Trinamool raises the issue of restricting MGNERGA scheme to specific blocks in RS

Trinamool raises the issue of restricting MGNERGA scheme to specific blocks in RS

Posted on August 14, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien today made a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha on the concern regarding the Government'sdecision to intensify implementation of MGNREGA in certain blocks, whileleaving other blocks out.

Full transcript of his speech:

West Bengal's approved budget forthe implementation of MGNREGA in the previous financial year was Rs 6124.98crores of which the central share was supposed to be Rs 5512 crores. The Statereceived only Rs 2894.38 crores against the promised Rs 5500 crores.

On account of reduced fundingfrom the Centre, the state share payable fell to Rs 321.60 crores. However, thestate government released an enhanced share of Rs 424.44 crores to make up forthe Centre's shortfall in an understanding that it would be adjusted during2014-15.

2014-2015, again began with apending liability of Rs 1962.15 crores. The first tranche of the central sharewas released in April 2014 and the state received only Rs 1782.99 crores, a sumnot enough to cover even the Centre's liability from the previous year. TheState Government once again released an additional sum of Rs 400 crores. As oftoday, the Centre's liability towards West Bengal stands at Rs 1962.67 crores.

The Ministry of Rural Developmenthas asked states to identify 2500 backward blocks for an IntensiveParticipatory Planning Exercise for MGNREGA for the coming financial year. Thereare 124 such blocks in West Bengal. The stated objective of the exercise is tointensify planning in the identified blocks. There are apprehensions that allfuture MGNREGA activities would be concentrated in these blocks only. Such a measure would be against the spirit ofthe MGNREGA which stipulates 100 days assured employment on demand to every jobcard-holder.

In 2012-13, West Bengal hadachieved a total man days of about 20 crores which was 109% higher than thenational target. In 2013-14, the State was able to exceed its target once again.The West Bengal Government is committed to the MGNREGA program and could havemade giant strides in implementing the scheme had the state not been starved offunds. The Government must implement the scheme in its true spirit and notresort to the intensification of the scheme in a few blocks to the neglect ofothers.

Union Minister of Women and Child Development praises Bengal`s Kanyashree scheme, Trinamool reacts

Posted on August 14, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Union Minister of Women and ChildDevelopment today praised the Kanyashreescheme of West Bengal Government during a reply on the motion for strictermeasures to curb the rising crimes against women. During her speech she saidthat the Kanyashree scheme was anexcellent idea.

Responding to the praise by the UnionMinister, National Spokesperson of the party, Derek O'Brien said, “We welcomeher observation. The Kanyashreeproject is unique. We hope it will roll out nationally very soon. 12 lakh deservinggirls have already benefitted… Hope millions more will.”

The brainchild of Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Kanyashree scheme aims at improving thestatus and well being of girl child by:

Discouraging early marriage of girls toensure compliance with the legal provisions pertaining to the minimum age atmarriage

Incentivize through scholarships, thecontinuation of education of the girl child in Secondary and Higher Secondaryclasses and those undergoing vocational training or sports training

Improving IMR and MMR by delaying the ageof marriage and consequently increasing the median age of first birth

Reducing the incidence of drop outs,especially amongst girls from poor families

Eradicating under-nutrition andmalnutrition of girl child

Preventing trafficking and exploitation ofthe girl child

The scheme launched for the unmarried girlsstudents of the age group from 13-18 years and whose family income is less thanor equal to Rs 1,20,000 per annum except if the girls is physicallyHandicapped, both of her parents are deceased or if the applicant is an inmateof a J.J. Home, will receive Rs 500 annually and upon reaching the age of 18years, they will receive Rs 25,000 as one time grant.

The scheme has received international recognition. UNICEF is partnering with the West Bengal government to implement this scheme. Kanyashree was also showcased at the London Girls' Summit last month.

We must remind ourselves of the symphony of unity on the eve of Independence: Sugata Bose in LS

Posted on August 14, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Trinamool MP Sugata Bose today spoke atlength on the need for a mechanism to tackle the rising incidents of communalviolence in the country. Invoking verses from the National Anthem, he calledfor political solidarity and unity of India. He said we must remind ourselvesof the symphony of unity on the eve of Independence.

