By Dr Sruti Mohapatra
‘Women have been waiting for this since the last fourteen years. We have heard many assurances but we hope that this time the government is going to deliver on the assurance. As far as my party is concerned, 100 percent support is assured the day they bring the bill into parliament for passage.’ Brinda Karat, Politburo member, Communist Party of India (Marxist) .
‘The manifestos of many political parties talk about women empowerment. Especially the Congress Party has it in their manifesto. Girja Vyas, Congress Party leader
Women constitute half of the society throughout the globe and so is the case in India too. But majority of women in our country, burdened with domestic responsibilities, remain illiterate, exploited and dominated by men. Women’s best interests and priorities are thus neglected in a male dominated patriarchal society of which the present parliament is an extension. With growing literacy levels, exposure and economic strengthening, in recent years, women have become concious of the stigmatized life they are leading and also of their under-representation in elected decision making bodies.
Presence of women in such bodies will make a qualitative difference in increasing the empathy for their concerns. So to undo centuries of discrimination and exploitation and redress gender imbalances some sort of reservation or affirmative action is needed.The understanding of such affirmations, reservation, includes notions such as equality of opportunity, social justice, positive or protective discrimination, compensatory discrimination and so on. Reservation is not thus an insidious and invidious discrimination but is a benign, positive, acceptable and necessary discrimination to tilt the balance in favor of hitherto historically deprived, oppressed and repressed classes of our society.
In 1992 Rajiv Gandhi made a move to earmark 33% of all seats for women in panchayats. Today, panchayats in thousands of villages in India are headed by women, and chief ministers of several states are - or have been - women. Yet, any attempt to advance the presence of women in the chambers of Parliament itself has failed time and again. Only 10.8% of the directly elected national representatives - 59 members of the present Lok Sabha's 542, - are women. Even in the Rajya Sabha, where members are appointed and therefore can be more easily chosen to represent a wide spectrum of India, only 10% seats are held by women. And not even one of them is a woman with disability.
Unless the visibility and representation of women is enhanced in parliament the representation of women with disability will remain a dream. Hence, the passage of this bill must be dealt with utmost urgency. Disability is a relevant social matter, and with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) coming into force from May 2008 it is now mandatory for all countries to ensure protection of rights and active participation of persons with disabilities and thus give them the right to citizenship. Key elements of citizenship include being part of a community and making choices about your own life (such as where you live, or the type of work you do). Citizenship gives a person rights but it also carries responsibilities. All citizens should have equal rights and equal responsibilities. However, almost all disabled people, in India, are not able to enjoy their human rights and freedoms on an equal basis to other citizens. This is because of general lack of knowledge and understanding within society about disability, and also to the lack of disabled people participating in decision-making processes around policy or services that affect them. By promoting an increased understanding of disability and supporting the participation of disabled people in public life, political process and policy making, for example, the rights of citizenship for disabled people will more likely be respected and ensured.
The Disability Scenario In India
Government of India has passed the PWD Act for equalization of opportunities, protection of rights and full participation of persons with disabilities in mainstream society. The PWD Act, 1995, provides for reservation of 3% of funds in all poverty alleviation schemes, 3% of seats in educational institutions and 3% of job vacancies for the disabled. But the main problem is that these schemes, policies and legislations are not easy to access.
Lack of information is a major barrier to the progress of disabled people. Besides, the PWD Act has broadly adopted a multi-sectoral approach, which is not effective as except the nodal Departments, no body owns the program. Very few organizations are penalized for not providing barrier-free environments. Even government organizations have not managed to meet the 3% job reservations for persons with disability.
Inclusive education too has largely been a failure: mainstream schools do not have facilities for children with disability thereby effectively excluding them from the first level of social interaction that would help towards developing a more sensitized and aware population. In light of all this, the implementation of the Act needs clear focus, goals and sense of accountability. This is possible with active involvement and participation of persons with disability in mainstream activities.
Women With Disabilities
Concerns of women with disabilities continue to remain marginal in India where they do not even have access to basic needs. Women with disabilities face discriminatory treatment vis-à-vis women and men without disabilities. According to the Indian Census of 2001, women constitute 42.457% of the total population of persons with disabilities in India. Despite the numbers, their voices remain unheard and the existing legal framework fails to address specific problems faced by women with disabilities.
Infanticide of the disabled is widespread, with baby girls being at higher risk. A newborn with Spina Bifida was starved to death by her parents and family in Haryana despite the intensive counseling, support and medical assurances of an NGO and the doctors. The medical, nutritional, educational, emotional, psychological, sexual, recreational and employment needs of a disabled daughter are the last in the list of priorities of a family.
In a research study, the percentage of girls with disabilities going to school (38.34 percent) was found to be much lower than the percentage of boys with disabilities (61.66 percent) getting an education. In India, only 54.16 percent of all women are literate. With such a high rate of illiteracy among women in general, the chances of girls with disabilities of getting an education are extremely poor. Thus, many women with disabilities spend tedious hours employed in cottage industries, in work for which little education is necessary, whereas with a proper education they could be lawyers, administrators, etc. The problems that confront women with disabilities are even more severe in the rural areas. The inadequate or total lack of access to information, health care and rehabilitation services is further compounded by much higher illiteracy rates, longer distances to services and facilities, if they exist at all, and more severe conditions of poverty than in urban areas. In addition, traditions and prejudices that discriminate against women are more widely practiced in the rural areas. Decisions regarding the lives of women in India are generally taken by their fathers, brothers or sons. And again, it is more so for women with disabilities.
Forming part of two disadvantaged and minority groups (disabled people, and within these women), they find themselves up against a double discrimination, as well as various barriers which make accomplishing objectives essential in everyday life very difficult. Higher unemployment rates, lower salaries, less access to medical care, lack of education, poor or no access to programmes and services aimed at women, and a higher risk of suffering physical and/or sexual abuse are just some of the social aspects which women with sensorial, physical or mental disabilities face. This discrimination is the worsening of the age-old discrimination women have always suffered, more severe but harder to fight, which affects aspects such as education, employment, marriage, family, economical status, rehabilitation.
Disability has a profound impact on an individual's ability to carry out traditionally expected gender roles, particularly for women. Although both men and women with disabilities face difficulties in fulfilling their expected gender roles, as long as a disabled man earns a living, his chances of getting married and having a family are much more than those of a disabled woman. A disabled woman is perceived as one who is unable to perform her traditional roles of wife, mother and home-maker because of her disability, even if she may be able to do so in reality. For example, a woman with mobility impairment may be perceived as one in need of physical assistance in self care and grooming, and therefore unable to carry out the domestic tasks that require mobility and physical labor.
Some studies report that women with disabilities are less likely to be married than disabled men. This is largely due to negative attitudes and stereotypes about what disabled women can or cannot do, particularly in societies where marriages are arranged by the elders and is a contract between the concerned families rather than the individuals. There is misconception that because of her physical disability, a woman may not be competent in any sphere. In addition, because there are few positive role models for women with disabilities, many myths prevail about them. As a result, many disabled women come to consider themselves as 'non-persons, with no rights or privileges to claim, no duties or functions to perform, no aim in life to achieve, no aptitudes to consult or fulfill.'
In this dismal scenario we need leaders, who are women with disabilities, in positions where they can influence laws, policies and attitude by their voice and visibility.
UNCRPD And Women With Disabilities
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, the first internationally binding instrument on disability rights, acknowledges in its preamble, ‘the difficult conditions faced by persons with disabilities who are subject to multiple or aggravated forms of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic, indigenous or social origin, property, birth, age or other status’. It also recognizes ‘that women and girls with disabilities are often at greater risk, both within and outside the home, of violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation’ and emphasizes ‘the need to incorporate a gender perspective in all efforts to promote the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities.’ The substantive provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities pertaining to women with disabilities is summarized below:
Article 3 (g) – Principle of equality between men and women.
Article 6 – Responsibility of the State Party to recognize the multiple discrimination faced by girls and women with disabilities and undertake measures to ‘ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms’, and to enable the realization of the rights by ensuring ‘full development, advancement and empowerment of women’.
Article 16 – Protection from exploitation, violence and abuse. Ensuring of ‘gender sensitive support’; providing of ‘information and education on how to avoid, recognize and report instances of exploitation’; formulating women-centric policies and legislations to address violence, its identification, investigation, and punishment.
Article 28 – Ensuring access of all, ‘in particular women and girls with disabilities…to social protection programmes and poverty reduction programmes’.
Sub Quota In Women’s Reservation Bill
Women are not a ‘single entity’ in themselves and are themselves divided into weaker and empowered sections. There is a concern that while 33 per cent quota will help women from the upper caste to enter Parliament it will not be ensure representation of those from the most backward classes. Hence, sub-quota in the reservation bill is as much needed and based on the same philosophy of Dr. Ambedkar when constituted reservation for SC and ST in Constitution. According to S R Ilyas of the Muslim Personal Law Board, Muslims have been ‘historically under-represented’ in the Indian Parliament.’ In this scenario sub-quota for Muslim women is need of the day. In the present Parliament itself representation of the community is 50 per cent of the proportion of their population. As per Dr B R Ambedkar Sewa Dal and Samajik Nyay Morcha a quota without a sub-quota will augment inequalities in the country and fail to serve its purpose as Dalit women, who are the most backward in the country, need representation to get their due share in mainstream society.
Quota For Women With Disability in Women’s Reservation Bill
The proposed women’s reservation bill calls for reservation for women at each level of legislative decision-making, starting with the Lok Sabha, down to state and local legislatures. Further, if the Bill is passed, one-third of the total available seats would be reserved for women in national, state, or local governments. The bill also states that ‘in continuation of the existing provisions already mandating reservations for scheduled caste and scheduled tribes, one-third of such SC and ST candidates must be women.’ Women with disability have not got much recognition by the traditional women’s movement activists and hence in this context quota for them within the reservation is required to attract attention to their issues.
This sub-quota is unlike other sub-quota demands:
Women with disabilities have been marginalized by mainstream women’s movements in India. These women face a triple handicap and discrimination due to their disability, gender and developing world status, mainly poverty. They have been consistently denied the traditional roles assigned to women. It is assumed that they are incapable of undertaking family responsibilities or obtaining gainful employment. Further, with rampant female foeticide and the unwelcome girl-child, a disabled girl-child is at the receiving end of even more contempt and neglect.
33.3 percent seats in panchayat elections have been reserved for women already. A million women are being elected to the panchayats in the country every five years. This is the largest mobilization of women in public life in the world. But there is not a single woman with disability amongst this million.
Although women have occupied seats in the legislatures, it is simply that they have not addressed the questions which pertain to the problems of women with disability at all. The demand behind the sub-quota in Women's Reservation Bill is that women representatives from disability sector should address the specific problems of their constituency and also highlight the disability issues pertaining to women.
In India the citizen has been conceptualized abstractly as someone who holds rights that are common to all. This bearer of rights or the citizen, note, has no name, no gender, no caste and no class. It has now been recognized that universal rights alone do not serve the least advantaged in a deeply in egalitarian society. For instance, the rights to land do not mean anything in a society where women with disability, especially the mentally challenged, have traditionally been excluded from inheritance of property. Because our society is unequal, different sections of citizens need different rights that address their specific condition, in addition to universal rights. Therefore, women with disabilities need special rights to guard their person and their dignity.
Provision of sub-quota within the bill is constitutionally illegal as the constitution prohibits reservation on religious and caste grounds in the Parliament except for the SCs and STs for which it has made an exception. But the Parliament has already passed a law to protect the rights of persons with disability (PWD Act 1996), hence conceding to the above demand will not require any amendment of the constitution.
Close on the heels of appointing Meira Kumar as the country's first Dalit woman speaker of the Lower House (Lok Sabha), UPA has now committed itself to reserve 50% of its seats for women in village councils and city municipalities in its 100-day action plan. This radical move will give a substantially larger representation to Indian women in a country with a population of 1.1 billion - an increase from their current entitlement to a third of the seats in urban and rural councils. When viewed along with the government's commitment to push for the path-breaking Women's Reservation Bill - that seeks to reserve a third of the elected seats in parliament and in state legislatures for women - this move will ensure the largest-ever political space to Indian women compared to any other country in the world at any time. And, at this hour, it is pertinent to lobby for a sub quota for women with disabilities, to give a voice to the ‘invisible minority’ in India’s women movement.
The author is the founder member of Shared Entertainment and Recreation (SHARE). You can send your feed at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com. Please visit www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com for more details.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Chalta hai attitude will render Orissan youth a mere spectator
By Rupak Johnson
The youth of Odisha have developed a very casual attitude toward every spheres of life, be it professional, social or political. By refusing to shape their attitude in tune with the time, they have developed a habit of showing indifference or a lack of concern for the matters of grave concern often by giving a simple explanation — what can we do?
This regularly repeated behavior pattern i.e. habit, is admissible in certain cases but when it becomes a general inclination or tendency — that is, the attitude is then geared towards ‘Chalta hai’ mode. It is an ominous sign which renders youth powerless in the matter of decision-making. This is a big stumbling block which is responsible for keeping youth from being a ‘mature and contributing citizen’. Not only it affects the health of a society but the state’s overall progress is hampered too. Do the youth understand that they are responsible citizens of this beautiful land endowed with minerals, natural resources and a vast coast-line? Shouldn’t they feel they need to stand up and raise their voice against any injustice or discrimination whether by the State or the Center? It is rather unfortunate to note that they do not know how to belong to the State.
Youth: reaction to issues
Recently, the Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government presented Railway budget and subsequently the Union budget. Prior to that, Delhi High Court passed a landmark judgment decriminalizing homosexual acts between two consenting adults. But there were hardly any collective reaction from Odisha youth on these issues. As far as Railway budget was concerned, once again Odisha got a raw deal compared to its neighbours. For development of poverty-stricken State, there have been legitimate demands for having railway lines linking whole of Odisha, but nothing happened. Instead of raising funds for this purpose, the Centre reduced budgetary allocation from Rs 949.34 crore last year to Rs 715.22 crore, a drastic cut of Rs 234 crore or 25%. In addition, demand for development projects like coach factory to generate employment was turned down despite the fact that the Indian Railways gets more revenue from Odisha than any other State in the country. The youth of Odisha face a lot of problem as a result of insufficient railway facilities but they remain silent; they are not bothered about their rights and privileges; they leave everything into the hands of God. Call it suffering in silence !
Talking about the Union budget, it was pointed out that Odisha’s shares in Central taxes were reduced from Rs. 8,849.49 crores to Rs. 84.95. 93 crore. That means the State would receive Rs. 353.56 crore or 4% less assistance from Centre. If an annual gross devaluation of money (inflation) of 10% is taken into considered, then it was a reduction of around 35% and 14% for the railway and general budget respectively. Such a drastic cut! And that too when Odisha is reeling under the impact of global economic meltdown! Should the youth not raise their voice over this step-motherly behavior? Instead, they remained silent and once again, left everything into the hands of God. Call it saintly behavior!
