Sep 28 – All India Protest Day

Anger against Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant

English: Internationally recognized symbol.
Deutsch: Gefahrensymbol für Radioaktivität.
Image:Radioactive.svg (Photo credit:
Wikipedia)SUCI(C) observes
All India Protest Day

On September 28, 2012
Against Nuclear Power & Nuclear Weapons Against the Opening of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant
Supporting the people’s struggle against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant
Against state repression of the legitimate struggle of the people against the KKNPP
PROTEST DEMONSTRATION
Venue:  Memorial Hall, Chennai
Time:    10.30 AM
and also PROTEST DEMONSTRATION
Venue: Anna Bus Stand, Madurai
Time:                  11.00 AM
Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist)
TAMILNADU STATE ORGANISING COMMITTEE
New No 16, Old No 18, Rotler Street, Choolai, Chennai 600 112
Tel: 044-2643 3169            
Cell: 94445 51930              
                                                            Email: suci_tn@yahoo.com                Courtesy:Kracktivist
Sep 28 – All India Protest Day 

Bharat Bandh: Stray incidents of violence reported

Trains stopped in Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna
New Delhi, Sept 20,2012: Stray incidents of violence and protest were reported on Thursday, Sept 20 from different parts of the country when Samajwadi Party, Left parties and many others observed Bharat Bandh called by BJP-led NDA. The nationwide strike by NDA and other opposition parties was called following Congress-led UPA government's decision to introduce Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail and fuel price hike.
                 Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party along with Left and TDP party workers are expected to stage protest in Delhi where autorickshaw and buses were kept off the roads. Markets were shut across the national capital. BJP leaders also planned to hold a protest march to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence. 
Rail services disrupted: According to different reports Samajwadi Party workers stopped trains in Allahabad while BJP and JD(U) workers disrupted train services in Varanasi and Patna. 
Clash between TMC and BJP:Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters were engaged in a clash with BJP party workers in Howrah, West Bengal.The scuffle broke out between the two groups when two rallies, held by TMC and BJP, had a face to face encounter. TMC held the rally opposing the bandh called by BJP and others oppositions while BJP rally was held to ensure bandh in the city.
Railway track blocked: Meanwhile, reports surfaced that JD(U) workers blocked railway track and disrupted train services in Darbhanga and Samastipur in Bihar.
Buses were kept off:The strike left maximum impact on BJP-ruled states, especially in Karnataka. BMTC and KSRTC buses were kept off the roads in Bangalore while autos were plying in the city providing some relief to commuters.
Ravi Shankar Prasad held:Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad has been detained in Patna during their protest on Thursday, Sept 20. Another senior BJP leader in Bihar CP Thakur 
Bharat Bandh called by BJP-led NDA against FDI in multi-brand retail and diesel price hike disrupted normal life across the state. JD(U) workers and BJP supporters blocked rail tracks and stopped train movements at several places.
Mr Prasad was leading a protest march in the state capital shouting slogans against Manmohan Singh's UPA government who had overruled all demands for rollback of FDI in multi-brand retail and diesel price hike.

ex-PM court arrest in Delhi:CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda were among those leaders who also courted arrest protesting against the government.

5 crore traders participated in Bharat Bandh: Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Praveen Khandelwal has been quoted as saying, "There will be no commercial activity across the country. Traders in different cities will take out protest marches and demonstrations." As many as 5 crore traders and 25,000 trade associations are taking part in this bandh demanding rollback of FDI in multi-brand retail.

BS Yeddyurappa arrested: Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa along with BJP MP Ananth Kumar has been arrested in Bangalore on Thursday.
Ashok Nagar police arrested the two leaders near Maharani College. The two politicos were accused of delivering furious speech which might ignite violence in the city.

Bangalore paralyses during Bharat Bandh: Government and private schools and restaurants were closed. Most of the IT companies announced holiday on Thursday. Wipro, HP, DELL, ZTE, Cisco, SAP, MindTree were closed, though they would work on Saturday.

