A wasted session
Parliament logjam a threat to democracy
It is a sad commentary on the functioning of our Parliament that its winter session has been washed out because of the rigid posture by both the UPA government and the Opposition over the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into mega scams like the one on the 2G spectrum allocation. The manner in which both sides have contributed to its paralysis gives rise to fears that the days of Parliament’s usefulness are numbered. There are indications that the Opposition is determined to extend the stalemate over the setting up of a JPC to the Budget session. Even as some Opposition leaders had hinted on Sunday that they might allow the smooth passage of the Finance Bill in the Budget session but will not climb down on the JPC demand, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi have refused to bow to the Opposition’s pressure tactic. Consequently, there is no sign of any rapprochement in the near future.
This is deeply disturbing because the victim in the entire episode is parliamentary democracy. The principal function of Parliament is to ponder over issues, inform and educate public opinion about them, sift facts from prejudice, reconcile differences and, if this is not possible, to ensure that majority opinion prevails while assuring the minority that it has to wait for another day in a fair debate. Parliament works at two levels: through public debate between policies and points of view; and in the privacy of committees in which it is agreed by consensus what is to be debated, when, for how long and under what rules.
Clearly, there is no issue which MPs cannot debate in Parliament. This not only reflects the people’s will but also the trust and confidence that people bestow upon them. However, the Opposition has abdicated its constitutional responsibility by thwarting a debate in Parliament on the mega scams. Instead of cornering the government on these issues legitimately in Parliament through measures like adjournment motion, it sought to conduct the debate on television channels and newspapers. The UPA government, too, is yet to convince the nation as to why it is against a JPC probe. Surely, this is not the way in which the affairs of the nation ought to be run. The nation expects the government and the Opposition to see reason, rectify their folly and restore the smooth functioning of Parliament.
click here for Tribune report
Capital of Thugs and MPs
Delhi remains crime capital- Women are the worst hit
Showing posts with label MPs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MPs. Show all posts
Friday, December 9, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
MPs panel slams army practice of soldiers as assistants
The Indian Army is facing the ire of a parliamentary panel over its continuing practice of employing trained soldiers as sahayaks (personal assistants) of officers.
New Delhi |Wednesday, 2011 6:35:06 PM IST
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on defence strongly condemned the system of employing sahayaks to carry out menial domestic chores of officers in one of its reports about three years ago. It has for the third time now slammed the defence ministry for defending the practice and for not heeding its recommendation of abolishing it.
The report on 'stress management in the armed forces', 31st by the committee during the 14th Lok Sabha, has said the sahayak system was "inhuman". It has also stated that the trained soldiers were for fighting wars for the country and they should be used only for such purposes and not stationed at the residences of officers.
But the committee's current report on the budgetary demands for grants, presented to the Lok Sabha Wednesday, said it "places on record the anguish over the disrespect of one of their important recommendation" to abolish the system.
The committee, headed by Congress MP Satpal Maharaj, has also declared that the defence ministry owed it an explanation for not implementing the recommendation.
Dismissing the repeated justification of the defence ministry that the sahayak system was a necessity, the committee said it was "not convinced" with the reasoning given by the defence ministry that the army personnel functioned in pairs and the soldier was the buddy of the officer.
--Indo-Asian News Service ncb/rn/vt
MPs panel slams army practice of soldiers as assistants
Comment: The Buddy system draws a flak. There is no justification for having Sahayaks in Peace Stations and Training Institutions. Senior Officers (Red Tabs) should set the trend and shed this Buddy system in Peace Stations and Cantonments.
New Delhi |Wednesday, 2011 6:35:06 PM IST
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on defence strongly condemned the system of employing sahayaks to carry out menial domestic chores of officers in one of its reports about three years ago. It has for the third time now slammed the defence ministry for defending the practice and for not heeding its recommendation of abolishing it.
The report on 'stress management in the armed forces', 31st by the committee during the 14th Lok Sabha, has said the sahayak system was "inhuman". It has also stated that the trained soldiers were for fighting wars for the country and they should be used only for such purposes and not stationed at the residences of officers.
But the committee's current report on the budgetary demands for grants, presented to the Lok Sabha Wednesday, said it "places on record the anguish over the disrespect of one of their important recommendation" to abolish the system.
The committee, headed by Congress MP Satpal Maharaj, has also declared that the defence ministry owed it an explanation for not implementing the recommendation.
Dismissing the repeated justification of the defence ministry that the sahayak system was a necessity, the committee said it was "not convinced" with the reasoning given by the defence ministry that the army personnel functioned in pairs and the soldier was the buddy of the officer.
--Indo-Asian News Service ncb/rn/vt
MPs panel slams army practice of soldiers as assistants
Comment: The Buddy system draws a flak. There is no justification for having Sahayaks in Peace Stations and Training Institutions. Senior Officers (Red Tabs) should set the trend and shed this Buddy system in Peace Stations and Cantonments.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
International Anti-Corruption Day: India scores highest marks
By resolution 58/4 of 31 October 2003, the UN General Assembly designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day. This decision was taken in order to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it. The Assembly urged all States and competent regional economic integration organizations to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption as soon as possible in order to ensure its rapid entry into force.
Are we racing towards a Failed State?
India 87th on corruption list – Will we ever improve? by Viral Dholakia
Have you noticed how a bunch of ants surround a cube of sugar? Similarly, where there is big money involved – the corruption will most likely find its roots dug deep into the system. It is literally under every stone you turn. And, by now, most of us in India have learned to live with corruption as a part and parcel of our life.
In India, the tentacles of corruption are spread far and wide in all horizons of life and not just limited to government organizations. Recent instances of IPL scam and the Commonwealth Games fiasco underscores as to how a big moolah can attract corruption even in a Gentleman’s game. (The 2G Spectrum Scam has drained the national wealth- increasing the nation's poverty Index/ levels and making the poor poorer)
Moreover, corruption is not just limited to India. It is a massive phenomena and a real cancer destroying the benefits of globalization in many poor countries.
The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that three quarters of the 178 countries in the index have fared miserably in terms of corruption problem.
Specifically, India has slipped three places in global rankings of most corrupt countries, from 84 in 2009 to 87 this year.
On the ranking based on the scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 10 (low level of corruption), India scored 3.3 to grab 87th position in sharing with Jamaica and Liberia. It is understood that the CWG has to take blame for India’s poor show – on account of large-scale corruption in preparation to hosting the grand event.
On a positive note, only 5 countries – Denmark, New Zealand, Singapore, Finland and Sweden – managed to score higher than 9 points which indicates the list of least corrupted nations. The countries that ranked as most corrupt nations were Somalia, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The report released by Transparency International, which is based on input from 13 different experts and business surveys, further indicates that the global financial crisis took a toll on people’s views of corruption in government.
Notable among decliners over the past one year are some of the countries most affected by the financial crisis precipitated by transparency and integrity deficits. The survey highlighted the fact that few of the improvers were from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Download complete PDF report
India ranks 87th- the most corrupt nation of the subcontinent
Are we racing towards a failed state?
PM says he is worried about future of Parliamentary system
Are we racing towards a Failed State?
India 87th on corruption list – Will we ever improve? by Viral Dholakia
Have you noticed how a bunch of ants surround a cube of sugar? Similarly, where there is big money involved – the corruption will most likely find its roots dug deep into the system. It is literally under every stone you turn. And, by now, most of us in India have learned to live with corruption as a part and parcel of our life.
In India, the tentacles of corruption are spread far and wide in all horizons of life and not just limited to government organizations. Recent instances of IPL scam and the Commonwealth Games fiasco underscores as to how a big moolah can attract corruption even in a Gentleman’s game. (The 2G Spectrum Scam has drained the national wealth- increasing the nation's poverty Index/ levels and making the poor poorer)
Moreover, corruption is not just limited to India. It is a massive phenomena and a real cancer destroying the benefits of globalization in many poor countries.
