THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU

Excelsior
Established 1965

daily

Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra

Tourism and sustainable energy

Jeet Dogra ustainable Development as a term is used extensively both by developed and developing nations across the world. Generally, it means to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. On the other side, the role of Energy and its associated terms like energy efficiency, renewable energy etc. is playing a significant role in achieving the objective of sustainable development. The international forums and organizations realized the critical role of energy in sustainable development. That is the main reason, the United Nations General Assembly by its resolution declared this year as the International Year of Sustainable Energy. Such a declaration from international organization is providing an opportunity to raise awareness related to continuous increasing sustainable access to the energy efficiency, renewable energy etc. Further, it will help to promote the awareness about the role of sustainable energy at the local as well as global level. The area of Energy services have insightful impact on the various services like productivity, health, food and water security, education, climate change, and communication services. Due to the lack of availability of clean, affordable and reliable energy hamper human, social and economic development. Moreover, it is a major impediment to achieve the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG). Tourism as the fastest, broadest and strategically significant sector can contribute enormously both directly and indirectly for sustainable energy and sustainable development. Therefore, the role of tourism and its allied sectors in sustainable developments is an important one. In 1979, the United Nation World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) General Assembly decided to celebrate World Tourism Day (WTD) every year and from the very next year, the first World Tourism Day was celebrated. After that it is held annually on 27 September on global level. Basically, the main purpose to celebrate World Tourism Day is to

Under the netas money tree

Poonam I Kaushish wo + two = Four. Not in political Delhi's arithmetic. Wherein instead of four it could add up to 5, subtract to 3, remain at two or even total zero! One can never tell with the ring-a-ring roses game our polity plays. All trying to out do each other. It all started with Trinamool's capricious Chief Mamata Bannerjee declaring war on the Congress over FDI in multi retail and hike in diesel prices, withdrawing her Ministers and support to the UPA Government, thereby turning it to a minority. Leading to shadow boxing and backroom bargains between Parties for the remaining years of UPA II even as all position themselves for the next general elections in 2013-14. Flummoxing everyone, "tragic figure and under achiever" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh displayed Singham-style machismo, ignored jibes and pushed ahead with reforms explaining his reasons in an uncharacteristic TV address to the nation. Even pooh-poohed the Bharat Bandh called by the BJP-led NDA and 8 regional Parties including Left for spreading "canards" Thursday last. Raising a moot point: What was Congress's end game? Had Mamata bitten off more than she could chew? How long would Mulayam and Mayawati play ball with the UPA? Could the BJP capitalise in the emerging state of flux? Where does this leave the Left? The Congress strategy seems clear: It has nothing more to lose. Aware it might not bounce back to power in the next poll, why not go down fighting? At least, it would have something to show the aam aadmi. Also, it knows that no Party including the BJP and MPs wants immediate poll. All of a sudden there is a spring and aggression in the tillrecently comatose Party. Next on the agenda is induction of fresh faces in the impending Cabinet re-shuffle. It is also certain that Manmohan Singh will continue to sit on India's Raj gaddi while Rahul takes on more visible responsibility in the Party. Today, it is busy strategising to deal with difficult customers, Mulayam and Mayawati. What of Mamata? Where does she go from here? Her take-itor-I-leave-UPA posturing appears to be based on calculated strategy that has more to do with West Bengal than national politics. Her apparent madness has a method. Perhaps, Mamata regards the UPA as a sinking ship wherein she has nothing to lose. Preparing for the eventuality of early election, she is confident of improving her tally in Bengal. This means her importance would only increase in Delhi's hurly-burly post-election politics, giving her a more meaningful role in national politics. Mamata made three calculations while kicking the UPA. One, by divorcing the Congress, she is saving herself from people's anger over UPA's reform agenda and various scams. Two, she is now master of West Bengal with a free hand to put up 42 candidates for the next Lok Sabha election, no seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress. If she sweeps the State it would catapult her to becoming one of the Prime Ministerial aspirants. Three, she is now better equipped to fight her arch-rival Left. By ditching the UPA, Mamata not only robbed the CPI-M of its poll plank of fighting tainted UPA's policies but also hijacked the agenda: Turning more Left than Left. Over the past 17 months, she has pulled out all stops to woo the minorities, talking the masses language which supports her kind of politics. Clearly, Mamata's loss is UP satraps Mulayam and Mayawati's gain. While Mulayam supports the Congress on the fallacious plea of "keeping communal forces at bay," Mayawati remains silent and plays hard ball. Either which way both have increased their bargaining power with the Congress and stabilised the UPA ship. But this is no cause for comfort for Congress, which knows that their support is based on a combination of self- interest and fear of pending investigations into graft cases. A major worry for Netaji is the disproportionate assets case, awaiting Supreme Court verdict. Fresh trouble over FIRs in the acquisition of Tatra truck deals is also on the anvil. Recall, the Tatra case deals date back to 1997 when Mulayam Singh was the Defence Minister in the Gowda-Gujral United Front Government. Undeniably, Mulayam adept at simultaneously blowing hot and cold is a staunch believer in the one-step-forward-two-steps-backpolicy. Especially against the backdrop that even as he hoots for UPA, he took part in the 8-Party sponsored bandh against Government policies. Alongside, the pehelwan-turned-politician is keen that son Akhilesh has a trouble-free tenure as UP Chief Minister. To this end, a pliable Centre would be invaluable vis-vis special funds. The Congress on its part is following the carrot and stick by engaging with the State Government over a funding game of Rs 93,000 crore package of which only half has been paid that too in dribs and drabs. Leaving room for negotiations when the going gets tough for the Grand Dame. Out of power in UP, it suits Mayawati's to have friends at the Centre. But her ties with Sonia hinge on the poll's timing. She does not favour advancing the general elections as the BSP needs time to regroup to take on bte noire Samajwadi. Thus, with eyes set on capturing UP again it made no sense to ally with other regional outfits and participate in the bandh. Also, post the Supreme Court dismissing two disproportionate assets cases she can breathe easy. As for the BJP, it is in shambles and struggling with internal issues and contradictions. Its 80-plus Chairman and seven Gen Next leaders are vying for numero uno status. Moreover, it realizes that any gimmick of up-staging the UPA would lead to the Government reinforcing its numbers. Though not ruling out early polls, the Saffron Sangh would hate to be seen as responsible for it. With the Congress confident of securing numerical strength for UPA's survival, the BJP acknowledges that its role is limited to wait and watch. It would rather 'capitalise' on UPA allies' mood to send the message that the Congress had lost confidence, and then intensify its offensive against the Government. Sadly, the Left Front has been left holding the can, upped by Mamata who has shrewdly hijacked its core theme of pro-poor policies. Though it had been banking on a Congress-Trinamool split to make a comeback in West Bengal, Mamata's withdrawal has not brought a smile. By walking out, she has clearly taken a lead over the Left. With panchayat elections due soon, Left's opposition to FDI is unlikely to have any rural connect. In sum, even as our netas bellow Opposition publicly, they coochie-coo privately. Sadly, when one-upmanship politics dictate our leaders' political ideology and everything is weighed on the voters' scale there is no hope for the aam aadmi. Specially, when one is pitted against "money growing on the political tree!" What says you, Prime Minister?

