia payments to most of the injured persons as mentioned above, and with respect to the remaining it is categorically stated that their cases shall be decided in tune with the Government policy in that behalf in due course of time. We think that in the event any individual person feels that he has not been adequately compensated commensurate with the injury he had suffered, nothing can come in his way to claim such compensation as he may wish from the State under the private law in an action based on tort through a suit instituted in a court of competent jurisdiction. This Court in this PIL, in its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, cannot grant a relief to the satisfaction of every such individual allegedly injured in police action, especially so when there is a finding recorded by the Court in its order dated 21.09.2016 that almost every day, in the guise of protests, the security personnel, their camps and Police Stations were targeted by unruly crowds, and that, if the protest is not peaceful and the security persons are attacked by huge and violent mobs, they have to necessarily use force in their self defence and for protecting public property. Therefore, strictly speaking, it is not a case where compensation is being sought or claimed for wrong doing of any security force personnel, or for violating any fundamental right of any citizen by them, but for discharge of public duty by such security force personnel, or for violating any fundamental right of any citizen by them, but for discharge of public duty by such security force personnel who were being attacked by violent mobs during the relevant period. In any case, since the Government has discharged its obligation, nothing more needs to be done in this PIL.”

No doubt, each and every true Indian must be proud for what the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has held so explicitly and elegantly! How can security forces function smoothly if their hands are tied? How can public beating security forces be ever justified under the garb of “right to dissent”? Who will join security forces if the High Courts and Supreme Court justify attack on security forces, blocking of roads, burning of Constitution and national flags and chanting of pro-Pakistani slogans as “right to dissent”?

Mercifully, we see that the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bench comprising of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey have commendably taken the right stand in this leading case which will send the right message to all citizens that, “You cannot on one hand spread hatred, violence and attacks and on the other hand demand that security forces just keep tolerating everything quietly without saying anything or without retaliating”!

How can attack on police station be ever justified? How can attack on security personnel and their camps be ever justified under any circumstances? How can violence by unruly crowds be ever justified?

How can they be allowed to do what they feel like doing? Have we not seen what the rioters did just recently in Delhi where more than 50 persons have died and the casualty is rising higher and higher with every passing day? Which High Court or even Supreme Court will ever try to justify it in the garb of “right to dissent”?

God help our country if ever Courts try to justify it on any ground whatsoever! Even God helps those who helps themselves! If our Courts try to justify blocking of roads under the garb of “right to dissent”, chanting of anti national slogans under this same garb and attacking our security forces and killing our police men as we saw most recently in Delhi when Head Constable Ratan Lal died of bullet injuries then we are certainly fit to be termed as a “lawless country” where everything is sought to be justified under the shameless garb of “right to dissent” just like Pakistan is fit to be termed as a “terror state” where terror groups operate with impunity with active blessings of Pakistani Army, Government and Judiciary!

Mercifully, again we have not descended to that niggardly level! This is exemplified most recently by this latest and extremely commendable judgment of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court where it has rightly refused any relief from pellet guns to those who attack police station and security forces camps! All courts must draw some lessons from this and advise people to stop justifying attacks on forces, chanting of anti national slogans and glorifying of Pakistan under any circumstances! India is India and it cannot become Pakistan ever! Pakistan split in 1971 when Bangladesh was born but India has remained united from 1947 to 2020 because we are a democratic country where people enjoy maximum freedom as my best friend Sageer Khan said way back in 1993 that, “Muslims enjoy maximum liberty in India. In Pakistan they are suppressed and that is why it split in 1971 and even now Indians who went to Pakistan in 1947 are still treated with contempt, are termed as Mohajjirs and discriminated against! Same holds true for Pashtuns, Balochis, Sindhis and people of PoK along with other regions! But in India Muslims enjoy polygamy even though it was banned among Hindus in 1955 yet Hindus never said a word. Triple talaq was banned in 1961 in Pakistan but we are still enjoying it along with Nikah Halala! Muslims enjoy all facilities in India and are allowed to become President also as also can occupy any other post and Muslim dominated Jammu and Kashmir enjoy so many rights yet they keep complaining but see how Hindus are treated in Pakistan where they have no right to life and are treated as “second grade citizens”! Muslims must learn tolerance from Hindus and treat Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura as Hindu pilgrim sites just like we treat Mecca and Medina as Muslim pilgrim sites  and never allow even a single temple anywhere not just in Mecca or Medina but in any other place in Saudi Arabia or any other Gulf country! Only then can our country become more powerful!”

Sanjeev Sirohi, Advocate,

s/o Col BPS Sirohi,

A 82, Defence Enclave,

Sardhana Road, Kankerkhera,

Meerut – 250001, Uttar Pradesh.

PM-KISAN Scheme completes one year on February 24, 2020

24th February, 2020 is the 1st anniversary of starting of a new Central Sector Scheme, namely, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). The scheme was started with a view to augment the income of the farmers by providing income support to all landholding farmers’ families across the country, to enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs. Under the Scheme an amount of Rs.6000/- per year is transferred in three 4-monthly installments of Rs.2000/- directly into the bank accounts of the farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria relating to higher income status. The Scheme was formally launched on 24th February, 2019 by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a grand function at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

 

The scheme is effective from 1.12.2018. The cut-off date for identification of beneficiaries with regard to their eligibility is 1.2.2019. The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT Governments. An exclusive web-portal www.pmkisan.gov.in has been launched for the Scheme. The financial benefits are released to the beneficiaries on the basis of the data of farmers prepared and uploaded by them on the PM-Kisan web-portal.

 

The Scheme initially provided income support to all Small and Marginal Farmers’ families across the country, holding cultivable land upto 2 hectares. Its ambit was later expanded w.e.f. 01.06.2019 to cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of their land holdings. Affluent farmers have been excluded from the scheme such as Income Tax payers in last assessment year, professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants etc and pensioners pensioners drawing at least Rs.10,000/- per month (excluding MTS/Class IV/Group D employees). Special provisions have been made for the North-Eastern States where land ownership rights are community based, Forest Dwellers and Jharkhand, which does not have updated land records and restrictions on transfer of land.