During his speech, Dr Bose also quotedSwami Vivekananda: “I shall go to the mosque of Muslim, I shall enter theChristian's church and kneel before the Crucifix, I shall enter the BuddhistTemple where I shall take refuge in the Buddha and his law and I shall go intothe forest and sit down in meditation with the Hindu who is trying to see thelight which enlightens the heart of everyone”.

Transcriptof his full speech:

Tomorrow morningthe hon. Prime Minister will be at the Red Fort delivering his first speechfrom its ramparts. In the winter of 1945, Mahatma Gandhi had gone to the RedFort to meet prisoners of Indian National Army being held there by the British.

These freedomfighters had felt no distinction of creed or religion when they fought underNetaji Subhas Chandra Bose's leadership with 'Chalo Delhi' on their lips. They had dreamt of holding theirvictory parade in the Red Fort. They dined together before they shed theirblood together, in the battle for freedom. But here we are faced with Hindu teaand Muslim Tea. These freedom fighters complained to Mahatma Gandhi; why do yousuffer it Gandhiji asked. We don't, they replied, we mix Hindu Tea and MuslimTea half and half and then serve, same with food. That is very good! TheMahatma exclaimed, laughing.

We need torekindle that spirit of cultural intimacy and political solidarity amongstreligious communities if we are to be free of the scourge that goes by the nameof communal violence. Our celebration of Independence had been marred byterrible partition violence and we had resolved then never again and yet, 1984in Delhi, 1992-93 in Ayodhya and Mumbai, 2002 in Gujarat have been years ofshame for us. And in this year of grace, 2014, there have been incidents ofviolence that are cause of grave concern. I do not wish to enter the war ofstatistics about exactly how many incidents there have been or the blame gameas to whether they have taken place in BJP-ruled states or Congress-ruledstates. Quite simply such episodes must be nipped in the bud. West Bengal is aheaven of peace in this country in terms of Hindu-Muslim relations.

What are the rootsof communal violence in our country? Jawaharlal Nehru had concluded the chapterin his autobiography titled 'communalism rampant' by claiming surely religionand the spirit of religion have much to answer for. That I believe is themis-diagnosis of the ailment. I share Kharge ji's concern about the incidents of violence in our country. But wehave to be careful not to make religion the enemy of the nation. I wish toassure the member of the Akali Dal who spoke a little while ago that we are notagainst religion; we are only against religious prejudice, religious bigotry, andreligious majoritarianism. Weknow fully well that most people in our country are deeply religious. Werespect religious faith. But I would like to say to this government that whenbeautiful religious symbols are deployed in the interests of majoritariantriumphalism then we face a very major problem in our country and that is whatI fear is happening today. The victory of the ruling party in the GeneralElections emboldened the more extreme amongst its followers.

Even more than the actual incidents of violence that havetaken place, I have grim fore- boarding of underlying tensions, the sense offear and the insecurity among the minorities as they feel the cold winds of thepolitical exclusion. To the Government of the day I would like to say to you MrChairman do not remain silent about the episodes of bullying and violence. Restrainand discipline your errant followers with unambiguous words of condemnation andswift action on the ground to uphold the law. It is undeniable that adisproportionate number of incidents are taking place in poll boundconstituencies and poll bound states. Let us not tarnish our democracy bypolarizing communities, for short term political gain at the cost of long termwell being of our country.

The opening speaker from the treasury benches in his fieryspeech wearing the saffron robe invoked the name of Swami Vivekananda, well letus recall Vivekananda's immortal lines 'I shall go to the mosque of Muslim, Ishall enter the Christian's church and kneel before the Crucifix, I shall enterthe Buddhist Temple where I shall take refuge in the Buddha and his law and Ishall go into the forest and sit down in meditation with the Hindu who istrying to see the light which enlightens the heart of everyone'. I ferventlyhope we in Parliament can generate more light than heat.