The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that three quarters of the 178 countries in the index have fared miserably in terms of corruption problem.
Specifically, India has slipped three places in global rankings of most corrupt countries, from 84 in 2009 to 87 this year.
On the ranking based on the scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 10 (low level of corruption), India scored 3.3 to grab 87th position in sharing with Jamaica and Liberia. It is understood that the CWG has to take blame for India’s poor show – on account of large-scale corruption in preparation to hosting the grand event.
On a positive note, only 5 countries – Denmark, New Zealand, Singapore, Finland and Sweden – managed to score higher than 9 points which indicates the list of least corrupted nations. The countries that ranked as most corrupt nations were Somalia, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The report released by Transparency International, which is based on input from 13 different experts and business surveys, further indicates that the global financial crisis took a toll on people’s views of corruption in government.
Notable among decliners over the past one year are some of the countries most affected by the financial crisis precipitated by transparency and integrity deficits. The survey highlighted the fact that few of the improvers were from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Download complete PDF report
India ranks 87th- the most corrupt nation of the subcontinent
Are we racing towards a failed state?
PM says he is worried about future of Parliamentary system
Monday, August 30, 2010
IESM: Bolster strategies for Pension Parity
Dear All,
Sitting 7 seas away from homeland, I have been reading with great enthusiasm all the e-mails circulated through RMS blog as also watching the news about IESM Rally on the Times-Now TV Channel here besides reading news in The Tribune & HT e-papers. Somehow I missed the the Discussion on DD ( Not Available here ) and Times Now and thus do not know much about the various views articulated by Members taking part in the discussion, except the ones mentioned in the various e-mails circulated through blog. Though I am not well familiar with the ground realities, it is a great morale boosting news that our senior most Veteran, Marshal of The Air Arjun Singh has emphatically supported our cause, the Leader of Opposition has once again raised the issue of OROP in the Rajya Sabha and that Brig Singh Deo has assured that he will look into the insidious facts being spread by Capt Dawar & Co. It is also heartening to see & read the change in the perception of ESM, Media ad the General Public about our cause. Also it is indeed a matter of great satisfaction that our Rally was an astounding success, in spite of various handicaps like logistics problems of assembling ESM from far off places, financial constraints, lack of empathy shown by some of our estranged brethren of some splinter ESM Orgs ( who only believe in self aggrandizement ) et al. It was undoubtedly a laudable show by IESM. Needless to stress that the entire credit goes to meticulously organised & managed arrangements and the untiring efforts put in by our Core Group for organising it, especially by Gens Kadyan & Satbir and unstinted support rendered by other members of the team, notwithstanding the various ibid handicaps. Even the media did its bit this time, specifically Times-Now. All said and done, so far so good.
In retrospect, now let us bare our hearts and take a candid stock of events leading to the present state of consternation, as is obvious from indignation shown in some of the e-mails by our ESM and consider where we stand. The statement of RM in the Parliament in unequivocal /unambiguous terms that “OROP is not under consideration “ in his reply to a question in the Parliament recently, goes to show that all our efforts so far have not been able to bend the mentality of the unrepentant UPA Govt, in spite of oblique assurances by Smt Sonia Gandhi at her Rally in Chandigarh, by the President in her address to the opening joint session of the Parliament, by the PM in his address to the nation on Independence day from the ramparts of Red Fort and others. Obviously, all that was a sham. Intransigence appears to be writ large on the faces of our Netas in the Govt. Govt appears to be in a state of insomnia and our entreaties have borne negligible fruit amounting to naught. Barring half hearted limited benefits bestowed upon the JCOs (am I right?), NCOs and OR in the revised emoluments structure doled out after lot of pressure by the Chiefs and the ESM Orgs, the Govt has been adamant NOT to accept the plea for grant of OROP. So, it looks that our ostrich like mentality of sticking to our present concept of our peaceful and covert strategy has not shown tangible results, as we anticipated in the beginning. However, it will be wrong on my part to state the strategy adopted by our Core Group (i.e. Peaceful Gentlemanly sit- in Rallies, Return of Medals, writing to the President, PM & RM etc ) has been a failure. We have certainly and undoubtedly gone miles ahead in our movement and achieved some meaningful results. The mere fact that The Hon’ble President (our Supreme Cdr) was compelled to included OROP demand in her address to the Parliament, the partial improvement in the pensions of JCOs, NCOs & OR and the fact that some of the Senior Political Leaders hob-nobbling with us during the run up to last general election and highlighting our demand in various fora besides the bonhomie and awakening our Movement has created amongst ESM of all hues, is in itself a much vaunted achievement, though much less than what we had expected. But how long can we go on like this? But as it looks, I do not visualise OROP coming through in our life's time and is likely to remain indefinitely elusive like the Yeti, if we continue to adopt the present strategy.
So at the end of the day, as I feel, that we find ourselves in a predicament as regards our strategy to achieve our aim of OROP. Even repeated recommendations by “All Party Parliament Committees on Defence” and rebuke by the Supreme Court, High Courts and now by the AFTs have had no effect on the Govt as regards OROP demand and the judgements pronounced so far. For our morbid Govt it appears to have become an enigmatic issue. Also as we all know the bureaucracy is a big impediment to our cause and more or less a thorn in the welfare of ESM and hence of zilch help to us. My personal view, as I expressed in some of my e-mails in yrs 2008-09, has always been that in our country the culture of peaceful non-violent agitation does not bear fruit. Take for example the case of reservation of jobs for SCs/STs/OBCs etc, it was only when “ Mandal “ happened the successive Govts relented, started giving it a thought and became pro-active ( of course, the political parties had their own axe to grind in that also, since they wanted take advantage of vote bank by granting reservation concession to these categories ). Similarly Col Bainsla’s aggressive Movement in Rajasthan ….., Farmers aggressive Movement in UP et al could only bring in the desired results. My intention of mentioning all this is not to adopt the theory propounded by Bolsheviks & Mao but to emphasize that we have to re-consider our strategy if we wish our demand for OROP to succeed sooner. I am of the firm view that “Jab Tak Bacha Rota Nahin, Maa Usey Doodh Nahin Deti“, meaning till we literally create a kind of ruckus, the Govt is not likely to pay much heed to our demand of OROP and concede easily to benefits pronounced in Courts/ AFT judgements. The Govts at the Centre (NDA, UPA as also earlier ones) did not show humane approach to our pain and with the current lot of powers that be, our strategy which has not caused any significant dent in their mentality, ipso facto amounts to hitting our head against stone wall. Thus, we have to consider modifying our strategy to a proactive, a bit aggressive and overt agitation. By aggressive agitation, I certainly do not mean that our agitation should be rowdy or violent or use foul language in slogans or resort to vandalism or resort to undignified coercive means or our stalwarts should deliver inflammatory and provocative speeches and so on, as done by the political parties and their leaders & farmers agitations etc. We could surely design suitable placards and rig up decent but pricking slogans e.g. “Jai Jawan, Jai Hindustan“, “Ham Ne Apni Jawani Ki Desh Ke Liye Qurbaan, Ab Aap Hamara Karo Dhiyan“, etc.
