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Republic of Unreason
If Parliament were to pass the Surrogacy Bill in its present form, the law would certainly violate the
constitutional pledge of equal treatment
reproductive technology, though, as the this law, organ trading for commercial con-
T H U R S D AY , S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6 Harvard Law School professor Martha A. sideration was legal. As the Andhra Pradesh
SUHRITH PARTHASARATHY Field has explained, fails for the reason that High Court observed in upholding this leg-
surrogacy involves using another persons islation, whether the law intended to pro-
body, albeit with their ostensible consent. A hibit dealing in human organs or not no
Advance In August 2011, Premila Vaghela, 30, the wife
personal right to do something, Field
wrote, does not necessarily carry over to a
one could or can deal in human organs as a
matter of right.
F
ifteen years after the timing of the Union Bud- thought that by renting her womb for money cific constitutional right to procreate. After pable of being legally justified even if it
get was advanced by six hours from 5 p.m. on she could provide a better education for her all, every practice tolerated by the state arguably makes for poor strategy the
the last working day of February, the Centre is own two children. But eight months into her doesnt emanate out of a pre-existing natu- Bills proposal to allow altruistic surrogacy
contemplating unveiling it a month or more ahead. pregnancy, in what was meant to be a stan- ral or positive right. Whats more, in any for certain classes of persons is not only in-
This may appear to be a superfluous shift to some, dard medical visit, she crumpled to the floor event, given that an infertile couple could defensible but is also scandalous in that it
but it could significantly alter governance out- of her doctors clinic, clutching her stomach take recourse to adopting a child, a ban on exemplifies the governments didactic am-
comes if managed well. As of now, though the Bud- in agony. She died four days later. But the ba- commercial surrogacy doesnt necessarily bitions. Under Indias constitutional struc-
by survived. afect ones right to raise a family. ture, every time a law seeks to treat equal
get is tabled before the commencement of a new fi-
Although there is no specific indication of The second argument a classically lib- persons diferently, it must justify the classi-
nancial year in April, its provisions often do not any wrongdoing (the police recorded Vagh- ertarian one that women have a funda- fication that it so makes with cogent rea-
become the law of the land till some time in May, elas death as accidental) the doctors pri- mental right to contract, and a fundamental sons. First, the distinction that the law draws
when Parliament passes the Finance Bill. So wheth- orities were clear from the terms of the sur- right to personal liberty, which together per- must be intelligible; the classes of persons
er it is a new social sector scheme, a highway pro-
The object is to curb the
rogacy contract that she had signed. Not mit them to use their bodies as they please, sliced out by the law must be capable of be-
ject for which the Finance Minister has allocated only did this agreement (typical of all com- exploitation of poor women. Its however, cannot be readily dismissed. As ing easily ascertained. And second, the state
funds, or simply the transfer of funds to States, mercial surrogacy arrangements) absolve hard to understand, though, how Amrita Pande wrote in The Hindu, in the ab- must show that there is a rational nexus be-
there is little action till, say, June. Oicial expendi- the doctors and the foreign couple of any lia- such an object can bear relation sence of any evidence that shows that all ec- tween the object that the law seeks to
ture data confirm that spending remains particular- bility, it also noted that the surrogate and her onomic choices made by a woman are unin- achieve and the classification that it makes.
husband had agreed that if Vaghela sufered to the classification the Bill makes fluenced by a lack of informed consent, In the case of the Surrogacy Bill the object
ly low in the first two months of the financial year.
an injury or a life-threatening instance dur- denying Indian women the ability to enter of the proposed law is ostensibly to curb the
There is a spike in the last two quarters not just be- ing the third trimester of her pregnancy, she short, seeks to ban commercial surrogacy al- into contracts of surrogacy alone might exploitation of poor women who often act as
cause ministries scramble to exhaust their allocat- will be sustained with life support equip- together, while limiting the availability of seem misplaced. But the philosophical basis surrogate mothers. Its hard to understand,
ed funds, but also because, for instance, the onset of ment to protect the foetus viability and in- what the Bill terms as altruistic surrogacy for such an argument may not quite be though, how such an object can bear any re-
the monsoon season in June makes it diicult to ex- sure a healthy birth on the genetic parents to childless, heterosexual Indian couples carved in stone. From the 1980s onwards lation to the classification that the Bill
ecute infrastructure projects in the second quarter. behalf. married for at least five years. That is, per- many feminist scholars Andrea Dworkin makes in distinguishing couples married for
Efectively, proposed annual capital expenditure is sons who are eligible to seek surrogacy are the most prominent among them have five years or more from all others, including
rushed through from October to March rather than Clampdown on commercial surrogacy required to engage a close female relative, warned against the commodification of sur- live-in couples, single parents, and those
through the year, creating a tardy and bumpy trans- Conventionally, commercial surrogacy not necessarily related by blood, in a trans- rogacy in an inherently unequal world. For from the LGBT community. We do not rec-
mission mechanism for any intended stimulus. involves an agreement in which a woman, in action where no money exchanges hands Dworkin, surrogacy is like prostitution, be- ognise homosexual or live-in relationships,
exchange for money, agrees to carry a child between the commissioning couple and the cause the surrogate has no choice. The ques- that is why they are not allowed to commis-
This now assumes greater importance especially
for another person to whom she will surren- surrogate mother, except to meet medical tions that concern the validity of a commer- sion babies through surrogacy, said Exter-
since in the past two years public investment has der the child when it is born. The woman expenses. Unfortunately, though, well-in- cial surrogacy agreement, she wrote, are not nal Afairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, while
been the governments mantra to revive growth, can either be the childs genetic mother tentioned as the proposal might appear at indiferent from those concerning prostitu- announcing the Cabinets approval of the
and is likely to remain the key determinant of the which is the more traditional form of surro- first blush, the Bill fails to address the moral tion. When the state has constructed the Bill. It is against our ethos. These pro-
economys direction for a while. Whether present- gacy or, alternatively, if implanted with an questions at the roots of the controversy, social, economic, and political situation in fessed reasons though neither emanate out
ed in the end of December or in January, a budget embryo, she could merely be a gestational and, if ultimately enacted into law, would al- which the sale of some sexual or reproduc- of any legitimate governmental interest nor
endorsed by Parliament by the end of March could carrier owning no genetic connection to the so transgress some of the Constitutions tive capacity is necessary to the survival of do they contain any link to the Bills object
allow ministries, State governments and businesses child whatsoever. Since 2002, when the In- core guarantees. women, Dworkin wrote, to believe that and purpose. They merely comprise the
to get down to implementation as soon as the year dian Council for Medical Research issued a such women are exercising their free will in states expression of disgust at practices that
set of non-binding regulations that envi- The arguments at stake choosing to sell the use of their womb in a it deems depraved. If Parliament were to
begins and plan their spending based on the re-
saged transactional surrogacy, these forms Now, there is little doubting that any rea- commercial transaction is simply amoral. pass the Surrogacy Bill in its present form,
quirement for a project rather than weather exigen- of arrangements have flourished in India. sonable government ought to concern itself Dworkins claims, from an Indian context, the law would certainly violate the constitu-
cies. There is, of course, the challenge that the gov- According to some reports, the assisted-re- at some level with the ethics of procreation, are only bolstered by the boilerplate terms tional pledge of equal treatment.
ernment may lack enough data about the state of production sector may now be worth as high especially given the power equations at play of the surrogate contract, which tend to
the economy by January, be it tax collections or as $2 billion, with more than 25,000 surro- in a contract of surrogacy. But is a complete deeply undermine the surrogate mothers Flawed assumptions at play
GDP numbers. So the Chief Economic Advisers gate children being born every year in the proscription on commercial surrogacy a freedom and sense of bodily autonomy. Her Whats more, in seeking to permit altruis-
team will have to grapple with tighter deadlines to country. But in the absence of any legislation neutral position to take? There are two basic assertions, therefore, provide the state a le- tic surrogacy alone, the Bill also makes a cu-
put together the Economic Survey with less data at controlling the industry, Vaghelas case has arguments against such a ban. First, that gitimate constitutional reason for restrict- rious, and flawed, assumption: that if a
its disposal. Then again, the February 28 Budget al- scarcely proved an exception. people, both foreigners and Indians, have a ing surrogacy altogether. After all, similar woman is not being paid to be a surrogate,
so relies on revised estimates. And while Finance It is perhaps with these considerations in fundamental right to procreate, and to concerns about agency and free will were at she isnt being exploited in any manner; that
mind that the Union Cabinet, last week, ap- choose whichever method they desire to play when the Union government brought questions involving free will are somehow
Ministry mandarins may find themselves pressed
proved the draft of the Surrogacy (Regula- achieve this objective. This airmative ar- into force the Transplantation of Human Or- applicable only to cases of commercial sur-
for time if Finance Minister Arun Jaitley manages tion) Bill, 2016. The proposed legislation, in gument in favour of a right to use assisted- gans Act in 1994. Prior to the enactment of rogacy. But the notion that surrogacy can at
to move to an earlier Budget in 2017, the Goods and all be altruistic, as the Swedish journalist
Services Tax rollout deadline of April 2017 would CARTOONSCAPE Kajsa Ekis Ekman wrote earlier this year in
mean much less work for them at least on the indi- The Guardian, apart from being a red
rect taxes side of the Budget document. Around 51 herring, since it barely happens in reality
per cent of the 738 promises in the UPAs 10 full has a very strange ideological underpinning.
Budgets remained works in progress (that is, un- As if exploitation only consisted in giving
met) by the time the next Budget was presented. If the woman money. In that case, the less she
switching the Budget presentation date can turn is paid, the less she is exploited.
A complete ban on commercial surrogacy
this around, it would be well worth it. may not altogether remedy the situation
faced by those such as Vaghela there is af-
T
urkeys incursion into Syria has opened a
tion before the prohibition is enforced as
new front in the already complicated Syrian law. But what is certainly unhelpful is the
civil war. Turkey and the other regional proposal to permit only a limited form of al-
powers in West Asia, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar truistic surrogacy. This represents bad so-
and Iran, have been active players in the Syrian con- cial policy, and, if such an exception fructi-
flict since 2011, but this is the first time one of them fies into legislation, would also be forbidden
has sent its army into Syria to join combat. Ankara under our constitutional structure. India, to
says the move is to fight the Islamic State; within borrow a phrase used by the American legal
days of rolling its tanks into Syria, Turkey declared scholar Cass Sunstein, is meant to be a Re-
that it had cleared the border town of Jarabulus of public of Reasons. The Surrogacy (Regula-
tion) Bill, 2016, regrettably flouts this vision.
IS fighters. But there is little doubt that the real tar-
get of the Turkish forces are the Kurdish militias. Suhrith Parthasarathy is an advocate practising at the
The IS had been active in Jarabulus since 2013, and Madras High Court.
used the town as a key supply route for men and
materials. Over the last few years, Turkey had
largely ignored IS activities on the Syrian side of the LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
border. It moved into action only after the U.S.- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
backed Kurdish forces recaptured Manbij, another
town close to the border, from the IS. After taking
positions in Manbij, Kurdish rebels had moved to- Kerrys anti-terror advice Memorandum of Agreement or of the Opposition. This will also help for the welfare of mankind. Indian The pact must be viewed in the
LEMOA (Editorial and India, U.S. to to dispel the misgivings of Indias warships and military aircraft could context of Americas ambition of
wards Jarabulus. If Kurds seize Jarabulus as well, it It will be a bitter pill for Pakistan to share defence facilities, both other strategic partners. now substantially extend their deploying 50 per cent of its naval
would allow them unprecedented control over the swallow now that U.S. Secretary of Aug.31), it is a clear sign that the days operational reach in the Asia-Pacific force in the Asia-Pacific region and
Arjun K.V.,
Syrian-Turkish border region and also cut Turkey State John Kerry has sought action of Indias non-alignment policy are Bengaluru region to U.S. bases in Djibouti, will silence Indias non-alignment
of from the last remaining cross-border supply from Islamabad on specific long gone and that New Delhi is Diego Garcia in the southern Indian stance followed religiously from the
routes. Unsurprisingly, after taking control of Jara- instances of terrorism (Act against edging closer to the U.S., for better The agreement will now bring the Ocean and Guam in the western time of Nehru. India will now be
bulus, Turkish aircraft and ground troops started terror, Kerry tells Pak., Aug. 31). or for worse. two nations even closer strategically. Pacific Ocean. It will help in viewed with suspicion as a U.S.
attacking Kurdish positions in Manbij, demanding Pakistan will also stand isolated What could have prompted India to However, India must take care of its checking wars, but in case of an military presence will disturb the
that they retreat to the east of the Euphrates. once the U.S. goes ahead with the suddenly strengthen defence ties NAM obligations as well as maintain eventuality, an option must be open. power balance of the region. The
Turkey has two concerns. First, if it loses cross- trilateral talks to fine-tune counter- with the U.S. is Chinas belligerent its close ties with Russia. Leaning One hopes that there will be clarity NDA government needs to tread
terror measures. The development posture towards India. Given the towards the U.S. in a military sense on the other foundational with caution.
border access to Syria, the Ankara-backed rebels
is a huge boost to Indias eforts in U.S. past, of ruthlessly pursuing its should not be at the cost of peaceful agreements the Communication Philip Sabu,
would be in a weaker position in the Syrian civil trying to talk peace with a diicult own goals and riding roughshod ties with neighbours. Interoperability and Security Thrissur
war, which would in turn jeopardise Turkeys plans neighbour. over the less powerful nations it Memorandum of Agreement
Kuldeep Mohanty,
for a future Syria. Second, if Kurdish militias are al- C.K. Subramaniam, allies with, it is not without reason New Delhi (CISMOA) and the Basic Exchange
lowed to further consolidate in the semi-autono- Navi Mumbai that the Opposition in India has and Cooperation Agreement for A rare mother
mous Syrian Kurdistan, that would pose a direct raised serious concerns about India It is not clear whether providing the Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA). The report, IIT a no go, but
strategic threat to Turkey, given the Syrian Kurds Nothing much should be read into running the risk of making kinds of logistical support envisaged H.S. Dimple, unschooled 17-year-old makes it to
deep ties with their Turkish counterparts who are Mr. Kerrys statement as the U.S. is compromises on its strategic in the agreement would also extend Jagraon, Punjab MIT (Aug.31), is exciting and
at war with Ankara. So Turkey wants to rupture the one country that has been arming autonomy. The intrusive, self- to U.S. warships and its aircraft on inspiring. More than the girls
Kurdish momentum. This move, however, marks a Pakistan to the teeth while doing protecting clauses that the U.S. has combat missions destined for India should take care that by achievement, it is the attitude of her
flip-flops on various issues tried to incorporate into the India- conflict zones. Unless providing entering into this agreement, its mother towards formal education
dangerous turn of events. Kurds have proved the concerning Delhi and Islamabad. U.S. nuclear deal, exemplifies its such facilities is specifically barred degree of autonomy is not lost. The and her commendable pragmatic-
most efective ground force against the IS. All the Ultimately, we will have to fight our self-serving nature. India should in the agreement, it would be a benefits of the agreement should be cum-philosophical view that
major border towns they control, such as Kobane, own battles and it would be futile to ensure that its ties with the U.S. are significant shift in our time-tested confined to logistics support in case happiness is more important than
Tal Abyad and now Manbij, were recaptured from expect superpowers like the U.S. to on an even keel and in the mould of foreign policy of military neutrality of a military exercise or disaster conventional knowledge which is
the IS after long and bloody ground battles. In fact, constantly back us on all matters. If arrengements with Japan, South and would justifiably be seen as management. exceptional. The situation has a
the decline of the IS started with their defeat by the U.S. is really serious about the Korea and the Philippines. more than merely overcoming the Bhuvan Gupta, parallel with the life of Thomas Alva
Kurds in Kobane. Besides, the Turkish incursion issue, it could issue an ultimatum to Nalini Vijayaraghavan, hesitations of history. Such a Bharatpur, Rajasthan Edison, whose schoolteacher called
makes the Syrian war more complicated. Given Pakistan, setting it a time frame to Thiruvananthapuram nature of cooperation would also him mentally ill in a letter to his
their recent battle history, Kurds wont give up their shut down all terror camps on its run the risk of India letting itself I feel the agreement will be deeply mother. But the lady reportedly hid
soil. The impact of the agreement on become a party to a conflict with all discomforting for Russia and Asian the letter and homeschooled him.
position easily. This means that if Turkey persists
C.V. Aravind, Indias foreign and defence relations its attendant adverse consequences powers. India has never teamed up Such mothers are rare in the
with its operation, the border towns could witness has been blown out of proportion, on our relations with the countries with any nation and has taken pride educational system in which
Bengaluru
another spell of war, while making the task of re- either out of ignorance or for in such conflict zones. in its autonomy. It would have been marks speak louder than real
solving the Syrian conflict more diicult. Unfortu- political mileage. The government S.K. Choudhury, wise had India waited till after the merit. One hopes this will awaken
nately, Turkey seems less bothered about the chaos The LEMOA deal must now nip this by placing the Bengaluru change in the U.S administration. parents to a new way of thinking.
in Syria than the growing clout of Kurds. Despite the advantages in the terms of the agreement in the public Leo Sebastian, R.K. Jacob,
signing of the Logistics Exchange domain and addressing the concerns This seems to be a new mechanism Kollam San Jose, California, U.S.
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
T
he Supreme Courts verdict on the Singur ernment in appointing judges has brought a ed Commercial Courts Act, 2015, strict time- forming a system that it itself recognised as
renewed focus to delays in the judicial sys- lines as well as case management provisions flawed neither did it institute safeguards
land acquisition issue is a re-statement of
tem. The CJI holds vacancies responsible for have been carefully incorporated. Unfortu- into the NJAC that would have made it con-
first principles relating to the limitations of creating delays, bringing justice delivery to a nately, similar provisions in the Code of Civil stitutionally valid nor did it substantively re-
eminent domain. By quashing the entire land ac- grinding halt for several litigants. By all ac- Procedure have been held by the Supreme form the collegium itself to satisfy concerns
quisition process done by the erstwhile Left Front counts, the judicial system is painfully slow Court to not bind the inherent discretion of that were shared by some petitioners, the
government in West Bengal, the court has reiterat- as of December 31, 2015, 51.2 per cent of all courts to extend time or grant repeated government and the Supreme Court itself.
ed that the term public purpose cannot be arbitra- cases pending in the subordinate courts have adjournments.
rily invoked to acquire land and hand it over to a been pending for more than two years and 7.5 In the same vein, the potential for alterna- Time to walk the talk
private party. One of the two judges has categorical- per cent for more than 10 years; in the high tive dispute resolution (ADR) methods, If one ignores the rhetorical images of
ly held that there was no public purpose in the land courts the corresponding figures are 68 per such as arbitration, to reduce judicial delays lockdown associated with a stand-of and in-
acquisition as it was solely for the benefit of Tata cent and 19.22 per cent. This is unacceptable has not been explored owing to the constant quires into the real reasons for disagree-
for any state that promises the rule of law to interference of courts. Constant interference ment, the matter becomes curious. As per
Motors. The other judge has conceded that given its citizens. At the same time, to view the has not been limited to ADR but is endemic. news reports, the government proposed a
the governments policy of industrialisation and stand-of on judicial appointments and the A recent study found that the Supreme Court screening committee for all judges-elect
the potential for employment generation, the ac- consequent vacancies that are created Vacancies are a product of a admits 41 per cent of all cases filed before it comprising eminent persons and retired
quisition was indeed for a public purpose. But he al- through the lens of judicial delays is to miss systemic lack of incentives for hearing, a staggering number for the judges to ensure criteria-based selections;
so ruled that the failure to hold a proper inquiry in- the wood for the trees. for persons of high quality highest constitutional court of a country. It is second, the government has asked for a na-
to objections from the public, and the fact that the little surprise that litigants take a chance be- tional security veto. The collegium appar-
State Cabinet had decided to acquire land for the Long-standing vacancies and integrity to take up fore the higher judiciary since securing an ently has rejected both proposals.
project even before the acquisition was notified as First, it is essential to clarify the contours judgeships admission is often perceived as a game of The first suggestion appears unobjection-
per law, rendered the entire process void. The rul- of this stand-of the government and the roulette. This is especially so since the qual- able. In the NJAC judgment, some judges ad-
collegium have been unable to agree on a are not solely caused by the stand-of they ity of justice, particularly in the lower judici- vert to a similar committee; its importance in
ing is undoubtedly a political victory for West Ben-
Memorandum of Procedure for appoint- are endemic to the higher judiciary. Second, ary, is often perceived as unsatisfactory. order to ensure accountability and citizen
gal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who took up ment of judges for the better part of this year. even if the current impasse between the ex- These factors are merely illustrative of the participation cannot be disregarded. The
the cause of those whose lands were taken away in Second, the government has neither cleared ecutive and judiciary were to end, vacancies multifaceted nature of delays. They are how- collegiums objections to such a proposal, if
Singur, making it a key election issue of the pivotal nor returned the files sent by the collegium would not be even substantially filled, let ever united by a common thread that, unlike true, are perplexing and should be made
Assembly election of 2011, when she wrested power regarding several high court appointments alone delays being significantly reduced. filling of vacancies, they are all within the re- public. As far as a national security veto is
from the long-serving Left Front. With the farmers and transfers, unlike Supreme Court ap- This is because vacancies are a product of mit of the judiciarys self-correction. concerned, the judges are rightly concerned
set to get back their land, and the court allowing pointments and some transfers which were a systemic lack of incentives for persons of about national security (or national interest)
them to keep the compensation they had earlier re- cleared earlier this year. high quality and integrity to take up judge- Power struggle over appointments becoming a fig leaf for state unaccountabili-
ceived or claim it now if they are yet to get it, this al- According to the apex courts own publi- ships. Judicial pay is poor, pensions are poor- The complexity of causes responsible for ty, a blunt instrument used to end all require-
lows her to score points afresh over the CPI(M). cation, as of May 2016, there were 2 vacan- er. Further, the collegium which selects judg- judicial delays should make it amply clear ment for further explanation. Given this pos-
cies in the Supreme Court (out of 31 sanc- es and elevates them to the Supreme Court is that it is merely a by-product when it comes sibility, rather than national security being a
The judgment does not lay down any new law. tioned posts) and 432 vacancies in the high a closed brotherhood. As former Supreme to the vexed question of judicial appoint- ground for veto, a healthy convention should
The dispute over whether the Singur land was ac- courts (out of 1,065 sanctioned posts). This Court judge Justice Ruma Pal has noted, A ments. Talking about delays caused by the be adopted by the collegium that ordinarily a
quired for a public purpose or not is largely aca- constituted a vacancy rate of 6.45 per cent chance remark, a rumour or even third-hand stand-of in appointments is an euphemism rejection by the government on these
demic, now that the outdated Land Acquisition Act, and 40.5 per cent, respectively. information may be suicient to damn a for the power struggle that has ensued be- grounds will be heeded, provided they are
1894, has been repealed and replaced by legislation However, looking at figures from Decem- judges prospects. Contrariwise a personal tween two organs of state over dictating the subjectively satisfied.
that aims at transparency in acquisition and makes ber 2012, much before this stand-of, may friendship or unspoken obligation may col- future course of judicial appointments. This But without entering into matters of de-
fair compensation and resettlement a statutory provide some perspective. At that time, our a recommendation. is not unprecedented appointments have tailed disagreement, the entire process of
right of those who lose their land. The Right to Fair there were 4 vacancies in the Supreme Court It is thus no surprise that several worthy similarly been stalled in the past, most re- formulation of the Memorandum of Proce-
Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisi- (out of 31 sanctioned posts) and 281 vacan- candidates pass up the travails associated in cently during the Chief Justiceship of Justice dure is deeply discomforting. First, it ap-
cies in the high courts (out of 895 sanctioned the process of being appointed to and pro- M.M. Punchhi in 1998, when the government pears that the role of the collegium is limited
tion, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act sets out
posts). This constituted a vacancy rate of 12.9 gressing as a judge. and the CJI disagreed on the proper proce- to accepting or rejecting reform suggestions
the categories of projects that would fall under pub- per cent for the Supreme Court, higher than dure for appointment of judges. No appoint- given by the government. If true, this is dis-
lic purpose, and allows acquisition for private com- the present, and 31.3 per cent for high courts. Delays as a multifaceted problem ments were consequently made for over six turbing if the Supreme Court is serious
panies subject to provisions related to consent, These figures point towards two funda- At the same time, vacancies are not the months. about reform as it said it was in the NJAC
compensation and rehabilitation. There may be mental propositions: first, high vacancies sole reason for debilitating judicial delays. Like in 1998, the current impasse too is pri- judgment, it is now time to walk the talk and
some apprehension that the judgment will deter propose reforms itself.
fresh investment by the private sector, inasmuch as Second, a combination of the secrecy of
it may preclude land acquisition for major projects. CARTOONSCAPE the process and the apparent hostility be-
However, courts have by and large interpreted tween the judiciary and government means
public purpose liberally, often allowing the gov- that a document that was designed to ensure
real reform has descended into a plaything of
ernments view to prevail. The lesson from Singur the powerful, with neither side showing any
is that thoughtless and fast-tracked acquisition, of- genuine desire for change. Substantive pro-
ten to the detriment of due process and the inter- posals such as transparently outlining a zone
ests of those deprived of land and livelihood, is the of consideration, setting up a process for
real issue and not promotion of industrialisation. nominating and interviewing candidates,
outlining criteria for appointment, clarifying
the importance of seniority, presenting an
annual report of candidates considered, in-
The rise and fall of terviewed, appointed and rejected and many
others, suggested by scores of civil society
T
he fall of Dilma Roussef from being one of stices of a power struggle is to make all fu-
the most popular politicians to an im- ture correspondence on the Memorandum
peached leader is much more than a story of of Procedure public. This will transparently
demonstrate how substantive reform is be-
a corrupt President being stripped of her powers ing efected or stalled and serve as a precur-
by a righteous legislature. The exit of Brazils first sor to infusing a culture of transparency in
woman President brings the 13-year rule of the left- judicial appointments. Otherwise, the coun-
leaning Workers Party (PT) to an end. The charge try will sufer the consequences of a bitter
levelled against her is that she used illegal book- power struggle where whoever wins, the
keeping manoeuvres to hide a growing deficit. cause of justice for the people of India loses.
Though this is a crime in Brazil, several of those
who piloted the impeachment process in Congress Ajit Prakash Shah is former Chief Justice of the Delhi High
Court and former Chairman of the Law Commission of
have themselves been charged with corrupt prac- India; Arghya Sengupta is the Research Director of Vidhi
Centre for Legal Policy, a New Delhi-based think tank.
tices. Almost all the leading political parties, in-
cluding new President Michel Temers Brazilian
Democratic Movement Party, were implicated in
the Petrobras corruption scandal. Ms. Roussef is in LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
fact one of the very few high-profile politicians not Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
to be implicated in the Petrobras scam. Moreover,
her presidency was not quite the failure it is made
to appear as. She completed her first term and was Singur verdict and in what shape the land will be were taken to build Tata Motors common as Budget estimates have the related ground work. We need a
returned to the farmers. If the land factory. Ms. Banerjee also has the lost their sanctity. Every ministry little mending, not wholesale fixing.
re-elected in 2014 with a clear majority. Through all It is heartening that the decade-long was made vacant to set up right to feel vindicated now. This should be made to understand that
this, she purposefully continued the welfare pro- M. Balakrishnan,
peoples struggle in Singur has industrial units, the government judgment should be a lesson not once a Budget is passed, it cannot Bengaluru
grammes initiated by her predecessor, Luiz Inacio finally yielded result (Return land should suitably compensate the only for West Bengal but also for get a rupee more than what has
Lula da Silva, particularly in the education, health to Singur farmers: SC, Sept. 1). farmers so that they can use it for other States. Industrialisation already been allocated. Treating
and housing sectors. Acquisition of land has long been a farming purposes again. should not be done until every budgetary allocations as sacrosanct Embarrassment for AAP
To understand Ms. Roussefs fall, one has to look tool in the hands of the Also, private sector companies and landowner is suiciently will lead to better expenditure This refers to the report Kejriwal
instead at the complex layers of Brazils polity. It is a establishment for colourable the state-owned industrial sector compensated and given alternative management and bring in fiscal sacks Minister over objectionable
comparatively young democracy in which the PT exercise of power. Thus, justice to should draw a lesson or two from sources of income. discipline. This calls for a change in CD (Sept. 1). This incident doesnt
rose to power defying established structures. The the poor was imperative. However, this judgment they should not Also, now Ms. Banerjee is happy but the style of governance. augur well for the AAP government
it is interesting that the two-judge use the phrase public purpose she also says that her State will C.J. Seshagiri, which rode to power as a party
power struggle within Brazils political class has
Bench difered on whether the land when they set out to acquire the emerge as the number one Mysuru with a diference. First the Delhi
never been a settled afair. When Mr. da Silva was in Singur was acquired for public lands of poor peasants. What public industrial destination. Im not sure Law Minister was asked to resign
President, he was able to keep in check the class in- purpose or not. Public purpose is purpose is served in depriving how this is possible given that This could be another gimmick by on allegations that his college
terests stacked against him with his immense pop- perhaps the most used, and yet least people of their livelihoods? companies will only shy away from this government, much in the way degree was forged. This was
ularity. Ms. Roussef not only lacked his charisma defined, term in public S. Nallasivan, West Bengal now. She will have to the Planning Commission was followed by allegations of
and mass appeal, but also failed to right the econo- administration. On the one hand, it Tirunelveli , Tamil Nadu learn the art of maintaining a replaced by the Niti Aayog, as is the corruption against the Food and
my when a steep fall in global commodity prices hit is true that industrial growth would balance between politics and proposal to scrap the Railway Environment Minister. Now it is a
Brazil hard. The consequences were devastating: mean new employment The term public purpose needs economics. Budget and merge it with the sex scam. To me, the party seems no
for instance, the Brazilian economy grew 7.6 per opportunities, thus providing an clarification. The Tata project Bal Govind, General Budget. All this could mean diferent from any other.
cent in 2010, the year she won her first term; it is es- impetus to socio-economic would have created employment Noida nothing worthwhile on the ground. Devadas V.,
development. However, today, we and boosted industrial activity in The Budget provides for twelve Kannur
timated to contract 3.2 per cent this year. It is amid have more refined indicators of the State. But acquisition of months, not for ten. In practice,
this economic gloom and nationwide anger against development and the employment agricultural land, that too without Advancing the Budget there should be no lack of funds in
corrupt politicians in the wake of the Petrobras factor cannot supersede other the consent of the farmers, Advancing the presentation of the April and May, as the provisions of A road not taken
scandal that her opponents used the charges of factors such as damage to ecology undermined public interest in Union Budget by a month is a good the previous Budget will remain In India, any diversion from the
fudging books to build a case for impeachment. But and biodiversity, and the loss of terms of right to life and livelihood. idea (Advance the Budget, Sept. 1). operational from May to May. conventional educational system is
the impeachment doesnt solve the problems Brazil traditional ways of living. The farmers would have worked as But this should be followed by Alternatively, instead of letting the often glared upon (I was lucky I
faces. The economy is still in the doldrums, and is Sachin V.K. Jadhav, casual labourers if the project had lifting the veil of secrecy over the Finance Bill be passed only by the wasnt good in studies: Gopichand,
unlikely to bounce back in the near future given the Washim, Maharashtra been approved, at the mercy of entire exercise. Advancing the end of May, a special session of August 31). In a system where
global headwinds. President Temer is as unpopular labour contractors. Further, lack of Budget obviates the need to get a Parliament can be had on March 30 grades determine success, Pullela
The Supreme Courts verdict has education for an industrial job Vote on Account. This, in turn, will and 31 to get the Bill passed, and Gopichands statement is important
as Ms. Roussef had become, as was evident from
come as a huge relief for the would have resulted in them being assure certainty and enable available formally on April 1. This as it proves that we can go to any
the loud boos he received from spectators at the hundreds of farmers of Singur, and exploited further. ministries to start spending from will provide two months ahead of extent to achieve our dreams, and
opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics. Brazils op- is surely a victory for West Bengal the beginning of the fiscal year the monsoon for the government to there are career options that we can
Dattatrey Kedare,
position may have gained power after a long wait Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Nashik, Maharashtra instead of bunching their begin implementing new proposals, excel in even if we are not good in
through a parliamentary coup, but the political and who has been fighting for this cause expenditures in the last quarter. schemes and projects. And that academics.
economic turmoil is likely to remain for long. for a while. At the outset, this is a victory for all Unfortunately, supplementary leaves the whole of March available Akash Katawati,
However, what is to be seen is how those farmers whose fertile lands demands for grants have become for planning implementation and all Pune
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
A journey to sainthood
Mother Teresas greatest miracle was her life itself. Armed only with an abundance of faith, she created
a multinational organisation that served her special constituency of the poorest of the poor
with teeming millions uprooted by the Parti- cise her for not doing. I knew that a hospital
S AT U R D AY , S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 6 tion, who had joined the hapless suferers of would tie down dozens of her Sisters to a sin-
NAVIN CHAWLA the Great Bengal Famine. Into this sea of trag- gle establishment, and then who would care
edy, homelessness, disease and despair for those who fell by the wayside? The infant
stepped a 38-year-old nun, dressed not in a abandoned on a street, the sick and elderly
A disruptive Mother Teresa will enter into sainthood on
recognisable nuns habit, but a sari similar to
what the municipal sweepresses wore. She
turned out of their homes, the leprosy sufer-
ers or AIDS patient that no one wanted to go
T
hat Mukesh Ambanis roll-out of fourth-gen- ognised a second miracle attributed to her in- security of the Loreto Convent and minister have to look within us to know that those who
eration telecommunication services tercession which cured a Brazilian patient, to Him in his distressing disguise of the poor- are quick to criticise her are unwilling to do
through Reliance Jio would shake up the awaiting surgery, of an incurable infection in est of the poor, the abandoned infant, the lep- anything to help with their own hands.
telecom market was anticipated. Still, the specifics his brain. This ceremony to be performed at rosy suferer shunned by society and the dy-
of the ambitious pricing and customer acquisition St. Peters Square in Vatican City will come a ing destitute. One determined step at a time
plans unveiled at the Reliance Industries annual mere 13 years after she was beatified on Octo- At a time when the Raj had left no health Once described as a religious imperialist
shareholders meeting were audacious. From mak- ber 19, 2003. While the Church demanded care to speak of (1948), she confronted death and more commonly regarded as a saint,
one proven miracle for her to be beatified at every turn. She did what was to become Mother Teresa was at many levels a very or-
ing voice calls and domestic roaming completely
and another for sainthood to be conferred, her hallmark. Finding a man dying in the dinary woman, yet someone who led one of
free to ofering 4G data connectivity at a fraction of the real miracle, I believe, was Mother Tere- street, she took him to a public hospital, the most extraordinary lives of her century.
the average market tarif, the latest entrant has, in sas life itself. It was extraordinary that the which refused to admit him, precisely on the Armed only with an abundance of faith, she
one fell swoop, altered pricing dynamics in the sec- strand of divinity remained un-eclipsed from grounds that since he was about to die they proceeded with one small but determined
tor for the foreseeable future. In the process, the her childhood to her death. For me as well as would not waste a hospital bed on a life they step at a time. By the time she passed away 19
company has also ended up putting the spotlight on for millions around the world, her goodness ILLUSTRATION: KESHAV said they could not save! Only when she sat years ago, she had created a multinational or-
data being at the core of mobile telephony services. and compassion were so transparent that she before the hospital on a dharna did they re- ganisation that spanned 123 countries that
With more than 90 per cent of almost 350 million was anointed a saint in her lifetime. Although she herself remained lent. The man died within a few hours. It was served her special constituency of the poor-
Indians currently accessing the Internet on mobile then that she began to search for a place est of the poor. In the process, she was ac-
devices, the availability, afordability and quality, in
The young woman from Skopje staunchly Catholic, her brand of where she could take those people whom knowledged as one of the worlds principal
terms of browsing speeds, of the data service be-
Let me briefly encapsulate the many chal- religion was not exclusive... hospitals refused, where she could nurse conscience-keepers.
lenges that she faced when she began her them she had some medical training Although she herself remained staunchly
comes critical. This is particularly pertinent as In- work. She was 18 when she was convinced
She reached out to people and they could at least die being comforted Catholic, her brand of religion was not exclu-
dia makes more and more public goods and servic- that her lifes vocation lay in her becoming a of all faiths and with some dignity. She begged various sive. Convinced that each person she minis-
es accessible online. For a nation seeking to missionary in far-of India; Skopje, where she authorities, and finally an oicer in Calcutta tered to was Christ in sufering, she reached
leverage the explosive growth in mobile telephony was born on August 26, 1910, was so far re- who were headquartered in faraway Calcut- Municipality gave her a pilgrims hall adja- out to people of all faiths. The very faith that
that has resulted in more than one billion subscrip- moved from Bengal that, barring a few Yu- ta. Here she taught for close to 20 years be- cent to the Kalighat temple, where she re- sustained her infuriated her detractors, who
tions, the future lies in moving an increasingly goslav Jesuits who fired her young imagina- fore her true calling propelled her to serve quested the police and municipal authorities saw her as a symbol of a right-wing conspir-
larger share of economic activity across industries tion, no one in the small Catholic community the poor in the streets and slums. The Vati- to bring her all and any of those dying whom acy and, worse, the principal mouthpiece of
on to digital platforms. By setting out to provide its would even have known where India lay. Yet can, fantastically, gave her permission to step the hospitals refused. That policy continues. the Vaticans well-known views against abor-
the early seeds of her faith and determination outside the Cloister, not as a lay worker but I have been so many times to this hospice tion and birth control. These were indeed her
services at a significantly lower cost than most
impelled her to leave her closely knit family. with her religious vows intact, to set up her at Kalighat, that I did not need to ask Mother views and she was undeterred by such criti-
competitors, Reliance is attempting to alter the She found that the route to India lay in her own order, the Missionaries of Charity. In Teresa why she had not set up the hospital cism. It was the one subject that she and I
benchmark for consumer expectations on data joining the Loreto Order of teaching nuns, 1948, Calcuttas pavements were swarming that Christopher Hitchens would later criti- never did agree upon. I would cite the Malth-
quality. It seeks to make the proposition more usian formula while she would answer that
sticky by bundling in mobile applications that will CARTOONSCAPE she could take care of every unwanted child.
enable users to tap into a range of media. In the course of researching my biography,
How significantly the industry landscape is al- I asked her why she took money from dodgy
tered will ultimately depend on the reliability of the characters like Haitis dictator Duvalier. Her
service that Reliance ends up providing. To be sure, answer was concise. Everyone, she said, had a
the largest rival mobile phone operators have been right to give in charity. How was this diferent
from thousands of people who each day fed
quietly making their own preparations for Relianc- the poor? I have no right to judge them. God
es entry and are certain to have factored in various alone has that right. And again, I accept no
strategic scenarios. As consumers opt to sample salary, no government grant, no church fund-
Reliances 4G services, it is inevitable that the com- ing, nothing. I do not ask for money. But peo-
petition will take a short-term knock on some oper- ple have a right to give.
ating parameters such as average revenue per user, She had a clear vision of the street and a de-
average margin per user, subscriber churn, and data termination that she often tempered with a
revenue growth. But the long-term health of the in- sense of humour.
dustry is unlikely to be seriously impaired as the In the end, she gently but unmistakably left
her imprint at the heart of the Vatican itself.
size of the market in India is large enough to absorb
Finding in Pope John Paul II a kindred spirit,
one more player. Given the low operational costs of she cajoled him into opening a small soup
the business and the groups overall capacity to kitchen around the corner from the Great
raise capital at will, Mr. Ambani has the leeway to Basilica of St. Peters where the grand cere-
wait until Reliance Jio turns profitable. Fortunately, mony will be held to declare her a Saint. At
it is the consumer that stands to gain the most by four every evening, Romes homeless and
this latest disruption. hungry queue up to be fed by Mother Tere-
sas Sisters and a dozen volunteers. At a
stroke this frail nun, indisputably the worlds
most decorated person, helped to demystify
the Vaticans centuries-old aura of wealth
The terror and power.
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com WEEKEND THE HINDU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
BEING
DR HUMERUS LEARNING OUTCOMES
A new questionnaire offers hope for early detection of dyslexia among speakers of regional languages, which would
make intervention more effective
JACOB KOSHY The big lesson is that
children shouldnt be
F
or over a decade now the
Annual Status of Educa- forced to begin reading
tion Report (ASER) an
annual survey of learn-
and writing until
ing proficiency in pri- comfortable in a language
mary schools in India has been
hammering the point that in spite exercise, says the test was a neces-
of high enrolment, learning out- sary tool to developing a culture-
comes have barely improved. The fair diagnostic test for dyslexia in
AROUND THE WORLD proportion of Class V children able India and for promoting awareness
Parent-child to read a Class II text has de- that children everywhere rich,
creased, more so in government poor, Marathi or tri-lingual were
maths link schools, according to the 2014 edi- equally susceptible to the condi-
Parents who excel tion of ASER. When judged for En- tion. We need tests within our cul-
at mathematics glish language comprehension, tural context, she adds.
produce children 60.2 per cent of children in Class This isnt the first time tests to
who excel in the VIII could read simple sentences detect dyslexia have been devel-
subject. This is PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
in English in 2009, as compared to oped in India. The National Insti-
according to a 46.8 per cent in 2014. tute for the Mentally Handicapped,
recently released study by the University of Hyderabad, has previously devel-
Pittsburgh, U.S., which shows a distinct transfer of A culture-specific test oped a test for diagnosing learning
maths skills from parent to child. The study Under-qualified teachers, pov- disabilities among Kannada-
specifically explored intergenerational transmission erty and ill-equipped schools not- ACROSS THE PAGE: A stark finding was that those who had problems with English were likely to have problems in speaking children. Government of-
the concept of parental influence on an withstanding, a less acknowledged comprehending other languages too. PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT ficials say they were keen on DALI
offsprings behaviour or psychology in reason for poor learning is dyslex- because it could potentially be cus-
mathematic capabilities. Our findings suggest an ia. Whats worse is that there arent questionnaire to test for dyslexia. too. Moreover it was necessary to individual sounds that make up tomised for several more languag-
intuitive sense for numbers has been passed down, standardised tests to detect dyslex- Then, with associates from organi- test a child in their dominant lan- words and manipulate them, rea- es. We would like it for other lan-
knowingly or unknowingly, from parent to child. ia a learning disorder in which sations such as the Centre of Beha- guages to test for the disability. son with nonsense words (essen- guages too, says H.B. Singh, a
Meaning, essentially, the math skills of parents tend people find it diicult to spell and vioural and Cognitive Sciences, Al- Though 96 per cent of Indian chil- tially, pronounce made-up words), senior oicial in the Department of
to rub off on their children, says lead researcher process verbal and written instruc- lahabad, Maharashtra Dyslexia dren are enrolled in school, barely comprehending paragraphs, and Science and Technology which
Melissa E. Libertus, an assistant professor at the tions among non-English speak- Association, Mumbai, All India In- 10 per cent communicate only in mathematical reasoning. The big funded the project, and we could
Department of Psychology and a research scientist ers. Generally 5-20 per cent of stitute of Speech and Hearing, My- English. lesson from the test, says Ms. potentially have new testing for-
at the Universitys Learning Research and children around the world are dys- suru, and the Shanta Vaidya Me- Singh, is that children shouldnt be mats, like online questionnaires, to
Development Center. Eureka. lexic, says Nandini Chatterjee morial Foundation, Pune, set about DALI decoded forced to begin reading and writing popularise this.
Singh, who at the National Brain interviewing and testing 4,800 The test, Dyslexia Assessment until they are extremely comfort- A wide-ranging test would also
Research Centre in Manesar, Ha- children across the country to as- for Languages of India (DALI), able in one language. Theres help spot dyslexics early and make
Learning at the ryana, works on how the brain sess whether their diagnostic kit consists of a Junior Screening Tool much research to show that chil- intervention more efective. A 1st
dinner table processes language, The same was useful in ferreting out dyslexia for students in Classes I and II and dren can rapidly pick up a second or 2nd grade child with dyslexia
numbers apply in India, where its in Kannada, Marathi, Hindi and a longer Middle Screening Tool for language if they are fluent in one, can be taught to remedy their prob-
At the dinner table, tougher because children are English. A stark finding was that those aged 8-10. It consists of test- she says. lems and adapt to regular curricu-
babies do a lot more schooled in multiple languages. those who had problems with En- ing the childs facility for naming Psychologist and special-needs lum far easier than a child in the
than play with their To address this bit, Ms. Singh glish were likely to have problems pictures, the ability to identify (children) educator Geet Oberoi, 9th grade, according to Ms. Oberoi.
sippy cups, new and her colleagues developed a in comprehending other languages words that rhyme, distinguish the who was involved with the DALI jacob.koshy@thehindu.co.in
PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
research suggests.
They pay close
attention to what food is being eaten around them
and especially who is eating it, according to a study OPINION
published in the Proceedings of the National Pricing backlash
Academy of Sciences. The study adds evidence to a
growing body of research suggesting that even very Leveraging primary care
young children think in sophisticated ways about
subtle social cues. The authors found that one year
olds expect people to like the same foods, unless N oncommunicable
diseases (NCD) such
as diabetes, respiratory
those people belong to different social or cultural
groups, such as those that speak a different diseases, cancer and heart
language. The study underscores just how tightly diseases are taking a
severe toll on public
our food choices are coupled with our social health across the WHO
thinking, says Katherine Kinzler, a co-author of the South-East Asia Region.
study. Eureka Approximately 8.5 million
lives, many of them PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
premature, are lost each
Languages and year due to NCDs, making means putting the
brain power them the regions leading primary health approach
cause of death and a key front and centre of
Scientists from the source of public health national NCD action
Higher School of expenditure. plans, as well as drafting
Economics (HSE) With the burden of and implementing a range
together with noncommunicable of supporting protocols,
colleagues from the PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT diseases (NCD) expected from clear policies
University of to rise in coming years, outlining the spectrum of
Helsinki have discovered that learning foreign due largely to rapid primary-level NCD
languages enhances the brains elasticity and ability development and services to well-defined
to code information. The more foreign languages we EPISPIKED: Pharmaceutical giant Mylan is under severe criticism from users, lawmakers and consumer groups associated lifestyle diagnostic and treatment
learn, the more effectively our brain reacts and who have accused it of price gouging. The companys life-saving EpiPen auto-injector, which administers changes in the WHO guidelines.
processes the data accumulated in the course of emergency allergy shots, and with little competition in the marketplace, has surged some 500 per cent in South-East Asia Region, Second, health-care
learning. The study was published in Scientific cost to over $600 a pair, triggering the public outrage and even an investigation by the U.S. House Oversight countries have taken steps workers at the primary
Reports. The author of the study, Yuriy Shtyrov, and Government Reform Committee. Picture shows protesters in New York, outside the office of Paulson to arrest the problem: level must be given the
commented that the more languages someone hedge fund, which is a major investor in Mylan. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES multisectoral plans are knowledge and skills to
mastered, the faster the neuron network coding the being developed; health provide NCD and
information on the new words was formed. promotion campaigns are associated risk factor care.
being carried out; Third, the availability of
Consequently, this new data stimulates the brains DERMATOLOGY exposure to NCD risk generic essential
physiology: loading the mind with more knowledge
boosts its elasticity. Eureka
An era of untreatable skin infections Poonam
medicines and basic
technologies for NCD
management must be
guaranteed at the primary
Made of ice Indiscriminate use of topical steroid cream preparations is leading to fungal infections Khetrapal
Singh level. To do so,
Ahuna Mons is a becoming resilient, say dermatologists procurement policies
volcano that rises must be reviewed and
13,000 feet high ROLI SRIVASTAVA the topical dermatology market, add- essential medicine lists
ing that the top-selling combinations factors such as alcohol
and spreads 11 miles and tobacco are being updated. Every person
wide at its base.
This would be D ermatologists across India have
warned of an epidemic of fungal
infections that even the strongest an-
in these topical creams are not backed
by scientific rationale or logic.
It is for this reason that the associ-
curtailed. NCD
monitoring has also been
sufering from diabetes,
for example, must be able
impressive for a PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
enhanced. But as to access a blood glucose
volcano on Earth. But Ahuna Mons stands on Ceres, tifungal creams are failing to treat. The ation of dermatologists has appealed meter at his or her local
countries strive to make a
a dwarf planet less than 600 miles wide that orbits bigger concern: topical steroid creams, to the DCGI to making a prescription one-third reduction in health-care provider, just
the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. Even stranger, which doctors say have turned these mandatory for even this set of drugs. premature deaths caused as all persons sufering
Ahuna Mons isnt built from lava the way terrestrial infections resilient, are fast-selling Dermatologists are also seeking re- by NCDs by 2030, there is from a respiratory disease
volcanoes are its built from ice. Ahuna is the one products and are readily available over moval of irrational combinations in an important tool that should be able to access
true mountain on Ceres, says Dr. David Williams, the counter, even as their eicacy re- topical creams. remains underutilised: the the technologies and
associate research professor in Arizona State mains questionable. Irrational combinations antifun- primary health-care medicines that ensure
A host of fungal skin infections have gal and antibacterial are being com- system. they can breathe easy.
Universitys School of Earth and Space Exploration. Finally, health
Dr.Williams is part of a team of scientists working turned recurrent, relapsing soon after bined with steroids which are flar-
the drug dosage is over. This is a fun- ing up the problem. Prolonged steroid Ensures equity authorities must put in
with NASAs Dawn mission that has published place funding
papers in the journal Science this week. His gal epidemic. A fungal infection that use is leading to side efects and dis- By bringing NCD care
was so easy to manage and was 100 per torting clinical diagnosis. The solution to the primary health-care mechanisms to facilitate
speciality is volcanism, and that drew him to the primary-level NCD care.
cent curable is now so diicult to treat. is regulation of these combinations, level, health authorities
Ahuna puzzle. Ahuna is truly unique, being the only While shifting NCD care
At least 50 per cent of these infections says Dr. Shyamanta Barua, honorary have the opportunity to
mountain of its kind on Ceres. It shows nothing to A COCKTAIL: Irrational combinations ensure appropriate to the primary level will
indicate a tectonic formation, so that led us to are not reacting to treatment. Drugs are being combined with steroids secretary general, Indian Association reduce health system
once efective are no longer so, says of Dermatologists, Venereologists & services are provided to
consider cryovolcanism as a method for its origin. which is only aggravating the the right people, at the expenditures overall, not
Eureka Dr. Nina Madnani, consultant derma- problem. PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Leprologists (IADVL) and faculty in to mention out-of-pocket
tologist, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, the department of dermatology, Assam right place and at the right
time. costs borne by patients,
Mumbai. sponse. He cites the example of Itraco- Medical College, Dibrugarh. In addi- While policies aimed at making this possible
Take for instance, the case of a mid- nazole 200 mg and 400 mg, doses tion to prescription sales, there is also
DEMYSTIFYING SCIENCE dle-aged businessman in south Mum- which do not have the approval of the a refilling of drugs without a prescrip-
providing high-tech care
at central hospitals can
nonetheless requires
efective budget
What is the Kardashev scale? bai. His face began itching in February Drug Controller General of India tion, Dr. Barua says, highlighting why have results, their impact allocations and robust
which he first self-treated with creams (DCGI); but pharma industries often its important to regulate the sales. will always be limited and planning. At the same
Last week, a blip of excitement pulsed through and lotions. However, a white grainy cite approvals from State Food and almost always be reactive. time, increased taxation of
those tuned into the search for alien life. Russian patch surfaced on his right cheek Drug Administration units. This drug Clothing and infections Primary health facilities health-damaging
astronomers reported a strange signal that which a dermatologist diagnosed as a has almost 40 drug interactions but is The IADVL is also creating aware- are not only better commodities such as
appeared to originate from a solar star system, fungal infection. However, the stron- used with gay abandon, he says. ness among dermatologists to exercise equipped to provide the tobacco, alcohol and
HD164595, about 94 light years away. gest antifungal creams gave him only restraint as they most often prescribe holistic, patient-centred unhealthy foods and
Astronomy websites wondered whether this short-lived relief and the infection Surging sales these combinations. focus that preventing and beverages should be
was from an alien civilization and if so, where it continues to resurface. Dr. Sardana goes on to note that Dermatologists also say that cloth- managing an NCD considered, both as a
requires, but they can also means to diminish
ranked on the Kardashev scale. At its coarsest, Unlike in the case of antibiotic re- there are no restrictions as yet on the ing can aggravate fungal infections.
demand for these
this scale named after Soviet astronomer sistance, resistance to these topical long-term and high doses of antifun- While genetic disposition is often the enhance equity and access
to NCD care an aim products as well as to
Nikolai Kardashev rates the technological creams is not showing up in laborato- gals that are being prescribed. His con- reason for many skin infections, they increase revenue for NCD
advancement of a civilization. A type 1 ries. Resistance is a microbiological cern is reflected in sales volumes: in note seeing more resilient infections in central to the Sustainable
Development Goals. prevention and control.
civilization on the Kardashev scale is equipped to term based on lab data, but these are 2013, India consumed Rs.1,400 crore people who wear tight-fitting clothing, Importantly, the shift to
harness the energy available to it from its sun, a recalcitrant infections they are not worth of topical steroid creams, a seg- particularly jeans/denim, that leads to There are several steps
that health authorities can a primary health approach
type 2 strong enough to harness all of its stars resistant but are relapsing, says Dr. ment which recorded an annual a prolonged infection. Dr. Madnani take to bring NCD care to NCD care must occur
energy, and a type 3 powerful enough to Kabir Sardana, professor of dermatolo- growth of 16 per cent, according to a says that not only are these infections directly to the people and alongside eforts to
capture all the energy from its galaxy. Suffice to gy at the Post Graduate Institute of paper published in the Indian Journal not responding to treatment but they to roll back their tragic achieve universal health
say, us earthlings (a type 0 civilization) Medical Education and Research, Ram of Dermatology, Venereology and Lep- are also getting aggravated with people and costly burden. coverage.
wouldnt stand a chance even against a hostile Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi. rology in 2014. These figures do not making a virtue of living in their jeans, First, national health Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh is the
type 1 civilization. Thats a relief, because the He explains that widespread use of ste- factor in over-the-counter sales of which, unlike in the West, is not suita- Regional Director, World Health
and development policies Organization South-East Asia
alien signal finally turned out to be from a roids by people, and hakims and these topical creams. ble for the humid Indian weather must be recalibrated. This Region.
secret Russian military satellite. quacks prescribing these creams arbi- The paper states that the sale of top- conditions.
trarily has led to a reduced immune re- ical steroids accounts for 82 per cent of roli.srivastava@thehindu.co.in
ND-ND
1ias.com | 11
NOIDA/DELHI
HELP
Creating a contemporary canon G
Of days lost
The writer must turn publisher as Bhutans long road to de-sacralisation yields a nascent literary landscape DEEPA GANESH
ABDUS SALAM ing finesse Thimphu printing Undisguised is perhaps the right
presses lack. Theres also the word to describe Balawant Shankar
Sometime around 1616 AD, question of numbers. Siksha Joshis A Life to Remember
Ngawang Namgyel, or Zhab- Bhattarai, whose father B.P. (Xlibris). The vivid detailing of the
drung Rinpoche as he came to Bhattarai opened DSB Books, memoir strikes you can memory
be later known, felt increas- Thimphus first bookstore, be so sharp and lucid even at the
ingly edged out by the political says the countrywide market age of 90? He takes you around the
intrigue around his temporal is still partial towards guide globe from humble Jamakhandi
and spiritual authority at the books and childrens books, to idyllic Dharwad where he spent
Ralung monastery in Tibet and built around bulk school his childhood and early years, to
and decided to head south. purchases at the annual book London, Hong Kong, Alaska,
Striking anchor in western fairs at Mongar in the east and Portugal and other places.
Bhutan, he founded the Chagri Punakha, the former capital, in What led Joshi a scientist
Dorjeden Monastery at the the west. Chodens Dawa researching on plants and natural
products for the pharmaceutical
northern end of the Thimphu needed the states helping
industries of India, Switzerland and
valley, some 15-odd kilometres hand (the story is now part of the U.S., with nearly 200
from the capital of today. Over the oicial school curriculum) publications to his credit to write
the course of the next 35 years to get the volumes. Audens the story of his life? He observes, it
of his life, and 54 more years of second book has launched is the record of a way of life that has
what is possibly the longest- with an initial print order of been obliterated; it can, at best,
kept secret about someones 500. Tamangs reader-as- exist only as memory. To revisit it is
demise, Zhabdrung Rinpoche stakeholder outreach notched to live it again. Joshi writes: The
became the great unifier of up 2,000 copies in sales. present day life is so crowded and
Bhutan, giving the country its Wangmos La Ama, a semi-au- busy that there is hardly any time to
modern-day contours. For the tobiographical exploration of sit and read about the past. This
next two and a half centuries, the mother-daughter relation- memoir is the life of an ordinary
the so-called ecclesiocratic ship, sold 3,000 copies a be- man coming from poor
period (1651-1907), clans stseller of bestsellers in the circumstances in India with great
waxed and waned until the Thimphu setting. Bhutan expectations from parents having
House of Wangchuck reuni- read like never before, she limited means.
fied the kingdom. gushes. Joshi speaks highly of his father
From unification to reunifi- As this years Mountain Shambha Joshi, a
gigantic literary
cation, Vajrayana Buddhism Echoes the seventh edition
figure in Kannada, a
became both a leitmotif of of what has become Thim- linguist, and a
power and an article of faith phus annual date with litera- modest
welding the populace. The im- ture and the arts also com- schoolteacher. But
pact of this continuum has memorated 400 years of the he also pays equal
been singular. It engendered a arrival of the founder of mod- tribute to his
stability that allowed Bhutan ILLUSTRATION: SATWIK GADE ern Bhutan, the overwhelming mother, who was
to remain cloistered for the sense is that a tabula rasa is be- the first woman to
better part of the twentieth and the odd travellers impres- yards for 11 years Folktales after her daughter, Miza also graduate student in Raichur, ing filled bit by bit, where dis- start a Bhagini
century and adopt metrics sions to finally yield a nascent of Bhutan in 1994, followed by stands for the fire tin, a hearth Karnataka, formed the kernel semination is the starting Samaj in Dharwad. Like Shambha,
such as gross national happi- literary landscape. the 22-story Bhutanese Tales around which children in the of a book draft he finally fin- point of mounting the fledg- she was also a Gandhian. She could
ness, eschew the global hun- of the Yeti and Dawa: The Sto- villages gather to hear elders ished in 2014. By February ling literary culture on a surer ride the cycle, and unlike most
ger for unbridled develop- It takes a trailblazer ry of a Stray Dog in Bhutan, a narrate folk tales that go next year, the editing was done footing. For the first time, the women of her time, walked in
ment in favour of holistic Caught in the everyday re- novella before the break- Dangphu dingphu (Once up- and the book print-ready, but number of Bhutanese writers public alongside her husband with
growth, and even embark on a ality of household life, 15- through book. And yet a dec- on a time) A schoolteacher it went into cold storage for outnumbered Indians 31 to confidence. Apart from recounting
guided transition to democra- year-old Tsomo is suddenly ade down the line, Choden for years, Wangmos writing lack of a publisher. As the col- 26. Footfalls rose from 4,500 in hardships that the family faced,
cy. This rich inheritance, how- called upon to travel when her might be the grande dame of impulse was fuelled by the lege romance gathered dust, 2014 to 7,500 last year and are Joshi recalls his fathers friendships
ever, also had a downside to it. mother dies. She makes her writing but the ground be- growing realisation that not Tamang decided to take to so- estimated to have touched with the leading figure of the
Karnataka unification movement,
It left Bhutan with a cornuco- first journey to a faraway vil- neath her feat hasnt shifted only was Bhutan never a read- cial media and crowdsource 9,000 this year. Eight hundred
Alur Venkata Rao; poets D.R.
pia of oral traditions but pre- lage to light the ritual butter much. A book she proposed ing society but the introduc- money. He approached active students were in attendance, Bendre and Betageri Krishna
cious little by way of what lamps in her mother's memo- on architectural mapping tion of television in 1999 on Facebook users in Bhutan with some travelling over 500 kilo- Sharma; singer Gangubai Hangal;
would qualify as literary work. ry. Beginning here, her travels found no takers, prompting the 25th anniversary of then a stakeholder proposition: in- metres to listen to authors and several others. Joshis world is
Text was sacralised; it became take her to distant places, her to set up her own publish- king Jigme Singye Wang- vest money in the book and local and global and their not the world his father, who was
something to be revered. across Bhutan and into India. ing house, Riyang Books, in chucks coronation threatened sell copies at 50 per cent prof- stories. rooted in his land and its calling,
Buddhism was the proper sub- As she faces the world, a 2012. It aforded her the luxury to eface even folk and oral tra- it. Thirty people signed up As sessions unfolded at the inhabited: he goes to Cambridge,
ject of traditional scholarship; woman alone, Tsomo em- of publishing a poetry collec- ditions. She trained in writing with varying amounts. Chron- Royal University of Bhutan au- works in the worlds best
literature beyond the pale. barks on what becomes a life tion of hers, Folded in a paper folk tales and stories for chil- icle of a Love Foretold (with ditorium, the lit fest epicentre, institutions, and travels extensively.