Function at DD Jain Memorial College for Women

MP Manish Tiwari inaugurated the Computer Lab

On September 14, 2012, Mr. Manish Tiwari, Member Parliament inaugurated the Computer Lab constructed in Devki Devi Jain Memorial College for Women, Ludhiana with the contribution of Rs.5,00,000/- sanctioned by Sh. Tiwari. He was accompanied by Sh. Pawan Deewan, District President of Congress, Mrs. Pinky Bansal, Councilor, Sh. Sham Sunder Malhotra & Sh. Jasbir Chadda, Ex-Councilors. Mrs. Punam Sareen, Officiating Principal welcomed the honourable guests and gave a brief account of the achievements of the institution. Samaj Rattan Sh. Hira Lal Jain expressed his gratitude to Mr. Tiwari for taking keen interest in the empowerment of women through the medium of education. Sh. Manish Tiwari in his address asked the young students to join the work force of the country after the completion of their studies to speed up the economic growth of the nation. He also assured that there will be no dearth of funds in providing the infrastructure to improve the quality of education. 
Sh. Kedar Nath, President of college Managing Committee, Sh. Raj Kumar Jain & Sh. Shanti Saroop Jain, Sr. Vice Presidents, Sh. Sheetal Kumar Jain, Vice President, Sh. Bipin Jain Secretary, Sh. Surinder Kumar Jain, Manager, Sh. Arvind Kumar Jain, Joint Secretary, Sh. Shiv Desh Bandhu Gupta, Sh. Amrit Lal Jain, Sh. Prem Kumar Jain & Sh. Rajiv Jain thanked Mr. Tiwari and reiterated that they have high hopes from young and charismatic leader like Mr. Tiwari who can lead the country to great heights.

Hindi Day tomorrow

President to address award function

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee would be the Chief Guest at a function being held on the occasion of Hindi Day tomorrow (September 14, 2012) at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Minister of Home Affairs will preside over the function and Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Home Affairs will also grace the occasion.
At the function, the President will confer Awards in various categories for excellence in different fields pertaining to Hindi, the official language. 
September 14 is celebrated as Hindi Day as Hindi was declared the official language unanimously by the Constituent Assembly on 14th September, 1949. To commemorate this historic occasion, Hindi Diwas is observed every year on 14th September. (PIB)  13-September-2012 18:31 IST 
***

IDPD on repression at Koodankulam Nuclear Plant

We demand immediate withdrawal of police 

The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has condemned police repression on the peaceful people agitating against the nuclear power plant in Koodankulam (Tamil Nadu). In our democratic country every citizen/ group has the right to express views openly. According to Dr L S Chawla President and Dr Arun Mitra General Secretary Peaceful agitators are raising their voice against the nuclear plant. The Fukushima experience has proved that these plants can be a potential threat to the human health only but all the flora and fauna around. We demand immediate cessation of loading of the plant with uranium and withdrawal of police forces from the area.                     

साक्षरता मिशन पर उपराष्ट्रपति श्री हामिद अंसारी

मिशन को एक नियमित व स्थायी तंत्र बनाने की आवष्यकता

इन्टेगरल यूनिवर्सिटी लखनऊ में छात्रों के साथ आठ सिम्बर 2012 को हुई एक यादगारी भेंट में सम्बोधित करते  हुए माननीय उपराष्ट्रपति श्री हामिद अंसारी  (पीआईबी फोटो) 

उपराष्ट्रपति श्री हामिद अंसारी और उनकी पत्नी सलमा अंसारी को लखनऊ हवाई अड्डे पर आठ सितम्बर 2012 के दिन सुस्वागतम कहते हुए उत्तराखंड के राज्यपाल बी एल जोशी और मुख्यमंत्री अखिलेश यादव व अन्य (फोटो:पीआईबी) 

साक्षरता मिशन  को व्यापक और ज्यादा प्रभावषाली बनाने के लिये हमारी व्यवस्था के सभी क्षेत्रों में उभरते परिवर्तनों के अनुरूप इसे ढालने के साथ ही मिषन को एक नियमित एवं स्थायी तंत्र के रूप में आकार देने की जरूरत है। ऐसे तंत्र को न केवल प्रषासनिक बल्कि संागठनिक, सामाजिक एवं निजी स्तर पर भी स्थापित किये जाने व आगे जारी रखने की आवष्यकता है । यह विचार आज लखनऊ में उपराष्ट्रपति श्री हामिद अंसारी ने अंतराष्ट्रीय साक्षरता दिवस 2012 के अवसर पर आयोजित राष्ट्रीय साक्षरता पुरस्कार समारोह में मुख्य अतिथि के तौर पर व्यक्त किये । इस अवसर पर उन्होंने राष्ट्रीय साक्षरता पुरस्कारों का वितरण भी किया ।

उन्होंनेे कहा कि साक्षरता मिषन की सफलता बहुत कुछ इस बात पर भी निर्भर करेगी कि स्थानीय स्वषासन निकायों और पंचायती राज संस्थाओं द्वारा इसे कितने प्रभावी रूप से कार्यान्वित किया जाता है। मिषन के उद्देष्यों और औचित्य की चर्चा करते हुये उन्होंने कहा कि हमारी जन संख्या का 44 प्रतिषत हिस्सा अनुसूचित जातियां,अनुसूचित जनजातियंा और अल्पसंख्यक हैं । अगर यह कार्यक्रम सचमुच उन तक पहुंचाया जाय तो कामयाबी की गारंटी दी जा सकती है । 