I do appreciate that it is going to be long drawn and arduous Battle (or is it War?). Let us review our strategy and work out suitable aggressive and proactive methodology for future course of agitation. Few of my humble suggestions are as under:
As suggested in an earlier e-mail of mine that if all ESM orgs at Village, Block, Taluka, Tehsil , Distt Level and State level, keep a constant (and repeated) pressure on their respective elected MLAs & MPs both orally and in writing regarding OROP and other welfare measures like family pensions disparities, ECH Clinics & CSD outlets demands etc and keep on prodding them to take up these with the respective CMs, it will go a long way in achieving our goals. To help these orgs, IESM HQ may give them a suitable basic draft (both in English & Hindi or other local languages) giving glaring anomalies/ essential facts & figures (since some of them may not be aware of the exact details and may quote incorrect facts & figures), which they should include in their memorandum and present the same to these MLAs & MPs whenever they (ESM) meet them (ie MLAs/ MPs). If this has been done already, fine; but if it has not been done, it should be done now onwards. It is also suggested that whenever, they present such a memorandum, they should endorse a copy to IESM HQ. They should insist upon their MLAs /MPs to take up their representations with their respective CMs. They should also be advised to follow through their memorandum because most often, these MLAs/ MPs just consign such Memoranda to their trash baskets soon after receiving these. A follow up by these orgs and a feed back to IESM HQ, will go a long way in upward movement of out battle through state CMs to the Central Govt.
Unlike the last Rally, future Rallies should be held during fair weather ( neither rainy nor too hot or too cold) so as not to cause inconvenience either to outsiders ESMs attending the Rally at Delhi or to the organisers.
To me it looks inconceivable to arrange a massive gathering (say of about a Lakhs or above) at Delhi, obviously due not only to financial constraints but also due to logistics. One suggested way out is to gather as many ESM as possible at Delhi (the target could be in the range of at least above 10,000, inclusive of ladies) and hold simultaneous Rallies at respective State Capitals. The ESM Cells at the State Capitals could also take Delegations to the respective CMs and present Memorandum of OROP and other demand and later on follow through, keeping in mind that these Memoranda should be in conformity with the ones being preseted at Delhi by the Core Group. Depositing of Medals may, however, continue to be done centrally at Delhi.
We could highlight at future Rallies that the contention of Govt that it is not financially possible to grant OROP due to paucity of funds is incorrect. If the Govt can waive off Farmers' Loans to the tune of Rs 70,000 crores or more and enhance salaries and perks of MPs by more that 300%, there is no reason why OROP, which is likely to burden the country by comparatively a fraction of the aforesaid amount, cannot be granted.
Apparently I have made my comments a bit lengthy. So, it is desirable that I stop here.I have penned these as they came to mind and have tried to express my feelings which may appear a bit disjointed at times and some of which may not be palatable to of some of our stalwarts. Also I might appear a bit pessimistic in my views, though I personally feel I am not. If felt so, kindly pardon me.
With warm regards & best wishes for success of our Movement. God be with all of us. Amen!
Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Sitting 7 seas away from homeland, I have been reading with great enthusiasm all the e-mails circulated through RMS blog as also watching the news about IESM Rally on the Times-Now TV Channel here besides reading news in The Tribune & HT e-papers. Somehow I missed the the Discussion on DD ( Not Available here ) and Times Now and thus do not know much about the various views articulated by Members taking part in the discussion, except the ones mentioned in the various e-mails circulated through blog. Though I am not well familiar with the ground realities, it is a great morale boosting news that our senior most Veteran, Marshal of The Air Arjun Singh has emphatically supported our cause, the Leader of Opposition has once again raised the issue of OROP in the Rajya Sabha and that Brig Singh Deo has assured that he will look into the insidious facts being spread by Capt Dawar & Co. It is also heartening to see & read the change in the perception of ESM, Media ad the General Public about our cause. Also it is indeed a matter of great satisfaction that our Rally was an astounding success, in spite of various handicaps like logistics problems of assembling ESM from far off places, financial constraints, lack of empathy shown by some of our estranged brethren of some splinter ESM Orgs ( who only believe in self aggrandizement ) et al. It was undoubtedly a laudable show by IESM. Needless to stress that the entire credit goes to meticulously organised & managed arrangements and the untiring efforts put in by our Core Group for organising it, especially by Gens Kadyan & Satbir and unstinted support rendered by other members of the team, notwithstanding the various ibid handicaps. Even the media did its bit this time, specifically Times-Now. All said and done, so far so good.
In retrospect, now let us bare our hearts and take a candid stock of events leading to the present state of consternation, as is obvious from indignation shown in some of the e-mails by our ESM and consider where we stand. The statement of RM in the Parliament in unequivocal /unambiguous terms that “OROP is not under consideration “ in his reply to a question in the Parliament recently, goes to show that all our efforts so far have not been able to bend the mentality of the unrepentant UPA Govt, in spite of oblique assurances by Smt Sonia Gandhi at her Rally in Chandigarh, by the President in her address to the opening joint session of the Parliament, by the PM in his address to the nation on Independence day from the ramparts of Red Fort and others. Obviously, all that was a sham. Intransigence appears to be writ large on the faces of our Netas in the Govt. Govt appears to be in a state of insomnia and our entreaties have borne negligible fruit amounting to naught. Barring half hearted limited benefits bestowed upon the JCOs (am I right?), NCOs and OR in the revised emoluments structure doled out after lot of pressure by the Chiefs and the ESM Orgs, the Govt has been adamant NOT to accept the plea for grant of OROP. So, it looks that our ostrich like mentality of sticking to our present concept of our peaceful and covert strategy has not shown tangible results, as we anticipated in the beginning. However, it will be wrong on my part to state the strategy adopted by our Core Group (i.e. Peaceful Gentlemanly sit- in Rallies, Return of Medals, writing to the President, PM & RM etc ) has been a failure. We have certainly and undoubtedly gone miles ahead in our movement and achieved some meaningful results. The mere fact that The Hon’ble President (our Supreme Cdr) was compelled to included OROP demand in her address to the Parliament, the partial improvement in the pensions of JCOs, NCOs & OR and the fact that some of the Senior Political Leaders hob-nobbling with us during the run up to last general election and highlighting our demand in various fora besides the bonhomie and awakening our Movement has created amongst ESM of all hues, is in itself a much vaunted achievement, though much less than what we had expected. But how long can we go on like this? But as it looks, I do not visualise OROP coming through in our life's time and is likely to remain indefinitely elusive like the Yeti, if we continue to adopt the present strategy.
So at the end of the day, as I feel, that we find ourselves in a predicament as regards our strategy to achieve our aim of OROP. Even repeated recommendations by “All Party Parliament Committees on Defence” and rebuke by the Supreme Court, High Courts and now by the AFTs have had no effect on the Govt as regards OROP demand and the judgements pronounced so far. For our morbid Govt it appears to have become an enigmatic issue. Also as we all know the bureaucracy is a big impediment to our cause and more or less a thorn in the welfare of ESM and hence of zilch help to us. My personal view, as I expressed in some of my e-mails in yrs 2008-09, has always been that in our country the culture of peaceful non-violent agitation does not bear fruit. Take for example the case of reservation of jobs for SCs/STs/OBCs etc, it was only when “ Mandal “ happened the successive Govts relented, started giving it a thought and became pro-active ( of course, the political parties had their own axe to grind in that also, since they wanted take advantage of vote bank by granting reservation concession to these categories ). Similarly Col Bainsla’s aggressive Movement in Rajasthan ….., Farmers aggressive Movement in UP et al could only bring in the desired results. My intention of mentioning all this is not to adopt the theory propounded by Bolsheviks & Mao but to emphasize that we have to re-consider our strategy if we wish our demand for OROP to succeed sooner. I am of the firm view that “Jab Tak Bacha Rota Nahin, Maa Usey Doodh Nahin Deti“, meaning till we literally create a kind of ruckus, the Govt is not likely to pay much heed to our demand of OROP and concede easily to benefits pronounced in Courts/ AFT judgements. The Govts at the Centre (NDA, UPA as also earlier ones) did not show humane approach to our pain and with the current lot of powers that be, our strategy which has not caused any significant dent in their mentality, ipso facto amounts to hitting our head against stone wall. Thus, we have to consider modifying our strategy to a proactive, a bit aggressive and overt agitation. By aggressive agitation, I certainly do not mean that our agitation should be rowdy or violent or use foul language in slogans or resort to vandalism or resort to undignified coercive means or our stalwarts should deliver inflammatory and provocative speeches and so on, as done by the political parties and their leaders & farmers agitations etc. We could surely design suitable placards and rig up decent but pricking slogans e.g. “Jai Jawan, Jai Hindustan“, “Ham Ne Apni Jawani Ki Desh Ke Liye Qurbaan, Ab Aap Hamara Karo Dhiyan“, etc.