As the Land of Druk slowly journey, in which she begins to coat, this February. People dren under the government- apologies to Marquez), pub- a student wrapped in the na- Yet, his love for humanity and
opened itself to the world find herself and to grow as a are beginning to value the cul- funded Bhutan Childrens lished by DSB Books and tional dress, gho, emerged simplicity keep him intimately
from the latter half of the last person and a woman. ture of reading, she says. Book Initiative project. The printed at the Kuensel press, from a panel discussion on connected to Shambhas world.
century, the modern project of For all its steeped-in-the- impatient writer now has 11 released on December 19, 2015. teenage love and went down The memoir is full of stories: big
reclaiming text from religion milieu flavour, the plot line of It takes a little impatience books under her belt, branch- Writers have to do every- the steps to the adjoining ma- and small, momentous and
began. This process, of the The Circle of Karma is admitt- Chodens trailblazing act ing of from childrens fare to thing here, he says. keshift bookstall. He scanned ordinary. One of them is mythology
secularisation of text in Bhu- edly spartan. What it masks, has spawned newer word war- pen her first novel, La Ama, in the racks as people moved in a in the Kannada literary world. His
tan, has had to take the long though, is the extraordinary. riors, including Pema Auden, 2015, and the just-released It takes a village file from stall entry to exit, and mother Parvatibai slips into coma
road of spiritual exegesis, The 2005 book, published by who became Bhutans young- Kyetse, a window into the Tamangs lament only illus- furtively bought a copy of and doesnt regain consciousness
even after 15 days. Fearing his wifes
country compendiums, aca- Zubaan/Penguin, is Bhutans est author at 12 with Coming eastern Bhutanese culture of trates the challenge of pushing Meenakshi Madhavan Reddys
death, Shambha gives up food and
demic treatises, touristy first novel by a woman author. Home in 2008 and, even as she Trashigang and Samdrup the frontiers in a country with Split before being spirited water. On September 28, 1991,
guides, folk tale collections, Kunzang Choden did her hard studies mathematics in the Jongkhar. Someone had to do a population of just over away by friends. Perhaps he is Shambha passes away. The next
U.S., released her second it, she says. 7,50,000 and a literacy rate of another Monu Tamang by morning, Parvatibai passes away
book, Lomba, this June. More Monu Tamangs problems under 60 per cent. As writer, night, penning his own Chron- too. They both leave this world
As Bhutan slowly opened itself to the world from in the Choden mould, howev- were much more elementary editor and publisher of her re- icle of a Love Foretold for his without hearing of each others
er, is Chador Wangmo, who it was about getting started. cent books, Wangmo has had beloved. Perhaps hell ask for death. Joshis memoir is a metaphor
the latter half of the last century, the modern started Miza Books in 2012, Diary entries he wrote for his to travel to Delhi and closer Marquez upfront at the pay- for a way of life that weve lost.
project of reclaiming text from religion began again to publish her thicken- then girlfriend while a final- to home Siliguri in Bengal ment counter next year. deepa.ganesh@thehindu.co.in
ing personal output. Named year physiotherapy under- to get the binding and emboss- abdus.salam@thehindu.co.in
THE BOOK
WORD COUNT
IN MY HAND
Before the Age of Distraction
Pico Iyer Evenings on a Himalayan trek are filled with reading and maintaining a journal
Ive always admired JAIDEEP UNUDURTI marmots. Glaciers hunt hills, a are walking through its cadav-
Kazuo Ishiguro for his 1,00,000-year-long chase that er. Ladakh is the autopsy table
ability to introduce the I write these lines in the com- always ends the same way, for a dead world.
reader to a new world fort of my study, but it all with the hill eaten.
in every novel. I just seems insubstantial. I am here. These primordial vistas of But ghosts?
finished his The Buried But Im also in a valley where dead lithologies are the per- The yellow carpets of wheat
Giant, which was
the moon is a coin of bone, fect setting for what Im read- near Markha village dispel
haunting. I also finished
Elizabeth Gilberts The where ziggurats of stone reach ing now, The Horror in the this mood. I have Oliver On-
Signature of All Things, for the sky, in a land dreamt up Museum, a collection of short ions Dead of the Night with
which has a woman by a mad god. stories by H.P. Lovecraft. me. The collection of late Vic-
scientist as the * HPL was an American writ- torian-era ghost stories seems
protagonist and is very Im about to embark on a Hi- er of the 1930s. To him, exist- out of place on a brilliantly
modern in its scope. malayan trek. We are to set of ence itself was the greatest blue day, the light reverberat-
The two books offered very from Leh, trek for eight days monster, and a landscape ing between the purple peaks.
different flavours while the through the Markha Valley could be more menacing than That night, however, reminds
first is deep, the second is culminating in an ascent to the a pack of werewolves. The ve- me perhaps that Onion is not
high-spirited! Kormang Pass at about 17,000 ry scale of the universe and so extraneous. By custom we
Pico Iyer, best known for his travel feet. We are to start early in the our utter insignificance there- all congregate in the dining
writing, last wrote The Art of morning, and reach camp by in was the ultimate terror. tent after supper. We try to
Stillness: Adventures in Going
Nowhere. afternoon. Night falls quickly He was deeply influenced spook ourselves by coming up
and we will be spending many by the paintings of Nicholas with paranormal scenarios.
hours cooped up in our tents. IN ANOTHER PLANET: Markha valley is a solemn, funerary landscape. Approaching the top of the Roerich, the Russian master The girl from Luxembourg
No cell phones, no electricity Kongmaru La, the last pass on the Markha Valley. PHOTO: SUJOY DOS who travelled extensively wins the house with her ima-
even. This conjures up a per- through Tibet before settling gining of what happens when
Graeme Simsion fect image of a life with books,
of how it was before the Age of
tries, this city has to be con-
stantly dragged on rail tracks.
ha Valley. Chortens and lhatos
mark every step. Thanks to
In Leh, on the
night before the
down near Manali. He would
say that surely Roerich is one
we leave the tent late at night
to answer natures call as they
Distraction. I envisage eve- For they are on a hyperboloid that famous scene in Tintin in of those rare fantastic souls say. Ghost stories are primal
I picked up Kunzang
Chodens The Circle of
nings filled with reading and planet, if they stay at one place Tibet featuring Captain Had- trek a sudden panic who have glimpsed the grotes- currency of humans. They
maintaining my journal. Now for too long, the gravitational dock, I know that you always had assailed me. que, terrible secrets outside make us go back to that time
Karma ahead of my all that remains is selecting stresses will shred them apart. walk to the left when crossing space and beyond time, and when we peered out of the
Bhutan trip and loved it the reading material carefully. The inhabitants are in search them. Mani walls are every- What if I run out who have retained some abili- campfire into the encircling
for its insights into
Bhutanese society. I of the optimum, a place where, with their invocations of books? ty to hint at the marvels they darkness, and the darkness
Preparations where the earth is stable. They to Avaloketisvara carved into have seen. peered back.
usually read when Im
not in the process of The night before leaving for are trapped in a cycle of monu- stone, a jigsaw puzzle left to And indeed I can espy the As we head to the lonely
writing. My third book Leh, I wander around a mall mental drudgery, to reach this Him to solve. It is a solemn, fu- disss Cryptozoic!, They pro- connection between the inte- plateau of Nimaling, I rum-
is ready, so Im looking bookstore in Gurgaon. Invert- mythical point. A few days lat- nerary landscape. liferated on the margins of rior and exterior landscapes, a mage deeper in the rucksack.
to go back to the ed World by Christopher er, making our way to Ganda All around us are the time, embodying all the amaz- geography of words mapped In the distance the perma-
bookshelf even as I Priest, a highly inventive sci- La Im reminded of this. Get wounds of the collision be- ing forms the world was to out. HPLs epic Mountains of nently mist-ravaged peak of
attend promotional ence-fiction writer, immedi- up, break camp, walk, set up tween the Indian and the Eur- carry; the earth was having a Madness whose titular peaks Kangyatse grows more promi-
tours. ately catches my eye. Priest is camp again. Certainly we are asian plate, which pushed up nightmare of stone about the are stark, nightmare spir- nent each day. In Leh, on the
Up next is Haruki Murakamis probably best known for writ- walking through a science-fic- the Himalayas more than 60 progeny that would swarm esthe pylons of a frightful night before the trek, a sudden
Sputnik Sweetheart. I know its a ing the novel which formed tional landscape. Ladakh is an- million years ago. Ophiolites over it as if they were the sin- gateway into forbidden panic had assailed me. As my
little late in the day, but didnt the basis of Christopher No- other planet. We could be ex- show the banded layers of the ister fore-shadowings of what spheres of dream and which German friends would call it, a
some famous American author lans The Prestige. plorers descended onto its hidden earth. Terms vaguely was to come as well as the af- gave appalling reminders of torchungspanik, a gate-clos-
say he hadnt read To Kill a Inverted World has a fasci- surface. swim up from long-gone geol- ter-images of what was long the utter remoteness, sepa- ing panic. What if I run out of
Mockingbird? nating conceit, an entire city ogy classes crustal flyschs, past. Serrated mountains tear rateness, desolation and aeon- books? What if Im stranded
Graeme Simsion is the author of which is perpetually on the Thanks, Captain Haddock basalts, cherts. the horizon. It is a landscape of long death of this untrodden on lonely mountainside with
The Rosie Project and The Rosie
Effect. move. Situated in an alien As the trek continues, we The strange rock forma- ancient violence. The Chanko and unfathomed astral world. nothing to read?
world with twisting geome- pass deeper through the Mark- tions remind me of Brian Al- hunts the Argali. Eagles hunt The planet has died. And we Jaideep Unudurti is a freelance writer.
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
H
istory shows that principled dissent often MOA), an agreement that the U.S. has assid- dent Dick Cheney and the Pentagons Bob India-U.S. relations are hardly a zero-sum
leads to reform. Justice J. Chelameswar has uously pursued since 2002 and which India Gates. The State Department and the De- game. Overcoming the hesitations of histo-
acted on his famous dissent. After dis- had, till now, resolutely refused to endorse. partment of Energy, on the other hand, tend- ry is one thing; not ignoring the lessons of
agreeing with the majority on a Constitution Bench Both Mr. Carter and Mr. Parrikar have conse- ed to be equivocal in their approach to the history is equally, if not more, important.
that struck down the law enacted to establish a Na- quently gone to great lengths to explain that deal. Ascribing hidden motives to the Penta- The U.S. is a true practitioner of the art of
tional Judicial Appointments Commission, the LEMOA does not amount to a military pact. gons tilt in favour of India and despite Pa- realpolitik. Changes in policy are constant-
judge, who is part of the five-member Supreme Their explanation could appear disingenu- kistans strident opposition would howev- ly efected to suit its global requirements. In
Court collegium, has opted to keep out of its pro- ous to many. It may also not find too many er be tendentious. Europe, for example, today the U.S. seems to
ceedings. In a letter to the Chief Justice, he is under- takers. It was in 2005 that India and the U.S. be preparing to jettison its long-standing
The agreement does not mention the set- signed their first Defence Cooperation special relationship with the U.K. In West
stood to have raised the issue of lack of transparen- ting up of permanent bases in either coun- Agreement. This agreement was renewed Asia, as U.S.-Iran relations improve, Saudi
cy in the collegiums functioning. His position is try. According to the signatories, LEMOA and expanded in 2010 and 2015, leading to a Arabia is now the new villain on the block.
consistent with his dissenting judgment, in which only facilitates establishing mutual basing loosening of strict controls that existed re- The U.S. had always been suspicious of In-
he had spoken elaborately on the ills of the system. facilities. This would be on a case-by-case garding the transfer of excluded categories dias relations with Russia, that go back to
He had articulated his view that the executive can- basis, intended to help speed up humanitar- The United States is a true of technologies. Around 2007-2008, the U.S. the period of non-alignment. And today, as
not be shut out of judicial appointments, and that ian relief operations as also emergency evac- made initial moves to get India to sign three U.S.-Russia relations are at their nadir since
according primacy to the judiciary in the matter of uation from conflict-prone regions. In cer- practitioner of the art of foundational agreements viz., the Logistics the fall of the Berlin Wall, the U.S. can be ex-
appointments is not the only way to preserve its in- tain circumstances, it could also help realpolitik. Changes in policy are Support Agreement (LSA); the Communica- pected to try and further weaken India-Rus-
dependence. Of course, Mr. Chelameswars latest smoothen operational logistics between the constantly effected to suit its tions Interoperability and Security Memo- sia relations that are lately facing some
missive is fraught with serious consequences. It has navies of the two countries. randum of Agreement (CISMOA); and the strain. Furthermore, given Pakistans loca-
global requirements Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agree- tion, it would be a mistake to believe that the
brought the focus again on the manner in which the A Chinese shadow ment (BECA) for Geo-spatial Cooperation. U.S. would completely detach itself from
judiciary functions on its administrative side. It However, strategic experts, especially lations. With Indias economic profile and While India welcomed the idea of relaxation Pakistan.
may further delay the finalisation of the collegiums those in the West, are of the view that the LE- growth rates steadily going up, India has be- of technology norms, it resisted signing the
view on the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for MOA is a critical link in the U.S.s plans for a come a particularly attractive target for the foundational agreements on the ground that Fast-paced alignments
appointment and transfer of judges. With over 480 larger pivot towards Asia. Also, that it is in- U.S. and the West. it undermined Indias strategic autonomy. The geopolitical situation across the re-
vacancies in the high courts and three in the Su- tended to meet the threat from an increas- Realistically speaking, the strategic build- gion is more confused today than it was only
preme Court, diferences within the collegium may ingly assertive China. Erasing such impres- up between the two countries commenced Dynamics of U.S. policy a few years back. Geopolitical alignments
delay appointments, leading to significant alter- sions will not be easy. during the first term of Mr. Bush, when the June 2016 proved to be a defining month in are changing at a bewildering pace. As India
ations in the tenure and promotion prospects of India-U.S. relations have been on an up- Next Steps in Strategic Partnership heralded India-U.S. relations. The joint statement is- moves closer to the U.S., Russia is seen to be
swing since the turn of the century. U.S. a sea change in U.S.-India relations. In his sued on the occasion of Mr. Modis visit to coming closer to China. At one level, Russia
judges and Chief Justices. Mr. Chelameswars boy- President Bill Clinton made the initial move second term, Mr. Bush was able to establish a the U.S. talked of the two countries provid- is strengthening its links with China eco-
cott is undoubtedly based on principle; however, it to break the logjam in India-U.S. ties dating special relationship with Dr. Singh. Energy ing global leadership on issues of shared in- nomically and strategically, and coordinat-
raises the question whether he is not bound to be back to the Cold War period. It was Prime and strategic issues greatly benefitted from terest, along with the announcement that ing more closely with the latter on the issue
part of the collegium system as long as it is in force. Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who during a the relationship. It is inconceivable that the the U.S. recognised India as a major defence of the South China Sea. At another level,
Irrespective of the serious reservations about the visit to the U.S., made bold to hint that it was iconic India-U.S. civil nuclear deal could partner. In his address to the U.S. Congress, Russia is engaging with China to oppose U.S.
verdict in the NJAC case, the collegium system is time to move beyond the hesitations of his- have been concluded under any other set of the Prime Minister proceeded to observe attempts to install its Missile Defence Sys-
here to stay. A fresh and transparent procedure for tory; hopes which Prime Minister Manmo- circumstances, and without the personal ini- that India had moved beyond the hesita- tem in Asia.
appointments was to be worked out by the execu- han Singh (2004-2014) and Prime Minister tiative and warmth present in the Bush-Man- tions of history. The two largest democra- Russia is simultaneously seeking to rein-
tive. The Centre has sent its draft MoP, but it ap- Narendra Modi (since 2014) have fulfilled in mohan Singh relationship. cies in the world thus appeared finally to be force its long-standing strategic ties with
pears the collegium is reluctant to approve some of more than ample measure. There has been The relationship derived its strength from on the same page. Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam.
no looking back since and U.S. Presidents a mutual desire to strengthen cooperation With LEMOA in place, it is almost certain Russia and the Association of Southeast
the clauses. The fact that the exact nature of the dif- George Bush and Barack Obama have vied between the worlds two largest democra- that pressures would intensify to sign the Asian Nations (ASEAN) appear to have
ferences between them is not known only strength- with each other to strengthen U.S.-India re- cies. Containment of China was not the pri- other two foundational agreements CIS- come closer. At the Russia-ASEAN Summit
ens Mr. Chelameswars point about opacity. The re- earlier this year, there was even talk of a
vision process should not be kept under wraps. CARTOONSCAPE strategic partnership for mutual benefit. In
Public interest, especially the principle of judicial Eurasia, Russia is currently carving out a
independence, will be better served if the proce- zone of influence for itself. India does not
dure under preparation is thrown open to a debate. figure in any of these plans.
The judiciary showed the way forward by asking When the strategic balance across the en-
the Centre to prepare a revised memorandum. It tire Asian region is undergoing a seismic
shift, India cannot be seen to be playing a los-
should also end the impasse by taking an early call ing hand. The main players, today, are the
on firming up the procedure. In the light of a clear U.S., Russia and China. The current efort of
admission by the majority of judges in the NJAC countries such as China and Russia is to re-
case of the need for infusion of transparency, it will strict, if not exclude, U.S. influence from the
be welcome if Mr. Chelameswars position streng- region, labelling it as a non-Asian power. On
thens the support for reforming it. issues such as the South China Sea, even
many of the countries directly involved, spe-
cially the Philippines, are willing to make
Promise versus their peace with China. The U.S.s role in the
region is thus becoming restricted, leaving it
with few alternatives.
performance In global afairs, timing is of great signifi-
cance. Hence, Indias leaders need to reflect
I
t is far from easy to live up to ones promise and whether this is the opportune moment for
potential. The Aam Aadmi Party was founded the country to reset its compass and move
on a belief in the possibility of changing the sys- away from its long-term insistence on strate-
gic autonomy. It is also hardly the time to be
tem, working outside of it. But over the last couple
seen to be the ally of One Power, that too one
of years, the party and its maverick leader Arvind whose power seems to be waning. It might
Kejriwal have shown themselves unable to deliver diminish Indias image in the region and
on their promise or rise to their potential. From the beyond.
selection of candidates to the process of decision-
making in the party, the AAP is now seen running M.K. Narayanan is a former National Security Adviser and
former Governor of West Bengal.
counter to its own stated philosophy of transparen-
cy and accountability in public life. In Punjab, the
party appears to have lost the political plot with Mr.
Kejriwal unwilling to allow an independent region-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
al leadership to emerge. Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
who was sacked as the State convenor over allega-
tions of bribery, has demonstrated that he is no charity. I was rewarded with a very inclination to favour Pakistan cannot take note. While the government can spread in the environment and
pushover by winning the support of a huge section
Journey to sainthood
warm Thank you over the phone, be ruled out. Attempts so far to make may have a point about regulations transmitted to children and the
of the AAP. Navjot Singh Sidhu, the cricketer-turn- It cannot be denied that the poorest followed by postcard bearing her the Hurriyat see reason have never having to be followed, it must also elderly as well as
ed-politician who quit the BJP recently, chose to of the poor experienced hope trademark signature. been fruitful. learn to be tolerant towards immunocompromised patients who
float an alternative platform, Awaaz-e-Punjab, rath- because of Mother Teresas healing S.K. Choudhury, C.V. Aravind, criticism, comments and are at increased risk of contracting
er than join with the AAP. Delhi was only a stepping touch and compassion (A journey Bengaluru Bengaluru suggestions made by NGOs on opportunistic diseases. Perhaps
stone for Mr. Kejriwal, who wants to project him- to sainthood, Sept.3). It was several issues which include religion pulmonologists can keep an eye out
self as an alternative to Prime Minister Narendra absolute faith which drove her to Despite the blind glorification of Moves cast in stone will never help and the environment. By and large, for fungal diseases as well.
take up formidable challenges. The Mother Teresa, her followers and solve the festering Kashmir NGOs working in several fields have E. Mathew,
Modi. From his choice of Lok Sabha seat in the 2014 frail nun was selfless beyond her organisation have a lot to answer problem. For this, all right-thinking acted like watchdogs.
election he chose to take on Mr. Modi in Varanasi Thrissur
description and the celebration of to. Besides the allegations of opaque people must come up with solutions. D.B.N. Murthy,
to his frequent Twitter barbs aimed at the Prime her life and her entry into sainthood financial transactions, one cannot With development, economic
Minister, it is clear that he fancies himself as a na- are perfectly in order. ignore her extreme views on growth, peace and prosperity,
Bengaluru Emissions and the monsoon
tional level leader. Delhi was no more than a launch C.G. Kuriakose, abortion. There were also Kashmir can tap its full potential as a The International Maritime
pad for his political career; Punjab, the only State Kothamangalam, Kerala allegations of conversion behind the tourist destination of unrivalled Pigeon alert Organization (IMO) has been
where the AAP performed well in the Lok Sabha service to the poor and the beauty, which will also be an ideal The pigeon occupies a prime place enforcing a set of regulations,
election, is the next logical step. Whether it is Mr. I recall receiving a phonecall, back in downtrodden. Unless these source of revenue. In addition to in urban India. Across India, pigeon collectively known as the Marpol
Chhotepur or Mr. Sidhu, it is clear no one will be al- 1977, from her oice, the allegations are investigated, the this, setting up good colleges and feeding is quite popular. On my way Conventions, to control marine
Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, journey to sainthood has no technical institutes will help to oice at Shantipath every day, I pollution of the sea and air
lowed to share the leadership space with Mr. Kejri-
requesting an immediate meaning. mainstream the youth of Kashmir. A used to find vast quantities of maize (Emissions from ships can impact
wal in the AAPs Punjab unit. appointment for the Mother. She visionary like the Prime Minister strewn all over the road and the monsoon activity over Bay of
But Punjab is not the only cause of problems in V.S. Thakur,
arrived, accompanied by a nun, and Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh should now set up a separate oice dividers with flocks of pigeons Bengal, Aug.10). The main exhaust
the party. In recent months, some of its ministers requested the release of a station for Kashmir to monitor having a feast. The NGT should ban air pollutants are nitrogen oxides,
and MLAs have been caught on the wrong side of wagon donated by a foreign tourist Her critics will immediately focus development. the feeding of birds (Sunday sulphur oxides, carbon oxides and
the law. The party did defend some of them, alleg- and in the custody of customs on her missionary zeal towards Veena Shenoy, Special The pigeon paradox: unburnt hydrocarbon particulates
ing, and perhaps not entirely falsely, that the Centre authorities. Under the law, a tourist conversion. However, no one can Thane, Maharashtra Feeding them could be bad for your which result from the burning of fuel
was using the Delhi Police to target the party and its availing of such a duty-free import question her dedication towards the lungs, Sept.4). In Toronto, Canada, used for propulsion. The fuel most
prominent members. Indeed, this became another was required to take the car out of downtrodden, the sick and those for example, there are signboards commonly used is residual fuel
the country within a time frame. shunned by society. One hopes that Kerrys NGO concerns asking people not to feed birds. blends which have a high sulphur
issue in the AAPs battle to bring law and order in
This requirement was not complied her elevation as a saint will help her Ever since the Bharatiya Janata T. Sampath Kumar, content. To reduce the emission of
the national capital region under the State govern- with. Mother Teresa showed me a missionaries of charity continue to Party-led NDA government came to sulphur oxides, the IMO has
New Delhi
ments purview. In the latest controversy involving copy of the Ministry of Finance carry out its selfless service. Her power, it has been focussing on the restricted the percentage of sulphur
its Women and Child Welfare Minister Sandeep order which granted customs duty journey will always remain role of NGOs in India (No Instances of human pulmonary used globally to 3.5 per cent m/m. In
Kumar, the AAP took the high moral ground, and exemption and I had to tell her that amazing. compassion for NGO in India conditions that have been associated the developed world, it must be as
sacked him soon after a video recording of him with under the law, it was the Ministry of Rahul J. Gautam, leaves Kerry worried, Sept.4). This with pigeon proximity have been low as 0.1 per cent while in China, it
a woman in a sexual act was released by a media Commerce that had to grant her the Bengaluru might have happened after some of known to occur from early times in is still lower. There are also rules on
house. Mr. Kumar was removed from the party as permission. them violated Indian laws during Kerala. In fact erstwhile aristocratic improved engine designs to emit less
well, as it became clear he had known of the pres- With child-like simplicity, she funds mobilisation while others, families fancied pigeon keeping as a nitrogen oxides. The IMO has
pleaded for its release in order to Talks with the Hurriyat though not anti-national, may have tradition and a hobby and were designated certain areas of the sea as
ence of the camera. Evidently, there was more to
fulfil a promise made to her The impassioned plea of Opposition been strident in opposing known to pass away after emission control areas and
lose than gain from defending Mr. Kumar, who al-
children to take them on a picnic MPs to the government to involve government policies. Sometimes contracting mysterious diseases. special areas where pollution
leged he was targeted as he was a Dalit. Mr. Kejriwal in the new car, and for which she was the Hurriyat Conference in the such victimisation has amounted to Rather than it being a case of regulations are even more stringent.
seems to have set his sights high, but Punjab will prepared to sign any kind of all-party talks on Kashmir might be a witch-hunt and harassment in the Hypersensitive Pneumonitis, it Perhaps India, which is a signatory
judge him by what he did in Delhi as well. The AAP undertaking. Well before the day she well-intentioned but it leaves one name of enforcing laws and rules. could be more a case of contracting to Marpol, must designate the Bay of
needs to recover its purpose as a catalyst for politi- was to take her children on a apprehensive if one considers the The fact that U.S. Secretary of State the zoonotic fungal disease, Bengal as an emission control area.
cal and social change if it is to grow beyond Delhi. joyride dawned, the station wagon past stance of the Hurriyat (Talk to John Kerry has flagged the issue cryptococosis. Several types of fungi M. Unnikrishnan,
was parked in the premises of her Hurriyat now: MPs, Sept. 4). Its should make the Centre sit up and are present in pigeon droppings that Chennai
ND-ND
The Hindu
Holiday Today
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
W
ith the Southwest monsoon falling short ters will take the podium. There is wide- age to escape the logic of fear and pursue a iation to cover not just nuclear but also a
this season, the story of any other mon- spread speculation that this being U.S. world without them. chemical or biological weapon attack. All
soon-deficient year is being repeated: President Barack Obamas last plenary, he is others maintain a first-use policy. In recent
Tamil Nadu rushing to the Supreme Court citing considering an address that could have sig- Running into resistance years, there have been suggestions that Chi-
the crisis faced by its farmers, the court ordering re- nificant implications for U.S. nuclear policy Yet these achievements fall far short of nas growing concerns about U.S. conven-
lease of some water, and protests erupting in Kar- and for the global nuclear disarmament the promises of the Prague speech. The tional superiority might push it to review its
nataka. The reason for this endless cycle of sporad- agenda which has now remained frozen for CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban NFU policy.
decades. Treaty) ratification, which Mr. Obama had Considering that the U.S. accounts for
ic litigation and ad hoc adjudication is that the two
Since Ben Rhodes, U.S. Deputy National promised to push through vigorously, con- more than 45 per cent of the worlds nuclear
States continue to avoid any mutual engagement to Security Adviser for Strategic Communica- tinues to languish. The Nuclear Security arsenal, enjoys overwhelming superiority in
share the shortfall during distress years. And there tions, announced on June 6, I can promise Summits created the buzz normally associ- conventional capabilities and a significant
is no permanent, independent mechanism to en- you today that President Obama is contin- ated with summitry but remained content technological advantage in cyber and space
sure this. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, uing to review a number of ways he can ad- with shared best practices and voluntarily capabilities, less dependence on nuclear
which gave its award in 2007, has asked the parties vance the Prague agenda over the course of Only China and India maintain announced measures. weapons is not going to diminish its securi-
to share the deficiency on a pro rata basis. However, the next seven months. Put simply, our work Meaningful negotiations on nuclear is- ty. Further, a U.S. lead in this regard will cre-
a major problem in implementing this aspect is the is not finished on these issues, the White a no-first-use policy... A U.S. lead sues remain deadlocked. But most impor- ate a push for other nuclear weapon states to
absence of a Cauvery Management Board and a House has maintained a studied silence on for less dependence on nuclear tant, notwithstanding the careful wording in follow, generating momentum for a global
Regulatory Authority, which the Tribunal had the subject despite the debate under way in weapons will create a push for the 2010 NPR and 2013 Employment Strate- nuclear restraint regime.
the arms control community and among gy, there has been no significant shift in U.S. There are two groups of naysayers argu-
wanted created to oversee implementation. In- U.S. allies, especially those that enjoy the se- other weapon states to follow nuclear weapons policy. Further, to push ing against a shift. The first is the realist-
stead, after notifying the final award in 2013, the curity of its nuclear umbrella. through the ratification of the New START sceptic who maintains that declarations are
Union government set up a Supervisory Commit- Mr. Obamas speech in April 2009 at the consider the use of nuclear of nuclear weap- treaty, Mr. Obama also authorised a $1-tril- mere words and will not be trusted by po-
tee comprising officials from the Union govern- Hradcany Square in Prague electrified the ons in extreme circumstances to defend lion budget over the next three decades for tential adversaries. In doing so, they over-
ment and the Central Water Commission and rep- world when he announced that as the only the vital interests of the United States or its maintaining and improving the U.S. nuclear look the fact that first-use policies are inher-
resentatives of both States. The court has now nuclear power to have used a nuclear weap- allies and partners. The Defence Depart- arsenal under the Stockpile Stewardship ently destabilising because of high alert
asked Tamil Nadu to approach the committee, on, the United States has a moral responsib- ment was directed to strengthen non-nu- Program. postures and tactical deployments, tempt-
which will decide on further releases. ility to act and pledged Americas commit- clear capabilities and reduce the role of nu- Realising his failure with the CTBT ratifi- ing the adversary into a pre-emptive strike.
The Supreme Courts direction, when imple- ment to seek the peace and security of a clear weapons in deterring non-nuclear cation, Mr. Obama is planning to submit a The second group of naysayers consists of
world without nuclear weapons. He prom- attacks. resolution on this issue to the UN Security U.S. allies and partners. North Atlantic
mented, will ensure about 13 thousand million cu-
ised that to put an end to Cold War think- Negotiations with Russia led to the New Council, 20 years after the CTBT was Treaty Organisation allies such as the U.K.
bic (tmc) feet of water to Tamil Nadu over 10 days. ing, we (U.S.) will reduce the role of nuclear START Treaty coming into force in Febru- opened for signature. The U.S., under Presi- and France are unenthusiastic because it
This will not be adequate to save the entire samba weapons in our national security strategy ary 2011 which limits U.S. and Russian nucle- dent Bill Clinton, had pushed the CTBT ne- would generate questions in their own so-
crop, Tamil Nadu leaders argue, while their Karna- and urge others to do the same. The citation ar arsenals to 700 deployed ICBMs (inter- gotiations but in 1999, the treaty was reject- cieties about the wisdom of their first-use
taka counterparts contend that this itself is a huge for his Nobel Peace Prize later in 2009 continental ballistic missiles), SLBMs ed by the Senate on account of concerns policies. Others like Japan and South Korea
burden, given the States own storage deficit. It is praised his vision of and work for a world (submarine-launched ballistic missiles) and about its impact on the U.S. nuclear arsenal. feel that an NFU implies a weakening of U.S.
understandable that the political leadership of any without nuclear weapons. heavy bombers and 1,550 deployed nuclear Given the current mood in the Senate, it is commitment to their security. It is instruc-
State would not want to be seen as betraying the in- warheads. Follow-on negotiations stalled unlikely to budge. tive to recall that a similar debate had raged
Obamas nuclear record thereafter and the New START will lapse in Even though a resolution by the UN Secu- in Europe during the 1970s and 1980s. Ques-
terests of its farmers. Yet, the desire to protect ones
own interests should not shut out empathy for ones Seven years later, President Obamas nu- 2021, unless extended by a five-year period. rity Council calling on states to uphold the tioning U.S. commitment to use nuclear
clear record is a mixed one. The Nuclear Mr. Obama also launched the cycle of Nu- CTBT would be non-binding, such a move weapons from its homeland against a Soviet
neighbour. Ideally, any distress-sharing formula Posture Review (NPR) issued the following clear Security Summits in 2010 to highlight has already been criticised by Senate For- advance into west Europe thereby risking
should come from a technical body. It would have year (the U.S. undertakes an NPR roughly the threats posed by terrorists seeking nu- eign Relations Committee Chairman Bob retaliation, European allies demanded for-
helped if the Centre, which dilly-dallied for six once a decade) referred to the objectives of clear materials. This concluded earlier this Corker as an affront to the Congress and ward-basing, leading to the deployment of
years before notifying the final award under a judi- reducing the role of U.S. nuclear weapons year with the Washington summit. The nu- the American people. And it is unlikely to intermediate-range Pershing and Cruise
cial direction, had set up the Cauvery Management in national security strategy while maintain- clear deal with Iran has been praised gener- persuade China, Iran or Israel to ratify, or for missiles in west Europe. A decade later, the
Board and Regulatory Authority. In the longer ing strategic deterrence and stability at re- ally though it has faced criticism from the that matter, India, Pakistan and North Korea same argument was turned on its head to
term, experts will have to devise a sustainable agri- duced nuclear force levels. The Nuclear U.S.s regional allies, Israel and Saudi Ara- to sign up! claim that forward-basing diminished U.S.
cultural solution for the Cauvery basin, as the river Weapons Employment Strategy that fol- bia. Described as an executive agreement, The idea arousing the maximum interest commitment and the Europeans became
does not seem to have the potential to meet the lowed in 2013 stated that the U.S. would only it has not been submitted for approval to the is therefore a shift away from the current strong supporters of the INF (Intermediate-
Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty (1987) which
farming requirements of both sides. In a world of
depleting water resources, fewer crop seasons and CARTOONSCAPE eliminated intermediate-range nuclear
weapons from Europe!
lower acreages, a resort to less water-intensive
crops and better water management hold the key. A moral revolution
Non-political initiatives, such as the Cauvery Fam- The nuclear taboo has held since 1945 and
ily, a body formed a few years ago covering farmers no country wants to see it violated. Since it
of both States, could help disperse the clouds of is not possible to wish away the existing nu-
hostility that gather over the border whenever the clear arsenals, the only way forward is grea-
Cauvery crisis erupts. Politics and passion should ter nuclear restraint, which is what the NFU
not be allowed to hold sway. does. In a vibrant democracy like the U.S., a
public articulation of an NFU will provide a
changed backdrop to its nuclear strategy,
The
posture, deployment and employment guid-
ance. Further, it can permit the U.S. to ques-
tion the need for tactical nuclear weapons
A
noble mission of far-sighted global cooper-
untary declarations, followed by a collective
ation to avoid a looming economic crisis NFU, would become a realisable objective.
brought together a doughty group of na- In 1945, the U.S. shaped the first nuclear age
tions, representing 85 per cent of the worlds GDP with Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today, Presi-
and two-thirds of its population, under the banner dent Obama has the opportunity to shape
of the G20. However, after the dark days of the 2008 the 21st century second nuclear age by
crisis inspired then-freshly-elected U.S. President launching the moral revolution that he
Barack Obama to take over the reins of financial promised in Hiroshima. It could become his
regulatory reform, the annual gathering of the defining legacy.
group has, it would appear, degenerated into a pub-
Rakesh Sood, the Prime Ministers Special Envoy for
licity opportunity for divergent national concerns. Disarmament and Non-Proliferation till May 2014, is
As Hangzhou played host to the G20 meeting, there currently a Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research
Foundation, Delhi.
were reports that the Chinese government had
emptied the city of its original inhabitants for the
duration of the summit an act that seemed sym- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
bolic of the final communiqu of the G20 itself, Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
pretty on the outside but lacking in substance.
Among the major issues that found mention in the
summit was the question of excess steel capacity in More than just logistics? always do the right thing, after they arriving at a decision to recognise had many autocratic traits which party in question, the Aam Aadmi
China resulting in a flood of cheap imports into In- have eliminated all the possibilities. her work? I wonder how many of us included scrutinising the letters Party, has not been able to utilise this
The historic agreement between Kangayam R. Narasimhan, in such circumstances would even nuns wrote and received and making golden opportunity. Chief Minister
dia, the U.K. and other economies. Despite reports India and the U.S., in the form of care to touch a leprosy patient or them work long hours. Accepting Arvind Kejriwal has always held the
Chennai
of resistance from China to any mention of steel LEMOA, will no doubt have care for a deeply wounded, dying money from tyrants was also high moral ground right from the
policy coordination in the 7,000-word communi- implications for the balance of person. Her policy against abortion something that did not conform to beginning but appears to be losing
qu, the document had a call for increased infor- power in Asia (Merely a logistics Path to sainthood was not her own but in tune with her the Christian spirit. the plot. There is no harm in his
mation sharing and cooperation through the for- pact? Sept.5). The U.S. is a slippery Pope Franciss denouncement of adherence to the philosophy of the K.P. Prabhakaran Nair, pitching himself as a national figure
mation of a Global Forum on steel excess capacity. customer and will always want to modern-day indifference to hunger, Catholic Church. Finally, if Saint Kozhikode but he has a long way to go. For this
Climate change was the other major agenda have the upper hand. In Indias exploitation and other sufferings is a Mother Teresas original objective he has to establish his credibility
point. Notwithstanding Mr. Obamas disappearing neighbourhood, warmer ties among commentary on the deterioration of was to convert people, then half of outside Delhi. He may have been
China-Pakistan-Russia should make values across the world (Pope hails Calcuttas population would have Economic divergence forgiven for having resigned in a
dream of securing full global support for the Paris
New Delhi wake up. It should not volunteers on eve of canonisation, turned Christian. The result of better development very short time during his first term,
Agreement before his second term ends, a symbol-
distance itself from long-term ally Sept.4). The day of Mother Teresas A. Clement, parameters in South Indian States but he cannot continue to take
ic show of solidarity towards this goal in the form of Russia. With the South China Sea canonisation should be celebrated as Chennai and Maharashtra is largely a result of voters for granted.
the U.S. and China ratifying the Agreement last becoming a hotspot, India has to one to ensure the betterment of the the shift in population
week failed to produce any dramatic commitments Bal Govind,
play its cards wisely. lives of the poor and the sick. The allegations against Mother demographics and the emphasis on Noida
in Hangzhou. Contrarily in India, media reports Raunak Agarwal, M.V. Nagavender Rao, Teresa cannot be ignored. Her policies and leadership in delivering
struck a note of relief that Prime Minister Narendra Kanpur Hyderabad moves to promote conversion come social justice (The gap between
Modis negotiators had fobbed off any attempts to first. Her shelters were also said to rich and poor States, Sept.5). Lower A liability
insist that the deal be done before a December 2016 A good relationship with the U.S. has I dont believe that Saint Teresa have a shortage of medical care, fertility rates in the South have We had yet another hartal being
deadline. Numerous low-key objectives shared by always been an essential ingredient served people only with the hardly any stock of necessary resulted in better financial benefits observed in Kerala recently during
multiple G20 members, such as strengthening en- of Narendra Modis foreign policy intention of converting them. It nutrition, as well as the scarcity of and less social disparities. In which life came to a halt. I wonder
outlook, but does he realise that this was a part of her personality to help analgesics for those in pain. She contrast, large States such as whether its organisers have ever
forcement against international tax avoidance and needs to be tempered with prudence people. Religions are only different seemed keen to glorify illness Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, considered the loss, hardship and
advancing cooperation on Base Erosion and Profit as Washington is an avid ways of reaching god and Saint instead of treating it. One also Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and negative impact it has caused to the
Shifting, certainly got a shot in the arm from this practitioner of the art of realpolitik? Teresa gave the downtrodden and needs to investigate the so-called Bihar have higher rates of citizens of Kerala. It is this culture of
G20 gathering. Yet, there is no comparison to the For instance, when U.S. Secretary of the sick great hope. miracles. The funding of such population growth along with strikes which has discouraged
patchy and vague nature of progress in these small- State John F. Kerry was in India, he Canin Peter, missionaries needs to be probed. growing social disparities. Though industrialists from investing in the
er goals to the collaboratively evolved financial reg- did warn Pakistan about the need to Ernakulam Jai Prakash Gupta, the South contributes a greater State. Kerala is a State with a large
ulation architecture that emerged from the ashes of eliminate terror hubs but deftly Ambala Cantt., Haryana proportion of revenue to the Central percentage of the well educated and
the 2008 meltdown and put the brakes on excessive balanced it by saying that Pakistan The arguments against her pool it will have fewer claims on where parents from even the lowest
risk-taking by banks. This only begs the question: itself has been a victim of terrorism! suitability to attain sainthood are not Though there is no need to be funds allocation. strata of society avail of loans to give
LEMOA may be in place, but there commensurate with the noble work needlessly enamoured by the H.N. Ramakrishna, their children an education. The
has the G20 lost its way, outlived its usefulness?
are doubts whether the U.S. will be that she did. Her ardent critics must bestowal of sainthood on the Bengaluru State should have been the most
Would it be more institutionally efficient to revert ready to supply high-end military ponder over how she was awarded Mother, she did show the world sought place in India in terms of job
to other regional groupings that have overlapping hardware unless India signs the the Peace Nobel, the Magsaysay what it is like to die in dignity. creation as it is the most literate, but
conversations on these very subjects? It may well foundational agreements. It is worth Award and the Bharat Ratna. Mahatma Gandhi taught Indians the AAPs slide hartals are what make people
be time to re-examine the G20s purpose and, if recalling Winston Churchills quote: Wouldnt the three awarding bodies value of non-violence but one It is not often that a political party hesitant to invest here.
necessary, recast its vision and mission entirely. You can always trust the have taken cognisance of the struggles to find the Mother Teresa wins almost all the seats in an K. George Jacob,
Americans. In the end they will allegations against her before in him. However, she is said to have Assembly (Editorial, Sept. 5). The Kochi
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
T
he egregious practice that many Muslim that he, himself, was indifferent towards reli- stitutional sanction only if in the view of pendence days by a government-imposed
men employ to divorce their wives in- gion, or that temple entry was hardly the the Court they were essential or integ- scheme. That scheme did not even authorise
stantaneously and without their consent, solution to Dalit oppression. What did mat- ral to the religion in question. In the begin- the trust to adjudicate religious claims. Fur-
merely by uttering the word talaq thrice, ter to him, however, was that one of the most ning, the court emphasised that essential re- thermore, the trust was a public charitable
was rendered legally invalid by the Shamim Ara vs powerful tools by which an unequal society ligious practices would have to be trust. Consequently, the Dargah was akin to a
expressed and reinforced its hierarchies determined by taking an internal point of public space, and access to it could not be
State of UP judgment of 2002 and subsequent or- through the denial of equal access to reli- view, and looking to the tenets and the doc- denied on discriminatory grounds. Interest-
ders from various High Courts. But this has not gious and sacred spaces had to be trines of the religion itself. In later years, ingly, the courts reasoning mirrored the ear-
stopped the practice; many Muslim women are un- smashed. however, the court began to take an increas- liest temple-entry movements in colonial In-
aware of the judgments or have had to accept such More than 80 years later, August 26, 2016, ingly interventionist stance, using the essen- dia. While agitating for the rights of Dalits to
pronouncements owing to pressure from conser- the Bombay High Court agreed with ILLUSTRATION: SURENDRA tial religious practices test to make wide-ran- enter Hindu temples, Ambedkar repeatedly
vative sections. Many women have undergone se- Ambedkar when it held that the exclusion of ging often untethered claims about argued that temples were public spaces, akin
vere trauma after being thrown out of their homes. women from the inner sanctum of the Haji The Bombay High Courts religions, and even trying to mould religions to roads, schools, or water tanks. In a society
Shayara Bano, one such victim of this arbitrary cus- Ali Dargah by the Dargah Trust violated not into more rationalistic and homogenous where religion and the public sphere have al-
only their fundamental right to religious
reasoning mirrored the temple- monoliths, while marginalising dissident tra- ways been so intertwined, Ambedkars fun-
tom not to speak of years of domestic violence entry movements in colonial
freedom but also their right to equality and ditions. The high watermark of this approach damental insight was that religious exclusion
has filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme
non-discrimination under the Indian India.... Ambedkars arguments came in 2004, when the court held that the had a public character, and that it was not just
Court seeking a ban on the practice. The conservat- Constitution. And in holding that women public performance of the Tandava dance an issue of sacral traditions but one of civil
ive All India Muslim Personal Law Board that seeks were entitled to police protection, if needed, find resonance in the judgment was no essential part of the religion of the rights and material and symbolic equality. In
to wield influence on questions of Muslim personal to exercise their right to equal access, the Ananda Marga sect, even though it had been a society that has long treated women as
law has, predictably, found it an occasion to air its court placed the state firmly on the spot for the fraught and tense stand-off between the specifically set down as such in their holy second-class citizens, and emphasised and
regressive views on the issue. In a counter-affidavit, effectively guaranteeing and enforcing the claims of individual rights and gender equal- book. concretised that inequality through control
the Board has defended the practice in terms that constitutional rights of individuals, even ity on the one hand and tradition and reli- over religious spaces, Ambedkars argu-
are shocking even by its own standards. It claims against their own communities. gious values on the other. A question of civil rights ments find clear resonance in the judgment
that the custom is a way out to avoid long-running Indeed, the issue was framed before the Faced with more than five decades of con- of the Bombay High Court.
An issue framed in legal terms Bombay High Court in precisely these terms. sistent Supreme Court jurisprudence, the
court proceedings and that, in the absence of triple Putting onus on the state
The Bombay High Courts judgment, au- The Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, the Bombay High Court had no feasible choice
talaq, a husband may resort to murdering or burn- thored by Justice Revati Mohite Dere, is not womens organisation that initiated the pub- other than deploying the (unsatisfactory) es- Once the court had found that the Dargah
ing alive his wife because of the time-consuming the last that weve heard of this matter. The lic interest litigation against the Dargah sential religious practices test to determine Trust could not invoke constitutional protec-
legal proceedings that might otherwise be in- Dargah Trust will certainly appeal (the High Trust, invoked the protection of Articles 14 the validity of the Dargah Trusts arguments. tion for its exclusion of women from the in-
volved. It further claims that Indian society is pa- Court stayed the operation of its judgment and 15 (rights to equality and non-discrimin- The manner in which it did so, however, was ner sanctum, the logical conclusion fol-
triarchal, and that personal laws of all com- for six weeks to allow it to do just that), and ation), and 25(1) (right to religious freedom) careful and circumspect. The court refrained lowed: since exclusion clearly violated the
munities are aligned with the patriarchal notion. It the battle will move to the Supreme Court. of the Constitution. The trust responded by from making grand, rhetorical claims about womens right to religious freedom, as well
defends the right to grant divorce to the husband There, it will join the other contentious issue invoking Article 25(1) itself, arguing that Is- Islam and gender equality (even though it as their right to equality, it was unjustified.
alone, because men have greater power of de- of religious access, which is already before lam mandated the exclusion of women from was invited to do so) and, instead, limited it- However, there was one more thing that the
cision making and uses a dubious line of argument the apex court: the right of women to enter the inner sanctum. It also (though faintly) in- self to considering the material placed before court had to do. Since the Constitution pri-
the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala. But voked Article 26(b), that granted religious it by the Dargah Trust. On a perusal of these marily guarantees fundamental rights to
on gender ratio to justify the practice of polygamy.
whatever happens in the Supreme Court, denominations the right to manage their own passages from the Koran and the Hadith, the individuals against the state, it had to explain
The AIMPLB, a body with no legal status, has Justice Deres judgment is a landmark ruling. affairs in matters of religion. court found that none of this material sup- how the Mahila Andolan could succeed
long argued that divorce under Islamic law is un- This is not only because of its unambigu- ported the trusts claim that Islam mandated where the rights-infringing actor was a pri-
desirable and that triple talaq is a sin; however, it ously progressive outcome, coming down Court intervention in religion the exclusion of women from the inner sanc- vate, non-state body (the Dargah Trust).
maintains it is a valid and effective form of laying a firmly on the side of equal access for women This clash and the use of the courts to tum of shrines. The trusts claims were Justice Dere answered this question by
marriage asunder. In truth, there is no sanction for but also because of its dexterous handling of resolve it is not new. The Supreme Court thrown further into doubt because right until holding that the state was constitutionally
the triple talaq in the Koran, which has laid down bound to respect fundamental rights, not
elaborate injunctions on divorce, in stark contrast CARTOONSCAPE merely by refraining from infringing them,
but also by actively intervening in order to
to the immediate and irrevocable nature of the
triple talaq. This practice has been either explicitly protect them when they were threatened by
others. Consequently, it was for the state to
derecognised in Muslim-majority countries such ensure whether by providing adequate
as Indonesia, Iran and Tunisia or implicitly in coun- protection or otherwise that women who
tries such as Pakistan, which provides for a mandat- wanted to exercise their fundamental right to
ory arbitration procedure after the pronouncement equal access at the Haji Ali Dargah could do
of talaq. The Supreme Court must not be swayed by so.
the arguments put forth by the AIMPLB, which has In the exercise of their constitutional func-
held that personal laws cannot be challenged. tions, there are times when it becomes
Considering the clear and elaborately laid-down necessary and inevitable for courts to
norms on marriage in the Koran that grant equal consider and decide deeply divisive and po-
larising questions about gender relations, the
rights to the husband and wife to pursue divorce
family, religion, and society. In such situ-
proceedings and the right to equality guaranteed in ations, it is tempting for judges to think that
the Indian Constitution, it is high time that the Su- they are in a position to solve age-old, intract-
preme Court ruled this practice as illegal. able social problems, and to sally forth on ad-
venturous tracks where both their compet-
ence and their legitimacy are called into
conquers malaria
The Bombay High Court verdict in the Haji
Ali case, however, is an example of a judg-
ment that adroitly negotiates these difficult
issues by hewing closely to the Constitution,
S
ri Lanka has become malaria-free. On to law, and to the judicial task of defending
September 5, the World Health Organisa- individual rights. For that, the Bombay High
tion officially recognised this huge public Court must be praised, and its judgment
health achievement. The WHO certifies a upheld.
country so when the chain of local transmission is
interrupted for at least three consecutive years; the Gautam Bhatia is a Delhi-based lawyer.
last reported case was in October 2012. With no
local transmission reported, Sri Lankas priority
since October 2012 has been to prevent its return
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
from outside, particularly from malaria-endemic Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
countries such as India. There were 95, 49 and 36
cases reported in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively, tribunal or making appeals to the extended to them in the first place. on both sides, there must be agitations and violence which come
all contracted outside Sri Lanka. In a commendable
The Cauvery crisis
Supreme Court if the issue is seen Given their mentality towards the movement on subjects such as at the cost of economic prosperity.
initiative, Sri Lanka adopted a two-pronged strate- While the assertion of a regional from a humanitarian angle. No country, they should be penalised. facilitating the release of arrested M. Bhimashankar,
gy of targeting both vector and parasite, undertak- identity is important, the national country or State in this world can Though the move to curb their youth, compensation to the victims Hyderabad
ing active detection of cases and residual parasite identity is supreme. The Supreme claim ownership over natural foreign travel and scrutinise their of pellet gun firing and reviving
carriers by screening populations irrespective of Courts order to Karnataka to resources which we should learn to bank accounts comes late in the day, economic and social development. After being humiliated by separatist
whether malaria symptoms were present. Early de- release Cauvery water to Tamil use and share in a proper manner. I the step to act against them must be This can be followed by further elements, how long are we to
tection and treatment of asymptomatic parasite Nadu is a positive manifestation of would only blame politicians for welcomed. dialogue to discuss the core political remain silent? Even after this act of
this principle. The ongoing protest sowing the seeds of confusion. They One has to remember that the same issues. provocation, resorting to tame steps
carriers, who serve as reservoirs of infection, against the courts ruling seems a have perfected the art of divide and leaders evinced no interest in being will fetch no results. Apart from
played a crucial role in interrupting the chain. S.K. Khosla,
step that goes against upholding rule to stay in power. The troubles supportive towards the all-party Chandigarh raising the Balochistan issue, India
While this was achieved by means of house visits national consciousness (Editorial, over sharing the Cauvery should delegation. I hope all political should also adopt the same strategy
and by starting mobile clinics in high-transmission Sept.7). Both State governments hasten steps to nationalise all rivers. parties are on the same page as far The deputation of a parliamentary as Pakistans sending teams to
areas, real-time monitoring through effective sur- should now formulate and T. Anand Raj, as dealing with the separatist delegation to the riot-torn Valley meet world leaders and telling them
veillance systems, community awareness and mo- implement efficient water Chennai leaders is concerned. has proved to be a failed mission. about the misdeeds of separatist
bilisation also played their role. The public sector conservation and harvesting Praveen Patavardhan, Separatist leaders refusing to meet elements.
and the private sector were oriented to the com- policies as Maharashtra did in the There is a need for a river Bengaluru parliamentarians cannot be taken D. Sethuraman,
mon goal of eliminating malaria by enhancing case form of the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyaan. commission on the lines of the lightly. It seems that we have Chennai
Mohasin Mulla, Election Commission to monitor The humiliation was inevitable. reached the end of the political
notification and achieving 100 per cent detection
Pune and control river water distribution How could we have expected the tether and there is no hope of
and confirmation through tests. Sri Lanka expan- and which is run by subject experts separatist leaders to be cordial in convincing separatists about the The need for NEET
ded the coverage of long-lasting insecticide-treated No sane and prudent mind denies and engineers. It must be free of the first place? There should have need to pursue peace. These leaders This refers to the article, Bringing
bed nets to protect high-risk populations, and used that the political leadership in any government control and should be been a plan put in place with space need not be under the illusion that in NEET is an attack on our federal
multiple methods to reduce mosquito numbers. State would not like to be portrayed vested with all powers to decide for the different stakeholders. The they are beyond the rule of law and structure and pluralistic ethos
Sri Lanka was close to eliminating malaria in as betraying the just cause of its water usage, dam construction and delegation should have adopted a the Constitution. The government (Some editions, Aug.31). No one can
1963, when it reported just 17 cases. But a premature farmers. But empathy cannot be lost all other matters connected with down-to-top approach, first meeting must now go ahead with measures dispute the well-expressed views on
lowering of the guard and growing resistance to sight of when neighbouring States constructive, effective and sensible sarpanchs, local associations, to support development and job- the need to establish a healthy
DDT led to rising incidence in the 1980s. The pre- are in distress. The basic elements use of river water in India. traders and the family members of generation. Centre-State relationship but the
cise reasons for the failure of the eradication pro- on earth are natures gifts. Politicians hardly have any those killed and injured. The S.V. Venkatakrishnan, writer appears to be one-sided in
Bellur S. Dattatri, knowledge about irrigation, separatist leaders have lost a lot of Bengaluru her views. A professional degree
gramme were not clear. Some of the major chal- effective water usage and matters ground and are looking for every such as medicine is unique and
Bengaluru
lenges the country had to face before it interrupted relating to rivers. Such a opportunity to be in the spotlight The only path to peace is by where merit has to prevail. Those
local transmission were the Plasmodium fal- Serious conflicts over the sharing of commission will not only result in again. Despite this, talks should be resuming dialogue with all who are against NEET on the claims
ciparum parasite becoming resistant to the river water appearing intermittently effective usage of water but also held with them as they have a stakeholders in Kashmir of social justice should be aware of
chloroquine drug, behavioural changes in the vec- are a reminder that India is still a avoid unnecessary animosity and certain level of influence. There irrespective of their political the ugly scene where medical seats
tor, asymptomatic carriers and vector reintroduc- nation-in-making. People in the agitation which is being cleverly should have been steps taken as well affiliations. To repair the damage are sold for a premium. Political and
tion. But the tide turned from 2000 when a steady upstream State must understand exploited by selfish politicians. to phase out the use of pellet guns. caused, there has to be conciliation non-political figures who champion
reduction in the number of cases was recorded. Sri that a downstream States share of V.S. Ganeshan, Munish Sharma, and offer of more aid. the cause of social justice by
Lanka joins the ranks of 34 countries that have been water is not a gift but a matter of Bengaluru Jammu C.V. Venugopalan, resisting NEET are often seen to be
right. The remedy lies in respecting Palakkad. sharing in the spoils. The murky
certified malaria-free since the 1960s. The Mal-
the 2007 award which was delivered It is unfortunate that the all-party picture came to light only because
dives was certified so in 2015; Argentina and after years of deliberation and was Cracking the whip delegation had to conclude its visit Ladakh and Jammu are peaceful. of the historic verdict of the
Kyrgyzstan may soon be. Eradication of the disease generally hailed as being fair. The report, To restore normality, to the Valley with no breakthrough. The strife-ridden area is a fraction Supreme Court. The
in India remains a challenge, but it could learn Surendra Singh Achara, govt. to get tough with separatists It only reflects the ground reality. of the whole area. Clearly the commercialisation of education has
some lessons from Sri Lanka even if the scale and New Delhi (Sept. 6), shows that the separatist The BJP was obviously not serious separatist movement has no basis. to end. Merit must prevail.
complexity of the task is significantly different. leaders of Kashmir never deserved about resolving the issue in the first One hopes that in due course, these M. Vathapureeswaran,
There is absolutely no need for any the privileges and facilities place. Though there is a trust deficit elements will realise the futility of Erode
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
special phant has two sets of teeth, one for show and
the other to eat. This seems an apt descrip-
tion of the approach of the Narendra Modi
preme Court, the Central government has
had to release funds to the States for projects
under the law.
driven programme and whatever is asked for
will be given, does not cut much ice now.