Now take the much-talked-about issue relating to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). This topic generated a lot of heat in the country and the youth from other parts of the country expressed their views and opinions. But, in Odisha, the youth did not bother to attach any importance to the topic; they feel it is not their prerogative to discuss the ramifications of the Order. Their common refrain: it’s too hot a topic to discuss in the public domain. Call it piety!
Well, this indifferent attitude is visible even in matters related to their education, the very essence of their survival in this cut-throat world. Despite facing several problems at the education front, they keep mum, for reasons best known to them. Call it ‘Chalta hai’!
Youth: Way forward
Getting over this unhealthy attitude requires a reorientation of the mind with its thoughts, feeling and behavior. The youth need to stimulate themselves for a greater activism — both social and political. It has to be a state of mind, from regressive to progressive, from worrisome inhibition to joyful exhibition. For this to happen, the youth, first, need to recognize their fault and then work on it with a sense of urgency. Catching up with the forward-moving world demands a lot of character and tenacity of purpose. There are certain following points that can serve as guiding principals to be effective as well as politically correct:
Professional Attitude: It goes without saying that professionalism is the key word in today’s competitive world. It is in great demand not only in the big business world but also in the political world. A professional person is the one who keeps one’s word, sticks to deadline and delivers on promised line. Commitment is an integral part of professional attitude and is appreciated by one and all. Compare Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha with any other capital city of the neighbouring state like Andhra Pradesh and the difference is there for everyone to see. This State can not afford to lose its image any further; the youth have a task cut out for them.
Accountability: A majority of the youth in society has a herd mentality; they lack the ability to think as individuals and therefore, find it difficult to face situations where accountability is required. This is the very reason why there is a great dearth of leadership quality among Odisha youth. Accountability calls for practicing restraint i.e. nurturing an inner discipline which is a pre-requisite for playing roles of greater responsibility in the public arena. There is no place for arrogance or so-called super-ego which is a sign of individualistic attitude. The youth should learn humility which comes along with accountability; it’s a virtue that unites and is very much needed for the State.
Competency: Before putting the house in order, one must put one’s own self in order. If the youth have to achieve success, they have to create such a workforce that demonstrates the knowledge and competencies for superlative performance on the job. It requires a killing instinct, dedication and a desire to perform at a higher level on a regular basis. Bangalore or Hyderabad have become IT hub of our country because of its competent youth brigade. It is high time that Odisha youth woke up to the reality in the larger interest of the State.
Political Understanding: The youth, in the State, have a very vague and narrow idea about politics often terming it as activities associated with criminals and people with malicious intentions. And, therefore, they avoid it even going to the extent of ignoring their right to franchise! This is because of a lack of understanding about the power relationships in politics that is interrelationships between the people, groups or organizations.
This power relationship is a strong means to build a force which can ensure transparency and accountability in the matter of governance. A need has arisen in the State to cultivate the culture of politics among the youth through debate and discussion/s. And for this, the youth need to come forward.
There are greater challenges ahead for the youth as the competition is getting tougher day by day; global standards have left no place for complacency. Doing away with ‘Chalta hai’ attitude would be a wise step; otherwise the development work of the State would go into the hands of `Outsiders’ and the state youth would be rendered mere spectators !!!
The author is a communication expert and regularly writes on Youth affairs. Please send your comments and suggestions at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com and visit http://www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com/ for more details.
The youth of Odisha have developed a very casual attitude toward every spheres of life, be it professional, social or political. By refusing to shape their attitude in tune with the time, they have developed a habit of showing indifference or a lack of concern for the matters of grave concern often by giving a simple explanation — what can we do?
This regularly repeated behavior pattern i.e. habit, is admissible in certain cases but when it becomes a general inclination or tendency — that is, the attitude is then geared towards ‘Chalta hai’ mode. It is an ominous sign which renders youth powerless in the matter of decision-making. This is a big stumbling block which is responsible for keeping youth from being a ‘mature and contributing citizen’. Not only it affects the health of a society but the state’s overall progress is hampered too. Do the youth understand that they are responsible citizens of this beautiful land endowed with minerals, natural resources and a vast coast-line? Shouldn’t they feel they need to stand up and raise their voice against any injustice or discrimination whether by the State or the Center? It is rather unfortunate to note that they do not know how to belong to the State.
Youth: reaction to issues
Recently, the Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government presented Railway budget and subsequently the Union budget. Prior to that, Delhi High Court passed a landmark judgment decriminalizing homosexual acts between two consenting adults. But there were hardly any collective reaction from Odisha youth on these issues. As far as Railway budget was concerned, once again Odisha got a raw deal compared to its neighbours. For development of poverty-stricken State, there have been legitimate demands for having railway lines linking whole of Odisha, but nothing happened. Instead of raising funds for this purpose, the Centre reduced budgetary allocation from Rs 949.34 crore last year to Rs 715.22 crore, a drastic cut of Rs 234 crore or 25%. In addition, demand for development projects like coach factory to generate employment was turned down despite the fact that the Indian Railways gets more revenue from Odisha than any other State in the country. The youth of Odisha face a lot of problem as a result of insufficient railway facilities but they remain silent; they are not bothered about their rights and privileges; they leave everything into the hands of God. Call it suffering in silence !
Talking about the Union budget, it was pointed out that Odisha’s shares in Central taxes were reduced from Rs. 8,849.49 crores to Rs. 84.95. 93 crore. That means the State would receive Rs. 353.56 crore or 4% less assistance from Centre. If an annual gross devaluation of money (inflation) of 10% is taken into considered, then it was a reduction of around 35% and 14% for the railway and general budget respectively. Such a drastic cut! And that too when Odisha is reeling under the impact of global economic meltdown! Should the youth not raise their voice over this step-motherly behavior? Instead, they remained silent and once again, left everything into the hands of God. Call it saintly behavior!
Now take the much-talked-about issue relating to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). This topic generated a lot of heat in the country and the youth from other parts of the country expressed their views and opinions. But, in Odisha, the youth did not bother to attach any importance to the topic; they feel it is not their prerogative to discuss the ramifications of the Order. Their common refrain: it’s too hot a topic to discuss in the public domain. Call it piety!
Well, this indifferent attitude is visible even in matters related to their education, the very essence of their survival in this cut-throat world. Despite facing several problems at the education front, they keep mum, for reasons best known to them. Call it ‘Chalta hai’!
Youth: Way forward
Getting over this unhealthy attitude requires a reorientation of the mind with its thoughts, feeling and behavior. The youth need to stimulate themselves for a greater activism — both social and political. It has to be a state of mind, from regressive to progressive, from worrisome inhibition to joyful exhibition. For this to happen, the youth, first, need to recognize their fault and then work on it with a sense of urgency. Catching up with the forward-moving world demands a lot of character and tenacity of purpose. There are certain following points that can serve as guiding principals to be effective as well as politically correct:
Professional Attitude: It goes without saying that professionalism is the key word in today’s competitive world. It is in great demand not only in the big business world but also in the political world. A professional person is the one who keeps one’s word, sticks to deadline and delivers on promised line. Commitment is an integral part of professional attitude and is appreciated by one and all. Compare Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha with any other capital city of the neighbouring state like Andhra Pradesh and the difference is there for everyone to see. This State can not afford to lose its image any further; the youth have a task cut out for them.
Accountability: A majority of the youth in society has a herd mentality; they lack the ability to think as individuals and therefore, find it difficult to face situations where accountability is required. This is the very reason why there is a great dearth of leadership quality among Odisha youth. Accountability calls for practicing restraint i.e. nurturing an inner discipline which is a pre-requisite for playing roles of greater responsibility in the public arena. There is no place for arrogance or so-called super-ego which is a sign of individualistic attitude. The youth should learn humility which comes along with accountability; it’s a virtue that unites and is very much needed for the State.
Competency: Before putting the house in order, one must put one’s own self in order. If the youth have to achieve success, they have to create such a workforce that demonstrates the knowledge and competencies for superlative performance on the job. It requires a killing instinct, dedication and a desire to perform at a higher level on a regular basis. Bangalore or Hyderabad have become IT hub of our country because of its competent youth brigade. It is high time that Odisha youth woke up to the reality in the larger interest of the State.
Political Understanding: The youth, in the State, have a very vague and narrow idea about politics often terming it as activities associated with criminals and people with malicious intentions. And, therefore, they avoid it even going to the extent of ignoring their right to franchise! This is because of a lack of understanding about the power relationships in politics that is interrelationships between the people, groups or organizations.
This power relationship is a strong means to build a force which can ensure transparency and accountability in the matter of governance. A need has arisen in the State to cultivate the culture of politics among the youth through debate and discussion/s. And for this, the youth need to come forward.
There are greater challenges ahead for the youth as the competition is getting tougher day by day; global standards have left no place for complacency. Doing away with ‘Chalta hai’ attitude would be a wise step; otherwise the development work of the State would go into the hands of `Outsiders’ and the state youth would be rendered mere spectators !!!
The author is a communication expert and regularly writes on Youth affairs. Please send your comments and suggestions at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com and visit http://www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com/ for more details.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Centre has always betrayed Orissa due to meek State leadership
By Sanjaya Kumar Pradhan
Finally, Congress Led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) got majority, 261 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, surprising not only the opposition camps (BJP-led NDA, Left led third front and fourth front) but the Congress itself. People have once again proved all pre-poll and exit-poll wrong.
Was it really a mandate for Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), or against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or the so called third and fourth front? Is the victory not that of UPA but the defeat of opposition (Third and Four Front)? Is the new ruling alliance UPA worthy?
These are the questions which have cropped up in the post-poll. This article has a detailed analysis of politics in India with special reference to Orissa. Do voters have really an option to choose their government or are they forced to vote a political entity into the power due to lack of a better choice? Above all, the straight question is whether UPA at the Centre and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Orissa have done any significant work for the people to win their mandate again?
National scene
Congress emerged as a single largest party getting 202 seats and UPA - 262 seats. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajvadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janational Dal Secular- JD (S) have extended their unconditional support to UPA taking the tally to 320, surpassing the magic figure of 272 to form the government. However, there are some key concerns and myths that need to be analysed.
First, we need to analyse, how UPA got 261 seats. People have not voted for UPA but against the opportunistic, unworthy, unrealistic parties (especially third and fourth front). Third and fourth front were really threat for the country, who were all set to blackmail the central government for their selfish and local issues to fulfil short term goal of their party, compromising the national integrity. They have completely lost the faith of people. Third and fourth front dominated states like Andhra Pradesh (TDP), Tamil Nadu (AIDMK), Kerala, West Bengal (both LEFT), Bihar (RJD, LJP) and UP (SP, BSP) have given huge success to UPA, which has helped UPA to occupy the power at the Centre.
Popular Myths:
Congress is trust worth party: Is completely false. The party, which has ruled the country for more than 40 years and still have slogan that it will work for the poor people. The previous prime ministers of the party have been promising for upliftment of poor, to provide basic education and healthcare and to create employment opportunity improving agriculture. But it has failed completely. In fact, the poverty and unemployment have gone up drastically. It has neither worked for poor people nor it will work in future. Every time the party has come to power has created new scams. It doesn’t create employment but without fail create scams.
Rahul Gandhi charismatic leader: After result declaration, Congress senior leaders have started praising Rahul Gandhi for his charismatic leadership. They gave all credit of the success to Rahul for his extensive tour and public meetings across the country, experimentation of youth leadership, eklachalo in UP and Bihar. The media also joined in the line of chamchagiri Congress leaders. Congress even didn’t recognise hard work of its two Congress chief ministers of Delhi and Rajasthan. Delhi swept all seats; Rajasthan got 20 seats against 4 previous elections. While talking to media, a senior Congress leader continuously denied contribution from Sheila Dixit for the victory in Delhi. The blind followers and chamchas of Congress only know to praise Gandhi family to be in their good book. They keep admiring Rahul and Sonia without understanding the reality on the ground. Do you think that he is a Charismatic leader? Has he really brought more seats to UPA kitty? He has toured all states. Why Rahul’s charisma didn’t work at all in states like Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Jharkhand.
In Orissa, NDA alliance was broken, BJD contested alone leaving BJP aside. There was huge possibility for Congress to come to power. The changed leadership, Rahul visited many times but result is very pathetic. Even this time, it got less assembly seats than previous. Congress is claiming that it has given so much resource to Bihar, NDA ruled state. Why did it get less seats (now only 2) than 2004 (4 seats) in Bihar. Where is Rahul’s charisma in Orissa and Bihar?
Youth Leadership: This is a hype that Rahul Gandhi “youth icon” has brought many young bloods into Indian politics. It is true that there are many young MPs in Parliament, but who are they? He himself has admitted without political ground, it is almost impossible to come to Indian politics. They are from the family of previous political strongholds like Chief Minister, Ministers and party leaders. Example – Rahul Gandhi, Son of Rajiv & Sonia Gandhi; Varun Gandhi, son of Menaka and Sanjay Gandhi; M Azhagiri, M Azhagiri and Dayanidhi Maran, whole extended family of Karunanidhi; Milind Deora, son of Murali Deora; Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Powar; Jyotiraditya Scindhia, son of Madhavrao; Nilesh Rane, son of Narayan Rane; Agatha Sangma, daughet of P.A.Sangmamany, Sachin Pilot, son of Rajesh Pilot and more. These all are political heir, industrialists.
When these so called political heirs and industrialist or their children study in the best schools (private) in the country, best colleges in the world (LSE, Oxford, Harvard etc) and dream to be astrophysician, IAS etc (otherwise at least they can easily be a doctor, engineer, manager). But at the same time, children in rural and tribal area are struggling to complete their primary, secondary education and rarely go for college education as they can’t afford. They hardly dream to be a teacher, clerk, police habildar, peon, Anganwadi etc. Now, one can imagine the gap between the real Indian youth and the so called “youth icons”, projected by Rahul Gandhi. The rural poor, educated youths are treated as real untouchables and there is no entry to any major political party. All parties are controlled by political heavy weights and reserved for their children and relatives. This is called Political Corruption. Can Rahul Gandhi stop this political Corruption, which is very much in Congress?
Loan waiver and NREGA winning factor: Congress is claiming these two areas like Loan waiver and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) brought huge success. Congress should introspect. If the loan waiver got success, how many more seats, it has got in the infamous farmer suicide Vidharbha region, Maharashtra. The number has gone down. NREGA is another form of exploitation of labour and decentralisation of corruption. NREGA has given 100 days employment opportunity to one person of each BPL family as unskilled work. It shows that the mindset of Congress. It wants to suppress and exploit people as master and indulge in misappropriation.
Congress knows very well how to rule poor people keeping them away from the real power. They talk about the success of NREGA, which has given the 100 days of employment to rural poor. This is just like throwing roti at barking dog to stop shouting. They provide unskilled labour to rural educated young people paying Rs 10,000 per year (Rs 100 daily for maximum 100 days), when their children are earning in lakhs/ crore per year (as it has been shown that more than half of MPs are crorerpati and have earned 1600% in five years) and spending thousands of rupees daily for their lavish life. This is the attitude of Congress to maintain status quo and poor people should never think about the real power. The money has come to district level through NREGA, so it has to be spent. Therefore, the district wants to achieve their target % of utilisation and spend without really strategic plan for future development and creating community assets. Earlier only the top politicians took benefit, got huge money using their power fulfilled their vested interest. The local politicians also forced them to share some. That is NREGA, which has shown the way for local politicians at Panchayat level to get money providing false documents, doing their work with public money it means the corruption has come to Panchayat level.