उन्होंने आगे कहा कि महिलाआंे का सामाजिक आर्थिक विकास मुख्य रूप से उनकी साक्षरता के स्तर पर निर्भर करता है । इस प्रकार महिलाओं की साक्षरता उनके सषक्तिकरण में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका अदा करती है । अतः साक्षर भारत कार्यक्रम महिलाओं की साक्षरता पर भी बल देता है । 

अंत में उन्होंने कहा कि हमारे देषवासियों के सामाजिक आर्थिक और सांस्कृतिक विकास तथा एक प्रबुद्व समाज के लिये गुणवत्तायुक्त साक्षरता की आवष्यकता है । इसके लिये निरक्षरता के विरूद्व अधिक जन जागरूकता पैदा करने और लोक मत बनाने की आवष्यकता है और हर नागरिक को यह चुनौती स्वीकार करने और निरक्षरता के चुंगल से भारत को मुक्त करने में अपना योगदान देने की जरूरत है। 

इस अवसर पर बोलते हुये केन्द्रीय मानव संसाधन विकास मंत्री श्री कपिल सिब्बल ने कहा कि हमें देहात और शहरों के बीच शिक्षा में जो 16 प्रतिषत की खाई हैं उसे कम करना है और पुरूष एवं महिलाओं की साक्षरता के बीच के 16 प्रतिषत के अंतर को 10 प्रतिषत से कम करना है तथा साक्षरता का प्रतिषत यथाषीघ्र 80 प्रतिषत करना है । इसके लिये हर वर्ग के साथ ही केन्द्र व राज्य सरकारों तथा सभी राजनीतिक दलों को साथ चलना होगा। 

इस अवसर पर बोलते हुये उत्तर प्रदेष के मुख्य मंत्री श्री अखिलेष यादव ने कन्या विद्याधन योजना तथा अल्पसंख्यक छात्राओं के लिये षिक्षा हेतु सहायता आदि की चर्चा करते हुये कहा है कि उनकी सरकार द्वारा साक्षरता के लिये काफी प्रयास किये जा रहे है पर गांवों के स्कूलों में संसाधनों की काफी कमी है जिसके लिये केन्द्रीय सहायता की और आवष्यकता है।

इस अवसर पर उत्तर प्रदेष के षिक्षा मंत्री श्री राम गोबिन्द चैधरी सहित कार्यक्रम से जुड़े विभागों के अनेक गणमान्य जन उपस्थित थे ।

सायंकाल एक अन्य कार्यक्रम में उपराष्ट्रपति महोदय ने लखनऊ स्थित इन्टी्रग्रल विष्वविद्यालय के छात्रों को संबोधित करने के साथ ही छात्रों द्वारा पूछे गये विभिन्न प्रकार के सवालों के जवाब भी दिये तथा उनको अपना ध्यान केन्द्रित कर जीवन में उत्कृष्टता हासिल करने का आह्वान किया । (पत्र सूचना कार्यालय)                                      08-सितम्बर-2012 21:04 IST

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International Literacy Day -2012 Function in Lucknow

Vice President Confers National Literacy Award

The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari addressing during the interaction with students of Integral University, in Lucknow on September 08, 2012. (PIB Photo)

The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari and his wife Smt. Salma Ansari being received by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Shri B.L. Joshi and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Akhilesh Yadav, at Amausi airport, Lucknow on September 08, 2012.(PIB)