 

For enrollment, the farmer is required to approach the local patwari / revenue officer / Nodal Officer (PM-Kisan) nominated by the State Government. Farmers can also do their self-registration through the Farmers Corner in the portal. Farmers can also edit their names in PM-Kisan database as per their Aadhaar database / card through the Farmers Corner in the portal. Farmers can also know the status of their payment through the Farmers Corner in the portal. Village-wise details of beneficiaries are also available on the Farmers Corner.

 

The Common Service Centres (CSCs) have also been authorized to do registration of the farmers for the Scheme upon payment of fees. The above facilities on Farmers Corner are also available through CSCs. The total number of beneficiaries expected to be covered under the Scheme is 14 crore on the basis of the Agriculture Census, 2015-16. Beneficiaries are entitled to their benefit from the 4-monthly period in which their name is registered by the State Nodal Officer (SNO) in the PM-Kisan Portal. The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has also launched a 24×7 automated IVRS based helpline for status verification. Farmers can dial 1800-11-5526 or 155261 to know the status of their application. Besides, farmers can now reach out to the PM KISAN team on email pmkisan-ict@gov.in. State Governments are organizing camps periodically for the farmers to facilitate correction of application details. All installments falling due on or after 1st December, 2019 are being paid only on the basis of Aadhaar authenticated bank data of beneficiaries to ensure genuine beneficiaries and avoid duplicacy in payments, except in respect of the States of Assam and Meghalaya besides the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh which are exempted from this requirement till 31.3.2020.

 

The Central Government has already released more than Rs. 50850 crores till now. Total number of beneficiaries to be covered under the scheme is about 14 crore, based on estimates of the Agriculture Census 2015-16. As on 20.02.2020, on the basis of the data of beneficiaries uploaded on the PM-Kisan web portal by the State/UT Governments 8.46 crores farmer families have been given the benefits. Statewise details are as given below:

 

BENEFICIARIES OF PM-KISAN AS ON 20-02-2020
STATES/UTs NUMBER OF FARMERS/FAMILIES
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 16,521
Andhra Pradesh 51,17,791
Bihar 53,60,396
Chandigarh 423
Chhattisgarh 18,80,822
Dadra and Nagar Haveli 10,462
Daman and Diu 3,466
Delhi 12,896
Goa 7,248
Gujarat 48,75,048
Haryana 14,55,118
Himachal Pradesh 8,72,175
Jammu and Kashmir 9,34,299
Jharkhand 14,36,023
Karnataka 49,12,445
Kerala 27,73,306
Lakshdweep –
Madhya Pradesh 55,19,575
Maharashtra 84,59,187
Odisha 36,28,657
Puducherry 9,736
Punjab 22,40,189
Rajasthan 52,04,520
Tamilnadu 35,34,527
Telangana 34,81,656
Uttar Pradesh 1,87,64,926
Uttarakhand 7,01,855
West Bengal –
Total (1) 8,12,13,267
NORTH EAST STATES
Arunachal Pradesh 50,823
Assam 27,04,200
Manipur 1,73,789
Meghalaya 70,236
Mizoram 67,540
Nagaland 1,70,334
Sikkim 1,372
Tripura 1,96,767
Total (2) 34,35,061
Grand Total (1+2) 8,46,48,328

 

A comprehensive Monitoring Mechanism has been put in place for effective implementation of the scheme. At the Centre a High Level Committee, comprising Union Ministers of Finance, Agriculture and Land Resources exists to make necessary modifications in the Scheme. A Review Committee at the National Level under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary with Secretaries of Department of Expenditure (DEA), Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), Land Resources and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) as members periodically reviews and monitors implementation of the scheme. The Central Project Monitoring Units (PMU) under JS-level CEO  monitors implementation and publicity etc of the scheme. At the States/UTs level, Nodal Department and PMUs constantly monitor implementation of the scheme  while there are State & District Level Monitoring Committees besides State and District Level Grievance Redressal Committees.

 

****

Text of Prime Minister’s Inaugural Address at the First International Judicial Conference 2020, New Delhi

चीफ़ जस्टिस ऑफ इंडिया जस्टिस बोबड़े, कानून मंत्री रविशंकर प्रसाद जी, मंच पर उपस्थित सुप्रीम कोर्ट के न्यायाधीश गण, अटॉर्नी जनरल ऑफ इंडिया, इस कॉन्फ्रेंस में आए दुनिया के अन्य उच्च न्यायालयों के न्यायाधीश, भारत के सुप्रीम कोर्ट और हाइकोर्ट्स के सम्मानित Judges, अतिथिगण, देवियों और सज्जनों !!

दुनिया के करोड़ों नागरिकों को न्याय और गरिमा सुनिश्चित करने वाले आप सभी दिग्गजों के बीच आना, अपने आप में बहुत सुखद अनुभव है।

न्याय की जिस chair पर आप सभी बैठते हैं, वो सामाजिक जीवन में भरोसे और विश्वास का महत्वपूर्ण स्थान है।

आप सभी का बहुत-बहुत अभिनंदन !!!