I will take no more than one minute because I have beenanguished by the tenor of this debate and I want to apply a healing touchbefore Independence Day. At the anniversary of the 'Midnight Hour' of ourfreedom let us pledge to devote ourselves to maintaining peace with harmony,with honour among all religious communities. 'Honour to prudence, honour tosobriety, honour to sanity' – to quote Sarat Chandra Bose.

We sing Rabindra Nath Tagore's first verse of Jana Gana Manaas our National Anthem but the time has come to remind ourselves of the song'sbeautiful second verse, a symphony to unity, a call to weave together a garlandof love –

Ohoroho tobo ahban procharito,

Shunithob udaro bani
Hindu Buddho Shikh Jeino Parshiko,
Musolman Krishtani
Purab poshchim ashe,
Tobo shinghashono pashe
Premohar hoy gatha
Jono gono oik-ko bidhayoko joyo he,

Bharoto bhag-go bidhata
Joyo he joyo he joyo he Joyo joyo joyo joyo he

Thank you.

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy speaks on the 99th Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 | Transcript

Posted on August 13, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Thank you, Sir. While speaking on the 99th Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014, I would like to make it clear that my Party, the All India Trinamool Congress, and our leader, Ms. Mamata Bannerjee, always believe in the independence of Judiciary and the powers of judicial review.

We have seen in this country how the judiciary was made to measure in the mid-70s and what was the resultant effect on our body polity. Therefore, we are very much cautious. It is true that we have learnt by lessons; it is true that our judiciary, particularly the High Courts and the Supreme Court, in plethora of cases, have given landmark judgements ensuring justice — social, political and economic – as enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution of India. There is no doubt about it. But when we look at the process of selection of Judges, we feel disturbed, as rightly pointed out by Shantaramji few minutes back, because in no democratic country of the world such a Collegium system exists. He has mentioned a number of countries. I am giving the example of one country, that is, Switzerland. In Switzerland, the Members of the Swiss Federal Assembly appoint the Members of Swiss Federal Court. But, through this Amendment Bill or the other Bill, we are not seeking that power of Switzerland that the Members of Parliament will appoint the Judges of the Supreme Court. Rather we are trying to evolve a system. Why? Our hon. Law Minister, while introducing the Bill, has given a chronological account as to how we have dealt with this thing. We have been thinking of this for the past 24 years without arriving at any conclusion whatsoever. How long should we wait and why is it required, and why is it necessary? Everybody knows what is the effect of the Second Judges Case Judgement.

The Supreme Court itself changed the basic structure of the Constitution by interpreting a particular article by importing a new interpretation. Although in several cases the Supreme Court has said that while interpreting a particular word, no interpretation other than the ordinary dictionary meaning should be imported. But in that case, the Supreme Court interpreted it in a manner which is prejudicial to the interest of functioning of the judiciary in this country. This is why I support it. And I think that this Bill is very much necessary. Sir, this balance has been upset by the Second Judges Case and the original balance of power needs to be restored. We need to restore the status quo ante.

Otherwise, the very purpose of the Constitution goal will be frustrated; what the Constitution makers thought, what they perceived and what they made while enacting the Constitution, that will also be frustrated, and it will be a disrespect to the framers of the Constitution, according to us. Sir, even the National Commission to Review the Working of the Indian Constitution said, “It would be worthwhile to have a participatory mode with the participation of both the Executive and the Judiciary in making such recommendations. The Commission proposes the composition of the Collegium which gives due importance to and provides for the effective participation of both the Executive and the judicial wings of the State as an integrated scheme for the machinery for the appointment of Judges. The Commission, accordingly, recommends the establishment of a National Judicial Commission under the Constitution.” Sir, this recommendation was of 2002 and we are in 2014 now, and still discussing it.