Capping LPG cylinders

haotic situation has developed in regard to capping of LPG cylinders ordered by the Government after consultations with oil and gas majors in the country. On September 14, Union Government announced drastic reform in supply of LPG cylinders and fixed maximum of six cylinders per family per year on subsidized rates. However, additional cylinders would be available on higher rates. But this is not a uniform criterion. The Congress ruled states like Delhi will provide nine cylinders per family per year on subsidized rates and beyond that cylinders will be available on higher rates. In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, only six cylinders per family per year have been allowed. It means that since half of the year (2012) is already gone, for the remaining period of six months till March 2013, each family in the State will get only three cylinders on subsidized rates. Anybody in need of extra cylinders will have to pay the higher price though that too is not sure because the Government is yet to decide what would be the price of non-subsidized cylinder. This drastic decision has been taken by the Union Government in view of spiralling bill on energy resource in the country. The bill was likely to touch 200 lakh crore of rupees by the end of current financial year. The Prime Minister had touched on this point during his recent broadcast to the nation. He was emphatic in stating that some hard measures had to be taken to bridge over country's financial difficulties. Capping of the supply of LPG cylinders is the result of one such austerity measure. Hike in the price of diesel may not evoke as much of public resentment as the new policy of supply of LPG cylinders has evoked. The reason is that diesel is consumed by affluent sections of society and big business magnates who run diesel cars. But LPG is a dire necessity for all and curtailment of cylinder is going to adversely affect the middle and lower middle class of our population. But the manner in which the entire matter is handled in our State has raised many fingers. Firstly, if Delhi --- a Congress run State--- has been allowed nine cylinders per family per year, why should not this be possible for J&K State when we know that this hilly and mountainous State is debilitated economically in more than one way? Objectively speaking, the State should be allowed nine cylinders per family per year, and that would be justified in view of long winter and greater consumption as a consequence. Secondly, much chaos has been caused by asking consumers to get their gas cards re-verified although only three months back this exercise had been completed. Why are half hearted decisions taken by the gas outlets and why does the Government let them have their way. It is harassment of the people and unacceptable as it will call for PIL on a large scale. People have not forgotten the ordeal through which they were made to go when three months ago they were asked to get their gas cards verified. Re-enactment of that activity will earn the wrath of the people. Therefore the Government should immediately order stopping of re-validation of gas cards in the case of those that have already gone through the process. Reports are coming in that besides ordinary consumers, even the Congress and NC activists including some ministers have expressed resentment to the capping of LPG cylinders to a maximum of 6 in the case of J&K State. Some ministers have even said that they would be raising the issue in the forthcoming cabinet meeting and will forcefully plead for a mechanism of rationalising the decision. Revenue Minister disclosed that he has even written to the Chief Minister about people's resentment to the unjust capping of cylinders and demanded revision of the policy. He has also pointed out that re-validation of gas connection is harassment of civilian population. In final analysis, it is true that the country is passing through financial hardship and the Government has to take drastic steps to check its deterioration. It is also true that ultimately people will have to bear the brunt. But at the same time, the reformative measures should be uniformly applicable, and secondly these should not cause harassment of the ordinary people. The Government should have worked out smooth transition from one set of conditions to another. Put in simple words, the Government has to do two things to bring this chaotic situation to an end. One is to increase the number of subsidized LPG cylinders from six per family per year to nine and second is to withdraw orders of re-verification of gas connections in such cases in which verification has already been done. This will ease the situation.