साथियों,

ये कॉन्फ्रेंस, 21वीं सदी के तीसरे दशक की शुरुआत में हो रही है। ये दशक भारत सहित पूरी दुनिया में होने वाले बड़े बदलावों का दशक है। ये बदलाव सामाजिक, आर्थिक और तकनीकी, हर मोर्च पर होंगे।

ये बदलाव तर्क संगत होने चाहिए और न्यायसंगत भी होने चाहिए, ये बदलाव सबके हित में होने चाहिए, भविष्य की आवश्यकताओं को देखते हुए होने चाहिए, और इसलिए, Judiciary and The Changing World पर मंथन बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है।

साथियों, ये भारत के लिए बहुत सुखद अवसर भी है कि ये महत्वपूर्ण कॉन्फ्रेंस, आज उस कालखंड में हो रही है, जब हमारा देश, राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी की 150वीं जन्मजयंति मना रहा है।

पूज्य बापू का जीवन सत्य और सेवा को समर्पित था, जो किसी भी न्यायतंत्र की नींव माने जाते हैं।

औऱ हमारे बापू खुद भी तो वकील थे, बैरिस्टर थे। अपने जीवन का जो पहला मुकदमा उन्होंने लड़ा, उसके बारे में गांधी जी ने बहुत विस्तार से अपनी आत्मकथा में लिखा है।

गांधी जी तब बंबई, आज के मुंबई में थे। संघर्ष के दिन थे। किसी तरह पहला मुकदमा मिला था लेकिन उन्हें कहा गया कि उस केस के ऐवज में उन्हें किसी को कमीशन देना होगा।

गांधी जी ने साफ कह दिया था कि केस मिले या न मिले, कमीशन नहीं दूंगा।

सत्य के प्रति, अपने विचारों के प्रति गांधी जी के मन में इतनी स्पष्टता थी।

और ये स्पष्टता आई कहां से?

उनकी परवरिश, उनके संस्कार और भारतीय दर्शन के निरंतर अध्ययन से।

Friends,

भारतीय समाज में Rule of Law सामाजिक संस्कारों का आधार रहा है।

हमारे यहां कहा गया है- ‘क्षत्रयस्य क्षत्रम् यत धर्म:’। यानि Law is the King of Kings, Law is supreme. हजारों वर्षों से चले आ रहे ऐसे ही विचार, एक बड़ी वजह हैं कि हर भारतीय की न्यायपालिका पर अगाध आस्था है।

साथियों,

हाल में कुछ ऐसे बड़े फैसले आए हैं, जिनको लेकर पूरी दुनिया में चर्चा थी।

फैसले से पहले अनेक तरह की आशंकाएं व्यक्त की जा रही थीं। लेकिन हुआ क्या? 130 करोड़ भारतवासियों ने न्यायपालिका द्वारा दिए गए इन फैसलों को पूरी सहमति के साथ स्वीकार किया। हजारों वर्षों से, भारत, न्याय के प्रति आस्था के इन्हीं मूल्यों को लेकर आगे बढ़ रहा है। यही हमारे संविधान की भी प्रेरणा बना है। पिछले वर्ष ही हमारे संविधान को 70 वर्ष पूरे हुए हैं।

संविधान निर्माता डॉक्टर बाबा साहब अंबेडकर ने कहा था-

“Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always a spirit of age.”

इसी भावना को हमारे देश की अदालतों, हमारे सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने आगे बढ़ाया है।

इसी स्पिरिट को हमारी Legislature और Executive ने जीवंत रखा है।

एक दूसरे की मर्यादाओं को समझते हुए, तमाम चुनौतियों के बीच कई बार देश के लिए संविधान के तीनों Pillars ने उचित रास्ता ढूंढा है।

और हमें गर्व है कि भारत में इस तरह की एक समृद्ध परंपरा विकसित हुई है।

बीते पाँच वर्षों में भारत की अलग-अलग संस्थाओं ने, इस परंपरा को और सशक्त किया है।

देश में ऐसे करीब 1500 पुराने कानूनों को समाप्त किया गया है, जिनकी आज के दौर में प्रासंगिकता समाप्त हो रही थी।

और ऐसा नहीं है कि सिर्फ कानून समाप्त करने में तेजी दिखाई गई है।

समाज को मजबूती देने वाले नए कानून भी उतनी ही तेजी से बनाए गए हैं।

Transgender Persons के अधिकारों से जुड़ा कानून हो, तीन तलाक के खिलाफ कानून हो या फिर दिव्यांग-जनों के अधिकारों का दायरा बढ़ाने वाला कानून, सरकार ने पूरी संवेदनशीलता से काम किया है।

Friends,

मुझे खुशी है कि इस कॉन्फ्रेंस में Gender Just World के विषय को भी रखा गया है।

दुनिया का कोई भी देश, कोई भी समाज Gender Justice के बिना पूर्ण विकास नहीं कर सकता और ना ही न्यायप्रियता का दावा कर सकता है। हमारा संविधान Right to Equality के तहत ही Gender Justice को सुनिश्चित करता है।

भारत दुनिया के उन बहुत कम देशों में से एक है, जिसने स्वतंत्रता के बाद से ही महिलाओं को वोट देने का अधिकार सुनिश्चित किया। आज 70 साल बाद अब चुनाव में महिलाओं का ये Participation अपने सर्वोच्च स्तर पर है।

अब 21वीं सदी का भारत, इस Participation को दूसरे पहलुओं में भी तेज़ी से आगे बढ़ा रहा है।

बेटी बचाओ, बेटी पढ़ाओ जैसे सफल अभियानों के कारण पहली बार भारत के Educational Institutions में Girls Child का Enrolment, लड़कों से ज्यादा हो गया है।

इसी तरह सैन्य सेवा में बेटियों की नियुक्ति हो, फाइटर पाइलट्स की चयन प्रक्रिया हो, माइन्स में रात में काम करने की स्वतंत्रता हो, सरकार द्वारा अनेक बदलाव किए गए हैं।

आज भारत दुनिया के उन कुछ देशों में शामिल है जो देश की करियर वूमेन को 26 हफ्ते की Paid Leave देता है।

साथियों,

परिवर्तन के इस दौर में भारत नई ऊँचाई भी हासिल कर रहा है, नई परिभाषाएं गढ़ रहा है और पुरानी अवधारणाओं में बदलाव भी कर रहा है।