Cut ice with whom? The Supreme Court
H
ow special can special be? That Andhra government towards the implementation of As a result, around 85 per cent of the funds which had accepted the assurance at face
Pradesh, post-bifurcation, needed a the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Em- budgeted for the year have already been re- value? Another WhatsApp message reads,
helping hand from the Centre was never ployment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). For leased in the first five months. This reflects Wage employment, with one point agenda
public consumption the Finance Minister also the high demand for work. In the back- of registering demand and responding to it is
in question. But the modalities of the
announces in his Budget that he has alloc- ground of the devastating drought and wide- no longer the core concern. And further,
special status the State wanted, needed to be ated the highest amount of funds for the im- spread agrarian distress, MGNREGA is lit- we ought to desist from campaigns for en-
worked out. Could it be declared a Special Cat- plementation of the law, but in reality, States erally a lifeline for millions who have no listing demand and indulging in the mad
egory State, or was the right way to grant it a special are being starved of funds. At the end of the other means of survival because of the lack race of more and more person day
financial package that did not require meeting the financial year 2015-2016, an unprecedented of work in the countryside. The number of generation.
mandated requirements for Special Category Rs.12,000 crore was owed to the States, of person-days generated in the first four
status? A.P. does not qualify as a Special Category which Rs.7,983 crore was owed to workers, months of the year is 89 crore person-days, Hollowing out the core?
State; it has neither geographical disadvantages the delays in wage payment stretching up to the highest since 2012-2013. The Supreme Court itself had quoted from
such as hilly terrain nor historical disadvantages six months in some cases. Most shockingly But while this is a positive development, it the MGNREGA to point out the core,
such as socio-economic and infrastructural back- Rs.2,723 crore was owed to workers in ILLUSTRATION: SURENDRA
also means that just around 15 per cent funds namely An Act to provide for the enhance-
drought-hit States, the most vulnerable and are available for the remaining seven ment of livelihood security of the rural
wardness and unviable finances. Eventually, when desperate for livelihood. MGNREGA is not a charitable months. Already, according to information households by providing at least 100 days of
the Centre announced a special package, the em- enterprise. It is extremely hard available on the website of the Ministry, nine guaranteed wage employment in every fin-
phasis was on assisting the State on the basis of the An informalised approach States have a negative balance, meaning ancial year to every household whose adult
road map laid down in the Andhra Pradesh Reorga- Now fresh evidence is available that the
work... In spite of all its thereby that they do not have the funds ei- members volunteer to do manual work
nisation Act, an oral commitment made in 2014 by Central government is adopting opaque weaknesses, the law is still a ther to pay wages or to plan and implement Yet through WhatsApp the same officer,
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the report of the methods to dilute the law. There is a clear di- lifeline for crores of rural families projects based on the demand. The lean winning praise from the court for being
14th Finance Commission and the recom- chotomy in what the government is telling season for agricultural work that sees a spike well versed on the subject, contradicts the
mendations of the Niti Aayog. The package, valid the Supreme Court in an ongoing petition on App messages from a Central government in the demand for work under MGNREGA is provisions of the act itself.
for five years till 2020, might not have everything the implementation of MGNREGA and what official to the State government can be ac- usually between January to April. What is As far as the creation of person-days is
it is telling the States. A platform on Whats- cessed under the Right to Information Act. going to happen then? Will the funds be concerned the court had directed both the
that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had
App called ENCORE (or Enabling Commu- So whereas the WhatsApp messages have made available by the Central government? State Government and the Government of
asked for, but meets most of the reasonable expect- nication on Rural Empowerment) run by the the stamp of authority emanating from a India to make all efforts to encourage
ations of a State struggling to recover from bifurca- Joint Secretary of the Rural Development senior official in the Rural Development The funds squeeze needy persons to come forward and take ad-
tion and dealing with the imminent loss of the cap- Ministry has been formed with around 300 Ministry in charge of the implementation of The concern is because the Central gov- vantage of the scheme. A success rate below
ital city, Hyderabad. The Polavaram irrigation officers from States, charged with the re- MGNREGA, the aspect of accountability ernment has been wilfully cutting down on 50 per cent is nothing to be proud of. But
project was declared a national project; a railway sponsibility of MGNREGA. Even though and transparency gets eliminated. the funds available to MGNREGA. Looked at here the Ministry is referring to it as a mad
zone was to be formed in the State and the Central this is run by an individual officer, it is clearly as a percentage of GDP, the budgetary alloca- race to create workdays.
Board of Direct Taxes was to issue two noti- official policy that is being reflected and Court cracks the whip tions have come down from 0.36 in 2012-2013 A most unique feature of the MGNREGA
fications on tax concessions. Special Category therefore must be considered authorised This development needs to be seen in the to 0.26 in 2016-2017. The government has is its universal character. It is not a targeted
status could only have been a crutch; the package communication by the Ministry. This is an context of the Supreme Court judgment in tried several methods to cut down on the de- programme as many of the other social sec-
instant method of communication which May this year on a petition moved by the mand and the requirements of the States. tor schemes are. The rationale is that only
might be the stimulus that it needs after bifurca- may be useful to send important information Swaraj Abhiyan on a series of issues related The projected annual demand of the State those who cannot find better alternatives of
tion. Under the circumstances, this is a good deal. maybe of an urgent nature to the States. to agrarian distress and in this particular and the equivalent amount of funds required employment will opt to work in MGNREGA.
However, the political battle over the Special The problem arises on two counts. It is a case on the implementation of the Mahatma known as the labour budget is finally It is not a charitable enterprise. It is ex-
Category status is not going to get over soon. Op- procedure which bypasses the more trans- Gandhi National Rural Employment decided by the Central government. The tremely hard work under very difficult work
position parties, led by the Congress and the YSR parent one of issuing official instructions Guarantee Act, 2005. The judgment read: first downscaling happens here. On an aver- conditions. The work which is piece rated is
Congress, have targeted Mr. Naidu for failing to through Ministry orders which are on rec- The Government of India is directed to re- age the Centre has cut the States require- linked to such high productivity norms that
convince the Centre. That his Telugu Desam Party ord, on file, making the issuing authority ac- lease to the State Governments adequate ment by about 30 per cent. This has serious it is almost impossible for a worker to earn
is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party will in- countable. Second, such communications funds under the scheme in a timely manner repercussions on workers. The situation got the full minimum wage. Anyone who has
vite charges of a sell-out of A.P.s interests. Union are not accessible to the public though their so that the workforce is paid its wages well in so bad that the Chief Minister of the best per- even a remote idea of a MGNREGA worksite
content might have a direct impact on peo- time. It is regrettable that the pending wage forming State, Tripura, had to sit on an un- knows that, more so in a period of drought
Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu of the BJP, perhaps an-
ple. Third, they can easily be deleted by the bill for 2015-2016 was cleared during the pen- precedented hunger strike in Delhi in 2014 to where income from agriculture has literally
ticipating this reaction, indicated that the Centres administrator of the group. The Right to In- dency of the petition. The Government of demand adequate funds. In the present situ- dried up, even farmers survive by their work
support would be a continuous process. The TDP formation has proved to be a very effective India must shape up in this regard. The ation, with the Supreme Court monitoring in MGNREGA.
government must look ahead, and use the special instrument to glean information from gov- court further indicted the Central govern- the issue, the Central government cannot be
package to boost growth and create conditions for ernments on the functioning of MGNREGA. ment on the count of late wage payments quite so blatant. End this doublespeak
employment generation. While concentrating re- But there are no set procedures that Whats- with the scathing comment that it had It has assured the court that there is no Under Mr. Modi, the government has tried
sources on building the capital at Amaravati, Mr. to change the nature of the law from being
Naidu must not lose sight of the immediate de- CARTOONSCAPE universal to targeted by first promoting the
velopment goal: the livelihood concerns of ordi- idea that work should be made available only
nary people. That could be his political legacy: a in the most backward districts identified
jointly by the Central and State govern-
Chief Minister who saw the State through a difficult ments. This was strongly opposed by many
phase and laid the foundation for a robust economy. State governments as an encroachment on
the law. Now the Ministry through the What-
sApp group is pushing for enrolling only the
poorer sections. The message informs that it
Taking the Paris is the Central government that is going to
identify such families; this is to assist you in
gap assessment .. a targeted approach.
process forward There are many other such examples of
how the Ministry is saying something to the
Supreme Court and directing officers in the
T
he ratification of the Paris Agreement on
State government to do the opposite. This is
climate change by the United States and all part of the skewered policies of the pro-
China, which together account for 38 per corporate Modi government. Bailouts for the
cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, rich, for whom unlimited subsidies in the
provides much-needed momentum for the global form of unrepaid bank loans of over Rs.8 lakh
compact to be in force beyond 2020. As UN crore or tax concessions of over Rs.5 lakh
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has emphasised, crore in a single year are easily handed out.
26 countries have already acceded to the accord; to But when it comes to the rights of the work-
reach the target of 55 per cent emissions, 29 more ing people to national resources, and to the
must come on board. For the U.S., this is a landmark implementation of a law unanimously
adopted by Parliament, there are no funds
departure from its long-held position of not accept-
available.
ing a binding treaty like the Kyoto Protocol, where Workers do not want an ENCORE of the
emerging economies heavily reliant on fossil fuels anti-MGNREGA policies they have been
have no firm commitments. The Paris Agreement subjected to by this government. In spite of
addressed this issue by stipulating voluntary but all its weaknesses, this law is still a lifeline
verifiable emissions reduction goals for all parties, for crores of rural families.
within the principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities that underpin the UN Framework Brinda Karat is a member of the CPI(M) Polit Bureau and a
former Rajya Sabha MP.
Convention on Climate Change. Contrary to the
belief that a requirement to cut GHGs will make
economies less competitive, a major section of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
global industry and business has reaffirmed the po- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
tential for trillions of dollars in green investments
flowing from the ratification of the Paris Agree- Religion vs womens rights propagating womens rights. As hindrance, Sept.8). It will not solution to such recurring disputes why he should be made to pay
ment by the U.S. and China. This is a clear pointer Khalil Gibran said: I love you when succeed given its own poor record of lies in the interlinking of rivers and through his nose.
for India, which is estimated to have the third The Editorial, Triple whammy, and you bow in your mosque, kneel in human rights. The latest incident, nationalisation of dams. A.V. Narayanan,
highest individual country emissions as of 2014. the article, The equality of entry your temple, pray in your church. where a speech on India-Pakistan B. Suresh Kumar, Tiruchi
There are distinct low-carbon pathways that In- (both Sept. 8), are two different For you and I are sons of one trade ties was cancelled at the final Coimbatore
dia has outlined in its national plan submitted to the pieces of exceptional journalism religion, and it is the spirit. hour, goes to show the level to which
which highlight the same issue Pakistan is prepared to stoop. There Conquering malaria
UNFCCC. Among these, the scaling up of renew- Kopalle Murali Krishnamurthy, Surge pricing
precedence of right to religion. Even Secunderabad has hardly been an event where Concerted moves across the world,
able energy and non-fossil fuel sources to 40 per
though the tussle over this is not India has acted in a similar manner. Those who travel by premium trains some of them backed by leading
cent of installed power production capacity by new in India, its ramifications have In religious matters, it is better that In fact we seem to have gone out of such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and private foundations, are what have
2030 is predicated on technology transfer and the greater impact here than elsewhere the judiciary does not read the our way to accommodate Pakistans Duranto services are either middle led to a nearly 50 per cent decrease
availability of Green Climate Fund resources. Not in the world. In a world where Constitution steadfastly as the concerns. class and above and I am sure they in the incidence in malaria and
much progress has been made in this area, and religious fundamentalism is a framers of our Constitution may not K.R. Srinivasan, do not mind paying for more (From mortality over the last decade
Minister of State for Environment Anil Madhav serious issue and religious bigotry a have taken into consideration the Secunderabad tomorrow, surge pricing on key (Editorial, Sept. 8). According to
Dave confirmed recently that no contribution had part of daily life, protection of life importance of strict observance of trains, Sept.8). This is a section of WHO estimates World Malaria
been received from the Fund. Helping India lock in and individual liberty is a certain religious practices. Most of society that is willing to spend Report 2015 the global incidence
contentious matter. Whether it is the these age-old sacred practices Cauvery water release money lavishly. As a result, it is time in 2015 was 220 million (on average)
the right technologies in its growth trajectory is im-
portant for a global reduction in greenhouse gases. recent PIL against triple talaq or the cannot be brushed aside. One may The annual phase of acrimony public sector organisations such as and mortality 4,38,000 (average),
protest against the Haji Ali dargah succeed legally in enabling women between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka the Railways revised their business with Africa accounting for 90 per
It is important for the U.S. to help accelerate this verdict, the notions of an orthodox, to gain entry to places of worship over the release of Cauvery water model rather than continue to cent of cases. India is in the malaria
process in the area of power generation, following feudal mindset need to be dealt with but this could upset believers. The must end (Karnataka begins function as benevolent entities. control phase and contributes to the
up on the assurances given by Secretary of State firmly. These notions not only Bombay judgment could upset Cauvery water release to Tamil Kshirasagara Balaji Rao, export of malaria cases (Lancet
John Kerry during his recent visit on clean energy impede the growth of the country deeply conservative communities. Nadu, Sept. 8). The need of the hour Hyderabad 2016). Apart from the lack of a potent
finance, technology, solar catalytic funding and but also vitiate communal harmony. V. Lakshmanan, is for a face-to-face meeting between vaccine, the biggest challenge lies in
help for power grid upgradation. New Delhi can, in There has to be a social reform Tirupur, Tamil Nadu the Chief Ministers to defuse the Surge pricing on select trains is an overcoming resistance to the
parallel, do much more on domestic policy to movement which needs the support crisis. The initial reluctance shown indirect attempt by the Railways to artemisinin-based combination
achieve green and low energy intensive growth of the judiciary, the executive and by the Karnataka government to bring all mail/express trains under therapy, the most potent drug
the intelligentsia. Discourtesy to envoy comply with the Supreme Court the surge pricing category. This is available. Resistance to this started
such as taxing fossil fuels, managing emissions
Naveen Rattu, After Pakistans move to depute 22 verdict is a grim pointer to the unacceptable as second class sleeper along the Thailand-Cambodia
from waste better and making low-carbon build-
Chandigarh diplomats to various countries to potential of such issues to snowball is included in these select trains border, has spread to Myanmar and
ings mandatory. India joined other G20 countries at highlight the goings-on in Kashmir into a crisis if sectarian and under the surge pricing category. can affect India at any time. India has
Hangzhou to commit itself to addressing climate Religion is a process of educating hardly gained traction, it is parochial sentiments are not kept The most affected group will be both P. falciparum and P. vivax
change through domestic policy measures. For that ourselves in the ways of unfortunate that Islamabad is still under check. Competitive jingoism senior citizens because whatever malaria, with each presenting a
to happen, the Centre must initiate a serious dis- understanding so that our life trying every trick in the book to try by fringe elements to extract concessions they enjoy now will be different set of challenges.
cussion with the States on the national imperatives. becomes extraordinarily rich. All and embarrass India (Pakistan told political mileage needs to be negated. Duronto trains are for the G. Padmanaban,
religions should be open to to let diplomats work without crushed. The lasting and permanent aam aadmi and there is no reason Bengaluru
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
T
he dynamic fare pricing announced for 50 per cent at the national level, going up to nologies to work at the same time: the PoS trend towards lower leakages in recent
the Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto 80 or 90 per cent in some States. Around machine, the biometrics, the Internet con- years.
trains on an experimental basis has 2007, Chhattisgarh took the lead in nection, remote servers, and often other ele- A short visit to a PDS shop just outside
been justified by the Ministry of Railways reforming the PDS making it more inclus- ments such as the local mobile network. Fur- Ranchi quickly brings out the multiple vul-
as a means to shore up lagging passenger revenues. ive, methodical and transparent. Within a ther, it requires at least some household nerabilities of the new system. Within
The Ministry says the cost per passenger kilometre few years, the system was overhauled. Today, members to have an Aadhaar number, cor- minutes we met many people who had been
today is around 73 paise, while the Railways recov- most rural households in Chhattisgarh have rectly seeded in the PDS database. deprived of their food rations for months be-
ers only 37 paise. The flexible fare system means a ration card, and are able to secure their en- This is a wholly inappropriate technology cause they had no Aadhaar number; or be-
only the first 10 per cent of seats and berths will titlements (typically 7 kg of rice per person for rural India, especially in the poorest cause their Aadhaar number had not been
per month) on time every month. States. Even in State capitals, network fail- correctly seeded; or because their biomet-
come at the base fare, with 10 per cent increases for
ures and other glitches routinely disable this rics did not work, or simply because the PoS
every batch of 10 per cent sold. The increase will be The Chhattisgarh model sort of technology. In villages with poor con- machine returned various error messages.
capped at 1.5 times the base fare. The 77 pairs of the Later on, it turned out that the Chhattis- nectivity, it is a recipe for chaos. Note that In- Even those for whom the system works
three classes of trains account for 13 to 14 per cent of garh model (so to speak) was replicable. ternet dependence is inherent to Aadhaar face huge inconvenience. Often they have to
the Railways passenger revenues. On the face of it, Odisha was among the first States to emulate since there is no question of downloading make repeated trips to the PDS shop, or send
the need to increase passenger fares is understand- Chhattisgarhs experience, with similar res- the biometrics. different members in turn, until the machine
able. Without a robust component of fare-based ults. Many other States also initiated Chhat- Recent developments in Rajasthan illus- cooperates. Sometimes schoolchildren are
revenue from passenger trains it will be difficult for tisgarh-style PDS reforms: broad coverage, The dual system, where PDS grain trate the dangers of forcing biometric au- asked to skip classes and try their luck at the
the Railways to spend on infrastructure and amen- clear entitlements, de-privatisation of PDS goes partly through the Aadhaar- thentication on the PDS. During the last few PDS shop. This unreliable system causes a
ities and focus on features such as safety all of shops, separation of transport agencies from months, the Government of Rajasthan has colossal waste of time for everyone.
distribution agencies, computerisation, based Point of Sale system and tried hard to enforce the system. The use of By the way, all this is one year after I was
which are imperatives. The question is whether the fixed distribution schedules, tight monitor- partly through the fallback PoS machines is compulsory and every PDS told by the Food Departments upbeat con-
flexible fare system is the ideal way to do so. ing, active grievance redressal, and more. shop has one. Yet, according to official data sultants that the PoS system is functional
First, these fare increases in the premium trains register system, is the worst
In the last few years, I have been involved compiled by Nikhil Dey, only 61 per cent of throughout Ranchi district.
for some classes could result in airfares being lower in several surveys of the PDS initiated by in- priority households, entitled to 5 kg of food- Rajasthans foodgrain allocation found its
at certain times and routes. This could wean away dependent researchers with student volun- grains per person per month at nominal way through the PoS system in July 2016, The Aadhaar juggernaut
some train travellers. Second, the increase in the teers. In 2011, we studied the PDS in nine prices, and Antyodaya households (the with a similar figure (63 per cent) for August. In spite of ample warnings, the Central
prices under the scheme begins much too early, States: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, poorest), entitled to 35 kg per household per The rest is either siphoned off or delivered government continues to push for compuls-
when a bare 10 per cent of the seats are sold. As a Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Ra- month. The PDS is to cover at least 75 per using the old register system which of ory Aadhaar-based biometric authentica-
result, it puts far too much pressure on passengers jasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. We cent of rural households at the national level, the two is hard to say since utter confusion tion in the PDS. Incidentally, this is a vio-
found that the system was working reason- rising to 80-90 per cent in the poorest States. prevails about the permissibility of using lation of Supreme Court orders. The court
to book early. It would have made more sense for
ably well for below poverty line (BPL) registers as a fallback option. did allow the use of Aadhaar in the PDS, but
the Railways to expand the scope of Tatkal booking, households: on average, they were receiving Impending setback Further evidence comes from Ranchi dis- not making it compulsory for PDS users. Nor
which is currently limited to one day before travel. 84 per cent of their foodgrain entitlements In June this year, we went back to six of In- trict in Jharkhand where the PoS system is can the government invoke the Aadhaar Act
A Tatkal scheme with flexible and cascading pri- from the PDS. A similar picture emerged dias poorest States (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, also mandatory. In July 2016, NFSA card- to justify this move: the relevant sections of
cing coupled with an increase in the number of tick- from a follow-up survey in 2013. However, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and holders in Ranchi district received less than the Act are yet to be notified.
ets and an extension of the time frame would penal- high leakages continued in the above pover- West Bengal) for an update. We found that half of their foodgrain entitlements through PoS machines seem to be expected to en-
ise those who buy their tickets late rather than most ty line (APL) quota, which tended to be four out of six had a fairly good PDS, with that system, according to the model website sure a corruption-free PDS. This expecta-
passengers on a train. Third, unlike taxi, bus or air used by the Central government at that time most NFSA cardholders receiving the bulk mentioned earlier. The situation was much tion, however, builds on a misunderstanding
services, train services in this country are a mo- as a dumping ground for excess food stocks. of their entitlements every month and rel- the same in August. of PDS leakages. The main vulnerability
nopoly. The Rajdhanis and the Shatabdis are The National Food Security Act (NFSA), atively low exclusion errors. The last two, As in Rajasthan, it is not clear whether today, at least in the States I am familiar with,
enacted three years ago, was and still is Jharkhand and especially Bihar, still have a those for whom the PoS system does not is not identity fraud (e.g. bogus cards), but
premium trains, which are favoured by the rel- a chance to complete the process of PDS re- long way to go. Even there, however, the situ- work in Ranchi are getting any grain through quantity fraud: PDS dealers often give peo-
atively better off. The real worry is that the expe- form and ensure a modicum of food security ation is much better than it was a few years the old register system. Officially, that is ple less than what they are entitled to, and
riment may be extended to include other long-dis- for everyone. Under the NFSA, the APL cat- ago. In Jharkhand, for instance, the transpar- not allowed, according to local PDS dealers pocket the rest. PoS machines are ineffective
tance trains in the future. A relatively poorer egory is abolished and eligible households ency of the system has vastly improved, and and officials (indeed, some dealers have in preventing quantity fraud. They may help
person who makes a late decision to travel should come under two well-defined categories: the official NFSA website is among the best been suspended for using this fallback op- in reducing identity fraud, such as it is, but
not be priced out by such a system by a monopo- that does not justify depriving people of
listic provider that aims to provide a public service. CARTOONSCAPE their food entitlements when the technology
Yes, the Railways must find a way to increas e reve- fails.
nue from passenger traffic if it is to convert itself As with many other applications of
Aadhaar, this one is proceeding like a jugger-
into a healthy and self-sufficent organisation. The
naut, without paying serious attention to the
issue is what the best or the most painless way collateral damage. Instead, the Central gov-
to do this is. ernment peddles bogus figures of Aadhaar-
enabled financial savings (often relayed by
unsuspecting columnists or economists) to
Reining in the justify further imposition of the technology.
It is only when concerned journalists, ac-
tivists or researchers make enquiries from
adventurist North the victims that we learn about the adverse
effects of Aadhaar on the PDS.
N
orth Koreas fifth nuclear test may have The Central government and its advisers
had an explosive yield of no more than pride themselves on their commitment to
ten kilotons, somewhat less than the evidence-based policy, but this is a case
bomb dropped on Hiroshima, but its re- where evidence is being systematically ig-
verberations have set alarm bells ringing around nored to press on with technological solu-
tions based on blind faith (handsomely nur-
the region, even across the Pacific. This under- tured by commercial interests). The drive to
ground test of a nuclear warhead could herald a impose biometric authentication on the PDS
new era of heightened brinkmanship in the Korean must stop immediately to avoid further dam-
Peninsula. Concern stems from the claim by the age. There are better ways of plugging last-
North Korean government that with this det- mile leakages, including the use of simpler
onation the regime has succeeded in miniaturising technologies not dependent on the Internet.
nuclear weapons to the point of attaching them to Imposing a technology that does not work
ballistic missiles. These fears are justified given the on people who depend on it for their survival
long trajectory of the Norths nuclear weapons is a grave injustice.
drive. It first conducted a nuclear test in 2006, fol-
Jean Drze is Visiting Professor at the Department of
lowed by three more, in 2009, 2013 and in January Economics, Ranchi University.
this year. Each time the magnitude of the tremor as-
sociated with the test, an indicator of the energy
yield, has increased, from around 4.3 in 2006 to 5.3 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
in 2016. In parallel, the regime is believed to have
Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
developed increasingly sophisticated delivery sys-
tems, ballistic missiles with a growing range.
Earlier this week, Pyongyang test-fired three bal- Diluting MGNREGA grossly unwarranted and will push Independence, relevant laws have indefensible is the stand of how men State of data collection
listic missiles, which landed within a few hundred the poorer sections to the precipice. been introduced or amended aimed need the instrument of triple talaq to
kilometres off Japans coast. U.S. officials believe it Brinda Karats views on the Centre J. Anantha Padmanabhan, at improving the lot of women from get rid of their wives in the easiest The discrepancies present in NCRB
vis--vis MGNREGA cannot be Tiruchi Hindu and minority communities. way possible without legal problems data (NCRB data: handle with
may have conducted at least 22 launches this year. disputed (Retaining MGNREGAs However, the 1937 Act has remained and with no such remedies for care, Sept. 9) are proof of our
Condemnation of this test by the UN did little to core, Sept. 9). But many State The writer appears to be airing her static. The ease with which men can women. Surely the highest court pathetic state of data handling and
dampen the defiance of the Norths Supreme governments are equally responsible personal dissatisfaction with the get divorce is unfair. Adherence to should take a gender-neutral and data analysis which ultimately
Leader, Kim Jong-un. Sanctions slapped on it in for the problems. Even under the government. How can one cite archaic tenets of religion has been humane view of this treacherous results in poor policymaking. The
March have failed to have any effect, as they have UPA, it became a bit of a political exchanges on a WhatsApp group as one of the major causes of poverty practice and other personal laws questions raised by the writer about
since they were periodically imposed since 1992. issue when some Opposition-ruled evidence? The policies of the and slow progress of Muslims in affecting the unjust slant towards the authenticity of this NCRB data,
With multiple reports emerging over the years of States did not implement the government should be judged on the India. women, irrespective of what any and which prima facie point towards
hardships faced by the North Korean population, minimum 100-day programme basis of how they translate on the Y.G. Chouksey, scriptural interpretation says. the whole data collection process by
including famine, poverty and rampant human properly. The reality is that the ground and not by what is said on Pune Kasim Sait, the NCRB to be fake, must be
scheme is being misused, and there social media. Chennai answered by a responsible authority.
rights violations, the latest explosive test may be an
is neither accountability nor Parneet Sarao, The Supreme Court has every right Kiran Babasaheb Ransing,
opportune moment to pause and re-examine the transparency. No government has to intervene if any discriminatory This is an opportune moment where
New Delhi New Delhi
value of the sanctions aimed at isolating the Norths bothered to look into the plight of and regressive doctrine is prevalent the law can be reformed once and
regime internationally. No globally coordinated unorganised labourers nor has it and comes in the way of denying for all. This is because of the
strategies will succeed as long as Beijing plays realised that underemployment is Triple talaq communities access to equal patriarchal mindset of those in the Regional trade
spoiler as it has done historically. Notwithstand- more dangerous than Any sensible person would agree opportunities. No organisation can Muslim Personal Law Board apart A major impediment that comes in
ing the praise from U.S. President Barack Obama unemployment. MGREGA is more that the practice of triple talaq needs claim its hegemony over the religion from many in the community being the way of SAARC trade is economic
for Beijings improved adherence to recent sanc- or less bracketed under the category to be abolished because of the way it of a society. Women should confront less knowledgeable about their own competitiveness among member
tions policies, reports from the border region with of unorganised labour, which is results in the abuse of women the so-called leaders of the religion. Gender studies show that countries (Coming closer together
the North hint at continued trade with China. Fur- perhaps why we do not hear of (Editorial, Sept. 8). It is unfortunate community and challenge them in a the sole reason for the backwardness for trade, Sept. 9). Since their
complaints of there not being 100 that the real issue here of gender befitting manner. of Muslims is that the women are manufacturing specialisations tend
ther, this weeks test will exacerbate peninsular ten- days labour. Those under injustice is sought to be smudged not empowered. The only way to overlap, member countries are
sions over a plan to deploy THAAD, a U.S. missile Ashfaq Amir Khan,
MGNREGA are also expected to by giving it a communal colour. As Lucknow forward is to abandon regressive forced to compete in the
defence system, in South Korea. Both Beijing and part with some money to the expected, there are some persons laws and practices and invest in international market rather than
Moscow have protested against that proposal, even middlemen/brokers who engage who have labelled the women who Triple talaq is an obnoxious and womens education and health. cooperate. For example, India,
though the White House appears firm on its intent them. petitioned the Supreme Court medieval practice to grant illegal Rahman Sheikh, Bangladesh and Pakistan are all
to protect its treaty ally. Even if Washington and K.V. Venugopal, against triple talaq as biased. When rights to a husband and has Durg, Chhattisgarh textile exporters and jostle for
Beijing managed to somehow set aside strategic Chennai criminal laws such as the Prevention absolutely no sanction in the Koran. market space. If closer cooperation
mistrust and collaboratively squeeze Pyongyangs of Domestic Violence Act and the The Muslim community must come Any religious law which speaks of is to be forged among them, then
weapons development agenda, the country is al- The BJP governments lukewarm Prevention of Sexual Harassment at forward and criticise the practice as the suppression of women through supply and manufacturing chains
approach to MGNREGA ignores the the Workplace Act are uniform to all it has no place in modern society. any means must be reformed. In this must be made to sweep through the
ready believed to have a standing stock of 15 to 20
reality of extreme poverty and rural Indians irrespective of their religion, Abbas Hasan Naqvi, context we need to have a liberal whole region, aligning the
nuclear weapons, which are effectively beyond the distress. It also smacks of vendetta how can personal laws be different? Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh interpretation of not only the Koran comparative advantage of each
pale of sanctions. A more sustainable approach politics. The scheme has played a but also all religious scriptures. member to the benefit of the other in
Padmini Raghavendra,
may be to breathe life into the Six-Party Talks, and key role in improving the livelihood Secunderabad The arguments advanced by the Article 44 is one step that will enable final production. SAARC, as an
invest diplomatic currency in bringing Pyongyang of people from the marginalised AIMPLB confirm the regressive and the dignity of women with respect to integrated unit, must then compete
back to the negotiating table. History suggests that sections. The reported move to Muslims in India are governed by patriarchal mindset of this body marriage. in the international market.
failure to do so will only lead to one outcome. restrict the schemes operation to the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) claiming to represent all Muslims. Divyesh A. Borse, Suyash Saxena,
the countrys poorest districts is Application Act, 1937. After The most untenable and Pune New Delhi
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com WEEKEND THE HINDU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
BEING
DR HUMERUS HYGIENE
Keshav
I
ts in your soap, handwash, usage of antimicrobial
talcum powder and even in the agents over the years has
wall paint. In a world obsessed
with cleanliness, antimicrobial
led to bacteria developing
agents like triclosan have been resistance to them
touted as the panacea for a disease-
free world. But their use remains cific to gram-positive bacteria, get
controversial: experts say indis- dislodged when the bacteria are
criminate usage of antimicrobial killed by antibacterial agents. They
agents like triclosan over the years remain on the surface of your hands
has led to bacteria developing re- and can get into your gut, causing
sistance to them, leading to the other inflammatory complications.
AROUND THE WORLD need for stronger chemicals. Are Scrubbing with soap and water is a
we setting ourselves up for a world hundred times better. Using alco-
Product research of superbugs by putting them in hol for disinfection was better as
and buying anything and everything? bacteria could not develop re-
sistance to alcohol. A 2013 study
Doing extensive No miracle guard, this published in Clinical Infectious Dis-
research before
Last week, the U.S. Food and eases also showed that antibacterial
making an online
Drug Administration announced components were no more effective
purchase may be
that effective September 2017, it than ordinary soaps at preventing
futile. An article in
PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT would prohibit the sale of non-med- infectious diseases.
the journal,
ical soap containing triclosan or 18 WASHED OFF: By using antimicrobial agents indiscriminately you are removing useful bacteria which help to ward However, it would be unwise to
Marketing Science, finds that even though
other ingredients marketed as anti- off infection. PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT disown antibacterial agents com-
consumers may spend days looking for the right
microbials, as it did not find these : pletely. Senior physician Kumar at
product, what they purchase tends to be remarkably
products to be any more effective in toothpaste, handwash, talcum dira Gandhi Institute of Child gentle on our skin and helps main- K.C. General Hospital, Bengaluru,
close to items they searched and found in their very
than ordinary soaps. powder, etc. because companies Health, Bengaluru, says these tain commensols. says antimicrobial agents are re-
first search. The researchers derive this from the
Opinion is divided among ex- thought it was a panacea for all, products are a gimmick as the quired in infection-prone situ-
browsing and purchase history of over two million Soap is good enough
perts: while some feel the move was without understanding that with in- body has its own self-cleaning bac- ations. Antimicrobials are rec-
consumers. They used a sample of more than 1,000
long called for, physicians weigh in discriminate usage, bacteria can de- teria, commensals, which keep the Dr. Chakravortty also feels scrub- ommended for sanitation workers,
digital camera purchases with full browsing
that such antibacterial products veloped a resistance to the chem- skin clean. Antimicrobial agents in bing with soap and water is better farmers working in the fields, or in
histories over a three-month period. They also found
continue to be useful in certain ical, says Dipshikha Chakravortty, soaps and handwashes are not re- than using hand sanitisers, as in the the presence of someone with an in-
that while about 25 per cent of consumers search
situations. associate professor, Department of quired. By using antimicrobial latter case, the dead bacteria remain fection, he says. However, he adds,
and purchase in just one online session, the average
Triclosan was initially used for Microbiology and Cell Biology, In- agents indiscriminately you are re- on the skin: Certain molecules, such products should be used in the
purchase takes much longer around 15 days and
hospital environments, but its use dian Institute of Science, moving useful commensal bacteria known as lipopolysaccharides, right quantity, as overuse does not
over six sessions.
spread as a miracle guard against Bengaluru. which help to ward off infection, which are specific to gram-negative increase effectiveness.
infection. Triclosan is being used Asha Benkappa, director of In- she says, adding, Regular soap is bacteria, and lipoteichoic acid, spe- cinthya.anand@thehindu.co.in
Feelings about
a face OPINION
In a creepy Straight to the heart
experiment, a
research team
Stocktaking in
PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
reports in PLoS
Biology that they
were able to change
the dengue war
how people felt about strangers faces by having impregnating indoor
them do random tasks via a specialised software curtains with insecticides
called DecNef. Volunteers in the experiment were such as Pyrethroid has
proved efficacious.
trained to develop a mild but significant A comprehensive
preference or dislike for faces that they had NIRMAL BRATATI strategy is deemed
previously regarded neutrally. When the volunteers KUMAR MUKHO necessary due to absence
were quizzed later, a significant proportion of them GANGULY PADHYAY of a specific antiviral
A
in spite of knowing that a software had decade ago, when at therapy. A safe, efficacious
influenced their perception said that their new, the Indian Council of and cost-effective dengue
implanted feelings about the faces were solidified. Medical Research vaccine remains a high
(ICMR), we published a public health priority.
paper, Dengue in Kerala: The vaccine by Sanofi
Drug combo and A Critical Review, which Pasteur has been licensed
highlighted the status of after Phase III trials and
leukaemia fight dengue fever in the light approved by some
A study in mice of factors that have forced national regulatory
combining two a sylvatic mosquito like authorities. It has been
inhibitor drugs for Aedes albopictus to seek a introduced in Philippines
treatment of Chronic new breeding habitat near and a few other endemic
myeloid leukaemia PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT habitation and facilitate countries. The results are
(CML) can not only transmission of dengue expected soon and keenly
stop the disease completely but also significantly virus in a virtually non- awaited. This candidate
PILL-SIZED: In April 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved usage of the pacemaker for patients with immune population. Cut vaccine has also been
lower treatment cost. CML is a cancer of the white
bradycardia, a term for a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (BPM) in adults. The miniaturised heart to 2016, where an article recommended by SAGE, a
blood cells accounting for 20 per cent of adult
device, known as the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, was implanted at Jackson South Community Hospital, (The Hindu, May 19) WHO body which looks at
leukaemia. Researchers combined the BCR-ABL
U.S. No more than an inch long, the gadget, unlike traditional pacemakers, is implanted inside the heart. Picture forewarns of the various vaccines for
tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with another inhibitor infectious diseases. The
shows the worlds smallest pacemaker being displayed at a media event. It is similar to the one that was hyperendemic form that
drug known as venetoclax and observed vaccine against dengue at
implanted into a 78-year-old patient. PHOTO: AFP dengue may take in the
encouraging response and cure rates for both the the moment can be used
chronic phase of the disease and its fatal end-stage State this year.
The prophecy has come only for those between 9
phase called blast crisis. BCR-ABL inhibitors are the true. This year, Kerala has 45 years of age.
current standard-of-care treatment allowing most INTERVIEW recorded 4,060 dengue Similarly, the NIH
A
fter the categorical verdict of the Delhi protesting against the governments unwill- trigger a huge expansion in low-skilled man- (2015-16) believes that contract labour is
High Court last month that the Capital is ingness to grant a 12-point charter of de- ufacturing is thus highly suspect in todays merely a corporate response to regulatory
a Union Territory, it was quite clear that mands they had put forward. A year ago, uni- changed situation. cholesterol. However, reducing worker pro-
any decision made by Chief Minister ons had signalled their discontent by having tection in the organised sector may not be
Arvind Kejriwal without the Lieutenant a similar nation-wide strike. The experience so far the answer many firms would still prefer
Governors approval will be rendered illegal. Coun- This year, one of the principal demands of Moreover, the academic literature on the the contract option simply because its
sel for the Delhi government had to concede the the unions was an increase in the daily subject is not unambiguously in favour of cheaper. Rather, we must extend worker pro-
point in court, leading to the appointment of 21 minimum wage for unskilled workers from easing labour laws as a means for hiring tection and benefits to contract labour as
Rs.246 to Rs.692. They rejected an increase more labour. Dismissal laws in France are well.
Delhi legislators as parliamentary secretaries being in the wage to Rs.350 ofered by the govern- more stringent than in India, but that did not Privatisation and FDI are other areas of
set aside. The appointments, made in March 2015, ment. Some of their other major concerns come in the way of Frances prospering for concern for organised labour. It is not that
sufered from multiple legal infirmities. Apart from were: proposed changes in labour laws; In a situation where domestic over a century. China itself has made its la- we have seen major initiatives to sell of
the lack of the LGs concurrence, it raised the ques- growing casualisation of labour; privatisa- bour laws more stringent so that they are PSUs. But there are clear attempts to further
tion of whether it was an oice of profit under the tion; and greater opening up to foreign direct firms have weakened by comparable to those in India (except in spe- shrink the role of the public sector. Public
government, something legislators are barred from investment (FDI). inadequate growth, foreign direct cial economic zones). sector banks (PSB), for instance, have been
holding. The penalty stipulated in the Constitution investment is seen as displacing Indeed, some of the literature suggests starved of capital and many banks are today
for a legislator holding an oice of profit is disquali- Future tense, present imperfect that giving workers greater protection helps without chairmen and managing directors.
Labour is restive today. It is apprehensive jobs in domestic firms increase productivity by giving workers Moves have also been initiated to merge
fication. The Election Commission has reserved its
about what the future bodes for itself. But its more incentives to invest in firm-specific PSBs. Unions see these moves as impacting
verdict on the question whether these 21 MLAs
not as if labour militancy has gone up in re- flexibility in labour laws, a euphemism for skills. Along with collective bargaining, jobs in the formal sector adversely.
have incurred such disqualification, and it is pos- cent years. On the contrary, man-days lost freedom to hire and fire. The Industrial Rela- worker protection leads to more egalitarian In principle, FDI should mean more in-
sible for the Aam Aadmi Party now to ask the mat- due to industrial disputes (lockouts and tions Code Bill, 2016, which is said to favour outcomes in society. There is also evidence vestment and more job creation. However, in
ter to be closed, citing the courts setting aside of strikes) came down from 23.7 million in 2001 such flexibility, is due to be tabled in Parlia- that the bias against workers in Indian in- a situation where domestic firms have
the appointments. At the same time, it cannot be to 13 million in 2012 before rising to 19 mil- ment in the near future. It is bound to evoke a dustry may have more to do with tax incent- weakened by inadequate growth, FDI is seen
denied that the EC could still choose to decide lion in 2013. These figures are considerably strong reaction from unions as well as Op- ives for capital than with restrictive labour as displacing jobs in domestic firms.
whether these MLAs had indeed held an oice of lower than those in the 1970s and 1980s. position parties. laws.
profit for nearly a year-and-a-half. They had been However, there is little doubt that orga- Several economists say that rigid labour A second issue that agitates unions is the Its the jobs
rendered further vulnerable after the President nised labour in India, as in the rest of the laws are the reason India has not generated growing trend towards casualisation of la- The proposed labour reforms seek to
withheld assent to a Delhi Bill to protect them from world, sees itself as a loser in the changes un- enough jobs in the formal sector only bour. This was one of the reasons for labour weaken worker protection at a time when
leashed by liberalisation and globalisation. It about 10 per cent of jobs are in the organised unrest at Marutis plant at Manesar in Hary- the Indian economy is not creating enough
incurring disqualification once again because it fears that if the government goes ahead with sector and the remaining 90 per cent in the ana last year. jobs and the right kind of jobs. The rate of
was introduced without the LGs approval. some of its proposed reforms, its losses unorganised sector. As large firms do not Companies find it expedient to employ la- growth of employment slumped from 2.8 per
Mr. Kejriwal could have avoided this setback had will begin to mount. have the confidence that they can shed bour on contract. They can then leave the job cent in 2000-05 to 0. 5 per cent in 2011-12. In
he not given executive oversight responsibilities to Indian businesspeople as well as many workers in adverse conditions, they do not of managing regulations and inspectors to the same period, the labour force grew at 2.9
so many of his partys legislators. In practice, parlia- economists have long clamoured for greater wish to enter labour-intensive, low-skilled the contract labour firms. They can also stay per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively. In the
mentary secretaries are junior ministers. In this organised sector, the share of informal em-
case, their appointment could also have been chal- ployment rose from 48 per cent in 2004-05 to
lenged on the ground that after their inclusion, the
CARTOONSCAPE 54.6 per cent in 2011-12.
strength of the Council of Ministers had exceeded Job creation in the private sector is de-
pressed by the low rate of investment. In-
the constitutional limit of 10 per cent on the
vestment itself is constrained by numerous
strength of the Delhi Assembly. In the case of other factors: high levels of debt, high interest
States, the limit is 15 per cent. In some States, parlia- rates, a deceleration in corporate loans
mentary secretaries have been able to stave of dis- growth in PSBs, etc. In these conditions, a fo-
qualification by getting the post saved from dis- cus on weakening dismissal laws in the orga-
qualification by legislation. However, no one has nised sector as the key to job creation is mis-
been able to get around the numerical cap on the placed.
size of the Ministry under Article 164(1A) of the The International Monetary Funds
Constitution. All told, Mr. Kejriwal got himself into World Economic Outlook (April 2016) lends
a legal quagmire by seeking to take on the LG in the support to this view. It cites studies that have
shown that weakening dismissal conditions
belief he had the same leeway as other CMs did. He under adverse economic conditions tends to
will continue to maintain that the post of parlia- reduce employment. The IMF argues that if
mentary secretary, inasmuch as it entails no salary such changes to labour laws are to be carried
or perquisites, is not an oice of profit. Yet, it can- out, there must be ofsetting fiscal expansion
not be denied that the issue has caused him loss that helps raise demand for labour. India is in
of face, of credibility and some of the moral righ- no position to meet this condition as we are
teousness that propelled him to power. still in the process of fiscal consolidation.
There is a time for undertaking certain
structural reforms and there is a time for not
doing so. Focussing on changes to labour
ISRO makes India laws at the present time, far from fostering
job creation, is likely to be
T
T.T. Ram Mohan is a professor at IIM Ahmedabad. E-mail:
he Indian Space Research Organisation ttr@iima.ac.in
(ISRO) crossed an important milestone
with the successful launch of weather
satellite INSAT-3DR using a Geosyn- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
chronous Satellite Launch Vehicle equipped with
the indigenous cryogenic upper stage. The success- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
ful launch marks a departure from the long history
of failures with the GSLV; except for the first, every India elated The event is a great transformational numerous problems India faces. The service should have a basic relation Even after the Supreme Court has
launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle tool to change attitudes towards government should have introduced to the cost involved in providing it ordered the release of water to Tamil
(PSLV), the workhorse of ISRO, has been a success. The two young athletes, Thangavelu people with disabilities and shows biometric authentication in a phased (Editorial Efective, but not Nadu, regional outfits in Karnataka
That September 8 launch marks the third consecut- Mariyappan and Varun Singh Bhati, that they too are an integral part of manner and conducted an equitable, Sept.10). are bent on creating trouble.
deserve rich praise for scripting society. But why was media coverage eiciency survey to understand Surge pricing is about exploiting Farmers in the delta region of Tamil
ive success; the fact that it is the first operational
history by clinching gold and bronze of the event minimal? problems at the ground level. The human exigencies and Nadu have always been dependent
flight by the GSLV carrying the indigenous cryo- medals at the ongoing Paralympic right use of technology will help us vulnerabilities and is therefore on the Cauvery and the denial of
genic upper stage is confirmation that India now Devendra Singh Budania,
Games at Rio de Janeiro (Twin Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan to achieve our goals but the unethical. One shudders to think of their just demands is bound to
belongs to the elite club of countries that have delight as Indians strike gold, bronze unscientific and forceful manner in the consequences if surge pricing impact their livelihood. Constant
mastered the cryogenic technology. Maintaining at Paralympics, Sept.11). The medal which such technology is introduced finds its way to sectors like health disruptions in a State come at an
structural and thermal integrity of the engine at winners need more assistance and The Aadhaar impact will only afect the eicacy of the care. Instead of resorting to economic cost as well. There have
very high temperatures during combustion just a encouragement from the authorities The Public Distribution System has PDS. gimmicks such as surge pricing, the been similar problems between
few centimetres away from 250 C, a temperature concerned. always been known to be ineicient Gopichand Paturi, Indian Railways should realistically Kerala and Tamil Nadu with regard
at which materials behave very diferently, is a huge Prem K. Menon, and mired in corruption (Dark Hyderabad and comprehensively revise the fare to the Mullaperiyar and Siruvani
challenge. Likewise, igniting a cryogenic fuel and Mumbai clouds over the PDS, Sept.10). Now structure across the board to projects. With the issue of water
that loopholes have been identified Large parts of rural India are still augment resources. Moreover, sharing remaining a constant
sustaining the combustion for a prolonged period is It is unfortunate that economic such as inadequacy of digitally unconnected; therefore, scarce resources should not be irritant, the Centre cannot just sit
a daunting task. The Thursday launch had fully util- diiculties come in the way of commodities, lack of supervision of denying rations to those who do not thrown away on show pieces like back and watch the issue fester.
ised the maximum payload carrying capacity of the nurturing ones talent, as the PDS centres, paying bribes to obtain have an Aadhaar card is both unjust bullet trains. The priority should be There has to be a permanent and
GSLV-Mk II by carrying the heaviest satellite (2,211 example of Mariyappan shows. One cards, etc it must be restructured. and illegal. Without creating proper in improving basic passenger practical formula for the sharing the
kg) ever from Indian soil. This became possible on- hopes that the district A 2005 survey report by awareness and training, imposing a amenities and safety. water between riparian States.
ly because the cryogenic upper stage was used. Un- administrations in each State go Transparency International revealed cumbersome identification Manohar Alembath, Resorting to judicial relief is only a
like solid and liquid propellants, the specific im- about identifying talent. As one of PDS corruption to the extent of procedure on the rural population Kannur, Kerala temporary and palliative measure.
pulse or thrust provided by a cryogenic rocket the medal winners has said, had they Rs.356 crore a year. can prove counterproductive. Going A. Michael Dhanaraj,
stage is much higher and is therefore more eicient got support early enough, they could Ritesh Raj, back to the use of ration cards is a
have gone higher in their feats. Patna viable alternative. Water sharing row Coimbatore
to carry heavier payloads.
N. Mahadevan, The report, A dam and its
Unlike in the case of the PSLV where industry
Chennai Jean Drze has clearly shown that
Gaurav Singhal,
discontents (Tamil Nadu editions, Conquering malaria
Rewari, Haryana
participation is around 80 per cent, it is only about praise of e-technology can be Sept.11), on the proposed Siruvani Sri Lankas malaria-free status is
half in the case of the GSLV. ISRO is a research and It is R. Rajendran, Mariyappans premature. Aadhaar-based project by Kerala government, and remarkable considering the political
development organisation and not a production or- physical education teacher at school, biometric authentication will not Nepotism in the Navy which has created outrage in Tamil instability and the Eelam wars that it
ganisation, but the lack of greater industry par- who deserves praise for spotting the only repel most of the deserving Extending unlawful favours to near Nadu, was timely. However, I felt went through (Editorial Sri Lanka
ticipation has resulted in it being unable to launch athletes talent early enough and beneficiaries but also create hurdles and dear ones is not something new that quite a few of the aspects conquers malaria, Sept. 8). Its
more satellites in a year using the GSLV. However, asking him to switch over to in the quick distribution of even in the highest echelons of our discussed did not have a connection success in public-private sector
eforts are under way to change this and ISRO has athletics and high jump from foodgrain. Skilled and e-savvy polity. But the extension of such with the issue. The report would coordination will suggest solutions
set a target of two GSLV launches in a year by 2018- volleyball. To me, this is what is workers are required. A chain is as favours to ignore trained oicers in have been complete had the views of in Afghanistan and Pakistan. While
called providential grace. strong as its weakest link. the defence forces comes as a rude the Kerala government and residents India is inching closer to becoming
2019. Even as the GSLV-Mk II has completed its first shock (Nepotism nuked our
S. Ramakrishnasayee, H.S. Dimple, on the Kerala side of the Siruvani malaria-free, it would be best if it
operational flight, ISRO is busy preparing for a Ranipet, Tamil Nadu Jagraon, Punjab careers, Sept.11). What is surprising river been sought. Keralas argument studies the Sri Lankan model. Indias
ground qualification test of a more powerful GSLV- is the shameless and audacious act for constructing a check dam in the challenge is unique because of the
Mk III launch vehicle in about two months. The No words of appreciation will be The PDS is a major contributor to of the naval oicer concerned who Attapadi region is that there are no scalability factor.
first experimental flight using the GSLV-Mk III is enough to describe the enormous the widening gap between the rich elevated his son-in-law by bypassing major or medium retaining Perhaps SAARC could go in a unique
scheduled to take place by the end of this year and and unstinted fighting spirit the two and the poor an irony for an the expertise and training of other structures in the command area of direction by focussing on improving
will use a new cryogenic engine. With an ability to special athletes displayed. Now that agro-based economy. Now, with the oicers in a very specialised field. the project. Most of the irrigation health care. Indias success in
provide double the thrust compared with the cur- they have proved that they can win introduction of technology, it is sad Not being able to use the skills and facilities are privately owned lift eradicating polio, Bangladeshs in
rent cryogenic technology, the vehicle would be medals, the Central and State that it has only added to the agony of expert training of the 11 oicers is a irrigation systems, which are gender inclusion and Bhutans focus
governments should provide them poor households. It is also a fact that loss to our national security, which confined to small patches. Further, on happiness as a part of
able to carry payloads up to four tonnes. This
unstinted support as well as to Internet connectivity speeds are an no nation can aford. It is surprising farmers, mainly tribals, rely mainly development are where we could
would mean that the GSLV-Mk III, when fully oper- sports institutions and coaches to issue in India. A more feasible that the men kept quiet all along. on rain-fed agriculture. start. By focussing on health, social
ational after three-four launches, will make ISRO seek out and nurture hidden talent. system is what is needed. and gender issues, SAARC could
V. Lakshmanan, N.S. Venkataraman,
truly independent by not having to rely on facilities J.S.V.S.K.N. Prasad, Raunak Agarwal, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu Chennai become the first-of-its-kind regional
abroad for launching heavier payloads. Besides in- Mangaluru Kanpur body to focus on issues other than
dependence, the country would stand to gain tre- There has always been acrimony those of a political/economic nature.
mendously through cheaper launches. In the Paralympics, the focus of the It is obvious that using technology is Surge pricing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Akshay Viswanathan,
event is on ability, and not disability. not a one-stop solution to the The pricing of any product or over the sharing of Cauvery water. Thiruvananthapuram
ND-ND
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
C
ongress vice-president Rahul Gandhis ated from the abject disdain they expe- We recognise that a well-educated young ble cultivation, so as to achieve self-suffi-
kisan yatra continues to roll through rienced under the previous United Demo- generation is our States wealth. A scheme to ciency in agriculture. This will be a peoples
Uttar Pradesh. In advance of the As- cratic Front regime towards their interests as foster around 1,500 start-ups is an attempt to participatory programme on the lines of
sembly elections due early in 2017, Mr. well as that of the States environment. Agony encourage entrepreneurship among the literacy mission, democratic decentralisa-
Gandhi is on a Deoria-to-Delhi trek, and in its early brewed by the Central governments policies youth and Rs.150 crore has been set aside for tion and peoples planning. Power generation
days he has managed to keep the spotlight on his that struck at the very root of the sovereignty it. It has been decided to add one crore square from solar energy and wind energy will also
presence in various ways. His khaat sabhas of the nation and all sections of our society feet to our existing IT parks. Efforts are also be a part of this project.
was also reflected in the Lefts victory. being made to attract successful IT firms to Our commitment to the environment is
created a flutter as some rural folk, invited to sit
At a time when the global finance capital is establish themselves in Kerala. evident in our commitment to ensure the
around informally, took off with the stringed cots. at its worst crisis and protests against it are strict implementation of the Kerala Conser-
The subsequent wisecracks by political opponents rife throughout the world, we realise that a Social security and social justice vation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act of
about Congress workers struggling to stop the solid commitment to the peoples interests ILLUSTRATION: KESHAV
All welfare pensions have been increased 2008. Paddy cultivation is also being pro-
flight of the khaats were, wisely, dovetailed into the alone can make a government relevant to Industrial development to to Rs.1,000 per month and have been dis- moted in barren lands suitable for farming.
message of acute rural distress that the party is those it governs. It is precisely why we have bursed to benefactors, including arrears; Aiming to make Kerala 100 per cent open def-
seeking to amplify. A poor farmer making off with a developed a two-pronged strategy that will us is not merely the Rs.3,100 crore is being issued at the increased ecation-free by the 60th anniversary of Ker-
freebie as basic as a charpoy was being called a guide us throughout the next five years. On establishment of new industries rate with effect from June 2016, through five ala Piravi (November 1, the day the State was
thief, said Mr. Gandhi, taking aim at the BJP govern- the one hand, we will vigorously champion but also the protection of our types of pensions to 37 lakh pensioners at created) is also a pointer to our commitment
ment at the Centre, while flamboyant businessmen long-term projects to achieve comprehens- their doorsteps before Onam. Measures have to the environment.
ive development of the State and on the other, public sector units. been taken to raise the minimum wages of There are four types of homeless people in
who dupe banks were being politely referred to as we will relentlessly proceed with short-term 13,000 khadi workers as well as to establish a Kerala. Those with land, but no homes.
defaulters. So far, Mr. Gandhi has taken pot shots at relief measures to provide succour for our projects, particularly Kannur Airport, Kochi Khadi Village. The Mahatma Gandhi Na- Those with unusable homes that have di-
all his opponents: he said the elephant (the election disadvantaged sections in their distress. Metro, Light Metro at Thiruvananthapuram tional Rural Employment Guarantee lapidated over time. Those who have no land
symbol of the Bahujan Samaj Party) has eaten away and Kozhikode and Kochi Water Metro. Kan- Scheme, which plays a crucial role in ensur- and are living on encroached land. Those
everything, the cycle (symbol of the ruling Sama- Towards comprehensive development nur Airport is set to become the biggest air- ing social security in Kerala, is being revived who have no land but cannot move out of
jwadi government) is punctured, and Prime We are seized of the absolute necessity to port of India once it is operational in April to ensure working days equivalent to their current living places owing to their
Minister Narendra Modi takes selfies with the pow- attract investment, to provide infrastructure 2017. As Kerala has a long coastline and Rs.1,000 crore through it. nature of work, like those in the fishing in-
erful, not with ordinary farmers. If this gives the ap- and to develop industry so as to achieve a numerous inland waterbodies like rivers and Subsequent to the declaration of a three- dustry, estate workers, tribals, etc. We are un-
pearance of indiscriminate attacks on all foes, the comprehensive development of the State. lakes, the construction of Kochi Water Metro month moratorium on all loans taken by en- dertaking a massive housing campaign, LIFE
Even though our finances are limited, we are has been initiated as part of the development dosulfan survivors, a comprehensive loan (livelihood, inclusion, financial empower-
strategy may in fact be rather more carefully cali-
particular to not let that become a hindrance of the water transport sector which is waste- waiver scheme is being implemented to ment), to build houses for 2 lakh families
brated. The Congress must know it has no chance in achieving our objectives. If we wait to at- free and less accident-prone. Light Metro is provide solace to around 10,000 families. The without land or housing in the next five
of succeeding in its avowed aim of winning the tain adequate finances before proceeding our effort to reduce traffic congestion and government is bearing an additional ex- years. Six lakh people will benefit from this
election alone but to count as a political force in with developmental activities, Kerala might pollution in our cities. Efforts are on to devel- penditure of Rs.40 crore for this scheme in path-breaking initiative. As our State faces an
U.P. and at the national level, the party needs to be get left behind in all spheres. That is precisely op our National Highways maintaining inter- which loans of up to Rs.5 lakh will be waived acute shortage of land, housing complexes
seen to be backing itself, and being the primary why the government has reconstituted the national standards as well. The renovation of off. To alleviate the agrarian crisis in Way- will be built, requiring only 1,140 acres. Social
spokesperson of the electorates aspirations. Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund our States district roads as well as rural roads anad, a moratorium has been declared on the security schemes will be initiated in the
That these roadshows are not about U.P. alone is Board (KIIFB) for infrastructure de- along with the smart road project will also be loans of the farmers there, providing relief to housing complexes, as well as skill training
obvious from the absence from the frame of the velopment and capital investment. An ordin- implemented without delay. them; Rs.50 crore is being allocated to allevi- for adults among the beneficiaries. Emphasis
Congresss chief ministerial candidate, Sheila ance was passed to attract investments out- Industrial development to us is not merely ate the distress of debt-ridden workers in the will be on financial empowerment and
side the budget, of up to Rs.50,000 crore in the establishment of new industries, but it is fishing industry as well. providing means of livelihood.