spread awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism as a field along with its social, cultural, political and economic value. The themes of the tourism day seek to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to highlight its contribution which can make in reaching MDGs' goals. On this day, the United

time. It is being depicted through United Nations by declaring this year as an International Year of Sustainable Energy. In this regard, the information is also uploaded on the official website of United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The main points included in the information are the clean energy solutions in tourism which help in bringing the sector's carbon emis-

WORLD TOURISM DAY

Nations World Tourism Organization includes the global community to cherish and celebrate the importance of nature and natural resources with human existence. While the official World Tourism Day celebrations take place in a UNWTO Member State on the basis of geographic rotation. Like every year, the theme for this year's World Tourism Day is "Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development". This year's official celebrations will take place in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain and include a Think Tank on the 2012 theme with the participation of top experts and policy makers in the field of tourism and energy. This day represents a unique opportunity to highlight the steps taken so far by the international tourism community to power the all important sustainable development. Moreover, the theme is also an opportunity to ensure that the international tourism continues to play a strategic role in tackling the energy challenges of the present sions down, protecting local environments and communities, carrying modern energy services to the world poor, cutting costs for businesses and creating jobs and economic opportunities. According to the estimate by UNWTO, one billion international tourists are expected to travel in the present year, therefore, this is the time to commit to a more sustainable tourism sector and a sustainable future for all. Like in other developing countries, the theme titled Tourism and Sustainable Energy is very much valid in our country. Due to continuous increase in the income-level of middle class, the burden on natural resources is also increasing. Although, India is ranked 127 in the Human Development Index (HDI) but the rapid pace of unchecked development has already imposed serious threats for environmentally friendly present and tomorrow. Today, our national agencies are concerned about the sustainable development in every field as well as in urban and rural

areas so that we can contribute towards the clean and green tomorrow. In India, there are several hurdles for sustainable development like population, poverty, inequality, deforestation, petrol consumption, the shortage of drinking water, health issues etc. but the most prominent one is consumption of energy. On the other hand, the meaning of sustainable development does not mean to divert from the growth but to utilize our resources so that a kind of interrelationship can be established for the mutual benefits of present and future generations. There may be some suggestions that can be helpful towards the sustainable development. Strategies like input efficient technology, usage of environmental friendly resources, integrated development plans, focuses on renewable sources of energy, organic farming, recycle the wastes etc. will yield favorable benefits. Beyond these strategies, citizens should take an oath to conserve the natural assets to maintain the inter-generational equality. In conclusion, the concept of sustainable energy and sustainable development is a vision and a way of developing an attitude to conserve our resources as well as our environment for future generations. Both the government policies as well as genuine contributions from societies can guide to achieve the sustainable development. No doubt that degradation on environmental resources already imposed a threat to those generations that are yet to born. Such kind of uncontrolled development will hamper their normal life on this planet. But the serious efforts will make a note of sustainable strategies that will equip the future generations to inherit a balance and improvised quality life from the present generations. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, we the citizens, should think on these lines and at least decide to act now to save our mother earth. (The author is Assistant Professor Department of Tourism & Travel Management, Central University of Jammu)