एक समय था जब कहा जाता था कि तेजी से विकास और पर्यावरण की रक्षा, एक साथ होना संभव नहीं है।

भारत ने इस अवधारणा को भी बदला है। आज जहां भारत तेजी से विकास कर रहा है, वहीं हमारा Forest Cover भी तेज़ी से Expand हो रहा है। 5-6 साल पहले भारत विश्व की 11वीं सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था था। 3-4 दिन पहले ही जो रिपोर्ट आई है, उसके मुताबिक अब भारत विश्व की 5 वीं सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था है।

यानि भारत ने ये करके दिखाया है कि Infrastructure के निर्माण के साथ-साथ Environment को भी सुरक्षित रखा जा सकता है।

साथियों,

मैं आज इस अवसर पर, भारत की न्यायपालिका का भी आभार व्यक्त करना चाहता हूं, जिसने विकास और पर्यावरण के बीच संतुलन की गंभीरता को समझा है, उसमें निरंतर मार्गदर्शन किया है।

अनेक Public Interest Litigations-PILs की सुनवाई के दौरान सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने भी पर्यावरण से जुड़े मामलों को नए सिरे से परिभाषित किया है।

साथियों,

आपके सामने न्याय के साथ ही, शीघ्र न्याय की भी चुनौती हमेशा से रही है। इसका एक हद तक समाधान टेक्नोलॉजी के पास है।

विशेषतौर पर Court के Procedural Management को लेकर इंटरनेट आधारित टेक्नॉलॉजी से भारत के Justice Delivery System बहुत लाभ होगा।

सरकार का भी प्रयास है कि देश की हर कोर्ट को e-court Integrated Mission Mode Project से जोड़ा जाए। National Judicial Data Grid की स्थापना से भी कोर्ट की प्रक्रियाएं आसान बनेंगी।

आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलीजेंस और मानवीय विवेक का तालमेल भी भारत में न्यायिक प्रक्रियाओं को और गति देगा। भारत में भी न्यायालयों द्वारा इस पर मंथन किया जा सकता है कि किस क्षेत्र में, किस स्तर पर उन्हें आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलीजेंस की सहायता लेनी है।

इसके अलावा बदलते हुए समय में Data Protection, Cyber Crime, जैसे विषय भी अदालतों के लिए नई चुनौती बनकर उभर रहे हैं। इन चुनौतियों को ध्यान में रखते हुए, ऐसे अनेक विषयों पर इस कॉन्फ्रेंस में गंभीर मंथन होगा, कुछ सकारात्मक सुझाव सामने आएंगे। मुझे विश्वास है कि इस कॉन्फ्रेंस से भविष्य के लिए अनेक बेहतर समाधान भी निकलेंगे।

एक बार फिर आप सभी को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाओं के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं !! धन्यवाद !!!

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PM addresses International Judicial Conference

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the International Judicial Conference in New Delhi. Distinguished Judges of the Supreme Court as well as various High Courts, Eminent lawyers and delegates from overseas also took part in the Conference.

Cherishing his presence amongst the Judiciary which inspires trust and confidence to all the citizens of the World, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Judicial Conference is taking place at the beginning of the 3rd decade of the 21st Century.

The Prime Minister stressed that this is the decade of rapid changes not only in India but also the World. He said the changes are taking place in Social, Economic and Technological fields and that they should be based on logic, equitable justice. “Hence the topic of this conference, “Judiciary and The Changing World” is apt and significant”, he said. .

“The Conference is also happening at the same time when the country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi”, he said.

Recalling how the Mahatma, refused his case a lawyer when had to pay commission to get it, the Prime Minister said that the Mahatma’s belief in honesty and service were owing to his upbringing and his study of the Indian traditions and culture.

Prime Minister said that India’s philosophy is based on the paradigm that “Law is King of Kings, Law is Supreme”.

He said it is the belief in this philosophy made all the 130 Crore Indians accept in a calm and peaceful manner, the recent judgements of the Judiciary.

Quoting Dr B R Ambedkar that “Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always a spirit of age’, Prime Minister said that this sentiment has been carried forward by the courts of our country and kept alive by our Legislature and Executive.

“Understanding each other’s limitations, in the midst of all the challenges, many times the three Pillars of the Constitution have found the right path for the country. In the last five years, different institutions of India have strengthened this tradition”, he added.

The Prime Minister emphasized that about 1500 obsolete laws have been abolished in the country at a rapid pace and many new laws strengthening society have been enacted at the same pace.

The Prime Minister expressed his happiness that the theme of ‘Gender Just World’ has been introduced in this conference. “No country in the world, no society can make full development without Gender Justice, nor can it claim justice,” he said. PM listed the changes made by the Government for bringing about gender balance like the recruitment of daughters in military service, changes in the selection process of fighter pilots, and the freedom to work at night in the mines. He also highlighted that today, India is one of the few countries in the world that gives 26 weeks of Paid Leave to the country’s working women.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister thanked the judiciary for its balance between development and environment, and continued guidance in it. He added, India has shown that along with the creation of infrastructure, the environment can also be protected.

Emphasizing the need for technology to deliver speedy justice, the Prime Minister said the government has made an effort to connect every court of the country to the e-court Integrated Mission Mode Project. “The establishment of National Judicial Data Grid will also make court procedures easier,” he said. The synergy of artificial intelligence and human conscience will also give further impetus to judicial processes in India, he added.

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Text of PM’s speech at the inauguration of 1st Khelo India University Games

मंच पर उपस्थित ओडिशा के मुख्यमंत्री श्री नवीन पटनायक जी, केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल में मेरे सहयोगी श्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान जी, श्री किरण रिजिजू जी, ओडिशा सरकार में मंत्री श्री अरुण कुमार साहु जी, श्री तुषारकांति बेहेरा जी और देशभर से आए युवा साथियों !!