Dikshit. Whether the roadshows will meet with the the next five years for land acquisition, to also the protection of our public sector units. We are committed to ensuring compre-
level of success that Sonia Gandhis 2004 campaign construct big roads, bridges, industrial parks While the Central public sector units are fa- hensive social security for the impoverished Progressive and secular society
through U.P. or Mr. Gandhis own 2009 mobilisa- and to develop IT and tourism. The govern- cing threats of closure owing to negligence and distressed workers in the traditional sec- Our government has not minced words in
tion did is still uncertain. Each of those journeys ment will provide guarantee for investments and faulty economic outlook of successive tor. Cashew factories shut down by the previ- exposing those outfits that can cause dishar-
through U.P. gave the Congress the ability to throw made through KIIFB, which is a first in India. Central governments, the State is proposing ous government were reopened on Chingam mony in our society. We will continue our
its voice farther on the national stage. Those were, Infrastructure is the backbone of indus- to breathe new life into such units in Kerala. 1 of the Malayalam calendar. Similarly, stay- staunch opposition to such destructive
however, Lok Sabha campaigns, in which the Con- trial development and a quick and conveni- The State government has already proceeded ing true to our promise, we have established a forces and ensure that the progressive, secu-
gress has tended to fare better than in State elec- ent transportation system is an absolute ne- with the renovation so as to enable the re- separate department for women. Budgetary lar nature of our society is nourished and
tions. For instance, it got 21 (out of 80) Lok Sabha cessity for a modern society. We are on an opening of Fertilizers and Chemicals Travan- allocation has been made to construct public cherished.
overdrive to complete our infrastructural core Limiteds urea plant which was shut toilets, especially for the use of women. A government becomes relevant only
seats in 2009, but three years later managed just 28
when it is able to make a positive con-
(out of 404) Assembly seats. Since then, in the sin- tribution in the day-to-day lives of its cit-
gular summer of 2014 the BJPs campaign left the CARTOONSCAPE izens. Our proposed Administrative Reforms
Congress and the two regional giants witless. So Commission will enable us to ensure that
the Congress campaign is being waged as much both government and bureaucracy makes a
against the incumbent government in Lucknow as positive contribution to the people it gov-
that in New Delhi. Mr. Gandhis media managers erns. Similarly, a government becomes de-
have succeeded in moderating the surround sound pendable only when people realise that they
of the yatra with no sectional vote base anymore, will not falter on any promise made. Con-
the Congress now has the opportunity to unveil a structing a house for the mother of Jisha, who
was murdered in Perumbavoor, and making
cohesive, inclusive manifesto. it available a day before the promised date;
the decision to increase the rate of welfare
pensions; reopening of cashew factories; dis-
bursing the pensions of more than 37 lakh
They are people at their homes within 100 days; and
the fact that we were able to start the compre-
T
he findings of the Unicef report, Up- ination to fulfil every promise we have made
rooted: The Growing Crisis for Refugee so far will be reflected in all our forthcoming
and Migrant Children, could not be grim- programmes as well.
mer. Over 50 per cent of the 50 million While all the naysayers in the world will
children who have migrated or been forcibly dis- unite to tell us that there is no alternative, in
placed across borders are said to have fled violence. this small State of Kerala, we, because of our
About one in three children who live outside their sheer commitment to the people who have
country of birth is a refugee. The much smaller ra- bestowed us with this responsibility of gov-
tio of displacement for adults less than one in 20 ernance, are leaving no stone unturned to
achieve a peoples alternative; an alternative
according to the UN High Commissioner for that caters to the hopes and aspirations of all
Refugees reveals the starkness of the situation. sections of our society.
The UNHCR says that in the decade ending 2015,
the number of child refugees almost doubled. Last Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala.
year, Syria and Afghanistan alone accounted for
nearly half the worlds child refugees, highlighting
the brutal impact of the war on a segment of society LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
that had little to do with the conflict directly or oth- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
erwise and is the most vulnerable. The last decade
saw two landmark rulings on the conscription of
Worker protection Office of profit encourage students to think of a strengthen India-ASEAN relations Myanmar one that the new
child soldiers. The first was the 2007 judgment of career in space research. and increase connectivity with popular government is unlikely to
the UN-backed tribunal for Sierra Leone against The article, Labours loves lost The controversy over the office of Southeast Asia. Ms. Suu Kyis U.S acknowledge. In the past, Ms. Suu
Vedant Mishra,
three men from a rebel armed group. The other was (Sept.12), raises a basic question: profit issue will continue to drag on Unnao, Uttar Pradesh trip can be a game changer for Kyi has spoken about this but has
the conviction of Congolese warlord Thomas Lub- whether the era of capitalisation can as long as the Supreme Court does Myanmar as Washington is eager to now fallen silent, and strangely, over
anga by the International Criminal Court in 2012. enable social security. Can Indian not make clear which offices fall Following the atomic tests, ISRO collaborate with the Southeast inhuman acts committed against the
Against this backdrop, the dramatic rise in school democracy allow the market to under the office of profit criteria. was blacklisted by the U.S., and Asian nation to counter China. Rohingyas. One wonders whether
enrolment under a global universal primary educa- grow without establishing an If its about parliamentary sensitive technologies such as Myanmar can play a pivotal role in she endorses the view of the
tion drive, or the halving of infant mortality rates egalitarian society? The answer is secretaries this time, it could be cryogenic engine science were deciding the geopolitics of the nationalists in Myanmar or is just
under the Millennium Development Goals, seem no. The writer has not addressed another post or office the next. In denied to it. It was the consistent region. trying to please the majorities who
the basic apprehensions of labour Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya vs hard work of our scientific Vanshika Vijh, have helped her party win.
like postcards from another universe. The shocking
unions seeking quality of life and Ajoy Biswas, the top court had community that enabled us to Ludhiana, Punjab Khushi Singh Rathore,
reality of trafficking in boys and girls, conscription social security. ruled that to determine what overcome this barrier. India has now Jaipur
by armed groups in conflict zones and exploitation A novel business model can be constitutes office of profit, each become a world leader in cost- After decades of despotic and
in the sex trade has overshadowed these advances, thought of where private sector case must be judged in light of the effective space launches and isolationist military rule, the
portending both immediate and long-term danger social security providers can be relevant provisions and sections. technologies. With the milestone of restoration of democracy in A fail-safe step
to whole generations. Paradoxically, the recom- involved. The net they provide can But this case-wise approach has launching a heavier payload, we no Myanmar is a good sign for India to The Maharashtra governments
mendations of the Unicef report are so compre- be based on equal monetary several ambiguities. Perhaps the longer have to depend on the further strengthen amicable move to no longer declare a Class X
hensive that short of swift and sweeping changes in contributions from the government answer lies in following the England European Ariane launchers. ISRO relations with the country. candidate to have failed is an
global policy and practice, they are unlikely to yield and the owner. The corpus created model whenever a new office is has proved, yet again, that Myanmar is a key gateway to Indias illusion and will never address the
tangible results. A case in point is the suggestion will enable the social and financial created, the law lays down whether technology has never been the Act East policy and can provide basic questions (Maharashtra govt.
security of the employee and it is an office of profit or not. repository of a few. huge trade opportunities between makes exams fail safe, Sept.12).
that governments should address the root causes of enhance employer-employee east Asian countries and northeast There is no doubt that this will help
conflict, violence and extreme poverty, and instead Karan Dange, Gaurav Singhal,
relations. New Delhi Rewari, Haryana India. to reduce the drop-out rate
divert scarce resources to fulfil more fundamental Apart from ushering in especially among those who hail
Abhinav Sharma,
necessities of life. The spirit underlying this idea is Ludhiana, Punjab development, increasing from economically backward
as compelling as the complexities of realpolitik that ISROs success Policy under Suu Kyi connectivity and enabling the sections. But to introduce an angle
impede its translation into action. This is evident in Worker protection has become a ISRO has not looked back ever since India has always been an ardent economic integration of the of parental pressure is
respect of the challenge of combating international myth in ideology and practice due to the launch and success of the Mars supporter of the values Aung San Northeast, it will also provide unwarranted. The government
terrorism by a delineation of its political ante- massive corruption, nepotism and Orbiter Mission, showing to the Suu Kyi stands for (On Suu Kyis economic opportunities for India in should have worked towards the
cedents. Conversely, the idea to dispense with the favouritism taking a heavy toll on world the potential India has in itinerary, Sept.12). The time is now terms of technology, medical and enhancing the quality of education
the available labour force. Policies space exploration, research and ripe for greater economic, political defence transactions. among the less privileged sections
detention of children seeking refugee status and to
of the government, such as navigation. Other success stories and social cooperation with Gagan Pratap Singh, creating more opportunities for
do away with reporting requirements, potentially MGNREGA, which are aimed at the such as the PSLV-C28 mission, Myanmar. Moving forward on the Noida, Uttar Pradesh children rather than making
benefiting 11 million, is a more pragmatic proposal. welfare of unskilled workers are setting up of the IRNSS and testing India-Myanmar-Thailand highway compromises with academic
Prima facie, there is merit in this approach, as gov- faltering because of inadequate of a scramjet engine are testimony project as well as the Kaladan multi- Behind the celebration of Ms. Suu standards at a crucial stage and
ernments may be expected to take a more sym- monitoring by the government. to this. modal project can make India and Kyis participation in the democratic creating unemployable graduates.
pathetic view on humanitarian imperatives. N. Visveswaran, What needs to be done now is to go Myanmar strong trading partners. process lies the dark reality of the Akshay Sarjerao Kamble,
Chennai to the grass-root level and These initiatives will also help to plight of the Muslim minorities of Mumbai
CM ND-ND
YK
1ias.com NOIDA/DELHI
E
motions often trump reason. The Cauvery drawn up by it suo motu or on a complaint. or a commissioner of police. lapses into corruption and high-handedness
water dispute is turning out to be less Aimed principally at protecting the accused The court also provided for the possible at the drop of a hat, especially in rural India.
about water and irrigation and more about who may come to know that he figures in an objections of a technical nature that could be
linguistic chauvinism and regional iden- FIR, but has no idea of the allegations which raised by vested interests both policemen A telling cynicism
tity. Nothing else can explain the mindless violence formed its basis, this order is also a shot in the and the political network who did not Talking to officers across regions, we how-
in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Supreme arm for activists who want to protect citizens want FIRs to be publicised through the Inter- ever found a measure of cynicism on the
Court order asking the former to release water to from State harassment on flimsy grounds. In net. practicalities of implementing the apex
this momentous order, Youth Bar Asso- courts order. We are not surprised at this, be-
the latter, keeping in view the distress situation in Issue of logistics
ciation of India v Union of India and others, cause every time courts have sought to curb
both States in a season of deficit rainfall. Many of Justices Dipak Misra and C. Nagappan laid One principal negative response to the or- police arbitrariness by clamping restrictions
the acts of violence have been perpetuated in the down several guidelines which could help to der points to existing modest police re- on the day-to-day routine, there has been
two States by chauvinistic, fringe organisationsthat promote transparency and curb arbitrariness ILLUSTRATION: SURENDRA
sources, especially in the rural areas, that furtive resentment. This is why we strongly
have little to do with the farming community or its in police work. could hinder easy implementation of the believe that we should not permit any
interests. It is clear that there is insufficient water in The apex court direction, incidentally, also We would have been happier court directive. Many police stations, espe- sabotage of the latest court order. We should
Karnatakas reservoirs to meet the full irrigation benefits victims of crime who have no means had the Supreme Courts order cially those in remote areas, may have a com- work towards building public opinion which
needs of both States. The point of the Supreme of getting to know whether their complaint puter, but may not necessarily be connected would demand implementation of the direct-
Court order was to make the States share their dis- had been brought on record or not. This is also addressed certain to the Web. Taking cognisance of this logist- ive both in letter and in spirit. For genuine ad-
tress and not to magicallyfulfil the needs of farmers welcome because of the Indian polices dubi- fundamental issues afflicting ical problem, the court permits the latitude of herence to what the court has laid down here,
ous record of suppressing crime. Viewed in police administration extending the deadline for uploading FIRs and in several other instances, we need the
on both sides. But political parties and some media this perspective, the courts prescription from 24 to 48 hours, or even to 72 hours, un- stakeholders the executive, policemen and
houses, especially regional language television makes it difficult for station house officers to der special circumstances arising from the the lay public to not flinch from their basic
channels, have sought to portray the issue as one ignore crime, a common practice adopted ministers). We consider this latest fiat as ap- remote location of a police station. Such re- duty of wholeheartedly welcoming what the
that pits the people of one State against that of the with a view to helping an offender or to dress propriate against continued reports from laxation of the time limit for uploading would court has said and spreading the message as
other. Indeed, the two major national parties, the police statistics up so that they conceal even across the country of police misconduct for be related only to connectivity difficulties, widely as possible. Without this happening,
Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, have taken a slight rise in crime. their own benefit or to satisfy the ruling and nothing else. we do not see any prospect of the directive
different stands in the two States on this issue. No party. We suggest that where there is a connectiv- being followed strictly.
party or State government appears to believe it can A logical next step In writing its order, the court ity issue, the solution would be to hand We have not forgotten about what
afford to be seen as taking even so much as a con- Right through its history, the Supreme demonstrated an intense application of mind deliver expeditiously a hard copy of the FIR happened to the blueprint for police reform
Court of India has distinguished itself by in respect of two issues: the need to protect to the district police headquarters where that the Supreme Court drew up in Septem-
ciliatory step toward defusing the crisis. On some
coming out with directions which seek to national security, as well as the privacy of a connectivity may not be a problem ber 2006 on the PIL filed by former Uttar Pra-
previous occasions when Karnataka released water buttress the fundamental rights of citizens citizen; and the technical feasibility of imple- through a special messenger. An alternative desh Director General of Police Prakash
in a distress year the State government did so guaranteed by the Constitution. We need to menting its directive that FIRs should be up- would be for the State Crime Branch CID at Singh. Our hearts ache while recalling the
quietly so as to not give chauvinistic elements any recall how the court has been tirelessly active loaded within 48 hours of their registration. police headquarters to act as the repository tendentious dilution of all that the court pre-
opportunity to inflame passions. in ensuring that police arrests of individuals According to the order, there will be exemp- or nodal agency to undertake the task of up- scribed on that occasion in the hope that we
Cauvery is an inter-State dispute, but this is no are kept to the minimum, and when taken in tion from the directive when the alleged of- loading of FIRs. Most States are small and would succeed in establishing an au-
reason to turn the issue into a raging controversy custody, the accused/suspects are accorded fence is sensitive, such as sexual violence or transmission of FIRs even to the CID by spe- tonomous and professional police force.
that draws the peoples of the two States into con- civilised treatment, including access to legal one in which there is an angle of national se- cial police messengers is practical. We estim- We would have been happier had the Su-
frontation. That Tamil-speaking people settled in assistance. The decision prescribing expedi- curity, insurgency or terrorism. We endorse ate that each State may, at the maximum, have preme Courts latest order on FIRs incident-
Karnataka for generations are made to feel insec- tious uploading of FIRs on to the Internet is this exception, because we are living in times about 100 FIRs each day to upload to the Net. ally by way of obiter dictum addressed
therefore in sync with the courts consistent when both privacy and terror issues matter In our view, the Supreme Court order is certain fundamental issues afflicting police
ure, and business establishments run by entrepren- stand that human rights are sacrosanct and greatly. therefore eminently practical. administration. The first is one of police re-
eurs tracing their familial ties to Karnataka are tar- cannot be trampled upon out of malice or at The uploading of FIRs will also not be me- If you ignore these minor logistical diffi- sources at the grass-root level being grossly
geted in Tamil Nadu are indications of how the the instigation of the political executive (read chanical and as a simple rule of thumb. The culties in the way of its quick implementa- inadequate. It is not uncommon for many po-
water dispute goes beyond the interests of the peo- lice stations in the country to each have an ef-
ple and becomes mixed up with the emotive issue fective complement of what is less than 10
of linguistic identity. Ideally, as stipulated by the
CARTOONSCAPE staff at any point of time. This is ridiculously
Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, the technicalit- small. The scene is particularly deplorable in
ies of water-sharing should be left to the Cauvery rural stations. This is explained by the fact of
Management Board, which is to monitor the water many States having a huge number of vacan-
cies, a state of affairs that can be solved
flows with the help of the Cauvery Regulation
mainly through systematic annual
Committee and the respective State authorities. If recruitment. It is scandalous that many
Cauvery is not to be made a plaything in the hands States are woefully negligent in this respect.
of chauvinists, the governments of the two States as A judicial direction that makes annual
well as at the Centre need to send out a strong sig- recruitment mandatory would go a long way
nal to the marauding mobsters that violence, in in alleviating this ill.
whatever name, will be put down strongly by the A more painful fact is the extent of graft
security forces. As laid down by the CWDT, the is- that prevails at police stations in many re-
sue of water-sharing should be left in the hands of gions of the country. There are very few po-
technical experts, and not politicians who are host- lice stations where a citizen can get his com-
plaint registered without greasing the palm
age to the emotions of a parochial fringe. of the station house officer. This goes un-
checked because of the graft at supervisory
in Syria
cal leaning and pliability, rather than on their
professional competence. As long as this
situation remains unchanged, prescriptions
such as transparency in FIR-related matters
T
he agreement reached between Russia may end up being purely cosmetic.
and the United States in Geneva on a
ceasefire in Syria is perhaps the best op- R.K. Raghavan is a former CBI Director. D. Sivanandhan is a
portunity for a solution to the five-and-a- former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai and a former DGP
Maharashtra.
half-year old civil war. Under it, Russia will prevent
the regime of President Bashar al-Assad from
bombing rebel-held areas, while the U.S. will join LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
hands with Russia in the fight against jihadist Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
groups, including the Islamic State. The broad
framework of the deal is the Putin Plan, made pub-
Cauvery protests Leaders across the political announce a 100 per cent crop Political parties of both States have justice schemes are laudable, Mr.
lic a year ago while announcing Russias interven- spectrum from Karnataka and Tamil insurance scheme to all farmers of chosen to ignore best water-saving Vijayan needs to strive hard to
tion in Syria. Vladimir Putin wanted Syrian state- The dispute between Karnataka and Nadu need to meet and get inputs Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in case management practices. In the achieve comprehensive
hood to be restored and the major powers to come Tamil Nadu over sharing of Cauvery from an impartial technical they are unable to raise a successful Cauvery command areas, development.
together in the fight against the jihadists. When water points to this: it is not about a committee and even foreign experts. crop because of a lack of Cauvery unauthorised irrigation for high C.R. Ananthanarayanan,
Russia made the proposal at the UN General As- shortage of water or the Israel has mastered the art of water. India is prosperous enough to water consumptive crop like paddy Bengaluru
sembly, not many had expected that Moscow and development of water sources but prudent water management. Why make this assurance. There must has got out of hand. Command area
Washington would come together on Syria. The about the management of the water not seek its help? also be a scheme to make foodgrains development authorities, the Indian It is clear that the Chief Minister is
U.S.s initial response to the Russian intervention in a sustainable manner. The H.N. Ramakrishna, available. Council of Agricultural Research confident even as he has observed
was sceptical, with reservations about Russia at- festering issue can be solved if there Bengaluru K.S. Venkateswaran, supported institutions and that though our finances are
is an emphasis on improved Chennai agricultural universities have also limited, we are particular to not let
tacking non-IS rebel groups. There were fears technologies for water conveyance, September 12 is a black day in the failed to educate farmers that become a hindrance in
about the conflict escalating into a full-blown war. delivery and allocation. In the end, history of Karnataka. We have read It is high time the Central and State downstream to use research outputs achieving our objectives. It can be
Instead, the Putin Plan seems to have worked, albeit the two States have to live with each about anarchy in books, but we governments enact laws to rein in relating to best water management seen in the disbursement of all
with a heavy human cost. The intervention has other and must forget the bitterness witnessed one in practice. It was a the media which had a field day practices. Various experimental pensions in the stipulated time, as
bolstered the Syrian regime, changing the balance (Karnataka erupts over SC order field day for lumpen elements to beaming provocative visuals and stations and projects sites have proclaimed in the LDF manifesto.
of the conflict. Mr. Assads regime was on the verge on Cauvery, Sept. 13). indulge in arson. It is shocking that advancing their own provocative demonstrated the success of the His assurances on water transport
of collapse a year ago; it is now stable at least in its A.J. Rangarajan, political leaders have described the ideas and opinions. It is a pity that system of rice intensification development are bound to hit
strongholds. The rebels influence has shrunk, Chennai Supreme Courts order as the freedom of speech is method without the use of hurdles. His silence on action taken
though they appear to be unbeatable in many of the unfortunate. The violence had misunderstood and misused in pesticides. It can lead to water against corrupt Ministers and
The mindless torching of buses and very little to do with the water order to boost vested interests. savings of up to 60 per cent. Both officials is disturbing as the electoral
small towns they control. This stalemate and the
the inciting of youngsters to resort dispute. The failure on the part of V.S. Ganeshan, States have competent water verdict was primarily against
fear of more bloodshed may have prompted both to stone throwing and arson are the police department was management experts. The Centre corruption and the misdeeds of the
Bengaluru
the U.S. and Russia to play down their differences. indicative of a planned and exceptional and phenomenal. The should think in terms of supporting UDF. This was missing from the
This time, the prospects for peace are brighter orchestrated affair (TN goes on fact that even the U.S. issued an The Cauvery Water Tribunal should a national project on integrated article.
given the investment the two military powers have high alert, SETC stops plying to advisory shows that Bengalurus evolve a suitable mechanism for the water resource management in the B. Prabha,
made. Both the rebels and the regime have wel- Karnataka, Arson, violence shut image has been tarnished. sharing of water based on different Cauvery basin with support from an Varkala, Kerala
comed the deal. There are positive changes at the down Bengaluru-Mysuru highway K.R. Jayaprakash Rao, levels at the Krishnaragasagar dam institution such as the Asian
regional level as well. Turkey, a staunch supporter and U.S. issues advisory, all Sept. Mysuru at buffer water level, 50 feet, 100 Development Bank.
13). The violence was allowed to ft, 120 ft and and the full height of Fading NAM?
of the rebels, had recently said Mr. Assad could play N.R. Jagannath,
a transitional role in Syria. Two big challenges re- escalate to a level before the police . 125ft. The straightjacketed equation Bengaluru For all his faults, Prime Minister
were allowed to act, which is a clear Fringe elements should vent their and the formula of sharing water at Jawaharlal Nehrus policy of non-
main. First, can Russia halt Mr. Assads fighter jets? indication of political backing and anger against their respective full-flow (based on which 192 tmc is alignment prevented India from
Though Moscow wields strong influence over instigation. The ruling Congress governments and State political awarded to Tamil Nadu annually) is Pinarayis vision being caught in the web of the Cold
Damascus, it has in the past expressed uneasiness party and the Opposition have to parties for their continuous failure not working. The article, There is a peoples War. NAM helped many countries
over the stubbornness of the regime. The regime is share the blame. All it would have in finding a more dynamic solution. A.V. Narayanan, alternative, by Kerala Chief to gain a voice at international fora.
now making gains in the battlefield. Even if Mr. As- taken was for political leaders to The issue also highlights the Tiruchi Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, read It may have suffered a setback but it
sad agrees to suspend the bombing, it is not clear if jointly appeal for peace but it inability of the governments more like a Governors address in is by no means irrelevant (The
he will be prepared to make any meaningful com- never happened. concerned to maintain harmony or The intensity of the violence in the State Assembly highlighting the Margarita mirror, Sept.13). It can
promises in the peace talks. Second, the rebels Sunil Iyengar, take stern action against vandalism. Karnataka especially stems from achievements and ambitions of the still play an important role on
fighting the regime are not a unified force. Russia Bengaluru Since the hydrological cycle and fears of a water crisis in summer. elected government. Kerala has not international fora to meet goals in
precipitation are becoming difficult These are not misplaced. had a stable government for a long health care, sustainable
wants Fateh al-Sham, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda,
With the southwest monsoon to forecast, the Centre and Environmental factors are to blame. time with people voting for the UDF development, curbing global
to be singled out and attacked. The U.S. has agreed turning erratic each passing year, vulnerable States must invest in The two States need to think of or LDF alternately. Successive warming and terrorism. India was
to this suggestion in principle, but its practicality is especially in the Malnad belt which global technologies that might help large-scale water management, and, governments have done nothing to one of the main pillars on which
uncertain. However, the odds should not overshad- is the prime catchment area for the in averting a water crisis. if necessary, build new and larger gain investor confidence and NAM stood and the Prime
ow the significance of the agreement. If the cease- Cauvery, planners need to have a Gowtham G., reservoirs across the State just for promote the economy of the State. Ministers absence will send out the
fire is clearly established, that itself would be quite vision for water management. How Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu drinking water. Hartals and political murders have wrong signals.
an achievement given the horrors of the war. long can we keep blaming climate Thomson Rappai, become a way of life in Kerala. Akshay Viswanathan,
change and dwindling forest cover? The Ministry of Agriculture must Ollur, Kerala While the social security and social Thiruvananthapuram
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
Letting Nepal be
It should be in Indias interest to leave Nepal free to sort out its own challenges. New Delhi should consider
the need for economic growth in U.P. and Bihar when it sits down to strategise on Nepal
the intelligence operatives, the Bharatiya provinces to make them more plains-ori-
T H U R S D AY , S E P T E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 6 Janata Party/Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, ented and stretching east-west from end-to-
KANAK MANI DIXIT assorted godmen, and so on. end. Whereas this is purportedly at the be-
Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) hest of Madhesbaadi politicians, it is not at
will hopefully deepen its own study of all clear that this will benefit Nepals Mad-
Running in It is time for New Delhi to decide to what ex-
Nepal. An understanding of the geography,
demography, economy, the democratic urge
hesi people of plains origin and whether the
demographic make-up of the Terai-Madhes
A
khilesh Yadavs tussle with his uncles ronmental, cultural, economic fronts, and different kind of country within South Asia. openly pushing the amendment agenda, al-
has been a consistent feature of his the dangers of keeping Nepal constantly in- For now, MEA-Indias focus seems exclus- most as if to teach Kathmandu a lesson, let
tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pra- secure and on the boil open up the possibil- ively geo-strategic, to do with controlling them consider that the final formula must
desh. But the rapid developments of this ity of societal instability leaching to adjacent Nepal and its natural resources and counten- perforce benefit the Terai-Madhes plains,
week could mark the deepest fissure in the ruling Indian States. ancing China across the Himalayan range. where there is both density of population
Samajwadi Party. In the span of a few hours on One doubts whether New Delhi think This exclusive preoccupation must be re- and concentration of poverty. The Madhesi
Tuesday, tensions that have simmered ever since tanks have considered the economic impact viewed because of the transformed ground people, citizens suffering historical discrim-
political stability in Nepal would have on the realities where much has changed in terms ination at the hands of the Kathmandu state,
Mr. Yadav came to power in early 2012 rose to a cre-
dispossessed northern regions of Bihar and ILLUSTRATION: SURENDRA of aspirations and access to information on should not be penalised by geopolitics and
scendo. Mr. Yadav shifted out the State Chief Uttar Pradesh. The open border creates such all sides. the all-too-evident weaknesses of the Nepali
Secretary, Deepak Singhal, who had been in the
post for only two months, a man seen to be close to
an interconnected sociocultural web that a Prime Minister Dahal must be national leadership.
stable and prosperous Nepal will be a Geophysical sensitivity
Shivpal Singh Yadav, brother of his father and SP catalyst for this region. The weakness of perceived as a representative of The transforming economy, terrain and Tourism-without-borders
chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav. In no time, the Chief Nepal Studies in Indian academia is Nepals polity rather than a leader geopolitics of the central Himalaya demand There are myriad other pressing issues be-
Minister was replaced by Mr. Shivpal Yadav as the astounding, and can only be the result of in trouble with vulnerabilities to an evolved doctrine of engagement with yond constitutional amendment where the
partys U.P. unit president. Thereafter, Mr. Akhilesh overwhelming preoccupation with geopoli- Nepal, even for Indias own self-interest. A Nepal-India relationship is presently
tics, with little interest in the welfare of In- be exploited new world is beckoning, far different from wedged. Vitally, there is the need to plan
Yadav stripped his uncle of most of the portfolios
he held in the Cabinet. There the matter now rests, dias own peripheral populations. when Indias doctrine on the Himalayan rim- cross-border linkages and projects related to
The attention of South Block seems fo- Dahal to India is important to get the rela- land was encoded in the early 1960s. natural resources whether and what kind
with party confabulations with Mr. Mulayam Singh cused entirely on correcting Nepals new tionship back on track after the train wreck Environmental stresses have increased of dams and reservoirs are to be built; evalu-
shifting to Delhi, and the young scion issuing state- Constitution through amendments, mainly of the past year. His Cabinet is also well- right along the Himalayan chain over the ating embankments along the main rivers for
ments asserting his writ as Chief Minister of U.P. relating to the configuration of federal units. placed to hold out an olive branch to the irate past half century, and human intervention is the silt they trap; the environmental dangers
How this realigns the SPs lines of authority, and Given the lack of active interest amongst In- Madhesbaadi politicians, whose par- drastic, as seen in the violence done to the to both sides from excavation of the Chure
eventually shapes its campaign for the Assembly dian politicians, academia and civil society, ticipation is needed for a stable polity. Teestas flow in Sikkim or the madness in the (Shivalik) hills to feed Indias need for rocks
elections, depends on what gives in the family feud. the field has been left open for diplomats and New Delhi must now internalise the les- construction of hill roads in Nepal. The en- and boulders; or the meaning of receding
The Chief Minister and his uncles have made intelligence operatives to determine the sons from its unfettered show of displeasure tire Himalaya and the plains of the Ganga glaciers (mainly the result of the South Asian
moves and counter-offensives on a crowded chess- course of action, the latter having enjoyed in- regarding Nepals adoption of the make up one ecosystem, requiring geophys- brown cloud) for the entire downstream
board these past years, with Mr. Mulayam Singh creasing leeway in Kathmandu over the past Constitution of 2015, by a Constituent As- ical even more than geopolitical sensitivity. region.
decade. sembly elected through democratic, repre- Certainly, it will not do for South Block to Nepal and India need to discuss regulating
keeping the ultimate command in his own hands.
The level of interference claimed by the sentative elections. Meanwhile, the larger act like an imperial directorate on Nepal, the open bilateral border without comprom-
The Opposition, for its part, never loses the oppor- writer is confirmed by authors and analysts Indian polity must pay heed to the fallout of foisting a uniform and unchanging vision of ising its status as the most naturally evolved
tunity to highlight how the Chief Minister is under- celebrated in New Delhi circles, but there micro-meddling on Nepal. Himalayan security. It is past time for New frontier of the region. Kathmandu needs to
mined by his uncles, those related by blood and has been no pullback perhaps because of an There was a time when Nepals polity was Delhis commentariat to get over the per- consider social security of the uncounted
those who exercise authority by virtue of their long unspoken acknowledgement of Indias supported at the highest level in India be- functory tags of who is pro-Indian and pro- but more than three million Nepali citizens
stint in the party the allegation is that in effect right to intervene in the neighbourhood. cause of the respect and clout of top-rung Chinese, a simplistic formulation which working in India, while New Delhi must ad-
the State has four-and-a-half chief ministers. The political leaders who had fought for Indian hurts only oneself vis--vis the need for nu- dress the vulnerabilities of Indian citizens of
result of this tussle is that at every point of discord, Micro-meddling independence alongside Jawaharlal Nehru, ance in international relations. Nepali origin, as well as Indians working
it is made evident that the Chief Minister does not Few independent observers in Kath- Rajendra Prasad et al. The last of these At a time when the railway has arrived on north of the border. How will the introduc-
hold enough sway over the party organisation in mandu (or New Delhi, for that matter) would statesmen was G.P. Koirala, after whose the Tibetan plateau, there is no need to deny tion of biometric ID cards in India impact
doubt that Indian interlocutors had a hand in passing in 2010 Nepals governance came un- Nepals need to ease its landlocked-ness by the status of Nepali citizens working legally
turn, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav loses no opportunity to the cobbling together of the present coali- der the influence of little men willing to kow- extending highway connectivity northwards under the umbrella of the 1950 Treaty of
emphasise that his calling card in politics is clean, tion government of the Maoists and Nepali tow even to junior personnel at the Indian especially when the Indian economy itself Peace and Friendship, and can Nepals own
aspirational governance that is focussed on de- Congress, headed by the Maoist Pushpa Embassy in Kathmandu, or any passer-by stands to benefit. upcoming national ID card help in the man-
velopment and law and order. In the run-up to the Kamal Dahal Prachanda. The government who claimed to speak for India. aging the movement of citizenry?
State elections, he is seeking to foreground this im- of K.P. Oli had aroused displeasure in New Kathmandus politicos are the primary Terai-Madhes fixation From public health to shared economic
age, and pushing back on the discord with his Delhi corridors for standing up to the culprits for this erosion of the bilateral rela- But as Mr. Dahal arrives, the main focus of growth, promoting tourism-without-bor-
uncles. A day before the Chief Secretarys sacking, economic blockade and signing trade and tionship, and their inability to stand up to the Indian authorities is disappointingly nar- ders to developing mutual academic depth,
he dismissed two Ministers caught in corruption transit agreements with Beijing (themselves pressure has been well-exposed. There is rowed down to amendments to the new Nepal and India must work as one. But the
charges, evidently without securing his fathers made possible by the economic blockade). also not a little confusion in Kathmandu as to Constitution, mainly having to do with alter- future cannot be built by controlling Nepal
Despite all this, the visit of Prime Minister who speaks for India besides South Block ing the demarcation of the announced seven through planned build-up of a pliant politi-
nod. Earlier, he forced the revocation of a Shivpal-
cal class in Kathmandu.
engineered merger of the Quami Ekta Dal into the There has to be a rebuilding of empathy
SP, on account of its criminal antecedents. Mr. CARTOONSCAPE and trust between the two governments,
Akhilesh Yadav could, in fact, pull this discord to which must start by rolling back the hyper-
the partys electoral advantage. He does not carry activism of the bureaucracy and rebuilding
the burden of incumbency issues, primarily the of relationships between the politicians of
politics of patronage and rent-seeking. But for this two sides. Despite his problematic past,
to happen he may have to force his father to show Prime Minister Dahal must be perceived as a
his hand more unambiguously and recover some representative of Nepals polity rather than a
control of the SPs State unit. leader in trouble with vulnerabilities to be
exploited.
Nepal is hardly a paragon nation-state, and
T
he death of several people in Delhi linked
move on, starting with local government
to an outbreak of dengue, chikungunya elections in the spring (they have not
and malaria has once again exposed the happened for 18 years), which will also indic-
inadequacy of national public health pro- ate the start of the Constitutions actual
grammes that aim to eliminate vector-borne dis- implementation.
eases. There was a sharp increase in the incidence It should be in Indias interest to leave
of chikungunya in the country in 2015 over the pre- Nepal free to sort out its own challenges. It
vious year, although official data do not attribute would also help if New Delhi would consider
any deaths to the infection. Dengue cases have also the need for economic growth in Uttar Pra-
steadily risen, from 75,808 in 2013 to 99,913 last year, desh and Bihar when it sits down to
strategise on Nepal.
with the death toll rising from 193 to 220 during this
period. The footprint for malaria has grown, with Kanak Mani Dixit, a writer and journalist based in
over 1.1 million cases last year, although the number Kathmandu, is founding editor of the magazine Himal
Southasian.
of people dying from the infection has shown a re-
cent decline, going by official statistics. It must, of
course, be borne in mind that there is some evid- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ence of under-reporting of malaria, leading to the Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
criticism that the full impact of the disease is not
captured by government data. Delhis residents are,
of course, not alone in suffering from the failures of Trimming pendency In S.P. Gupta vs Union of India, source of the Cauvery. To us the should think in terms of the go unchecked, leading to
1981, the Supreme Court declared river is a mother, a life-giver and a nationalisation of major rivers and undesirable and dangerous
long-running vector control programmes, although
Law Commission of India Chairman that the Constitution is a charter of a protector. I pose this question to dams. With climate change affecting ramifications. This is particularly
they are justified in feeling disgusted at the politic- and former Supreme Court judge social revolution. If ever a social those who are aggressively the monsoon, the government needs true after its failure to avoid a face-
isation of the problem. The irony is that India, with Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan is right revolution is to occur, the judiciary propagating the slogan Cauvery to think ahead and push States to off between Punjab and Haryana
its focus on rapid economic growth and prosperity, in saying that the judicial workload has to be at its vanguard. Nammadu: Where were you when have separate projects for drinking over the construction of the Sutlej-
is nowhere near victory in the battle against prod- has increased because of greater Considering that there are on locals in Kodagu protested against and agricultural purposes. Yamuna link canal.
uctivity-sapping infections spread by mosquitoes awareness among the public and the average 2,500 cases allotted to a the large-scale felling of trees in the Maheshkumar T., The Cauvery Tribunals 2007 award
and other insects, while a nimble neighbour like Sri role of the RTI (Approved strength single judge per year, the argument region in 2013? The Hindu, Work Mulanur, Tamil Nadu should be revisited to recalibrate the
Lanka could declare itself malaria-free. of judges enough to end backlog: that judges are not working is on power line begins in Kodagu share of each riparian State based on
There are several aspects to the Sri Lankan expe- Law panel head, Sept.14). Even the misplaced. amid peoples concerns, Nov.12, In its 1931 judgment on the Delaware a rainfall-linked formula.
rience that could help evaluate the efforts of Indias Prime Minister has acknowledged The real problem lies in tackling the 2013). river dispute between the State of Shreyans Jain,
the relevance of technology and backlog of cases. The approved Some might say that this is the price New Jersey and the State of New New Delhi
States in their battle to control disease-spreading transparency in tackling corruption. strength will not be sufficient in one pays for development. But the York, the Supreme Court of the
vectors. Better results were achieved by the island Apart from having working judges, taking care of this load. irreparable damage caused to green United States observed: [A] river is
nation through integration of different approaches. rather than physical bench strength, cover and disturbance to wildlife more than an amenity, it is a Depiction of Onam
Jagmal Singh Achara,
This includes focussing on mosquito control in ir- government services must be Mandawa, Rajasthan has, not surprisingly, led to news of treasure. It offers a necessity of life The national party, the BJP, appears
rigation and agriculture, introducing new classes of gradually made online. drought in Kodagu. that must be rationed among those to be at it again (Shah triggers row
insecticides for residual spraying within houses, Gudipati Anirudh, It is shocking that in just two years, who have power over it. This was on Onam eve with Vamana tweet,
and scaling up distribution of insecticide-treated Secunderabad
Calm after crackdown an area that in its history had never precisely the essence of the Supreme Sept.14). Kerala is one State where
bed nets even in areas caught up in conflict. Mobile Given the scale of the violence and heard of a drought, is now staring at Court of Indias direction to the people of all communities and
centres for access to diagnostics and treatment also We certainly dont need strength in arson in Karnataka, the needle of a harsh year ahead. Acute water Karnataka government to release religious beliefs live in complete
numbers. Instead, we need to suspicion points to the involvement shortage in this catchment area is 15,000 cusecs of water per day to harmony.
helped halt disease transmission. For India to
upgrade existing systems and revisit of politicians in the State only going to get worse because of Tamil Nadu till September 20. Onam is a secular festival with even
achieve its goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, and archaic laws. Why do courts enjoy (Bengaluru quiet after crackdown, the systematic stripping of the However, the arson and rioting that churches in the State celebrating it
curb other vector-borne diseases, there has to be vacations like academic institutions Sept.14). Western Ghats. Burning buses and followed has brought to light the with fervour and gaiety. It is a known
sustained effort and political will. The dengue map when we are groaning under the However, it is also to be fairly indulging in arson are never going to short-sightedness of policymakers in fact that in spite of a sizeable
for 2015 shows that Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, West weight of a backlog of cases? conceded that the imbalance in the solve the real issue. The media bringing the adjudication and presence of the RSS in Kerala, the
Bengal and Gujarat were the worst-affected. On Adjournments should be restricted sharing of Cauvery water, which is should highlight these issues in such arbitration efforts to fruition. BJP has been unable to convert this
chikungunya, Karnataka needs special help, as it to the bare minimum as there are detrimental to the interests of a way that the so-called owners of Instead, it has reiterated the need for into votes. The country has
has a disproportionately higher incidence com- numerous instances where justice Karnataka, is at the root of the the Cauvery know that you reap a permanent and dynamic riparian witnessed unruly incidents and
pared to other States. Evidently, it will take active has been awarded posthumously. conflict. Both Tamil Nadu and what you sow. dispute resolution mechanism in the disturbances caused by the
surveillance and close collaboration with local gov- Special and family courts should act Karnataka need to be pragmatic and Renuka Devayya, country (Editorial Sharing machinations of blinkered leaders.
fast. There is also an urgent need to work out a practical and equitable Bengaluru without caring, Sept.14). While the One hopes that responsible citizens
ernments to eliminate the hotspots. Mobilising the stop burdening the Supreme Court formula instead of sticking to an Union government should be stand up against such mischievous
community to participate in sanitation campaigns with routine appeals. We need more archaic accord which does not factor In the name of the Cauvery, the applauded for making efforts to sort attempts to destabilise a peaceful
holds the key, although families that live in de- counsellors/arbitrators to dissuade in climate change. violence unleashed in Karnataka out the problem between principal State especially as Kerala has always
prived neighbourhoods will need generous people from resorting to litigation S. Srinivasan, should make us bow our heads in players through the institutional been a role model of communal
municipal assistance, improved civic facilities and and try and arrive at a compromise. Chennai shame. The festering issue around mechanism of the Cauvery River harmony and peaceful coexistence.
access to free health care. Prem K. Menon, an intermittent river such as the Authority, it cannot escape the Varghese George,
Mumbai I belong to Kodagu, or Coorg, the Cauvery shows that the Centre accusation of allowing the dispute to Secunderabad
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
A party in a hurry
If it fails to learn from the Punjab and Delhi experience, the Aam Aadmi Party will tend to increasingly
resemble other parties it is prone to attack and abuse
resolve conflict between political interests power.
F R I D AY , S E P T E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 1 6 represented in the Congress ensured that no Certainly corruption is a critical issue that
NEERA CHANDHOKE one interest gained or lost too much. Be- stalks high economics and politics as well as
cause the AAP has not established such pro- everyday life in India. The issue, however,
T
he hefty 13 billion euros in back taxes the and robust inner-party organisation. It can-
European Commission imposed on not be in a hurry.
Apple should have drawn Europe and the
U.S. closer in their common quest to Neera Chandhoke is a former Professor of Political
Science, Delhi University.
crack down on corporate tax avoidance. But the un-
precedented penalty to hit the American tech giant
has triggered angry outbursts at home and could
well put paid to hopes for transatlantic coopera- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
tion, especially on the trade and investment part- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
nership agreement, in the immediate future. The
latest ruling by the European Union competition
commissioner may not be the last against U.S. mul- A gold lining the power of the human will and on Cauvery issue mars peace in anything and everything, a bandh playing the blame game than
tinationals in what is increasingly being viewed as body. With proper talent spotting T.N., Sept. 15). Both Karnataka and comes in handy; no one bothers to executing their duties and
This refers to the articles, and guidance, we can produce more Tamil Nadu need to optimise their check if these bandhs even solve the responsibilities.
harmful to tax diplomacy. As with the Starbucks de-
Devendras javelin strikes gold at such people. water conservation. Tamil Nadu problem. Nowhere in the world Baninder Rahi,
cision in 2015 and the ongoing probe into McDon- Rio and Competing for an equal must build more dams and does a ruling government join a
alds, both concerning two different countries, the Saishankar Swaminathan, New Delhi
world (Sept. 15). Sports lovers Chennai reservoirs as its storage capacity is bandh as has become a part of the
Commission alleges that Irelands ultra-low, single- across the country were quite less, and also make better use of sea culture of our country.
digit tax arrangements with Apple were in vio- miserable after the Rio Summer Paralympic athletes might be water. Saishankar Swaminathan,
Nepal-India ties
lation of EU state aid rules. Notably, the Commis- Olympics where Indias largest-ever challenged physically but not in A Cauvery Management Board Chennai The article Letting Nepal be
sion has not taken issue with Dublins 12.5 per cent contingent of 118 returned with just spirit. The 19-member contingent should be formed as soon as (Sept. 15) appears to be downright
rate of corporate taxation. Curiously, the possibility two medals. But the Paralympic from India has already brought possible so that there is a constant critical of Indias policy in Nepal.
of clawing back billions of euros, estimated to be athletes from India have proved to quite a few laurels and this check on the allocation of water. Deaths due to disease No doubt, India should look beyond
worth the countrys health-care budget for a year, is be a silver lining. The fact that they highlights the fact that they dont let The two States also need a technical The death toll in Delhi and Nepals Constitution crisis and
have already clinched two gold what they dont have hinder their committee to measure the elsewhere in India due to dengue, explore other avenues for bettering
not an attractive prospect for Dublin, home to hun- medals, a silver and a bronze is a success; in fact, they try to get availability of water and decide the chikungunya and malaria indicates relations. But the writer overlooks
dreds of multinationals thriving on its decades-old fantastic achievement. Athletes like better with what they have. allocation to each State accordingly. that very little has been done by the the fact that Indias intervention in
foreign direct investment policies that include low Mariyappan Thangavelu and Effective functioning of the Board National Vector Borne Disease Nepal is only well-intentioned and
Harshita Padala,
corporate taxation. Instead, Ireland, which risks Devendra Jhajharia might not be Hyderabad and the committee may help avoid Control Programme (Sapping driven by the genuine need for
losing jobs, has resolved to appeal the decision household names yet, but the glory the recurring clashes. Indias vitality, Sept. 15). stability in the country. Without
along with Apple, whose Irish subsidiaries account they have brought to the nation is Prasanth Sahoo, The blame game being played out such intervention, the Madhesi
for 90 per cent of the companys overall profits. admirable. Dynastic politics Visakhapatnam over this shows the inability of the protest will continue to linger. Its
On the other hand, there is no confusion on the Differently abled athletes and Promoting family members in Delhi government and the Delhi fallouts will be seen in Uttar
other side of the Atlantic on what the move by Brus- able-bodied athletes all have to go politics seems to be Indias curse The Cauvery dispute has caused a municipal corporation in Pradesh and Bihar. India has
through the same grind and achieve (As brother & son continue loss of around Rs.25,000 crore to controlling these diseases. undoubtedly only played a positive
sels implies. U.S. politicians are piqued that a big
results only after undergoing the sparring, Mulayam steps in, Sept. Karnataka. Bengalurus reputation Sri Lanka just made headlines for role in Nepals development.
chunk of the money that firms such as Apple rigours of training, but it is the 15). This tendency towards dynastic has taken a beating. It is an irony eradicating malaria. India should Against this background, we cant
may eventually have to pay European governments former on whom such tough politics allows many of the that most of the people who take lessons from its neighbour. simply say that India is being a
could instead have filled domestic coffers, but training schedules would take a inefficient and undesirable to rule. resorted to arson and stone- Gregory Fernandes, bully.
for a domestic stumbling block. This is the regu- heavy toll. It is time that we The result is that there is no throwing are not the ones impacted Mumbai Pallav Kumar,
latory loophole that companies exploit to defer, in- dissolved all distinctions between accountability. The simmering by the water crisis. These people New Delhi
definitely, levies on profits from their overseas sub- the two categories and ensured that discontent between the son and are part of a violent fringe; they are Ensuring cleanliness inside homes
sidiaries until they are repatriated. As matters both are given equal opportunities brother of Mulayam Singh Yadav is parochial. One wonders where the and surrounding areas (parks, Indias intervention in Nepal has led
stand, the 35 per cent tax rate in the U.S., compared to excel. bound to destabilise the politics of actual farmers are both from the streets, mohallas, markets, and so to bitterness. No leader of a country,
to Irelands 12.5 per cent, is an incentive for Amer- C.V. Aravind, the largest State as there is a Mandya and Thanjavur delta on) should be the priority of every however small the country is,
Bengaluru possibility of the cohorts and regions and what they feel. Who individual. We never seem would like the idea of being led by a
ican firms to retain the advantage of the deferral loyalists aligning with their knows what we can achieve if the concerned about garbage piling up bigger and mightier neighbour in
clause. Meanwhile, a 2014 regulation to curb so- It is a great achievement that four of respective leaders within the party. political parties take a back seat and in vacant plots and spaces. There matters concerning its internal
called corporate inversion, a manoeuvre whereby the 1500m runners in the This may ultimately lead to cleaving allow the farmers from both sides to should also be a complete ban on politics. Indias intervention will
American firms relocate their headquarters to be- Paralymics were faster than Rio the States politics, and everything enter into negotiations with plastics. Water must not be allowed only aggravate the already existing
nign countries to trim domestic tax bills, is said to Olympic gold medallist Matthew apart from good and reliable guidance from experts? Perhaps to stagnate anywhere. Only tension between the two countries.
have had limited effect in the absence of legislation. Centrowitz. This feat has blurred governance will be guaranteed. they can find a solution more collective efforts can help India History has shown that
Global efforts backed by more than 80 countries to the distinction between V. Lakshmanan, effectively. achieve its goal of eliminating intervention of this kind has always
combat cross-border tax avoidance, known as Base Paralympics and the Summer Tirupur Also, the concept of a bandh was malaria by 2030. backfired: that the U.S.s
Erosion and Profit Shifting, are still at an early Olympics. It is even more earlier exercised as a peaceful The government should make interventions in West Asia have
remarkable that the person who weapon in a democracy. In our optimum use of the Swachh Bharat been largely responsible for the
stage. EU action targeting individual corporations Water-sharing dispute
stood first, Abdellatif Baka, is country, it is seen as a reason to Cess to improve civic amenities. We growth of the Islamic State cannot
could well be seen, at this juncture, as an irritant in visually impaired. His achievement The Cauvery issue, which should be indulge in destruction of public also need to resolve the issue of be questioned.
that larger endeavour. along with the achievements of the solved scientifically, has turned into property and as another Delhi statehood because civic N. Visveswaran,
Indian athletes stand testimony to an emotional one (Stray violence opportunity to get a holiday. For bodies are more interested in Chennai
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
S
ometimes the symptom, and not its under- Modi will himself play host to the annual more, given Chinese opposition to Indias institution is overshadowed by the much
lying cause, seems like the real problem. If BRICS summit in Goa on October 15-16, membership of the Nuclear Suppliers better funded Asian Infrastructure Invest-
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Me- 2016. This will bring together the heads of Group (NSG) and its blocking at the UN of ment Bank (AIIB) initiated and led by the
state of Brazil, Russia, India, China and naming the Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed Chinese. The Contingent Reserve Arrange-
hbooba Mufti has anything to worry about, South Africa, and the summit theme put for- chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist, it is likely ment (CRA), another important BRICS ini-
it is not the resignation of her party MP, Tariq ward by India is Building Responsive, In- that India may dig in on this point. We shall tiative, remains on paper. There is a propos-
Hameed Karra, but the issues he raised while an- clusive and Collective Solutions, which is a wait and see. al for the setting up of a BRICS Credit Rating
nouncing his decision to quit the Peoples Demo- clever play on the letters constituting the Agency to challenge the monopoly of the
cratic Party and the Lok Sabha. Despite his call to membership of the grouping. India has also A triangular game West, and this might be of value if adopted.
like-minded people to join him, Mr. Karra is un- exercised its privilege as host to arrange a The other two leaders, Brazils Michel On the trade side any hint of a BRICS free
likely to get critical support within the party to regional outreach. Temer and South Africas Jacob Zuma, are trade agreement comes up against the fears
threaten Ms. Muftis standing in the PDP. However, At the Fortaleza summit in 2014, Brazil unlikely to come up with any notable initiat- both India and Russia have of being
while drawing attention to the unrest in the Kash- had invited several heads of state/govern- ives. Their countries are suffering from both swamped by Chinese imports. It will not
ment from Latin America, while at Ufa last ILLUSTRATION: DEEPAK HARICHANDAN political and economic turmoil. Mr. Temer have traction even though none of the five
mir Valley, and the civilian killings, he has also year Russia had invited the leaders of the has taken over after a politically polarising countries are part of any of the emerging
pointed to the irreconcilable differences between Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai impeachment of the former Brazilian mega trade blocs like the Trans-Pacific Part-
the PDP and its alliance partner, the Bharatiya Cooperation Organisation. One would have At the BRICS meet, it will mostly president, Dilma Rousseff. Mr. Zuma is fa- nership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade
Janata Party. Mr. Karra might have been politically expected India to have invited SAARC lead- be a triangular game among Mr. cing serious charges of corruption, and and Investment Partnership (TTIP). At a
opportunistic in the timing of his resignation, but ers to the outreach but it has chosen to host Modi, Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi. The there has been unprecedented infighting in time when both TPP and TTIP are stalled,
there is no way the PDP can get away from having to the leaders of the seven-member BIMSTEC his ruling African National Congress. So it even a hint of a mega trade bloc of the key
define, to its political constituency, the nature of its (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral latter two seem to be leaning will be mostly a triangular game among Mr. emerging economies would be a major de-
relationship with the BJP. Ideologically, the PDP Technical and Economic Cooperation) in- closer to each other Modi, Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi, and the latter velopment. It could even bring the World
has more in common with the National Conference stead. BIMSTEC is a potential Bay of Bengal two seem to be leaning closer to each other. Trade Organisation back in play!
than with the BJP. But, after a fractured mandate in Economic Community comprising Bhutan, country to have explicitly supported Chi- This will be a challenge for the Indian host. The BIMSTEC summit could be an im-
Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka from nas stand on the South China Sea dispute, of For Mr. Modi, a strong and categorical portant occasion for reviving what, on the
the 2014 Assembly election, it chose to ally with the South Asia and Myanmar and Thailand rejecting the international tribunal award statement on counter-terrorism will be a face of it, appears to be a grouping with im-
BJP rather than explore the possibility of an al- from ASEAN. The motivation is obvious, to and proposing bilateral dialogue with must even though neither China and now mense potential. Its attraction is that China
liance with the NC and the Congress. The NC was a avoid having to invite Pakistan. BIMSTEC claimant countries, though it has not en- nor Russia will countenance the naming of is not there to crowd India out, and it fits in
rival, with the support bases of the two parties over- will also hold its fourth summit in Goa. dorsed its territorial claims. Pakistan or even an oblique reference to it. very well with the logic of Indias Act East
lapping in many areas of the Valley. The BJP, how- Nepal was to have hosted it in 2015 but was There will be a Chinese effort to include Brazil and South Africa do not have much policy. The parallel Mekong-Ganga Cooper-
ever, had its base in Jammu and did not compete unable to do so mainly on account of the in the summit declaration a formulation play in this game. So expect a strong formu- ation (MGC), which is a platform for Indias
with the PDP. Short-term political calculations in- earthquake and the subsequent political tur- similar to what had been agreed upon in the lation but more general in scope. exclusive engagement with the countries of
evitably led to a PDP-BJP alliance. moil. Not much should be expected from the India-Russia-China trilateral Foreign BRICS has begun to suffer the affliction Indo-China (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and
To be sure, Ms. Mufti had grappled with the con- BIMSTEC summit. It has been as somnolent Ministers meeting in Moscow in April this characteristic of several other multi-coun- Vietnam) and Myanmar, could also be a ma-
as SAARC has been since its inception. year and which appeared to support Chinas try groupings, and that is the exponential ex- jor component of the Act East strategy. But
tradictions in the relationship with the BJP before stand: Russia, India and China are commit- pansion in its committees, working groups neither BIMSTEC nor the MGC have lived
she was sworn in as Chief Minister following the The China-Russia dynamic ted to maintaining a legal order for the seas and forums resulting in a extraordinarily up to their potential, and Indias engage-
death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, her father. But There will be greater focus on the BRICS and oceans based on the principles of inter- crowded calendar of meetings. There are ment with them has been mostly episodic
the BJP, just as conscious as the PDP of the need to summit mainly because of the stature of national law, as reflected in the UN Conven- now over a hundred such bodies covering a and ad hoc. There are sets of activities under
protect its own vote bank, did not give an inch while those who will be attending, including tion on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS). All re- multiplicity of subjects ranging from trade, both but they do not add up to a well-
renegotiating the terms of engagement. Not sur- President Vladimir Putin of Russia and lated disputes should be addressed through investment and finance, to health, education thought-out and long-term strategy of integ-
prisingly, she failed to wrest any major concessions President Xi Jinping of China. Both have a negotiations and agreements between the and security. India itself has been hosting rating India more closely with its eastern
from the BJP. Whatever the nature of Mr. Karras shared image of being tough leaders, of hav- parties concerned. In this regard the several tens of these meetings during the neighbourhood. The perception remains
political ambitions, he has framed the dilemma for ing defied the U.S. and the West, and now Ministers called for full respect of all provi- year in its capacity as incoming chair, but it that India continues to be at the margins of
Ms. Mufti. Clearly, she cannot go into an election in edging closer to a closer security partner- sions of UNCLOS, as well as the Declaration is questionable whether such hyper activity this increasingly contested geopolitical
ship, if not an alliance. The largest ever Sino- on the Conduct of Parties in the South China leads to substantive outcomes. The impres- space, unable to play a significant role in
alliance with the BJP. Both the PDP and the NC, at Russian joint naval exercises are being held Sea (DOC) and the Guidelines for the imple- sion one has is of being stretched too thin shaping its emerging economic and security
different points, have allied with the Congress. But in the South China Sea off the coast of mentation of the DOC. across a steadily expanding space with nei- architecture.
the BJP, with its Hindutva plank, is a non-starter as Guangdong province. And Russia is the only This was before the tribunal award. Now ther the human nor the financial resources
an electoral ally for any party seeking to represent Trailing on connectivity
the Muslims of Kashmir. The coalition government There is little doubt that connectivity will
of the PDP and the BJP is likely to fall before the As- CARTOONSCAPE have to be the key theme at the BIMSTEC
sembly election, but it is in the interest of both summit but here, too, is an Indian dilemma.
parties to remain together in power for the longest The connectivity platform also opens the
period possible. The break-up seems like an event door to China selling its ambitious One Belt,
One Road initiative among the members of
foretold; what is uncertain is the nature of the trig- this grouping. Indias own resources are
ger and the timing. limited, but more than that its record of
delivery on commitments continues to be
abysmal. There are occasions when one
finds the same projects reappearing as
T
he Supreme Courts order directing the flect Indias status as a key player in the re-
Centre to ask States to end the oppressive gion and as a globally significant player. But
practice of sterilising women in large that will only be a transient gain unless we
camps is a timely reminder that the coun- begin to pay attention to the much less
try must urgently adopt a rights-based health glamorous and more nuts-and-bolts effort
policy. Many course correction measures have to use events as key markers in a well-con-
ceived and systematic process of expanding
been ordered by the court in the Devika Biswas our strategic space, leveraging our strengths
public interest case, and if they are implemented and remedying our vulnerabilities. It is time
vigorously, they can greatly improve womens wel- to move from an event-oriented to a proc-
fare. Civil society can effectively monitor ster- ess-driven approach.
ilisation activity, if, as the court has directed, the list
of approved doctors at the State and regional levels Shyam Saran is a former Foreign Secretary. He is currently
Chairman, RIS, and Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy
and members of quality assurance committees, and Research.
details of compensation claims are publicised on
the Internet. At the same time, compensation for
losses, including deaths, should be raised substan-
tially. The larger question is that of the fairness of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
promoting permanent contraception, often for
young women, who are unable to exercise their re- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
productive rights due to social and economic
factors. Last year, the Population Division of the Antibiotic resistance acronym ESKAPE owing to their avoid an epidemic disaster. tremendous pressure from the RJD Aadmi Party has frittered away a lot
UN took note of the extraordinary levels of ster- ability to avoid the effects of the Ramaseshu Botu, chief and his party to adopt a soft of public goodwill that catapulted it
ilisations resorted to in India 65 per cent of all The findings of the Lancet study are antibiotics used against them. The Visakhapatnam and lenient attitude towards this to power.
contraceptive methods and pointed to a poten- shocking (Superbugs kill babies acronym stands for the names of the notorious politician. Yielding to The AAPs failure to settle down in
as antibiotic resistance rises, Sept. bacterial group members. These such tactics of his majority coalition power (it is still behaving like an
tial mismatch between what is being offered and An acid test for Nitish
16). That nearly 26 per cent of infections are increasingly being partner in the name of political opposition party) largely stems
what women would like, which is to delay or space babies with sepsis died despite acquired in hospitals. There is no doubt that the granting expediency would mean re- from a deadly mix of incompetence,
out births. Unthinking resort to tubectomies for timely medical intervention, and Antibiotic resistance can be of bail to Mohammad Shahabuddin emergence of the jungle raj in inexperience, and arrogance. After
population control also ignores the evidence from because of unresponsiveness to mitigated to some extent with good will test the strength of the RJD-JD Bihar and would surely prove its electoral victory in Delhi, it
some developed States in India that womens em- treatment, is worrisome. If in 80 per hand hygiene, taking antibiotics (U) alliance (The message from suicidal for Mr. Kumar. His image of started behaving like a national
powerment through education and employment cent of infections caused by prescribed by a doctor, and Shahabuddin, Sept. 16). Though an honest politician with good party and cast its leader in the
brings down fertility, without sacrificing choice. Acinetobacter, and in more than 50 completing the full course if one Nitish Kumar is the Chief Minister governing skills has been built over mould of a messiah who has arrived
Ensuring the safety of women who undergo a per cent of Klebsiella infections, the has to take them. Medical experts of Bihar, it is the RJD which holds the decades. It is difficult for any to deliver India from corruption.
tubectomy is of immediate concern, and the Centre first line of treatment fails, it clearly believe this will help reduce the more seats in the Assembly, and we Indian politician to earn this Previous governments worked
should give rule-based authority to the Supreme indicates the rampant misuse of problem of resistance. Another area know the kind of relationship that reputation, especially if he or she within the constraints imposed by
antibiotics. There is an of key concern is to discourage Lalu Prasad and Mr. Kumar have has been in power for a long time. Delhis peculiar hybrid status that
Courts directions. A significant number of women indiscriminate use of antibiotics dispensing antibiotics off the shared in the past. Yes, Mr. Prasad If mid-term polls become inevitable make it neither a full-fledged Union
have died due to the procedure during the past and analgesic drugs in India. counter. These may be baby steps, has said that the coalition is intact because of his tough stand against territory nor a State.
three years. Every death due to family planning sur- Unaffordable and inaccessible but they will have an impact and and that Mr. Kumar is the leader, Shahabuddin, Mr. Kumar and his Unable to give up the street
gery is one too many, and the State concerned must qualitative health-care services, may even avert a future where but he is known to be a shrewd party will certainly emerge fighters mindset despite being in
be called to account. In the case of Madhya Pradesh, easy availability of drugs over the treatable diseases become fatal. politician. There is no doubt that victorious for taking a tough stand power, the partys leaders showed
Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Kerala, which did not counter without any prescription, H.N. Ramakrishna, Mr. Kumar will be feeling against a gangster. This would also no respect for constitutional limits
take the question of mismanagement in ster- and inadequate dosage Bengaluru uncomfortable with Shahabuddins enable him to become a successful to Delhis statehood, and niceties of
ilisation camps raised in the petition seriously, the recommendations by unqualified release. His party may not challenge prime ministerial candidate later, a political conduct as is evident from
court has acted decisively and called for monitor- medical practitioners are the main A few days ago, the U.S. banned 19 the release considering the wish that he has harboured for long. their abrasive confrontations with
reasons for the superbug menace. chemicals used in antibacterial compulsions of coalition politics, M.V. Nagavender Rao, the Lieutenant Governor.
ing and issue of appropriate orders by the respec-
It would be a major public health soap. This is a bold move but this episode will have a huge Hyderabad The partys image has plummeted
tive High Courts. Such action is wholly welcome, disaster if the rampant use of drugs considering the U.S. has one the bearing on the future political in Punjab as its record in Delhi is
because it reinforces the idea of the right to health were left unchecked. highest regulated antibiotic and events of the State. nothing inspiring. Its resort to
being inseparable from the right to life. This is the therapeutic markets in the world. In Also, from a broader perspective, The AAPs headache populism in Punjab has only
D.V.G. Sankararao,
message that the Centre must take from the judg- Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh India, the word antibiotic has we must think about whether Nothing tests the competence and betrayed its moral bankruptcy.
ment, as it works on a national policy for health. become synonymous with criminals should be allowed to vision of politicians than the Bereft of any alternative political
Empowerment of women through full opportunity Alexander Fleming warned of the cleanliness. In reality, however, enter politics in the first place. exercise of power (A party in a vision except empty grandiloquent
in education and employment, and access to all dangers of antibiotic resistance in antibiotics are a double-edged Bal Govind, hurry, Sept. 16). With its alibi for rhetoric, the AAP is looking like a
contraception options, should be central to na- 1945 in his Nobel Prize acceptance sword that can alter our bodies and Noida the unsatisfactory performance of sole proprietorship political party
tional policies. Offering financial incentives and speech. Klebsiella, a common environment indefinitely. It is high the Delhi government that has neither the organisational
bacterium, can cause a wide range time our government heeded these This is a great opportunity for Mr. interference by the Lieutenant reach and base nor the leadership
subjecting women to permanent contraceptives is of conditions as the report on regulations and promptly banned Kumar to display his political Governor and non-cooperation material needed to rule any State.
unacceptable. superbugs highlights. It fits into a consumer antibiotics and regulated courage by facing Shahabuddin from the Central government V. N. Mukundarajan,
wider group of bacteria with an apt medicines from the ground up to head-on. No doubt, there will be looking increasingly stale, the Aam Thiruvananthapuram
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | 1ias.com WEEKEND THE HINDU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
BEING
DR HUMERUS HIV/AIDS CUTBACKS
Keshav
I
t isnt the fever and chikun-
gunya symptoms that perturb to get alternative
Ompal Singh so much. Resting
in his one-room flat in a non-
employment. They have
descript colony in Mandoli, north- also had to move house
east Delhi, the 50-year-old agonises
more about his persistent cough restarted the scheme in June.
and weight loss. He has lost seven When Punjab can, why cant Delhi
kilograms in just two months and and Himachal Pradesh, asks Anjali
AROUND THE WORLD his immunity levels are dropping Singh, showing a dossier of letters
alarming given his condition. written to Ministers, officials and
Look for this Meanwhile, his wife, Anita Ku- protest clippings.
care provider mari (48), has become addicted to Budget cuts started in 2013 un-
People who are painkillers. She cannot straighten der the UPA (United Progressive
seeking treatment her back or stretch her arms. She Alliance) regime; the NDA (Na-
for alcohol knows it is the big lump on her back tional Democratic Alliance) gov-
dependence and causing all the pain and doctors ernment may end it completely in
whose goal is to have advised her surgery. But the their term. Whatever was achieved
quit drinking
PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
doctors keep referring her to other in all these years is being undone,
entirely are more likely to achieve this goal if they hospitals, she says. says Ganesh Acharya of Mumbai
are treated by a care provider who advocates total Both Mr. Singh and Ms. Kumari AIDS Forum.
abstinence. Those who wish to learn to drink in tested HIV positive in 2006 after On August 16, these workers met
moderation are not as successful, even when they she contracted the virus during a HEAR THEM OUT: The workers have tried it all to have their voices heard from writing letters to the Health Delhi Commission for Women
are treated by a care provider who works with premature delivery-linked blood Ministry to protesting at Jantar Mantar. PHOTO: STR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES chief Swati Maliwal for help. The
controlled consumption. Previous studies have transfusion but it is now that they commission subsequently wrote to
shown that the crucial factor in treatment success have started feeling its pinch. Espe- job was to help HIV-positive preg- all 15 workers are themselves HIV- neighbours boycotting us, eight of the Delhi State AIDS Control Soci-
is that patients and care providers have the same cially with their jobs snatched away. nant women with their medication positive and on antiretroviral us are now living in the same local- ety (DSACS) and was informed that
view, and that the choice of treatment method plays Our diet is not the same and even and monitor newborn babies. We therapy. In order to effectively carry ity to help each other, says Rajesh the latter had no NACO funding to
a subordinate role. But how great an influence treatment is suffering, rues Mr. have seen discrimination in hospit- out their roles as outreach workers, Kumari, another outreach worker, support these persons. This forced
choice of method has on the final treatment Singh. als against HIV-positive women these individuals were asked to dis- who has been working as a maid for me to write to Health Minister J.P
outcome has not been studied previously. from such close quarters. Doctors close their condition to the the past three months. Nadda about the issue, says Ms.