The Vice President of India, Shri M Hamid Ansari has said that literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means of social and economic development. It is one of the most important parameters for gauging, in conjunction with other social parameters, the development of a society.  Addressing   after conferring “ National Literacy Awards” at a function  to mark International Literacy Day- 2012 organised by the National Literacy Mission Authority in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) today, he expressed his concern that we have the largest number of non-literates in the world. Our literacy rate of 74 percent, achieved in the last decade, is much below the world average of 84 per cent and is in sharp contrast to what has been achieved by some Asian countries like China, Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
He said that we consoled ourselves with the fact that our national literacy rate at the time of independence was a little over 12 percent and that significant progress has been made since with the literacy rate going up to 52 in 1991, 65 in 2001 and 74 in 2011. It is also evident that the vast treasures of knowledge dispensed by our sages and scholars down the ages emanated from a very narrow base in numerical terms.  
Shri Ansari opined that the Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Minorities together constitute 44 per cent of our population. The socio-economic development of women largely depends upon their literacy level. Literacy of women thus plays a critical role in their empowerment. The Saakshar Bharat programme, therefore, gives special emphasis on women literacy.  It is to be noted that while the male literacy rate has increased from 75 to 82.14 per cent during the last decade, the female literacy rate in the same period has increased from 53.67 to 65.46 percent.  This has reduced the gender gap from 21 to 16 percent. 
Applauding the efforts the ‘Saakshar Bharat programme’, he said that this programme  is being implemented in 372 out of 410 eligible districts spread across 25 States and one Union Territory. Adult Education Centres have been set up in one lakh Gram Panchayats and around 570 lakh non literates have been identified through door to door survey. Literacy classes have started functioning in 16 lakh Centres covering around 174 lakh learners. Out of these, around 144 lakh learners have been certified as literates in the assessment tests conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling.
The Vice President said that development of Adult Education in India depends upon the adaptability of the literacy mission to the emerging changes in all segments of the economy.  Instead of functioning as a transient agent, the mission needs to take shape of a regular and permanent mechanism. Such mechanism is to be established and continued not only at the level of various administrative authorities, but also at the levels of the civil society organizations, social partners, private sector, community and adult learners’ and educators’ organizations. The success of the programme would also largely depend upon how effectively it is implemented by the Local Self-Government bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions.  
Following is the text of the Vice President’ address :
“I am happy to be here today, in the historic city of Lucknow, to participate in this function to mark the International Literacy Day 2012, organized by the National Literacy Mission Authority. It is an important event in our calendar, an occasion for rejoicing for the work done, as also for introspection about the distance still to be traversed. Needless to say, literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means of social and economic development. It is one of the most important parameters for gauging, in conjunction with other social parameters, the development of a society.  
Allow me to mention a disturbing fact. We have the largest number of non-literates in the world. Our literacy rate of 74 percent, achieved in the last decade, is much below the world average of 84 per cent and is in sharp contrast to what has been achieved by some Asian countries like China, Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. We console ourselves with the fact that our national literacy rate at the time of independence was a little over 12 percent and that significant progress has been made since with the literacy rate going up to 52 in 1991, 65 in 2001 and 74 in 2011. It is also evident that the vast treasures of knowledge dispensed by our sages and scholars down the ages emanated from a very narrow base in numerical terms.  
The paradox is that within our own country, uneven progress in the promotion of literacy has been made and wide disparities are noticeable. Thus Kerala has almost 100 percent literacy. Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram have made remarkable progress. On the other hand, some other states record well below the national average. When this is viewed in conjunction with other social indicators like infant mortality and life expectancy, the linkage between literacy and quality of life become evident.
This audience is well aware of the steps taken in the past decade to promote literacy in all age groups in our population. The Constitution (Eighty sixth) Amendment of 2002 and the Right to Education Act of 2009 address the problem at the base of the age pyramid. For those in the higher age groups - 15 to 34 and 35 to 59, together constituting about 67 percent of the population, and particularly its weaker and disadvantaged segments - specific initiatives were required to address the prevalence of non-literates.
This was the purpose of the National Literacy Mission with its objective of imparting functional literacy to all persons in the age group 15 to 35, defined as acquiring the skill of reading, writing and arithmetic and the ability to apply them to one’s daily life and thereby ameliorate their condition by participating in the process of development.  
Experience showed the need for further refinement and sharper focusing. Three years ago, on this day, the Saakshar Bharat, the new variant of National Literacy Mission, was launched by the Government.  The prime focus of the Mission is to establish a fully literate society through improved quality and standard of Adult Education and Literacy.
The purpose of the Mission is to impart functional literacy to 70 million adults in the age group of 15 years and above focusing mainly on women, SCs, STs, Minorities and other disadvantaged groups of the society in rural areas.  The Programme is being implemented in the Mission Mode with institutional framework at national, state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels. The institution of Adult Education Centre at the Gram Panchayat level is the backbone of the Programme.
The rationale of this emphasis is evident. Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Minorities together constitute 44 per cent of our population. The socio-economic development of women largely depends upon their literacy level. Literacy of women thus plays a critical role in their empowerment. The Saakshar Bharat programme, therefore, gives special emphasis on women literacy.  It is to be noted that while the male literacy rate has increased from 75 to 82.14 per cent during the last decade, the female literacy rate in the same period has increased from 53.67 to 65.46 percent.  This has reduced the gender gap from 21 to 16 percent. 
I am happy to learn that the Saakshar Bharat programme is being implemented in 372 out of 410 eligible districts spread across 25 States and one Union Territory. Adult Education Centres have been set up in one lakh Gram Panchayats and around 570 lakh non literates have been identified through door to door survey. Literacy classes have started functioning in 16 lakh Centres covering around 174 lakh learners. Out of these, around 144 lakh learners have been certified as literates in the assessment tests conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling.
While quantitative data makes impressive reading, some questions do need to be asked about the quality of literacy imparted. How do we ensure it? If stagnation and quality deficit in educational outputs remain a fact of life, how do we ensure that it will bring forth capacity building and eventual employability?  Since this programme is in a mission mode, how do we ensure continuity once the mission is concluded? 
To take this initiative further, we need to gear up the machinery at all levels i.e. National Literacy Mission Authority, State Literacy Mission Authorities, Lok Shiksha Samities in Districts, Blocks and Gram Panchayats.  The implementation structure needs to be consolidated and strengthened with involvement of not only the Government Authorities but also eminent organisations in the Non-Government and Private Sector.
Furthermore, development of Adult Education in India depends upon the adaptability of the literacy mission to the emerging changes in all segments of the economy.  Instead of functioning as a transient agent, the mission needs to take shape of a regular and permanent mechanism. Such mechanism is to be established and continued not only at the level of various administrative authorities, but also at the levels of the civil society organizations, social partners, private sector, community and adult learners’ and educators’ organizations. 
The success of the programme would also largely depend upon how effectively it is implemented by the Local Self-Government bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions.  
Finally, we need to create more public awareness and public opinion in favour of our battle against illiteracy. It is the tyranny of circumstances rather than free choice that makes a person non-literate. It is the duty of society to change the conditions in which illiteracy prospers. 
Let us not forget that literacy today, with a focus on quality, is essential for social, economic and cultural development of our people and towards the creation of a knowledge society. I urge every citizen to take up this challenge and contribute to free India from the clutches of illiteracy.”  (PIB)  08-September-2012 15:35 IST      *****