मैं आपके साथ टेक्नॉलॉजी के माध्यम से जुड़ रहा हूं, लेकिन वहां जो माहौल है, जो उत्साह है, जो जुनून है, जो ऊर्जा है, उसको मैं अनुभव कर सकता हूं।

आज ओडिशा में नया इतिहास बना है। भारत के इतिहास में पहले खेलो इंडिया यूनिवर्सिटी गेम्स की शुरुआत आज से हो रही है।

ये भारत के खेल इतिहास में ऐतिहासिक पड़ाव तो है ही, भारत के खेलों के भविष्य के लिए भी एक बड़ा कदम है।

आज भारत दुनिया के उन देशों की लीग में शामिल हो गया है, जहां इस स्तर पर यूनिवर्सिटी गेम्स का आयोजन होता है।

ओडिशा की जनता और वहां की सरकार को इस आयोजन के लिए और देशभर से आए 3 हज़ार से अधिक युवा खिलाड़ियों को इन गेम्स के लिए बहुत-बहुत बधाई और शुभकामनाएं।

साथियों,

आने वाले दिनों में आपके सामने लक्ष्य 200 से ज्यादा गोल्ड मेडल जीतने का तो है ही, उससे भी अहम आपके अपने प्रदर्शन में सुधार, आपके खुद के सामर्थ्य को नई ऊंचाई देना है।

भुवनेश्वर में आप एक दूसरे से तो कंपीट कर ही रहे हैं, खुद से भी कंपीट कर रहे हैं।

याद रखिए, भुवनेश्वर में किया गया आपका परिश्रम, आपके सपनों को, आपके परिवार के सपनों को और भारत के सपनों को आगे बढ़ाएगा।

आपके सामने इस समारोह की Torch Bearer, दुती चंद जी जैसे अनेक प्रेरक व्यक्तित्व हैं। आप मेडल भी जीतें और देश को फिटनेस के लिए प्रेरित भी करें, इसी भाव के साथ मैदान में उतरना है।

साथियों,

आज का ये दिन सिर्फ एक टूर्नामेंट का आरंभ मात्र नहीं है, बल्कि भारत में खेल आंदोलन के अगले चरण की शुरुआत है।

खेलो इंडिया अभियान ने देश के कोने-कोने में खेलों के प्रति आकर्षण और युवा टैलेंट की पहचान में अहम भूमिका निभाई है।

स्कूली बच्चों के लिए होने वाले इस राष्ट्रव्यापी अभियान को अब एक स्तर आगे बढ़ाते हुए, यूनिवर्सिटी के लेवल पर शुरु किया गया है।

खेलो इंडिया अभियान से देश में क्या परिवर्तन आया है, ये गुवाहाटी में पिछले महीने देखने को मिला है।

साथियों,

साल 2018 में जब खेलो इंडिया गेम्स की शुरुआत हुई थी, तब इसमें 3500 खिलाड़ियों ने हिस्सा लिया था। लेकिन महज तीन वर्षों में खिलाड़ियों की संख्या 6 हजार से अधिक हो गई है, यानि लगभग दोगुनी।

सिर्फ संख्या ही नहीं बढ़ रही, खेल और खिलाड़ियों का स्तर, खेल इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का स्तर भी निरंतर सुधर रहा है। इस साल खेलो इंडिया स्कूल गेम्स में  80 रिकॉर्ड टूटे, जिनमें से 56 रिकॉर्ड तो हमारी बेटियों के नाम रहे।

महत्वपूर्ण बात ये भी है कि इस अभियान के तहत जो प्रतिभा ऊपर आ रही है, वो गांव की है, छोटे शहरों की है, गरीब घरों की है, टीयर 3, टीयर 4 शहरों की है।

ये वो टैलेंट है जो कभी संसाधनों के अभाव में, Exposure के अभाव में आगे नहीं बढ़ पाता था।

अब इस टैलेंट को संसाधन भी मिल रहे हैं और कम उम्र में ही राष्ट्रीय स्तर का ये Exposure भी मिल रहा है।

 

 

साथियों,

बीते  5-6 वर्षों से भारत में Sports के Promotion और Participation के लिए ईमानदार प्रयास किए जा रहे हैं। टैलेंट की पहचान हो, ट्रेनिंग हो, या फिर चयन प्रक्रिया हो, हर तरफ ट्रांसपेरेंसी को प्रमोट किया जा रहा है। इसका परिणाम अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मुकाबलों में भारत के प्रदर्शन में भी देखने को मिल रहा है।

खेलो इंडिया अभियान तो युवा टैलेंट की पहचान का एक बड़ा माध्यम बना है। इसमें चुने गए युवा खिलाड़ियों को हर वर्ष लगभग सवा 6 लाख रुपए तक की मदद दी जाती है। इसके अलावा इनको देश की 100 से अधिक एकेडेमी में ट्रेनिंग दी जाती है। अभी तक करीब 3 हज़ार ऐसे खिलाड़ियों का चयन हो चुका है। हाल में एक खेलो इंडिया मोबाइल ऐप की भी शुरुआत की गई है।

इसी तरह ओलंपिक पोडियम स्कीम के तहत देश के प्रतिभाशाली खिलाड़ियों को उच्च स्तर के मुकाबलों के लिए तैयार किया जा रहा है। इस योजना के तहत अभी देश के करीब 100 शीर्ष एथलीट्स को सहायता दी जा रही है।

साथियों,

ये वो खिलाड़ी हैं जो टोक्यो ओलंपिक्स में हिस्सा लेने के लिए संभावित हैं। इस योजना का लाभ पाने वाले खिलाड़ियों ने कॉमनवेल्थ गेम्स, एशियन गेम्स, एशियन पैरा गेम्स, यूथ ओलंपिक्स जैसे मुकाबलों में 200 से अधिक पदक देश को दिलाए हैं। यही नहीं Meritorious Sportspersons के लिए आजीवन पेंशन का भी प्रावधान किया गया है।