FDI retail: No solution for slowdown

Dr Ashwani Mahajan fter washing out of the monsoon session of Parliament on the issue of Coal scam, the Government on September 14, 2012 has now launched a fresh move on the implementation of 'congress brand' economic reforms and opened up FDI in multi-brand retail. Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh and others who matter in number game will now tried to be lured and even threatened to agree to these reforms. It is no secret that both Trinmool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee and and Mulayam have been vehement critiques of FDI in retail, Pension Bill and Insurance Bill. The game has now become more interesting after Trinmool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee pulled out of the alliance and Mulayam's dilly-dallying on the issue. For the last more than one year, Government has been making efforts to make policy changes (in the name of economic reforms), for which there was total lack of consensus in the country. For decade and a half, there has been an era of coalition governments and no single party could implement its own agenda. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister at the time of beginning of new economic policy and present Prime Minister, who has been the proponent of economic reforms and his team, had been pushing policy changes, namely opening up of retail trade for foreign investment, Insurance Bill and Pension Bill. Beginning with 2005, Planning Commission under the stewardship of Montek Singh Ahluwalia has been advocating for FDI in retail and sponsored studies by ICRIER in 2005 and 2008 for preparing the ground for this

Illegal mining
llegal mining of sand and pebbles in various nullahs across Jammu-Lakhanpur Highway sector has caused serious damage to at least two major bridges, namely Devak and Balole. Portions of basements of these vital bridges have got exposed and partly washed away by the floods during current monsoons. Mining mafia has been lifting sand, stones and pebbles close to the basement pillars of the bridges rendering them vulnerable to flash flood damages. Despite a ban imposed by the authorities on illegal mining, the illegal activity continues unabated, mostly at night or in early hours. This is not possible without the connivance of supervising authorities supposed to impose the ban strictly. The cost of repairs to the damaged bridges, as disclosed by the authorities, will run into many crore rupees besides consuming several months for bringing it to completion. This is a major anti-national act and deserves to be taken serious note of. Persons involved in these clandestine activities should be given exemplary punishment. The mining mafia has to be exposed and their connections and conduits should be prosecuted under the law. Lifting of construction material obtained from the nullahs should be banned 500 meters up and down the site of all bridges of this crucial national highway.

policy change. This endeavor of the Government got a big blow when an alliance partner of UPA (Trinmool Congress) threatened to severe their relations with the Government on this issue. Samajwadi Party, which is coming closer to the government now in other ways, is not expected to cave in on this issue, as its supremo had already declared publicly that he may go to any extent in opposing FDI in retail. Insurance Bill is also indicator of a big policy change. It is worth remembering that NDA Government allowed FDI to the extent of 26 percent in insurance sector. To bar the government, to increase this cap, a bill was passed in the parliament to this effect. Now to increase the cap of FDI is insurance, legislation is required. Pension Bill is yet another big policy change, which will allow the Government to invest pension funds in the stock market. Both these bills along with the proposal of FDI in retail; are being strongly opposed by the Trinmool Congress. Supporters of economic reforms have been criticising the government terming the situation as 'policy paralysis', and blaming the Government for not doing enough to implement these policy changes. However, the fact is that the economy is turning from bad to worse due to total mismanagement of the economy. Rate of economic growth is grounded at 6 percent annually, rate of inflation is nearing two digits, rupee is at its historic low, high rate of interest are all killing the industrial growth, with no chance of revival in near future. Under these circumstances, Government and its advisers had been advocating for making policy changes in the guise of eco-

nomic reforms. International bandwagons have also joined in this advocacy. First USA magazine 'The Economist' then 'Times' again a USA's weekly and later USA's President Barak Obama, in a row joined this chorus, while showing concern about slowdown in Indian economy. While addressing his home constituency in the election year, Barak Obama complains that India is forbidding foreign investment and investment climate is vitiating. However, while saying so he pressurises the Indian Government to open the economy for USA's companies. No doubt, economic conditions in the country are deteriorating, to cure the problems of the Indian economy; we need urgently an efficient management and not the foreign capital. We find our trade deficit rising at a much faster speed than ever. In 2010-11, our trade deficit was $ 130 billion, which increased to nearly $ 190 billion in 2011-12. Balance of Payment (BOP) deficit has also increased to a much higher level. BOP deficit, also increased from $ 44 billion to $ 78.4 billion during this period. To fill this gap in BOP, policy makers give the argument of foreign investment. Thus foreign capital is not for any development; rather it is the compulsions arising out of the mismanagement of the economy. For such a big deficit even, a foreign investment of 50 billion was not sufficient to fill the gap between demand on supply of dollars. And the obvious fallout was, depreciation of rupee by more than 20 percent in just 4-5 months and rupee declined from 48.7 per $ to 57-58 per US$ between February 2012 and June 2012. Government was not ready