I will conclude by quoting a remark of the very honourable Judge, who was one of the architects of the judgement of the Second Judges case, late Justice Verma. Kindly allow me to say two-three lines because that is very vital. He even appeared before our Standing Committee and we had the opportunity to hear him. What he said in other areas, he said the same thing, and I am quoting from his remarks. Late Justice Verma, who was one of the authors of the Second Judges case, on a later reflection, observed, “My 1993 judgment has been both misunderstood and misused. Therefore, some kind of rethink is required on my judgment and the appointment process of High Court and Supreme Court Judges is basically a joint or participatory exercise between the Executive and the Judiciary, both taking part in it.”. But what happened in this Constitution (Amendment) Bill or the other Bill? When we will discuss that, we will discuss that also. Now, not only the Executive and the Judiciary have been empowered but even civil society has been included. Two eminent persons of civil society have been included in the process of selection. Then, what is the objection? Where lies the objection? I personally feel, I strongly feel, that the Government has tried to broaden and widen the scope of selection by way of introducing this Constitution (Amendment) Bill. I support this Bill on behalf of my Party.

Power plants worth Rs 1400 crore to come up in Purulia

Posted on August 13, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Two more hydro power generation plants of 1,000 MW each similar to the Purulia Pump Storage Project (PPSP) will come up at Turga and Bondur in Purulia, informed Mr Manish Gupta, the state Power Minister.

Mr Gupta said the existing 900 MW hydro power generation plant PPSP at Baghmundi in Purulia, has been awarded with the IPPAI Power Award in 2014 for best innovation. Hence it has been decided that two more such plants will be set up. The project will come up at a cost of Rs 1,400 crore. He said a 250 MW solar power generation unit will also be set up there. Solar power will be used to fetch the water up from the lower to the upper dam.

The state Power Minister said that serious reforms are needed in the coal sector. By the end of the 12th five year plan around 200 million ton of coal is going to be imported. Coal price is going up, he said. “We also need to stress on the use of the solar power. Steps have been taken to ensure use of solar power in Rajarhat. Subsequent steps will be taken to ensure use of solar power in Howrah as well,” the Minister expressed.

People of the state now can apply online to get an electricity connection. They can even make the payment online. Necessary inspection is required to give power connection and this can be done when our employees visit the applicant's residence or factory to provide power connection. As a result a connection can be given within six working days.

Photo courtesy: A Banerjee

WB Panchayati Raj system receives international recognition

Posted on August 13, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

The Panchayati Raj system in West Bengalhas received international recognition time and again. Another feather has beenadded to the department, this time thanks to the World Bank and UNICEF.

The State Panchayat Minister Mr SubrataMukherjee will leave for Stockholm on August 17 to attend a programme inEurope. The World Bank has opined that West Bengal did exceptionally good workin the field of rural development and rural water supply. That is why the Statewas invited to attend the 7-day conference on Rural Development and Rural WaterSupply at the Swedish capital, said the Rural Development and PanchayatMinister.

A World Bank report dated March, 2013,praised the Panchayati Raj system in Bengal. “Performance of GramPanchayats has improved substantially on annual plan preparation, financialmanagement including audit, accounting and financial reporting, absorptioncapacity of untied grants, project execution and service delivery and ensuringparticipation, transparency and disclosure of information,” the World Bankreport said.

Another recent World Bank report alsocommended the State for growth and poverty reduction in the Ganga basin.

The State Panchayat Minister was invited tovisit the World Bank headquarters in Washington in December, 2013. The WorldBank was very pleased with the speed of the work and they had invited theMinister to visit Washington to hold talks with them on several ongoing ruraldevelopment schemes in West Bengal. ThePanchayat Minister also had a meeting with the World Bank Officials to discussthe creation of an international institute for research on gram panchayats.

Trinamool raises the issue of FDI in Insurance during Question Hour in RS

Posted on August 13, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Trinamool Chief Whip Derek O'Brien todayraised the question of security of Indian insurers if foreign companies wereallowed to invest in India using the FDI route. Citing the example of Lehmanand AIG crash, he asked the Union Minister of Commerce in Rajya Sabha whatsteps the Government was intending to take to safeguard the interests of thosewho have insured in India.