साथियों,

खिलाड़ी अपना ध्यान सिर्फ अपने श्रेष्ठ प्रदर्शन पर लगाए, बाकी की चिंता देश कर रहा है। प्रयास ये है कि पढ़ाई के साथ-साथ खेल भी बढ़े और फिटनेस का लेवल भी ऊंचा हो। हमारा युवा खिलाड़ी हर प्रकार के करियर के लिए फिट रहे, इसके लिए राष्ट्रीय खेल युनिवर्सिटी जैसे संस्थान बनाए जा रहे हैं।

साथियों,

देश के युवाओं की फिटनेस हो या फिर International Sports में भारत की बुलंदी, इसके लिए हमें पूरे सामर्थ्य से प्रयास करना है।

अब मैं पहले खेलो इंडिया यूनिवर्सिटी गेम्स की शुरुआत की औपचारिक घोषणा करता हूं !!

आपको फिर से बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं

श्रीमान नवीन जी का, उड़ीसा सरकार का, इतने बड़े समारोह की योजना सिर पर लेने के लिए हृदय से धन्‍यवाद करता हूं, उनका अभिनंदन करता हूं और जय जगन्‍नाथ करते हुए, जगन्‍नाथ की कृपा के साथ हम जग जीतने के लिए निकल पड़ें, ये मेरी आप सबको बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं हैं।

बहुत-बहुत धन्‍यवाद।

वी.आर.आर.के./एस.एच/ एन.एस.

 

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PM inaugurates first Khelo India University Games

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Khelo India University Games today in Odisha via video link. Addressing on the occasion, Prime Minister said that today is not just the beginning of a tournament but the beginning of the next phase of the sports movement in India. Here you are not only competing with each other, but also with yourself.

“I am connected with you through technology, but I can experience the atmosphere the enthusiasm, the passion and the energy there. The first Khelo India University Games in India’s history are starting today in Odisha. This is a historic moment in India’s sports history. It is also a big step for the future of India’s sports”, Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister added that Khelo India campaign has played an important role in increasing interest towards sports and recognition of young talent in every corner of the country.When the Khelo India Games started in the year 2018, 3500 players took part in it. But in just three years the number of players has almost doubled to more than 6 thousand.

“This year, Khelo India Schools Games has broken 80 records. Out of which 56 records have been in the names of our daughters, our daughters have won, our daughters have done wonders. The important thing is that the talent coming up under this campaign is not from the big city, but from small towns”, Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister mentioned that since the past 5-6 years sincere efforts have been made for the promotion and participation of sports in India. Transparency is being promoted in identification of talent, training and selection process.

“These are the players who are likely to take part in the Tokyo Olympics. The players benefiting from this scheme have given more than 200 medals to the country in several sporting events such as Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, Youth Olympics. In the coming days, the goal is to win more than 200 Gold medals, and more importantly to improve your own performance and to give new heights to your own potential”, Prime Minister said.

 

 

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Vice President felicitates three Padma Awardees from Telangana including the ace badminton player Ms PV Sindhu

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today felicitated three Padma Awardees from Telangana – ace badminton player Ms PV Sindhu, innovative farmer Shri Chintala Venkat Reddy and well known Sanskrit and Telugu poet Shri Vijayasarathi Sribhashyam, at a function organized by Swarna Bharat Trust, Hyderabad today.

Ms Sindhu is a recipient of Padma Bhushan the other two were awarded Padma Shri by the government recently.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President lauded their achievements in their respective fields. The felicitation was meant to give inspiration to others to emulate these three Padma awardees. It is the recognition of their merit, Shri Naidu said and added that recognizing and respecting the talent is part of Indian culture.

Shri Naidu, who also inaugurated a medical camp expressed his concerns over the rising incidences of Non Communicable Diseases in the country and urged the doctors and the media to create awareness among the people, particularly the youngsters on the need of taking preventive measures.

He pointed out that sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food habits were mainly responsible for NCDs and urged the youth to shun eating junk food and take up physical activity on daily basis to remain fit.

Observing that programs like Fit India, Yoga and Swachh Bharat Mission were meant to ensure good health and hygiene for all, Shri Naidu called upon the youth to adopt these programs and turn them into people’s movements.

He also stressed the need for living in harmony with nature and focus on water conservation efforts.

He urged the youth not to support those indulging in violence and asked them to develop a positive and constructive attitude in life. Quoting the three word mantra of ‘Reform-Perform-Transform’ given by the Prime Minister, Shri Naidu asked the youth to work towards the transformation of the country in all spheres.

On this occasion, certificates were also distributed to the trainees who completed their courses at Swarna Bharat Trust.

Chairman Swarna Bharat Trust, Shri Kamineni Srinivas and Hyderabad Chapter President of Swarna Bharat Trust, Shri Krishna Prasad were among those present on the occasion.

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VRRK/MS/RK

Address by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the Hindu ‘Huddle’ event at Bengaluru, February 22, 2020