Orissa Politics
Now let’s find out the reality in Orissa. The state is blessed with natural resource, potentials human resource (educated, intelligent) but it stands at the bottom of development. Lack of political will and central leadership, Orissa is always betrayed by the Centre. Congress leaders ruled the state maintaining their chamachagiri to Gandhi-Nehru family to retain power. Congress had ruined the state leaving Orissa, one of the poorest states in country. Congress government each term involved in corruption and misused the resources.
The state has been ruled by higher caste (Brahim and Karan) for 95% time and for 40 years by Patnaiks only. However, Biju Patnaik was among the very few national level and vocal leaders from Orissa. He worked hard for the development of Orissa. After the death of Biju Pattanik, Mr. Naveen Patnaik was brought by the party to gain power in Orissa, who led the newly formed Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Mr. Patnaik claims of corruption-free good governance but what is in the field. The BJP-BJD government did not do any significant development, as it was unable to check the forced out station migration of educated youths in search of employment, to develop agriculture providing irrigation and introducing technology, to provide quality education (primary, secondary or professional), to use existing natural resource, to use grants/ schemes for the welfare of poor.
The government has started selling natural resources of the state at cheap rate only. The frustration of unemployed educated youth and underdevelopment has resulted extremism in the form of Naxalism in Orissa. This discontent is gradually growing in the state. Now government is spending so much resource for empowering police, law & order, which was not required at all. The so called clean government led by Patnaik has created huge corruption in ground for a lay man. Whether, the common people can get the IAY without giving bribe of at least Rs 5,000 (out of Rs 25,000), can get old age pension with giving Rs 500, resident/ income/ caste certificate without giving Rs 100-200 in Tehsil office, school leaving certificate without giving bribe of Rs 50, etc etc, The amount may be small for our political biggies but it really matters for the people to give their hard earnings. Can any development work happen / sanction without giving a share, 30% of the total budget to engineer and BDO at Block level, so contractor takes 30% and the remaining is spent for construction of road, bridge, community buildings. What quality of work, you can expect? The BJP-BJD government did nothing for youth and farmers.
The government claims that it has given rice at Rs 2 per Kg. This is another form of dominance and showing sympathy like congress government to the poor Oriyas. These short-sighted politicians neither worked for inclusive growth nor now working to empower people and making them self-sustainable. The government should empower people to manage (to earn) their family, to educate their children in good schools, to get better health services, to construct own house with hard work etc.
Road map for future
The politicians should give high priority to create employment with dignity (not only unskilled labour) for all, using existing natural resource. The government should work for agricultural development, creating basic infrastructure (irrigation, food storage yard and market), introducing technology and scientific agriculture practices, establishing food-processing units across the country.
The government should provide quality education and other services to all. The basic healthcare will ensure better health human resource, who will contribute for the development of the country. The rural infrastructure, community infrastructure has to be improved very fast. The legal system has to be improved drastically.
Mumbai based writer works in the developmental sector. You can send your comments at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com and visit www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com for more information.
Finally, Congress Led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) got majority, 261 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, surprising not only the opposition camps (BJP-led NDA, Left led third front and fourth front) but the Congress itself. People have once again proved all pre-poll and exit-poll wrong.
Was it really a mandate for Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), or against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or the so called third and fourth front? Is the victory not that of UPA but the defeat of opposition (Third and Four Front)? Is the new ruling alliance UPA worthy?
These are the questions which have cropped up in the post-poll. This article has a detailed analysis of politics in India with special reference to Orissa. Do voters have really an option to choose their government or are they forced to vote a political entity into the power due to lack of a better choice? Above all, the straight question is whether UPA at the Centre and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Orissa have done any significant work for the people to win their mandate again?
National scene
Congress emerged as a single largest party getting 202 seats and UPA - 262 seats. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajvadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janational Dal Secular- JD (S) have extended their unconditional support to UPA taking the tally to 320, surpassing the magic figure of 272 to form the government. However, there are some key concerns and myths that need to be analysed.
First, we need to analyse, how UPA got 261 seats. People have not voted for UPA but against the opportunistic, unworthy, unrealistic parties (especially third and fourth front). Third and fourth front were really threat for the country, who were all set to blackmail the central government for their selfish and local issues to fulfil short term goal of their party, compromising the national integrity. They have completely lost the faith of people. Third and fourth front dominated states like Andhra Pradesh (TDP), Tamil Nadu (AIDMK), Kerala, West Bengal (both LEFT), Bihar (RJD, LJP) and UP (SP, BSP) have given huge success to UPA, which has helped UPA to occupy the power at the Centre.
Popular Myths:
Congress is trust worth party: Is completely false. The party, which has ruled the country for more than 40 years and still have slogan that it will work for the poor people. The previous prime ministers of the party have been promising for upliftment of poor, to provide basic education and healthcare and to create employment opportunity improving agriculture. But it has failed completely. In fact, the poverty and unemployment have gone up drastically. It has neither worked for poor people nor it will work in future. Every time the party has come to power has created new scams. It doesn’t create employment but without fail create scams.
Rahul Gandhi charismatic leader: After result declaration, Congress senior leaders have started praising Rahul Gandhi for his charismatic leadership. They gave all credit of the success to Rahul for his extensive tour and public meetings across the country, experimentation of youth leadership, eklachalo in UP and Bihar. The media also joined in the line of chamchagiri Congress leaders. Congress even didn’t recognise hard work of its two Congress chief ministers of Delhi and Rajasthan. Delhi swept all seats; Rajasthan got 20 seats against 4 previous elections. While talking to media, a senior Congress leader continuously denied contribution from Sheila Dixit for the victory in Delhi. The blind followers and chamchas of Congress only know to praise Gandhi family to be in their good book. They keep admiring Rahul and Sonia without understanding the reality on the ground. Do you think that he is a Charismatic leader? Has he really brought more seats to UPA kitty? He has toured all states. Why Rahul’s charisma didn’t work at all in states like Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Jharkhand.
In Orissa, NDA alliance was broken, BJD contested alone leaving BJP aside. There was huge possibility for Congress to come to power. The changed leadership, Rahul visited many times but result is very pathetic. Even this time, it got less assembly seats than previous. Congress is claiming that it has given so much resource to Bihar, NDA ruled state. Why did it get less seats (now only 2) than 2004 (4 seats) in Bihar. Where is Rahul’s charisma in Orissa and Bihar?
Youth Leadership: This is a hype that Rahul Gandhi “youth icon” has brought many young bloods into Indian politics. It is true that there are many young MPs in Parliament, but who are they? He himself has admitted without political ground, it is almost impossible to come to Indian politics. They are from the family of previous political strongholds like Chief Minister, Ministers and party leaders. Example – Rahul Gandhi, Son of Rajiv & Sonia Gandhi; Varun Gandhi, son of Menaka and Sanjay Gandhi; M Azhagiri, M Azhagiri and Dayanidhi Maran, whole extended family of Karunanidhi; Milind Deora, son of Murali Deora; Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Powar; Jyotiraditya Scindhia, son of Madhavrao; Nilesh Rane, son of Narayan Rane; Agatha Sangma, daughet of P.A.Sangmamany, Sachin Pilot, son of Rajesh Pilot and more. These all are political heir, industrialists.
When these so called political heirs and industrialist or their children study in the best schools (private) in the country, best colleges in the world (LSE, Oxford, Harvard etc) and dream to be astrophysician, IAS etc (otherwise at least they can easily be a doctor, engineer, manager). But at the same time, children in rural and tribal area are struggling to complete their primary, secondary education and rarely go for college education as they can’t afford. They hardly dream to be a teacher, clerk, police habildar, peon, Anganwadi etc. Now, one can imagine the gap between the real Indian youth and the so called “youth icons”, projected by Rahul Gandhi. The rural poor, educated youths are treated as real untouchables and there is no entry to any major political party. All parties are controlled by political heavy weights and reserved for their children and relatives. This is called Political Corruption. Can Rahul Gandhi stop this political Corruption, which is very much in Congress?
Loan waiver and NREGA winning factor: Congress is claiming these two areas like Loan waiver and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) brought huge success. Congress should introspect. If the loan waiver got success, how many more seats, it has got in the infamous farmer suicide Vidharbha region, Maharashtra. The number has gone down. NREGA is another form of exploitation of labour and decentralisation of corruption. NREGA has given 100 days employment opportunity to one person of each BPL family as unskilled work. It shows that the mindset of Congress. It wants to suppress and exploit people as master and indulge in misappropriation.
Congress knows very well how to rule poor people keeping them away from the real power. They talk about the success of NREGA, which has given the 100 days of employment to rural poor. This is just like throwing roti at barking dog to stop shouting. They provide unskilled labour to rural educated young people paying Rs 10,000 per year (Rs 100 daily for maximum 100 days), when their children are earning in lakhs/ crore per year (as it has been shown that more than half of MPs are crorerpati and have earned 1600% in five years) and spending thousands of rupees daily for their lavish life. This is the attitude of Congress to maintain status quo and poor people should never think about the real power. The money has come to district level through NREGA, so it has to be spent. Therefore, the district wants to achieve their target % of utilisation and spend without really strategic plan for future development and creating community assets. Earlier only the top politicians took benefit, got huge money using their power fulfilled their vested interest. The local politicians also forced them to share some. That is NREGA, which has shown the way for local politicians at Panchayat level to get money providing false documents, doing their work with public money it means the corruption has come to Panchayat level.
Orissa Politics
Now let’s find out the reality in Orissa. The state is blessed with natural resource, potentials human resource (educated, intelligent) but it stands at the bottom of development. Lack of political will and central leadership, Orissa is always betrayed by the Centre. Congress leaders ruled the state maintaining their chamachagiri to Gandhi-Nehru family to retain power. Congress had ruined the state leaving Orissa, one of the poorest states in country. Congress government each term involved in corruption and misused the resources.
The state has been ruled by higher caste (Brahim and Karan) for 95% time and for 40 years by Patnaiks only. However, Biju Patnaik was among the very few national level and vocal leaders from Orissa. He worked hard for the development of Orissa. After the death of Biju Pattanik, Mr. Naveen Patnaik was brought by the party to gain power in Orissa, who led the newly formed Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Mr. Patnaik claims of corruption-free good governance but what is in the field. The BJP-BJD government did not do any significant development, as it was unable to check the forced out station migration of educated youths in search of employment, to develop agriculture providing irrigation and introducing technology, to provide quality education (primary, secondary or professional), to use existing natural resource, to use grants/ schemes for the welfare of poor.
The government has started selling natural resources of the state at cheap rate only. The frustration of unemployed educated youth and underdevelopment has resulted extremism in the form of Naxalism in Orissa. This discontent is gradually growing in the state. Now government is spending so much resource for empowering police, law & order, which was not required at all. The so called clean government led by Patnaik has created huge corruption in ground for a lay man. Whether, the common people can get the IAY without giving bribe of at least Rs 5,000 (out of Rs 25,000), can get old age pension with giving Rs 500, resident/ income/ caste certificate without giving Rs 100-200 in Tehsil office, school leaving certificate without giving bribe of Rs 50, etc etc, The amount may be small for our political biggies but it really matters for the people to give their hard earnings. Can any development work happen / sanction without giving a share, 30% of the total budget to engineer and BDO at Block level, so contractor takes 30% and the remaining is spent for construction of road, bridge, community buildings. What quality of work, you can expect? The BJP-BJD government did nothing for youth and farmers.
The government claims that it has given rice at Rs 2 per Kg. This is another form of dominance and showing sympathy like congress government to the poor Oriyas. These short-sighted politicians neither worked for inclusive growth nor now working to empower people and making them self-sustainable. The government should empower people to manage (to earn) their family, to educate their children in good schools, to get better health services, to construct own house with hard work etc.
Road map for future
The politicians should give high priority to create employment with dignity (not only unskilled labour) for all, using existing natural resource. The government should work for agricultural development, creating basic infrastructure (irrigation, food storage yard and market), introducing technology and scientific agriculture practices, establishing food-processing units across the country.
The government should provide quality education and other services to all. The basic healthcare will ensure better health human resource, who will contribute for the development of the country. The rural infrastructure, community infrastructure has to be improved very fast. The legal system has to be improved drastically.
Mumbai based writer works in the developmental sector. You can send your comments at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com and visit www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com for more information.
Friday, April 3, 2009
A report on Janamata 2009
Dear All,
Greetings from Janata Vikas Manch.
We have pasted below and attached too a detailed report on Janata Vikas Manch (JVM)’s state level convention on People’s Manifesto “JANAMATA-2009” held on April 1, 2009 at Red Cross Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The report is prepared by Mr Gobind Ballabh Dalai, a youth activist, JVM.
The convention was organized by JVM in a ssociation with BISWA and supported by Adhikar, Agragamee and Youth Matters.
The convention was organized by JVM in a ssociation with BISWA and supported by Adhikar, Agragamee and Youth Matters.
We have also pasted the Draft People’s Manifesto. A large number of suggestions have been offered in the convention. We will include all the points and a final People’s Manifesto will be released on April 5, 2009.
Motor Cycle Yatra: In line with suggestions offered by the people, JVM plans to take out a state-wide motor cycle yatra to convey the common man about the People’s Manifesto or Common Minimum Programme (CMP). The yatra is proposed to begin from April 8, 2009.
Individuals or organizations interested to join this yatra can confirm their participation through mail. JVM appeals all to support this yatra whole-heartedly to strengthen the political process in the state.
Please feel free to send your comments and suggestions at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com. And, visit http://www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com/ for more details.
Looking forward,
Regards,
Sai Prasan
Member
JVM
Bhubaneswar
Date: April 4, 2009
Member
JVM
Bhubaneswar
Date: April 4, 2009
=========================================
A detailed report on Janata Vikas Manch (JVM)’s state level convention on People’s Manifesto “JANAMATA-2009” was held on April 1, 2009 at Red Cross Bhawan, Bhubaneswar
Pritikanta Panda, a member of JVM introduced the non-party people’s political forum and briefed about the mandate and background that JVM started with.
Sai Prasan welcomed everybody to the convention. He said that the entire world is facing an ideological crisis. After the disintegration of USSR, the capitalist system of US is also facing a crisis. The global meltdown has hit India and Orissa too. The Lok Sabha elections and the Assembly poll will decide the political and economic line for the country and the state.
He said that the political parties need to strengthen political processes and people’s participation in politics are keys to the development of any state and country. He cited the socio-political development that Odisha is facing.
He call upon the Youth to play a vital role in the politics. Digging at the political lethargy in this part of the country and subsequent development retardation, Sai Prasan explained the main features of the People’s Manifesto or Common Minimum Programme.