I do appreciate that it is going to be long drawn and arduous Battle (or is it War?). Let us review our strategy and work out suitable aggressive and proactive methodology for future course of agitation. Few of my humble suggestions are as under:
Apparently I have made my comments a bit lengthy. So, it is desirable that I stop here.I have penned these as they came to mind and have tried to express my feelings which may appear a bit disjointed at times and some of which may not be palatable to of some of our stalwarts. Also I might appear a bit pessimistic in my views, though I personally feel I am not. If felt so, kindly pardon me.
With warm regards & best wishes for success of our Movement. God be with all of us. Amen!
Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Selfish MPs: Why greed is endless
By T.J.S.George, 21/08/2010
TJS Column:
There are no outstanding parliamentarians in India, but there is an Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, duly conferred by the President upon a handpicked MP. At last week's award ceremony, Vice President Hamid Ansari spoke a few honest words. Lung power had replaced oratorical skills, he said, and discussions were drowned in noise and disruption. "It detracts from the dignity of Parliament and invites public scorn".
This body of men and women whom the public of India scorns has now given unto themselves a three-fold increase in salary and allowances. They brayed for more: a five-fold increase. To describe them in English as a shameless lot will not bring out their despicableness in full. The Hindi term is slightly better: 'Besharam log'.
It is so typical of the political class that Lalu Prasad Yadav should have been the most animated speaker demanding the pay hike. This is a man who not only got embroiled in serial misappropriation cases during his chief ministership in Bihar; he allowed kidnapping, especially of well-to-do doctors, to become the most paying industry in his state. He escaped from punishment only by bargaining with an amoral Congress. Last March, for example, he declared that he would not withdraw support from the Manmohan Singh Government over the Women's Bill. As if on cue, the CBI took measures to neutralise a pending corruption case against him.
Read more...
TJS Column:
There are no outstanding parliamentarians in India, but there is an Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, duly conferred by the President upon a handpicked MP. At last week's award ceremony, Vice President Hamid Ansari spoke a few honest words. Lung power had replaced oratorical skills, he said, and discussions were drowned in noise and disruption. "It detracts from the dignity of Parliament and invites public scorn".
This body of men and women whom the public of India scorns has now given unto themselves a three-fold increase in salary and allowances. They brayed for more: a five-fold increase. To describe them in English as a shameless lot will not bring out their despicableness in full. The Hindi term is slightly better: 'Besharam log'.
It is so typical of the political class that Lalu Prasad Yadav should have been the most animated speaker demanding the pay hike. This is a man who not only got embroiled in serial misappropriation cases during his chief ministership in Bihar; he allowed kidnapping, especially of well-to-do doctors, to become the most paying industry in his state. He escaped from punishment only by bargaining with an amoral Congress. Last March, for example, he declared that he would not withdraw support from the Manmohan Singh Government over the Women's Bill. As if on cue, the CBI took measures to neutralise a pending corruption case against him.
Read more...
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Quantum jump for MsP: No accountability to the citizens they serve?
The government on Saturday assured agitating MPs that their concerns on salary hike would be addressed, NDA convenor Sharad Yadav said in the Lok Sabha, a day after several opposition parties conducted a 'mock' Parliament. Yadav made the statement during Zero Hour, shortly after he along with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, BJP deputy leader Gopinath Munde and BSP leader Dara Singh Chauhan met Leader of the Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee.
"The matter regarding the hike of salary of MPs has been resolved," Yadav said, apprising the House of the meeting. "The House will now function as per rules," he said.
Matter over salary hike resolved: Sharad Yadav tells LS
Dear Veterans,
... edited ...
To night's 'Times Now' debate anchored by Arnab Goswami, covered the hot topic of MPs salary hike. For a change, all the participants were given adequate time to express themselves. It was heartening to see that both Gen Shankar Prasad & Capt Siddhu put across their points forcefully.
The crux of the problem, as Arnab put it, is not the Salary hike to the MsP, but the deprivation of the soldiers who are guarding the Nation day in and day out. They are the first one to be called in any calamity, the latest one being the Common Wealth Games. He, and the other two Veterans explained, as to how the Parliamentarians or the Law Makers, got together, cutting across the party lines, to forge an unity amongst themselves, to force the Cabinet to hike their salaries to a whopping 300 per cent, in just four days. Whereas, it has taken 10 years for the Armed Forces personnel to get a hike of just 38 percent.
When the OROP issue was considered, the Govt said that was not viable. This theory of viability is going to be further tested by the Law Makers with their demand of 500% hike. One wonders as to what Sekhar Gutpta has to say now, since he was the one to dub our Chiefs as Trade Unionists, when they refused to implement the Sixth Pay Commission Recmmendations.
Shankar Prasad pointed out that the Govt is planning to induct the Army to salvage the Games, free of cost. The Urban Minister, Jaipal Reddy, has indicated that even an allownce of 20,000/ - per month for the Officers & Rs 10,000/- per month for the other ranks may not be possible. Arnab pointed out that this amount is just a fraction of the 15 additional free air flights, now sanctioned to the MsP.
Capt Siddhu, was blunt in stating to Manu Singhvi, that it was his Govt which went for a review of the disability case which was settled by the Supreme court (Veterans will remember the 'Beggars' comment by the Court). Even after the Govt failed in its last atttempt to block the case, it never paid him, till he filed a Contempt of the Court pettition. In all it had taken him 30 years. But Manu Singhvi & other MsP could get all within four days.
Manu Singhvi conceded that he was not aware of all these cases & the OROP. But, Shankar Prasad pointed out that the entire Nation is aware of the OROP & the depositing of medals by the Veterans to the President, in protest. How a big wig from the Ruling Party can feign ignorence. Manu Singhvi, at least on the screen, assured that he is prepared to take up the cases of the Veterans in the Supreme Court against the Review Pettitions filed by the Govt.
"Sir, will you stick to your Words?" I request the Leaders of IESM to send a procession to his house or office to sanctify his promise.
I am deliberately omitting the presence of Rahul Bajaj in the show, since he did not have much to say but to support the cause of the MsP salary hike. But, he mentioned that the present salary of the MP, which is 16,000, is what he is paying his chauffer. So, in our country the lives of Soldiers are cheaper than the Chauffers. The minimum that the old Industrialist & ex MP could have done is to draw the attention of the Govt to this great disparity. But if he does that, he will be deprived of the use of his Private air craft, by the DGCA.
Arnab's pro Armed Forces stand was supported by facts & figures. He rightly pointed out to Singhvi & Bajaj, that the comparisson of the MsP to the salaries of the Army personnel is inescapble, since the IAS, IPS & the rest do the same. The MsP are demanding 500% hike only to overtake the Cabinet Secretary in the Salary structure.
I did not know Siddhu has sense of humour. He emphatically supported Singhvi & Bajaj & demanded that the salary of the MsP should be hiked to 700%, because of the unruly behaviour & shouting they indulge in the House, which may add to their expenditures.
... edited ...
Veteran Raman
Col (Retd) TN Raman
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Bill likely to raise MPs' salary, allowances fivefold
New Delhi, June 23 (PTI) The government is planning to bring a Bill in the Monsoon session of Parliament next month to raise the salaries of MPs as also some allowances in the wake of a Standing Committee report recommending five-fold increase in the salaries of the law makers to Rs 80,000.
"The report of the Standing Committee has been received. It is under the consideration of the government. It is formulating its views and hopes to bring the Bill in the next session,"Parliamentary Affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told PTI.
Reports have said that besides increase in salary, the other proposals include raising the daily allowance from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 when Parliament is in session. Office expense allowances are also recommended to be increased substantially so also their constituency allowance.
Among the proposals is also 34 free flights for the members to ensure that they remain in touch with their electorate.
Bansal, however, insisted that"no decision"has so far been taken on these recommendations and government was considering them.
Bill likely to raise MPs' salary, allowances
And, here are some more less-known facts about the Indian lawmaker:
On paper, the salary of an MP in India is Rs 144,000 per year (about $3,200), which works out to just Rs 12,000 (about $266) per month. But it is meagre only if you don't consider the numerous allowances and freebies an MP is entitled to. Here is a look at the allowances and perks that every MP -- India has 790 of them -- enjoys.
Each Indian MP in 2005 got: These have grown over the years till date...
Rs 14,000 (about $311) for office expenses every month, which includes Rs 3,000 for stationary items, Rs 1,000 on franking of letters and Rs 10,000 for secretariat services.
A monthly constituency allowance of Rs 10,000.
A daily allowance of Rs 500 when Parliament is in session. Parliament has three sessions every year. The Budget Session (February to May), Monsoon session (July to September), and Winter session (November and December).
A daily travel allowance of Rs 8 per kilometre.
Each MP and his spouse or companion are entitled to unlimited, free, first class railway travel anywhere in the country.
They can also travel anywhere in India -- with a spouse or companion -- 40 times by air free of cost every year, business class.
An MP gets a sprawling bungalow in the heart of New Delhi [ Images ] for which he pays a rent of just Rs 2,000 (about $44) per month.
Each MP gets near-free electricity of 50,000 units every year. And free water.
The MP's bungalow is furnished -- with air conditioners, refrigerators and television sets -- free of cost. Maintenance of the house -- including washing of sofa covers and curtains -- is done free of cost by the government.
MPs are entitled to three phone lines and 170,000 free local calls every year.
When an MP travels abroad officially, he is entitled to free business class air tickets. He is also paid a daily travelling allowance, which varies depending upon the country being visited.
Most medical expenses of MPs are taken care of by the Contributory Health Service Scheme of the Union government.
Each MP also gets Rs 20 million (about $434,782) each year from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Fund. But the MP does not get the money directly. Instead, it is transferred to respective district headquarters where projects are being implemented.
After an MP completes a term in office, he is entitled to pension. The basic monthly pension amount is Rs 3,000 (about $66). But it goes up according to the number of years an MP has served in Parliament.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India last year alleged that many MPs have violated norms in the usage of this money.
How much does an MP earn? Perks as on December 13, 2005
The real question: What is the MP's contribution towards poverty alleviation of our citizens? The answer is zilch!
"The report of the Standing Committee has been received. It is under the consideration of the government. It is formulating its views and hopes to bring the Bill in the next session,"Parliamentary Affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told PTI.
Reports have said that besides increase in salary, the other proposals include raising the daily allowance from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 when Parliament is in session. Office expense allowances are also recommended to be increased substantially so also their constituency allowance.
Among the proposals is also 34 free flights for the members to ensure that they remain in touch with their electorate.
Bansal, however, insisted that"no decision"has so far been taken on these recommendations and government was considering them.
Bill likely to raise MPs' salary, allowances
And, here are some more less-known facts about the Indian lawmaker:
On paper, the salary of an MP in India is Rs 144,000 per year (about $3,200), which works out to just Rs 12,000 (about $266) per month. But it is meagre only if you don't consider the numerous allowances and freebies an MP is entitled to. Here is a look at the allowances and perks that every MP -- India has 790 of them -- enjoys.
Each Indian MP in 2005 got: These have grown over the years till date...
When an MP travels abroad officially, he is entitled to free business class air tickets. He is also paid a daily travelling allowance, which varies depending upon the country being visited.
How much does an MP earn? Perks as on December 13, 2005
The real question: What is the MP's contribution towards poverty alleviation of our citizens? The answer is zilch!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Scams: What else can you expect from Indian Ministers?
Telecom
Union Telecom Minister A Raja, in the eye of a controversy over the spectrum scam, was snubbed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with a proposed trip to Estonia turned down. Mr Raja wanted to lead a large delegation to learn everything about e-governance. The PMO said no to Raja's proposal. Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) supports the Congress party, so A Raja sailed through the 2 G crisis. There was little Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could do. But it seems Dr Singh has acted tough - clipped Raja's wings - ended his plans for a foreign jaunt. Perhaps to escape charges of wasting government funds.
Govt clips Telecom Minister A Raja's wings
Agriculture
Union minister Sharad Pawar on Friday dismissed reports of his family's involvement in the City Corporation's failed bid for the Pune IPL team, saying the construction company's Managing Director made the attempt in his individual capacity.
Not me, not my family, my company's MD made the bid, says Mr Clean Pawar!
Comment
Sounds like both the high profile Ministers are eyeing for the Nobel Prize for Corruption. I am certain they will be nominated and clinch the prestigious Prize! If the Indian Government cannot find the ill gotten money trail of Terrorists and other Money Launderers, it is wise to seek the help of United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who will be able to discover the money laundering route and the bank it is been finally parked in a jiffy!
Union Telecom Minister A Raja, in the eye of a controversy over the spectrum scam, was snubbed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with a proposed trip to Estonia turned down. Mr Raja wanted to lead a large delegation to learn everything about e-governance. The PMO said no to Raja's proposal. Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) supports the Congress party, so A Raja sailed through the 2 G crisis. There was little Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could do. But it seems Dr Singh has acted tough - clipped Raja's wings - ended his plans for a foreign jaunt. Perhaps to escape charges of wasting government funds.
Govt clips Telecom Minister A Raja's wings
Agriculture
Union minister Sharad Pawar on Friday dismissed reports of his family's involvement in the City Corporation's failed bid for the Pune IPL team, saying the construction company's Managing Director made the attempt in his individual capacity.
Not me, not my family, my company's MD made the bid, says Mr Clean Pawar!
Comment
Sounds like both the high profile Ministers are eyeing for the Nobel Prize for Corruption. I am certain they will be nominated and clinch the prestigious Prize! If the Indian Government cannot find the ill gotten money trail of Terrorists and other Money Launderers, it is wise to seek the help of United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who will be able to discover the money laundering route and the bank it is been finally parked in a jiffy!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Austerity drive- Is it a farce? What about the Aam Admi?
Mr Kapil Sibal was on TV and he said India cannot afford more than what is being offered to the IIT/ IIM Professors!
THE SO CALLED AUSTERITY DRIVE IS LIMITED ONLY TO THE EXTENT OF RAIL TICKETS AND AIRFARES? NEVER MIND HOW MUCH INCONVENIENCE IT CAUSES TO THE ‘AAM ADMI’. JAAGO BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE...
Politics is not a SERVICE anymore but a PROFESSION.
An Important Issue! Salary & Govenment Concessions for a Member of Parliament (MP)
Monthly Salary: Rs. 12,000/-
Expense for Constitution per month: Rs. 10,000/-
Office expenditure per month: Rs. 14,000/-
Traveling concession (Rs. 8 per km): Rs. 48,000/-
(eg. For a visit from South India to Delhi & return: 6000 km)
Daily DA TA during parliament meets: Rs. 500/day
Charge for 1 class (A/C) in train: Free (For any number of times) (All over India )
Charge for Business Class in flights: Free for 40 trips/ year (With wife or P.A.)
Rent for MP hostel at Delhi: Free.
Electricity costs at home: Free up to 50,000 units.
Local phone call charge: Free up to 1, 70,000 calls.
TOTAL expense for a MP [having no qualification] per year: Rs.32,00,000/- [i.e. 2.66 lakh/month]
TOTAL expense for 5 years: Rs. 1, 60, 00,000/-
For 534 MPs, the expense for 5 years: Rs. 8,54,40,00,000/- (Nearly 855 crores)
AND THE PRIME MINISTER IS ASKING THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED, OUT PERFORMING CEOs TO CUT DOWN THEIR SALARIES...
This is how all our tax money is been swallowed and price hike on our regular commodities...
And pictures present the factual condition of citizens of our country:
855 crores could make their life livable! Think of the great democracy we have...
By the way can someone explain on what grounds Rahul Gandhi is a VVIP? Or is it that anyone when on Z category also becomes a VVIP? God save this country! Jai Hind
Source: Salaries and Concessions for MPs
THE SO CALLED AUSTERITY DRIVE IS LIMITED ONLY TO THE EXTENT OF RAIL TICKETS AND AIRFARES? NEVER MIND HOW MUCH INCONVENIENCE IT CAUSES TO THE ‘AAM ADMI’. JAAGO BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE...
Politics is not a SERVICE anymore but a PROFESSION.
An Important Issue! Salary & Govenment Concessions for a Member of Parliament (MP)
(eg. For a visit from South India to Delhi & return: 6000 km)
TOTAL expense for a MP [having no qualification] per year: Rs.32,00,000/- [i.e. 2.66 lakh/month]
TOTAL expense for 5 years: Rs. 1, 60, 00,000/-
For 534 MPs, the expense for 5 years: Rs. 8,54,40,00,000/- (Nearly 855 crores)
AND THE PRIME MINISTER IS ASKING THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED, OUT PERFORMING CEOs TO CUT DOWN THEIR SALARIES...
This is how all our tax money is been swallowed and price hike on our regular commodities...
And pictures present the factual condition of citizens of our country:
855 crores could make their life livable! Think of the great democracy we have...By the way can someone explain on what grounds Rahul Gandhi is a VVIP? Or is it that anyone when on Z category also becomes a VVIP? God save this country! Jai Hind
Source: Salaries and Concessions for MPs
Friday, September 11, 2009
This is the way it should be... Example for Politicians
THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE
You may recall that Truman was a mediocre and relatively unknown who became the President of the United States thru default.( owing to the the sudden passing away of President Roosevelt.) He matured and grew into one of the great Presidents not hesitating to take unpalatable and hard decisions like the sacking of Gen MacArthur and the dropping of the atom bomb. On His desk in the" White House" he had a plaque " The buck stops here "
THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE...
Harry Truman Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding his nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year. After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
Newly elected MP’s incur Rs 3.71 crore hotel expenses
You may recall that Truman was a mediocre and relatively unknown who became the President of the United States thru default.( owing to the the sudden passing away of President Roosevelt.) He matured and grew into one of the great Presidents not hesitating to take unpalatable and hard decisions like the sacking of Gen MacArthur and the dropping of the atom bomb. On His desk in the" White House" he had a plaque " The buck stops here "
THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE...
Harry Truman Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding his nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year. After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!
Newly elected MP’s incur Rs 3.71 crore hotel expenses
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
MPs, young and elderly alike, keen to join territorial army
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
The Minister of State of Defence, Shri M.M. Pallam Raju addressing the Members of Parliament during a presentation on the Territorial Army, in New Delhi on August 04, 2009.
Members of Parliament, young and elderly alike, have evinced keen interest in joining the Territorial Army (TA), the voluntary force of the Indian army for civilians, part-time. Participating in a presentation here today on the aim, role, organization and functioning of the Citizen’s Army, as it is often called, about three dozen MPs enthusiastically inquired how they could contribute to popularize the movement and be a part of the volunteer force.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Defence Dr MM Pallam Raju said the overwhelming response of the MPs to the programme demonstrates the faith of the nation in the armed forces and their keenness to imbibe the sense of discipline and patriotism cultivated by the armed forces across their rank and file. Lok Sabha MPs including Shri Navin Jindal, Shri Deepender Singh Hooda and Shri Hemanand Biswal keenly participated in an interactive session following the presentation. Former cricketer Shri Kapil Dev, who has been inducted into the TA recently as Honorary Lt. Colonel, was also present during the deliberations.
Army chief General Deepak Kapoor said the Territorial Army has proved its merit both during war and peacetime. Men of the TA help maintain essential services during strikes and the force has contributed immensely in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East. TA personnel are fully capable to undertake responsibilities in running essential services and the TA departmental units has six Regiments trained in Railways, seven Regiments to run General Hospital services, one for Oil & Natural Gas, one for Refineries and Pipelines, one for Marketing Battalion of Army Supply Corps and an infantry battalion for Ecological Task Force which has undertaken several aforestation drives across the country.
Major General KVS Lalotra, Additional Director-General of the Territorial Army, who heads the force, said a proposal to relax enrolment rules and training for civilian officers was under consideration. Government officers could be exempted from appearing before the Services Selection Board (SSBs) if the proposals are approved, he added.
Raised by Sir C. Rajagopalachari, the first Governor General of free India, on Oct.09, 1949, the Territorial Army would soon be entering its diamond jubilee year. Having won five Vir Chakras and three Shaurya Chakras, the TA has seen many eminent personalities including Malayalam film actor Mohan Lal (Honorary Lt. Col.), former ONGC CMD Shri Subir Raha (Major-Retired), Shri Doshehe Y Sema (Major), a member of the Nagaland state assembly and several others, donning uniform.
PK/RAJ
MPs, young and elderly alike, keen to join territorial army
Members of Parliament, young and elderly alike, have evinced keen interest in joining the Territorial Army (TA), the voluntary force of the Indian army for civilians, part-time. Participating in a presentation here today on the aim, role, organization and functioning of the Citizen’s Army, as it is often called, about three dozen MPs enthusiastically inquired how they could contribute to popularize the movement and be a part of the volunteer force.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Defence Dr MM Pallam Raju said the overwhelming response of the MPs to the programme demonstrates the faith of the nation in the armed forces and their keenness to imbibe the sense of discipline and patriotism cultivated by the armed forces across their rank and file. Lok Sabha MPs including Shri Navin Jindal, Shri Deepender Singh Hooda and Shri Hemanand Biswal keenly participated in an interactive session following the presentation. Former cricketer Shri Kapil Dev, who has been inducted into the TA recently as Honorary Lt. Colonel, was also present during the deliberations.
Army chief General Deepak Kapoor said the Territorial Army has proved its merit both during war and peacetime. Men of the TA help maintain essential services during strikes and the force has contributed immensely in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East. TA personnel are fully capable to undertake responsibilities in running essential services and the TA departmental units has six Regiments trained in Railways, seven Regiments to run General Hospital services, one for Oil & Natural Gas, one for Refineries and Pipelines, one for Marketing Battalion of Army Supply Corps and an infantry battalion for Ecological Task Force which has undertaken several aforestation drives across the country.
Major General KVS Lalotra, Additional Director-General of the Territorial Army, who heads the force, said a proposal to relax enrolment rules and training for civilian officers was under consideration. Government officers could be exempted from appearing before the Services Selection Board (SSBs) if the proposals are approved, he added.
Raised by Sir C. Rajagopalachari, the first Governor General of free India, on Oct.09, 1949, the Territorial Army would soon be entering its diamond jubilee year. Having won five Vir Chakras and three Shaurya Chakras, the TA has seen many eminent personalities including Malayalam film actor Mohan Lal (Honorary Lt. Col.), former ONGC CMD Shri Subir Raha (Major-Retired), Shri Doshehe Y Sema (Major), a member of the Nagaland state assembly and several others, donning uniform.
PK/RAJ
MPs, young and elderly alike, keen to join territorial army
Friday, February 20, 2009
IESM: Reply by Shree Jaswant Singh to Maj Gen SCN Jatar
From: Jaswant Singh
To: Sudhir Jatar
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: Diluting valour
Dear General,
Thank you for your email of February 15 which included an article on the devaluation of gallantry awards by the former VCOAS, Gen Vijay Oberoi.
You are right: there is a need for a much greater transparency and credible yardstick through which nominations to various awards are vetted and recommendations endorsed. That some of the awards in the recent past and those of the Republic Day this year reveal a dilution on account of political expediency can be gauged by the outcry raised by the veterans, some verbally and some in well crafted prose, as has been done by General Vijay Oberoi. I share his disappointment on the multiple criteria adopted in recognition of valour.
With good wishes,
Jaswant Singh
EXTRACTS FROM THE SPEECH BY SHREE JASWANT SINGH, HON’ MEMBER RAJYA SABHA TO THE JOINT SESSION OF PARLIAMENT ON 17.02.2009...MKS-HMS/3.35/2R
SHRI JASWANT SINGH (CONTD.): … edited …
Sir, I will take the next point which relates to the Armed Forces. Raksha Senao ka jo masla hai,usme main 2-3 buniyadi bate aap se urz karooga.come to the question: why does a citizen enrol and does he agree to die? Of course, it is a complex question, and I will not attempt an answer to this complex question. This is an immensely complex question: why does a citizen agree to die? ", the factors that go amongst various others are the factors of morale, of izzat, of iqbal, of standing and the prestige of our Armed Forces, therefore, of the soldiers and sailors. Sir, there are some aspects which I have underscored; seemingly trivial, but, I think, they are profoundly important, wrongly important as it is, and much more important in consequence. Sir, the first question which the hon. Pranab Babu, again, in a Group of Ministers meeting was required, he chaired it, to address is the question of pay, pensions and emoluments. I will come to it in a minute.
The second question is of distinction, distinction and distinctiveness of uniforms, the rights and the duties of the respective security organisations of the country. Please do not confuse one with the other. The hon. Minister, Pranab Babu, handled responsibility as the Defence Minister of the country, with distinction and competence. And, no doubt, you realise, Sir, how to uniform a man, whether a General or a Field Marshal or Justice Inquiry or a Warrant Officer; izzat is of the greatest importance. The izzat that the individual gets is an account of the uniform which he wears; the uniform is of this Republic of India. If you belittle the uniform, you belittle, in a very rare sense, the Republic.
Phoz ki jo dress hai, hum dekhte hai ki yeh jo bahut badi- badi companiya hai, ishe humare distinguished friend vimal babu neb hi dekha hoga ki un companiyo ke darbano ko phoz ki dress me vahan khada kar dete hai, phir vahi medals lagate hai. Ish bare me kanoon banana chahiye.
Please do not permit the copying of military uniform by any other force, but the Military. aur usme choti choti bate aa jati hai. Phoz ka chahe rishala ho ya pultan ho, yeh choti-choti bate hai aur usme kimat dekar right equare kiya gaya hota hai. Sir, iske sath hi main yaha example nahi dena chahuga kyonki usme vakt lagega. Yeha jo down grading aapne ki hai of the Armed Forces, of their Officers, in the Warrant of Precedence, this is not acceptable. This is totally unacceptable. Please address it because this is a seemingly, quite seemingly, clearly an illogical and a destructive step that over the decades successive Governments of India have been continuing, and, perhaps, almost as if they have been deliberately doing it.
The next point, in addition to the point of Armed Forces, is about the ex-servicemen.
(Contd. by TMV/2S) -MKS-TMV-DS/2S/3.40
SHRI JASWANT SINGH (CONTD.): The ex-servicemen today number almost three million, if I am not mistaken. So, they are stung by the various anomalies that have been thrown up by the Sixth Pay Commission and their confusion has been compounded by a variety of interpretations that have been put out in the successive letters of the Controller of Defence Accounts. I have been, for several years, the victim of the vagaries of the Controller of Defence Accounts' rules. I won't go into those details. I can't simply understand how the pensions of a Lt. General, a Major General and a Brigadier are going to be exactly the same as that of a rank which is about half that service of a Lt. Colonel, except, perhaps, for a difference of a hundred rupees. On what ground? You chaired the Group of Ministers, but the discontentment remains. Precedence is very important. Pension is very important. On both you dent the standing of the Armed Forces and you expect them to deliver the best that they can. Sir, the question of one rank one pension has bedevilled the Armed Forces for a very long time. I was greatly troubled. I am greatly troubled and uniformed or officers and men who were once in uniform are compelled to take action of the kind that they have been compelled to take, either by returning their medals or by sitting in protest. Please take your own example. I didn't hear my friends. I may be wrong. But I don't think why a Member of Parliament, should get a pension, personally, because it is a very unpopular thought. I know it. I am also not at all of the view as to why we should get Rs 1 crore or Rs 2 crores for whatever we do. But there again I am a minority. So, I withdraw mine. But I don't understand, when we, as Members of Parliament, have given to ourselves what tantamounts to one rank one pension, how can you deny it to the ex-servicemen? Sir, suppose a senior colleague of mine retired from Parliament, say, in 1957 and didn't come back to the Parliament. The kind of pension that a Member of Parliament receives today, say, in 2009, is what you will give to a Member who left the Parliament in 1957. Between 1957 and 2009, there is a difference of almost half-a-century. So, you adjust the pension that you are giving to him, but you refuse to adjust it to the ex-servicemen who are out of service at the age of 38. There is a full life ahead of him with no employment or limited employment opportunities available. I have addressed this question in detail. Please don't throw it in my face—you are entitled to throw—that you also held this job and why you didn't do it. I was also a Member of a Commission appointed during late Mrs. Gandhi's days. I appeal to the Government to re-address itself to the complex question of one rank one pension and to immediately find as equitable an answer as you find for the Members of Parliament and not let the servicemen and the ex-servicemen suffer on account of differentials of precedence of pay, emoluments and pensions and of one rank and one pension. (Contd. by 2T/VK) VK/2T/3.45
SHRI JASWANT SINGH
To: Sudhir Jatar
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: Diluting valour
Dear General,
Thank you for your email of February 15 which included an article on the devaluation of gallantry awards by the former VCOAS, Gen Vijay Oberoi.
You are right: there is a need for a much greater transparency and credible yardstick through which nominations to various awards are vetted and recommendations endorsed. That some of the awards in the recent past and those of the Republic Day this year reveal a dilution on account of political expediency can be gauged by the outcry raised by the veterans, some verbally and some in well crafted prose, as has been done by General Vijay Oberoi. I share his disappointment on the multiple criteria adopted in recognition of valour.
With good wishes,
Jaswant Singh
EXTRACTS FROM THE SPEECH BY SHREE JASWANT SINGH, HON’ MEMBER RAJYA SABHA TO THE JOINT SESSION OF PARLIAMENT ON 17.02.2009...MKS-HMS/3.35/2R
SHRI JASWANT SINGH (CONTD.): … edited …
Sir, I will take the next point which relates to the Armed Forces. Raksha Senao ka jo masla hai,usme main 2-3 buniyadi bate aap se urz karooga.come to the question: why does a citizen enrol and does he agree to die? Of course, it is a complex question, and I will not attempt an answer to this complex question. This is an immensely complex question: why does a citizen agree to die? ", the factors that go amongst various others are the factors of morale, of izzat, of iqbal, of standing and the prestige of our Armed Forces, therefore, of the soldiers and sailors. Sir, there are some aspects which I have underscored; seemingly trivial, but, I think, they are profoundly important, wrongly important as it is, and much more important in consequence. Sir, the first question which the hon. Pranab Babu, again, in a Group of Ministers meeting was required, he chaired it, to address is the question of pay, pensions and emoluments. I will come to it in a minute.
The second question is of distinction, distinction and distinctiveness of uniforms, the rights and the duties of the respective security organisations of the country. Please do not confuse one with the other. The hon. Minister, Pranab Babu, handled responsibility as the Defence Minister of the country, with distinction and competence. And, no doubt, you realise, Sir, how to uniform a man, whether a General or a Field Marshal or Justice Inquiry or a Warrant Officer; izzat is of the greatest importance. The izzat that the individual gets is an account of the uniform which he wears; the uniform is of this Republic of India. If you belittle the uniform, you belittle, in a very rare sense, the Republic.
Phoz ki jo dress hai, hum dekhte hai ki yeh jo bahut badi- badi companiya hai, ishe humare distinguished friend vimal babu neb hi dekha hoga ki un companiyo ke darbano ko phoz ki dress me vahan khada kar dete hai, phir vahi medals lagate hai. Ish bare me kanoon banana chahiye.
Please do not permit the copying of military uniform by any other force, but the Military. aur usme choti choti bate aa jati hai. Phoz ka chahe rishala ho ya pultan ho, yeh choti-choti bate hai aur usme kimat dekar right equare kiya gaya hota hai. Sir, iske sath hi main yaha example nahi dena chahuga kyonki usme vakt lagega. Yeha jo down grading aapne ki hai of the Armed Forces, of their Officers, in the Warrant of Precedence, this is not acceptable. This is totally unacceptable. Please address it because this is a seemingly, quite seemingly, clearly an illogical and a destructive step that over the decades successive Governments of India have been continuing, and, perhaps, almost as if they have been deliberately doing it.
The next point, in addition to the point of Armed Forces, is about the ex-servicemen.
(Contd. by TMV/2S) -MKS-TMV-DS/2S/3.40
SHRI JASWANT SINGH (CONTD.): The ex-servicemen today number almost three million, if I am not mistaken. So, they are stung by the various anomalies that have been thrown up by the Sixth Pay Commission and their confusion has been compounded by a variety of interpretations that have been put out in the successive letters of the Controller of Defence Accounts. I have been, for several years, the victim of the vagaries of the Controller of Defence Accounts' rules. I won't go into those details. I can't simply understand how the pensions of a Lt. General, a Major General and a Brigadier are going to be exactly the same as that of a rank which is about half that service of a Lt. Colonel, except, perhaps, for a difference of a hundred rupees. On what ground? You chaired the Group of Ministers, but the discontentment remains. Precedence is very important. Pension is very important. On both you dent the standing of the Armed Forces and you expect them to deliver the best that they can. Sir, the question of one rank one pension has bedevilled the Armed Forces for a very long time. I was greatly troubled. I am greatly troubled and uniformed or officers and men who were once in uniform are compelled to take action of the kind that they have been compelled to take, either by returning their medals or by sitting in protest. Please take your own example. I didn't hear my friends. I may be wrong. But I don't think why a Member of Parliament, should get a pension, personally, because it is a very unpopular thought. I know it. I am also not at all of the view as to why we should get Rs 1 crore or Rs 2 crores for whatever we do. But there again I am a minority. So, I withdraw mine. But I don't understand, when we, as Members of Parliament, have given to ourselves what tantamounts to one rank one pension, how can you deny it to the ex-servicemen? Sir, suppose a senior colleague of mine retired from Parliament, say, in 1957 and didn't come back to the Parliament. The kind of pension that a Member of Parliament receives today, say, in 2009, is what you will give to a Member who left the Parliament in 1957. Between 1957 and 2009, there is a difference of almost half-a-century. So, you adjust the pension that you are giving to him, but you refuse to adjust it to the ex-servicemen who are out of service at the age of 38. There is a full life ahead of him with no employment or limited employment opportunities available. I have addressed this question in detail. Please don't throw it in my face—you are entitled to throw—that you also held this job and why you didn't do it. I was also a Member of a Commission appointed during late Mrs. Gandhi's days. I appeal to the Government to re-address itself to the complex question of one rank one pension and to immediately find as equitable an answer as you find for the Members of Parliament and not let the servicemen and the ex-servicemen suffer on account of differentials of precedence of pay, emoluments and pensions and of one rank and one pension. (Contd. by 2T/VK) VK/2T/3.45
SHRI JASWANT SINGH
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
MPs versus Poverty in India
The Salary, Allowances and Pension of members of parliament
Monthly Salary: Rs 16,000
Expense for Constitution per month: Rs 10,000
Office Expenditure: Rs 14,000
Travelling Expense per month: Rs 48,000 (Rs 8 per Km)
Daily DA TA during Parliament: Rs 1000 per day
Free 1 class AC train fare unlimited All India
Business Class flights 40 trips with wife and PA
Rent Free hostel at Delhi
Free electricity 50,000 units
Local Free upto 1,70,000 telephone calls
Total cost per year:Rs 33,00,000
Total cost for 534 MPs for a five year term: 10,00,00,00,000 nearly 1000 crore Approx Rupees Rs 10 billion which is almost $2,00,000000 ($ 200 million)
AMENITIES FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
The Salary, Allowances and Pension of members of parliament act, 1954
The ridiculous salary for elected representatives in India
Poverty in India
Poverty in India is reducing but it is still a major issue. Rural Indians depend on unpredictable agriculture incomes, while urban Indians rely on jobs that are, at best, scarce.
Since its independence, the issue of poverty within India has remained a prevalent concern. According to the common definition of poverty, when a person finds it difficult to meet the minimum requirement of acceptable living standards, he or she is considered poor.
Millions of people in India are unable to meet these basic standards, and according to government estimates, in 2007 there were nearly 220.1 million people living below the poverty line.
Nearly 21.1% of the entire rural population and 15% of the urban population of India exists in this difficult physical and financial predicament. The following chart presents the poverty situation:
Since 1970, the Indian government has implemented a number of programs designed to eradicate poverty, and has had some success with these programs. The government has sought to increase the GDP through different processes, including changes in industrial policies. There is also a Public Distribution System, which has been somewhat effective so far. Other programs include the Integrated Rural Development Programme, Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, the Training Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM) and to the credit of the government, other on-going initiatives.
Poverty in India
Poverty in India: Economy watch
Monthly Salary: Rs 16,000
Expense for Constitution per month: Rs 10,000
Office Expenditure: Rs 14,000
Travelling Expense per month: Rs 48,000 (Rs 8 per Km)
Daily DA TA during Parliament: Rs 1000 per day
Free 1 class AC train fare unlimited All India
Business Class flights 40 trips with wife and PA
Rent Free hostel at Delhi
Free electricity 50,000 units
Local Free upto 1,70,000 telephone calls
Total cost per year:Rs 33,00,000
Total cost for 534 MPs for a five year term: 10,00,00,00,000 nearly 1000 crore Approx Rupees Rs 10 billion which is almost $2,00,000000 ($ 200 million)
AMENITIES FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
The Salary, Allowances and Pension of members of parliament act, 1954
The ridiculous salary for elected representatives in India
Poverty in India
Poverty in India is reducing but it is still a major issue. Rural Indians depend on unpredictable agriculture incomes, while urban Indians rely on jobs that are, at best, scarce.
Since its independence, the issue of poverty within India has remained a prevalent concern. According to the common definition of poverty, when a person finds it difficult to meet the minimum requirement of acceptable living standards, he or she is considered poor.
Millions of people in India are unable to meet these basic standards, and according to government estimates, in 2007 there were nearly 220.1 million people living below the poverty line.
Nearly 21.1% of the entire rural population and 15% of the urban population of India exists in this difficult physical and financial predicament. The following chart presents the poverty situation:
Since 1970, the Indian government has implemented a number of programs designed to eradicate poverty, and has had some success with these programs. The government has sought to increase the GDP through different processes, including changes in industrial policies. There is also a Public Distribution System, which has been somewhat effective so far. Other programs include the Integrated Rural Development Programme, Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, the Training Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM) and to the credit of the government, other on-going initiatives. Poverty in India
Poverty in India: Economy watch
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