Hereis the full transcript of his speech:

Say, an American or a Mauritius insurancecompany with the lot of capital decides to come to India through the FDI route.When we look at that from a company level the point of view it may seem likethe capital is enough. But, Sir, in Lehman kind of event, or AIG kind of crash,the US Government would seize all the capital of the existing Americancompanies. They don't need to take on the global risk policies holders acrossthe world.

My question, Sir, is that will the ministercare to clarify on explain how the foreign company without dedicated operationsin India ensure that if something goes wrong like Lehman or AIG – where 80billion dollars had to be given by the US Government to AIG – that the capitalof the Indian Company will be available to take care of those who have insuredin India.

I hope the minister will answer. Thank you.

5 facts about Room No. 5

Posted on August 13, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Lok Sabha Secretariat vide a letter dated August 6, 2014, allotted Room Number 5 on the ground floor of the Parliament House to All India Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party for the tenure of 16th Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha Secretariat vide a letter dated August 8, 2014, allocated Room No. 135 and 136 on the third floor of the Parliament House to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

On August 11, 2014, Leader of Trinamool in Lok Sabha, Sri Sudip Bandyopadhyay informally asked the TDP Parliamentary Party leader when can Trinamool take possession of Room No. 5. The TDP leader refused to vacate the room citing “we have been here for 30 years and have a sentimental attachment to the room”.

Lok Sabha Secretariat were informed and they went and changed the boards. TDP board was removed by LS Secretariat (who report to the Hon. Speaker). The Secretariat also put up the board of All India Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party outside Room 5.

Nobody tried to forcibly enter the room. TDP went to the media with their version of the story and a section of the media ran the story without cross-checking the facts.

Trinamool Congress, who do not have a room in the Parliament for 5 years,were allotted Room 5 on the ground floorby the LS Secretariat.TMC has 46 MPs while TDP has 23. We are still hopefulthat the matter will be sorted out soon and TDP will be gracious enough tosettle the issue amicably.

Do away with the crime of silence: Derek O`Brien in Rajya Sabha on crimes against women

Posted on August 13, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Trinamool Chief Whip in the Rajya Sabha, Derek O'Brien today spoke in the Parliament on the working of the Women and Child Development ministry. He highlighted the success of the Kanyashree scheme and asked the government to follow the examples of the States. He also suggested that there should be better implementation of the laws, more budgetary allocations and better coordination between HRD ministry, Health ministry and the Women and Child Development Ministry.

Here is the full transcript of his speech:

“Sir, I am a student of class XI at GardenReach N. Das Girls' High School; my father is a tailor. Last few years I havereceiving Rs 500 every year and when I turn 18 years old, two years from now, Iwill receive Rs 25,000.”

Sir, this is the story of one of 12 lakhgirls who are between the age of thirteen and eighteen and have registeredthemselves in Bengal for a scheme called 'Kanyashree'.'Kanyashree' is a successful schemebecause

a) It stops girls from dropping out of school

b) It delays marriage and

c) It puts the money (Rs 500 – Rs 25000) to the bank account

The success of the pilot project is impressive and now with twelve lakh girls registered, the United Nations arepartnering with the West Bengal government for the implementation of'Kanyashree' scheme. Tomorrow, August 14, 2014 is the first 'Kanyashree Dibas' which will becelebrated in Bengal. The reason I share this story is because 'Beti Bachao Beti Padao' scheme is asimilar sounding scheme. We have no issue with that. We have given you oneexample for Bengal. There are others, for example, 'Swabalamban' where the residents of the Government or NGO homes arebeing recruited into ICDS projects and another scheme 'Sukanya' where the trafficking welfare homes for victims of torturego to the state research centre. These are some examples and I believe thatthese examples are not only in Bengal but in Maharashtra, in Tamil Nadu, inKerala and everywhere in the country. So the first focus of the Ministry shouldbe to examine those schemes which have been piloted, which have been rolledout, which have been successful on the ground. Changing the name doesn't matterbut use these schemes which the states have used. You have spoken a lot aboutthe cooperative federalism; this is one very good example of ready-madecooperative federalism at work.