Deliberations of the first session
Speaking on the occasion, Nageshwar Patnaik, chairperson of first session told about the global development in the political scenario and juxtaposing Odisha’s situation. People’s manifesto as a forceful political process is bound to shape the political scenario as a whole. Raising concern over the political development in the wake of the 2009 elections, he made a strong point in having proper understanding and stand of political parties on key areas like agriculture, Education, Health, industry and tribal development. He stressed on the morality of political parties and reforms in political parties.
Mr Patnaik said that a large scale use of black money, much beyond the ceiling of money to be spent, is a matter of concern. Recall of the government,/political leaders, not to vote to any leader, these are some of the reform initiatives that are necessary.
In Orissa’s context, policy on the natural resources leading to the development of the state is necessary. There is political consensus on some key areas of the development.
Ramakrushna Panda of CPI said that the political parties should prioritise the path they want to follow for the development. Poverty has gone to such an extent that 80% of people live on Rs. 20/- per day to sustain their family. When we talk about alternative development, we should talk on collective development. We should fight against the divisive forces inside and outside the country. Hypocrisy is rampant among the mainstream political parties. Land reform is very important but major political parties are silent about that. We are not against the urbanization, but the process of urbanization is affecting the interest of the farmers in terms of SEZ and other major investment in cities only. We are not speaking of loan exemption only, loan should be given but at the same time, we should focus on small and marginal farmers. Those who are getting loans are waived but what about those who are not getting. WTO agreement is totally against the agriculture and is bound to hit Indian farmers.
The introduction of corporate farming is dangerous and bound to degrade the scenario. Exploitative capitalists - big companies are grabbing farmers’ land. We strongly condemn the policy of corporate agenda. Water privatization, Public Private Partnership (PPP) ghost have been surrounding the government. There is no real partnership in PPP at all; government is avoiding national responsibility on key areas. Don’t we have the system and mechanism to provide the basic minimum facilities to the people of the land? We are against water privatization. With regard to Hirakud dam – we are against Hirakud water going to Jindal, Vendanta and Posco. But people are not getting for agriculture. We should priortise the development agenda . We are clear on the interest of farmers, crop insurance is not yet insured.
Panda criticized the BJP for their communal politics. Such an irony, Modi will take the development of Orissa and will teach us. CPI believes in composite culture. Multi-cultural values had to be retained and strengthened and such divisive forces should be kept outside the national interest.
Nageshwar Patnaik gave a view on the RP’s statement. He said CPI and CPI (M) should bring innovative ways of solving the issues of the development. People should give land on lease like it is being done in Japan.
Suresh Panigrahi of CPI(M) welcomed the measure taken by JVM. He said that CPM was in UPA government for a important cause. We saved the insurance and banking sector from getting for development. We should effect the change in the land acquisition policy and displaced should get adequate compensation. People have not got proper representation or compensaton. We should see the cost effectiveness about the setting up of industries. The industry and agriculture should go hand in hand. It is not one after another.
Mineral export should be based on the value added price not like looting. National Mineral Policy, 1995. We advocated the development of tribals and dalits through land policy. The primary health should not be privatized…The primary health should be well accessible. Young blood should be infused into the party to give proper directions. There should be an alternative policy on youth employment.
Indian is a secular country. Various experiments on the political situation in India. The scenario is very precarious. Congress and BJP can not be the two power centres, rather we need an alternative. The state should demand for the proper share from the centre..We will mobilize the people on such an issue of partiality of Centre.
Narendra Swain of BJD spoke about his party’s commitment in fulfilling the dream of the common man and regarding the holistic nature of the manifesto. Responding to a query on forestry, he mentioned that during their government, the land under forest had been increased from 31% to 37 % of total land cover. He also spoke about their party’s stand on having a non-Congress and non-BJP government. He told about his government’s special measure like Gaon Sathi had brought transparency and accountability in NREGS programme.
Second Session on Holistic Development of the state: Issues and Challenges
The session was well attended by the panelists. Ms. Sruti Mohapatra, Dr Dhanada Mishra, Mr Lalit Patnaik, Mr. Achyut Das, Mr Sai Prasan, Mr Ghasiram Panda and chaired by Mr. K. C. Mallick of BISWA.
On inviting the panelists to the discussion, Mr Mallick drew the attention of the floor on the step motherly approach of the government to the non-governmental organizations in spite of their remarkable contribution in the last few years to the development process of the state. Whereas micro-finance institutions are instrumental in the development of the state, issues like social justice, equity and communal harmony are being ensured only by meaningful contribution of the civil society sector.
Speaking on the thematic topic “Disability and Political Action”, noted disability activist Ms. Sruti Mohapatra deliberated on the history of negligence towards disabled people and in Orissa’s context, it is deplorable. She had been fighting for their rights and have drawn the attention of the political parties in the past, but in vain. She demanded that as disabled people are 10 % of the total population, the political parties should give proper representation to the people with disability. In response to one query, she also spoke that whatever changes had happened in the dismal scenario, it had been only by the help of judiciary. However, the political will is required for proper redressal of the issues like provisioning of services and access of the disabled people as ensured by the constitution of India.
Dr Dhanada Mishra, an educationist deliberated on the education scenario of the state and the proposed role the state had to fulfill the commitment. While he felt that public private partnership should be taken in right spirit and it is the need of the hour to understand the compulsion and have innovative solution to the problems. He also raised concern over the pathetic condition of the higher education especially university education.
Mr Lalit Patnaik, political activist spoke on the thematic discussion on ‘Lack of political responsibility for the weak railways in Odisha” and provided a detailed note on the historical injustice to Orissa on railways. He also held poor communication network that to absence of railways in Kandhamal as one of the reason for the large scale destruction in Kandhamal’s communal violence. The density of Railways in Orissa is the minimum i.e. 14.6 km per one thousand square km area though railways in Orissa have more profit to national income.
Mr. Achyut Das, noted social social worker discussed the issues of social exclusion, socio-economic marginalization of the tribal people in the wake of unplanned industrialization process that the state is experiencing in the last few decades. While he asserted that the lack of political will and participation of youth in active politics would severe the situation to a large extent. It is dis-heartening to see the youth workforce to be migrated to other states and living in sub -standard human condition and the state is languishing in extreme poverty.
Mr Ghasiram Panda, social activist long associated with forest right and livelihood issues of tribal people narrated the only successful involvement of people’s movement in forest management in the form of community forest management which has helped the conservation and management of forest. Taking a dig at faulty governmental policy historically, the role of local people in forest management had been paramount.
Mr. Sai Prasan, a member of JVM, had a thorough discussion on the politics of industrialization in the state of Orissa and raised concern over the jeopardized condition of the state in expediting the process of planned industrialization. While, in one hand more than 60 MoUs have been signed over the last few years, actual work had not yet started due to unplanned and lack of farsightedness of the government in implementing the same. He also appealed the political parties to clear their stand and the government should involve people in any negotiation that the government is having with the corporate. He also appealed that the government should keep the MoUs in public domain so that people can know about them and take appropriate steps for proper implementation of the same.
On inviting the panelists to the discussion, Mr Mallick drew the attention of the floor on the step motherly approach of the government to the non-governmental organizations in spite of their remarkable contribution in the last few years to the development process of the state. Whereas micro-finance institutions are instrumental in the development of the state, issues like social justice, equity and communal harmony are being ensured only by meaningful contribution of the civil society sector.
Speaking on the thematic topic “Disability and Political Action”, noted disability activist Ms. Sruti Mohapatra deliberated on the history of negligence towards disabled people and in Orissa’s context, it is deplorable. She had been fighting for their rights and have drawn the attention of the political parties in the past, but in vain. She demanded that as disabled people are 10 % of the total population, the political parties should give proper representation to the people with disability. In response to one query, she also spoke that whatever changes had happened in the dismal scenario, it had been only by the help of judiciary. However, the political will is required for proper redressal of the issues like provisioning of services and access of the disabled people as ensured by the constitution of India.
Dr Dhanada Mishra, an educationist deliberated on the education scenario of the state and the proposed role the state had to fulfill the commitment. While he felt that public private partnership should be taken in right spirit and it is the need of the hour to understand the compulsion and have innovative solution to the problems. He also raised concern over the pathetic condition of the higher education especially university education.
Mr Lalit Patnaik, political activist spoke on the thematic discussion on ‘Lack of political responsibility for the weak railways in Odisha” and provided a detailed note on the historical injustice to Orissa on railways. He also held poor communication network that to absence of railways in Kandhamal as one of the reason for the large scale destruction in Kandhamal’s communal violence. The density of Railways in Orissa is the minimum i.e. 14.6 km per one thousand square km area though railways in Orissa have more profit to national income.
Mr. Achyut Das, noted social social worker discussed the issues of social exclusion, socio-economic marginalization of the tribal people in the wake of unplanned industrialization process that the state is experiencing in the last few decades. While he asserted that the lack of political will and participation of youth in active politics would severe the situation to a large extent. It is dis-heartening to see the youth workforce to be migrated to other states and living in sub -standard human condition and the state is languishing in extreme poverty.
Mr Ghasiram Panda, social activist long associated with forest right and livelihood issues of tribal people narrated the only successful involvement of people’s movement in forest management in the form of community forest management which has helped the conservation and management of forest. Taking a dig at faulty governmental policy historically, the role of local people in forest management had been paramount.
Mr. Sai Prasan, a member of JVM, had a thorough discussion on the politics of industrialization in the state of Orissa and raised concern over the jeopardized condition of the state in expediting the process of planned industrialization. While, in one hand more than 60 MoUs have been signed over the last few years, actual work had not yet started due to unplanned and lack of farsightedness of the government in implementing the same. He also appealed the political parties to clear their stand and the government should involve people in any negotiation that the government is having with the corporate. He also appealed that the government should keep the MoUs in public domain so that people can know about them and take appropriate steps for proper implementation of the same.
Third session on Young Generation and Electoral Politics
The third and last session on “Young Generation and Electoral Politics” was chaired by Mr Akshaya Kumar Sahoo of The Asian Age and panelist present were Mr N.A. Ansari of Youth Matters, Mr Debi Prasad Prusty of Youth Congress, Mr Jatin Mohanty of Youth Wing of BJP, Mr Baboo Singh of Youth wing of BJD and Mr Rupak Johnson, communication expert.
Mr Debiprasad Prusty of Youth Congress took a dig at the recent change of political leaders into different parties and cautioned that it is not at all a healthy sign of true democracy. He termed it to be opportunistic politics and believes that the people will give answer to such politicians in future time to come. He also raised concern over the economic imbalance and discrimination happening in present time. He also felt sorry to see the income disparity among the common people and the government employees and asked for immediate scrutiny of the policies like NREGS and revision of the minimum wage employment to be 360 days in a year and enhancement in the daily wage. Narrating the historicity of the student’s politics of Orissa, he held the opinion that the students in recent times are not so politically active as it was in 80’s and 90’s. He blamed this to the new generation being more academic oriented and luxury seeking.
Mr Jatin Mohanty of BJP claimed that his party Bharatiya Janata Party had been a young party and believes in the youth’s active role in politics. He also appealed the youth to be dedicated and sacrificing to be part of politics to bring in change in society. He welcomed the debate organized by JVM and reaffirmed the need of organizing such debates.
Mr Baboo Singh of Youth Wing of BJD claimed that BJD had always been promoting youth in the party and recent municipal election of Bhubaneswar is a clear example where party had fielded more than 60% of seats to youth candidates. He also narrated that how it had so happened that young elected representatives are engaged in corruption too. So a mix of youth and experienced people should be part of the political parties for proper functioning of the political processes.
While all the speakers were of the same opinion of role of youth in electoral politics they raised few concerns over the age that we fix up.
Mr Rupak Johnson strongly appealed the political parties to give scope to youth to articulate their demands and their enhanced participation in the political process to bring about significant change in the state of affairs of Orissa.
Mr Ansari also brought the attention of the floor on the corrupt political practices that are going on at present and the lethargic attitude of the government to the development of youth in Orissa. No government had tried sincerely to bring in vibrant youth policy and implement the same. One such attempt only during the ministership of Mr. Ranendra Pratap Swain of BJD had not culminated into policy formulation and criticized the lack of commitment of the government in effecting the same.
Summarising the sessions on various issues concerning upcoming election in the state of Orissa, Mr Gobinda Ballava Dalai of JVM thanked all the participants for their cooperation for being the part of the process. He also opined that it is the beginning and a long path has yet to be covered to see visible change in the state of Orissa’s development scenario in future times to come. He thanked BISWA for getting associated with JVM in organizing the convention. He also thanked Adhikar, Agragamme & Youth Matters for lending support to the convention.
Mr Debiprasad Prusty of Youth Congress took a dig at the recent change of political leaders into different parties and cautioned that it is not at all a healthy sign of true democracy. He termed it to be opportunistic politics and believes that the people will give answer to such politicians in future time to come. He also raised concern over the economic imbalance and discrimination happening in present time. He also felt sorry to see the income disparity among the common people and the government employees and asked for immediate scrutiny of the policies like NREGS and revision of the minimum wage employment to be 360 days in a year and enhancement in the daily wage. Narrating the historicity of the student’s politics of Orissa, he held the opinion that the students in recent times are not so politically active as it was in 80’s and 90’s. He blamed this to the new generation being more academic oriented and luxury seeking.
Mr Jatin Mohanty of BJP claimed that his party Bharatiya Janata Party had been a young party and believes in the youth’s active role in politics. He also appealed the youth to be dedicated and sacrificing to be part of politics to bring in change in society. He welcomed the debate organized by JVM and reaffirmed the need of organizing such debates.
Mr Baboo Singh of Youth Wing of BJD claimed that BJD had always been promoting youth in the party and recent municipal election of Bhubaneswar is a clear example where party had fielded more than 60% of seats to youth candidates. He also narrated that how it had so happened that young elected representatives are engaged in corruption too. So a mix of youth and experienced people should be part of the political parties for proper functioning of the political processes.
While all the speakers were of the same opinion of role of youth in electoral politics they raised few concerns over the age that we fix up.
Mr Rupak Johnson strongly appealed the political parties to give scope to youth to articulate their demands and their enhanced participation in the political process to bring about significant change in the state of affairs of Orissa.
Mr Ansari also brought the attention of the floor on the corrupt political practices that are going on at present and the lethargic attitude of the government to the development of youth in Orissa. No government had tried sincerely to bring in vibrant youth policy and implement the same. One such attempt only during the ministership of Mr. Ranendra Pratap Swain of BJD had not culminated into policy formulation and criticized the lack of commitment of the government in effecting the same.
Summarising the sessions on various issues concerning upcoming election in the state of Orissa, Mr Gobinda Ballava Dalai of JVM thanked all the participants for their cooperation for being the part of the process. He also opined that it is the beginning and a long path has yet to be covered to see visible change in the state of Orissa’s development scenario in future times to come. He thanked BISWA for getting associated with JVM in organizing the convention. He also thanked Adhikar, Agragamme & Youth Matters for lending support to the convention.