भारत के राष्‍ट्रपति का कल से दो दिन का दौरा

तमिलनाडु और आंध्र प्रदेश जायेंगे  

भारत के राष्‍ट्रपति श्री प्रणब मुखर्जी दो दिन के दौरे पर कल (8 सितंबर, 2012) तमिलनाडु (चेन्‍नई) और आंध्र प्रदेश (तिरूपति) जाएंगे। कार्यभार संभालने के बाद राष्‍ट्रपति का किसी राज्‍य में यह पहला दौरा है।
8 सितंबर, 2012 को चेन्‍नई में राष्‍ट्रपति मद्रास उच्‍च न्‍यायालय की 150वीं वर्षगांठ के उत्‍सव के समापन समारोह में भाग लेंगे। वे उसी दिन ,मद्रास चैंबर ऑफ कामर्स और इंडस्‍ट्री द्वारा आयोजित अभिनन्‍दन समारोह को संबोधित भी करेंगे।
9 सितंबर, 2012 को तिरूपति में राष्‍ट्रपति तिरूमला तिरूपति देवास्‍थानम्स के नंदाकम परिसर का शुभारंभ करेंगे। वे एस वी वेदपाठशाला, धर्मागिरी का दौरा भी करेंगे। राष्‍ट्रपति उसी दिन नई दिल्‍ली वासप लौट आएंगे। (PIB)                       07-सितम्बर-2012 15:40 SIT

President of India on a Two-Day Tour

To Visit Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh  

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee would be leaving New Delhi tomorrow (September 8, 2012) for a two-day tour to Tamil Nadu (Chennai) and Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati). This shall be the President's first visit to a State outside Delhi, since he assumed office.
In Chennai, the President shall attend the Valedictory function of the Sesquicentennial celebrations of Madras High Court on September 8, 2012. He will also deliver an Address at a felicitation function organized by the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the same day.
In Tirupati, the President will inaugurate the Nandakam Complex of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams on September 9, 2012. He would also visit the S V Vedapatasala, Dharmagiri. The President will return to New Delhi on the same day. (PIB) 07-September-2012 14:43 IST

Electric rickshaws

A new effort for economically backward women 

The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah at the launch of the programme to provide environment friendly electric rickshaws to economically backward women, in New Delhi on September 06, 2012.  (PIB Photo)  06-September-2012

भारत और यूरोपीय संघ के बीच द्विपक्षीय व्यापार और निवेश समझौता

वाणिज्य पर विशेष लेख                                                                                             अमित गुईन*  

                                                                                                                                                                                साभार चित्र 

एक समय था जब भारत और यूरोपीय संघ के बीच व्यापारिक वस्तुओं का द्विपक्षीय व्यापार 40 बिलियन यूरो का था। उस समय भारत ने यूरोपीय संघ को 3.8 बिलियन यूरो मूल्य की सेवाओं का निर्यात किया और यूरोपीय संघ भारत का विदेशी प्रत्यक्ष निवेश का सबसे बड़ा स्रोत था। संक्षेप में कहा जा सकता है कि जब दोनों के बीच द्विपक्षीय व्यापार और निवेश के स्वस्थ रूझान थे, उस समय सन् 2005 में दोनों देशों के बीच व्यापार और निवेश को और बढ़ावा देने के उपाय तलाशने के लिए भारत-यूरोपीय शिखर सम्मेलन का एक उच्च स्तरीय व्यापार समूह (एचएलटीजी) गठित किया गया। एचएलटीजी द्वारा गंभीर चर्चा के जरिए विभिन्न मंचों पर विचार किया गया। चर्चा के दौरान इस बात पर आम सहमति हुई कि व्यापार में गैर-टैरिफ बाधाओं को दूर करने के बाद ही सुदृढ़ व्यापार संबंधों का स्वप्न पूरा किया जा सकता है। अत: इस बात की सिफारिश की गई कि विस्तारित व्यापार संबंधों का व्यापक मंच, द्विपक्षीय व्यापार और निवेश समझौते (बीटीआईए) के जरिए तैयार किया जाए। भारत और यूरोपीय संघ के बीच बीटीआईए वार्ताओं में तब से व्यापारिक वस्तुओं और सेवाओं, सैनिटरी और फाइटो-सैनिटरी उपाय, बौद्धिक संपदा अधिकार, व्यापार में आने वाली तकनीकी बाधाएं, विवाद निपटान, सीमा शुल्क, व्यापारिक सुविधाएं और वसूली आदि संबंधित मामलों पर विचार किया गया।