  1. I am happy to be here to attend ‘The Huddle’ organised by The Hindu, a name that connotes not only India’s cultural diversity but also covers a sweep of history which is unparalleled in the world in civilisational context.
  1. The Hindu group of publications has been relentlessly aiming to capture the essence of this great country through its responsible and ethical journalism. I commend them for their insistence on sticking to the five basic principles of journalism – truth-telling, freedom and independence, justice, humaneness and contributing to the social good. I am borrowing here Shri N. Ram’s wonderful description of these principles as ‘Panchsheel’ for The Hindu group of newspapers.
  1. You all deserve appreciation for organising ‘The Huddle’ as a platform for the churning of thought on a variety of issues that concern people. I am sure that the nectar, that is, Amrit, coming out from the churning would benefit the nation and the world.
  1. Let me tell you why it is civilisationally contextual to hold ‘The Huddle’ in this land. Long before the West discovered the benefits of democratic decision-making, Sant Basaveshwara, a 12th century philosopher endowed with extraordinary wisdom, had promoted a culture of collective discussion which was called ‘Anubhav Mantapa’. This is remembered as one of the world’s first parliaments where people were encouraged to speak their mind irrespective of their social status. This was also a unique experiment of gender equality as women were also encouraged to take part in discussions and express their views. We, the people of India are blessed to have sages like Bhagwan Basaveshwara among our ancestors.
  1. Debate and discussion are internalised in India’s social psyche to arrive at truth since time immemorial. They are means to an end. On a lighter side, I am talking about an era that preceded high-voltage TV debates! Even in this period of transition, The Hindu continues with its tradition of conducting informed debate through news and views. It would not be an exaggeration to say that The Hindu seeks to protect the sanctity of the printed word and holds fast to the ideology of truth.
  1. There is no doubt that perception of truth is conditioned by circumstances. For example, we tend to describe the day’s progress with the rising or setting of the sun. But we know that it is more of a popular and metaphorical expression than the truth. Through arduous research, we came to know it well that neither does the sun rise nor does it set. The conditions that cloud the truth’s positions are effectively dispelled by a contestation of ideas through debate, discussion and scientific temper. Prejudices and violence vitiate the search for truth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

  1. As one of the oldest newspapers in the subcontinent, The Hindu has contributed immensely to the nation-building. Fired by a nationalist impulse, six intrepid youth of Madras, barely out of their teens, founded The Hindu in 1878 to redeem our cultural pride. They challenged the imperial power at its peak and nourished nationalism. Since then, the story of The Hindu’s journey is quite instructive for those who wish to understand the spirit of India that is Bharat. Readers too responded enthusiastically. For many in Chennai and elsewhere, the morning came to mean a cup of filter coffer and a copy of The Hindu.
  1. One of this newspaper’s avid readers was the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, himself. When The Hindu celebrated its golden jubilee in 1928, Gandhiji wrote, [And I quote] “I gladly add mine to the many tributes that will be paid to The Hindu on its Golden Jubilee. I consider The Hindu to be one of the best, if not the best, among the Indian owned dailies throughout India.” [Unquote]
  1. Gandhiji’s insistence on truth, that is, Satyagraha, was based on his unique understanding of truth. Gandhiji, as we all know, was a journalist too and edited a range of journals, in several languages, in South Africa as well as in India. His journalism was, journalism with a cause. Yet, he was deeply aware of the cause of journalism itself too, which is simply truth itself.  That is why he cautioned against the superficiality, the one-sidedness, the inaccuracy and often even dishonesty that had crept into journalism. As he evolved from Mohandas to Mahatma, Truth – with a capital T – became his sole cause, sole quest.
  1. Sometimes, dogmas and personal prejudices distort the truth. In the 150th year of Gandhiji’s birth, let us ponder upon this question: Will it not be proper to pursue truth itself as the ideology? Gandhiji has shown us the path by walking ceaselessly in search of truth which would ultimately encompass every positive attribute that enriches the universe.
  1. Today, however, we seem to be living in what has come to be called the post-truth era. I wonder what Gandhiji would have said about it. Of late, there have been attempts to give various shades to truth and define its stages as if some final truth exists beyond provisional truths. To my mind, such attempts are nothing more than indulgence in semantics. Truth exists in absolute form which cannot be eclipsed by blinkers of prejudices. It cannot be a case of ‘your truth’ versus ‘my truth’. Truth has to be one.
  1. I am sure that society has been moving in this direction to discover truth through persistent dialogue, argumentation and scientific approach. Let me cite one instance of how society has been transforming itself. Two weeks back, I visited the Kendriya Vidyalaya located in the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises for an interaction with students. I faced a volley of questions about fundamental duties, and many schoolchildren asked if those duties should not be made mandatory for citizens. I was quite surprised when a girl student of class 11 asked if it would be correct to make it legally binding upon citizens to pay their genuine taxes, exercise their franchise, follow rules and respect constitutional entities. Such questions, asked without any prompt, are indicative of the new generation’s yearning for arriving at truth through their own experience.

Ladies and gentlemen,

  1. The world is now being shaped above all by information technology. It is so rapidly evolving that what was outright unimaginable only a few years ago has not only become a reality but has even lost its novelty! These trends have impacted journalism in all its aspects, from news gathering to delivering news to readers and finally making money to sustain the activity. The internet and social media have democratized journalism and revitalized democracy. This process is ongoing, but in its current stage, it has also led to many anxieties. The new media is fast and popular and people can choose what they want to watch, hear or read. But only the traditional media has, over years, developed skills to authenticate a news report, and that is a costly operation. I hope that we will arrive at the ideal trade-off soon. In the meanwhile, the traditional media will have to introspect on its role in society and find ways to earn the reader’s full trust again. The project of democracy is incomplete without informed citizens – which means, without unbiased journalism.

Ladies and gentlemen,

  1. Those at the helm of The Hindu know that their journey began with a huddle, 142 years back, for a cause. That thinking must also be behind naming the event as ‘The Huddle’ that covers a wide array of topics ranging from politics, economics, the environment and entertainment to gender and sports. At this conclave, speakers are invited to come together and form a huddle to deliberate and review the strategy for the benefit of society and the country. Implicit in this effort is welfare of the entire cosmos consistent with the philosophy of “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah”. I once again commend The Hindu group of publication for organising this conference that lays out a roadmap for posterity.
  1. I wish my best to all of you. Thank you.

 

Jai Hind!

 

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VRRK/SH

President of India addresses fourth edition of ‘the Huddle’ – annual thought conclave of the Hindu; says project of democracy is incomplete without informed citizens – which means, without unbiased journalism

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the fourth edition of ‘The Huddle’ – annual thought conclave of the Hindu in Bengaluru today (February 22, 2020).