The report is prepared by Gobinda Ballava Dalai, Youth activist, Janata Vikas Manch
Draft People’s Manifesto – Common Minimum Programme
JVM has prepared a People’s Manifesto – Common Minimum Programme (CMP) with the contribution of experts in various areas ranging from industry, youth, railways, and education to the financial inclusion. These issues have been widely discussed and debated for over three months following which the People’s Manifesto – CMP was drafted.
This People’s Manifesto will be the key theme at the state level convention on April 1, 2009 at Red Cross Bhawan and after a brain storming session, the final draft will be conveyed to the people of the state.
Following are the main points in the ten broad areas:
1. Industry
The global recession has hit both India as well as Odisha. In this context, the industrial policy of Odisha should be reviewed and renewed to tune itself to meet the challenges of globalization in the year 2009.
Both the people and government of Odisha should have an in-depth study whether the proposed 60 MoUs including POSCO, Vedanta and Tata Steel project will benefit the people of the state or they will be in loss at the end of the day. There has to be a cost benefit analysis of these projects. The state government conceded recently that the Rs 52,000 crore Posco project may likely to generate 4,000 to 5,000 jobs. In contrast, thousands of people are to lose their land and livelihood. Besides, the ecological impact of these plants needs to be properly assessed by the independent authorities.
The state government claims to sign 60 MoUs. Both the parties in power – BJD and BJP – should spell out how many of these MoUs have been materialized. And, it must make all the MoUs public.
JVM demands the political parties to follow following things:
1. Odisha government may resolve the problems it is facing in projects like Posco, Tata's Kalinga Nagar project and Vedanta on the following lines:
Ø It should take the people of the area into confidence and democratically sort out the issues in a transparent manner. It may hold referendum too, if necessary, to seek public opinion in the project affected areas.
Ø B. Only paying the compensation to the people against their land and offering them jobs may not be enough. Apart from this, the political parties should explore other options too. The valuation of the land can be done. And, a portion of the value of the cost of the land can be converted into equity which can also make the land owners shareholders / stakeholders in the project. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) can be created for this purpose. Like in Japan, the land from the people may be given to the private companies on lease basis and the land losers may be given bulk money for starting their new life and they may be given annual rentals to ensure sustained livelihood.
Ø C. The government should also ensure a percent (may be 50%) of the jobs across the board to be reserved for the locals of Orissa.
2. The state industrial policy must emphasize on how to attract capital from the people of Odisha origin living outside the state to invest back at home in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector for the purpose of employment generation.
3. The state has a lot of scope to develop agro and forest industry. The development of the cold storage and the soft skills like honey-harvesting can be encouraged as a SME sector.
4. Odisha has a long marine / coast line. Fisheries and other similar coast related means can be developed as a SME sector.
5. Orissa has a natural beauty which is attractive. The tourism sector has the potential to develop it as an industry both for the tourists as well as Bollywood and film industry which can provide employment and generate revenue for the state. The sea-food can be developed in such way that it can attract more and more tourists.
6. Similarly, if Andhra Pradesh government can develop Tirupathi Temple and Maharashtra can focus on Shiradi, then Odisha government can also develop Jagannath Temple on similar lines.
7. The globalization has hit the deprived section of society the most in terms of jobs. The state government should ensure that the SC & ST population consisting of 40% of the population gets proper facilities for starting their venture.
8. The government should direct even the private professional institutes to reserve seats for this category and financial arrangements be made to pay their fees.
9. Odisha government, along with the private sector, should educate youths telling that the self-employment is the order of the day. They can also be job-providers by adopting SME model.
10. The people oriented industrialization requires mass education. The Dalits, Tribals, minorities and women should be given a proper education so that they can understand how to participate in the industrial-developmental process.
2. Youth
The power of youth is the power of the State. This is true for Odisha where the youth, with their immense capability and limitless energy, can bring about developmental change in the state.
In order to measure up to the desired expectations, the youths would do well to pull its socks together by taking corrective steps. To cope with the challenges ahead, the youths have to equip themselves with the required arsenal.
JVM asks the political parties to adopt the following points for the development of the Youth in Odisha.
Ø Political awareness is the power to choose between right and wrong. The political parties should encourage more and more youth to come forward and join politics to shape the future of the state.
Ø 40% seat for youth in LS and Assembly poll: JVM asks the political parties to impart political education to the youth. And, give a minimum of 40% of seats both in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls. The age of the youth can be considered upto 45 years.
Ø Youth Fund: The political parties after coming to the power should constitute a Youth Fund which should be 25% of the total budget plan outlay of the State. The money from this fund should be spent on sports and employment generation programmes. They should be professionally and vocationally trained so that they can start their own venture. The youth should be given a loan from this fund at one per cent interest. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) can be formed to manage this fund.
Ø Entrepreneurial Attitude: A study of the Indian youth suggests that in metro cities youth are opting for 'self-employment' ways, leaving behind the 'employment seekers' mindset. Instead, they are generating employment through self-employment. This is a healthy trend for a country like India where more than thirty crore educated youth is unemployed! In Odisha, entrepreneurial mindset can be developed to work in the field of agriculture, floriculture, fisheries, tourism, small scale industries and several other untapped sectors. The political parties should work towards this direction.
Ø Communication Skill: Communication is a vast subject and it has several connotations. But the topic which is very relevant for the youth of Odisha, in general, is to have a sound understanding and command over English, which is now the language of the global world. Certain manners and etiquettes associated with English should also be learnt
Ø Information & Communication Technology: In the wake of the global economic crisis, the major IT companies like Microsoft have taken a beating. This gives the understanding that the youth must update his/ her knowledge with the time and opt for the advanced studies like Information & Communication Technology. Scores of computer-ignorant youth should learn the basics of computer and its application in day-to-day life. And, the political parties should take initiative to hold such kind of programmes.
3. Secularism:
The violence in Kandhamal has tarnished the secular image of Odisha before the national and global community. It was a failure on the part of the state government due to which the violence lasted for more than a month leading to the killing of innocent people and several thousands of people became homeless.
All the political parties need to do following things if they come to power in the state:
Ø A fast track court should be set up to punish the murderers of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati. And, the same fast track court should punish the criminals involved in the killing of a large number of innocent people and rape of women.
Ø The conversion and re-conversion politics of both the sides should be stopped.
Ø The government should take a special care for the development of SC and ST who are mainly the target of the conversion and re-conversion politics of Christian and Hindu organizations.
Ø The people who have become homeless in the violence should be given adequate protection for their return to their homes in Kandhamal.
Ø The land dispute between SC and ST should be settled and the ownership of the land to the original owners should be restored.
Ø The fake ST certificate holders should be identified and they should be punished for the violation of law.
Ø The state government should ensure that the communal violence in area of the state should be brought under control within seven days of its eruption. If the government fails to control it within the stipulated time, then it should step down
Ø Government should strictly monitor the inflow of the foreign funds for the religious purposes in Kandhamal areas.
4. Women
The women, in Odisha, though account for a considerable chunk of population, have largely been unnoticed in the state’s political and economic scenario. It is rather unfortunate to note that the women have still not woken up to the reality; they are far from exercising their rights bolstered through women empowerment. Odisha is pacing up its effort to size up the impact of the global meltdown affecting its financial health.
The women need to think beyond the four walls; they need to lift themselves up. In the age of machines and computers, Odisha requires large participation of women. Physical power, the emblem of feudal mindset, is passé; mental power is the new mantra. It's time to dream big. Emancipation waits for them at the door.
In this backdrop,
Ø JVM calls upon all the political parties to give 33% reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly poll.
Ø The political parties should ensure that the atrocities against women whether domestic or in public life should be settled within 120 days of the registration of the case in police station. And, the guilty should be punished during the said period.
Ø Special vocational and professional education should be given to the girl students and the government should bear 50% of the cost of this training programme.
Ø The government should ensure that women get loans at a very reasonable interest rates for setting up their ventures.
5. Policy on land:
The rapid industrialization in the state has led to displacement of poor farmers and tribals. The political parties should ensure that a proper R&R policy is in place.
Ø The consent of the people affected on the nature of public interest.
Ø The land acquisition act 1894 allows people not to be displaced without their consent, in the name of public purpose which is yet undefined. Thus, it abrogates the democratic rights of the people. The political parties should ensure that the first principle of a law or principle should be followed while carrying forward industrialization.
Ø The need to minimize displacement.
Ø Rehabilitation as a right.
Ø The principle based on justice that none be displaced without rehabilitation, which has to be viewed as a right of those who are paying the price of development.
Ø A caste / tribe and gender perspective.
Ø The tribals, dalits and other service castes are its worst sufferers. Even among them women feel the most negative impact. So special attention has to be paid to the needs of these groups. The policy should have caste\ tribe\gender biasness in looking into special and specific attention.
Ø The government should distribute unutilized land among the landless farmers, SCs and STs.
6 Agriculture
The globalization has impacted the farmers of the state most. They are facing several problems which needs to addressed by the political parties.
Ø The political parties should ensure that the water is properly given to the agriculture sector instead to diverting it to the industrial houses.
Ø The farmers should get good seeds at a concessional price.
Ø The banking network in the rural sector needs to be expanded so that they do not fall in the trap of money lenders
Ø The bank loans should be offered at reasonable rates.
Ø The farmers’ consent should be taken while introducing organic farming.
Ø The state government should work on the rural electrification,
Ø The setting up cold storage should be encouraged in the state.
Ø The concept of Rayutu bazaaru should be introduced on the Private-public-partnership model from village to urban area level.
Ø A irrigation network should be expanded.
Ø Mechanism needs to be evolved for tackling both for draught and flood in the state.
9. Financial Inclusion
All the indicators of financial inclusion in Orissa is very weak. The people should be conveyed the importance of financial literacy for managing their financial needs. According to a special report prepared by Union government on the financial inclusion, only three districts out of 30 districts meet the national standard of banking in the state. The state needs a proper banking network for a proper implementation of government schemes like NREGS. The political parties should ensure following things:
Ø The state government in consultation with Union finance ministry should recommend RBI to open new bank branches through out the state.
Ø The political parties should educate people about the importance of financial literacy. They should be conveyed the importance of insurance sector and new investment destinations like Mutual Funds.
Ø The people should also be conveyed which are the banks that offer loans at a reasonable interest rate.
10. Governance
The basic necessities like health and education still remains in a bad condition in the state. The political parties should work for the proper health and education facilities for the people of the state.
Health
Ø The state government should have a proper health policy.
Ø The budgetary allocation toward health sector should be increased.
Ø The political party coming to power should ensure that each village in the state has a proper medical facility.
Ø The government should offer special remunerative package to the medical staff including doctors to work in the rural sector.
Ø All the private medical institutes and hospitals should be properly regulated so that the people can get health facilities at a reasonable fee.
Ø The political parties coming to power should immediately take steps to set up cancer hospital in the state.
Education
Ø The political party coming to power should have a proper education policy.
Ø The public spending on the education should be enhanced.
Ø The permanent teachers should be appointed from primary school to university level.
Ø Special emphasis should be given on SC, ST, minorities and women education.
Ø More vocational and professional colleges should be set up.
Ø The fee in the private engineering and management colleges should be strictly monitored.
Ø The government should ensure the teachers across the board are properly paid in time.
Ø Student Unions elections, including in the private educational institutes, should be held regularly. Teachers and parents associations should be encouraged for the proper functioning of the educational institutes. The students, teachers and parents elected representative should be given place in the management board of the private educational institutes and colleges.
11. Social Change:
v ST development:
Tribals have been at the receiving end in the recent past due to the rapid industrialization and communal violence. The political parties should take following steps for the tribal development:
1. Land rights of the tribals must be protected strictly. The government should not take their land for setting up industries without taking their consent.
2. The political parties should ensure that their justified demands and problems should be solved politically. Their rights should not be muzzled in the name of countering ultra-left by setting up Salwa-judam kind of forces.
3. Tribals must get the right price for their forest produce like Kendu leave.
4. The government should ensure that the tribals should also have a say in the mining policies of the government.
5. The political parties should implement reservation in the jobs in the private sector. And, a minimum of seven jobs should be reserved in the private sector. And, after coming to power, they should ensure that all the vacancies reserved for the tribals should be filled up.
6. The political parties should take proper steps to identify the fake ST certificate holders in the state. And, take criminal action against them.
7. Government should help them in setting up their forest based ventures and made available the loans at a concessional interest rate for setting up small units.
v SC development
The SCs in Odisha still face social discrimination. There were reports of their entry being resisted by the upper castes in the temples. The state needs a big social movement on the lines of Tamil Nadu and UP to put an end to the social discrimination. The economic and social development of SCs is necessary for the overall change of the SCs in the state. The political parties should implement following points:
Ø Criminal action should be taken against those who violate the human rights of SCs.
Ø The political parties should ensure that all the vacancies reserved for the SCs should be filled up in the educational institutes and government. The political parties should ensure 15% reservation for the SCs in the private sector for setting up small units.
Ø Government should help them in setting up their forest based ventures and made available the loans at a concessional interest rate.
12. Infrastructure specially railways
Orissa must develop its infrastructure facility which is very important for the development of the State. Apart from roads, railway network is very vital for the development of the state.
Indian railways has neglected Orissa specially KBK and Kandhamala district since independence. Railway is one of the cheapest mode of transport in the world compared to other means. And, the development of the state is very much linked with the railway network.
All the political parties, irrespective of power in Union and state government, must put pressure on the government/s to complete the three lines within five years.
o The Kandhamal-KBK line: Bhadrachalam Road (Andhra) – Malkangiri- Jeypore – Junagarh – Lanjigarh Rd – across Kandhamal District –
o Khurda Road – Balangir line & Talcher – Bimlagarh
Indian Railways should pump more money in developing rail network in the backward regions in Odisha. It can certainly recover its investments and offer profits in the long run. Indian Railways should finish Kandhamal-KBK line and the Khurda Balangir line in the next five years.
THANK YOU
This People’s Manifesto will be the key theme at the state level convention on April 1, 2009 at Red Cross Bhawan and after a brain storming session, the final draft will be conveyed to the people of the state.
Following are the main points in the ten broad areas:
1. Industry
The global recession has hit both India as well as Odisha. In this context, the industrial policy of Odisha should be reviewed and renewed to tune itself to meet the challenges of globalization in the year 2009.
Both the people and government of Odisha should have an in-depth study whether the proposed 60 MoUs including POSCO, Vedanta and Tata Steel project will benefit the people of the state or they will be in loss at the end of the day. There has to be a cost benefit analysis of these projects. The state government conceded recently that the Rs 52,000 crore Posco project may likely to generate 4,000 to 5,000 jobs. In contrast, thousands of people are to lose their land and livelihood. Besides, the ecological impact of these plants needs to be properly assessed by the independent authorities.
The state government claims to sign 60 MoUs. Both the parties in power – BJD and BJP – should spell out how many of these MoUs have been materialized. And, it must make all the MoUs public.
JVM demands the political parties to follow following things:
1. Odisha government may resolve the problems it is facing in projects like Posco, Tata's Kalinga Nagar project and Vedanta on the following lines:
Ø It should take the people of the area into confidence and democratically sort out the issues in a transparent manner. It may hold referendum too, if necessary, to seek public opinion in the project affected areas.