Sir, the first point I wish to make todayis about implementation of existing laws. I only want to bring to your notice twoexamples because I think we have enough laws but no action. The first exampleis the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. Now, there are notenough Protection Officers who are needed to be placed under this Act. You haveto have Protection Officers. Six states have already got protections officers;twenty states do not have Protection Officers. I am very proud that Bengal isone of the six. The broader picture here is that please do not let the DistrictsMagistrates in here because the Districts Magistrates have other roles. Use theProtection Officers who will be full time officers to implement a very goodlaw.

The second point is about the problem ofimplementation of – the Minister seriously needs to look at this – Protectionof Children from Sexual Offence Act and the sexual harassment in the workplace. These are good laws but the Ministry must look into the implementation.

The third point, which in fact the speakerfrom BJP touched upon, is the budgetary allocation. In 2013-14 the budgetaryallocation originally is Rs 215 crore and in the revised estimate it came downto Rs 480 crore. The point that I am trying to make is due to the delay in therelease of funds, the expenditure gets stuck and the action doesn't reallyhappen as per the Annual Action Plan. So the money is there, the revised budgetestimate has come but eventually that figure is sometimes is one third of theoriginal allocation.

The fourth point I am going to make islinked with the third point. I would like to talk about the convergence of differentschemes. The basic concept of NationalMission for Empowerment of Women was that you converge a lot of women-centricschemes so they become like a whole, so you don't go piecemeal. Fundutilization there in 2010-11 was zero. Now let me give you last one year's figures.Revised allocation for 2012-13 was Rs 22 crore, got Rs 10 crore, and utilizedRs 8 crore. Sir, here I would request the minister, through you, to look at therecommendations of the Standing Committee on National Mission for Empowermentof Women so that this synergy can happen in a good way. And one simple way tomake this synergy happen is to initiate, we suggest from the TrinamoolCongress, pilot convergence schemes (choose one or two schemes) to see how thisworks so you can have proper schemes rolled out in the future.

Sir, the fifth point:the biggest crime in the world is not bloodshed, it's not bigotry. The mostdisgraceful, unforgiving, shameful, tragic crime is the crime of silence. Wedon't believe rapes happen overnight. The crime of silence which I am referringto is in an urban situation or in a rural situation. Let me give you the urbansituation. That's where, if I may use the term, the first mini-rape takesplace: in a bus, in a train, where a man tries to touch a woman badly in the morning.He does it five days in a row on the bus while going to office. Nobody objects.The lady is so scared, and nobody in the bus knows. She thinks if she brings itup in the bus no one will support her. So what does the man do? He moves on tostage two. Now he tries something on the way back to work the next day. Likethis it carries on and on. It can happen to a woman, it can happen to a child.I was molested in a bus when I was 11 years old. I've spoken about this onnational television, and I want to talk about this today. When I was travellingback in short pants and somebody at the back did something to me, and I hadsperm on my shorts. And I was too scared, coming from a progressive family, togo and tell my parents that. This is the crime, the tragic crime of silence. Soif we really want to make a change we need to look at this right at the bottomof the pyramid. We need to get the message out that if someone in the urbansituation is hurt in a bus, if she screams, everyone needs to feel strong enoughto come and support her.

In a rural situationit's very different. When a woman goes to the toilet, she can be violated; alot has been spoken about this. I've seen this in front of my eyes in 2008, inthe great Singur agitation. Tapasi Malik, who is today considered a martyr inBengal for the cause she stood up for, lost her life. Why? Because she went at4.30 in the morning, before dawn, to an open toilet. Sir, what we do in thebus, or if we close all the toilets we are not going to solve this problem,which is a much bigger problem, Sir. And I must make a slight digression herewith your permission, Sir. I notice that in the Rajya Sabha, there are 29people speaking on this subject, of which 13 are ladies, 16 are men. I thinkthis is good because men need to speak more on this subject, because they arethe cause of all these problems. In the Lok Sabha, I am told, 80% of the peoplewho spoke, with all due respect to them, were ladies and 20% were men.