Disclosure and discrimination would refuse to carry out C-section, community and their families at the Maliwal. Mr. Nadda replied stating
Science Daily In the lurch
In 2008, when the National AIDS nurses hurl abuses even while the risk of social marginalisation. With that he will personally look into the
Control Organisation (NACO) woman is crying in pain, says Ms. people around them knowing about The outreach workers have tried matter.
launched the Prevention of Parent- Kumari. Our role was to help such their HIV status, these workers are it all to have their voices heard He should do something, or else
Check for to-Child Transmission Programme women. now not only struggling to get al- from writing letters to the Health give us permission to kill
the swagger (PPCT), the husband-wife duo en- However, in December last year, ternative employment but have had Ministry to protesting at Jantar ourselves, says Kanhaiya Kumar,
How aggressive a listed with an NGO as outreach the scheme was abruptly ended cit- to move house. Earlier, we were Mantar. The PPCT scheme was hal- one of the affected. Its fingers
person is can be workers for the HIV awareness ini- ing lack of funds, rendering the ou- staying in different colonies in east ted in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and crossed for the group of 15, for now.
identified by the tiative along with 13 others. Their treach workers jobless. This, when Delhi. But with no money and Punjab at the same time but Punjab maria.akram@thehindu.co.in
An uneasy buzz
Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. This research
could be useful in crime prevention to recognise
people with an aggressive walk before an
aggression-linked crime is committed. The research,
published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior,
aimed to use gait analysis techniques to
T hat which bends
up is what the
word Chikungunya
demonstrate the relationship between gait and means in Kimakonde, an
personality and focussed on the relationship African language. Its
between extraversion, agreeableness, openness, quite an apt word
conscientiousness and neuroticism and gait. considering the effect
Together, the five traits can help map the way this infection has on
people think, feel and behave. Findings determined those affected by it!
that exaggerated movement of both the upper and Chikungunya is a fever
lower body indicated aggression. While there was a spread by a virus that is
moderate correlation between walking speed and transmitted by the female
aggression for males, no correlation was observed mosquito. The virus PHOTO: AFP
in females, or the sample as a whole. Medical cannot spread from one
human to another but can detect both the viruses,
News Today spread only by this is not practical in a
mosquitoes which get hospital setting with a
infected while biting an huge patient load and the
Interactive books infected individual, lack of trained personnel.
and learning thereafter transmitting One may argue that
the virus by biting an dengue is more
Features in non- uninfected individual. dangerous than
fiction childrens Once a mosquito bites, chikungunya due to the
books such as lift- the virus spreads through complications of dengue
the-flap may hinder the epidermal cells of the as opposed to the non-
toddlers from PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
skin and reaches the fatal condition of
learning new words, inside of the body chikungunya. But one
according to scientists at the Royal Holloway, through the blood must remember that
University of London. Books with such features are stream. The virus patient management is
popular with parents who hope the interactive primarily targets muscle, quite different for both
features will aid learning and enjoyment of reading. joint and skin fibroblasts these infections and has
where the maximum several implications on
However, if parents wanted their children to learn DIABETES AND DIET damage occurs. This is disease prevention.
factual information about the world from books,
regular books were better than those with flaps.
This was mainly due to children interpreting books
with pop-outs as toys, the scientists surmised from
The low-carb debate Sujatha
The vector plays an
extremely important role
in the spread of the
chikungunya virus. When
a study on 31 toddlers aged 25 months, who were There are no large and rigorous studies showing that low carbohydrate diets offer an advantage Sunil
chikungunya struck in
split into two groups. Science Daily 2005, the reason it was
GINA KOLATA perhaps it is a good idea to reduce the such a huge pandemic
amount of insulin it needs by eating was because the virus
the reason why patients
Click, share,
be happy A few years ago, Dr. Richard Kahn,
the now-retired chief scientific
and medical officer of the American
very low carbohydrate diets, Dr. Hall
said.
Some longer-term studies, though,
experience intense joint
pain and swelling along
had mutated its outside
coat protein by a single
with rashes and acute amino acid that allowed it
Regularly snapping Diabetes Association, was charged failed to show that low-carbohydrate fever. Apart from the to replicate faster in
selfies with your with organising a committee to pre- diets benefited glucose control. tissues, a persons another species of Aedes.
smartphone and scribe a diet plan for people with dia- Even if diets are effective in the short immunity-mediated This allowed the vector
sharing photos with betes. He began by looking at the evid- term, he said, the difficulty is adhering response is another to transmit the virus
PHOTO: REUTERS
your friends can ence for different diets, asking which, to the diet over the long term. important factor that more effectively. In the
help make you a if any, best controlled diabetes. In the short term, the low-carbo- dictates the severity of 2010 outbreak, virus
happier person, according to researchers. In a first- When you look at the literature, PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT hydrate diet sometimes does better on the disease. This explains strains sampled from
of-its-kind study, the authors found that students whoa is it weak. It is so weak, he said glycaemic control, he said. But as why immune- different parts of the
can combat the blues with some simple, deliberate in a recent interview. erature that supports this method. time progresses, the difference mostly compromised individuals country were found to
actions on their mobile devices. The results of the Studies tended to be short term, di- She is in private practice at Indiana disappears. What counts is which diet such as very young contain mutations on
study, out of University of California, Irvine, were ets unsustainable, differences among University Health Arnett Hospital and helps most with long-term weight children and elderly precisely three sites on
published recently in the Psychology of Well-Being. them clinically insignificant. The only is medical director of a start-up de- loss. persons are more their genomes.
The scientists conducted a four-week study severely affected. While Sequencing the genome
thing that really seemed to help people veloping nutrition-based medical
involving 41 college students. Researchers collected Issue of overall health chikungunya results in of the virus associated
with diabetes was weight loss and interventions. with the current outbreak
nearly 2,900 mood measurements during the study for weight loss, there is no magic diet. But there are no large and rigorous Another issue with low-carbo- extreme morbidity and a
prolonged phase of in North India may reveal
and found that subjects in all three groups But people want diet advice, Dr. studies showing that low-carbo- hydrate diets, researchers said, is the new information. Has the
experienced increased positive moods. Some physical disability, it is
Kahn reasoned, and the association re- hydrate diets offer an advantage, and, question of what will happen to overall not a fatal disease. virus mutated again to
participants in the selfie group reported becoming ally should say something about diets. in fact, there is not even a consensus on health if diabetics actually follow the become more virulent?
more confident and comfortable with their smiling So it, like the National Institutes of the definition of a low-carbohydrate diet for years or decades. (Heart at- Patient management
photos over time. The students taking photos of Health, went with the Department of diet it can vary from doctor to tacks are the major killer of people A primary concern Control the key
objects that made them happy became more Agricultures food pyramid. doctor. with diabetes.) Insulin levels may be with respect to Whatever be the nature
reflective and appreciative. Science Daily Why? Its a diet for all America, he There have been debates for lit- better, but, said Dr. Rudolph Leibel, co- chikungunya treatment is of the virus, the only
said. It has lots of fruits and erally the whole history of diabetes director of Columbia Universitys Na- effective diagnosis. At effective method to
vegetables and a reasonable amount of about which kind of diet is best, said omi Berrie Diabetes Center, effects of present there are no control this hugely
debilitating infection is
DEMYSTIFYING SCIENCE fat.
That advice, though, recently came
Dr. C. Ronald Kahn, chief academic of-
ficer at Joslin, and no relation to
a low-carbohydrate diet on lipopro-
teins and vascular biology could offset
virus-specific detection
methods and we have to intense vector control
What is Global Fishing Watch? under attack in a New York Times com- Richard Kahn. But, he said, the an- such a benefit. In other words, it is resort to employing and public health
mentary written by Dr. Sarah Hallberg, swer isnt so straightforward. not clear if a lower insulin level would antibody-specific testing awareness programmes.
It is a free technology which allows users to spy an osteopath at a weight loss clinic in In support of a diet like Dr. Hall- translate into fewer heart attacks. which delays diagnosis We face multiple issues
on global fishing practices in a bid to curb illegal by a great extent. A study with respect to
Indiana, and Dr. Osama Hamdy, the bergs, there is one recent short-term But multiple studies have found that
fishing and rebuild fish stocks that are in danger conducted by our group chikungunya disease
medical director of the obesity weight study, by Dr. Kevin Hall of the National when it comes to weight loss the on- control in our country. A
of being wiped out. The application uses satellite loss programme at the Joslin Diabetes Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and ly proven way to help with blood sugar and our collaborators at
Nair Hospital in Mumbai lack of sensitive virus-
technology, which is combined with radar Center at Harvard Medical School. Kidney Diseases and his colleagues, control over the long term there is specific diagnostic tools,
aboard boats and allows people to zoom in on showed that almost 10
involving 17 overweight and obese no difference among diets that restrict per cent of dengue an absence of drugs/
areas of interest around the world and trace the Carb restriction men, none of whom had diabetes. They calories, fat or carbohydrates. vaccine, poor vector
patients were co-infected
paths of 35,000 commercial fishing vessels. The There is a diet that helps with dia- stayed in a clinical centre where they Experts like Dr. David Nathan, dir- with the chikungunya control measures and
technology, launched over the weekend by betes, the two doctors said: one that re- ate carefully controlled diets. The re- ector of the Diabetes Center and Clin- virus but they were not public awareness
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, allows stricts or, according to Dr. Hallberg, searchers asked what would happen if ical Research Center at Massachusetts even treated for the contribute tremendously
users to crowdsource data. In order to make it severely restricts carbohydrates. calories were kept constant but the General Hospital and a professor of disease. This is a big blow in escalating the problem.
free, the project partners negotiated a deal with If the goal is to get patients off their carbohydrate composition of a diet medicine at Harvard Medical School, to patient management It is no surprise then that
the satellite company, Orbcomm, to use its medications, including insulin, and varied from high to very low. The an- advise dieting for people with dia- and disease management. India is considered as the
three-day-old data, which is described as near resolve rather than just control their swer was that insulin secretion betes. But, he said, when we advise While we were able to hub for chikungunya
real-time, along with historical records. diabetes, significant carb restriction is dropped 50 per cent with the very low people to be on diets, the major goal is detect these co-infections spread across the globe.
The project has cost $13.7 million over the past by far the best nutrition plan, she said carbohydrate diet, meaning that much to lose weight. because we employed Sujatha Sunil is Group Leader,
reverse transcription- Vector Borne Diseases Group,
three years to build, with $8 million of those in an e-mail. This would include elim- less insulin was required to maintain What matters the most for con- International Centre for Genetic
funds contributed by the Leonardo DiCaprio ination of grains, potatoes and sugars normal blood glucose levels. trolling diabetes, Dr. Nathan said, is polymerase chain Engineering and Biotechnology,
Foundation in January this year. and all processed foods. There is a sig- Since diabetes results when the how much weight you lose. New reaction (RT-PCR) to New Delhi.
nificant and ever growing body of lit- body cant produce enough insulin, York Times News Service
CM ND-ND
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10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
T
hose looking for loopholes are always one Services), the Delhi High Court has dis- has been simplified (paragraph 75). To make globally. For a while now, the globalisation of
step ahead of those seeking to plug them. missed the copyright infringement petition this point, Justice Endlaw contrasts his own copyright norms through international law
For decades, since the aaya ram, gaya initiated in August 2012 by three publishers experiences as a law student where photo- (Berne Convention, TRIPS Agreement) has
ram days of Indian politics, Parliament (Oxford, Cambridge and Taylor & Francis) copying was very limited and studying en- been accompanied by the globalisation of
and courts have been coming down on mass defec- against a photocopy shop located in the tailed students copying by hand, scribe like, copyright standards that have primarily
tion and frequent change of party loyalties. But no premises of Delhi University. This case, pages after pages of books. Photocopiers emerged from the global north. Aggressively
piece of legislation is a deterrent when politicians, which was being closely tracked by students, have just made the task simpler and faster, pushed by the copyright lobby, such as Holly-
teachers and the publishing industry alike, but if the act of copying for a particular pur- wood, the music industry and the publishing
for what are usually self-serving reasons, decide to
was seen as one with immense significance pose is itself not illegal, and the effect of the cartels, copyright law had effectively been hi-
switch parties. After the Supreme Court restored for questions of access to knowledge. While action is the same, the difference in the mode jacked by narrow commercial interests (al-
the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh in initially involving only the publishers, the of action cannot make a difference so as to beit always speaking in the name of authors
July, most of the partys MLAs returned under the photocopier and the university, the case also make one an offence. and creators). Thus even when it came to dis-
leadership of a new Chief Minister, Pema Khandu. saw intervention petitions being filed by a cussing fair use and exceptions and limit-
But, in a couple of months, they have again deserted student group (Association of Students for Justice Endlaw rejects the populist For progress ations, countries have found themselves con-
the Congress to join the Peoples Party of Ar- Equitable Access to Knowledge) as well as by In a clear statement of the philosophical strained by judicial precedents from the U.S.
unachal, a constituent of the North-East Democrat- teachers and academics (Society for Promot- and unidimensional assumption basis of copyright law, Justice Endlaw rejects and elsewhere that have defined quantitative
ic Alliance, a front led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. ing Educational Access and Knowledge). that copyright is about the the populist and unidimensional assumption restrictions on photocopying.
The reason adduced for the switchover is laugh- While the publishers made the argument that protection of the property rights that copyright is about the protection of the In a radical move, the Delhi High Court has
the creation of course packs and the photo- property rights of owners. He notes instead: concluded that if Indian law makers have al-
able: to have better relations with the BJP-led gov- copying of academic material for the same of owners Copyright, specially in literary works, is lowed through statute for the reproduction of
ernment at the Centre. In effect what the MLAs amounted to an infringement of the exclusive thus not an inevitable, divine, or natural right a copyrighted work in the course of instruc-
have done is get over the legal hurdles to defection. copyright of the authors and publishers, the within its scope will not constitute infringe- that confers on authors the absolute owner- tion, it has done so on the basis of purpose
Once the Supreme Court restored the Congress defendants argued that the reproduction of ment. Section 52(1)(i) allows for the repro- ship of their creations. It is designed rather to (teaching) and with the conviction that this
government of Nabam Tuki, those who had deser- materials for educational purposes fell duction of any work i) by a teacher or a pupil stimulate activity and progress in the arts for does not unreasonably prejudice the le-
ted the party returned on condition that Mr. within the exceptions to copyright under in the course of instruction; or ii) as part of the intellectual enrichment of the public. gitimate interest of the author. Further, this
Khandu, and not Mr. Tuki, be the Chief Minister. Section 52(1)(i) of the Copyright Act. the questions to be answered in an examina- Copyright is intended to increase and not to flexibility is provided to it through interna-
This must have seemed the easiest way to stay in tion; or iii) in answers to such questions. impede the harvest of knowledge. It is inten- tional law, and it is not the place of courts to
Not a moral right The crux of the dispute was about whether ded to motivate the creative activity of au- impose artificial restrictions by way of
power for those who had allied with the earlier gov-
In his considered and sharply reasoned course packs fall within this exception. The thors and inventors in order to benefit the quantitative limits. Justice Endlaw, while ar-
ernment of Congress rebels led by Kalikho Pul.
judgment, Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw exam- petitioners tried to provide a narrow reading public. riving at this conclusion, is acutely aware of
Now, in a replay of the mass defection, the Congress ines the gamut of arguments made by both of the section, claiming that at best what the If copyright was always about maintaining the specific needs of countries like India
rebels have taken care to play by the book. There is sides and arrives at the conclusion that copy- section allows for is the provision of a balance between competing ideas of pri- where libraries and universities have to cope
no unseating of the government, no withdrawal of right is a statutory right and not a natural materials in the course of a lecture and spa- vate and public interest, the Delhi High Court with the needs of thousands of students sim-
support by the ruling partys MLAs. Instead, the right, and hence any right that is granted to tially restricted to a classroom. The court, has restored to copyright jurisprudence a ultaneously, and it would be nave to expect
change is neat and clean, from a Congress govern- owners is also limited by exceptions carved while rejecting this claim, argues that in- clear mandate for the future, one which is every student to buy copies of every book.
ment to a pro-BJP PPA government. The Governor out by law. The nature of Section 52 of the struction cannot be narrowly understood cognisant that the end goal of technology is An interesting question to consider is
had no role; and a legal challenge to the realign- Copyright Act is such that any act falling and, through a historically informed reading the improvement of our lives (material and whether the judgment effectively makes a
ment is made that much more difficult. clear distinction between fair dealing on the
Several legislative efforts have been made to curb CARTOONSCAPE one hand (which is subject to doctrinal tests
such as the Three-Step test), and in the copy-
defections. The 52nd Constitution Amendment right act in India governs personal use in-
provided for disqualification of defectors other cluding research versus a clear statutory ex-
than in the case of a split in the party, involving a ception for educational use. This aspect of
group of not less than one-third of its members. A the judgment could almost be read as an in-
later amendment disallowed splits, and provided structional manual for countries who find
only for merger in cases where at least two-thirds of themselves straitjackets under international
the members of one party merged with another copyright laws, and yet want to ensure the
party. This too did not prove to be a deterrent, as greatest flexibility in the way that they design
has been evident in Arunachal Pradesh. True, de- a system that addresses their specific needs.
fections engineered through unscrupulous means How will publishers respond?
undermine democratic institutions and subvert the While this judgment delivers a terrible
peoples mandate. But, so far, the cure for this mala- blow to the publishers, the crucial question
dy in the form of legislation does not seem to have is, how will they respond? Through the entire
had any effect. When defection is made more diffi- case the publishers have alienated the stu-
cult, the means adopted become even more invent- dent and academic community, and while it
ive. Ideally, the matter of dealing with defection is within their right to appeal the judgment, it
should be left in the hands of the voters. Legal rem- may be both politically prudent and ethically
edies to what is essentially a political issue will right not to do so. Teacher, readers, students
never work. and photocopiers are not the enemies of pub-
lishers; they are their greatest allies. In a time
when books and reading itself are under
neighbourhood copyright.
O
Lawrence Liang is a professor of law at Ambedkar
ver the past week, India played host to University, Delhi, currently teaching at Yale University.
Afghanistans President Ashraf Ghani
and Nepals Prime Minister Pushpa
Kamal Dahal Prachanda, visits that LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
marked a repair of relationships with both coun-
Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
tries. Mr. Prachandas meeting with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi was cordial, and though no large
announcements were made, the message thats Chief Ministers remark disappointing and unfortunate. problems of dynastic politics and the Election Commission to amend the a proper distribution channel are
gone out is that both countries wish to put the bit- When all sorts of crimes such as incessant promotion of family rules to incorporate a cooling off main reasons. Value addition,
terness of the past year and the economic blockade All must take strong exception to the threats, intimidation, sexual abuse at members in electoral politics by period of two years in order to processing, cold storage,
behind them. New Delhi is acutely conscious of Mr. statement of Haryana Chief Minister the workplace and rape are carried various party leaders has been prevent horse trading. The other warehousing and quick
Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday out every day, the top courts creating a new corps of peoples alternative is to countermand the transportation can improve the
Prachandas challenges: a potentially shaky tenure who dubbed the controversy over findings leave one very upset. What representatives in the country election and hold a repoll. Mr. situation.
in office given his coalitions narrow majority, the beef allegedly found in biryani and more evidence is required to prove whose incompetence and Khandus move justifying it on the
difficulty in building a two-thirds consensus for the Suraj Ashokrao Shirsath Patil,
the gang rape of two sisters in the murder charge? The young inefficiency wouldnt have need for better ties with the Centre Rahuri, Maharashtra
constitutional amendments he has committed to, Mewat, Haryana as a trivial issue woman lost her life only because of otherwise allowed them the honour is ludicrous.
as well as the massive task of reconstruction after when, according to him, the focus the macabre nature of the crime of stepping into the haloed portals of A.V. Narayanan,
the April 2015 earthquake. As a result, it didnt force should be on Swarna Jayanti inflicted on her by the convict. power. Tiruchi
No Hyderabad blues
him to commit on a timeline for amendments de- celebrations and the achievements S. Nallasivan, Beginning with the first family of The writer (No Hyderabad blues,
manded by Madhesi and other groups that feel of the Haryana government Tirunelveli Indian politics, we now have the The leadership of the Indian Sept.15) did not quantify the benefits
marginalised by the new Constitution. The joint (Sept.18). One wonders what concept of conservation of power National Congress party has to be of the special package, announced
Haryana is celebrating in its 50th The country and its women folk will being so ridiculously exploited by blamed for failing to rebuild its for Andhra Pradesh. Citing the
statement referred to Mr. Modi welcoming the on-
year if the State has scant regard for find it very difficult to accept the present day politicians in order to standing among its rank and file. examples of Chhattisgarh and
going efforts of the Government of Nepal to take all human rights and dignity of its decision to to spare Govindachami keep authoritarian control and the Neither Sonia Gandhi nor Rahul Jharkhand, which were created on
sections of the society on board for effective imple- women. It is no different from a the death penalty. I see the decision perks that go with it well-secured Gandhi have taken steps to protect the demand of local people, he
mentation of the Constitution, but it didnt men- Nero playing the fiddle while Rome as a crack in an old rock; a divide within the family. the partys base from crumbling conveniently forgets that these two
tion the word amendment. India instead focussed was burning. that sets the way for the proliferation Pachu Menon, after a string of electoral defeats. A States were truncated ones and did
on delivering on its own promises to Nepal, includ- Matthew Adukanil, of antisocial acts now that even the Comba, Goa lack of political vision and direction, not lose anything in the bargain.
ing hydropower and highways infrastructure pro- Sagayathottam, Tamil Nadu most hideous of crimes will not inefficacy in assessing situations, Never in Indian history has a
jects. This shows a maturing of New Delhis posi- invite the most stringent and a failure to re-strategise and residual State been left without the
punishment. The Indian judiciary Drama in Arunachal restructure the party from the grass- capital city, which was built and
tion, since the phase of stern statements against the Soumya case
Koirala and Oli governments on the Madhesi issue. needs to restore the faith it once When the government in Arunachal root have led to mass defections and developed with funds from coastal
Establishment of mens rea (culpable enjoyed among its citizens. Women Pradesh was formed under Pema shifting of allegiances. How does the Andhra. It is a very special and
With Mr. Ghani, the outreach began a year ago, state of mind) is a prerequisite for must be entitled to a separate fast Khandu, all believed that the party expect to regain voter trust extraordinary case. Even after
after it became clear that Afghanistan had lost con- awarding the death sentence (TN and fair tribunal for injustices. Congress had finally won the seesaw when it is unable to keep its flock bifurcation, the State has got only a
fidence in Pakistans ability to bring the Taliban to man escapes noose in Soumya rape, political battle and recuperated from together? pittance.
Meera A.R.,
book or to the table for talks. Moreover, the U.S., murder case, Sept.16). Moreover, Thrissur the crisis within the party. Its clearly N. Visveswaran, Maradapu Srinivasa Rao,
Afghanistans biggest security provider, made a such a type of harsh punishment is a short-lived one. Despite the BJPs Chennai Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
shift in its old policy of cutting India out of the se- awarded only in the rarest of rare assertions, the perception that the
curity equation, and actively encouraged New cases. Lack of evidence vis--vis Turmoil in the SP Centre is unwilling to cooperate
intention of murder on the part of A dynasty of politicians is not with States in which it is not in Tears over onions MS revisited
Delhi to help provide military assistance to Kabul.
Even so, during Mr. Ghanis visit, India opted for a the convict is what has led the unheard of in world politics. The power has only been strengthened Farmers often incur losses due to the One should not be surprised if in a
Supreme Court to pass such an Kennedy-clan in the U.S. is one such (No hand in Arunachal U-turn, fluctuating prices of onions few years time the younger
less overt approach to Afghanistans wish list of
order. That being so, its order example. Yet as prominent members claims BJP, Sept. 18). In a border (Ground Zero The bane of a generation does not know about the
helicopters, tanks and ammunition assistance, with commuting death sentence to life in American politics, John, Robert State like Arunachal Pradesh, there bumper crop, Sept. 17). A legendary vocalist M.S.
the joint statement and agreements signed merely sentence cannot be faulted. Above and Edward Kennedy did contribute must be a stable government. permanent solution lies in Subbulakshmi. Fleeting coverage by
mentioning their resolve to counter terrorism and all, an eye for an eye cannot be the fairly to the betterment of the U.S. Md. Mobbashir Farid, determining the MSP of onions. A the media on the occasion of her
strengthen security and defence cooperation as en- solution for all evils given the But in India, there seems to be a Gaya, Bihar policy should also be framed on the 100th birth centenary celebrations,
visaged in the India-Afghanistan Strategic Partner- growing demand across the world difference. The uncle-nephew spat import and export of the bulb, her virtuoso performances being
ship Agreement. Mention of Pakistans support to for abolishing the death sentence. in the political hierarchy in the The development in Arunachal keeping farmers interests in mind. buried in archives and absolutely no
terrorist groups was muted as well. However, Mr. However, one cannot ignore the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar makes a mockery of the election The government should also efforts being made to channel her
Ghani did give a scathing account of Pakistans ac- voices of a section who want the Pradesh has once again process and is the equivalent of develop a rapid market intervention recitals into the popular stream are
tions at a speech at a Delhi think tank later. The offence of rape to be made more demonstrated the fragility of perpetrating a fraud on the people mechanism for onions. pointers. It will be fitting if both
serious and the quantum of political dispensations that depend who voted for the politicians in Nikhil Chopra, audiovisual arms of the Centre, All
Afghan and Nepali visits had another common punishment enhanced. largely on the numerical strength of question. It is shocking that they had India Radio and Doordarshan
Jagraon, Punjab
thread, of landlocked countries in need of road and kith and kin. It goes without saying no qualms in shifting allegiance earmark a slot of at least half an hour
S. Srinivasan,
railway trade routes. It is hoped that, going forward, Chennai that the simmering discontent overnight which probably reflects a There are similar examples of the in a week to broadcast and telecast
India will take a leadership role in maximising their between family members in the new trend in regional politics. The mismanagement of marketing for her kutcheries and keep her memory
options, as it has done with Afghanistan through The Supreme Courts verdict leaves party will have a destabilising effect crossing the floor formula should different types of agricultural alive.
the Chabahar port project in Iran. one shell shocked. One can also add on the politics of the State. It is well not be made so easy and that too produce. The lack of well-defined Seshagiri Row Karry,
the words unwelcome, known that India is beset with twice. It becomes incumbent on the marketing norms and the absence of Hyderabad
CM ND-ND
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10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
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athering evidence regarding the four ter- womens rights, or rather wrongs. A Law Hindu Code Bill that outlawed polygamy. 2013, including Awaaz-e-Niswaan, Muslim
rorists who stormed the army base in Ministry note prepared for the Law Commis- And three, the overall incidence of polygamy Womens Rights Network, Bharatiya Muslim
Uri, killing 18 soldiers, suggests they are sion declares that the three impediments to reported for Hindu and Muslim women is 5.7 Mahila Andolan (BMMA), and the Bebaak
from Pakistan and had been sent across legislating a UCC are separatism, conser- per cent and 5.6 per cent, respectively. In Collective, to name only a few. They speak in
the border explicitly for this attack. In fact, the en- vatism, and misconceived notions about per- short, these data do not prove that there was many voices and have different viewpoints.
tire operation has the fingerprints of Pakistans mil- sonal laws. The note is unambiguously more bigamy among Hindu women than Undoubtedly some do argue that the only
itary establishment, showing yet again the coun- clear as to which personal laws are getting in Muslim women even in 1960, let alone in available option today is to work for personal
the way those protected by their minority more recent times. (We may note in passing law reform from within. But this is by no
trys persistent use of terrorism as state policy. The
status, that is, Muslim personal law. Howev- that the authors of the Towards Equality re- means the only position. In any case, the dis-
four terrorists reportedly got to the camp early in er, Muslim personal law has also been in the port were particularly concerned about the tinction between what is internal and ex-
the morning, in all probability across the Line of news independently of the UCC issue be- ILLUSTRATION: DEEPAK HARICHANDAN high incidence of polygamy among tribal ternal to personal laws is not always clear.
Control just 6 km away. The terrorists carried auto- cause of the PIL supporting Shayara Banos groups, where rates were increasing over For example, while unilateral triple talaq is
matic rifles, under-barrel grenade launchers and demand for the repeal of unilateral divorce It is imperative to nurture time and had reached 18 per cent during viewed as being contrary to true Islamic
other equipment, most of it with Pakistani mark- (or triple talaq), and the responses this has alternative perspectives 1951-60.) principles by many theological schools, po-
ings, according to Director General of Military Op- received. diverse voices must enter public lygamy is considered to be part of main-
erations Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh. Over the last three The steady slide of Muslim women stream Islam. Yet there are organisations
decades or so, India has been at the receiving end of Comparing Hindu and Muslim women discourse, whether or not the Nothing is gained today by simply assert- asking for the abolition of polygamy, thus
Pakistani statecraft of terrorists unleashed to attain During the 1990s, the idea of a UCC was state is ready to listen ing that Hindu women are worse off than pushing the outer boundaries of personal
extensively criticised by womens groups their Muslim counterparts such careless law reform. Moreover, Muslim womens or-
state objectives; Uri is the latest provocation. India who feared the unspoken intentions of the was made of a Census study on marriage and claims may come back to haunt us in future. ganisations have also been demanding
has limited manoeuvrability as far as a military re- Hindu Right in advocating it. An influential polygamy (which had been cited in the fam- Yes, honour killings are sanctioned by khap economic and political rights. In sum, if a
sponse goes. Narendra Modis restrained, but firm, strand of argument questioned public per- ous Towards Equality report of 1974 on the panchayats in the very Hindu State of Hary- common code is impossible to argue for
response is an indication that India may not play ceptions and assumptions about personal status of Indian women) which showed that ana; but the khap campaign to amend the today, it is not because Muslim women are
the reckless game many would like it to. Con- law, namely: Hindu personal law has been the incidence of polygamy (usually bigamy) Hindu Marriage Act to enforce gotra and better off with their existing personal laws,
demning the cowardly attack, he said those be- successfully reformed; in sharp contrast, was in fact greater among Hindus than caste prohibitions has failed. Moreover, but because of the extreme insecurity and
hind it would not go unpunished the heavy-lift- Muslim law remains uncodified and im- Muslims. Moreover, such wives had no there is growing evidence that women are precariousness of Muslim lives and liveli-
ing will in all probability be done diplomatically. poses the worst vulnerabilities on Muslim rights under the reformed Hindu law, unlike claiming their inheritance as daughters un- hoods in contemporary India. This was
In responses in New Delhi, and on the ground in women; therefore, Hindu personal law the rights available to Muslim women under der the Hindu Succession (Amendment) shared at a recent national convention orga-
should be made the basis for a UCC. There polygamy. Act, 2005, particularly in regions (such as nised by the Bebaak Collective, Muslim
Kashmir, one thing has emerged: that India still
was much to be questioned in such assump- Now that we are once again faced with the Haryana) where land prices have shot up, Aurton ki Awaaz: Sadak se Sansad Tak, at-
does not have a comprehensive national policy to tions. For instance, it was pointed out that, spectre of a UCC being foisted on us, this and the support of in-laws is forthcoming. tended by over 500 Muslim women and oth-
deal with domestic militancy as well as cross-bor- historically, Muslim personal law was way represents an opportunity to take stock from While it is nobodys case that Hindu law has ers in New Delhi on February 27-28, 2016.
der terrorism. Given Indias inconsistent and in- ahead of its Hindu counterpart since mar- where we are today. We believe that there are been successfully reformed, decades of
complete responses, the adversaries, both states riage was understood to be a contract be- three main lessons to be learnt from our re- Hindu majoritarianism may well have bene- Resisting statist agendas anew
and terror organisations, are able to exploit, and of- tween individuals with built-in provision for cent past. First, we must stop making dubi- fited many upper-caste Hindu women, in- The third lesson is that feminists must re-
ten poke fun at, the lack of a robust national doc- divorce, while Hindu law languished within ous comparisons between Muslim and cluding in courts of law. In contrast, the member and recover the creativity and en-
trine. The latest attack also captures the complex notions of sacrament, the absence of person- Hindu women. Having studied the status of Muslims as delineated in the Sachar ergy of the 1990s. While being trapped in a
reality of India-Pakistan ties and the Kashmir issue. hood for Hindu wives, the vagaries of the comparative data on polygamy that continue Committee report a decade ago is likely to reactive relationship to the state with re-
It calls for an alert security grid and sophisticated Hindu Undivided Family, and so on. Much to be cited, we noticed the following. One, have declined further given their increased spect to the UCC, feminists and womens or-
ganisations did much more in the 1990s than
policy responses; neither can be achieved by rheto- CARTOONSCAPE simply resist majoritarian agendas. Despite
ric and simplistic blame games. The Indian security bitter and acrimonious debates, many cre-
forces have been dealing with militancy and cross- ative alternative visions emerged of how
border infiltration since Kashmir went up in flames genuine equality could be brought into the
in the late 1980s. The gradual decline in violence in realm of family life and related institutions.
the Valley over the years was reversed starting 2014, In the decades since, we have been exploring
and since then strife in the Valley and infiltration rights in intimate relations, rights in
from the Pakistan side have both steadily climbed. economic and political spheres more gener-
The Prime Minister should take the lead to bring ally, and observing the innovative use of sec-
ular laws by minority groups, such as the Ju-
together leaders across the spectrum to work to-
venile Justice (Care and Protection of
wards finding peace, while drawing up a national Children) Rules, 2007 for adoption of chil-
security doctrine that is free of biases and myopia. dren by Muslims and Christians. Today, we
India needs to let its adversaries know it is a power must revive and re-energise these visions
capable of more than mere rhetoric while assur- and reassert our refusal to think within the
ing its own people that its options are rooted in con- confines of statist agendas.
stitutional values. For both, a well-documented na- It is amply evident that the Law Ministrys
tional security doctrine could be a first step. note on the UCC does not venture beyond
the old desire for uniformity, and barely
finds room for equality. This makes it all the
The road more imperative to nurture and promote al-
ternative perspectives diverse voices
must be empowered to enter public dis-
from Bratislava course, whether or not the state is ready to
listen. After all, the common goal is gender
U
nity and cohesion were conspicuously justice, whether it is uniform or plural.
absent at the Bratislava castle where the
Mary E. John is Senior Fellow, Centre for Womens
EU 28 minus 1 met to discuss the post- Development Studies. Hasina Khan is a member of Forum
Brexit world. Nobody is harbouring any Against Oppression of Women, Mumbai and founder
member of Bebaak Collective. The views expressed are
illusions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and personal.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Jun-
cker admitted that the EU is in an existential crisis.
Brexit is only the latest symptom of the fear and dis- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
content that have spread across the continent, Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
fuelled by the migrant crisis, Islamophobia, Eu-
rozone woes and terrorist attacks. Fridays meeting
was organised by Donald Tusk, President of the Eu- Terror strike in Uri Pakistan will no doubt deny its Mere condemnation or criticism, definitely does not amount to get their findings patented, wouldnt
ropean Council, that provides strategic direction to involvement in the attack. But it both national or international, will infringement of copyright. But the world have suffered? I would
The predawn attack on an army cannot hide from the fact that not suffice. The question thus arises: photocopying amounts to also like to pose this question to
the EU, in order to diagnose the situation and to
camp in Uri only reaffirms that terrorists are operating from bases should we continue to be treated as a unauthorised reproduction and may those who talk about copyright and
forge a united path forward. This is not going to be Pakistan is in the habit of triggering in Pakistan. If it cannot eliminate sleeping giant and let the episode not enjoy the exemptions granted are based in the West: dont you
an easy task given that the bloc is split into factions, fresh violence in the Kashmir Valley these bases, it should get help from cool down, or do we act firmly? How under the Copyright Act. Further, it borrow traditional knowledge
mainly around issues of economics and migration. (17 jawans killed in pre-dawn strike outside. The ultimate solution to the long should we take it lying down? does not encourage students to from indigenous populations and get
The Bratislava Declaration offers a road map for in Uri, Sept.19). A country that has problem of terrorism lies in India We are a powerful and strong nation research a problem and search for away with it? When you patent them,
the next six months, on migration, border security, never seen a full-fledged democracy reclaiming Pakistan- Occupied and must have faith and confidence additional material to develop their what about the rights of the
counter-terrorism, defence and economic and so- blooming ever since its Kashmir. There are some in India in ourselves. We do not need skills and originality. indigenous populations?
cial development, providing political backing to independence has always relied on who repeatedly advocate carrying international approval to take action I feel the IPR of the publisher has to Naveen Rattu,
measures announced by Mr. Juncker in his State of violence to achieve its objective. It is forward the dialogue process. But against Pakistan. be protected as most reputed Chandigarh
the Union address in Brussels. Europe is much like high time that India exposes dialogue with whom? The LeT and S.P. Sharma, publishers have the clause no part
Pakistans nefarious designs in the JeM? These organisations are Mumbai of the publication may be Questions and issues
a stack of Jenga blocks at present. Each move needs aiding, abetting and sending hardly enamoured of the Gandhian reproduced, stored in a retrieval
precision and care in order to preserve the integrity terrorists to harm India so that any philosophy of peace. system, or transmitted, in any form While ideas fly thick and fast on the
of an increasingly tenuous union. The declaration attempt at initiating peace gets Blow for knowledge or by any means, without prior self-inflicted death of Ramkumar,
K.R. Jayaprakash Rao,
identifies various areas for action. Some of these derailed and Jammu and Kashmir is Mysuru Most institutes of repute have permission in writing or expressly one point looms large (Swathi
are likely to find wide acceptance, such as funding kept on the boil always. academic course packs that permitted by law. Neither is there murder accused commits suicide,
for strategic investments across the region, estab- K.R. Srinivasan, The attack is a cowardly attempt by comprise books by foreign authors permission under the Indian Sept.19). Only last week, in the
lishing a common capital market across the EU and Secunderabad anti-national elements to perpetrate and publications which help a Reprographic Rights Organisation. Soumya case, the Supreme Court of
acquiring advanced traveller information to secure and perpetuate terror on Indian student develop their ideas and Newspapers, journals and India commuted concurrent death
borders. Other areas, such as migration, are more Pakistan is a terrorist state and territory. It is unfortunate that even outlook. Most students pore over periodicals can get their publication penalties to life imprisonment which
should be identified and isolated. As after being admonished publicly and such books in a library for hours costs offset by way of advertisement fuelled an outburst of public
contentious. Hungarians will participate in a na-
India has become a victim of warned of strict action against any taking down copious notes, but there revenues, which does not happen in disapproval.
tional referendum in October to decide whether terrorism exported by Pakistan for form of outrageous aggression and are limitations of time. the case of publishing houses. This may revive the need to have the
they will accept the recommended share. The EU decades, the government must take violation of ceasefire agreement, the Most often, a student is unable to death penalty to be awarded in
Pavitra Palagummi,
must find a creative, humane and effective solution measures to impress upon all leadership of Pakistan has not afford such highly priced books. Hyderabad appropriate cases in the statute
to receive and resettle refugees. Another conten- nations Pakistans real identity as a mended its ways. However, Keeping in mind limited book. The other areas of concern are
tious proposal is the European army. Mr. Juncker fount of terrorism. prudence demands that India should infrastructure for reading facilities The judgment has boosted the the novel methods of committing
had proposed that member-states move towards J.P. Reddy, not let its strategic interests in in libraries in India, and in order to morale of the student community. suicide by prison inmates, the
pooling and centralising their defence and diplo- Nalgonda, Telangana engaging with Pakistan be expand the domain of knowledge, it This semester, we were told to refer lengthy time for a final verdict
matic resources. While there may be advantages undermined by jingoistic is essential to allow content to be to a publication by a foreign author. during which prisoners need to be
with regard to defence procurement and oper- Pakistan-sponsored terrorism has provocations from extremist forces. delivered to students. Books are When I located the book in a large kept under constant vigil, and, more
emerged as a grave threat to peace A sustained dialogue process is meant to enhance the knowledge of chain store, the rupee equivalent of importantly, the revival of the debate
ational efficiency and capabilities, it is exactly this and stability in the region and the necessary for strong bilateral ties pupils and such freedom is granted the books price in dollars came to about the desirability of abolishing
kind of a more Europe response to a problem that development of South Asia. Like it and a robust confidence-building indirectly through Section 52 of the more than Rs.10,000. The photocopy the death sentence.
has left EU member-states and citizens disen- or not, the fidayeen attack at Uri has mechanism to attain the objectives Copyright Act. One hopes that the store in my college offered to do the
chanted and fearful of what they see as Brusselss V. Lakshmanan,
hastened the prospect of a military of trade, sporting and cultural publishers concerned do not whole book for Rs.500. I wish the Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
overreach. Brussels will do well to heed the lessons confrontation between India and interactions. Building trust through challenge the Delhi High Court copyright system facilitates the
of Brexit. This can be done in at least two ways. Pakistan. War clouds are now sustained engagement and verdict (A blow for the right to growth of knowledge.
First, by focussing on the big picture and on areas hovering over the subcontinent as concluding agreements on knowledge, Sept.19). Vedant Mishra, The suicide obviously raises many
where it has a comparative advantage while letting the Indian security establishment economic cooperation can provide a Dimpy Bhatia, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh questions about the safety of
national governments take the lead in others. seems to be mulling over different more favourable context to address New Delhi prisoners and the government owes
options to respond. We are a peace- grievances on both sides. India The article highlights the growing us an explanation. The way the case
Second, by encouraging members to engage more
loving country, but it does not mean should look at exploiting tactical The way forward is to acquire confrontation between the patent/ proceeded is odd and raises many
rigorously with their citizens on EU issues ex- that we can be taken for granted by options and protesting sufficient numbers of publications as copyright regime and the not-so- questions. There appears to have
plaining policies and their outcomes, collecting our hostile neighbour for whom diplomatically for riposte against student editions, probably at highly privileged ones. How many Indian been an attempt to save face. The
feedback, and inviting ideas. These steps will go a terror is a key instrument of its state Pakistan to create strong subsidised prices, and making them students can afford to buy books that episode only underlines the need to
long way towards, to use Mr. Tusks phrase, not let- policy. disincentives for its hostile actions. available to students. Using textbook cost over Rs.300? Had Roentgen (the introduce police reforms.
ting this crisis go to waste. M. Jeyaram, Shreyans Jain, material as a teaching aid in the discoverer of X-rays) or Alexander S. Venugopalan,
Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu Mumbai course of instruction to students Fleming (for penicillin) chosen to Chennai
CM ND-ND
YK
1ias.com NOIDA/DELHI
T
he Delhi High Court verdict that photo- jawans and inflicting grievous casualties on imity, but mature judgment based on a cost- (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),
copying portions of academic publi- many more. The fidayeen were able to effective analysis, that led to the withholding may also be less than willing to take sides in a
cations to make course packs for students breach the Line of Control as also the camps of direct action in the form of an overt attack conflict of this kind.
does not amount to copyright infringe- security, employing a combination of incen- on Pakistani targets. A mature nation like In- Utmost care again needs to be taken when
ment has been interpreted by many as a victory for diary grenades and close-quarter weapons to dia could hardly afford to function like a considering any military option. Pakistan
the wider public interest of ensuring affordable ac- inflict heavy casualties. rogue state, viz. Pakistan. may be a basket case approximating to
cess to quality educational material.The only ques- Questions are being raised as to how this North Korea, but like the latter it is a militar-
could happen when Jammu and Kashmir was Mature response the key ised state which has nuclear teeth. In 2008,
tion of law that arose in the suit filed byOxford Uni-
on maximum alert this being one of the The need for caution is even more imperat- India did not exercise the military option not
versity Press, Cambridge University Press and worst periods in the States history since the ive today, as not only is the world more inter- due to any fears of a possible nuclear conflict,
Taylor & Francis was whether the making of course 1990s. This is, however, not the time for intro- connected and events in any one region do but because of the futility of resorting to any
packs by the Delhi University by authorising a pho- spection on security breaches and failures;
Pakistans military is anxious to have a geopolitical impact, but the stakes for such step as it was likely to be indeterminate.
tocopying store to make numerous copies of course there are far more serious matters on hand. engage in a conflict to gauge India as one of the worlds leading economic The decision to eschew the military option
material drawn from different books amounts to how soon the world and its allies powers have become considerable. It is, was based on mature consideration of all
copyright infringement. The court says copyright Uri and the UN hence, necessary to temper the voices being facts available at that time. In retrospect, it
is not a natural or common law right in India, but is The Uri attack had an eerie similarity to like China would step in and heard about paying Pakistan back in its own greatly added to Indias prestige, instead of
subject to statute. It proceeds to hold that photo- the attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in internationalise the dispute coin, that strategic restraint is pass, and that the country being equated with a rogue state
copying for academic purposes is not an infringe- January this year, in which seven security the government must exercise the military like Pakistan. India also won the perception
personnel were killed. Lessons from that in- sides. All of India feels that mere impotent option. Many former members of the armed war, gaining international support and sym-
ment as Section 52(1)(i) of the Copyright Act per- cident obviously have not filtered down. rage and euphuistic excesses are insufficient. forces are seen indulging in rhetoric that pathy, while Pakistan was consigned to the
mits the making of copies of literary works by a What is significant is that the JeM was re- There is clamour for action, all the more be- verges on jingoism. This could prove dan- position of an international outcast.
teacher or pupil in the course of instruction, a sponsible for both attacks. The JeM even cause the present government had come into gerous at a time when emotions are running
phrase interpreted to cover whole academic ses- more than the Lashkar-e-Taiba is the hand- office promising strong action against high. Pakistans military is anxious to engage Sober reflection, not strikes
sions, from the preparation of syllabus onwards. maiden of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelli- Pakistan after accusing the United in a conflict not so much to assess its own ca- Sub-military options available to India to
Given that the law contains provisions barring gence (ISI). It obeys implicitly, and acts dir- Progressive Alliance government of pusillan- pabilities, but to gauge how soon the world put pressure on Pakistan are not too many. In
infringement of copyright and listing acts that do ectly on, the directions of the ISI. There is, imity vis--vis the neighbour. The shoe is and its allies like China would step in and in- 2008, after the Mumbai attacks, similar sug-
not constitute infringement, there is no doubt that hence, a message in the latest attack, coming now on the other foot, and the wearer is since ternationalise the conflict, including issues gestions had been made by some experts
the legislature wanted to balance copyright protec- as it does straight from the deepest recesses learning where the shoe pinches. such as Kashmir. from outside the government. These were
of the Pakistani Deep State. The foremost issue before India, at not considered viable, as merely hitting a few
tion with the public interest in ensuring access. In- Words, options and actions
The timing is hardly fortuitous. The care- present, would thus be whether to maintain terrorist training camps inside Pakistan-oc-
terestingly, the judge sees the no infringement fully planned attack with intelligence ob- Strong words had similarly accompanied diplomatic relations with Pakistan at the ex- cupied Kashmir was hardly likely to hurt
clauses as being consistent with articles in the viously provided by the ISI was timed to the attack on the Indian Parliament (2001) isting level or not. It is important to rec- Pakistan. At the time, India lacked the capa-
Berne Convention and the Agreement on Trade- coincide with the debate in the UN General and Operation Parakram (2001-02) in the ognise, however, that while we can choose bility to carry out spectacular raids like the
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, Assembly (featuring both Pakistans Prime wake of the Kargil conflict. Policymakers at our friends, we cannot select our neighbours. one by the Israel Defense Forces at Entebbe
which provide for domestic legislation to permit Minister and Indias External Affairs that time had been compelled to step back Once diplomatic relations are broken, heal- and German GSG 9 forces in Mogadishu in
reproductions for specific purposes, as long as they Minister), thus helping rivet world attention subsequently on account of the prevailing in- ing the rift will become still more difficult. the 1970s or the taking out of Osama bin
do not conflict with normal exploitation of the to an otherwise hardy annual event. ternational climate. The next issue for India would be whether Laden in Abbottabad by the U.S. Navy SEALs
works or unreasonably prejudice the rights-holder. Whatever be the nature of evidence pro- India faced a similar dilemma following it is possible to impose a heavy economic in 2011.
The publishers have argued, in vain, that uni- duced by India, Pakistan will still remain in the multiple terror attacks in Mumbai city on burden on Pakistan. The inherent weakness The reality is that Indias security agen-
denial. November 26, 2008, in which over 170 people in any such step is that few nations would be cies, including the armed forces, still do not
versities should not allow unrestricted photocopy- The question is: quo vadis, India-Pakistan were killed. Pakistans perfidy was clearly willing to follow Indias lead and, treating have adequate capabilities of this kind not-
ing, but instead apply for licences through the Indi- relations? Tensions remain high on both proven in this instance, following the live Pakistan as an outcast, impose an economic withstanding claims to the contrary. The
an Reprographic Rights Organisation, a registered Army, the Navy and the Air Force do have
copyright society. The publishers may pursue this their Special Forces, but unlike the U.K.s
aspect in their appeal, if there is one. The verdict CARTOONSCAPE Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat
may justly raise the concern whether conferring Service (SBS), the Green Berets and SEALs of
unrestricted reprographic rights on academic insti- the U.S., Germanys GSG 9 and Russias Spet-
tutions will drive reputed publishers out of the field snaz, these are primarily intended for milit-
of education. It is true that academic publications, ary operations behind the lines during a
period of war. They are not capable of any in-
especially international ones, are expensive, put-
dependent operation. The Special Frontier
ting them beyond the reach of many students. But Force has some capability for very limited
the question is whether the balance between the operations and in specified circumstances.
competing interests has been fully preserved in the The National Security Guard, though raised
law. If reputed publishers feel that there is insuffi- as a counter-terrorist force, is not in the same
cient copyright protection and back out of educa- league as the GSG 9.
tional publishing in the country, it will be equally All this should induce sober reflection. In-
injurious to the public interest. dia is, of course, in a position to engage in a
water war with Pakistan, to deprive Pakistan
of water from the Indus river. This would, of
M
ilestones are curious things in cricket. hiding behind the plausible deniability avail-
Round numbers such as fifty, the able in such attacks. Our capacity in this area
century, ten-wicket hauls and career is considerable, and it should be possible to
engage in extensive cyber sabotage and cy-
runs in multiples of 1000 allow a berwarfare to bring Pakistan to its knees.
measure of achievement in a sport. They also offer This may be worth examining, instead of
a moments pause to reflect. As India prepares for adopting tit for tat methods with a rogue
its 500th Test a milestone 84 years in the making nation.
it seems apposite to assess its legacy in the
games classical form. It is also germane to consider M.K. Narayanan is a former National Security Adviser and
former Governor of West Bengal.
the future, given the fear in some quarters that the
shorter versions will cannibalise Test cricket.