Ø B. Only paying the compensation to the people against their land and offering them jobs may not be enough. Apart from this, the political parties should explore other options too. The valuation of the land can be done. And, a portion of the value of the cost of the land can be converted into equity which can also make the land owners shareholders / stakeholders in the project. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) can be created for this purpose. Like in Japan, the land from the people may be given to the private companies on lease basis and the land losers may be given bulk money for starting their new life and they may be given annual rentals to ensure sustained livelihood.
Ø C. The government should also ensure a percent (may be 50%) of the jobs across the board to be reserved for the locals of Orissa.
2. The state industrial policy must emphasize on how to attract capital from the people of Odisha origin living outside the state to invest back at home in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector for the purpose of employment generation.
3. The state has a lot of scope to develop agro and forest industry. The development of the cold storage and the soft skills like honey-harvesting can be encouraged as a SME sector.
4. Odisha has a long marine / coast line. Fisheries and other similar coast related means can be developed as a SME sector.
5. Orissa has a natural beauty which is attractive. The tourism sector has the potential to develop it as an industry both for the tourists as well as Bollywood and film industry which can provide employment and generate revenue for the state. The sea-food can be developed in such way that it can attract more and more tourists.
6. Similarly, if Andhra Pradesh government can develop Tirupathi Temple and Maharashtra can focus on Shiradi, then Odisha government can also develop Jagannath Temple on similar lines.
7. The globalization has hit the deprived section of society the most in terms of jobs. The state government should ensure that the SC & ST population consisting of 40% of the population gets proper facilities for starting their venture.
8. The government should direct even the private professional institutes to reserve seats for this category and financial arrangements be made to pay their fees.
9. Odisha government, along with the private sector, should educate youths telling that the self-employment is the order of the day. They can also be job-providers by adopting SME model.
10. The people oriented industrialization requires mass education. The Dalits, Tribals, minorities and women should be given a proper education so that they can understand how to participate in the industrial-developmental process.
2. Youth
The power of youth is the power of the State. This is true for Odisha where the youth, with their immense capability and limitless energy, can bring about developmental change in the state.
In order to measure up to the desired expectations, the youths would do well to pull its socks together by taking corrective steps. To cope with the challenges ahead, the youths have to equip themselves with the required arsenal.
JVM asks the political parties to adopt the following points for the development of the Youth in Odisha.
Ø Political awareness is the power to choose between right and wrong. The political parties should encourage more and more youth to come forward and join politics to shape the future of the state.
Ø 40% seat for youth in LS and Assembly poll: JVM asks the political parties to impart political education to the youth. And, give a minimum of 40% of seats both in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls. The age of the youth can be considered upto 45 years.
Ø Youth Fund: The political parties after coming to the power should constitute a Youth Fund which should be 25% of the total budget plan outlay of the State. The money from this fund should be spent on sports and employment generation programmes. They should be professionally and vocationally trained so that they can start their own venture. The youth should be given a loan from this fund at one per cent interest. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) can be formed to manage this fund.
Ø Entrepreneurial Attitude: A study of the Indian youth suggests that in metro cities youth are opting for 'self-employment' ways, leaving behind the 'employment seekers' mindset. Instead, they are generating employment through self-employment. This is a healthy trend for a country like India where more than thirty crore educated youth is unemployed! In Odisha, entrepreneurial mindset can be developed to work in the field of agriculture, floriculture, fisheries, tourism, small scale industries and several other untapped sectors. The political parties should work towards this direction.
Ø Communication Skill: Communication is a vast subject and it has several connotations. But the topic which is very relevant for the youth of Odisha, in general, is to have a sound understanding and command over English, which is now the language of the global world. Certain manners and etiquettes associated with English should also be learnt
Ø Information & Communication Technology: In the wake of the global economic crisis, the major IT companies like Microsoft have taken a beating. This gives the understanding that the youth must update his/ her knowledge with the time and opt for the advanced studies like Information & Communication Technology. Scores of computer-ignorant youth should learn the basics of computer and its application in day-to-day life. And, the political parties should take initiative to hold such kind of programmes.
3. Secularism:
The violence in Kandhamal has tarnished the secular image of Odisha before the national and global community. It was a failure on the part of the state government due to which the violence lasted for more than a month leading to the killing of innocent people and several thousands of people became homeless.
All the political parties need to do following things if they come to power in the state:
Ø A fast track court should be set up to punish the murderers of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati. And, the same fast track court should punish the criminals involved in the killing of a large number of innocent people and rape of women.
Ø The conversion and re-conversion politics of both the sides should be stopped.
Ø The government should take a special care for the development of SC and ST who are mainly the target of the conversion and re-conversion politics of Christian and Hindu organizations.
Ø The people who have become homeless in the violence should be given adequate protection for their return to their homes in Kandhamal.
Ø The land dispute between SC and ST should be settled and the ownership of the land to the original owners should be restored.
Ø The fake ST certificate holders should be identified and they should be punished for the violation of law.
Ø The state government should ensure that the communal violence in area of the state should be brought under control within seven days of its eruption. If the government fails to control it within the stipulated time, then it should step down
Ø Government should strictly monitor the inflow of the foreign funds for the religious purposes in Kandhamal areas.
4. Women
The women, in Odisha, though account for a considerable chunk of population, have largely been unnoticed in the state’s political and economic scenario. It is rather unfortunate to note that the women have still not woken up to the reality; they are far from exercising their rights bolstered through women empowerment. Odisha is pacing up its effort to size up the impact of the global meltdown affecting its financial health.
The women need to think beyond the four walls; they need to lift themselves up. In the age of machines and computers, Odisha requires large participation of women. Physical power, the emblem of feudal mindset, is passé; mental power is the new mantra. It's time to dream big. Emancipation waits for them at the door.
In this backdrop,
Ø JVM calls upon all the political parties to give 33% reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly poll.
Ø The political parties should ensure that the atrocities against women whether domestic or in public life should be settled within 120 days of the registration of the case in police station. And, the guilty should be punished during the said period.
Ø Special vocational and professional education should be given to the girl students and the government should bear 50% of the cost of this training programme.
Ø The government should ensure that women get loans at a very reasonable interest rates for setting up their ventures.
5. Policy on land:
The rapid industrialization in the state has led to displacement of poor farmers and tribals. The political parties should ensure that a proper R&R policy is in place.
Ø The consent of the people affected on the nature of public interest.
Ø The land acquisition act 1894 allows people not to be displaced without their consent, in the name of public purpose which is yet undefined. Thus, it abrogates the democratic rights of the people. The political parties should ensure that the first principle of a law or principle should be followed while carrying forward industrialization.
Ø The need to minimize displacement.
Ø Rehabilitation as a right.
Ø The principle based on justice that none be displaced without rehabilitation, which has to be viewed as a right of those who are paying the price of development.
Ø A caste / tribe and gender perspective.
Ø The tribals, dalits and other service castes are its worst sufferers. Even among them women feel the most negative impact. So special attention has to be paid to the needs of these groups. The policy should have caste\ tribe\gender biasness in looking into special and specific attention.
Ø The government should distribute unutilized land among the landless farmers, SCs and STs.
6 Agriculture
The globalization has impacted the farmers of the state most. They are facing several problems which needs to addressed by the political parties.
Ø The political parties should ensure that the water is properly given to the agriculture sector instead to diverting it to the industrial houses.
Ø The farmers should get good seeds at a concessional price.
Ø The banking network in the rural sector needs to be expanded so that they do not fall in the trap of money lenders
Ø The bank loans should be offered at reasonable rates.
Ø The farmers’ consent should be taken while introducing organic farming.
Ø The state government should work on the rural electrification,
Ø The setting up cold storage should be encouraged in the state.
Ø The concept of Rayutu bazaaru should be introduced on the Private-public-partnership model from village to urban area level.
Ø A irrigation network should be expanded.
Ø Mechanism needs to be evolved for tackling both for draught and flood in the state.
9. Financial Inclusion
All the indicators of financial inclusion in Orissa is very weak. The people should be conveyed the importance of financial literacy for managing their financial needs. According to a special report prepared by Union government on the financial inclusion, only three districts out of 30 districts meet the national standard of banking in the state. The state needs a proper banking network for a proper implementation of government schemes like NREGS. The political parties should ensure following things:
Ø The state government in consultation with Union finance ministry should recommend RBI to open new bank branches through out the state.
Ø The political parties should educate people about the importance of financial literacy. They should be conveyed the importance of insurance sector and new investment destinations like Mutual Funds.
Ø The people should also be conveyed which are the banks that offer loans at a reasonable interest rate.
10. Governance
The basic necessities like health and education still remains in a bad condition in the state. The political parties should work for the proper health and education facilities for the people of the state.
Health
Ø The state government should have a proper health policy.
Ø The budgetary allocation toward health sector should be increased.
Ø The political party coming to power should ensure that each village in the state has a proper medical facility.
Ø The government should offer special remunerative package to the medical staff including doctors to work in the rural sector.
Ø All the private medical institutes and hospitals should be properly regulated so that the people can get health facilities at a reasonable fee.
Ø The political parties coming to power should immediately take steps to set up cancer hospital in the state.
Education
Ø The political party coming to power should have a proper education policy.
Ø The public spending on the education should be enhanced.
Ø The permanent teachers should be appointed from primary school to university level.
Ø Special emphasis should be given on SC, ST, minorities and women education.
Ø More vocational and professional colleges should be set up.
Ø The fee in the private engineering and management colleges should be strictly monitored.
Ø The government should ensure the teachers across the board are properly paid in time.
Ø Student Unions elections, including in the private educational institutes, should be held regularly. Teachers and parents associations should be encouraged for the proper functioning of the educational institutes. The students, teachers and parents elected representative should be given place in the management board of the private educational institutes and colleges.
11. Social Change:
v ST development:
Tribals have been at the receiving end in the recent past due to the rapid industrialization and communal violence. The political parties should take following steps for the tribal development:
1. Land rights of the tribals must be protected strictly. The government should not take their land for setting up industries without taking their consent.
2. The political parties should ensure that their justified demands and problems should be solved politically. Their rights should not be muzzled in the name of countering ultra-left by setting up Salwa-judam kind of forces.
3. Tribals must get the right price for their forest produce like Kendu leave.
4. The government should ensure that the tribals should also have a say in the mining policies of the government.
5. The political parties should implement reservation in the jobs in the private sector. And, a minimum of seven jobs should be reserved in the private sector. And, after coming to power, they should ensure that all the vacancies reserved for the tribals should be filled up.
6. The political parties should take proper steps to identify the fake ST certificate holders in the state. And, take criminal action against them.
7. Government should help them in setting up their forest based ventures and made available the loans at a concessional interest rate for setting up small units.
v SC development
The SCs in Odisha still face social discrimination. There were reports of their entry being resisted by the upper castes in the temples. The state needs a big social movement on the lines of Tamil Nadu and UP to put an end to the social discrimination. The economic and social development of SCs is necessary for the overall change of the SCs in the state. The political parties should implement following points:
Ø Criminal action should be taken against those who violate the human rights of SCs.
Ø The political parties should ensure that all the vacancies reserved for the SCs should be filled up in the educational institutes and government. The political parties should ensure 15% reservation for the SCs in the private sector for setting up small units.
Ø Government should help them in setting up their forest based ventures and made available the loans at a concessional interest rate.
12. Infrastructure specially railways
Orissa must develop its infrastructure facility which is very important for the development of the State. Apart from roads, railway network is very vital for the development of the state.
Indian railways has neglected Orissa specially KBK and Kandhamala district since independence. Railway is one of the cheapest mode of transport in the world compared to other means. And, the development of the state is very much linked with the railway network.
All the political parties, irrespective of power in Union and state government, must put pressure on the government/s to complete the three lines within five years.
o The Kandhamal-KBK line: Bhadrachalam Road (Andhra) – Malkangiri- Jeypore – Junagarh – Lanjigarh Rd – across Kandhamal District –
o Khurda Road – Balangir line & Talcher – Bimlagarh
Indian Railways should pump more money in developing rail network in the backward regions in Odisha. It can certainly recover its investments and offer profits in the long run. Indian Railways should finish Kandhamal-KBK line and the Khurda Balangir line in the next five years.
THANK YOU
Saturday, March 21, 2009
JVM meeting on March 22, 2009 at Red Cross Bhavan
Dear All,
Greetiings.
As announced, Janata Vikas Manch (JVM) will hold a preparatory meeting at 4 PM, on March 22,, 2009 (Sunday) at Red Cross Bhavan, Bhubaneswar to finalise the plan and programme for the state level convention on April 1, 2009.
All (individuals / organizations) are invited to participate in the meeting to finalise the plan and programme for the April 1, 2009 convention.
Looking forward,
Regards,
JVM Team
Bhubaneswar
09821265458
Greetiings.
As announced, Janata Vikas Manch (JVM) will hold a preparatory meeting at 4 PM, on March 22,, 2009 (Sunday) at Red Cross Bhavan, Bhubaneswar to finalise the plan and programme for the state level convention on April 1, 2009.
All (individuals / organizations) are invited to participate in the meeting to finalise the plan and programme for the April 1, 2009 convention.
Looking forward,
Regards,
JVM Team
Bhubaneswar
09821265458
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Odisha's women need revolutionary change in thinking for a holistic development
A cultural mass-struggle necessary to change the feudal mind-set
By Rupak Johnson
The women, in northern belt of India, have largely been non-participants in the development process of their respective states. Unlike south, where women are understood to have a pragmatic approach towards globalization, the scene in the north is fraught with confusion and embarrassment.
In mid-eastern state Odisha too, the women are yet to come in terms with the reality of industrialization and modernization. However, too late, Odisha also jumped into the development bandwagon to come out of the poverty tag attached with it for a long time. The present government invited the big business players to join hands with them in exploring the possibility of the elusive growth. And the state desperately requires skilled human resources to work as development agents. The huge task ahead is not possible without the participation of womenfolk, who consist of a large chunk of the population. But the question is: How can they be ready for action ?
Women in Odisha: An overview
The Constitution of India provides for equality between men and women according to Articles 14, 15 and 16. But there is denial of equality at various levels because of the strong feudal mindset in the state. The feudal and agricultural societies of the yore brought in the male-dominance concept because of the physical strength of men-folk. Women preferred to play second fiddle by confining themselves within the four walls of the house cooking food, giving birth and rearing children.
The situation still holds true for Odisha, especially the rural belts, where nearly eighty five percent of the total population resides. And despite dominance of mineral-based industries, agriculture continues to be the mainstay of about three-fourths of the total working force. As a result, women keep themselves associated with only household work; they do not want to think anything else; they restrict their outlook.
In Odisha, like other parts of the country, women are still looked down upon. The birth of a girl child is seen as a tragedy even among people belonging to educated class. The girl is considered as a burden. This is the reason why the reports of female foeticide appear in media at frequent intervals. The disgusting practice of dowry also cast the women in a negative picture; she is treated like cattle in the marriage market; she has no value of her own; her education and thoughts are of no meaning.