लेकिन बीटीआईए के लिए जून, 2007 में शुरू हुई बातचीत के समय से अब तक दोनों भारत और यूरोपीय संघ के लिए आर्थिक परिदृश्य खराब और धुंधला पड़ गया है। यूरोपीय क्षेत्र की अर्थव्यवस्था के 2012 में 0.3 प्रतिशत कमजोर पड़ने और चालू वर्ष के लिए सभी 27 सदस्य देशों के लिए शून्य विकास तथा आने वाले वर्ष के लिए 1.3 प्रतिशत के विकास की भविष्यवाणी को देखते हुए यूरोपीय संघ के लिए परिदृश्य निराशाजनक है। इसके विपरीत, भारत की अर्थव्यवस्था के 6-7 प्रतिशत बढ़ने की अपेक्षा है जो कि 9 प्रतिशत के मानक से बहुत कम है। इस प्रकार, इस परिदृश्य में जब वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था मंदी के दौर में चल रही है, बीटीआईए उनकी स्थिति को बेहतर बना सकता है और दोनों घरेलू तथा अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर खोए विश्वास को फिर प्राप्त करने में सहायक हो सकता है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि भारत और यूरोपीय संघ के बीच द्विपक्षीय व्यापार 2011-12 में 109.87 बिलियन अमरीकी डालर का हुआ जबकि 2010-11 में यह 90.62 अमरीकी डालर था। भारत-यूरोपीय संघ बीटीआईए इस कारण श्रेष्ठ है कि उसके द्वारा द्विपक्षीय व्यापार को वर्ष 2015 तक 150 बिलियन यूरो तक ले जाने की आशा है। इसके अलावा, यह समझौता द्विपक्षीय व्यापार के 90 प्रतिशत से अधिक शुल्क को समाप्त कर देगा। यह व्यापार समझौता नौकरियों के अधिक अवसर पैदा करने में सहायता करने के अलावा यूरोपीय संघ को एशिया के वाणिज्यिक जगत में अपनी बात रख सकने का अवसर प्रदान करेगा।

लेकिन आगे का रास्ता इतना आसान नहीं है जितना दिखाई देता है। समझौते को सफल बनाने के लिए संबद्ध देशों को अनेक बाधाओं का सामना करना पड़ सकता है। भारत की चिंता का एक बड़ा मामला मोड-4 के लिए शुरू की गई सुरक्षा धारा है जो इससे अपेक्षित लाभों को काफी मात्रा में निरस्त कर देगी। मोड-4 से तात्पर्य है - एक सदस्य देश के नागरिकों द्वारा सेवाओं की आपूर्ति, जो अन्य सदस्य देशों के क्षेत्र में उस देश के स्वाभाविक नागरिकों द्वारा की जाती है। इस कारण, भारत ने मोड-4 के अधीन सेवाएं प्रदान करने के लिए स्वाभाविक नागरिकों के आने-जाने की स्वतंत्रता मांगी है और कहा है कि सुरक्षा धारा को 20 प्रतिशत तक हटा दिया जाए। इसके साथ-साथ मोड-1 (सीमापारिय व्यापार) में भारत को आंकड़ा सुरक्षित के रूप में घोषित करने की आवश्यकता है ताकि उसके नगारिकों की पहुंच आसान हो सके। बोस्टन सलाहकार समूह द्वारा किए गए अध्ययन से भारत में 2020 तक 6 मिलियन से अधिक नौकरियों और 170 बिलियन अमरीकी डालर मूल्य का राजस्व अर्जित होने की आशा है।

अन्य बाधा आटोमोबाइल, शराब और स्प्रिट पर शुल्क में कमी है। आटोमोबाइल क्षेत्र में यूरोपीय संघ ने टैरिफ में वर्तमान 60 प्रतिशत में कटौती करने की मांग की है। जहां तक शराब और स्प्रिट का मामला है यूरोपीय संघ मौजूदा 150 प्रतिशत टैरिफ में और कमी करने की अपेक्षा करता है। इसके वास्ते सभी के लिए स्वीकार्य शुल्क कटौती के जरिए बीच का रास्ता तलाशा जा सकता है।