to concede its inefficiency, and put all the blame on the political conditions, which it says is responsible for stalling FDI in retail and new legislations, which they call economic reform. Sooner we understand better it is that crisis in the economy is not due to stalling of new legislation, but actually due to inefficiency of the government. Lack of political support cannot be held responsible, if trade deficit has reached $ 190 billion, industrial growth has flattened to zero or rupee is depreciating.. Rise in trade deficit for instance from 130 $billion to 190 $billion between 2010-11 and 2011-12, cannot be due to lack of political cooperation, but is actually because of the fact that in 2011-12, Government did not make any effort whatsoever, to restrict rising imports of gold, which increased from $25 billion in 2010-11 to $ 50 billion in 201112. Imports from China are rising exponentially in the past few years and government did not take any step to control them. Today not only consumer goods, even project goods like power plants, telecom and many other types of equipments, are being imported on a large scale from China. Efficient Management Needed Coming out of its conventional and misdirected arguments, like global economic crisis, inevitability of increasing foreign investments and so called economic reforms, Government needs to set its house in order. Controlling inflation, reducing rates of interest and restricting imports are the policy alternatives, which government should adopt to put the economy back on the track.

Not a big feat

Sir,
Apropos CEC LADHC (Sept 19 ,2012) hands over keys of 14 khokas, and it says that these were built on priority. It took two years for LAHDC to construct theses temporary khokas,as every body remembers the flash floods of 2012 . This sort of construction is a matter of days in this modern time with all types of machinery available. Thank Heavens it was not any permanent structure to be constructed, otherwise it would have taken two decades. I fail to understand the chest thumping by the LAHDC for this achievement. The opposition party in Ladakh is also living in 50's era of Ladakh when things used to move with the season. This is modern time Ladakh and such lethargy is unacceptable. Let the opposition party exert its full pressure upon Ruling elite of LAHDC to do the job in a time bound manner or step down.

World Tourism Day

Sir, 27th September is celebrated as World Tourism Day. India is well known for its incredible destinations. Our city Jammu is called the City of Temples. But soon the number of tourists in it will decline because of the railway project of Katra. Because of that, the tourists will directly go to Katra, instead of passing through Jammu city. This will surely affect the economy of Jammu. My point is that we need good managers for attracting tourists towards Jammu. Many places like Kalakendra and Hari Palace need to be marketed properly, so that more and more tourists come to Jammu. Recently I went to Kalakendra and what I found there shocked me a bit as there was no one on except some authorities who hardly know how to talk and communicate with tourists and visitors.Very few people visit that place. A person who has studied tourism for two years and who is master in tourism, can perform better than other people in this field.He/she can make people aware of why one should come to Jammu, what are the main tourist destinations in Jammu and how to conserve the historical places? All we need is a chance to work by Government and we want them to think on this aspect. This way we will celebrate Tourism Day in a better way.

Separate Railway Division

Sir,
Apropos Ch Lal Singh's statement that he'd demand separate railway division for Jammu and Kashmir with DRM office at Jammu, it is stated that this division should have come up long ago. How does DRM sitting at Firozpur which is more than 300 km away from Jammu and about 600 km away from Srinagar can effectively control Jammu- Katra and Kashmir Valley railway operation defies all logic. I think that this is primarily due to indifferent attitude of people of Jammu in general and J&K politicians in particular who really do not care and which has led to such an absurd situation. One has only to visit Jammu railway station to see the filth and squalor and chaos all around. Even this newspaper has highlighted the pathetic condition of Jammu railway station many a time in the past. Things would have never come to sorry pass had DRM been stationed at Jammu. It is high time that creation of a saparate railway division at Jammu is pursued by Jammu civil society and other stake holders at the highest level in the Railway Ministry. Yours etc... Ramesh Gupta On e-mail

Yours etc.... Ashok Kumar On e-mail

Yours etc... Aruditya Jasrotia MBA-Travel and Tourism Central University of Jammu