It is strange to learn that women in Odisha are still far from equal in terms of their rights and privileges. They work from dawn to dusk doing their chores and taking care of the members of the household, but sadly, they are not supposed to have their say in decision-making. It is the male who decide or rather the society, in general, that would want him to decide. The woman, however intelligent and wise, is seldom asked to participate. It is immaterial to know whether she possesses 'a piece of her own mind'; she is a mute spectator who is forced to play a passive role.
What are the reasons?
Women in Odisha have not learnt to assert themselves and they also suffer from low self-esteem. Intelligence Quotient tests have established that the IQ of an average woman is the same that of an average man.
Given a chance, women can perform as well as men in almost all activities. There have been umpteen numbers of examples in the country where women showed they can deliver. Right from Kalpana Chawla, the late astronaut of Indian origin to, Indira K. Nooyi, the chief executive officer of PepsiCo, Kiran Desai, the man booker prize winner, Sania Mirza, the mixed doubles Australian Grand Slam winner to Aishwarya Rai, the international face of Indian film industry, there are ever increasing number of women achievers from our country. These women are known to have been assertive, a trait which implies exercising one's own rights and having conviction — a firmly held belief in one's own self.
A majority of women in Odisha are cocooned in a pile of prejudice and pre-conceived notion. They do not want to come out of the rut; they lack self-will and the urge to achieve a foothold in the society. The state can boast of a handful of women achievers who have given Odisha recognition at the national level.
Nandita Das, Kalpana Das and Roopa Mishra are some of the achievers who brought laurels for themselves as well as for the state. But, the success rate is few and far between. There is a huge scope for women in new-age professions like television, journalism, fashion design and entertainment. It is rather strange to note that the women here are cut-off from the political thinking; they treat politics as pariah. They still believe in clichés like 'the person who does not have any other work does politics'. Strange enough! Living in a globalised world with such thinking is pathetic and calls for serious attention. It is indeed a gross misconception which has been inculcated on their minds by external forces.
The women should look at their neighboring states Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where women have strong political base. They need to look at Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab and even North-East. A breakthrough initiative for Industrialization and modernization of the state is possible only through the active and collective participation of its citizens at thinking and action level. Odisha's women must act fast.
What to do?
A change in the outlook is possible with the willingness to change along with a positive approach. The slogan 'Yes, we can' played a key role in Mr. Barack Obama's historic victory in USA; it was the essence of his political campaigning. This attitude is required in Odisha too. The women need to have self-belief which will open up news vistas of opportunity for them. They need a revolution in thinking level, a complete overhauling of the mindset. They need to ignite their brain to have a clear vision of the surrounding.
A mass-struggle is required to help them break free from the mindset of feudal societies. The women need to think beyond the four walls; they need to lift themselves up. In the age of machines and computers, Odisha requires large participation of women. Physical power, the emblem of feudal mindset, is passé; mental power is the new mantra. It's time to dream big. Emancipation waits for them at the door.
The author is a communication expert. Please send your feed back at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com or visit http://www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com/ for more information.
By Rupak Johnson
The women, in northern belt of India, have largely been non-participants in the development process of their respective states. Unlike south, where women are understood to have a pragmatic approach towards globalization, the scene in the north is fraught with confusion and embarrassment.
In mid-eastern state Odisha too, the women are yet to come in terms with the reality of industrialization and modernization. However, too late, Odisha also jumped into the development bandwagon to come out of the poverty tag attached with it for a long time. The present government invited the big business players to join hands with them in exploring the possibility of the elusive growth. And the state desperately requires skilled human resources to work as development agents. The huge task ahead is not possible without the participation of womenfolk, who consist of a large chunk of the population. But the question is: How can they be ready for action ?
Women in Odisha: An overview
The Constitution of India provides for equality between men and women according to Articles 14, 15 and 16. But there is denial of equality at various levels because of the strong feudal mindset in the state. The feudal and agricultural societies of the yore brought in the male-dominance concept because of the physical strength of men-folk. Women preferred to play second fiddle by confining themselves within the four walls of the house cooking food, giving birth and rearing children.
The situation still holds true for Odisha, especially the rural belts, where nearly eighty five percent of the total population resides. And despite dominance of mineral-based industries, agriculture continues to be the mainstay of about three-fourths of the total working force. As a result, women keep themselves associated with only household work; they do not want to think anything else; they restrict their outlook.
In Odisha, like other parts of the country, women are still looked down upon. The birth of a girl child is seen as a tragedy even among people belonging to educated class. The girl is considered as a burden. This is the reason why the reports of female foeticide appear in media at frequent intervals. The disgusting practice of dowry also cast the women in a negative picture; she is treated like cattle in the marriage market; she has no value of her own; her education and thoughts are of no meaning.
It is strange to learn that women in Odisha are still far from equal in terms of their rights and privileges. They work from dawn to dusk doing their chores and taking care of the members of the household, but sadly, they are not supposed to have their say in decision-making. It is the male who decide or rather the society, in general, that would want him to decide. The woman, however intelligent and wise, is seldom asked to participate. It is immaterial to know whether she possesses 'a piece of her own mind'; she is a mute spectator who is forced to play a passive role.
What are the reasons?
Women in Odisha have not learnt to assert themselves and they also suffer from low self-esteem. Intelligence Quotient tests have established that the IQ of an average woman is the same that of an average man.
Given a chance, women can perform as well as men in almost all activities. There have been umpteen numbers of examples in the country where women showed they can deliver. Right from Kalpana Chawla, the late astronaut of Indian origin to, Indira K. Nooyi, the chief executive officer of PepsiCo, Kiran Desai, the man booker prize winner, Sania Mirza, the mixed doubles Australian Grand Slam winner to Aishwarya Rai, the international face of Indian film industry, there are ever increasing number of women achievers from our country. These women are known to have been assertive, a trait which implies exercising one's own rights and having conviction — a firmly held belief in one's own self.
A majority of women in Odisha are cocooned in a pile of prejudice and pre-conceived notion. They do not want to come out of the rut; they lack self-will and the urge to achieve a foothold in the society. The state can boast of a handful of women achievers who have given Odisha recognition at the national level.
Nandita Das, Kalpana Das and Roopa Mishra are some of the achievers who brought laurels for themselves as well as for the state. But, the success rate is few and far between. There is a huge scope for women in new-age professions like television, journalism, fashion design and entertainment. It is rather strange to note that the women here are cut-off from the political thinking; they treat politics as pariah. They still believe in clichés like 'the person who does not have any other work does politics'. Strange enough! Living in a globalised world with such thinking is pathetic and calls for serious attention. It is indeed a gross misconception which has been inculcated on their minds by external forces.
The women should look at their neighboring states Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where women have strong political base. They need to look at Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab and even North-East. A breakthrough initiative for Industrialization and modernization of the state is possible only through the active and collective participation of its citizens at thinking and action level. Odisha's women must act fast.
What to do?
A change in the outlook is possible with the willingness to change along with a positive approach. The slogan 'Yes, we can' played a key role in Mr. Barack Obama's historic victory in USA; it was the essence of his political campaigning. This attitude is required in Odisha too. The women need to have self-belief which will open up news vistas of opportunity for them. They need a revolution in thinking level, a complete overhauling of the mindset. They need to ignite their brain to have a clear vision of the surrounding.
A mass-struggle is required to help them break free from the mindset of feudal societies. The women need to think beyond the four walls; they need to lift themselves up. In the age of machines and computers, Odisha requires large participation of women. Physical power, the emblem of feudal mindset, is passé; mental power is the new mantra. It's time to dream big. Emancipation waits for them at the door.
The author is a communication expert. Please send your feed back at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com or visit http://www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com/ for more information.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Odisha's youth must change mindset to meet challenges of global meltdown
By Rupak Johnson
Odisha's youth is not different than the rest of India as the global meltdown has them badly. The current batch of engineering and management institutes of the state are seeing a bleak future for their placement opportunities in the industry because the existing ones working within and outside the Odisha are loosing jobs left, right and centre.
Both global and national media reports convey that the frustration, anxiety and anger is being easily seen and experienced throughout the globe in the current global economic crisis which is even greater in magnitude than the Great Depression of 1930s. Job cuts, lay-offs, pink slips are the kind of unpleasant words which have become so frequent these days that it cast a shadow on our very survival in this competitive world. The news dailies are replete with reports of demonstrations by jobless youth, right from US to Germany and France in Europe to several regions in Asia. The situation in India too does not present a rosy picture. Soon after the meltdown shockwaves, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex tumbled bringing the business tycoons many steps down the profit ladder. There have been sudden brakes in the business activities of manufacturing and service sectors. Everyone is asking now: what next?
Odisha: Development Issue
Odisha unfortunately has not undergone any significant developmental change in the last 60 years. A comparative study of the neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal can be done in this regard to understand the actual situation of the state. Andhra Pradesh is known internationally as the progressive state both in terms of IT, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and for the forward thinking of the youth.
On the other hand, West Bengal, though a Communist-led state, has seen the sincere efforts of the pragmatic chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya for the economic growth of the state. Moreover, Bengali youth, shaking off their nostalgia are scattered throughout the globe, thus contributing to the welfare of their home state.
Odisha needs development on many fronts starting with the desire to develop first. And the desire takes place when we ponder sincerely over gain and loss. No country or state, in this fast shrinking global world, can afford to remain aloof. There are genuine development requirements in the thinking level of the Odisha people, especially the youth. Development of the self is what required the most at the collective level. We can take inspiration from the youth of Bihar. Though their state is in shambles, their contribution in national politics as well as union civil services are of great significance. They feel proud to be known as Bihari whereas a person from Odisha, living in West Bengal, New Delhi or Mumbai for years, prefers to give a pseudo identity! There is a big question mark on the self-respect. Whom to blame? The so-called politicians who have failed to give a proper identity to Odisha at the national level or the parents who have not taught their children to be proud of Odisha and its culture? It is high time for the youth to change their mindset to actively participate in the future development of Odisha.
Odisha: Youth Mindset
Once ensconced in the cool comfort of their surrounding, the youth, today find themselves trapped with the onslaught of globalization. It is like suddenly changing pace and be on the fast track! The progress in Information and Communication Technology vis-a-vis cutting edge technology have caught them, lagging behind in the race.
In addition to that, the advent of multinational companies in Odisha has further compounded their task of competing with their counterparts at the highest level! The state requires technical manpower not only to develop infrastructure but also to set up its own manufacturing units at various levels to lessen dependency on other states.
The youth can ill-afford to remain in a regressive mindset when they have a greater role to play for the welfare of their state. Gone are the days when they would enjoy the notion that only fathers were required to work to run as big a family as a volleyball team! Ignorance is no more bliss especially when the very question of existence arises with alarming proportions.
Secondly, an attitude which borders on the periphery of fatalism is equally dangerous as it takes the logic out rendering the thoughts irrational and out of sync with the facts. This is known as back-ward thinking due to which not only the individual's progress is blocked but state too, as a whole, has to pay the price.
Though there is no harm in having faith in God and practicing spiritualism, it is the overdose of religious intoxicants that is really hazardous to one's own development as a contributing citizen of the state.
The youth in Odisha has to realize fact that the Time is slipping out of hand. The youth from other states like Bihar, Jharkhand and others are capturing more number of seats not only in premier educational institutions but also grabbing jobs both in public and private companies in Odisha.
Odisha: Way Forward For Youth
It is not too late. In order to measure up to the desired expectation, the youth would do well to pull its socks together by taking corrective steps. Taking cue from the Darwin theory that 'survival is the art of the fittest', the youth has to equip himself with the required arsenal to cope with the challenges ahead in the global meltdown. The steps to be taken are as follows:
1. Political Awareness: It is the political leadership of our country which takes decisions of our day-to-day life right from what we should eat, drink, wear to what we should watch on TV or where we can smoke to and what type of education we should have. It is, therefore, imperative for the youth to take active participation in the political debate and discussions. For example, the youth in West Bengal, Kerala, Bihar and other state are politically literate and they not only take active part in political debate and discussions, but also express their opinion. Political awareness is the power to choose between right and wrong.
2. Communication Skill: Communication is a vast subject and it has several connotations. But the topic which is very relevant for the youth of Odisha, in general, is to have a sound understanding and command over English, which is now the language of the global world. Certain manners and etiquettes associated with English should also be learnt. The economic crisis has made the selection process tougher. 'Creamy layer' is fast becoming the buzzword in the recruiting companies.
3. Information & Communication Technology: In the wake of the global economic crisis, the major IT companies like Microsoft have taken a beating. This gives the understanding that something advanced like Information & Communication Technology is the call of the day. The first step in this regard for scores of computer-ignorant youth would be to learn the basics of computer and get to know about Internet, emailing and MS-office applications like working on Windows, Excel and PowerPoint. One of the pre-requisites in the professional world today is to be a computer literate.
4. Entrepreneurial Attitude: A study of the Indian youth suggests that in metro cities youth are opting for 'self-employment' ways leaving behind the 'employment seekers' mindset . Instead, they are generate employment through self-employment. This is a healthy trend for a country like India where more than thirty crore educated youth are unemployed! In Odisha, entrepreneurial mindset can be developed to work in the field of agriculture, floriculture, fisheries, tourism, small scale industries and several other untapped sectors.
5. Need to develop 24/7 work culture and dismantle the 10 to 5 mindset: Youth must develop work culture if he or she wants to develop Odisha like Punjab, Haryana, Gujrat, Maharashtra and other developed states in India.
This is the right time for the youth of Odisha to introspect and re-position himself or herself for the development of the state in the post-meltdown. Otherwise, the state will remain unchanged even after another sixty years. This is the bitter truth, one may or may not like it.
The author is a communication expert. Please send your comments and suggestions to janatavikasmanch@gmail.com or rupak.johnson@gmail.com . And, visit www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com for more information.
Odisha's youth is not different than the rest of India as the global meltdown has them badly. The current batch of engineering and management institutes of the state are seeing a bleak future for their placement opportunities in the industry because the existing ones working within and outside the Odisha are loosing jobs left, right and centre.
Both global and national media reports convey that the frustration, anxiety and anger is being easily seen and experienced throughout the globe in the current global economic crisis which is even greater in magnitude than the Great Depression of 1930s. Job cuts, lay-offs, pink slips are the kind of unpleasant words which have become so frequent these days that it cast a shadow on our very survival in this competitive world. The news dailies are replete with reports of demonstrations by jobless youth, right from US to Germany and France in Europe to several regions in Asia. The situation in India too does not present a rosy picture. Soon after the meltdown shockwaves, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex tumbled bringing the business tycoons many steps down the profit ladder. There have been sudden brakes in the business activities of manufacturing and service sectors. Everyone is asking now: what next?
Odisha: Development Issue
Odisha unfortunately has not undergone any significant developmental change in the last 60 years. A comparative study of the neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal can be done in this regard to understand the actual situation of the state. Andhra Pradesh is known internationally as the progressive state both in terms of IT, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and for the forward thinking of the youth.
On the other hand, West Bengal, though a Communist-led state, has seen the sincere efforts of the pragmatic chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya for the economic growth of the state. Moreover, Bengali youth, shaking off their nostalgia are scattered throughout the globe, thus contributing to the welfare of their home state.