I want to come back tothis other big point about where do we address this point. We have to addressthis at four levels, at four places. Because otherwise, these arguments becometoo complicated and we don't really realise where they start and where theyfinish. The four levels are S, H, I, P – school, home, institution, publicplace. If we look at everything and put it under these four heads, we wouldhave been going in the right direction.

Sir, not a veryinteresting, and a very sad statistic: we in India have killed more female fetusesin the last 10 years than the population of Greece and Sweden put together.Now, there are enough laws in place, but in the last 20 years only 143 peoplehave been convicted. The law is there but we need to get this law to work in amore useful manner. And here I have two suggestions, both related to the Womenand Child Development Ministry working closely in conjunction with two otherministries. For female feticide, it is very important that the Women and ChildWelfare Department works along with the Health Department. I am told, in one ortwo states, not mine though, have a software where, when the ultra-sonographyis done, it gets registered as a female, so a doctor can't tinker around. Thesecond one is, where I suggest you work closely with the HRD Department so wewill not have repeats of what happened in Bangalore or what is happening acrossthe country. This is a subject close to my heart, where in schools children arebeing abused. For example, if a ministry wants to send out an advisory toschools, have female security guards in a girls' school. Who does this? WillWomen and Child do this, or will the HRD ministry do this? So this is my lastsuggestion, to bring in co-ordination, make the co-ordination better.

Sir, to sum up, I amleaving you behind with five or six thoughts. One, use the ideas which havebeen used by theStates, study those ideas, implement them at the nationallevel. Two, ensure that laws are implemented better. I will give you the exampleof the Protection Officer. Three, closer co-ordination between the HRDministry, the Health ministry and the Women and Child Developmentministry.Four, the point I made about budgetary convergence and budgetary allocation.Five, the tragic crime of silence. With those words, Sir, I wish to end so thatmore Halima Khatoons can live happier lives across our nation.

Thank you, Sir.

We need a mechanism to deal with communal violence: Sudip Bandyopadhyay in LS

Posted on August 13, 2014 | by AITC | Leave a Comment

Leader of the party in Lok Sabha, SudipBandyopadhyay today spoke in the Lok Sabha about devising a mechanism to dealwith the increasing incidents of communal violence in the country. He said theissue was not a fight between us and them but a consensus must be evolved bythe lawmakers to deal with the problem.

The main ethos of India lies in unity indiversity. We believe in secularism, he said. He cited the National Anthemwhich portrays the motto of unity in diversity. “We stand for all -irrespective of caste, creed and religion – and we want betterment of thecountry,” Mr Bandyopadhyay said.

He demanded that the Home Minister give anassurance that communal tension will not be tolerated in the country. “Communalviolence can have dangerous effects. We should be cautious from the verybeginning. Government of India must remain vigilant and alert to preventcommunal violence,” added Mr Bandyopadhyay.

He also said that in recent times, therehave been instances where communal violence was incited in States which areknown to be peaceful.

The Leader of the party in Lok Sabha alsosaid that lawmakers of the country should try to evolve a mechanism to preventcommunal violence in the country and make all-out efforts to ensure allsections of the society are protected.

Here is the full transcript of his speech:

We are discussing today the need to evolve and effective mechanism todeal with the incidence of communal violence in the country. It is not the purposeof the debate to fight each other. The purpose is to evolve some mechanism. MrKherge ji initiated the discussionand Adityanath ji responded up tocertain extent that we should all come to the sense that we are the firmbelievers of the principle of secularism, communal harmony and integrity of thecountry. We also feel that the main ethos of India is unity in diversity.

We sing the song “Nana bhasa nana motnana poridhan, bibidher majhe dekho milon mohan”. That means despite manylanguages, many dresses and many opinions, we are the firm believers of unityin diversity.