There was certainly nothing in the early years to
suggest India would become the economic super-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
power it is today. Although the great Wally Ham- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
mond said new-ball bowler Amar Singh came off
the pitch like the crack of doom in Indias first-ever about our claim of being a strong readability and embellishes it in unparalleled record such as The in the crest, the paper is definitely
Test, against England at Lords in 1932, success
Uri and a response
nation under a strong leader. How several other ways. It is only after Hindus, of continuously expanding growing from strength to strength.
proved elusive. While there were moments of A national security doctrine is only long do we keep watching our these processes that a book is their base of readers since inception T.S. Karthik,
individual brilliance Vijay Hazares twin hun- as good as the national will to soldiers bleeding on our soil? published. Very few readers and disseminating news with Chennai
dreds against Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller at Ad- enforce it. Our response to every S.K. Choudhury, understand this. When so much extraordinary clarity and without
elaide in 1948, perhaps the most memorable of terror attack emanating from Bengaluru effort has gone into it, the writer and bias. The fact that the trusted and Its clear and firm views, crisp
them it wasnt until 1952 that India won a Test. Pakistan has become predictably publisher, using the principles of reliable newspaper has completed editorials, and comprehensive
routine there is a wave of public natural justice and a statutory 138 years is a proud moment for coverage of events that are governed
M.A.K. Pataudi first pursued the idea of a vibrant,
anger demanding revenge against A common code framework, deserve protection. That millions of its readers across the by the principles of integrity and
united team in the 1960s, and bequeathed it to Ajit Pakistan and the government The debate on the uniform civil code protection is copyright globe. One hopes that The Hindu credibility are praiseworthy. As an
Wadekar. The coming together of E.A.S. Prasanna, vowing a suitable retaliation has once again gained ground with quintessentially. The intent of the will continue to march on. ardent reader for the past six
B.S. Chandrasekhar, Bishan Bedi, and S. Venkatar- (Editorial Responding to Uri, the BJP coming to power. The intent photocopy operator is to derive M. Jeyaram, decades, I am happy to note that it is
aghavan spinners the cricket world remains in Sept.20). However, nothing happens seems to be to target the autonomy simple commercial benefit while the Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu now Indias second largest-
awe of and the arrival of the indomitable Sunil afterwards as the masterminds of of Muslims because the debate intent of the user is to get the circulated English daily.
Gavaskar not long after, formed the nucleus of the terror in Pakistan wait for the fury seems to recognise Muslim personal content practically free. The matter I have been reading The Hindu for A.J. Rangarajan,
side that beat West Indies and England away in 1971. and indignation to subside before laws as being the sole reason for the has to be taken up for appeal. more than three decades now. In Chennai
With the emergence of Kapil Dev a world-class, launching their next attack. The Uri inequalities Muslim women face. N. Subrahmanyam, between I switched to other dailies
all-round match-winner there was more for attack should be dealt with But the reality is that women in Hyderabad but returned as one cannot forget I have been a reader since boyhood
differently. Since the terrorists are every religious or cultural group the unique bond one has with the 1957 and am happy that the
other countries to be wary of. But it wasnt until trained by Pakistans military- face some sort of inequality. There is Lawrence Liang advises publishers paper. I recollect a South Asian daily has crossed another milestone.
after the turn of the millennium that India became security establishment, they are a need to bring in Muslims under a at the end of his ill-considered proverb: When eating fruit, It has a great past, a contemporary
consistently successful, home and away. The ri- nothing but proxies for the Pakistani common code in a harmonious eulogy of the Delhi High Court remember who planted the tree. outlook, and a bright future. It is
valry against Australia, birthed in 2001 at Eden Gar- Army. India has all the evidence of manner. Every religious group judgment to remember that it is K. Jayanthi, indeed a great companion right
dens, was transformative. In Sachin Tendulkar, the Pakistani militarys involvement, should also be encouraged to get education and greater access that Chennai through the day.
Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, V.V.S. Laxman, and it has the right to hit back in a involved in this debate. makes readers and not copyright. Maruthachalam Karunakaran,
Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer manner and at a time of its choice. Karan Choudhary, Providing adequate educational A journey of 138 years is extremely Erode, Tamil Nadu
Khan, India had a Golden Generation. M.S. Dhoni India needs to change Pakistans Pathankot, Punjab facilities to all, with public libraries commendable and one has to thank
was the first of a new era of players to break through perception that there are no costs to and book banks, and giving student the founders who painstakingly As a septuagenarian bonded to The
be paid for maintaining two armies loans for the purchase of books seem propelled the newspaper to greater Hindu for over six decades, I am
from smaller, less traditional cricket centres, and
the regular army kept in the Blow for knowledge to be unimportant in his view, not to heights, even making it a referral elated that the daily is 138 years. It
for a period India was the worlds best team. That barracks and another irregular army The argument of Lawrence Liang is mention the really terrible guide for youngsters to learn the has many firsts to its credit, worthy
crown slipped subsequently, but matters have sel- of brainwashed youth sent to die in lopsided (A blow for the right to disincentive this law will be to alien language of English. However, of appreciation and emulation. I
dom appeared as encouraging as they do now. At India. knowledge, Sept.19). The copyright writers and researchers in every it is painful to note that Corrections wish it success in all its endeavours.
the helm are two men with an empathy for bowlers: V.N. Mukundarajan, law does not restrict anybody field, and to creativity in general. and Clarifications occupies much Tharcius S. Fernando,
Virat Kohlis declaration last year that bowlers Thiruvananthapuram teacher or student from taking They stand to lose their royalties space every day. Chennai
were the bosses in Test cricket was momentous for down notes from a book in any form from the sales of their books. This is Ramaswamy Mahadevan,
a culture obsessed with batsmen; and few know After the initial demand for the printed or digital. The issue is also anti-intellectualism disguised as Chennai I have been a reader since 1974 as my
more about bowling teams to victory than Kumble. whole jaw for a tooth, it is clear not about advances in technology. right to knowledge. We seem to be father told me to read only The
As West Indies and Australia, the only two nations that the Modi government does not There is no place for any complex well on the way to becoming a truly A favourite question asked in Hindu. It is because of The Hindu
seem, as of now, inclined to resort to legalese or jurisprudence here. mediocre society. quizzes during my college days used that I am able to understand, speak
to have put out truly dominant teams, have shown, any retributive military action. When I write a book, I am spending to be: What was founded by 6 and write in English to an extent. I
a lot falls into place when the bowlers are looked Vasantha Surya,
While it is true that a military time and resources in trying to New Delhi people on 20 September 1878 with studied up to PUC (Tamil medium)
after. If the Board of Control for Cricket in India offensive, whatever its scale, has its present the subject in a manner that one rupee and twelve annas of and it was the daily that became my
continues being supportive and it must be com- own unpredictable cost, its absence, an average student too can borrowed money? We would English teacher. My day is complete
mended for laying out a 13-Test home season the despite repeated provocations from understand it well. A publisher then 138 not out chorus: The Hindu. Like only after I have read the paper.
foundation for the next 500 will be suitably robust. Pakistan, does betray a sense of spends time and resources using There are very few newspapers in Airavatham, the divine elephant S. Ganapathy,
helplessness. It raises questions professional skills to improve its the world which have such an which stands for strength and seen Chennai
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
J
udicial intervention often resolves questions architecture while leaving economic forces banks to lend would be poor policy. But it is transformation that this tiny state has so
that the executive finds too sensitive to handle. to play out on their own. The criterion of not clear whether everything that can be quickly wrought is most impressive indeed.
By directing the Centre to constitute a Cauvery macroeconomic stability, defined mainly by done to lower the lending rate is being done. There is an astounding presence there of
Management Board within four weeks, the Su- inflation kept within a range, completes the After all, consumer price index (CPI) infla- public capital in the form of infrastructure,
preme Court has created space for the water-shar- picture. Underpinning such an approach is tion, the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) pre- the most egregious of which is public hous-
ing dispute to be handled in a scientific and re- the premise that the potential of the econo- ferred inflation index, is trending downward ing which hosts over 80 per cent of the popu-
sponsible manner by a legally constituted technical my, reflecting the chosen acts of private and there is a case for lowering lending rates. lation. Along with its approach to political
agents, not only cannot be improved upon by But the RBI has now been put into the strait- freedoms, Singapores record is closer to that
body. The board, assisted by a regulation commit-
the government but its realisation could ac- jacket of inflation targeting and can no long- of socialist planning rather than free-market
tee, is the mechanism prescribed by the Tribunal in tually be stymied by intervention. This is a er respond to considerations of output. This capitalism. Its government has not hesitated
its final order for implementing its award. It will be well-known position in the canon of Anglo- ILLUSTRATION: KESHAV leaves fiscal policy as the only instrument to intervene in the economy but its interven-
a technical body consisting of irrigation engineers American economics tending towards the with the government. tions have been made with a finesse that has
and agronomists, and will have independent mem- view that market outcomes are the best. The Most capital formation is done The government, however, is reluctant to yielded substantial returns. It is ironic that a
bers as well as representatives of the basin States. It maxim minimum government is maximum use it to increase aggregate demand for fear government that had so ceremoniously re-
can formulate the manner in which water should be governance could legitimately claim to be
by the domestic private sector. of deviating from its fiscal consolidation placed the Planning Commission must sim-
shared in a season of distress. The courts interven- its progeny. Any significant change in the path. It is of course possible to step up public ultaneously seek clues from the history of a
tion also exposes the helplessness of governments investment scenario would depend investment by trimming subsidies. Here the country transformed by economic planning.
Life in the slow lane National Democratic Alliance governments There is one specific area in which our
at the Centre in handling inter-State issues. It is part upon the actions of this segment
How, it may be asked, has this philosophy approach is cravenly political, and no differ- own government may learn from the Singa-
of a long historical pattern. It was at the instance of served the economy? We could start with ent from that of its predecessor, the United pore experience. The government there had
the Supreme Court that the Cauvery Water Dis- growth. Since May 2014, growth has acceler- accelerating growth and steadily declining Progressive Alliance. It is reluctant to be instituted a provident fund to which all
putes Tribunal was formed more than a quarter ated but at a much slower rate than that it al- inflation. It has barely managed to maintain seen as cutting subsidies even when it is workers and employees have had to
century ago; and again, it required court orders to ready had commenced upon in 2013-14. India this scenario. The promised resurgence has clear that a rupee-for-rupee swap in certain contribute. These contributions ensured a
pave the way for an interim award to be passed in today is the worlds fastest growing economy not materialised. subsidies for public capital formation is rise in the saving rate which in turn was a
1991, and for it to be notified in the Gazette of India but this we owe to the fact that China has It is with respect to investment that the likely to be beneficial for both growth and source of funding for public investment. In
later. It took another order for the Tribunals final slowed more than India has. India has not ex- governments record is uninspiring. Far from welfare. The fertilizer subsidy presents the the muddled discourse on fiscal policy in In-
award of 2007 to be notified in 2013, six years later. actly surged to number one position. But having been able to instil confidence among most obvious instance. It has done little to dia today, the reigning argument appears to
The court has done a significant service in nudging more importantly, the government has not private investors, the government has been stem the rise in food prices while continuing be that a fixed private saving rate sets the
so far been able to achieve the substantial unable to stem a decline in capital formation to take up precious fiscal space. There is a limit for the attainable fiscal deficit. This
the Centre to provide a legal and technical frame-
quickening of the economy that Mr. Modi as a share of output in progress for at strong case for reviewing its continuation, at overlooks the possibility of raising the pri-
work for the equitable distribution of water. had promised at election time. The govern- least half a decade. On its part the govern- least in the present form. Well-designed em- vate saving rate, which is precisely what the
This is not the first attempt to create an institu- ment has on occasion extolled its record in ment takes recourse to the figures on foreign pirical research alone can settle the matter of Singapore government had done early in its
tional mechanism. In 2013, the Centre notified the maintaining macroeconomic stability. This direct investment (FDI) to signal the effect- its desirability, and one hopes the govern- history, enabling it to achieve a scale of pub-
formation of a Supervisory Committee consisting is indeed correct. Inflation has declined but iveness of its policies. Data from the Depart- ment will provide this in time for its third an- lic capital formation that truly distinguishes
of the Secretary, Union Water Resources Ministry, this only reflects a downward trend that had ment of Industrial Policy and Promotion nual Budget. it from India. All indications are that the
as chairman, and the Chief Secretaries of the basin started in 2013-14. The government would show that in the year just passed, the econo- present government of India is striving to
States as members. That the latest decision of the also no doubt like to take credit for sticking my attracted increased FDI up to 29 per cent Looking for inspiration replicate Singapores institutional architec-
Supervisory Committee, which directed the re- to the pre-announced fiscal consolidation in dollar terms. While this is impressive, and An object of this governments admiration ture, as in laws governing business, rather
lease of 3,000 cusecs of water for 10 days to Tamil path. The fiscal deficit has steadily declined to be welcomed, it is important to have a has been revealed to us in the choice of than the transformative role of public invest-
since May 2014. The Finance Ministers pub- sense of what it amounts to. In the year 2014- speaker for the first NITI Aayog Lecture on ment that turned a fishing village into a glob-
Nadu, did not find favour with either State shows lic statements suggest that he treats this as a 15, FDI amounted to a mere 4 per cent of total Transforming India. It chose Tharman Shan- al destination for FDI. What other conclu-
the difficulties involved in managing inter-State significant achievement of his government. capital formation in India. So, while FDI is to mugaratnam, the Deputy Prime Minister of sion can be drawn from the fact that in the
disputes even through an institutional mechanism. Actually, it typifies the search for the ideal be encouraged, its ability to make a signific- Singapore who was earlier its Finance Budget for 2016-17 the increase in the alloca-
The Supreme Court, too, has intervened to double architecture without sufficient concern for ant contribution to growth is limited. On the Minister for close to a decade. A trained tion for capital expenditure amounted to a
the quantum of water to be released. All this shows outcomes. The truth is that this government other hand, over 75 per cent of capital forma- economist with considerable international mere 2.3 per cent, with inflation running at
that apart from permanent mechanisms, technical had inherited an economy with quite rapidly tion is undertaken by the domestic private exposure, Mr. Shanmugaratnam typifies the around 4 per cent per annum?
panels and seasonal adjudication, a spirit of accom-
modation is required among the basin States. Also CARTOONSCAPE Bleak agricultural landscape
needed is a clearer appreciation of the fact that the A sector that is unlikely to be well served
by the philosophy than an economy left to its
entire water yield in the Cauvery basin is not
own devices will achieve its potential is agri-
enough to provide for the requirements of both culture. Three of the past five years in India
States. It is time for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to have been years of poor agricultural per-
take a hard look at their agricultural economies: the formance, reflected in persistent food price
area under cultivation, the number of crops per inflation. We are very likely witnessing
year and the water-intensive nature of the crops. creeping climate change with direct con-
Unless these are adjusted to suit the water availabil- sequences for production. The advisory
ity, such disputes will keep surfacing. from most funds in the financial sector is
that the economic outlook this year will de-
pend upon the monsoon. It is surprising that
the imperative of drought-proofing an in-
Putin tightens creasingly vulnerable Indian agriculture
hardly figures in the public discourse on the
economy when it is of no less importance
his grip than rolling out the Goods and Services Tax.
Nothing short of a transformation akin to the
Green Revolution can achieve this, and the
T
he outcome of Russias parliamentary
election was never in question. The States would have to be on board. The
present government has had little to say on
United Russia party of President Vladi- the matter so far. By disbanding the Planning
mir Putin has dominated the political Commission, the Centre has lost a long-
landscape ever since it was founded in 2001. Even standing conduit to the States whose plan-
so, the margin of the victory was unexpected. The ning boards did have at least a titular connec-
September 18 elections were held against the back- tion to the former.
drop of a protracted economic crisis, tensions be-
tween Russia and the West, and a war of attrition in Pulapre Balakrishnan teaches economics at Ashoka
University, Sonipat, Haryana. The views expressed are
the countrys neighbourhood. Lower oil prices and personal.
western sanctions have hit ordinary Russians hard.
Russias economy contracted by 3.7 per cent last
year and is expected to shrink further by 0.7 per
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
cent this year. Conventional wisdom suggests that Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
economic hardships trigger anti-incumbency sen-
timent. But in Mr. Putins Russia just the opposite After Uri, the options find Indian crickets journey to be a the publishers associated with the way. The Open Page in particular is stenography and secure a first class
has happened. When the results were declared, his thrilling one (Editorial 500 and case have lost sight of their actual interesting. The Friday supplement in post-graduation.
party won more than three-quarters of the 450- The analytical article, The best counting, Sept.21). For a long time mission and are doing business too is a delight for art and music N. Anuradha Srinivas,
member Duma. The Communist Party and the among limited options (Sept. 21), since 1932 we were the underdogs purely for profit. Why cant foreign aficionados. The newspaper should Coimbatore
Liberal Democratic Party have retained some pres- was an eye-opener as far as assessing and individual performances publishers sell their books in India at continue to be a tool for students to
ence in the national Parliament, while the Yabloko our military capabilities are brightened the scenario from time to a lower cost so that there will be improve their language skills. Even in this age of digital news, it is
concerned. However, the suggestion time. We rarely functioned as a team. greater sales and more volume? M. Subbiah, amazing that the paper has been able
and the Parnas, the two liberal parties critical of the
of cyber sabotage and a cyberwar The rivalry between players and Publishers must help students in Chennai to retain its strong print base. It is
Kremlin, failed to even enter the Duma. This could will not be effective as Pakistan is camps marred the growth of talent. their academic pursuit. one of the few to have a full-fledged
partly be because of the lack of a united opposition bound to seek the assistance of Today we have a well-knit team. As a I came to Chennai on August 26, Readers Editor. Reading the
in Russia. The Communists and Liberal Democrats M. Koteswara Rao,
China to counter such a move. This postscript, my fascination for cricket Hyderabad 1989, and was lost. I didnt know editorials helped strengthen my
are hardly opposition parties, and agree with the is certainly a very ineffective way to made me read five national Tamil and was keen to have access to grasp of the English language in
Kremlin on most policy decisions. The anti-Krem- deal with a rogue nation like newspapers every day about our a newspaper that covered the local school. My evenings in the U.S. are
lin parties have failed in, or been hindered from, Pakistan. We need to adopt a more teams Test performance and I found The Hindu@138 and national news well. My boss incomplete unless I have read the
building a broad base among the electorate. Alexey proactive stand. S.K. Gurunathans dispatches Many students attempting the civil recommended The Hindu. I soon online edition.
Navalny, the leader of the popular anti-government G.M. Rama Rao, (published in The Hindu) to be services examinations are said to gained confidence in my language Varad Seshadri,
protests of 2011, has been barred from contesting Visakhapatnam lucid, analytical, engaging and very owe much of their success to being skills. Whenever I travel back home Sunnyvale, California, U.S.
informative. It was also an era of ardent readers of The Hindu. in Gujarat, I feel lost without the
elections. Boris Nemtsov, another popular opposi- Direct action is certainly powerful pen holders. Therefore, one can well imagine its paper as reading it has become a I remember the time when the paper
tion leader, was shot dead last year in Moscow. At inadvisable as India has everything impact. I hope that the daily is able habit. published letters written by
present, there is no opposition leader in a position Y.G. Chouksey,
at stake economic superiority, Pune to encourage youngsters to continue Ramesh G. Patel, personalities such as
to challenge the personality cult of Mr. Putin. prosperity, honour and position reading especially as they form Chennai Subramania Bharati. Such was its
In any case, memories of the anarchic pre-Putin which will be lost in no time. nearly 65 per cent of the population. greatness. I hopes this continues.
era may still be prompting Russians to stick by him. Pakistan has to be dealt with Blow for knowledge I have accompanied The Hindu on I am 78, and thanks to my father, S.V. Venugopalan,
Mr. Putin is largely credited with fixing the econo- diplomatically, strategically and It is premature to say that publishers its journey, silently and for half its have been reading the daily for close Chennai
my and providing a stable political leadership to the tactically. will back out of educational age, and look forward to seeing it to 70 years. In our joint family of four
country. Under his watch, Russia has come out of Shiv Shankar Gupta, publishing if there is no copyright reach a circulation figure of 2 brothers, the paper has been an It is no exaggeration to say that my
New Delhi protection (Editorial Copyright million shortly! integral part of the household. generation improved its grasp and
its self-imposed strategic retreat and started play-
and copy-making, Sept.21). Imagine P.M. Gopalan, Reading it has been a habit for five hold over the English language after
ing an active global role. Russias annexation of We have been mature enough so far if universities and the entire Mumbai generations. Whenever time reading the paper meticulously. In
Crimea from Ukraine and a combative foreign not to resort to any sort of knee-jerk academic community choose to permits, I read sections of the paper the 1960s, my father used to make
policy in Syria and elsewhere have proved popular reaction. There are a number of boycott expensive books or As an avid reader for the past 60-odd to my visually impaired friend over me read aloud and write down the
among his domestic constituents. But the Russian options such as covert operations, prescribe cheap Indian textbooks years, I share the honour of being a the phone. editorials for a period of eight
economy continues to be heavily dependent on en- resorting to economic blockades, only for their courses. What will part of The Hindu through thick and S. Kanakasabapathy, years. All through my career, this
ergy exports. If crude oil prices remain low for and ending diplomatic relations. happen to these publishers? When thin. Despite having my own Chennai helped me score over my colleagues
long, economic pain will persist. Though the mus- Most feasible among these would be there is no one to read your books, reservations about the Emergency and competitors in the battle for
cular foreign policy is popular at home, Moscow resorting to diplomatic isolation what is the use of protection? The (1975-1977), when the newspaper I have been a reader of the paper for survival in the executive jungle. In
has had to pay a heavy price for it. Whatever Mr. along with an upgradation of border crux of the problem is that foreign willingly or otherwise toed the line the past three and a half decades. My the eyes of my father and his ilk,
security infrastructure. textbooks are far too expensive for of establishment, I am still bound to primary education was in Tamil Wren and Martins English
Putin had done in his first and second terms to re- Indian students by virtue of their appreciate its resilience. medium. I started reading at 12. As I Grammar and Composition and
build ties with Europe, particularly with Germany, Vivek Rayal,
Dehradun conversion rate. At the same time Kulasai Yaman, was keen to learn English, my father The Hindu complemented each
lies in a shambles in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. there are many university libraries Tuticorin put me in an English medium school. other. If news was reported in The
If Mr. Putin wants to rebuild Russia as a credible which have multiple copies of I didnt find it difficult to take Hindu, the dictum was that it must
global power, a persistent economic crisis and a Crickets magic number textbooks and provide textbooks to I have been an ardent reader for the dictation of the editorial columns in be true and reliable.
stormy neighbourhood are not going to help. As one who grew up fascinated by students through book banks. No past 50 years, right from school. shorthand every day, which made Bellur S. Dattatri,
Indian cricket from 1948 onwards, I photocopying is permitted. I think Every page is presented in a unique me proficient in higher grade Bengaluru
CM ND-ND
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10 | 1ias.com EDITORIAL THE HINDU FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
A pirouette on Pakistan
Through every attack from across the border the government has flipped and flopped. Until India builds a
coherence in its own strategy, it will continue to face such challenges from Pakistan
year, that redline was erased, and the gov- flipped and flopped, explaining itself uncon-
F R I D AY , S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 ernment posed no objection to the High vincingly to even its well-wishers.
SUHASINI HAIDAR Commissioner meeting the Hurriyat a few There is enough evidence to show that
days before the Foreign Secretary-level talks Ms. Swarajs instincts were correct. Nothing
T
hat it took 69 years after Independence Ministry headquarters were asking if they Pakistan, by the military establishments The last few years, however, have seen nei-
for India to merge the Railway Budget should send a message condemning the ter- propaganda wing, as the mastermind of ter- ther what Winston Churchill famously
with the Union Budget is an indication of rorist attack in which three Army men, two ror attacks in Pakistan. called jaw-jaw (talks), nor has there been an
how diicult it can be to junk colonial-era Central Reserve Police Force personnel and As a result, when Mr. Modi met Mr. Sharif outright war-war, and its that situation of
a civilian had been killed in a siege which in Paris and suggested restarting talks be- disorder that empowers those destructive
traditions that may have outlived their utility. In bore resemblance to the Pathankot attack a ginning with NSA Doval and the newly ap- elements the most.
1924, when the first Railway Budget was presented, month before. The problem, he explained, pointed Pakistani NSA Gen. Nasser Khan
the Railways entailed more funds than Indias ex- was that the Indian government itself was Janjua, it was far from a match made in Not setting the agenda
penditure on all other aspects of administration making no statements on the incident, and heaven. For his part, Mr. Doval was viewed Equally confusing are the steps the gov-
combined. So it made sense to present a separate he wasnt sure if statements of support were with deep suspicion by Pakistan. Indian gov- ernment has taken on the international
Budget. That equation changed long ago, and now welcome or not. A few days after the Pam- ernment oicials drew false comfort as they stage. At the G20, ASEAN and East Asian
the Railways outlay is just 6 per cent of the total ex- pore incident on February 20, the Ministry viewed Gen. Janjua as a military man with summits, and every possible international
penditure proposed in the Union Budget for this of External Afairs had sought to play it the ear of Pakistan Army chief Gen. Raheel forum, Prime Minister Modi has made state-
year. In fact, revenues from the domestic aviation down, saying only that the matter was still Sharif. But they should have asked more ments about Pakistans link to the violence
business are more than the Railways traic earn- being investigated. Eventually, the Pam- closely about Gen. Janjuas nebulous role in in Kashmir. Yet the government rejoiced
pore incident, despite the obvious strains of the Pakistani power structure, as he seemed this week when UN Secretary General Ban
ings. Nearly Rs.2.5 lakh crore has been planned this evidence linking it to Pakistan-based groups Nothing upsets the elements of to only be deputed for relations with India: Ki-moon omitted any references to Kash-
year as defence expenditure, but it found little men- that oicials on the ground pointed to, was the Pakistani establishment that when Prime Minister Sharif went to Saudi mir, saying this reairms Indias traditional
tion in the Finance Ministers Budget speech. Yet, buried. At the time, the Indian and Pakistani Arabia, Gen. Sharif to Afghanistan, and position that it is a bilateral, not interna-
the ritual of the Rail Budget has continued even as National Security Advisers (NSAs) were
carry out terror attacks against Foreign Afairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz to the tional, issue. The damage is twofold: not on-
the economy opened up over the past 25 years. A still talking to each other regularly, said India more than a consistent U.S., Gen. Janjua was nowhere in the picture. ly does this allow Pakistan to set the agenda
key reason that it lingered so long is Indias frac- the government, and a Pakistani investiga- dialogue process for India at international fora as Mr. Sharifs
tured polity and the tendency of coalition partners tion team was coming to Pathankot airbase Neither war-war nor jaw-jaw speech calling Kashmir an intifada did, it
to demand Railways as a juicy portfolio with its to survey evidence. Yet the government pressed on with the also gives rise to ambiguities on the status of
possibilities for populist posturing and patronage. It is only now, after the Uri tragedy of been, even to close watchers and friendly initiative with Pakistan, and both External Kashmir that other countries draw upon.
September 18, that India has brought up the governments. In fact, Indias moves on Afairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Mr. Meeting Mr. Sharif this week, U.S.
With the luxury of a majority in the Lok Sabha and a number of attacks and attempted infiltra- Pakistan in the past few years have been a Modi have paid visits to Pakistan. They both Secretary of State John Kerry, for example,
Railway Minister like Suresh Prabhu who has re- tions across the Line of Control (LoC) this series of such missteps, misperceptions and gave the same message: this time they would expressed strong concern with recent vio-
fused to use the Rail Budget as a launchpad for new year. Seventeen such attempts have been a complete misunderstanding of the not allow terrorism to derail talks between lence in Kashmir particularly the Army
trains and railway lines, the NDA has thrown its interdicted at or around the LoC, resulting Pakistani responses to them. the two countries. We want to ensure we base attack, and then added the need for
weight behind a plan that takes away the annual in the elimination of 31 terrorists and pre- are not provoked by saboteurs who want to all sides to reduce tensions, as if there was
temptation to make the Railways a vote-magnet. venting their intended acts of terrorism, Missing the signs stop the dialogue process, Ms. Swaraj told some equivalent responsibility for both In-
Indias annual economic jamboree will now be Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar told To begin with, the on-again, of-again dia- Parliament about the governments new dia and Pakistan. Similarly, France issued a
over in two days the tabling of the Economic Sur- Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit logue process that began with Prime plans with Pakistan. Yet provoked they statement condemning the Uri attack, but
vey followed by the Union Budget instead of when he summoned him on Wednesday. In Minister Narendra Modis grand gesture of were, and the government took another also called for a resolution of the Kashmir
three. Railway Ministers will no longer need to con- fact, there have also been more than 20 at- inviting his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz turn, calling of the Foreign Secretary-level dispute, drawing a link between the two that
tacks on security force installations in Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony is per- dialogue process shortly after the Pathankot India would like to avoid.
jure up fancy and often regurgitated promises Jammu and Kashmir in the past two years, plexing. When the government called of attack in January. NSA talks, however, per- Finally, there is an inconsistency between
about new, improved services for passengers including the Pampore attack; another 15 talks between the Foreign Secretaries over sisted and led to the curious precedent that the governments rhetoric and the actions it
without charging them the operational costs of re- were foiled. the Pakistan High Commissioners talks a saw Pakistani intelligence operatives get ac- is prepared to take in the wake of an attack.
aching their destination. The pressure to hold com- The incident with the diplomat only few months later with the Hurriyat leader- cess to look at the very base India accused Initial indications after the Uri attack sug-
muter fares has skewed the Railways freight rates, serves as a small indicator of how confusing ship, it played the move as the drawing of a their groups of attacking. Through every at- gest the government and the armed forces
year after year. Indeed, the change is already being the governments moves on Pakistan have redline. But in a turnaround in March this tack from Pakistan, the government has are not in favour of a knee-jerk air strike or
felt; tweaking of tarifs outside the Budget has be- cross-border raids at this point. It is
counterproductive to issue statements on
gun. Consider the changes in coal freight and the CARTOONSCAPE befitting punishment to Pakistan or ex-
introduction of flexible pricing on premium pas-
changing a tooth for a full set of dentures if
senger trains. However, the Centre needs to now the plan is to exhaust diplomatic options
seriously consider setting up an independent tarif first.
regulator to depoliticise fares. New lines and trains The truth is, the world understands India
should be determined by economic viability rather is the victim, and Pakistan the perpetrator of
than the constituencies covered. Initiatives such as terror. While the government keeps produ-
demand-driven clone trains must be deployed to cing evidence of each attack it traces to the
boost earnings, and the Rs.37,000-crore tab on so- Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-
cial obligations, including concessional ticketing, Taiba, as it has done post-Uri as well, the ob-
must be borne by the exchequer. The Railways ac- vious evidence should be the original case
counts need to be cleaned up and made bankable. against them: that JeM leader Masood Azhar
was exchanged for hostages during the
Scrapping the Rail Budget is a good starting point IC-814 hijack in 1999, and Hafiz Saeed has
to fix the fading utility. Bringing it back safely on been identified by at least three people in-
track will take a lot more doing, and undoing. volved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks of 2008
as its mastermind, and is wanted not just by
India but the UN as well. If thats not enough
for Pakistan, nothing will ever be, and the
The curious death fact that both terrorists roam freely and run
flourishing empires within the country
should be enough to show Pakistans com-
of Ramkumar plicity. But until India builds a coherence in
its own strategy, and unity in focus and pur-
T
pose, it will continue to face such challenges
he alleged suicide of murder suspect P. from across the border, as well as comfort-
Ramkumar in the high-security Puzhal ing but empty words of solidarity from the
Central Prison in Chennai has given rise rest of the world.
to many questions and doubts. The claim
that Ramkumar, the alleged lone assailant who suhasini.h@thehindu.co.in
stalked and killed young Swathi, took his own life
by biting a live wire pulled out from a switchboard
inside the prison is unusual. His lawyer alleges he
was murdered. Even without questioning the
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
suicide theory, it is clear that the prison adminis- Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
tration has much to answer for. Ramkumar had su-
icidal tendencies, going by the police claim that he is not a hero for normal civilised that place. What is the point in and water supply in the Cauvery separate Railway Budget. The
tried to slash his own throat when he was about to
The Uri aftermath
people. changing that? basin is declining. As the editorial anxiety that the merger would pave
be arrested. Prison authorities say he was indeed As expected, Pakistan Prime Vanka Venkata Ramdas, P.R.V. Raja, stated, there is an urgent need to way for privatisation of the Indian
under continuous watch by warders, and that he Minister Nawaz Sharif devoted Tanuku, Andhra Pradesh Pandalam, Kerala both conserve water and change the Railways is baseless as the Cabinet
had been given psychological counselling. More most of his speech at the UN crop patterns based on availability is competent to implement it even if
ought to have been done to prevent the incident, as General Assembly session to the BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi wants and not on traditional or historical it is part of the General Budget.
events in Kashmir (Sharif seeks Changing names Race Course Road to be named precedents. B. Prabha,
the case had become unusually sensitive, with the
probe into Kashmir killings, Sept. Whether Lutyens Delhis iconic Ekatma Marg; Delhi Chief Minister H.N. Ramakrishna, Varkala, Kerala
public debate assuming strong caste and com-
22). Foreign Minister Sushma Race Course Road, where the Prime Arvind Kejriwal wants it to be Bengaluru
munal overtones. It is surprising that the closely Swaraj, in her speech later, is likely Ministers residence is located, will named after Guru Gobind Singh. Advancing the presentation of the
watched suspect had easy access, at a moment to make Indias stand clear, that now be known as Lok Kalyan Marg What diference does all this make The Karnataka governments direct Budget to allow Parliament to vote
when he was conveniently alone, to a switchboard Kashmir is an internal matter and or by some other name makes no to the Prime Minister who is away challenge to the authority of the on tax and spending proposals
near the prison dispensary. It also so happened that no one should meddle in it. She may diference to the common man from 7, Race Course Road, most of highest court may send wrong before the beginning of the new
the CCTV cameras installed in the modern prison also highlight the human rights (PMs new address: 7 Lok Kalyan the time anyway? signals to other areas of conflict. financial year on April 1 is a good
did not cover that particular area where he chose to violations in Balochistan and Marg, Sept. 22). It seems as though P.G. Menon, This obdurate tendency will idea. It will turn the focus back to
end his life. If he did commit suicide, there has been Pakistan occupied-Kashmir as well our politicians have no other Chennai undoubtedly encourage unrest. The the Indian Railways crying need to
undoubted lapse in monitoring his movements. as Pakistans role in terror attacks capability apart from renaming executive is bound to obey the boost its capital expenditure over
Prison suicides set of questions about the condi- against India. So far, India has been historic roads. Former Jammu and dictates of the judiciary. It cannot the next few years. I understand
busy on the diplomatic front, Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Cauvery dispute aford to distance itself from the that the demand for merging the
tions of incarceration in our jails, often seen as building up pressure to declare Abdullah rightly said on Twitter: This refers to the article, judiciary. Such a possibility may Railway Budget with the General
overcrowded and understafed. Suicide by electro- Pakistan as a terror-sponsor state. Its so good to know that Karnataka decides not to release force the judiciary to resort to Budget had come from the Railways
cution is rare, as it is not diicult to deny prisoners Some may think that Indias everything is alright with the world water till Sept. 23 (Sept. 22.) That extreme steps to ensure Minister as a solution to addressing
any form of access to live electrical cables. There is response has been mild so far, but & we can focus on the stuf that the Karnataka Cabinet has decided implementation of its orders. This the railways revenue deficit and
truth in the theory that it is diicult to prevent a the country has done the right thing really matters renaming roads. not to implement the SCs directive will, in turn, lead to further capital expenditure needs. Having
person determined to commit suicide, even if some in not resorting to direct military #7LKM. The Delhi government sets a dangerous precedent. acrimony. given away its budgeting powers,
correctional psychologists disagree. There ought action that could have serious seems unable to control the spread Confrontation with the highest If the Karnataka government feels the Railways will now have to show
to be an initial evaluation of incoming prisoners to repercussions on the peoples of of dengue and chikungunya in the judicial authority is not at all a that the Supreme Courts fiat need the resolve for implementing
identify those with a high risk of suicide. There- both sides. It is important that we capital but seems to have all the healthy trend in a democratic not be obeyed, it runs the risk of reforms if it expects the Finance
improve our intelligence and time on its hands to rename roads. country. The Karnataka exposing itself to graver situations. Ministry to loosen its purse strings.
after, periodic assessments of their state of mind
security along vulnerable areas Even if roads have to be named, why government should explore other There is the possibility of dismissal C. Seshagiri,
should be made. While continuous watch is ines- near the Line of Control and in not make new roads and name legal steps instead of disobeying the of the existing government and Mysuru
capable, designing suicide-resistant cells and au- Jammu and Kashmir. It is lack of those? Why tinker with historical apex courts order. ordering Presidents rule.
diting jails to identify and remove possible anchor- intelligence and security that have names? R. Sekar, The origin of the Railway Budget
V. Lakshmanan,
ing points for attempts to die by hanging are other been highlighted as the main Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Visakhapatnam Tirupur can be traced to the Acworth
necessary measures. When Ramkumar was arres- reasons for terror strikes in both the Faridabad Committee, appointed in the early
ted there was a sense of reassurance among the Pathankhot and Uri attacks. Judicial intervention in the Cauvery 1920s, to deal with railway finances
public, even though a few demanded a CBI investig- D.B.N. Murthy, Public welfare should reflect in dispute has only aggravated the No more rail budget (Railway Budget, a vanishing
ation based on a few purported lacunae in the po- Bengaluru government policies, not in the issue of sharing water from a The Railway Budget becoming a trick, Sept. 22). It was only after
lice version. The police were expected to put an renaming of roads. dwindling reservoir. This is mainly part of the General Budget is just careful study that a separate Rail
It is shocking that Mr. Sharif has Politicians ignore the historical and because of the failure of the like transferring water contained in Budget was proposed.
end to all speculation about whether he was the glorified the terrorist, Burhan Wani, geographical importance of roads, monsoons in the catchment area of a smaller vessel to a bigger one. Integrating the Railway Budget
real culprit by bringing him to trial. It is a pity this killed in a recent encounter in institutions, and government the Cauvery. Hopefully the setting There is nothing more to this with the General Budget in the
did not happen. The Tamil Nadu government Kashmir as a young leader. programmes in their eagerness to up of a Cauvery Management Board (Centre to do away with rail name of reforms is tantamount to
should order a judicial probe in order to credibly al- Militants and militant states have boost their party image. If a race will help us adopt a more scientific budget from next year, Sept. 22 ). ignoring the true course of
lay any impression, false though it may well be, that one language, and civilised society course exists, Race Course Road approach to the issue. What is The only notable factor is that the historical facts.
the case was sought to be closed extra-judicially. has another language for gives the location; if not, at least the important is the need to appreciate Railway Ministry has lost its 92- N. Sadasivan Pillai,
expression. A hero for the militants name gives us some history about that rainfall patterns are changing year-old privilege of presenting a Kollam, Kerala
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | - 1ias.com - EDITORIAL THE HINDU SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
I
n what is possibly the sharpest castigation of
Pakistan on the world stage, India has asserted this impunity that the Scheduled Castes and citizens who have repeatedly suffered such cause the state is itself a differentiated and
the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atro- gross violations of the fundamental right to plural (rather than homogenous or mono-
its right of reply to Prime Minister Nawaz cities) Act (henceforth PoAA) criminalises. dignity, then surely the republic owes them lithic) entity, capable of acting in a wide
Sharifs speech at the UN General Assembly And it is the desire to defend the same im- the protection of special laws like the PoAA. variety of ways with respect to caste.
with some rather rough words. Calling Pakistan a punity that motivates recent demands for But why do such groups exist in the first Returning now to the demands for re-
terrorist state that is now training militant prox- the dilution or even repeal of the PoAA. To place? They exist because of the social rela- straining or removing the PoAA, we can be-
ies with a toxic curriculum at its Ivy League of examine the validity of these claims, we tions promoted by caste. The atrocities that gin to decipher what is happening. Both in
terrorism, the First Secretary at Indias UN mis- must first understand the very different re- invite interventions such as the PoAA are Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, the two States
sion accused Mr. Sharif of having delivered a hypo- lationships that caste has with the made possible by caste societys ability to where it has been voiced, the demand is
critical sermon to the Assembly. India pointed out Constitution, society, and state. sustain specific types of relationships, or coming from political parties representing
that Pakistans nuclear proliferation record, which mutually oriented attitudes and conditions. regionally dominant castes. Both States
Caste and the Constitution On the one hand, Dalit castes are forcibly in- have seen the emergence (or re-emergence)
is marked by deception and deceit, hardly gave it
The Constitution is a portrait of the na- vested with an enduring social vulnerability of Dalit assertion following some upward
the right to speak of Indias eligibility to enter the tion as it would like to be rather than as it ac- vis--vis castes higher up in the hierarchy, mobility. This has enraged the dominant
Nuclear Suppliers Group, as Mr. Sharif had done. tually is. Therefore, it is obliged to regard as- especially those dominant within a region. castes, leading them to argue that the PoAA
Finally, India said his championing of Hizbul Mu- pirations as achievements, uncertain The misuse argument is not On the other hand, dominant castes are al- is being misused. The misuse argument is
jahideen commander Burhan Wanias a symbol of journeys as assured arrivals. Beginning with always meant to be taken lowed to acquire, and to eventually take for so popular that it can be called a syndrome,
the latest Kashmiri intifada was further proof of the Preamble, where it presumes that we, granted, a socially sanctioned sense of im- or a characteristic combination of opin-
Pakistan being a state sponsor of terrorism. Mr. the people are indeed a unified and homo-
literally; it also acts as proxy for punity with respect to Dalit castes. When ions, emotions or behaviour. It has been
Sharifs speech at the UN was indeed full of gross genous collectivity, the Constitution pro- the more general perception that the dominant caste feels it has little prospect used against every special scheme or law in-
inaccuracies on the subject of Jammu and Kashmir, ceeds to treat hoped-for outcomes as though Dalits are no longer underdogs of economic and social mobility, its self-es- tended to empower vulnerable groups, in-
including his reference to the promise of a plebi- they were established facts. This is not a de- teem and identity become increasingly de- cluding reservations, laws against dowry,
fect the Constitution is required to reflect pendent on the unequal relationships it sexual harassment and rape, and even the
scite, which in UN annals can only be considered the republic in the best possible light, and is ghats, roads and places of public resort. maintains with subordinated castes. In such Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employ-
after Pakistans troops vacate the territory it cur- at its most majestic when doing so. Howev- Why is it necessary to explicitly prohibit situations, the Dalit-dominant caste rela- ment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). In each
rently occupies. Mr. Sharifs contention that er, this also means that the Constitution is discrimination in access to both modern tionship turns into a zero-sum game where case, it is alleged that the genuinely de-
Pakistan is the principal victim of terrorism sup- unable to directly confront obstinate real- and traditional facilities already declared to any real or imagined improvement in the serving never benefit and that the vast ma-
ported, sponsored and financed from abroad was ities like caste that flout its fundamental be for the public? Or take Article 17, which lives of Dalits is seen as a reduction in the jority of cases are fake.
clearly a stretch. While his sympathetic reference tenets, because acknowledging caste abruptly announces that Untouchability social distance separating the two groups,
to Wani was an affirmation of Pakistans support to amounts to confessing that the republic is is abolished and its practice in any form is thereby implying a decline in the status of Underdogs and predators
the Hizbul, it was compounded by his refusal to more desire than reality. forbidden. What does this capitalised word the dominant castes. Since any law can be misused, it is not
speak of the 18 Indian soldiers killed in the Army So, when the Constitution is forced to deal stand for and why must it be quarantined in the potential for misuse but its actual occur-
with caste, it does so with an averted face, al- quotes? The answer, of course, is caste, The caste-state relationship rence and frequency that matter, and this
camp in Uri in an attack allegedly carried out by ter-
lowing it only an inferential, shadow-like which is an absent presence in the The state is simultaneously the child of needs to be established through credible
rorists from Pakistan. That the Prime Minister of presence. But it also manages to be ob- Constitution, addressed only as an excep- law and society as well as the mediating link evidence. No such evidence-based claims
Pakistan should devote more than half his speech at liquely eloquent about what it cannot face. tional or special circumstance. between the two. Because of its idealistic have been made as yet. On the contrary, re-
the UN to the Kashmir issue, which Pakistan has For example, caste makes its first entry in orientation, the Constitution mother of ports from activist groups show that it is
long accepted must be resolved bilaterally, was dis- Article 15 rather anonymously, as one Discrimination as dominance all laws is external to society and has a hard for ordinary Dalits to get cases reg-
appointing. However, in a signal of how little such among many sources of discrimination. But The PoAA, 1989, and its older sibling, the largely exhortatory relationship to it. The istered, and extremely difficult to get them
rhetoric matters, UN Secretary General Ban Ki- this is compensated by Sections 2(a) and Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, are spe- state depends on the Constitution for its le- placed under the PoAA. But to be fair, the
moon made no reference to it in his speech. 2(b) which prohibit discriminatory restric- cial laws located at the strategic sites where gitimacy, but the Constitution also depends misuse argument is not always meant to be
There is, unfortunately, little evidence that In- tion of access to (respectively) shops, pub- the Constitutions default setting of caste- on the state for the actualisation of its ideals. taken literally; it also acts as proxy for the
dias response, which elicited loud cheers back lic restaurants, hotels and places of public blind formal equality must be changed to Since it is regulated by politics which in turn more general perception that Dalits are no
entertainment and wells, tanks, bathing address the reality of substantive inequality. is rooted in society, and since its personnel longer underdogs and may be turning into
home, was regarded any more by the UNGA than predators. This impression is confirmed
Mr. Sharifs was. Despite the powerful language of when we recall that the Pattali Makkal Kat-
Indias retort which will no doubt be echoed in chi leader, Dr. S. Ramadoss, reinforced his
the address External Affairs Minister Sushma Swa- CARTOONSCAPE demand for dilution of the PoAA with the al-
raj delivers next the world has little time for a legation that Dalit boys were luring non-
low-intensity conflict that has stretched on for al- Dalit girls by wearing jeans, T-shirts and
most 70 years. Indias diplomats have fought and fancy sunglasses (The Hindu, December 3,
struggled for decades to keep Kashmir off the UNs 2012). In Maharashtra, recent calls for re-
agenda, and the Centre does no good to its case by viewing the PoAA issued by the Shiv Sena
and the Nationalist Congress Party have in-
bringing the subject back into focus by joining issue
tensified after the rape-murder of July 13 in
with Pakistan in such a high-pitched manner. For Kopardi (Ahmednagar district) in which the
the moment, it would be advisable to keep its victim is dominant caste and the accused
powder dry and rhetoric sober as India investigates are Dalits.
the intelligence and procedural lapses in failing to While there is no reason to doubt that
avert the Uri attack, and weigh its strategic options. Dalits, like any other caste group, could be-
come efficient oppressors if given the
chance, the obvious question is if they are in
fact getting the chance. Going by the nation-
wide evidence on the frequency of atrocities
Raiders of on Dalits, the shoe still seems to be firmly on
the other foot. Ahmednagar district alone
T
he return to India of three ancient sculp- niversary of the Dadri lynching approaches,
tures from the National Gallery of Aus- let us also spare a thought for vulnerable
groups who do not have, and will probably
tralia is another milestone in the long and
never have, the constitutional protection of
difficult campaign waged by several special laws.
countries to repossess their cultural treasures,
which have often been bought by museums from Satish Deshpande teaches sociology at Delhi University.
idol smugglers. As the provenance of the artefacts
the 900-year old statues of Goddess Pratyangira
and Seated Buddha, and the third century Worship-
pers of Buddha became clear, the only ethical
course open to the Australian gallery was to restore
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
the sculptures, which it must be commended for Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
pursuing. Evidently, the two icons other than the
sandstone Seated Buddha were acquired from a Water-sharing dispute democracy. It is regrettable that common, governments must invest Stepping up security along the Line to die, shows how bloodthirsty we
New York-based art dealer, Subhash Kapoor, for critical decisions have finally been in more rainwater-harvesting of Control is the urgent need of the are. Only a full-scale investigation
about $840,000 on the strength of fake documenta- The Supreme Court and the High left in the hands of immature techniques. hour to prevent more such attacks. can quieten these cries.
tion: he is now facing prosecution in Tamil Nadu. Courts have pronounced several politicians. C.R. Annapurna, S.V. Venkatakrishnan, Sivamani Vasudevan,
These are by no means isolated instances. In June, judgments in the past that were not V. Balasubramanian, Hyderabad Bengaluru Chennai
the United States formally returned to India about within the purview of the judiciary Coimbatore
(To defer is to defy, Sept. 23). The Two days of rain cannot cause such At this point, it is wise for India to Given that he tried to commit
200 stolen cultural objects, which include 2,000-
justification that has always been On the one hand, we have an active havoc. Floods occur because of not get involved in any sort of war suicide earlier, the allegation that
year-old artefacts, part of a $100 million trove un- given for this is that when Karnataka government with Chief clogging of drains, construction of with Pakistan. War brings misery. Ramkumar was murdered in prison
earthed by an investigation of Kapoors art busi- Parliament and legislature fail, the Minister Siddaramaiah handling the buildings in drainage areas, Our country has a vision. We want lacks substance. Had he been
ness. What emerges from these long battles to re- onus lies with the judiciary to Cauvery issue in such a manner that breaching of tanks, and so on. This to eliminate poverty, corruption innocent, then why did he hide in
claim articles that constitute cultural heritage is the intervene on behalf of the people. even the Opposition is ready to toe means that we are causing the and illiteracy. India is doing the his native place when the police
insight that a dedicated national agency with State This stand has been countered by his line. On the other we have a floods, the rains are not. This right thing by isolating Pakistan and were looking for him? Why didnt
government support would be better equipped to people who ask, what happens passive Tamil Nadu government happens every year but no forcing the country to take action he present himself before the police
fight the scourge of theft and illicit transfer. With when the judiciary fails? that has done little to counter government takes tangible action. against terrorists without declaring once his image was flashed across
trained personnel, it could devote itself to the task The Cauvery dispute has partially Karnatakas moves. Unless we tackle corruption, we war. the media? What was he doing on
of documenting antiquities and ensuring that the answered that question. The It is surprising that the TN cannot solve this problem either. Nikhil Nandan, the road outside the station where
Supreme Court has passed orders government has neither cared to M.M. Kale, Delhi Swathi was murdered? Since the
countrys ports are sealed against smuggling. that the Karnataka government convene any meeting of all the CCTV clip is private, it cannot be a
Kakidana
The National Gallery of Australias inquiry into views as arbitrary because the State political leaders nor organised a doctored one.
the status of its Asian art objects conducted by a re- feels that the court has not taken special House session to tide over Custodial death
What India should do S. Srinivasan,
tired judge, Susan Crennan, has had the positive into consideration the actual the serious crisis. What happens to This refers to the editorial, The Chennai
outcome of identifying 22 articles that have ques- quantum of water available in the Tamil Nadu now that Karnataka has By calling Burhan Wani a young curious death of Ramkumar (Sept.
tionable or doubtful credentials, 14 of which were Cauvery on a given date. An refused to release water? leader and glorifying him, Pakistan 23). Ramkumar should have been
purchased from Kapoor. Many of the findings in the evaluation committee should have Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has under vigilance 24/7 as the Swathi Nomination for Oscars
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Australian review underscore the importance of assessed the question of availability Chennai walked into a trap and lent credence murder case is high profile and has I am happy that Visaaranai has
creating a strong repository of information of all In- of water with the participation of to the call to brand Pakistan a assumed caste overtones. Whether been chosen as Indias official entry
the two disputing States under the terrorist state (India claims Ramkumar could have resorted to for Best Foreign Language film at
dian antiquities, backed up by unimpeachable fo- Rainwater harvesting
direction of the court. Even now the diplomatic win over Pakistan at biting a live wire on his own the 2017 Oscars (Visaranai to take a
rensic records, so that they may be claimed without process for determining the This refers to the photo, When U.N., Sept. 23). Mr. Sharif was left volition, however unsound his mind shot at Oscar nomination, Sept.
difficulty at a future date. A lot of the illicit trade has quantum of water available vis--vis streets become canals (Sept. 23). alone at the UN General Assembly was said to be, is disputable. If the 23). I hope the film wins. But even if
been carried out by smugglers who have laundered the requirements of the two States Heavy rains have brought life to a as no nation is prepared to support needle of suspicion over the cause it does not, it doesnt matter as it
the provenance of idols using fake documentation can be kick-started. When rains fail, standstill in Guntur; some people his stand. Even Pakistans supporter of his death points to abject will stir the conscience of law-
designed to overcome the prohibition imposed by distress is inevitable. Food can be have died. The government must China has expressed only meek custodial failure, the State enforcers across the world and
the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 on non- imported when we fall short of think of ways to divert rainwater. generic statements. This is administration cannot escape from particularly in India. The film
governmental exports. Providentially, it is the production, but water cannot be For instance, there are a number of evidence of the diplomatic offensive its responsibility as it is fully aware shows how the most disadvantaged
records of a research institution such as the French created as and when we require it. parks in Hyderabad; water can be that India has launched. But is this of the case sensitivities. Assuming people are treated ruthlessly by the
Institute of Pondicherry that helped establish the G. Ramakrishna, diverted into these parks. This will sufficient to satisfy the wrath that that the deceased was the real police based on mere suspicion of
Bengaluru prevent waterlogging on the streets the Uri terror attack has produced? culprit, he now gets all the crime. Hopefully the film will bring
claim to the 11th-12th century Nataraja idol stolen and roads. Also, the water will find As regards the preparedness on the sympathy and benefit of doubt due some change in our mindset. If it
from Tamil Nadu in 2006. Documentation of an- The Karnataka Cabinets decision its way to the ground level instead borders, it is necessary to to inept handling by the police, who succeeds in doing that, that will be a
tiquities using public and private records should to convene a special session of the of draining away. The parks can be strengthen existing radar have provided enough fodder to the reward more prestigious than the
become a national mission. These treasures could legislature to pass a resolution to closed till the water recedes. This surveillance, night-vision devices, rumour mills. The unhealthy voices Oscar itself.
then be put on display in national museums. nullify the dictates of the apex court can be worked out in other cities infrared and thermal cameras to that are being heard in some Manjunath D. Benkal,
is illogical and an affront to too. With floods becoming detect the movement of intruders. quarters, that Ramkumar deserved Coimbatore
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | - 1ias.com - WEEKEND THE HINDU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
BEING
DR HUMERUS AFFORDABLE SCIENCE
MacArthur Genius grant recipient Manu Prakashs body of work is geared towards empowering scientific research
with inexpensive devices
JACOB KOSHY paper added. India accounts for
over 17 per cent of the worlds popu-
F
rugality, crafting inex- lation while spending less than 1 per
pensive knock-ofs and cent of the worlds total health ex-
making do with little may penditure.
be the ethos of Indias The healthcare expenditure
pharmaceutical industry, stands at 4.1 per cent of its GDP,
its manufacturing sector and the which is among the lowest in the
spirit with which our scientists con- world, and dealing with challenges
duct their research but an Indian- like these requires afordable inter-
origin bio-engineer at Stanford Uni- ventions, something that both pub-
versity has just won one of Amer- lic and private healthcare experts
icas grandest prizes the have repeatedly emphasised
MacArthur Genius grant worth through the years. If there were
AROUND THE WORLD Rs.4 crore for designing a $1 more devices like Prakashs, thered
microscope. be uses for them that we cant yet
A nanoparticle envisage, says Ms. Gupta, adding,
tattoo Towards do-it-yourself science We are exploring options like a
A temporary tattoo Manu Prakash from Rampur, Ut- manufacturing facility to scale up
made of antioxidant tar Pradesh and an engineer from these devices.
nanoparticles to the Indian Institute of Technology, Dr. Prakashs approach to engin-
help control a Kanpur, has made a name for fash- eering allows a wider range of pro-
chronic disease ioning ingenious devices that make fessionals to become so-called cit-
maybe on the anvil,
PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
the essence of science observa- izen scientists and bring new facts
according to scientists at the Baylor College of tion and experiments accessible about nature and solutions to tech-
Medicine, U.S. Their study in the journal, Scientific to those who cant aford expensive nical problems to the fore. The
Reports, shows that nanoparticles modified with instruments. HELLO INDIA: India has been an early adopter of his devices. Picture shows a Foldscope workshop held in India, in Foldscope allows images of samples
polyethylene glycol can be made to behave like T His best-known is the Fold- December 2015. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA to be relayed via an app to a central
and B cells, the main kinds of cells in the immune scope, a microscope that can be site that stores information, about
system, and employed to fight disease. fashioned out of paper that comes cently demonstrated a novel diag- leges, forest field oicers and help ings diferently the microbes on an intriguing microbe or a new
Administering the nanoparticles like a tattoo could pre-fixed like in a jigsaw puzzle set. nostic tool, a water computer, encourage an interest in field obser- your food for instance, she says. earthworm or the beginnings of a
also ensure that these foreign bodies dont stay in Most of these kits have been distrib- which involves building a computer vation and research. Already work- Earlier this year, Dr. Prakashs lab new plant infection from a place
contact with the body longer than required. That uted free so far and the aim is to out of tiny air bubbles travelling in a shops with schools, students and came up with a new device that that may be otherwise inaccessible
could be a plus for patients with autoimmune have it cost less than a dollar. The microfluidic channel. colleges in Delhi, Guwahati and modifies a childs toy, whirligig, into to scientists.
diseases like multiple sclerosis. T and B lymphocyte kits come with a glass slide that can India has been an early adopter of Kaziranga (Assam) have enthused a device called a paperfuge that It certainly isnt a replacement
cells and macrophages are key components of the be slipped into the do-it-yourself his devices. The Department of Bio- students and teachers, says Shailja he and his colleagues claimed in a for the lab microscope, says Vibha
immune system. But a drawback is that they microscope and can be used to technology (DBT) has signed a Gupta, a DBT oicial who coor- June research paper could be Narang, coordinator of the Botany
frequently destroy even healthy cells. Using soluble check for microbes in a soil or water Rs.1.5-crore agreement with the dinates the Foldscope programme. used to isolate malaria parasites in Department, Atma Ram Sanatan
nanoparticles could help T cells sift the harmful sample, closely observe the anato- Prakash Lab at Stanford University Ive used it, my daughter likes it. 15 minutes from whole human Dharma College, Delhi, but we saw
from neutral cells. Science Daily my of a water lily or the striations of to procure 10,000 Foldscopes that The charm of the device is that any- blood. The device can be used to a lot of enthusiasm among school
an earthworm. could then be given to schools, col- one can use it to see their surround- separate pure plasma in less than 90 students.
Another of his inventions, ac- seconds. Her college was part of a work-
cording to a press statement from shop organised by the DBT and Dr.
Smokings the MacArthur Foundation, is a Manu Prakashs best-known creation Just what India needs Prakash to explain the Foldscope.
legacy sticker-like microfluid chip that can is the Foldscope, a microscope that Expanding the materials used But for collecting samples during a
be used to collect thousands of nan- could mean new kinds of devices field trip or a quick survey, I think
Smoking leaves its
olitre-sized droplets of saliva from
can be fashioned out of paper that comes that dont need electricity to devel- this is a very handy device, she
footprint on the
human genome in mosquito bites in order to test for pre-fixed like in a jigsaw puzzle set op point-of-care diagnostics, espe- adds.
the form of DNA pathogens. Dr. Prakash also re- cially in resource-poor settings, the jacob.koshy@thehindu.co.in
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- 1ias.com - | 11
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HELP
The problem with Lionel Shrivers speech
The writer, who says that fiction writers should be able to shape any character without being accused of cultural appropriation, is
G
THE BOOK
INTERVIEW
IN MY HAND
Amitava Kumar People are interested in what you found out
Im currently reading Journalist-writer Nick Davies explains the art of turning an investigative story into a book
Nothing Ever Dies by Viet
Thanh Nguyen. It is about
the way in which Vietnam Over the past four decades, Actually people are more you make progress, you find
is remembered. We just British journalist and writer interested in what you found
Some pieces in there are even more things
learned last week that it is Nick Davies has earned a rep- out than in how you found that The New which you need, so the re-
on the non-fiction longlist
for the National Book
utation for challenging the au- out. But in the case of the hack- Journalism inspired search keeps expanding until
thority of prevailing narrat- ing, it is bit like a Hobbit, the you reach a point where you
Award. Im on my way to ives and setting new little guy going after the big me in trying to get call a halt.