Odisha needs development on many fronts starting with the desire to develop first. And the desire takes place when we ponder sincerely over gain and loss. No country or state, in this fast shrinking global world, can afford to remain aloof. There are genuine development requirements in the thinking level of the Odisha people, especially the youth. Development of the self is what required the most at the collective level. We can take inspiration from the youth of Bihar. Though their state is in shambles, their contribution in national politics as well as union civil services are of great significance. They feel proud to be known as Bihari whereas a person from Odisha, living in West Bengal, New Delhi or Mumbai for years, prefers to give a pseudo identity! There is a big question mark on the self-respect. Whom to blame? The so-called politicians who have failed to give a proper identity to Odisha at the national level or the parents who have not taught their children to be proud of Odisha and its culture? It is high time for the youth to change their mindset to actively participate in the future development of Odisha.
Odisha: Youth Mindset
Once ensconced in the cool comfort of their surrounding, the youth, today find themselves trapped with the onslaught of globalization. It is like suddenly changing pace and be on the fast track! The progress in Information and Communication Technology vis-a-vis cutting edge technology have caught them, lagging behind in the race.
In addition to that, the advent of multinational companies in Odisha has further compounded their task of competing with their counterparts at the highest level! The state requires technical manpower not only to develop infrastructure but also to set up its own manufacturing units at various levels to lessen dependency on other states.
The youth can ill-afford to remain in a regressive mindset when they have a greater role to play for the welfare of their state. Gone are the days when they would enjoy the notion that only fathers were required to work to run as big a family as a volleyball team! Ignorance is no more bliss especially when the very question of existence arises with alarming proportions.
Secondly, an attitude which borders on the periphery of fatalism is equally dangerous as it takes the logic out rendering the thoughts irrational and out of sync with the facts. This is known as back-ward thinking due to which not only the individual's progress is blocked but state too, as a whole, has to pay the price.
Though there is no harm in having faith in God and practicing spiritualism, it is the overdose of religious intoxicants that is really hazardous to one's own development as a contributing citizen of the state.
The youth in Odisha has to realize fact that the Time is slipping out of hand. The youth from other states like Bihar, Jharkhand and others are capturing more number of seats not only in premier educational institutions but also grabbing jobs both in public and private companies in Odisha.
Odisha: Way Forward For Youth
It is not too late. In order to measure up to the desired expectation, the youth would do well to pull its socks together by taking corrective steps. Taking cue from the Darwin theory that 'survival is the art of the fittest', the youth has to equip himself with the required arsenal to cope with the challenges ahead in the global meltdown. The steps to be taken are as follows:
1. Political Awareness: It is the political leadership of our country which takes decisions of our day-to-day life right from what we should eat, drink, wear to what we should watch on TV or where we can smoke to and what type of education we should have. It is, therefore, imperative for the youth to take active participation in the political debate and discussions. For example, the youth in West Bengal, Kerala, Bihar and other state are politically literate and they not only take active part in political debate and discussions, but also express their opinion. Political awareness is the power to choose between right and wrong.
2. Communication Skill: Communication is a vast subject and it has several connotations. But the topic which is very relevant for the youth of Odisha, in general, is to have a sound understanding and command over English, which is now the language of the global world. Certain manners and etiquettes associated with English should also be learnt. The economic crisis has made the selection process tougher. 'Creamy layer' is fast becoming the buzzword in the recruiting companies.
3. Information & Communication Technology: In the wake of the global economic crisis, the major IT companies like Microsoft have taken a beating. This gives the understanding that something advanced like Information & Communication Technology is the call of the day. The first step in this regard for scores of computer-ignorant youth would be to learn the basics of computer and get to know about Internet, emailing and MS-office applications like working on Windows, Excel and PowerPoint. One of the pre-requisites in the professional world today is to be a computer literate.
4. Entrepreneurial Attitude: A study of the Indian youth suggests that in metro cities youth are opting for 'self-employment' ways leaving behind the 'employment seekers' mindset . Instead, they are generate employment through self-employment. This is a healthy trend for a country like India where more than thirty crore educated youth are unemployed! In Odisha, entrepreneurial mindset can be developed to work in the field of agriculture, floriculture, fisheries, tourism, small scale industries and several other untapped sectors.
5. Need to develop 24/7 work culture and dismantle the 10 to 5 mindset: Youth must develop work culture if he or she wants to develop Odisha like Punjab, Haryana, Gujrat, Maharashtra and other developed states in India.
This is the right time for the youth of Odisha to introspect and re-position himself or herself for the development of the state in the post-meltdown. Otherwise, the state will remain unchanged even after another sixty years. This is the bitter truth, one may or may not like it.
The author is a communication expert. Please send your comments and suggestions to janatavikasmanch@gmail.com or rupak.johnson@gmail.com . And, visit www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com for more information.
Fishermen commit suicides in Kendrapada district of Odisha
Ashis Senapati
The national media has started highlighting the problems being faced by the diamond industry due to the global meltdown. The suicide cases, committed by the diamond workers in the western part of India, are being reported on the front pages of the national dailies.
Likewise, in the last few years, the media has been focusing on the farmers suicides in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. And, the government was forced to announce relief package for these farmers.
But, surprisingly, the media attention has not gone towards the miserable condition of the fishermen of Kendrapada district.
It is know to one and all in Odisha that the fishing industry was flourishing, a few years back, in Kharinashi, Ramnagar, Batighar,Jamboo, Petachila, Suniti, Kansarbadadandua, and other villages, with a population of about 20,000 fishermen families, in the Kendrapada district.
But now these villages are going through a nightmare with these areas becoming synonymous with poverty, hunger and suicide following the decision of the state government to ban fishing to protect turtles between November 1 to May 31 every year. The turtles lay eggs during the said period along with the coastline.
On the direction of judiciary, the government has imposed the ban strictly since the year 2002. The fishermen are not allowed to take the boat to the 20 km from the coast within the 35 km long Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and five km off the seacoast in other areas.For many in the coastal pockets of the district, the fishing nets and boats have been the breadwinner. These people used to venture on the sea with their country and mechanized boats to catch fish.. But, they do not venturing on the sea to catch fish during the said ban period – November 1 to May 31.
Some tried to fish slyly but they were arrested by the forest and Coast Guard officials on the sea. At least 160 fishermen have been arrested by the forest and police officials. They also seized their boats.
On January 2, 2007 a fisherman was also killed by the forest guards when he along with 14 fishermen were fishing near the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.The government each year impose "Fishing Ban" from November 1 to 31st, May to protect turtles and one month ban during the breeding season in July. The fishermen never venture on the sea in the month of May due to the heavy wind for which the fishermen are not allowed to fish eight months in a year as a result their fate is hanging in balance.
The government declaring "No Fishing Zone" on the sea has swept their bread basket away, leaving their lives a torn canvass with nothing to paint on it. With their lives in knots, pockets penniless, future directionless and their boats dead silent, many have opted for the painful exit route to get rid off from the financial misery - suicide.
Gourna Saha(38) of Kharinashi , Rosan Mandal (45) of Ramnagar, Juan Mandal of Pitapatha, Bidyadhar Ram(41) of Kharinashi, Jyganta Biswas(52) of Pitapata, Sripad Jahar( 38) of Ramnagar, Buddayananda Saraswati (43) of Ramnagar, Birata Haldar(35 ) of Ramnagar, Sukumar Srarkar(35) of Ramnagar and many fishermen committed suicide in the last three years in the Mahakalapada block of Kendrapara district of Odisha.
Many fishermen became paupers and insane in these areas after loosing their livelihood. Budhananda Saraswati, Dileswar Das, Sital Das , Balai Biswas, Mahadev Das, Susanta Das and several other fishermen of Mahakalapada areas lost their mental balance after the authority impounded their boats.
Sikha Ram(32) the widow of Bidyadhar Ram of Kharinashi said, "My husband committed suicide on December 15, 2006 after the forest officials seized his boat on November 5, 2006 from the Gahirmatha areas. In 2006, he had obtained a loan of one lakh rupees from a moneylender to make the boat. Now it is difficult for me to survive along with my two sons".
Arati (34), the widow of Gournga Saha, a former Sarapanch of Kharinashi Gram Panchayat said " Three years back , the forest officers seized my husband's boat while he was fishing within Gahirmatha areas. After seizure of the boat, my husband was running from pillar to post to get another boat. After loosing all his hope to get a boat, he committed suicide by hanging in his fishing net"."After the death of my husband, I and my two minor daughters have been eking out our livelihood by binding beedies", said a dejected Arati.
Incidentally, the coastal pockets of Kendrapada and its nearby areas have been witnessing an unusual phenomenon of suicides. With nearly ten fishermen allegedly committing suicide in less than three years, the authority is at a loss on how to infuse life into the fishing sector.
But behind the suicides is also sad story of the role of some local moneylenders who behave like the characters of the greedy Shylock in the Shakespeare's famous play "Merchant of Venice". These village moneylenders charge 30 to 60 percent interest from the innocent fishermen, alleged Ramahari Manna a teacher by profession. It may be mentioned here that the banks charge an interest of 12% to 18% depending upon the nature of the loan.
"Unable to provide work, several dry-fish unit owners have closed their units and some fishermen even sold their boats for scrap", said Tapan Mishra a dry-fish unit owner of Mahakalapada.
"Now, the fishermen are pushed to a corner and with no hopes, many hang their fate on the fishing nets that once gave them life", said Arabinda Mandal ,the former Sarapanch of Jamboo Gram Panchayat.
Odisha government should take steps to prevent further suicides of fishermen in Kendrapada district. The government should offer fishermen an alternative livelihood as Pondichery and other state governments do for the welfare of their fishermen. These fishermen can also be given compensation package during the ban period. Then only happiness can return to these villages of Kendrapada district.
The author is a Odisha based senior journalist. You can send your comments and suggestions at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com or senapatiashis@rediffmail.com . And, visit
www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com for more information.
The national media has started highlighting the problems being faced by the diamond industry due to the global meltdown. The suicide cases, committed by the diamond workers in the western part of India, are being reported on the front pages of the national dailies.
Likewise, in the last few years, the media has been focusing on the farmers suicides in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. And, the government was forced to announce relief package for these farmers.
But, surprisingly, the media attention has not gone towards the miserable condition of the fishermen of Kendrapada district.
It is know to one and all in Odisha that the fishing industry was flourishing, a few years back, in Kharinashi, Ramnagar, Batighar,Jamboo, Petachila, Suniti, Kansarbadadandua, and other villages, with a population of about 20,000 fishermen families, in the Kendrapada district.
But now these villages are going through a nightmare with these areas becoming synonymous with poverty, hunger and suicide following the decision of the state government to ban fishing to protect turtles between November 1 to May 31 every year. The turtles lay eggs during the said period along with the coastline.
On the direction of judiciary, the government has imposed the ban strictly since the year 2002. The fishermen are not allowed to take the boat to the 20 km from the coast within the 35 km long Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and five km off the seacoast in other areas.For many in the coastal pockets of the district, the fishing nets and boats have been the breadwinner. These people used to venture on the sea with their country and mechanized boats to catch fish.. But, they do not venturing on the sea to catch fish during the said ban period – November 1 to May 31.
Some tried to fish slyly but they were arrested by the forest and Coast Guard officials on the sea. At least 160 fishermen have been arrested by the forest and police officials. They also seized their boats.
On January 2, 2007 a fisherman was also killed by the forest guards when he along with 14 fishermen were fishing near the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.The government each year impose "Fishing Ban" from November 1 to 31st, May to protect turtles and one month ban during the breeding season in July. The fishermen never venture on the sea in the month of May due to the heavy wind for which the fishermen are not allowed to fish eight months in a year as a result their fate is hanging in balance.
The government declaring "No Fishing Zone" on the sea has swept their bread basket away, leaving their lives a torn canvass with nothing to paint on it. With their lives in knots, pockets penniless, future directionless and their boats dead silent, many have opted for the painful exit route to get rid off from the financial misery - suicide.
Gourna Saha(38) of Kharinashi , Rosan Mandal (45) of Ramnagar, Juan Mandal of Pitapatha, Bidyadhar Ram(41) of Kharinashi, Jyganta Biswas(52) of Pitapata, Sripad Jahar( 38) of Ramnagar, Buddayananda Saraswati (43) of Ramnagar, Birata Haldar(35 ) of Ramnagar, Sukumar Srarkar(35) of Ramnagar and many fishermen committed suicide in the last three years in the Mahakalapada block of Kendrapara district of Odisha.
Many fishermen became paupers and insane in these areas after loosing their livelihood. Budhananda Saraswati, Dileswar Das, Sital Das , Balai Biswas, Mahadev Das, Susanta Das and several other fishermen of Mahakalapada areas lost their mental balance after the authority impounded their boats.
Sikha Ram(32) the widow of Bidyadhar Ram of Kharinashi said, "My husband committed suicide on December 15, 2006 after the forest officials seized his boat on November 5, 2006 from the Gahirmatha areas. In 2006, he had obtained a loan of one lakh rupees from a moneylender to make the boat. Now it is difficult for me to survive along with my two sons".
Arati (34), the widow of Gournga Saha, a former Sarapanch of Kharinashi Gram Panchayat said " Three years back , the forest officers seized my husband's boat while he was fishing within Gahirmatha areas. After seizure of the boat, my husband was running from pillar to post to get another boat. After loosing all his hope to get a boat, he committed suicide by hanging in his fishing net"."After the death of my husband, I and my two minor daughters have been eking out our livelihood by binding beedies", said a dejected Arati.
Incidentally, the coastal pockets of Kendrapada and its nearby areas have been witnessing an unusual phenomenon of suicides. With nearly ten fishermen allegedly committing suicide in less than three years, the authority is at a loss on how to infuse life into the fishing sector.
But behind the suicides is also sad story of the role of some local moneylenders who behave like the characters of the greedy Shylock in the Shakespeare's famous play "Merchant of Venice". These village moneylenders charge 30 to 60 percent interest from the innocent fishermen, alleged Ramahari Manna a teacher by profession. It may be mentioned here that the banks charge an interest of 12% to 18% depending upon the nature of the loan.
"Unable to provide work, several dry-fish unit owners have closed their units and some fishermen even sold their boats for scrap", said Tapan Mishra a dry-fish unit owner of Mahakalapada.
"Now, the fishermen are pushed to a corner and with no hopes, many hang their fate on the fishing nets that once gave them life", said Arabinda Mandal ,the former Sarapanch of Jamboo Gram Panchayat.
Odisha government should take steps to prevent further suicides of fishermen in Kendrapada district. The government should offer fishermen an alternative livelihood as Pondichery and other state governments do for the welfare of their fishermen. These fishermen can also be given compensation package during the ban period. Then only happiness can return to these villages of Kendrapada district.
The author is a Odisha based senior journalist. You can send your comments and suggestions at janatavikasmanch@gmail.com or senapatiashis@rediffmail.com . And, visit
www.janatavikasmanch.blogspot.com for more information.
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