Sir, our National Anthem says, “Punjab, Sindhu, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravid,Utkala, Banga, Vidhya, Himachal, Yamuna, Ganga, uchhala jaladhi taranga”. Thisis the spirit and we Indians owe our allegiance to the Parliamentary Democraticsystem where every religion, every person has his right to speak his ownopinion, his own thought, his own philosophy. But during the discussion itappears like they are speaking for the Hindus and here some are sitting for theMuslims. But the picture is not that. The whole House stands for all –irrespective of the caste, creed and religion – and works for the betterment ofthe country.

Sir, this is a country where Iqbal sang “Sare Jahase Achha, Hindusthan Hamara”. We firmly feel that this isthe sentiment and spirit we should try to spread. We should see that this loveand sense of security among our country prevails very much.

Sir, somebody is minority here. They may be majority in some otherplaces. If we consider the whole of the world, Christians and Muslims are themajority on a large scale. In some places in our country they are minorities. Minoritydoesn't mean only Muslims but Sikhs, Jains, Parsis also. As the Government runsthe country, the primary responsibility rests with them; they must see to itthat communal violence does not take place in the country.

Rajnath Singh ji – a veryresponsible person – as the Home Minister of the country should always try togive assurances that communal violence should not be allowed to take place inany way. Provocations certainly create communal tension.

Sir, Bengal is known as a very secular state. But nowadays communaltensions are being incited in some corners. I would also request the hon. HomeMinister to find out why communal incidents are being incited in States whichare known to be peaceful States without any communal violence. Such incidentsshould be stopped at the very initial level.

Adityanath ji said some Imamsare getting some benefits. He can make a claim that the priests too should getsome wages. That can be done. Why they are getting it? That should not be thetarget of the discussion, by which a sense of insecurity will prevail. They canclaim that priests should also be given some assistance, some financial support.This will send out a good sense and I think that would be the correct line.

Sir, if we are united, peace in India can never be challenged. We haveseen how dangerous communal violence can be, how it can spread within a state,and it’s effect can also expand throughout the country. So we should be totallycautious from the very beginning. Sir, what I want to request, what I want tosay to the hon. Rajnath ji, that the government of India must remainalert, cautious and vigilant to prevent communal tension, communal violence,otherwise safety and security of the common people will totally be underthreat. And the secular fabric of this great country will be challenged. I hopeno political party is asking for this situation and whoever is in power, as I wastelling, they have major responsibility to look into it.

Yesterday, I was listening to the speech of the UPA chairperson, the hon.Sonia Gandhi ji, at Thiruvananthapuram. She was giving a report thatmany communal incidents have happened; I would request Rajnath Singh ji totake this allegation against this present government seriously. If the numbergoes up to 400, 500, 600 and above, then why will the government not takeresponsibility and assure the House that they would investigate all the allegationswhich have been made. Adityanath ji was telling that a Supreme Courtjudge should be authorised to look into the matter. Nobody should oppose thisif the main Opposition party be in favour of a Supreme Court judgeinvestigating, and the government agrees.

We are the lawmakers of this country. So we should take an all-outeffort to see that our country is totally protected, that all sections ofpeople belonging to different castes, creed and religion are living in peace, withharmony, with love for each other. When Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister,he spoke about international brotherhood and international solidarity; that wasthe ethos of our Indian culture, which we spread throughout the world. So whenwe are the believers of such type of international brotherhood andinternational solidarity, why should we lack that in our own country by whichwe can live together happily.

Sir, when Dussehra takes place, Hindus and Muslims embrace andgreet each other. When Christmas takes place, we embrace Christians and say‘Merry Christmas’. When Eid comes, Hindus and Muslims embrace each other andsay ‘Eid Mubarak’. So this is the sentiment of this country, and we should tryto protect it. And we are believers of the slogan Mera Bharat Mahan.

I will not allow the discussion to go in such a manner that the spiritof the House and the spirit of today’s discussion is diverted this way or thatway, so that when we are trying to find out a solution, it becomes more complicated,and the situation is worsened from what is existing now. We have anotherspeaker who will also speak, so I conclude now with the appeal that thelawmakers of this country should try to evolve such a mechanism by which we canensure that India does not face any communal violence in the near future or inthe coming days.