भारत ने भी सैनिटरी और फाइटो-सैनिटरी (एसपीएस), व्यापार के प्रति तकनीकी बाधाएं (टीबीटी) और गैर-टैरिफ बाधाएं (एनटीबी) के बारे में अपनी चिंताएं व्यक्त की हैं। आर्थिक विकास के स्तरों को ध्यान में रखते हुए भारत ने यूरोपीय संघ से टैरिफ लाइनों पर कम से कम अन्य 5 प्रतिशत और भारत द्वारा किए जाने वाले व्यापार के विस्तार में और 5 प्रतिशत टैरिफ समाप्त करने को कहा है। यह भारत के लिए शुल्क समाप्ति/कटौती के कारण राजस्व में होने वाली कटौती को कम करने में सहायक होगा। लेकिन यूरोपीय संघ ने 4 प्रतिशत से अधिक असममिति (Asymmetry) प्राप्त करने में कठिनाइयां व्यक्त की हैं। भारत ने एनटीबी समाप्त करने की मांग की है, क्योंकि उसकी राय है कि मात्र टैरिफ में कमी करने से व्यापार बढ़ाने का मार्ग प्रशस्त नहीं होगा। इसके साथ-साथ भारत ने कहा है कि यूरोपीय संघ के एसपीएस उपायों के कारण उसके निर्यात में बाधा आई है, जिसका कृषि और खाद्य उत्पादों के निर्यात पर असर पडा है। इससे कुल मिलाकर औद्योगिक उत्पादों का निर्यात प्रभावित हुआ है। भारत की राय है कि एसपीएस और टीबीटी के जोरदार उपायों से एक ढांचा तैयार करने में सहायता मिलेगी जो भारतीय निर्यातकों के सामने एनटीबी के कारणों का पता लगाएगा और एक-दूसरे के न्यायोचित जन-नीति उद्देश्यों का भी सम्मान होगा।

भारत-यूरोपीय संघ के एफटीए ने भारत के भेषज उद्योग पर भी असर डाला है। यह सुज्ञात है कि भारतीय भेषज उद्योग विश्व व्यापार संगठन के अंतर्गत बौद्धिक संपदा अधिकारों के व्यापार संबंधी पहलुओं की सहायता करता है। लेकिन यूरोपीय संघ ने अब भारत से कहा है कि वह ट्रिप्स के अधीन बौद्धिक संपदा संरक्षण मानकों से कहीं अधिक मानकों को अपनाए। भारत ने यूरोपीय संघ को स्पष्ट कर दिया है कि भारत किसी समझौते को उसके वर्तमान कानूनों और ट्रिप्स के अधीन दायित्वों तक ही सीमित रखेगा।

समझौता वार्ता जो ब्रसल्स में 28 जून, 2007 को शुरू हुई और व्यापार तथा आर्थिक संबंध समिति से प्राप्त आदेशों के अनुसार जारी रखी गई, कुल मिलाकर 14 बार आयोजित की गई। इन चर्चाओं के अलावा दोनों पक्षों के अधिकारी समस्याओं के निदान के लिए निरंतर क्षेत्र विशेष अंतर-सत्रीय, डिजिटल वीडियो सम्मेलनों में व्यस्त रहे हैं। साथ ही, भारत और यूरोपीय संघ व्यापार तथा वाणिज्य से संबंधित समकालीन मामलों पर विचार करने के लिए भारत-यूरोपीय संघ संयुक्त आयोग और उसके व्यापार, आर्थिक सहयोग तथा विकास सहयोग संबंधी उप-आयोगों के जरिए मिलते रहे हैं। (पीआईबी)                                                          {06-सितम्बर-2012 15:14 IST}
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*लेखक स्वतंत्र पत्रकार हैं
नोट- इस लेख में व्यक्त विचार लेखक के अपने हैं और जरूरी नहीं कि वे पत्र सूचना कार्यालय के विचारों को प्रतिबिंबित करें।

Sivakasi fireworks tragedy

PM expresses shock over the loss of lives 

                                                                                                                                           Courtesy photo

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has expressed deep shock over the Sivakasi fireworks tragedy in which many lives were lost in Tamil Nadu this morning. Dr Manmohan Singh said that he stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief and has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex gratia payment of 2 lakh rupees to the next of kin of each of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to those seriously injured in the fire. (PIB) 05-September-2012 19:11 IST

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Occasion of Teachers’ Day

President Confers National Awards on Meritorious Teachers
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today conferred National Awards on teachers of outstanding merit at a function in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.

Speaking on the occasion, the President stated that the first and foremost task was to improve the quality of education. He said it was necessary to design appropriate learning experiences for students and develop in them a scientific temperament. He emphasized that there was need for strengthening of teaching cadres by well-trained and motivated teachers involved in continuously improving education programmes. Comparing a teacher to a lamp which has the capability of lighting a thousand unlit lamps surrounding it, he expressed confidence that widening circles of light would dispel all the darkness in the motherland.