 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was happy to attend ‘The Huddle’ organised by The Hindu, a name that connotes not only India’s cultural diversity but also covers a sweep of history which is unparalleled in the world in civilisational context. He said that the Hindu group of publications has been relentlessly aiming to capture the essence of this great country through its responsible and ethical journalism. He commended them for their insistence on sticking to the five basic principles of journalism – truth-telling, freedom and independence, justice, humaneness and contributing to the social good.

The President said that debate and discussion are internalised in India’s social psyche to arrive at truth since time immemorial. There is no doubt that perception of truth is conditioned by circumstances. The conditions that cloud the truth’s positions are effectively dispelled by a contestation of ideas through debate, discussion and scientific temper. Prejudices and violence vitiate the search for truth.

The President said that sometimes, dogmas and personal prejudices distort the truth. In the 150th year of Gandhiji’s birth, let us ponder upon this question: will it not be proper to pursue truth itself as the ideology? Gandhiji has shown us the path by walking ceaselessly in search of truth which would ultimately encompass every positive attribute that enriches the universe.

The President said that the internet and social media have democratized journalism and revitalized democracy. This process is ongoing, but in its current stage, it has also led to many anxieties. The new media is fast and popular and people can choose what they want to watch, hear or read. But only the traditional media has, over years, developed skills to authenticate a news report, and that is a costly operation. He expressed hope that we would arrive at the ideal trade-off soon. He said that in the meanwhile, the traditional media would have to introspect on its role in society and find ways to earn the reader’s full trust again. The project of democracy is incomplete without informed citizens – which means, without unbiased journalism.

 

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Indian Delegation discusses India’s participation at Cannes Film Market 2020 and Strategic Positioning of IFFI at Cannes Film Festival

The Indian Delegation at Berlin International Film Festival met Ms Maud Amson, Head of Sales & Operations, Marche Du Film, Cannes Film Festival and Mr Arnaud Menindes, Sales & Operations – Advertising at Marché du Film, Cannes Film Festival regarding Government of India’s participation at the Cannes Film Market 2020. The discussion involved positioning India much more strategically at Cannes. Cannes expressed their collaboration and participation for the 51st edition of IFFI.

The Delegation also met with Heads of renowned Film Festivals, Film Commissons, International Producers like Ms Mariëlle Poupelin, Specialist International Business Development, Telefilm Canada; Mr Enrico Vannucci, Deputy Executive Director, Eurimages; Mr Kai Nordberg, Making Movies OY; Ms Adriane Freitag, Executive Manager, Cinema do Brasil; Mr Lefteris S. Eleftheroiu, Senior Officer, Head of Film Unit, Invest Cyprus, Ms Katalin Vajda, Festival Manager, National Film Institute, Hungary Mr Luis Chaby Vaz, President of Board – ICA Instituto do Cinema e Do Audiovisual, Portugal and Mr Sergio Scapegini, Italian Producer. Mr Scapegini expressed that the Italy would actively consider participating and collaborating with India for the 51st edition of IFFI. He also underlined that the participation would pave-forward for more proactive ties between the two nations.

The Indian Delegation, through these interactions, promoted the 51st edition of IFFI and ease of shooting films in India through Film Facilitation Office that facilitates Single Window Clearance for film-makers and provides a platform for ‘film tourism’ in India through the website www.ffo.gov.in. The Delegation also explored opportunities regarding co-production with India and collaborations for films with international production houses.

Ministry of Information & Broadcating, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry, is participating at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2020 in Germany.

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BAY of Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition (BBSE)

Indian Naval Sailing Vessels Mhadei and Tarini set sail for the Bay of Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition on 22 February 2020 from the Indian Naval Ocean Sailing Node at Goa. The expedition was flagged off by Rear Admiral SJ Singh, Commandant Naval War College, Goa. This would be the maiden major mixed crew sailing expedition of the Indian Navy with crew composition of five naval officers including two women officers in each boat, covering a total distance of 6,100 Nautical miles each and will be at sea for 55 days. Captain Vipul Meherishi, Skipper Tarini would be the Expedition Leader and Captain Atool Sinha would be Skipper Mhadei. The Skippers for the expedition are accomplished yachtsmen who have brought laurels to the navy and the country by winning medals, both at national and International level competitions.

 

The prolonged voyage of nearly three months during this expedition would showcase harnessing of renewal energy namely wind energy to propel the boats. The expedition is also in pursuance of the GOI mission of ‘Nari Shakti‘ providing opportunity to women officers at par with men. The expedition also aims to enhance the level of cooperation and camaraderie between the littoral nations in the Bay of Bengal whilst exhibiting the IN expertise in the domain of ocean sailing. The sailing vessels as part of the expedition would make replenishment halts at ports of Phuket, Yangon, Chittagong and Colombo, wherein interaction with various state officials would be conducted including harbour sorties for visiting dignitaries.

 

Mhadei and Tarini inducted in the Indian Navy on 08 February 2009 and 18 February 2017 respectively have been the vessels of choice for the naval expeditioners in various sailing expeditions, including three circumnavigations and thus have thousands of miles tucked under their belt. Mhadei has successfully completed two circumnavigations, three Cape to Rio trans-Atlantic races and several other expeditions around various continents. The vessel has covered in excess of 1,36,000 nautical miles. Tarini created history in 2017-18 when six Indian Naval women officers sailed the vessel on maiden circumnavigation voyage titled Navika Sagar Parikrama. She thereafter also participated in mixed crew Kochi to Seychelles sail training expedition during 10th anniversary celebration of the IONS.

 

The Bay of Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition will generate goodwill amongst the visiting nations and inspire participation in the forthcoming BIMSTEC Sailing Expedition being planned with mixed crew of member nations onboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessels.