Former Governor, Jammu & Kashmir
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Water will be more important than oil this century. — Boutros Boutros-Ghali
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The Umar Khalid case highlights threats to democracy when dissent is criminalized. Justice delayed is justice denied, especially with laws like UAPA. GST reform aims to reduce disputes, but implementation needs transparency. MSMEs need tax relief to counter geopolitical impacts. GST 2.0 is criticized as a political maneuver. Encouraging questioning is essential for student learning and democratic participation.
Flash floods in the Himalayas necessitate real-time monitoring and community involvement. China displayed military power, signaling a growing bloc. Court decisions regarding freedom of expression are concerning. India provided aid to Afghanistan but faced criticism for not aiding flood-hit states at home. GST changes require monitoring to ensure consumer benefits, and silence is crucial for communication.
Prolonged pre-trial detention violates the presumption of innocence and constitutional rights. India aims to become a major semiconductor player, with advancements like the indigenous microprocessor 'Vikram,' but needs investment, R&D, and reduced reliance on imports. While prize money parity is welcome, pay disparity in annual retainerships between male and female cricketers persists. The administration's failure to address pollution in Ludhiana demands criminal action against negligent officials and violators.
India faces a difficult foreign policy situation, pressured by both China and the West, necessitating a sensitive approach to relations, especially with China, despite past conflicts. The Tianjin Declaration reveals diplomatic posturing rather than decisive action against terrorism, and sincerity is crucial for mending ties. The Punjab government's flood relief efforts are criticized for being publicity stunts, with farmers needing substantial aid.
India should balance defense with trade and investment when engaging with China. Concerns exist about the sustainability of India-China bonhomie due to unresolved issues. Criticism of the Supreme Court erodes faith in the justice system. Punjab's government faced criticism for its response to the recent floods. Incompetent appointments in Punjab's higher education institutions are a concern.
Political maneuvering using Chanakya's doctrine is widespread, potentially eroding democracy. Countermeasures include strong institutions, free media, and ethical leadership. China fears the Dalai Lama's peace initiatives. India and China attempt cordial relations, despite challenges. Corruption leads to deliberate damage of wheat stocks causing financial losses and impacting farmers.
India's nuclear push needs public trust via safety, transparency. Reducing reliance on China requires strengthening domestic manufacturing and diversifying markets. Duty-free cotton imports benefit the textile industry. US officials' remarks on Ukraine are unfair. Afforestation is crucial for flood prevention. Supporting flood relief efforts demonstrates social responsibility.
Ayushman Bharat faces fraud; stronger public healthcare and fraud detection are needed. Punjab needs more development funding and employment. Smart incentives and market diversification can help with tariff impacts. High tariffs also present export opportunities. Infrastructure expansion in hill stations should be reconsidered.
This day that year View More
The Council of State, designed to obstruct the people's House, repeatedly opposed popular measures. Its rejection of the Repressive Laws Bill highlights its bureaucratic allegiance. The author calls the Council unrepresentative, a threat to rights, and urges voters to oust its members.
The Legislative Assembly debated prohibition, revealing strong Indian support for it. No Indian members supported the government's stance, while a decisive majority (69-38) backed the amendment. The government's opposition primarily comprised officials and their allies.
Pandit Malaviya pleaded for the release of Sikh prisoners during the Gurdwara Bill debate. He argued the prisoners had substantially met the government's demands by supporting the Bill. Jinnah supported this appeal, urging the government not to humiliate the Sikhs by insisting on the pledge.
The Select Committee's report on Rangachariar's Bill, regulating firearm use during unlawful assemblies, has been published. The bill aims to hold government officials accountable for excessive force, mirroring English common law. It ensures officials and citizens are equally liable for actions exceeding self-defense.
The decline of non-cooperation strengthened Indian Liberalism. Bengal, led by Surendranath Banerjea, initially rebounded. Now, Bombay, particularly due to Srinivasa Sastri's influence and its active Liberals, leads the movement, anticipating a successful provincial conference in Poona.
The Legislative Assembly's decision to send the Contempt of Court Bill to a committee will be widely opposed. Though a compromise, it removed a key objectionable aspect. The author views the entire bill as an unnecessary restriction on press freedom and public criticism of the judiciary.
The Viceroy's response to Bombay mill owners' plea to abolish the cotton excise duty was unhelpful. The industry faces a severe crisis with unsold goods. Removing the duty would allow price reductions, clearing stock, and preventing worker layoffs or wage cuts.
Srinivasa Sastri criticizes the Viceroy's speech as merely reiterating Lord Birkenhead's. He disputes the Viceroy's claim that Britain doesn't yield to force, arguing that historical progress, including in Britain itself, often followed agitation and unrest. He cites examples like Kenya to support his point.
The Assembly successfully censured the government over the Royal Currency Commission's composition. Despite government objections, the motion passed, largely due to the commission's perceived lack of Indian representation and the public's disapproval of selected members.
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