Also present on the occasion were Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Human Resource Development and Shri E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs & Minister for Human Resource Development. (PIB)  05-September-2012 19:07 IST

Introduction of Metro Rail in Major Cities

Metro Rail system in any city in the country is a state subject 

                                                                                                                                             Courtesy Photo

The Government of India does not plan or initiate action for construction of Metro Rail system in any city in the country. Urban Transport is completely intertwined with Urban Development which is a state subject.  As such, the proposals for urban transport projects in cities have to originate from the respective State Governments and Central financial assistance is extended to such proposals on merits in the form of gross budgetary support or in the form of grant under the scheme of Ministry of Finance for financial support to the public private partnerships in Infrastructure.  At present, Central Government has approved metro rail in Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Jaipur city. In Chennai the sanctioned  Phase –I consists of two metro rail corridors of a total length of 45 km at an estimated completion cost of Rs.14,600 crore.
 24.15% of physical progress and 33.50%  of financial progress has been achieved till July, 2012.
 The following two corridors have been selected for implementation of Chennai Metro Rail project under Phase-I:
Corridor-1      (23.085 km)    from    Washermenpet  to   Chennai   Airport. From Washermanpet to Saidapet (14.3 km) it is under ground and from Chinnamalai to Chennai Airport  (8.785 km) it is elevated.
Corridor-2        (21.961 km) from Chennai Central to St.Thomas Mount. From Chennai Central to Thirumangalam (9.695 km) it is underground and from Koyambedu to St.Thomas Mount (12.266km) it is elevated.
           The entire project is expected to be commissioned by the end of  2015.
The details of the total funds needed from Government of India, the funds allocated this year, sanctioned and spent are Rs. 11566 cr., Rs. 1648 cr.,     Rs. 1166 cr. and Rs. 400 cr. respectively.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Urban Development Shri Saugata Roy in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. (PIB) 05-September-2012 17:46 IST

Joint Press Communique

Ministry of Defence, Republic of India and
The Ministry of National Defence, People's Republic of China
At the invitation of Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony, General Liang Guanglie, State Councillor and Minister of National Defence of the People's Republic of China is on an official visit to the Republic of India from 02 to 06 September,2012.

Defence Minister Liang and his delegation visited Mumbai and Delhi. He inspected a Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi.

The two Defence Ministers had an extensive exchange of views on defence and military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed the regional security situation and international issues of common interest and concern. Both Ministers agreed that expanding bilateral cooperation between the Defence Ministries and Armed Forces of India and China helps enhance mutual trust, deepens friendship and promotes comprehensive development of the India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The two Defence Ministers agreed to work together to enhance mutual trust in the security field and continue to maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas. They noted that the leaders of India and China have designated 2012 as the Year of India-China Friendship and Cooperation.

The two Ministers reached the following consensus on defence and military exchanges and cooperation to be conducted in 2012 and beyond:

(a) Strengthen high level exchanges between the two Defence Ministries and the Armed Forces of both sides. The Chinese side invited the Defence Minister of India to visit China in 2013. RakshaMantri thanked the Chinese Defence Minister for the invitation and conveyed that the timing of his visit could be settled through diplomatic channels.

(b) Promote exchange of visits by personnel at different levels and in various fields.

(c) Establish a mechanism for exchange of visits by young officers from the Armed Forces of both sides.

(d) Conduct the next round of joint military exercises at the earliest.

(e) Strengthen border security cooperation between the border troops of the two sides so as to enhance and maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.

(f) Strengthen exchanges in personnel training, academic research and between educational institutions of the Armed Forces of both sides.

(g) Promote port calls by naval ships of the two sides and conduct joint maritime search and rescue exercises.

(h) Further enhance and strengthen cooperation between the Naval forces of both sides, in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

(i) Work together to maintain peace and stability of the Asia- Pacific region.

The Chinese Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie called on Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The Minister of National Defence, People's Republic of China, General Liang expressed appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended by the Ministry of Defence, Republic of India during the visit. (PIB)   05-September-2012 11:52 IST

Status of Fast Track Courts

The Government has discontinued the scheme of central assistance to States for Fast Track Courts (FTCs) since 1.4.2011. However, several States have continued Fast Track Courts from their own resources. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Law & Justice, said that in the judgement given by the Supreme Court on 19.04.2012 in Transfer Case (Civil) No. 22 of 2001- Brij Mohan Lal and Others versus Union of India and Others, the Supreme Court has directed that States shall continue Fast Track Courts Scheme only if this is made a permanent feature. They (States) are at a liberty, however, to decide whether to continue the Scheme or not. Fifteen State Governments have conveyed their decision in regard to continuation or otherwise of the FTCs.(PIB)    04-September-2012 19:08 IST