Boulder, Colorado, for the standards in investigative dragon. The book publishers close to subjects and
JLF at Boulder Literature journalism. From fighting for also want that little story, of Which amongst your own
Festival. Ill be on a panel write powerfully
a black man wrongly con- the Hobbit going after the big books is your favourite?
with Viet Nguyen. The last book I victed for rape-murder in the guy. You have to write that as
read was his Pulitzer Prize- U.S., to playing a key role in well, what is going on behind ternoon, but it is never as The very first book which I
winning novel, The
Sympathizer.I havent yet read WikiLeaks, to taking on the scene. productive. Then I try not to wrote, called White Lies,
The Year of the Runaways by Rupert Murdochs media em- work in the evenings, because which is about a little town in
Sunjeev Sahota, a book praised pire in the U.K. with the story Is that something you there is a danger that you just Texas where a black man is
by many people I like. I have it about phone hacking by jour- struggled with every time you get tired and maybe even sentenced to death for raping
sitting on my desk at home. nalists at News of the World, wrote a book? How much of bored, so then the quality of and murdering a white girl. He
Amitava Kumar is the author of Davies has one of the most you should be in a book? the work will sufer. Writing a is innocent, and the crime was
Lunch With a Bigot, A Matter of
Rats, and Nobody Does the Right
celebrated careers in book can be hard work, in- in fact committed by two
Thing, among other books. contemporary journalism. He I think writing a book is dif- volving a lot of intense think- white men. There are amazing
is also the author of be- ficult. I find it very hard work, ing. Its important to stay men- characters in it it has got a
stselling books, including Flat it takes many months. tally sharp, so you have to beginning, a middle, and an
Earth News and Hack Attack: sleep well, exercise well, eat end. It is a powerful story.
Jairam Ramesh How the Truth Caught Up
with Rupert Murdoch, that
How much does it actually
take you to write a book once
well and not work all the
time. And some of your favourite
help explain the challenges for you have all the material in books?
At the moment I am the media today. Excerpts place? When you start writing your
reading Roger Paulins from an interview to Josy book do you retrace your There is something I read
biography of August
Wilhelm called The Life of Joseph: Two years. I dont nec- entire work, as in do you go when I was starting out, which
August Wilhelm Schlegel, essarily have all the material in back to interviewing the same was a collection of articles
Cosmopolitan of Art and How do you write a book place when I start writing. But people who had spoken to you that was published under the
Poetry. Schlegel is the about the way you scooped a to do the research and writing, for the original stories? Or do heading The New Journalism,
founder of German major investigative story? You File photo of Nick Davies in Hyderabad. PHOTO: MOHAMMED YOUSUF for all of the books I must have you do additional reporting to edited by Tom Wolfe, who had
Indology. must have done at least a taken about two years. I may better stitch together the been a journalist and became a
I last read Einstein and hundred stories into the the story about how we got the time into what was happening. have done some other work Hobbit part of the novelist. There are some re-
the Quantum: the Quest of telephone hacking by the story, those 30 interviews are You know George Clooney alongside. I find it very hard investigation, your story? ally, really interesting pieces
the Valiant Swabian by A. Murdoch newspapers in the split up over the whole book. is trying to direct a movie work. in there. It is about a particular
Douglas Stone. It is science U.K.? How did you then write a That is not enough. So you based on the book. And he has If I am writing a book on a way of writing, using the tech-
writing for the layman at its best book? then pull them together with got a writer working on it, and Do you have a certain time subject which I have already niques that a novelist uses to
and has a wonderful chapter on what is going on in News of the I know the writer will immedi- when you write most? Many written about in the paper, write a true story. So you are
Satyendra Nath Bose. It actually becomes dii- World, the Scotland Yard, ately run into the same prob- writers speak of early then I would gather together using dialogue, and you are es-
Next Id like to reread the cult. When you are trying to what is going on in the govern- lem. Is this the story about mornings as their favourite all of the material I have found tablishing characters, some-
collected works of D. D. Kosambi, do that, you end up with two ment, what is going on in Mur- Nick getting the story, or is it time. How do you plan your while working for the newspa- times you are writing facts
the greatest polymath we have diferent narratives. One is the dochs company, etc. I wrote a about the story it is a day, especially since you live per and then decide what ex- through their eyes like a nov-
produced in the 20th century. story of how I got the story. My book about that [Hack At- conflict. in a farm away from London? tra material I would need to elist does. Some of the pieces
researcher and I interviewed tack]. It has got a funny struc- produce the book. In some in The New Journalism in-
Jairam Ramesh is a Congress Rajya Sabha MP about 30 people who worked ture, because one chapter is us Is it the first time that you I work best in the mornings, case, that might involve going spired me in trying to get close
and the author of To the Brink and Back:
Indias 1991 Story, among other books. for News of the World. If you trying to uncover the story, the came across such a dilemma? when my mind is sharpest. I back to people I had already to subjects and write
just stick with the narrative of other chapter goes back in may also work during the af- spoken to. And then usually, as powerfully.
CM ND-ND
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he signing of the Inter-Governmental troublesome neighbour, Pakistan. At the they want to risk a potential nuclear ex- sible strike. Who then is responsible for the
Agreement between India and France for same time, it has called into serious question change in response to a terror strike. Hence shocking lapses that led to the death of our
36 Rafale multirole fighter jets brings to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partys incoher- the unacceptable costs of winning a war with soldiers? The government has not yet given a
an end 17 months of hard bargaining, fol- ent policy towards Pakistan, characterised Pakistan should persuade us to look for other comprehensive assessment of the attack.
lowing Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision by a consistent lack of nuanced understand- strategies of dealing with it. War, after all, The BJP leadership cannot be allowed to de-
to dump the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft ing of the art of diplomacy, and the costs of as Clausewitz put it, is not an act of sense- flect these crucial questions concerning our
(MMRCA) tender and the announcement during war. less passion. national security by issuing statements such
A cursory analysis of the BJP-led govern- If we rule out the coercive options using as we should not discredit the sacrifices of
his visit to Paris last year of direct purchases. The
ments Pakistan policy reveals an inherent simulated scenarios, how do we then deal our soldiers.
first such major acquisition in almost two decades, desire for quick returns from what is argu- with a Pakistan that is seemingly uninter-
it comes as a breather for the Indian Air Force, ably Indias most diicult bilateral challenge ested in winding down its terror machinery Dealing with Rawalpindi
which has been facing depleting fighter strength. which goes to indicate how historically un- against India? Doing nothing cant be a Fourth, engaging a hydra-headed Pakistan
As Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar pointed sound the thinking behind the BJPs Pakistan policy either, although that has been the pre- requires creative statecraft, and for this New
out, given its technological superiority the Rafale policy has so far been. After the initial reach Its worrying that New Delhis ferred option all this while. Delhi needs to think outside the traditional
will augment the IAFs capability. The weapons out during Prime Minister Narendra Modis language and tactics have already First of all, New Delhi needs to view and modes of diplomacy. While riding high on
package, which includes the Meteor radar-guided swearing in, the year-long military stand-of deal with Pakistan within its larger grand his birthday tte--tte with Mr. Sharif, Mr.
on the international border in Jammu stalled
started resembling those of strategic scheme. Quick-fix solutions and Modi and his advisers forgot to keep in mind
Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile, considered
best-in-class with a range of over 150 km, and the progress between the two sides. The quiet Pakistan, which is a result of not like-responses will only get us into an ugly the most important actor that matters in
parleys between the two National Security keeping the big picture in mind dogfight with Pakistan which are not in con- Pakistans policy towards India: the Pakistan
Scalp long-range air-to-ground missiles with a Advisers thereafter brought some semb- sonance with Indias global ambitions and Army. It is important to note that Pakistans
range of 300 km, will help maintain the IAFs air su- lance of normalcy back into the relationship, terminds from plotting and waging their developmental goals. Its worrying that New Army is driven by strategic choices and
periority as they have no equivalents in the region. which was further cemented by Mr. Modis covert wars against India. In the wake of the Delhis language and tactics have already politico-economic rationale which the de-
Given the technological sophistication and the long surprise visit to Lahore in December, some- deplorable Uri attacks, Pakistan must an- started resembling those of Pakistan, which cision-makers in New Delhi need to analyse
range, the Rafales are expected to play a lead role as thing that has apparently become a millstone swer some hard questions. Why did it not al- is a direct result of not keeping the big pic- and understand, and then reach out to the
nuclear delivery platforms in Indias second-strike around his neck today. low the National Investigation Agency team ture in mind. In the grand strategic scheme generals in Rawalpindi accordingly. Repeat-
capability, replacing the Mirage 2000 fighters. to visit Pakistan after India allowed Pakistani of things, Pakistan is an irritant, not a strate- ing that Army runs Pakistan, civilian govern-
The acquisition will cost the exchequer 7.87 bil- Pakistans inability to keep promises investigators to visit Pathankot? Why did it gic threat: so treat it like it, and focus on the ment has no power there is a lazy complaint;
lion, or about Rs.59,000 crore, which is a high price Surprisingly, the Pathankot terror attack in not bring Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader real strategic threats. looking for ways to work around its complex
January did not damage the relationship be- Masood Azhar to book post-Pathankot? Giv- rational calculus is smart statecraft. If New
compared to $10.5 billion approved for 126 fighter The India can survive reality
yond repair as the political management of en that the JeM is reportedly behind the Uri Delhi wishes to choose the latter, it needs to
jets under the original MMRCA deal in 2007. The its aftermath was exceptionally tactful. Then attack, it indirectly implicates Pakistan for Second, however unpopular it might engage the enemy, the Pakistan Army, by
basic aircraft costs about 91 million, which is high came Uri. The key reason why the Uri attack letting Masood Azhar walk free after Path- sound and however painful they are, the re- perhaps opening discreet negotiations with
in comparison to other contemporary four-plus mauled the relationship so badly is because ankot. There is no evidence yet of the ality is that we can, as a nation and state, sur- it. When New Delhi engages Pakistan
generation aircraft. The Centre has claimed savings it took place in the backdrop of the Kashmir Pakistani states direct complicity in the at- vive these attacks. Successive governments Armys rational calculus through the Is-
of several million in the hard bargain, but the De- unrest which was proving to be awkward for tack. If such evidence indeed emerges, in New Delhi have intuitively recognised lamabads political establishment, the mes-
fence Ministry would do well to share more in- the Central government. Thanks to Pakistan will need to answer many more this. If anything, every terrorist attack direc- sage seems to get lost in translation. Its time
formation in Parliament. It is unclear why the gov- Pakistans not-so-diplomatic support to hard questions. Pakistan needs to show ted against India continues to weaken the to convey the message directly and address
ernment decided to buy just 36 fighters, which Kashmir, BJP spin doctors managed to clev- some seriousness if it is keen on improving Pakistani state and nation: its sovereignty, Rawalpindis pay-of structure.
creates logistical and operational complications erly use the Uri shocker to divert attention the relationship it cant be a one-way economy and character. Pakistans 28-year- Finally, if Kashmir is what forms the raison
from the persistent unrest in the Valley. street. long Kashmir campaign has not only not detre of Pakistans proxy war against India,
and pushes up the overall cost for reasons of When the nation is busy preparing for a war managed to wrest Kashmir from India, it is India can successfully deal with Pakistan
economies of scale. In fact, Indias is now one of the with Pakistan to pay back for the Uri mas- Thinking beyond the military option today on the verge of self-destruction pri- and its rationale by addressing Kashmir in
most diverse air forces, with Western and Russian- sacre, how could anyone be bothered about Despite the relentless clamour for a milit- marily due to its misguided Kashmir policy. the first place. In so far as Kashmir is on the
origin aircraft with Indian and other systems incor- Kashmir! ary reprisal against Pakistan, the under- Third, it is time we learnt to defend boil, Pakistan, till it is persuaded to give up
porated in them. The IAF has been attempting to While New Delhi does not have an stated, but well-thought-out, view within the ourselves better, with better equipment for its claim on it which is hard to happen
narrow the diversity to optimise utilisation and imaginative Pakistan policy, Islamabad is Indian strategic community, including re- our forces, a better fence on the Line of Con- will inevitably try and take advantage of the
bring down the cost of operations. The current tra- clearly an unreliable neighbour. Islamabad tired commanders of the Indian military, is trol and the International Border, more situation there. Hence, even if India is unable
jectory of procurement indicates that those plans continues to be unwilling to rein in its anti- that coercion may not be a feasible option army-Border Security Force deployment on to deal with Pakistans absolutist claims on
may be on hold. The government is scouting for an- India rhetoric, keep its promises on basic bi- vis--vis Pakistan, for a variety of reasons. A the vulnerable areas of the fence, and by Kashmir, it can and should efectively deal
lateral courtesies, and stop the terror mas- step-by-step cost-benefit analysis of using a adopting more eicient and technologically with Kashmir which will necessarily weaken
other fighter to be inducted in large numbers and
Pakistans Kashmir claims.
produced in India under the Make in India initiat- Going by that logic, blaming the Kashmir
ive. In the years to come, the indigenously built CARTOONSCAPE unrest on Pakistan instead of pacifying the
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the Fifth Genera- rage in the Valley can only make things dii-
tion Fighter Aircraft from Russia will join the force, cult for our ability to deal with Pakistan. So
adding to the diversity. While the Rafale deal is a far, New Delhis policies have been a failure
welcome step, it is high time India made procure- on both fronts. Every time we link Pakistan
ments based on a long-term integrated plan. to Kashmir by blaming Islamabad for the
protests in the Valley, we are only helping
Pakistans Kashmir cause. The argument
here is not that Pakistan is not engaged in a
Falling behind proxy war in Kashmir, but that the govern-
ments intellectual and political inability to
pacify Kashmir should not be excused using
schedule the Pakistan bogey. It would be useful for the
BJP to take on board Chanakyas perceptive
C
urrent educational attainments remain advice in Arthasasthra: A ruler with loyal
far from adequate for the enhancement people accomplishes his task even with a
little help because of their cooperation.
of personal well-being and social pro-
Mr. Modi in his speech at the ongoing BJP
gress, according to a report of the Orga- conclave in Kozhikode de-emphasised the
nisation for Economic Co-operation and De- military option as a response to the Uri at-
velopment. Immigrant populations are especially tack and instead called upon people of
disadvantaged, an area that deserves particular at- Pakistan to come forward, fight a war on who
tention given the recent scramble for shelter and defeats unemployment, poverty, illiteracy
succour among millions of refugees. The findings first. His invocation to the Pakistani people
in the OECDs Education at a Glance 2016 report to ask uncomfortable questions of their gov-
make for sober reading all round, viewed against ernment on terror, and focus on de-
data on the many rewards individuals and societies velopment is indeed a good beginning.
are able to reap when endowed with higher quali- Happymon Jacob is an Associate Professor of Diplomacy
fications. For instance, people with a masters de- and Disarmament Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru
University.
gree stand a close to 90 per cent wage advantage in
the 35 countries of the OECD. Correspondingly,
their governments receive over a lifetime about LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
100,000 in taxes and social contributions more Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
than they invest on a graduate. There has been a 4
percentage point increase in the rate of enrolment
in tertiary education in the decade ended 2014. The Kozhikode speech There is a big hiatus between words slow, painful war against India. As a The recently concluded deal results It is a fact that no two fingerprints
These are encouraging facts; the logical case there- and actions on the part of the result, terror outfits have carved out in two contradictory sets of have ever been found to be alike.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis present dispensation at the Centre. their own spheres of influence in emotions. The clause fly away Even in the era of growing
fore should be for greater public investment in this strong condemnation of the Uri We have been hearing such Pakistan, and India is in no position condition will give the IAF the computerisation, research into
sector. But across the spectrum the trend is clearly attack and his tough talking to his utterances and assurances ever to eliminate them through overt or required boost to efectively guard fingerprint science continues under
in the opposite direction. While the report shows Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif since Mr. Modi began campaigning covert operations. Nor would other our border. On the other hand is the the banner of the International
an 8 per cent rise in real-term spending per child in is all very well but the barrage of for the Lok Sabha election in 2014. countries, including the U.S., take emotion of an inferiority complex Fingerprint Research Group, to cite
the five years up to 2013, it also notes a 14 per cent attacks from across the border Whenever India is attacked, we sides in this low-level conflict associated with the tag largest one example. New methods and
increase in private expenditure in the region in the make it imperative that India can come up with a number of forceful between India and Pakistan. Is there importer of arms in the world and techniques are being evolved to
same period. Private spending by students and hardly aford to indulge in rhetoric debates, attempts at initiating any guarantee that terror attacks the thwarting of Hindustan enhance forensic science as crime
households is estimated at some 30 per cent in the at this stage. A much stifer dialogue, powerful speeches, will cease if India retaliates Aeronautics Limiteds prestige that methodology becomes more
tertiary education sector alone. This has to be response is warranted as terrorist utterances and even assurances, but strongly? The best option for India came as a byproduct of the deal. If sophisticated. If the West Bengal
strikes have to be stopped at any do not act. Stern action will send is to beef up its counter-intelligence we are to aspire to sit at the global government is unable to run the
viewed against the backdrop of the relentless regi-
cost (Modi talks tough to Sharif, out a strong message to terrorists operations and border defences so high table, we need to increase our bureau, it should appeal for
me of economic austerity in the years following the reaches out to Pak. people, and their powerful handlers that no that it could eliminate terrorists domestic competencies. The way international aid.
financial crisis, with serious implications for equity Sept.25). Mr. Modis reaching out to attack, big or small, will be ruthlessly and eiciently. forward is to develop the defence
and the knowledge economies of the future. C.R. Ananthanarayanan,
the people of Pakistan could meet tolerated. Our soldiers cannot Kangayam R. Narasimhan, industry on the lines of the space Bengaluru
A broader issue mentioned in the report, which with no positive response as it is an continue to lose their lives this way. Chennai industry, taking note of ISROs
covers besides OECD members, partner-countries open secret that it is the army that Rui Pereira, achievements.
including India, is the likelihood that states may not calls the shots in Pakistan. Our Salcete, Goa
Kalahandi mirror
patience is being exploited. Rafale deal Surendra Singh Achara,
We claim to be the fastest growing
be able to realise the 2030 Sustainable De- New Delhi
velopment Goal pertaining to the provision of qual- C.V. Aravind, It is clear that the Centres strategy Though the Rafale deal represents a economy in the world in terms of
ity education. This concern is echoed in the Un- Bengaluru is to take on Pakistan diplomatically, considerable climbdown from the GDP, one of the highest FDI
try and isolate it and get it labelled original requirement of 126, the fact It faces erasure receiving destinations of the world,
esco 2016 report. The need to achieve the targets Can we say that we have enough as a terror sponsoring state. that it has been customised to suit Though sidelined by emerging and home to entrepreneurs who are
relating to SDG 4, to ensure inclusive and equitable support to isolate Pakistan as it is an However, to what extent such a the IAFs requirements and can be forensic tools of identification, the among the worlds richest. We have
quality education, cannot be overstated, given that exporter of terrorism? How many direct reference to Pakistans used for nuclear warhead delivery dependence on fingerprints still has also attempted a space mission to
it is the pivot on which the realisation of several lives will it take to show up Pakistan internal problems would help in makes up for it to some extent. relevance (Neglect may wipe out Mars successfully. However,
other fundamentally important developmental ob- as a terrorist nation? Even our controlling cross-border violations There might be an ofset clause, but oldest finger print bureau, incidents such as the one reported
jectives remains. Indeed, almost the entire success so-called closest friend Russia is remains to be seen. On the contrary, there is no mention of technology Sept.25). A textbook case is when from Kalahandi (Women
of the 2030 agenda rests squarely on the education now conducting joint military Pakistan may intensify its eforts to transfer which strikes a blow the culpability of monozygotic dismantle roof for mothers funeral
target. The objectives of reduction of poverty, alle- operations with a terrorist nation. If create more problems in J&K. against Indias Make in India twins is in question. Even DNA in Odisha, Sept.25) leave me
viation of hunger, expansion of employment, em- this has happened, it should set us There is no substitute to having a defence initiative. The biggest testing can go wrong and it is only confused, reminding me of Amartya
thinking about where we have failed meaningful dialogue with Pakistan fallout is that the deal could cast a dactylography that comes to the Sens view of our Indian glory as
powerment of women and gender equality are all
in changing perceptions. Is it a on all outstanding issues. shadow over otherwise robust rescue. Forensic laboratories in an uncertain glory.
influenced by the qualifications and skills that men result of our failure, diplomatically, India-Russia ties. The Russia- India are facing a severe crisis of What is the use of this glory if many
and women possess. And of course at another level, D.B.N. Murthy,
to expose Pakistan? The time has Bengaluru Pakistan joint military exercise is a manpower and infrastructure. It is Indians such as Kanak Satpathy live
without an educated and empowered populace, the also come to question the drift in reflection of New Delhis souring time we strengthen our science and die a life as less than a human
dream of an enlightened, more tolerant and peace- the India-Russia relationship. Repeated border incursions show relationship with Moscow. laboratories. being?
ful world would forever remain elusive. C.H. Rajalingu, that Pakistan is a divided house and Nalini Vijayaraghavan, Dr. Manoj Kumar Gaddam, Abhilash Thimmaiah,
Hyderabad that it is its army which foments this Thiruvananthapuram Karimnagar, Telangana New Delhi
CM ND-ND
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Narasimha Rao. Is this book part of a Narasimha Rao and successive prime
campaign to rehabilitate him ministers till 2014 managed to achieve
historically? quite a bit despite their parties not
(dated September 26, 1966) having a Lok Sabha majority. Does a
In a sense, the rehabilitation of consensual style help in achieving goals
Call to rejuvenate rejuvenating it falls equally on Narasimha Rao has already started, giv- more than a secure majority may,
players, the spectators, the Press
cricket and the administrators. Let us at
en the fact that Jairam Ramesh, con- because the latter allows unilateralism?
sidered close to the current leadership
A call to rejuvenate cricket was least in India strive towards this of the Congress, brought out a book that Prime ministers with full majority
Sanjaya Baru in New Delhi. PHOTO: R.V. MOORTHY
made by the Maharaja of Baroda, goal. If we achieve it, others will has words of praise for Rao. This sug- have behaved diferently from each
the outgoing President of the gladly follow us, and we will have gests that within the Congress there are there was a glimmer of hope of a non- other. Jawaharlal Nehru was a leader
Board of Control for Cricket in done the greatest service to the some who feel that it is time to own up Rao showed the ability Gandhi leader for the Congress and inner who ruled by consensus while Indira
India, at the annual general game in modern times. Narasimha Rao. The reason for this is to use the Nehruvian party elections. Why did that fizzle out? Gandhi was considered more unilateral
meeting of the Board here The Maharaja, who was laying that Prime Minister Modi has shocked in her approach. The point I make in the
[Baroda] to-day [September 25]. down his oice after a three-year style to address his lack of
the Congress party by owning the lead- When you read M.L. Fotedars autobi- book is that Rao, in fact, revived the
The Maharaja said that in the last term, traced succintly the progress ers they had abandoned. He took own- numbers, which is why he ography and the sections about Indira Nehruvian style of consensus leader-
two decades a big change had the game had made in the country ership of Sardar Patel, of Subhas survived five years unlike Gandhis tenure at the helm of govern- ship that used to exist in the Congress
come over in the approach to during his term and laid particular Chandra Bose, so I think the Congress ment, it suggests that she recognised earlier. Rajiv Gandhi, who had more
cricket, which except when the stress on the role the Board had was mindful of the fact that the BJP
Morarji Desai, V.P. Singh, or that there were several potential prime than 400 MPs in Lok Sabha, couldnt do
West Indies were at it, did not played in promoting exchange might own up Narasimha Rao and even Deve Gowda ministerial candidates in the Congress. much with them. The several non-
seem to be played as a sport to be visits, on an international level, of Manmohan Singh. In some ways, Mr. Fotedar mentions Pranab Mukherjee, Nehru-Gandhi prime ministers from
enjoyed. The responsibility of school boy players. Modis foreign policy is a continuation Sharad Pawar, and Rao. The problem the Congress fold also couldnt quite
of Dr. Manmohan Singhs, and in some have been a more stable government today is in part due to the untimely grasp that. What Rao showed was the
ways it could be that Mr. Modi was re- than Chandra Shekhars and pushed the deaths of leaders like Madhavrao Scin- ability to use the Nehruvian style to ad-
possessing all the non Nehru-Gandhi reforms agenda if one goes by what dia and Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the de- dress his lack of numbers, which is why
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS leaders of the Congress. Vinay Sitapati
has written a biography, based on family
Jairam Ramesh has written. But there is
a question mark on that looking at his
cision by Sharad Pawar not to fight for
space in the party, the decline of provin-
he survived five years unlike former
Prime Ministers Morarji (Desai), V.P.
papers of Rao, and it is an excellent record as Prime Minister between 1984 cial strongmen like Digvijaya Singh, and Singh, Deve Gowda, etc. He succeeded
>> An error in the surname. The first and last paragraph of a report, Soumya book. My book is just about 1991. I have and 1989. The reason a Congress-led co- the inability of the younger lot of Con- because he carried the party with him.
case: Kerala files review petition in SC (September 24, 2016) mentioned the been observing economists rec- alition didnt happen in 1990 was be- gressmen to emerge as national leaders.
victims name as Soumya Viswanathan instead of just Soumya. ollecting 1991 as if they were the heroes cause it is entirely possible that Rajiv There is a huge vacuum in the party that Will the crisis in the Congress force it to
>> The second paragraph of a report, India, France ink 7.87 bn agreement of 1991. I thought it was necessary to re- Gandhi himself wasnt sure how the no one is in a position to fill, not even go back to a more consensual, what you
for 36 Rafales (Front Page, September 24, 2016), said that Prime Minister Nar- mind economists that it was not them Congress party would evolve in that Rahul Gandhi. The reason why Sonia term Nehruvian style of politics?
endra Modi announced the decision for direct purchase in April 2014. It but the politicians Rao and Chandra context. Dont forget, the 1991 elections Gandhi continues as party president is
should have been April 2015. Shekhar who were the heroes. This were a damning indictment of his lead- because there is no one today in the I had written a column recently
>>The Economic Survey is not prepared by the Reserve Bank of India as book is titled How P.V. Narasimha ership. Unlike Indira Gandhi, who lost party who can be projected as a poten- where I said that the only hope for the
mentioned in the Perspective page article, Railway Budget, a vanishing trick Made History but Chandra Shekhar, power in 1977 and came back with a ma- tial prime minister. Congress is for Sonia Gandhi to give a
(September 22, 2016). It is prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor under the had he been allowed, could well have jority in 1980, Rajiv Gandhi didnt gain call to all Congressmen to come back
Ministry of Finance. been the hero of this story. back a majority. Within the party, a feel- You have spoken of Raos legacy being and elect Mamata Banerjee as their
>>The interview with S. Abid Ali I was fortunate to be part of a famous ing could have gained ground, as was threefold: economic reforms, foreign president. Thanks to that column I was
win (Sport, September 22, 2016) had two errors. The substitute fielder in A very interesting bit that you have mentioned in that famous article sup- policy reset, and the possibility he invited to Ms. Banerjees swearing-in
the 1971 Oval Test was Kenia Jayantilal, not Kenny, as given in the report. Also, written about is on the what ifs of the posedly written by Rao in Mainstream, dangled in front of Congressmen that a ceremony which I couldnt attend. But
the name of the English batsman run out by Chandra in the same Test was John 1991 elections. What if Rajiv Gandhi had that he was not the future of the party, non-Nehru-Gandhi could run the party frankly she is the only Congressperson
Jameson, not Jamie Johnson. attempted to form a government in 1990 just as right now there is a feeling that and the government. Which among these (current or ex) who has a mass base.
and not been assassinated during the Rahul Gandhi is perhaps not the future is his most lasting legacy? Sharad Pawar has wasted his political
The Readers Editors oice can be contacted by 1991 elections? What would have been of the party. A coalition would have capital as has Digvijaya Singh in Mad-
Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Fri- the nature of a Congress government been a risky proposition and therefore The essence of the book is to say that hya Pradesh. Jaganmohan Reddy has
day); E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in headed by him? Rajiv Gandhi precipitated the elections each of these three contributions was failed to capture his fathers charisma,
All communication must carry the full postal address and and also the economic crisis. Thats my important. His economic policy and and in State after State we see there are
telephone number. Rajiv Gandhi could have certainly at- argument. foreign policy work have seen con- no provincial leaders who can step into
No personal visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on tempted to form a Congress-led coali- tinuity, whichever government has the leadership vacuum that Rahul
www.thehindu.com tion government in 1990. That could You also look at 1991 as the year when been in power, including the current Gandhi appears unable to fill.
CM ND-ND
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10 | - 1ias.com - EDITORIAL THE HINDU TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
climate high table Though spoken about for quite a few years,
simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha
Code of Conduct to allow the government to
initiate projects and programmes till a reas-
onable period (maybe till the notification of
the voters are better placed to express their
voting choices keeping in mind the two dif-
ferent governments which they would be
T
he Centres decision to ratify the Paris and State Assemblies seem to be fast on their elections) instead of the existing scenario electing by exercising their franchise. This
Agreement on climate change on Octo- way to becoming a matter of national con- where the code comes into force the day the distinction gets blurred somewhat when
ber 2 is a welcome affirmation of Indias cern. This proposal is not only being dis- elections are announced. One should not voters are made to vote for electing two
commitment to join the global cussed in the television studio, but even the also forget that there is a provision in the types of government at the same time, at the
community in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) Central government is seeking inputs from Model Code of Conduct that the government same polling booth, and on the same day.
emissions. As an emerging nation with a large num- ordinary citizens through a website about its can consult the Election Commission about There is a tendency among the voters to vote
ber of people living without access to electricity, In- desirability and related questions. policy decisions and if the decisions are not for the same party both for electing the State
The online public consultation will last till likely to have any implications for the elect- government as well as the Central govern-
dias predicament of having to generate more en-
mid-October, and it is likely that there will be oral outcome, the Commission can permit ment. This is a rule rather than an exception,
ergy for poverty eradication while simultaneously overwhelming support for this proposal be- the government to take those decisions. not based on assumption but on evidence.
curbing GHGs is universally acknowledged. But cause of the argument put forward in favour Also, in the normal course, the code
there is no denying that the country has adopted an of it: simultaneous elections will save a lot of should apply only to the State where As- The empirical evidence
approach that is predicated on a much-too-high use money and will help the government carry sembly elections are to be held. There is no If we consider elections from the 1989 gen-
of fossil fuel-based technologies. This needs to be forward the developmental project without
The slogan one country, one logical reason why governance in the rest of eral election onwards, there have been 31 in-
addressed as all nations look towards the next many hindrances. The real question, howev- election overlooks the existence the country, and at the Centre, should come stances of holding simultaneous elections
phase, when the climate agreement comes into er, is not of desirability; it is one of feasibility. of 29 States... The intention, it to a standstill, unless the so-called policy de- for State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha in
force. There is near certainty that the decision Can simultaneous elections for both the cisions are intended to be taken to influence different States: Andhra Pradesh (1989, 1999,
Central and State legislatures be implemen- seems, is to move the country the electoral outcome in the State where 2004, 2009 and 2014), Odisha (2004, 2009
made in Paris will become operational before the
deadline for signatures set for April 2017: 61 coun-
ted given the federal nature of Indian de- towards becoming a unitary state elections are to be held. In this case, it is not and 2014), Karnataka (1989, 1999 and 2004),
mocracy guaranteed by the Constitution? the holding of the election that stops gov- Sikkim (2009 and 2014), Tamil Nadu (1989,
try-parties responsible for 47.79 per cent of emis- on saving the money spent by political ernance, but the suspect intentions of those 1991 and 1996), Maharashtra (1999), Assam
sions have ratified it so far. What remains is for The question of cost parties and candidates, but by the Election who are supposed to govern. (1991 and 1996), Haryana (1991 and 1996),
individual countries in Europe, and the European No one can deny that a huge amount of Commission. There is hardly any doubt that Kerala (1989, 1991 and 1996), Uttar Pradesh
Union, to review their commitments after Brexit, money is spent in conducting elections in In- the fewer the number of elections, the lesser Undermining the federal structure (1989 and 1991), West Bengal (1991 and 1996),
and sign up to reach the target of 55 per cent of total dia, both by the candidates themselves and would be the expenses. But then, elections The argument, or slogan, of one country, Arunachal Pradesh (2009 and 2014) and Tel-
GHG emissions. Indias decision to join, overcom- political parties as well as the government are the lifeblood of democracy. If Lok Sabha one election is misleading. What this label angana (2014).
ing a reticence that was apparently linked to the (the Election Commission of India). Though and Assembly elections happen to coincide, overlooks is that while India is undoubtedly When simultaneous elections for the As-
failure to enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group, is there is a legal limit on how much money a it is a natural process. But if it is imposed on- one country, the Constitution also recog- sembly and the Lok Sabha were held in these
candidate can spend on his campaign from ly to reduce the number of elections and cut nises the existence of 29 States which have a States, in 24 elections the major political
commendable. It would, in any case, have come un-
his own sources, most spend as much as they costs, it is highly undesirable, because it constitutional status of their own in matters parties polled almost a similar proportion of
der pressure to do so since the Paris process is sure can in the belief that this would help them privileges monetary concerns over demo- of elections and government formation. votes both for the Assembly and the Lok
to move ahead with Europes entry. reach out to a larger number of voters, cratic principles. One country does have one election, and Sabha, while only in seven instances was the
With climate commitments becoming almost in- thereby increasing their chances of winning. Simultaneous elections resulting in better that is for the Lok Sabha. The seeming inten- choice of voters somewhat different. It was
evitable, a national consultative process on low car- However, the argument in favour of simul- governance is another argument that has tion to force all States, and sometimes it has noticed thrice in Tamil Nadu (1989, 1991 and
bon strategies cannot be delayed. In order to com- taneous elections does not seem to be based been put forward. The contention is that even been mentioned all panchayats, not on- 1996) when the votes polled by the Congress
ply with the Paris process, every aspect of energy and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra
use would need precise measurement in the years CARTOONSCAPE Kazhagam were different for the Assembly
ahead, which several sectors of the economy are ill- and Lok Sabha. The other similar examples
equipped to do at present. Upgrading the electri- are from Arunachal Pradesh during the 2004
and 2014 elections (when the Bharatiya
city grid to take in higher volumes of renewable Janata Party polled more votes for its Lok
power is an urgent necessity if India is to realise the Sabha candidates compared to those for its
national goal submitted to the UN Framework Con- Assembly candidates), in Haryana during
vention on Climate Change to install 100 gigawatts the 1996 elections and in Andhra Pradesh in
of solar power capacity by 2022. A bold new policy 2014.
on urban design to curb emissions from buildings During the same period, when in many
and transport has to be written into all relevant leg- States the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections
islation. Such far-reaching steps can be taken only were held at different times, the electoral
with the active participation of State governments, outcome (votes polled by different parties)
of the two elections has been different.
many of which remain on the periphery of the dis-
While there are various ifs and buts before
cussion. That needs to change, and a blueprint for this may be finally implemented includ-
action has to be drawn up, if a convincing case is to ing the feasibility of constitutional amend-
be made for assistance from the $100 billion a year ments of the kind which this may require,
that the rich countries are to put together by 2020. State governments agreeing to the untimely
Fundamentally, national policy should mandate dissolution of the Assemblies, the question
even higher levels of taxes on fossil fuels and trans- of what happens if a government falls
fer the benefits to eco-friendly options, be it solar without completing its term, and several
panels, efficient light bulbs, bicycles, green buses/ such issues if simultaneous elections
trains, and greening initiatives. were to become a reality, it would go against
the political diversity which is essential for
addressing the social diversity of India.
B
y holding a meeting on the Indus Waters interpretation and understanding. One boy spectacle which makes democracy ap-
Treaty and scheduling another later this senses the need for this when one watches pear empty and ironic. One sees this drama A misleading silence
week on MFN (Most Favoured Nation) the sudden explosion of upper caste agita- enacted with ruthless clarity in the recent The second demand is that Marathas as a
status to Pakistan, Prime Minister Naren- tions. An ethnography of these dem- protest of Marathas. caste community be brought under the res-
dra Modi has signalled his intent to examine all the onstrations alone is not enough. One has to Their political script is simple. On Sunday, ervation category. It is almost bizarre to
non-military options before the government for a see them as statements of values, of the man- September 11, lakhs of Marathas poured out watch a dominant community with roughly
strong response to the Uri attack. Blood and Water ner in which democracy is seen and as- into the streets of Pune, paralysing the city. 33 per cent of the population and which
sessed. One can see three visions of de- They had two demands. The first was a de- has electorally dominated State politics, vir-
cannot flow together, he is reported to have said.
mocracy contesting and overlapping with mand to repeal the Scheduled Castes and the tually controlled the powerful cooperative
However, after the meeting, officials made it clear each other. ILLUSTRATION: SURENDRA Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) movement now play helpless and vulner-
that the IWT will hold, at least for the moment. In- Act, and the second a demand for a greater able, demanding reservation. As a wag put it,
stead, the Centre drew up a list of measures to op- A politics of anxiety A contempt for law and order, share in the reservation. The power of the they are demonstrating a politics of anxiety
timise use of the Indus waters, that India has so far The early socialist vision saw democracy the threat of violence and Maratha groups is seen not only in their hold about their various fiefdoms, signalling a fu-
failed to do. The fact is that abrogating the IWT is a as a place where rights to quality were
the rise of violence have on the city but also in the indirect endorse- ture decline in power. The electoral frame
non-starter as an option, and the holding of the worked out, where the marginal and minor- ment of Sharad Pawar, the Maratha leader, which they dominated almost zero-sum
meeting at this juncture ill-considered. For one, it ity groups used the democratic process to be marked all these dominant and Raj Thackeray, chief of the Maharashtra style is now fragmenting as Other Backward
confused the message in Mr. Modis Kozhikode empowered as citizens. Such a vision is cap- caste battles Navnirman Sena. An endorsement of the Classes and Dalits enter the power game. It is
speech, appealing to Pakistani citizens better in- tured in the careers of B.R. Ambedkar and two leading godfathers of Maharashtra an attempt to buy insurance for the future re-
Ram Manohar Lohia. The second kind of vis- the upper class who see democracy not as a speaks of the sheer power of the community. alising full well that the current quotas are a
stincts to wage a war on poverty. More important, ion inaugurated after the Bharatiya Janata framework of universal values but as a basis bit inelastic and that the Supreme Court has
the 1960 treaty for the Indus and five tributaries Party came to power was a majoritarian vis- for consolidating a parochial world. The And of atrocity not looked kindly at their demands.
flowing from India to Pakistan was brokered by the ion, where electoralism was a consolidation contrast is stark between a Dalit or tribal bat- Central to the first of the demands is what Currently the protests involve a series of
World Bank (then, the IBRD), and has held through of numbers. The transition from democracy tling for rights and the demands of upper one calls the politics of atrocity. Critical to silent marches as a statement of their prob-
wars and conflicts along the Line of Control. Revok- as a value to a fact of demography becomes castes such as Patels, Jats and Marathas. The this is a categorical act of denial of caste atro- lems. But the silence is misleading. What one
ing it would threaten regional stability and Indias obvious here. There is a third kind of contest logic of the scripts and the nature of political city. The scenario of violence is typical and senses behind it is the need to use violence to
credibility globally. It remains unclear what India emerging where democracy, like the market, dramas is radically different. First, the Dalits predictable. A Dalit youth is usually stoned reassert power. One senses that a dominant
intends to do with the western rivers in question becomes a competitive game, where right protests for rights have the character of an or lynched on grounds of suspicion. His al- caste community which feels threatened
beyond the short-term plan to irrigate Jammu and loses to might and democracy becomes a appeal. They are seeking to go beyond dep- leged crime is an illicit relationship with an acts as if it is far more vulnerable than the
fragile Hobbesian word. rivation. The upper caste protests convey a upper class/caste girl. When investigated, communities it has exploited. There is a
Kashmirs fields better. Dams required to hold the
Here the battle is not for justice to the sense of threat, of aggression and violence. the allegations hide deeper conflicts over double danger here. First, that the silence so
course of the tributaries of the Indus to alter water downtrodden but a search for consolidation For Dalits, democracy is a value; for upper grazing land. Such Gairan land often far is staged and temporary. Second, it is
levels to Pakistan dramatically would take more and privilege. Quotas and reservation no castes it appears relevant as long as it sus- cultivated by landless Dalits has now been clear that what is being signalled is the pos-
than a decade to build. Given the environmental longer embody a search for justice, but an in- tains them instrumentally in power. If de- regularised by the Maharashtra government. sibility of violence as dominant groups
and geopolitical consequences of such actions, terest group politics where the powerful mocracy does not work, it can be discarded The upper castes feel the Atrocities Act is which lorded over electoral democracy now
they are unlikely to elicit any international funding. seek to accumulate more power. There is a like an old piece of tissue or a rag. often misused and want it repealed. Yet what feel threatened. It is not rights one is worried
It is clear that the Centre didnt think through its mirror inversion of concepts like justice, vic- The body languages of the two dramas are few talk about is a stranger legal battle where about but the very fabric of democracy. An
next steps when it declared with a grand flourish, timhood, fairness as these same concepts are different. One acts as a shareholder upper castes in turn file counter-cases of electoralism which tends to go beyond the
amplified by frenzied television headlines, that the used by higher castes in a new Alice in Won- threatening to sell his shares or dismiss the robbery and dacoity embroiling Dalits in the constitutional rules of the game negates
Prime Minister would review the Treaty. But it derland way, where they insist words mean directors if the firm fails to show profit. The entrails of law. What is clear in discussions democracy.
what they say. marginals speak the language of suffering, about these battles is that there is little re- Such an attitude is not peculiar to the
did limit the potential damage by bringing down There is a politics of anxiety played out by deprivation and pain. The dominant castes spect for the rule of law. By turning the ques- Maratha struggle. A contempt for law and
the heated rhetoric with a rational analysis on the order, the threat of violence and the rise of
Treaty. It would be wise if India proceeds with a violence have marked all these dominant
sense of pragmatic caution in making further state- CARTOONSCAPE caste battles. The horrendous violence in-
ments on Pakistan for instance, revoking the flicted by Jats on other communities and on
MFN status will hardly punish Pakistans economy property was the hallmark of the recent
given the low levels of bilateral trade. Terrorist at- struggles for reservation in Haryana. The
tacks such as the one at Uri require a combination second factor which has not been fully in-
of measured but firm responses, rather than weigh- vestigated or publicised is the full involve-
ment and connivance of the local police in
ing every option in full public view. India cannot
the agitation. It is almost as if law and order
also ignore the fact that the Uri attack has exposed and justice are the preserve of dominant
the need to shore up its defences. As India has real- castes. Democracy as an aberration cannot
ised time and again, its response to provocation or should not alter the dominant structures
must carry the message that the country is depend- of power radically.
able and not given to irrational, irresponsible ac- Between the appeals and protests of Dalits
tions that its neighbour is often prone to. and tribals and the arrogant demands for
continued dominance lies the new problem-
atic form of democracy in India. Democracy
as a way of life is threatened by electoral de-
T
he first of three U.S. presidential debates the future lies in how democracy reinvents
lived up to the hype as the world was itself to handle these two contradictions.
treated to the sight of an experienced pol- Otherwise, India faces the final irony that
of democracy as a mechanism quietly cor-
itician, and first-ever woman nominee
roding the institutional values of democracy
for the White House, take on a brash and surpris- as a value system.
ingly popular property tycoon. While most media
analysts seemed to hand victory in the debate to Shiv Visvanathan is Director, Centre for the Study of
Democrat and former Secretary of State Hillary Knowledge Systems, O.P. Jindal Global University.
Clinton, numerous online polls, most of them
based on anonymous voting and non-scientific re-
sponse targeting, appeared to suggest that it was LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
her Republican rival Donald Trump who won. To Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
an extent, the terms of the debate, set by moderator
and NBC News anchor Lester Holt, ended up fa-
Indus as bargaining chip The Prime Minister must, with for Ms. Swaraj to have confined Having covert operations in a and its total catchment area (34,273
vouring Ms. Clinton. Mr. Holt tipped the scales to- immediate effect, revoke the IWT. herself to a brief mention of the disturbed region of an enemy sq.km) is 40,785 million cubic
wards Ms. Clinton when he brought up Mr. Trumps It would be foolish to interfere with This is a treaty that rests on the tension between India and Pakistan country is one thing, but interfering meters. For Tamil Nadu
refusal to reveal his tax returns, the birther con- water supply arrangements under goodwill that exists between the including the issue of terrorism. She in it publicly and encouraging it is calculated from the product of its
troversy over Barack Obamas place of birth, Mr. the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) two neighbours but now a could have devoted more time to quite another. This will only rainfall (123 cm) and its area (43,867
Trumps alleged support for the Iraq War, and his vis--vis Pakistan as it would only commodity non-existent in these major issues that threaten the peace encourage Pakistan to up the ante on sq.km) it is 53,960 MCM. While it
comment on Ms. Clintons look. Yet, what fea- end up hurting the poor in Pakistan times. Pakistan simply cannot have and stability of the world. This Kashmir including fomenting is not possible to have 100 per cent
tured significantly less was Ms. Clintons use of a with whom we now profess its cake and eat it too. Once Pakistan would have also fitted in well with terrorism. We have played into the run-off from rainfall, if it is assumed
private email server, her responses to the contro- friendship (India suspends talks on is able to convince India of its our strategy to play a bigger role in hands of Pakistan. We should have that about 50 per cent rainfall
versy over the 2012 Benghazi attack, and broader Indus water pact, Sept.27). It would earnest efforts to put on hold its pet world affairs. tried to win over the people of becomes run-off then the total
also be a move that would make our hobby of fostering anti-India M.P. Muralidharan, Kashmir, particularly the youth, surface water supply in Karnataka
criticism of the Clinton charitable foundation and other neighbours deeply suspicious activities, the treaty, which is which we have miserably failed to will be approximately 20,395 MCM,
Bengaluru
her proximity to Wall Street, issues that would have of India. None of us would like to considered to be the most successful do. By blaming Pakistan for the and 26,980 MCM in Tamil Nadu.
put her on the back foot. As it turned out, she forget how long it took for us to water-sharing endeavour in the I do not endorse the view that current trouble in Kashmir, the Tamil Nadu needs to increase its
emerged from the brawl with poise and a lawyer- smoothen ties with Bangladesh over world today, can be honoured. As of Pakistan should be isolated by the Centre is taking the easy way out. water storage capacity.
like command over the tempo of the debate as she the issue of the Farakka Barrage. now, there is no point in being a world community as it would only Srinivas Kamat, P.R. Rakhecha,
held out several baits for Mr. Trump, which he took. Tweaking the IWT could also push good neighbour to someone who aggravate the situation. Let us take Alto Santa Cruz, Goa Jodhpur
Ms. Clinton forensically focussed on Mr. China and Nepal to interfere with does not know even the spelling of the cue from how the Americans
Trumps weaknesses, including his preference for the water systems in West Bengal good neighbourliness. dealt with Iran on the nuclear issue. I am sure that there is a vast amount
and the Northeast. Since India is not in favour of third- A water estimate of data on every aspect of the
tax cuts for big businesses over income support for Dr. George Jacob E.,
C. Subrahmanyam, party intervention in Kashmir, the It is important to know how much Cauverys flow. I wonder why it
the middle class, his past business and personal Kochi
Visakhapatnam Prime Minister should talk to his water from rainfall is received in the should be so difficult to have a
dealings that hinted at racist values, and the Pakistani counterpart every week Cauvery catchment and what the computer model that can generate a
destabilisation potential of his foreign policy Despite the extreme provocations by The isolate Pakistan stance and push for a peace agreement. By estimates are of surface water so that scientific solution to the satisfaction
proposals on NATO, Iran, North Korea, China and Pakistan, India must rise above It was all very well for External talking, India is not going to be seen the information is useful in solving of all aggrieved parties.
Mexico. The deeper question that the Clinton- being petty and be mature instead. Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to to be weak. Pakistan is also a nuclear the water dispute between R. Sridhar,
Trump clash continues to pose, however, is: How Be it Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, or excoriate Pakistan at the UN state and one mad act by a Pakistani Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (Put Bengaluru
has a candidate such as Mr. Trump come this far? Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, General Assembly (Isolate Pak,. general will cause great loss in India. Cauvery order on hold, Karnataka
Why has his habit of offending politically signific- the need for water is the same Sushma tells U.N., Sept.27). While T. Anand Raj, tells SC, Sept.27). I write this in my
everywhere. India should not set an this would have played very well Chennai capacity as the former Deputy Aadhaar insistence
ant minorities, including Mexicans, African-Amer-
icans, Muslims, the LGBT community, the differ- inhumane example. with the domestic audience in India, Director, Hydrometeorology, Indian Even when issues such as the right to
Vignesh K., it would have at best induced fatigue While Indias message to isolate Institute of Tropical Meteorology, privacy and ensuring the security of
ently abled and women, not dented his popularity? among the representatives of the Pakistan in the international arena Pune. personal data of individuals remain
Perambalur, Tamil Nadu
In part, it comes down to sheer showmanship, and other countries in that august was forceful, it was perplexing to Rainfall in the catchment area is the unresolved, it is shocking that the
Ms. Clinton, for all her measured responses and de- If India makes adverse moves, the assembly for the obvious reason that watch Foreign Minister Sushma only source of water supply. government is forcing Aadhaar
tailed elucidation of policy prescriptions, falls far condition of the people of Pakistan, India and Pakistan have been using Swaraj speaking in Hindi at a global Observations of rainfall from 182 implementation down the throats of
behind Mr. Trump on that count. However, the who are already facing tough times the forum regularly to hurl forum. Much of what the Minister stations within the portion of the citizens under some pretext or other
more worrisome force behind the rise and rise of and having to deal with the ill-effects accusations and counter-accusations spoke was not understood even in Cauvery catchment in Karnataka (Supreme Court finds govt. defying
Mr. Trump is that his candidature hints at con- of a battered economy, will only take at each other. The fact is that the India, leave alone by the and 108 stations in Tamil Nadu its order on Aadhaar, Sept.26).
tinuing nationwide disenchantment over political a turn for the worse. Using water use world in general and the permanent international audience. The country which have been available for nearly Making it mandatory for students
dysfunction in Washington. That Americans may as a weapon will only create more members of the Security Council lost a golden opportunity to make a century show that the applying for scholarships, requiring
anger and enmity against India and have stopped evincing any interest the world to sit up and take note. renewable supply of water from senior citizens to be Aadhaar
be willing to risk it all and throw a metaphorical
give rise to more terror. What we either in Kashmir or the problems The Minister should have used the rainfall in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu compliant in order to avail of rail
grenade at the federal government to shake things should do is to expand people-to- between India and Pakistan. The universal language of English to is about 119 cm and 123 cm journey concessions and coming
up after years of partisan bickering and policy log- people contacts between the two members of the Organisation of drive home the countrys concern at respectively in an average year. The across some PSUs insisting that
jams suggests that their leaders must work to heal a countries. Both countries cannot Islamic Countries do occasionally the growing terror threat from total volume of annual rainwater retiring staff have an Aadhaar card to
bitterly polarised electorate and temper this dis- afford to fight a war. make some noises when prodded by across the border. available in the Cauvery catchment settle their dues are ugly examples.
taste for the federal governance architecture. Mudit Katiyar, Pakistan. Against this background, it J. Anantha Padmanabhan, area in Karnataka calculated from K. Natarajan,
Lucknow would have been more appropriate Tiruchi the product of its rainfall (119 cm) Madurai
CM ND-ND
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WORLD VIEW
A case for accepting
How the Indus Treaty was signed
Notes from the unpublished diary of Indias Acting High Commissioner in Karachi, Pakistan,
the WTO ruling during the signing of the Indus Water Treaty in September 1960
The World Trade Organisations (WTO) Appellate Body has
declared certain domestic content requirements (DCRs) in western rivers, Indus, Jhelum and
Indias Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) Chenab, would be allocated exclusively
illegal. Under JNNSM, whose goal is to make India a global K.V. PADMANABHAN to Pakistan except for certain limited
leader in solar energy, the government enters into long- uses by India in the upstream areas.
PRABHASH term electricity purchase contracts with eligible solar power During the transition period, Pakistan
RANJAN developers (SPDs), assuring them guaranteed prices for 25 would undertake a system of works, part
years. This government-procured electricity is then sold to Amongst the more prominent of the of which would replace from the west-
distribution companies who, in turn, sell it to consumers. However, only problems that bedevilled relations be- ern rivers such irrigation uses in
those SPDs who source certain types of solar cells and modules domes- tween India and Pakistan was the Indus Pakistan as had hitherto been met from
tically are eligible. The objective evidently is to favour domestic solar cells Waters dispute. This was a legacy of the the eastern rivers. While the system of
and modules over imported ones. It was this DCR measure that the U.S. Partition. The line dividing the two Pun- works was under construction, India
challenged in the WTO. There are three dimensions in this case that need a jabs cut right across the Indus canal sys- would continue to supply water from
closer look: the legal issues, environmental impact, and India-U.S. trade re- tems developed over a hundred years. the eastern rivers according to the
lations. Pakistan found that the headwaters of agreed programme. The Indus works
the main canals were on the Indian side programme was estimated to cost
Legal issues of the border. All the five tributaries of around $1,070 million, of which $870
Subject to limited exceptions, the WTO treaty prohibits countries from the Indus also originated in India and million was to be spent in Pakistan. It
discriminating against goods based on origin or destination. This core non- flowed through Indian territory in the was a colossal undertaking.
discrimination commitment is given effect through several legal provi- upper reaches. Even before Partition, Once the signing ceremony was over
sions, including the one that outlaws domestic laws that make it necessary Sindh and Punjab had witnessed everyone breathed a sigh of relief. What
for an enterprise to purchase or use products of domestic origin to obtain wrangles over the sharing of the waters had been an insurmountable problem
an advantage. According to the Appellate Body, Indias DCR measure in of these rivers. was out of the way. Could one proceed to
JNNSM violates this rule and The situation worsened after the hol- other items on the agenda? This was the
the general prohibition against ocaust of the Partition. There were hys- nagging question that troubled the ad-
discrimination between impor- Compliance will be in Indias terical cries in Pakistan for taking up LOW-KEY AFFAIR: PM Nehrus welcome at Karachi was formal and correct, but not visers on either side. Panditji had
ted and domestic products. interest because mandatory arms to defend their rights over the wa- enthusiastic. PM Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan signing the Indus brought a team of advisers that included
India argued that its DCR ters. Fortunately, an arbiter came for- Waters Treaty in 1960. PHOTO: THE HINDU ARCHIVES Desai, the Commonwealth Secretary, an
measures should be excused be- domestic sourcing irrespective ward in the garb of the World Bank that able administrator, and a tough negoti-
cause they fall under three ex- of costs might make solar eventually succeeded in thrashing out a for further negotiations through routine Bilateral talks came to ator. Ayub Khan had great respect for his
ceptions. The first is under Art- power generation unfeasible settlement. The main credit should go to diplomatic channels. Subsequently, practically nothing because of abilities.
icle III.8 of the General Eugene Black, the World Bank Pakistan was to take the law into its own However, the discussions that fol-
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that renders the rule against dis- president. hands and send a raiding force into the Pakistans insistence that India lowed proved to be desultory and un-
crimination inapplicable to government procurement. The Appellate Body territory only to be halted by Indian make substantial concessions productive. It was clear that neither side
rejected this. Relying on the previous WTO jurisprudence in Canada, the Demarcating boundaries Army units. The dispute was then put to was prepared for any major conces-
Renewable Energy/Canada Feed-in Tariff Programme case, it held that While the negotiations about the international arbitration, as a result of with regard to Kashmir sions. We talked primarily of trade be-
for a measure to fall under Article III.8, the product procured should be in a sharing of the canal waters were going which India agreed to give up a part of tween the two countries and for cooper-
competitive relationship with the product being discriminated against. on, officials from both countries were the disputed area to Pakistan. between the two countries, and it was ation in economic spheres. A number of
Since the government procured electricity while the discrimination was grappling with the demarcation of Meanwhile, Ayub Khan had taken an- decided to have it signed with due pomp ideas were thrown out. Ayub Khan in a
against solar panels, this test of competitive relationship is not satisfied. boundaries that had defied solution all other bold step. This was the decision to and show. This provided an appropriate generous mood offered to divert the wa-
The second is under Article XX(j) of GATT that allows a country to those years. These disputes had arisen stop over at Palam airport in New Delhi opportunity for the Indian Prime Min- ters of the Indus River to the parched
adopt measures essential to the acquisition or distribution of products in over the interpretation of the award of [in September, 1959] during one of his ster to reciprocate Ayub Khans stop- areas of Rajasthan by erecting a barrage
general or local short supply. India argued that since the domestic Radcliffe. Two teams were sent out by periodic visits to Dacca, to meet the In- over at Palam and to demonstrate the in the lower reaches of the river; also to
production of solar modules is limited, these products are in short supply. India to tackle the thorny problem [in dian Prime Minister. He was no doubt friendly relations that were developing supply the Sui natural gas from Ba-
The Appellate Body disagreed and held that whether a product is in short 1959]. The discussions the Indians held prompted to do so by Rajeshwar Dayal, between the two countries. The historic lochistan to the Bombay area.
supply has to be determined by looking at supply from all sources, not just with their Pakistani counterparts were the Indian High Commissioner in visit of Pandit Nehru from September 19 The Indian side in its turn agreed to
domestic. On this basis, the Appellate Body said there is no shortage of sup- in a spirit of friendship and cordiality Pakistan who had received prior approv- to September 23, 1960, was to be his last consider sympathetically the proposal
ply of solar panels. hitherto unheard of in Pakistan. To a al from Delhi. The Pakistani President visit to Pakistan. enabling Pakistan to run a through-train
The third is under Article XX(d), which allows countries to adopt mea- large extent, this was due to the fact that deserves full credit for following it While the arrangements of the visit across India connecting Lahore and
sures necessary to secure compliance with laws or regulations that are not the leaders of the respective teams were through with good grace and aplomb. were under discussion, Rajeshwar Dayal Dacca. Even cooperation and co-ordina-
inconsistent with GATT. However, India failed to show a domestic law or old friends and college mates from pre- The Palam meeting, that lasted for had to leave Pakistan. The task of orga- tion in the military fields came under
an international legal norm with direct application in India, compliance Partition Lahore. The leader on the Indi- nearly two hours, went well. At the end, nising Panditjis visit fell on my discussion. India expressed concern
with which necessitated the DCR. an side was Sardar Swaran Singh; Gen- a brief statement was issued in which shoulders. Fortunately, I had very able about Chinese activities on the northern
eral Khalid Shaikh led the Pakistani the leaders emphasised the need to con- colleagues to help me. border of Kashmir and emphasised the
Environmental impact team. Once these two men established duct relations in a rational and planned Prime Minister Nehrus visit com- concern they felt about a possible threat
Two questions are pertinent here. First, does this ruling stifle Indias ef- their rapport, they left the details to manner. It was also agreed that out- menced on a rather low key. The wel- to Pakistan also from them.
forts to move towards clean energy? No, because the ruling is not against their principal advisors: on the Indian standing issues should be settled in ac- come at Karachi was formal and correct, Ayub Khan, without batting an eyelid,
JNNSM but only against use of DCR measures. So, the government can side M.J. Desai, and on the other side cordance with justice and fair play, in a but not enthusiastic. The decorations shook his head gravely and promised to
continue with JNNSM by allowing the SPDs the free choice to either im- Sikander Ali Baig. Once it was estab- spirit of friendliness and cooperation. along the route from the airport to the study the question with his military ad-
port solar cells and modules or buy from domestic industry. lished that the main purpose of the exer- Later, when speaking to the Press, Ayub presidential palace were minimal. By visors. Little did the Indian side suspect
Second, does this ruling reflect WTOs bias towards free trade over envi- cise was to achieve maximum agree- Khan stressed the need for re- contrast, a lot of the local populace had that Pakistan would be handing over to
ronment? No, because Article XX of GATT clearly recognises a countrys ment and that neither side was out to appraisals, for forgetting and forgiving, gathered along the streets to have a the Chinese sizeable chunks of the ter-
sovereign right to regulate not just for environmental objectives but also steal an unfair advantage, it was easier to and for a more realistic and rational ap- glimpse of Panditji. But they did not ritory in the northern part of Kashmir in
for health, public morals, and so on. However, the WTO treaty limits the work out a solution. It was found that proach to settling disputes that had tar- cheer him. It was evident that the milit- return for Chinas support of Pakistans
policy choices available to WTO members as to how to achieve these goals. neither India nor Pakistan had an over- nished relations between the two neigh- ary authorities had ordained it that way. claim for the annexation of Jammu and
The fundamental principle is that inequitable costs of pursuing these goals whelming case to be made on its stand bour states. For a few moments, the ice The same evening was the signing of Kashmir.
should not be unilaterally transferred to other WTO member countries. So, on a particular dispute. One side grace- seemed to be broken. Right-thinking the Indus Waters Treaty. This was done In fact, all our bilateral discussions
for example, if multiple options are available to achieve an environmental fully conceded the others claim were people on both sides appeared to heave with due decorum and solemnity. Nehru and grandiose schemes came to practic-
purpose, the least trade restrictive one that is reasonably available to the valid, and that was that. In this way the a sigh of relief. signed on behalf of India, Ayub Khan on ally nothing because of Pakistans insist-
state must be chosen. Similarly, to pursue environmental objectives, a two negotiating teams were able to behalf of Pakistan, and William Iliff, the ence that India should make substantial
country cannot adopt measures that result in arbitrary or unjustified dis- settle a number of irritants in this field Nehrus visit to Pakistan vice-president of the World Bank, on be- concessions with regard to Kashmir.
crimination or constitute disguised restriction on trade. and pave the way for a period of real Soon it was clear that bigger things half of the Bank. The treaty was based on Thereby ended another chapter in the
dtente between the two countries. were in the offing. The protracted nego- the principle that after a transitional unfulfilled agenda of cooperation be-
India-U.S. trade relations However, some [issues] proved to be tiations about the distribution of the period of 10 years, extendable to 13 at the tween India and Pakistan.
Today, India-U.S. trade stands at over $100 billion annually. Both coun- intractable. One of these was the dispute canal waters were drawing to a close. request of Pakistan, the three eastern
tries aspire to increase this to $500 billion by breaking down barriers to regarding the Rann of Kutch. As neither The agreement on the canal waters was rivers, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, would be K.V. Padmanabhan was in the Indian Foreign Service.
movement of goods and services, as stated in the India-U.S. Joint State- side gave way, it was decided to leave it the biggest single achievement to date exclusively allocated to India, while the Born in 1911, he passed away in 1992.
ment of June 2016. However, the solar panel case paints the opposite picture
where new barriers are being erected. In fact, it is not just this dispute. Cur-
I
ndias decision to pull out of the SAARC sum- would be shifted with due respect to Indian tionships to build a hegemony (G-2) with the India needs to deepen its scientific and
mit in Islamabad this November, with Afgh- sensitivities. Why is Indias time-tested stra- U.S. where both can share international fin- technological relations with Russia since a
anistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh deciding to tegic partner engaging with Pakistan at this ancial domination. base for this already exists. Often agree-
follow suit, effectively draws the curtain on juncture? Is there a shift in Russian geo- Russia is well aware of this, and has its own ments are signed amidst bilateral rhetoric
what was increasingly becoming a farce. Since the strategy and linkage with China that is im- concerns about the Chinese dominating and are not sufficiently followed up. The
previous Nepal summit, Pakistan has blocked all pacting Moscows relations with India? Have Russian markets, exploiting Russian re- Russia-India investments in the oil and gas
Indias own foreign policy shifts and new re- sources, and not backing Russian security sector and exports to third countries need to
protocols to better link the region, while India has lations set off a reaction in Russia? The Rus- concerns. China is enticing countries, in- be energised. Joint manufacturing needs to
pursued a SAARC minus Pakistan plan to push sia-Pakistan joint exercises raise many cluding Russia, with its One Belt, One Road be planned. A continuous engagement and
through with agreements it is keen on. Meetings in questions. plan that will develop huge new linkages and follow-up plan need to be made.
the run-up to Islamabad have been overshadowed develop trade routes. Pakistan is a satellite India and Russia are engaged in several
by ongoing India-Pakistan tensions for months A Russia on the move state for China. Russia has concerns about multilateral efforts that are greatly favoured
now. Basic courtesies were set aside by both coun- Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia Central Asia vis--vis China and Pakistan. by Russia such as the BRICS and the Shang-
ILLUSTRATION: DEEPAK HARICHANDAN
tries after the Pathankot attack. Islamabad dropped has shown assertiveness in international af- In these circumstances, India has to re- hai Cooperation Organisation. The BRICS
any plans to send a representative to India to form- fairs. It has taken a clear position on oppos- build on its strengths and common concerns meeting in a few weeks will give a great op-
ally extend an invitation to the summit, as is the ing Western intervention and militarist regi- The U.S. will always have a dual with the Russians. They have to revitalise portunity for the leaders of these countries
me-change policies in Iraq and Libya and approach to India and Pakistan, their earlier agreement on sharing intelli- to further deepen their engagements. Russia
custom. Home Minister Rajnath Singh was given a
now in Syria. Russia has used counter-force gence for a joint strategy on terrorism. If In- had proposed a Russia-India-China (RIC)
mixed welcome by his Pakistani hosts during the in the fight against the Islamic State in back- because it needs both. Russia on dia is concerned with state-sponsored ter- forum. India is hesitant about this because of
Home Ministers meeting in Islamabad in August, ing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It re- the other hand will not. But India rorism from Pakistan, Russia is concerned the unresolved issues with China. This has
prompting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to cancel took the province of Crimea that it had gifted with the backing that states are directly or in- not moved ahead like the BRICS has. Our ar-
his visit for the subsequent SAARC Finance Ukraine in 1954 due to (Soviet) historical
should not take this for granted directly giving to terror groups in West Asia gument should be, if China can have com-
Ministers meeting. Afghanistan and Bangladesh reasons. This invited unilateral sanctions on and Central Asia. India will have to be more promises and contradictions with the U.S.,
too had downgraded their participation in these Russia from the U.S. and the European The Russians, on their part, have dutifully forthright in condemning states that on the then why not with India? India can use some
meetings because of their anger with Pakistan on Union. Demonised by the West, Russia has backed the Indian position on Kashmir; they pretext of regime change or local geopolitics creative means to build an RIC alliance.
its continued support to terror groups in the re- become a strategic partner of China and they share Indian concerns on terrorism; they are allowing the growth of terror groups in India should use the interdependency and
spective countries. Uri proved to be the final straw, have significant convergence of interests. continue with deep collaborations, provid- West Asia. pressure-compromise strategies to leverage
India as an emerging power has developed ing sensitive technologies, military equip- its interest to isolate Pakistan. A former U.S.
especially in view of Pakistans refusal to even issue a strategic partnership with the U.S. There ment, nuclear power engines and much Balancing new and old allies Secretary of State had called Pakistan an in-
a statement condemning the attack, galvanising In- are real and perceived shifts in Indian arma- more to India. They have a partnership in en- Russia and India have common positions ternational migraine, but then moved on to
dia to reach out to other SAARC member-countries ment policies where Russia dominated for ergy. Yet a Russia dependent on arms and en- and concerns in Afghanistan. Last week the use it as the U.S. front line in Afghanistan and
in an effort to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. But years. India has opened up to the U.S., ergy exports is constantly looking for new Afghans, in a peace deal backed and wel- West Asia. No matter what India gives the
Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and Nepal, the acting France, Israel, all of whom are gradually markets and Pakistan is a potential one. The comed by the U.S. and Pakistan, reha- U.S., this equation will not change. The U.S.
SAARC Chair, have kept out of the boycott. edging out the Russians in some sectors. planned exercises were an extension of this bilitated the mujahideen butcher of Kabul will always have a dual approach to India and
The Modi government cannot claim much more Russia-India trade has not grown to great search. and India hater Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. This Pakistan, because it needs both. Russia, on
than a pyrrhic victory for the SAARC process get- heights despite the encouragement of both snubs the Indian and Russian policy of isol- the other hand, will not. But India has to act-
states. Yet India has been supportive of Rus- Moscows Chinese concerns ating all terrorists and instead has accom- ively ensure that and not take this strategic
ting derailed in this manner. With one-fifth of the
sian positions and has a careful and cali- The reality is that the world situation is modated and compromised with who they partnership for granted.
worlds population, South Asia is home to two-
brated response to all Russian actions in one of multipolarity and consequent inter- wish to label good Taliban. This policy is an
fifths of the worlds poor. It has abysmally low intra- Chechnya, Syria, Ukraine and elsewhere, In- dependency, contradictions, compromises extension of using terrorists for strategic Leveraging multilateralism
regional trade. It was precisely to work around bi- dia has supported Russia. and pressures. Countries across the spec- use. Indian and Russian anxieties on terror- India needs to move on in the interna-
lateral tensions in the subcontinent, especially be- tional system. In some ways it has, but in
tween its two biggest members, and to make space CARTOONSCAPE other ways it is moving backwards. Its
for discussion on common issues such as trade, in- foreign policy is only an extension of its
frastructure, sustainable development and poverty domestic politics. India has to fix its
alleviation, that SAARC was set up. The founding domestic issues to further social cohesion
principle was that together South Asia had a better and make special efforts to build bridges be-
chance of fighting its shared ills, an idea that held tween communities. Indias domestic
politics has to move towards inclusive de-
the group together for decades in the face of inter- mocracy, non-militarism, rights and the rule
mittent regional tensions. Of course, this is not the of law. This will give it an edge in the interna-
first time that a SAARC summit has been post- tional system. Any dilution would damage it
poned. But given the prevailing environment of deeply. Indian foreign policy should focus on
deep mistrust and tension, it is unlikely that the its strengths of working with the global
summit will be rescheduled to take place in the South, opposing militarist interventions,
near future. This is something that will cause building norms and depending on multilat-
serious damage to the multilateral process and eralism. India cannot be in denial of its his-
raise even more questions about the future and rel- tory even as it moves forward.
As far as Russia is concerned, it might ap-
evance of SAARC.
pear that there is some strategic shift. But
Russia has been pushed into that position. In
reality, it knows that India is still its most re-
O
ver the past five and a half years, every
India and Russia need to be active strategic
international effort to bring violence in and economic allies. But both will have to
Syria to an end has collapsed. The UN make an effort for this.
has largely been a spectator since what
began as civil strife spiralled into a deadly war be- Anuradha M. Chenoy is a Professor at the Centre for
tween the regime and a group of rebel groups sup- Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International
Studies, JNU.
ported by outside powers. In this time, half a mil-
lion people have been killed. The Geneva I and II
peace plans did not even take off. Russia and the
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
U.S. had earlier agreed to cease hostilities, but the Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
agreement did not hold. When Moscow and Wash-
ington, which support the regime and the rebels,re- summit, appear to be desperate expect a huge publicity campaign to apathetic to the needs of the general EC as it does not have the expertise
spectively, decided to go ahead with talks despite Step three, on SAARC
non-military measures. The be launched by large parties with public. It becomes all the more to evaluate every possible decision.
the initial setback and finally came up with a proper It is a welcome development that distinction drawn by the Prime deep pockets. It will be virtually significant in India as we dont have If a similar voting pattern for Central
ceasefire agreement earlier this month, hopes were India is determined this time around Minister between the people of impossible for fledging regional direct democratic devices like the and State governments is a concern,
high about bringing at least some temporary relief to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and the rulers of Pakistan parties to make their presence and Right to Recall. an option could be to have
to Syrians. But within a week of reaching the agree- Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack gets blurred when denial of water does not bode well for our Ashutosh, simultaneous State elections in the
ment, the Syrian regime and the rebels are back by undertaking a slew of measures and a trade ban are used as weapons democracy. Gaya, Bihar middle of the tenure of the Central
fighting each other, erasing the advances made that include boycotting the SAARC of war by other means. The Hritvik R. Pandey, government which can reduce
through months of negotiations. It is immaterial to meet in Islamabad (India steps up dynamics of geopolitics cannot be New Delhi The Election Commission should non-governance periods to two from
pressure, to boycott SAARC meet in subsumed to the dynamics of find other ways to reduce costs in the current dozen plus during every
ask who has violated the terms of the agreement,
Pak., Sept.28). While this move will internal politics without We have had 16 general elections and conducting elections rather than five-year cycle.
given the hostility and the contradictory accounts expose Pakistan in the eyes of the consequences difficult to cope with. a casual glance at the results would harming federalism and
of who did what. The Syrians blame the U.S. for vio- K. Kiran Chandra,
international community as a rogue A solution to the vexed Kashmir reveal that coalition governments circumventing the Constitution. Hyderabad
lating the terms first with airstrikes, killing more nation sponsoring cross-border problem will go a long way towards were formed at the Centre on more Elections have never been a
than 60 Syrian soldiers in Jebel Tharda on Septem- terrorism, it will stand isolated taking the sting out of militancy. than six occasions, with regional hindrance to governance as the code
ber 17, a few days into the deal. The U.S. says the eventually. To reinforce its offensive, India and Pakistan are irreplaceable parties playing a crucial role. Quite a of conduct only ensures that a Clinton vs Trump
strike was a mistake. It, in turn, blames Russian jets India may also move the United neighbours and have to work out a few States have been ruled by government does not misuse policy The poser, how has a candidate
for attacking a UN aid convoy in Aleppo a few days Nations to impose economic road map for peace and regional parties, eclipsing the announcements as inducements for such as Mr. Trump come this far?
later, which Moscow denies. Amid the allegations sanctions against Pakistan. collaboration. national parties for decades. Even if voting. It is not a surprise that the (Editorial Debating America,
and counter-allegations, the war drags on, creating P.K. Varadarajan, G. David Milton, simultaneous elections are held, BJP-led Central government is Sept.28), is quite pertinent. Donald
Chennai Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu there is no guarantee that elected pushing for this change in the hope Trumps strategy of blaming
more havoc, especially in Aleppo that has wit- governments will complete their full that simultaneous elections will politicians and the Washington
nessed heavy regime bombardment and where 2.5 A boycott by India will not end term rendering the idea of boost its chances in States where it is elite/clique for failed U.S. policies
lakh people are believed to be trapped. terrorism, but may threaten the very Simultaneous elections simultaneous elections to the Lok weak. This is the only political should have found resonance with a
There are two key impediments to achieving existence of the organisation itself The article, The case against Sabha and Assemblies irrational and explanation for the move. good number of voters. Though he
truce. First, President Bashar al-Assad is now mak- which had the economic integration simultaneous polls (Sept.27), omits unrealistic. Single party rule belongs Yacoub Z. Kuruvilla, practically carries no political
ing advances in the battlefield. Recapturing of South Asia as one of its objectives. many issues in what would have to a bygone era. New Delhi baggage of past failures, his trying to
Aleppo, once Syrias largest city, has always been Economic prosperity of the region made for a wonderfully balanced C.R. Ananthanarayanan, shift the blame on to Hillary Clinton
high on his agenda, and he may be less keen to com- can be a good tool in weakening article. The writers do accept to an Bengaluru Most people in India dont vote for for the failures of the last 30 years
promise at a time when he is winning. But the prob- terrorist activities. Instead of extent that simultaneous polls parties by studying and analysing is far-fetched.
boycotting the meet, India should would reduce expenses, but it must The writers are perhaps right in their manifestos. Most are guided C.G. Kuriakose,
lem is that while trying to recapture the city his
have sent a low-profile be remembered that election their assertion that political by external influences, swayed by Kothamangalam, Kerala
forces might commit another massacre, which the representative instead. New Delhi expenses have a direct as well as diversity is essential for addressing false promises and freebies. If
world should not let happen. Being Mr. Assads has struggled in the past to make indirect component. There is large- the social diversity of India. simultaneous elections take place,
greatest supporter, Russia has a moral responsibil- SAARC a successful forum, and scale funding by business houses Simultaneous elections are not there are likely to be the twin Database nation
ity to end the siege of Aleppo. But Russia has its causing any harm to it is unwise. which is not necessarily accounted feasible in India. People in general blunders of voting for two parties With the globalisation of terror, it is
own concerns. It wants the rebels to isolate the ji- India can use the SAARC platform to for. The point about how the model have different perceptions as far as and being ignorant about both. essential that there is some kind of
hadists among themselves, particularly Jabhat reach out to peace-loving people in code of conduct has limited effect on both elections are concerned. J. Sumuki, check. Online and offline
Fateh al-Sham, and has been asking the West to tar- the region, including in Pakistan. governance is flawed. Many a time, Assembly elections are more about Vellore, Tamil Nadu radicalisation need to be checked.
get such groups. Though the U.S. has said it is fight- K. Muhammed Ismayil, we find sound economic principles local issues, which a general election Further, with a negligible percentage
ing all jihadist groups in Syria, it is now focussed Kozhikode taking a back seat and populist cannot focus on to that extent. There must be focus on reducing the of the population paying tax, tax
schemes taking effect which slows K.V. Venugopal, ability to distribute money and evaders need to be brought into the
only on the Islamic State, which is in retreat. The Some time from now, India is bound down growth. In fact the model code liquor through curbs on the supply tax net. NATGRID, CMS and
Chennai
U.S. and Russia need to stay engaged in talks. The to realise the folly of what it mulls to should be curbing this. side. The second premise is that Aadhaar are only means to tackle
word truce may appear to be a clich in todays upstage Pakistan. The decisions to Separate elections are essential as permission can be taken from the EC these problems. We need to learn to
Rahul Nair H.,
Syria, but an international ceasefire deal between review the Indus Waters Treaty Thiruvananthapuram they will keep our politicians to implement decisions that will not trust the government (Towards a
the U.S. and Russia still seems to be the best option (IWT) and the Most Favoured accountable. If they are assured of have implications on the electoral database nation, Sept.27).
to turn around the Syrian situation. Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, When elections are held no elections at all for the next five outcome. The point should be about Tej Kankaria,
and now a boycott of the SAARC simultaneously, it is reasonable to years, they are bound to become where the line is to be drawn for the Chennai
CM ND-ND
YK
NOIDA/DELHI
PARIS AGREEMENT
Indias climate future at stake
No option but to talk
Despite the angry rhetoric, this seems to be a slow-paced war, which thus far is limited to both
The announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India and Pakistan playing to domestic audiences
Kozhikode that India will now ratify the Paris Agreement
on climate change as early as October 2 must surely occa-
sion widespread surprise in Indias polity. The haste is par-
ticularly strange considering that the European Union and AYESHA SIDDIQA
T. JAYARAMAN a number of other developed nations have not yet ratified
the agreement.
A sudden U-turn
Less than three weeks earlier, Arvind Panagariya, NITI Aayog vice-chair- This is certainly a new age of India-
man and the Prime Ministers sherpa at the G20 summit in China, had indic- Pakistan bilateral relations in which both
ated in a post-summit briefing on September 5 that India had resolutely op- sides are set to maximise costs of con-
posed any reference in the final communiqu to a definite timeline of flict for the other to attain their respec-
ratification of the agreement. The ostensible reason was that while India tive geopolitical goals. In order to ex-
planned to ratify the agreement at the earliest, it also needed time because press its anger, Delhi is shutting down
we were not ready yet in terms of domestic actions that are required for us means of dialogue with Islamabad, as
to ratify or at least commit to ratify within 2016. Foreign Secretary S. had happened in the past. So, it has
Jaishankar was even more explicit in his press briefing on June 7 at the re- pulled out of the South Asian Asso-
lease of the joint communiqu of U.S. President Barack Obama and Mr. ciation for Regional Cooperation
Modi in Washington. He emphasised, We have to look at a range of issues, (SAARC) summit along with other
some of them are regulatory, and some of them are possibly legal. The con- states influenced by Delhi or simply
cerned Ministries are examining that. angry with Pakistan. The idea is to isol-
Following such statements little has been done to inform Parliament, civil ate Islamabad and build its image as a
society or the people at large what these detailed considerations were that rogue state. From eliminating terrorist
the government considered so relevant. As long as ratification was awaited, leadership to a diplomatic victory are
one could have hoped that a process of consultation would be initiated. But goals that require time. There are no
the abrupt volte-face by the government clearly needs some serious explan- short-term gains to be made that could
ation. The suggestions made to an interna- immediately provide a fillip to Prime
tional audience that fulfilling Indias com- The haste is strange Minister Narendra Modis image as a
mitments based on its current Intended given that many strong leader, which is certainly one of TOUGH CLIMB BEGINS: Unlike the past, when India had the capacity to take Pakistan to war, it cannot do so any more. Picture
Nationally Determined Contributions (IN- the goals. shows an Indian Army patrol at the KG sector on the Line of Control. FILE PHOTO: AP
DCs) would require matching domestic leg- developed nations
islation or changes in regulatory have not yet ratified The international response Both states should return to border in Pakistan were involved in the of guard at the GHQ.
mechanisms clearly demand that the gov- While Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afgh- recent attack, it was to provide fillip to an While it is up to Mr. Modi to calculate
ernment at the Centre make clear domes-
the agreement anistan will join hands with New Delhi, the negotiation table. What indigenous struggle and indicate to local benefits from scrapping most favoured
tically the implications for development that these commitments would there are other extra-regional but more makes peace harder is Delhi Kashmiri fighters that there is help avail- nation (MFN) status or the Indus Waters
have. It is also worth bearing in mind that developmental needs and peoples important states that are watching the ignoring the strife in Kashmir able. India could talk about Balochistan, Treaty, such initiatives have little
aspirations are not the sole concern or prerogative of the Central govern- ongoing situation but are deterred from Gilgit-Baltistan or Pakistan's Kashmir prospects of short-term gains. Notwith-
ment a substantial part of it is also borne by State governments and local joining Indias condemnation of as business as usual but two out of the three territories do not standing the fact that opinion in Punjab
self-government authorities in urban and rural areas. At the very least this Pakistan because they are either not en- have a history of strong separatist move- had changed regarding India with
would appear to call for widespread consultations and taking on board all, tirely convinced of who was behind the tion with the then air chief, (late) Air ments. greater keenness to do trade, it did not
even if the constitutional prerogative for treaty-making rests with the attack in Uri or are generally wary of Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir. While Despite the angry rhetoric, it seems to turn into a strong enough lobby to in-
Centre. what the diplomatic and military escala- talking about the difference between the be a slow-paced war, which, thus far, is fluence how the generals think. This
tion will lead to. This is certainly the im- 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2002 escala- limited to playing to a domestic audi- lobby needs to be developed. Granted
Need for an INDC relook pression we get from talking to foreign tion, he was of the view that while Kargil ence. While New Delhi has told its peo- New Delhi feels frustrated with lack of
There can be little doubt that India will have to eventually ratify the Paris diplomats in Islamabad, who are wary of was a case of the Pakistan army trying to ple how Pakistan is about to be elimin- action, the fact of the matter is that what
Agreement. But it is not bound to convert all of the INDCs that it has submit- the situation but ready to hear the argu- challenge Indias control of its territory, ated from the world map, Islamabad tells is being played in the Subcontinent is a
ted to the final Nationally Determined Contributions that would be written ment that the border across Kashmir is an issue on which the air force and navy its people how India has failed in doing game of chess, not tic-tac-toe. The
into the treaty. This in fact provides India considerable room following Paris difficult to penetrate. did not see eye-to-eye with the army, the much and the international community moves are plenty, complex and time con-
for a deeper look away from the pressures during the run-up to the 21st ses- In any case, the international 2002 deployment of armed forces across is listening carefully to its plea on behalf suming. At this stage, those from
sion of the Conference of the Parties (COP21). However, there is little or no community is reluctant to take measures the border was a different matter. In of the Kashmiri people and is ready to Pakistan doing business with India have
evidence that the government plans any such reconsideration. That such a against Pakistan, even if convinced that 2002, there was no friction amongst the condemn human rights atrocities in the access to indirect sources of trade
reconsideration is merited is clear from the emerging consensus among cli- there was some involvement in case of three services regarding the need to re- Kashmir Valley, which is most likely the through a third country.
mate scientists that the 1.5C aspirational target is well-nigh unachievable Mumbai or Pathankot, because the reac- pel any possible attack from New Delhi. purpose behind escalation of conflict As for water, while diverting a shared
while even 2C will be very difficult. Such goals can therefore only be tion from other states is based on their (that is, if terror groups from across the resource will not have an immediate im-
achieved by turning the pressure on countries like India, since it is we (and own calculations of their interests. For Terrorism and limited options border were involved in it). The intern- pact, Pakistan is likely to raise the issue
several other smaller developing countries) who have yet to build for the fu- instance, concerned about saving Britain Even the jihadi organisations under- alising of conflict on both sides of the at international fora. New Delhi may find
ture and erase our development deficits, and it is we who will need the flex- from terror attacks, the government and stand the logic of escalation. In fact, as border is worrisome because it tends to it difficult to sell manipulation of the
ibility of continued greenhouse gas to achieve these goals. Such a heavy bur- its agencies in London feel they benefit argued by Pakistans renowned physicist raise expectations and inadvertently in- treaty through the prism of isolating
den is not faced by developed countries and China while at the same time far more by engaging with the military and political activist, Dr. A.H. Nayyar, fluence decision-making at some later Pakistan internationally. But definitely
the latter has safeguarded emissions linked to its current energy and indus- and its intelligence agencies in Pakistan, the terror groups have become em- stage. these are costs that Islamabad would
trial infrastructure. There is time therefore for India to reconsider what part that have helped them capture terrorists boldened since India and Pakistan went have to think very carefully about. Even
of its INDCs to retain and whether to hedge Indias future by declaring a at home. It would take a lot to convince overt with their nuclear capabilities. Non-military strategy if it was not involved in Uri, it must think
long-term budget for Indias cumulative emissions (or any other measure the world of Pakistans involvement and They have demonstrated greater adven- India-Pakistan battles, both verbal or seriously about allowing certain terror
serving the same end). The latter would serve to safeguard against attempts for concrete steps to be taken against it. turism because they understand that using actual firepower, or prospects of groups to operate inside Pakistan with
to make India, as a result of accepting these temperature goals through rati- There is even greater fear of what the New Delhi has limited options. The se- peace, are protracted affairs. There are impunity.
fication, bear the brunt of the burden of achieving them. However, instead of war of words might lead to, an actual curity experts can boast about at least no quick short-term favourable out- Under the circumstances, both states
attending to this issue, the government has been keener to link the ratifica- conflict that raises the threat of a nuclear half of India surviving a nuclear war comes through immediate escalation as will benefit tremendously if they back
tion of the Paris Agreement to membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group exchange. Unlike the past, when India while Pakistan has less of a chance to do many on social media expect. There is a off from the war rhetoric and return to
(NSG). After the Seoul meeting of the NSG, India had stated that it had had the capacity to take Pakistan to war, so however, losing half of its popula- lot of experimentation that will have to the negotiating table. What makes peace
hoped for membership of the NSG to take forward the process of ratifying it cannot do so any more. While limited tion is not a cost that any leader would be done to see what changes minds on harder is Delhi ignoring the indigenous
the agreement. The ham-handed attempt to leverage NSG membership us- escalation may be possible, the probabil- like to bear. the other side of the border. Certainly in strife in Kashmir as business as usual.
ing the ratification issue has not worked and the clarification by the United ity of a reaction is also ensured. In the re- The prospects of a conventional war the short term, the war rhetoric has al- There is a generation of people angry
States, after Mr. Modis announcement, that there is no such linkage sug- cent past, Pakistan seems to have inves- would always raise the spectre of a nu- lowed the military in Pakistan to further and frustrated, and the Modi govern-
gests that Washington had called Delhis bluff. Linking the ratification to the ted in tactical nuclear weapons in clear showdown which makes the inter- cement nationalism and market its new ment must think outside the box to de-
difficulties of NSG membership, arising as much from our strategic nuclear response to the threat of a possible national community worry. Perhaps one socio-political discourse. Despite velop relations with them. This is per-
obsessions as from our need for energy, points to a deplorable lack of per- limited-scale operation being launched of the calculations of a terror outfit is Nawaz Sharif following the script till the haps the only short- to medium-term
spective in judging the long-term priorities for the Indian people. from India. While analysts could draw that the fear of a nuclear holocaust will last letter, he is still touted as a culprit, approach it ought to adopt. Peace in
Indias climate policy has been constantly hobbled by this and other stra- conclusions regarding the Pakistan mil- draw world attention towards solving Mr. Modis poodle. Such an image is Kashmir will probably go a long way as
tegic concerns, whatever the dispensation in New Delhi. Successive govern- itarys rationality, causing it to withdraw the Kashmir issue. If the international meant to diminish the Prime Minister's compared to making appeals to the peo-
ments have all along declined to step forward with a proactive policy to pro- from Kargil, a similar reaction may not community will not attend to human capacity, if he is left with any, to effect- ple of Pakistan and calling them to a pov-
tect Indias critical long-term interests. The honeymoon of the Kyoto be expected in case of a military incur- rights violations in Kashmir, it will cer- ively control the foreign policy agenda erty reduction competition.
Protocol, with emission targets only for developed nations, and seen by sion or operation inside Pakistan. This is tainly stop and listen to rumblings of a and to reduce the civilian government's
Delhi as the model for a long-term agreement, was obviously too good to certainly what I learnt from a conversa- possible war. If indeed groups across the space to manoeuvre during the change Ayesha Siddiqa is an Islamabad-based columnist.
last. Subsequently Indias policy has always been too little, too late, and at
Paris, the Modi government only carried forward the accumulated legacy of
the past in climate policy, without a new and sustainable approach at the
critical juncture. One may even argue that at Paris the government was more
sinned against than sinning. But its careless and compromising handling of
the post-Paris scenario has taken away that indulgence, and handling that
An American djinn
has resulted in pushing India to the point of seriously foreclosing its options
within the emerging global climate policy regime.
Trump is a nightmare conjured up by those who seek to turn Americans against themselves
T. Jayaraman is a Professor at the School of Habitat Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, ously, America does not have a mo-
Mumbai.
STEPHEN ALTER nopoly on xenophobia. It would be
short-sighted and nave for anyone to
think that Mr. Trump, as president, will
be a friend of India, or any other country
FROM THE ARCHIVES One of the advantages of being an Amer-
for that matter. He is a knee-jerk isola-
tionist and just as he continues to rant
ican citizen living abroad is that you can about American jobs being sent to Mex-
register to vote using an absentee ballot ico, he sees India as a nation to which the
(dated September 29, 1966) and send it in by e-mail. On Tuesday, I American economy has been out-
cast my vote in the U.S. general election sourced. His racist, misanthropic com-
Central expenditure Commercial for Democrats Hillary Clinton and Tim ments do not distinguish between black
to be reduced advertising over AIR Kaine. This is not a statement of patriotic and brown, or even off-white.
duty. In fact, my nationality has never American elections, as seen from
The Union Cabinet to-day The Prime Minister said to-day been a defining factor when it comes to abroad, are often described as an in-
[September 28, New Delhi] [September 29, New Delhi] that my own sense of identity. Yet, more than terminable and chaotic exercise in col-
decided to cut the Central the report of the Chanda ever before, I felt an obligation to take lective ignorance. Enormous wealth and
expenditure for the current Committee on Radio and part in the U.S. election, not because Im military might have given the U.S. a
financial year by Rs. 101 crores. Television was under an American but because I believe that claim to being leader of the so-called
This will include a cut by Rs. 24 consideration and assured that civic responsibilities extend beyond the Free World. But today, Americans are
crores in the revenue expenditure, the committees recommendation borders of any one country. afraid of the future. There is no doubt
Rs. 67 crores in the capital to allow commercial advertising that the only way the U.S. can maintain
expenditure and Rs. 10 crores on on these media within certain Hillary, the right choice its power and influence is through what
PUTTING A FINGER ON IT: Its not Trump the businessman who frightens me. Its
Railways capital expenditure. No limits would receive the Ms. Clinton will make a good Mr. Obama and Ms. Clinton refer to as
Trump the candidate.... PHOTO: AFP
major project will be affected, an Governments careful president of the U.S. and she will carry an interconnected world, that depends
official spokesman said. The consideration. Mrs. Gandhi was forward the struggles and ideals of the usual in a country that celebrates on international treaties and trade deals
Cabinet took these decisions after inaugurating the Third
I have felt an obligation to
Barack Obama administration in the ad- outspoken individualism and ad- rather than retreating into an imper-
considering the report of the Advertising Conference of the mirable tradition of liberal American versarial competition. But its not Trump take part in the U.S. election, meable and impervious shell as Mr.
Secretaries Committee which had Indian Society of Advertisers. She politics. She will be the first woman to the businessman who frightens me. Its because I believe that civic Trump suggests. Nevertheless, if we be-
suggested detailed measures to hoped that Indian advertising lead the U.S., which is as important as Trump the candidate because he is, in es- lieve the polls, half the American public
reduce expenditure. would grow on positive lines. Mr. Obama being the first African- sence, a creation of the enemies he wants
responsibilities go beyond the wants to elect a man who rejects com-
American president. There are those to destroy. borders of any one country mon sense, whether it comes to global is-
who may be cynical about these sym- sues like climate change or his fellow
bolic milestones of democracy but when Trump, the sum of all fears succeeded in letting the American genie demagogue, Russian President Vladimir
the majority of Americans make that Since 9/11 the American public have out of the bottle. Yet there is nothing Putin.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS choice it is a significant moment in his- felt the threat of terrorism within their genial about him, nor is he inclined to A Trump victory would be a defeat for
>>The opening paragraph of One-third of total maternal deaths in 2015 tory, not just for the U.S. but for the borders. Al-Qaeda and now IS (or grant anyones wishes but his own. Mr. the U.S. but also for the world as a whole.
happened in India: report (Sept, 21, 2016) should be recast to read: The latest world at large. whatever shape-shifting acronym ap- Trump would be the perfect American He may be a caricature of the bloated,
Lancet series on maternal health reveals that nearly one quarter of babies At the same time, the phenomenon of plies) have become the frightening President from the perspective of terror- egotistical and ugly American, but there
worldwide are still delivered in the absence of a skilled birth attendant. Fur- Donald Trump, the Republican pres- avatars of American anxieties. The ists around the globe because he person- is no ironic punchline to this joke. In-
ther, one-third of the total maternal deaths in 2015 happened in two countries: idential candidate, has added a grot- threats, of course, are very real and there ifies and voices right-wing xenophobia stead, there is something inescapably
India and Nigeria 45,000 mothers (15 per cent) died during pregnancy or esque visage to the global pantheon of is no denying that radical Islamist mili- in a self-destructive rampage of bigoted dangerous about him because he and his
childbirth in India while Nigeria shouldered the maximum burden of 58,000 political demagogues. As a real estate ty- tias are at war with the West. But this is rhetoric. As others have noted, he makes supporters fail to understand that Mr.
(19 per cent) maternal deaths. Consequently, the headline should have read: coon, he is a man who has invented and not a conventional conflict. it much easier to attract disaffected Trump is an incarnation of all our fears
One-third of total maternal deaths in 2015 happened in India and Nigeria. reinvented himself, which is not unusual The fundamental strategy of terror- young recruits to the cause of the IS and and prejudices. He is an American night-
in American society. The bluster and ism is to create fear, anger and loathing its ilk. mare conjured up by those who seek to
The Readers Editors office can be contacted by braggadocio that he brings to his busi- it is anarchic and nihilistic, attacking Here in India, there are those who turn us against ourselves.
Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to ness deals and his ability to market him- progressive ideals and institutions. With have celebrated the candidacy of Mr.
Friday); E-mail: readerseditor@thehindu.co.in self as a product of capitalism is not un- Trump the candidate, terrorists have Trump because he is anti-Muslim. Obvi- Stephen Alter is an American writer born in India.
CM ND-ND
YK
10 | - 1ias.com - EDITORIAL THE HINDU FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
NOIDA/DELHI
A
after week, from Parbhani in Marathwada to because of the class distinctions. The real village of Ahmednagar district provided
fter running through a variety of non- the so-called intellectual and knowledge frustration is among the small/middle farm- these marginalised Maratha youth an op-
military responses to the September 18 capital Pune, nobody would have believed ers, the vast section of landless farmers and/ portunity to direct their wrath against the
terrorist strike at an Army camp in Uri, that prognosis. Nobody, not even the pow- or agricultural labourers. A young person Backward Castes and OBCs. Though none
the Centre on Thursday announced that erful Maratha leadership, including the among the lower classes of Marathas has of the recent Maratha marches have wit-
Indian forces had carried out surgical strikes strongman of Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar, had no opportunities for higher education, nessed any diatribe against the Dalit
across the Line of Control. With this, Indias next had seen the turbulence beneath the super- no possibilities of migrating to the cities for community, the underlying message is that
steps, post-Uri, are in uncharted terrain, with New ficial and deceptive calm in the community. a better future, and certainly no avenues to the mobilisation is targeted against the Dal-
Delhi abandoning the self-proclaimed policy of Now it is obvious that the frustration and new kinds of jobs in the information tech- its. Since the NCP founded and led by Mr.
strategic restraint adopted in the face of earlier anger among the Marathas has been brew- nology sector, for instance. Unemployment, Pawar has the largest Maratha following,
provocations by terrorists believed to be backed by ing intensely. ILLUSTRATION: SURENDRA declining agriculture, compounded by se- many commentators believe that he and his
Most people outside Maharashtra do not vere drought and devastating floods, have party are behind the movement. The
Pakistan. The operation, that began and concluded understand the difference between the two threatened his very survival. Maratha elites are happy to face this charge,
in the early hours of Thursday, was claimed to be a The disgruntled Maratha youth,
phonetically similar sounding terms, For the past two years these suffering because they get credit for channelling the
military success, with no injuries to the Indian Maratha and Marathi. Why, even the metro- instead of wagging an accusing classes waited with great expectation for discontent when they are at best only sup-
para-commandos who went across the LoC into politan Mumbaikar cannot comprehend the finger at the power elite of their Achche Din. They had voted against the porting from behind the scenes what is es-
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to attack several loca- distinction. The broadcast media and panel own caste, began to see an enemy Congress because their condition saw no sentially a spontaneous expression of mass
tions. The decision to strike in this manner was pontiffs too are confused by the sudden improvement during the years of Congress (and class) frustration.
evidently taken after specific intelligence that ter- tsunami-like Maratha marches, which they in the Dalit community rule. They thought Narendra Modi would In the past it was the Brahmin (caste and
rorist groups were planning attacks in India. This cannot simply ignore because of their sheer provide what the Congress-Nationalist class) that was the enemy of the Marathas
may not be the first time India has undertaken size and breadth. Indeed, the mobilisation is panchayat chiefs, and so on. These Marathas Congress Party (NCP) alliance did not. (self-declared Bahujan). The Dalits and
so grippingly picturesque that television are seen to not distinguish between the pri- Now, theres disillusionment. OBCs too regarded Brahminism as the main
quick cross-LoC operations, but it has never before cameramen and anchors cannot underplay vate and public. enemy. Demographically, this upper caste
chosen to share information so publicly. it by pretending that Kashmir and the The class just below them is the rich Searching for an object of ire had just about 4 per cent presence in society
The terms surgical strike and pre-emptive Cauvery water crisis are far more farmer, bagayati or cash crop farmer. They Thus, multiple frustrations got accu- but dominated education, bureaucracy,
strike used by the Centre were intended to convey important! are powerful because they command re- mulated and mixed up. But who should be media and other institutions of power. That
that this was not an attack on Pakistans defence spect on account of their wealth, which also held responsible? The Marathas are in domination was sharply reduced following
forces, but a targeted action against terrorists The class divide among Marathas gives them status and authority in the vil- power from sugar cooperatives to Man- reservation, and a section of the Marathas
poised to wreak damage in India. Pakistan of course The Maratha caste can be broadly com- lages. They are not in political power dir- tralaya, the administrative headquarters of too entered the corridors of power and in-
has played down the Indian operation, character- pared with Jats in Rajasthan and Haryana or ectly, but they have political heft across the State government. All parties, from the fluence. But still there were the vast armies
ising it as an act of habitual cross-border shelling. It Patidar-Patels in Gujarat, primarily farmers. parties as they finance candidates. Congress, NCP, to the Bharatiya Janata Party of lower- and middle-end Maratha youths
is welcome that New Delhi declared the strikes They are one-third of the States population Next in the hierarchy comes the small or and the Shiv Sena have large contingents of deprived of participation in the mainstream
and Marathi is their mother tongue, though middle peasant, who survives on a season- Marathas. In assemblies and local self-gov- economic, political and cultural affairs.
complete shortly after the operation, with the not exclusive to them. Within the to-season basis, is dependent on the va- ernments there is Maratha domination. And Around 200 Maratha families have kept the
DGMO calling his Pakistani counterpart to convey community, there is a hierarchy observed garies of nature, is anxious about the mon- yet the lower- and middle-rung Marathas reins of power in their hands, claim orga-
that India would not escalate the conflict beyond very diligently, particularly when it comes soon, takes small loans to run the farm or for feel isolated, neglected, marginalised in the nisers of the protest movement.
this. This, along with the briefings held in New to matrimony. However, irrespective of so- wedding expenses, and commits suicide if job market and denied opportunities in
Delhi for envoys of various countries, indicates that cial hierarchy, they are all directly connec- harassed by the bank or moneylender. The higher education. Rage of the have-nots
the Centre wants to end hostilities with Pakistan ted with agriculture, sons of soil, as it were. middle peasant aspires to be a rich farmer, The reservation policy gave Dalits an ad- As stated in the beginning, the marches
for the moment. This strengthens the view that the But there is another hierarchy, that of class. and hence imitates the lifestyle of the well- vantage vis--vis Marathas in getting admis- are a reflection of the massive crisis in the
operation was the result of pressure on the Modi There are four class divisions. off farmer. When he fails to live up to his pro- sion in reputed colleges. Ironically, many of agricultural economy of Maharashtra. That
government to manufacture a strong response to The elite Marathas are directly related to jected image, distraught, he hangs himself. the States private colleges and deemed uni- is the reason the demand for the implement-
power or power centres ministers, chair- The lowest and the last layer is that of the versities are owned, run and managed by the ation of reports of the M.S. Swaminathan-
Uri. Over the past few daysthere has been a cascade men of commissions, various boards, direct- landless peasants and agricultural labourers Maratha power elite! Moreover, the sub- led National Commission on Farmers be-
of moves to underline that such provocations can- ors in cooperative banks, board members of who depend on government employment caste, or parallel caste, Kunbi, was included tween 2004 and 2006 has acquired import-
not be followed with business as usual. The govern- sugar cooperatives, zilla parishad or gram guarantee schemes and other benefits. in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) res- ance in this agitation. The farmer is denied
ment reviewed the working of the Indus Waters competitive prices for his produce, afford-
Treaty, declared it is flirting with the idea of review- able prices for the input elements, relief and
ing Pakistans Most Favoured Nation status, and CARTOONSCAPE support during drought, famines and floods,
pulled out of the SAARC heads meet to be held in and help from financial institutions when it
Islamabad. Having made it known that India does is the need of the hour.
not want further escalation, even as people living This hapless and helpless small and
along the International Border and the LoC are middle farmer is seeing around him the new
wealth, new opportunities, new jobs, new
shifted to safer locations, the Centre will need to ar- lifestyles that he too aspires to. The urban
ticulate what it regards as the new normal and in- haves and rural haves have cornered the
deed, how it hopes, or plans, to dissuade Pakistan new wealth, making him the new poor. The
from escalating the situation in turn. new poverty is not poverty imposed on him
by nature or overall backwardness; it is en-
forced by the ruling class and the ruling gov-
ernment and the ruling establishment. He
T
he Lodha Committees status report, and girl students who are angry because
highlighting how the Board of Control for they feel the future is being snatched away
Cricket in India has failed to adopt the from them.
recommended administrative reforms, The silence of the lakhs of marchers is
has left the games officials in a quandary. In a 79- deafening and the elite Maratha or Brah-
min or Dalit are feeling threatened. It is a
page report filed in the Supreme Court, Justice silent political bomb ticking and could ex-
R.M. Lodha has said the BCCIs current office-bear- plode anytime, devastating all that we think
ers would have to relinquish their posts for the pro- is stable and settled.
posed changes to be effected. Lending greater force
to the punch, Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur said Kumar Ketkar is a veteran journalist and Chief Editor of
Dainik Divya Marathi.
the BCCI elite would have to fall in line, or else we
will make them fall in line. The provocation for
these firm strictures was the BCCIs Annual Gen-
eral Meeting in Mumbai on September 21, where a LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
slew of decisions were taken, ranging from the
Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
nomination of Sharad Pawar as alternate director
for International Cricket Council meetings to the
appointment of new selection committees. The ac- Indias response to Uri SAARC and build pressure on show to the world that the forum is (Lodha wants BCCI brass
Pakistan to make the latter a cohesive unit. That India, as a big removed, Sept. 29). The court can The rise of Trump
tions were seen as a failure to heed the Supreme
Court. When the Lodha Committee green-lighted Indias decision to carry out accountable on the issue of brother, could not pave a way to get initiate action against the BCCI and It appears that centrism will reign
the BCCIs AGM, it was with the caveat of sticking surgical strikes targeting terror terrorism. Indias decision will Pakistan to fall in line is most its officials for their wrongdoing, triumphant over the radical right in
launch pads across the Line of certainly give Pakistan one more unfortunate. With Indias surgical but should it decide the age and the U.S. elections. Of course, things
to appraising the year 2015-16, but the board dis- Control is bold and long overdue. alibi to show to the world that India strikes across the LoC, the future of qualifications of members of sports may change between now and
carded the retrospective gaze and instead looked Terror platforms abutting the LoC is averse to any type of engagement this summit is bleak. bodies and their subcommittees? November, but Democratic
ahead. The appointment of selection committees, are evidently meant to carry out with it. The Lodha Committee report candidate Hillary Clintons victory
Suddapalli Bhaskara Rao,
to cite one example, went against norms set by attacks in India. The Indian Gagan Pratap Singh, Muscat should be forwarded to the seems plausible in the face of her
Justice Lodha, who had recommended a three- government is justified in taking Noida government. The government growing popularity. Donald Trump,
member panel. The board stuck to the status quo of military action to eliminate them The audacity of the Indian Army to should propose comprehensive the Republican candidate, will
having five. lock, stock and barrel. This should India has boycotted the summit in carry out surgical strikes across the legislation, including international prove to be a disaster for reform
Wednesdays developments in court now put the send the right message to the the light of the Uri attacks, but to LoC is truly laudable. Mr. Modi had commitments of various sports politics in the U.S. In his campaign,
BCCI in a piquant situation. The BCCIs elbow Pakistan government as well as to what extent such measures will said in Kozhikode that the sacrifice bodies at the international level, he has gone after African-
those who support terrorism. This improve the security situation of our jawans wont go in vain. This and place it before Parliament. The Americans, immigrants, Latinos,
room has shrunk, and it is expected that the chas-
decision also shows how the remains to be seen. On the contrary, has come true. As Mahatma Gandhi court should not discriminate Asians, women, and Muslims.
tised board will toe the line, though it has time till principal opposition parties are a sustained dialogue with Pakistan said, terrorism and deception are against the BCCI alone. The sports Stephen Alter rightly says that
October 6 to file a reply in the Supreme Court. This wrong in saying about Prime on every issue, including terrorism weapons not of the strong, but of body is otherwise well-established, America does not have a monopoly
sorry state of affairs couldnt have come at a more Minister Narendra Modi that he is a and Kashmir, should be an ongoing the weak. and has done a great deal of service on xenophobia (An American
inopportune moment. India has a home season man of words, not action. process to defuse the situation and Mukul Nigam, for cricket. The court has so many djinn, Sept. 29). In Mr. Trump, the
bounty 13 Tests, including the match that con- K.R. Jayaprakash Rao, drive home the message that New Delhi pending cases; it is unnecessary for U.S. has its own Praveen Togadia.
cluded in Kanpur this week, and an imminent Ranji Mysuru Pakistan has to do much more to it to spend so much time on the But I am hopeful that voices of
Trophy schedule. Now there is the risk of disarray. curb cross-border terrorist Finally Prime Minister Modi has BCCI. sanity will prevail.
The sport is perhaps Indias best-governed, but the Although there is no doubt that activities. We have everything to walked the tough walk on Pakistan. C.R.K. Reddy, Satish C. Aikant,
administrators refuse accountability. The cricket Pakistan is leaving no stone gain by trying to normalise While the Indian Army has claimed Hyderabad Mussoorie
unturned to escalate hostilities relations with Pakistan. Quiet that significant casualties have been
schedule (domestic and international) is well- between the two countries, diplomacy sometimes works inflicted on the terrorists, Pakistan A worrying trend is emerging, first Donald Trump personifies all our
drawn, former cricketers get a generous pension, boycotting SAARC is a knee-jerk wonders rather than high-pitched has said that only two of its soldiers with Karnataka disobeying the fears and prejudices. He has given a
young players find financial security in the Indian and inappropriate reaction to cross- verbal attacks. We, as one of the have died. India has sent out a clear courts orders to release Cauvery voice to the unsaid and unspoken
Premier League, and there is much to cheer in Indi- border terrorism (The SAARC founding members of SAARC, and an unequivocal message to water to Tamil Nadu, and second, thoughts of the masses and has
an cricket. But a refusal to embrace transparency gambit, Sept. 29). SAARC is a should strengthen it rather than Pakistan that it will no longer with the BCCI ignoring the SC- gathered a set of followers in this
and the lack of respect for the ordinary fan have platform for engagement, for weaken it. remain a mute spectator to cross- appointed Lodha Committees manner. There are many people
been emblematic of a feudal mindset that guides discussing and debating issues D.B.N. Murthy, border terrorism and will respond recommendations. The public will who have radical views but dont
crickets officialdom. BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke amicably. India being the largest Bengaluru to it with full force. lose faith in the judiciary if the express them fearing aggressive
has been quoted as saying the board did what it felt economy in SAARC has more M. Jeyaram, court fails to assert itself in these retaliation. But Mr. Trump has
obligations to fulfil, especially as it The way Pakistan is conducting cases. The court will become successfully identified the
was best for the game; BCCI president Anurag Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
aspires for permanent UN Security itself, and Indias response to it, meaningful only when it initiates weaknesses of American citizens
Thakur has often declared he is out to clear wrong Council membership. It should not makes a mockery of the objectives contempt against Karnataka and the and is transforming all that is
perceptions. Their intentions are, however, yet to set the wrong precedent of of SAARC. Peace and progress of Judicial overreach BCCI to enable full delivery of politically incorrect to what is his
be matched by their actions. They need to take care abandoning the proceedings of an the eight SAARC countries will take Why should the Supreme Court justice to Tamil Nadu and to Justice idea of morally correct thought for
they do not precipitate what could be the most association that is also meant for its a heavy beating. Although SAARC point fingers only at the BCCI in Lodhas recommendations. his own political mileage.
serious crisis yet for Indian cricket. own interest. In fact, this is the time nations comprise 9.12 per cent of India and not at other sports N. Visveswaran, Nandini Ray,
to strengthen institutions like the world economy, they are yet to organisations in the country? Chennai New Delhi
CM ND-ND
YK
NOIDA/DELHI
AGRICULTURE
Seeds of discontent?
Making books accessible to all
Today, as the Marrakesh Treaty comes into force, Indias multi-stakeholder approach to
On September 5, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released an Assessment of
providing texts for the blind/print-disabled offers an excellent model for other countries to follow
Food and Environmental Safety for genetically modified
(GM) mustard on its website, and gave the public a month to Through the ABC Book Service, which
respond with comments and concerns. This review report is free, organisations serving the print-
FRANCIS GURRY
ANIKET was put together by an expert sub-committee of the disabled can supplement their collec-
AGA ministrys Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee tions of accessible books from their
(GEAC). The public consultation is likely to be the pen- counterparts in other countries.
ultimate step before the government takes a final decision on what might The ABC Book Service can assist in
become Indias first GM food crop Bt cotton seeds, though also crushed Today is an important day for blind and preventing the same book from being
for edible oil, were not explicitly approved as food; Bt brinjal is unlikely to other print-disabled people across the produced in accessible formats by more
emerge out of the moratorium issued by former Environment Minister globe, as it marks the entry into force of than one library, thereby avoiding du-
Jairam Ramesh any time soon. an international treaty designed to help plication. It is hoped that Sugamya Pus-
GM mustard represents the culmination of over a decade of painstaking deliver specially adapted texts to those takalaya will soon become a member of
work by a team of Delhi University scientists led by the noted biotechnolo- affected by a range of disabilities that in- the ABC Book Service, thereby joining
gist, Deepak Pental. Mustard, a self-pollinating crop, is difficult to hybrid- terfere with the effective reading of an international library-to-library ser-
ise, that is, cross-pollinate. Pentals team has genetically modified an Indian printed matter. vice managed by WIPO in Geneva.
mustard, Varuna, and an East European mustard line in order to cross-pol- It is called the Marrakesh Treaty and Nineteen libraries for the blind from 16
linate them. They have sought permission to commercially release the res- today I am calling on other countries to countries are already participating in
ultant hybrid named DMH-11, and to use the two GM parental lines for de- follow Indias lead as the first nation this service, and I am happy to an-
veloping new hybrids. They claim that by virtue of being a hybrid (rather to join the so-called Books for Blind nounce today that over 1,00,000 loans
than a GM crop), DMH-11 yields about 30 per cent more than a reference treaty and then as a trailblazer in imple- have now been made to visually im-
mustard variety. Given Indias huge import bill for edible oil, they argue, menting the pact that will benefit not paired individuals around the world
this effort to boost mustard yields must be welcomed. Indeed, this may well only Indias visually impaired citizens through the participating organisations.
be a moment for us to appreciate government-led scientific efforts ex- but millions more around the world. ABC is continuing to establish pro-
cept that the case for GM mustard is not as straightforward as the govern- According to the World Health Orga- jects in India, including by training pub-
ment makes it seem. nisation, some 285 million people lishers, libraries and NGOs in the
worldwide live with visual impair- production of accessible books, as well
Biosafety and socio-economic impact ments. Meanwhile, the World Blind CIRCLE OF READERS: Joining the treaty is easy; ensuring that books become widely as providing funding to produce educa-
GM mustard is resistant to the herbicide glufosinate, and thus a Union estimates that children who are available to people who are blind or print-disabled takes patience and effort. tional materials in accessible formats.
herbicide-tolerant (HT) crop. A farmer growing DMH-11 can potentially blind have a less than 10 per cent chance Visually impaired students preparing for an examination in Kerala. PHOTO: S. RAMESH KURUP Without these materials, students ei-
get rid of weeds with a blanket spray of glufosinate (sold in India by Bayer of going to school a situation that ther cannot access their curriculum or
under the brand name Basta), which will kill all the plants except the mus- could be improved if schools had ready Visually impaired children have Campaign has provided a nationwide are dependent on books being read
tard crop. The technical expert access to texts adapted for use by visu- flagship campaign for universal access aloud to them.
a less than 10% chance of
committee appointed by the Su- The government is within its ally impaired children. for people with disabilities. And India In addition to implementing projects
preme Court in an ongoing public going to school. If schools had has begun implementation of the Mar- in India, ABC has also established train-
interest litigation (PIL) concerning rights to take a strategic India, leading the way rakesh Treaty through a multi-stake- ing and technical assistance projects in
access to texts adapted for use
GM crops had found HT crops decision to commercialise The Marrakesh Treaty represents a holder approach, which includes col- Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and it
completely unsuitable in the Indi- significant step towards making books by them, this could improve laboration among key players such as is estimated that 88,500 students with
GM mustard, but not at the
an context in its final, majority re- available to everyone, by easing the cre- government ministries, local champi- visual impairments in these four coun-
port. The principal reasons were cost of fidelity to the law ation and transfer across national into accessible formats either by librar- ons like the DAISY Forum of India, and tries will benefit from ABC projects in
that herbicides adversely impact the vast constituency of manual labour- boundaries of texts in accessible ies for the blind, organisations serving the private sector. This led to the launch the upcoming year. ABC plans to extend
ers, for whom weeding provides livelihood, and generate selective pressure formats such as Braille, audio, or large the print-disabled, or at the source by in August of Indias largest collection of its capacity-building programmes to
for the emergence of herbicide-resistant or super weeds. The aforemen- print. With access to information and publishers (including Departments of online accessible books called Sug- Africa and Latin America, helping en-
tioned MoEFCC review report on GM mustard makes light of these con- educational materials, blindness need Education) so that the texts can be amya Pustakalaya, which counts sure that these transformative uses of
cerns, and simply notes that farmers are not required to spray herbicide no longer be a barrier to learning, em- read using assistive technology on 2,00,000 volumes. technology can boost access to books
on GM mustard fields which is neither here nor there. ployment and full participation in computers, phones or electronic Braille for people who are blind or print-dis-
Second, there are concerns that the yield advantage of GM mustard has society. devices. Once produced, these access- Building an accessible book bank abled around the world.
been over-estimated by comparing it with dated mustard reference variet- So far, 22 countries have joined the ible books need to be distributed to the The World Intellectual Property Or- Today, as the Marrakesh Treaty takes
ies. Sharad E. Pawar, Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sci- Marrakesh Treaty, but many more are people that need them, including to ganisation (WIPO), a United Nations effect in India and elsewhere, Indias
ences, has analysed the yield data of DMH-11 and shown that it has no yield needed: each new nation that joins populations that may live far from ma- organisation based in Geneva, ad- multi-stakeholder approach provides
advantage over varieties and hybrids released in recent years; a view also brings along not only a population in jor urban areas. ministers the Marrakesh Treaty and an excellent model for other countries
held by the governments own Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research. need, but a wealth of printed matter that These are common challenges in leads an alliance of private and public to follow. WIPO looks forward to many
can more easily be made accessible in many countries and India has been a partners known as the Accessible more countries implementing the Mar-
Transparency and public participation other countries. leader, having in June 2014 become the Books Consortium (ABC), which was rakesh Treaty so that print-disabled
These and other concerns (such as over gene flow, impact on biod- Joining the treaty is the easy part, first country to ratify the Marrakesh established in June 2014 to support the people around the world can benefit
iversity) might have been addressed if the government had made public the however. Ensuring that books become Treaty. And it did not stop there. India goals of the treaty. from the new avenues to access now
details of its case for GM mustard and by making public, I mean making widely available to people who are blind has not delayed in readying itself to en- The ABC has established a cen- available to Indians.
its case freely and widely available, even to those who cannot access web- or print-disabled takes perseverance, sure the Marrakesh Treaty benefits its tralised electronic multilingual cat-
sites or read English. However, having uploaded the review report, the patience, and logistical effort. people. alogue of accessible books produced by Francis Gurry is Director General of the World
MoEFCC has made the primary data on agronomic and biosafety assess- First, the books need to be adapted For example, the Accessible India libraries for the blind around the world. Intellectual Property Organisation.
ment available only to those who can visit the GEAC secretariat in New
Delhi by prior appointment during working hours before October 5.
CM ND-ND
YK