It is pointed out at the outset that our constitution, being consecreted by the ideals of equality and justice both in the social and political fields, abolishes any discrimination either against or in favour of any classes of persons on the grounds of religion, race or place of birth.
In respect of those sections of community who were socially and economically backward at the time of enactment of constitution, in order to aid them at the start, certain temporary measures to help the backward sections to come up to same level with the rest of the nation, as well as certain permanent safeguards for the protection of the cultural, linguistic and similar rights of any section of the community said to constitute a 'minority' from numerical and not communal point of view have been provided.
It may be interesting to note that the provision guaranteeing religious freedom to every individual covers all citizens uniformly and no specific safeguards are provided in favour of any denomination whether numerically high or low.
The permenent safeguards for minorities are:=
1) guarantee of linguistic and cultural rights.
2) facilities for instruction in mother tongue.
3) Special officr for linquistic minorities.
4) No discrimination in state educational institutions.
5) Right to establish educational insiitutions of their choice.
6) No discrination in state aid to educational institutions.
7) No discrimination in public employment.
8) Upliftment of SC/ST/BC.
9) Special provisions for SC/ST.
Temporary provisions for minorities:-
1) Reservation of seats in Lok Sabha for SC/ST
2) reservation of seats in Legislative assemblies.
3) Reservation in state employment for SC/ST/BC.
From the above it is apparent that the term 'minority' does not have any religious connotation at all and is an all embracing description of all those who are disadvantaged due to their geographical location or social/economic backwrdness or victims of centuries-old discminination.
It is indeed sad that even after more than half a century since enactment of our constitution, the need for continuation of these provisions remains.
The present political lexicon interpreting 'minority' as non-Hindus alone in general and muslims/christians in particular is inappropriate.
...ponder
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Inspiration for Chiranjeevi and his party
The backdrop on the dias where Chiranjivi clumsily launched his party had the portraits of Ambedkar,Gandhi,Theresa and Phule. He claimed these august personalities inspired him into public service and eventually launching his political outfit. Good. But this backdrop, his oratarial abilities and the glitches bordering on amateurism gives us an insight into his and his family concern's abilities and intentions.
For a person and a party who/which is destined to be confined to only the Telugu people (may be not all, may be only Kapus and may be only East/West Godacari Districts) he could not find a single Telugu icon giving him inspiration all these years. No Kandukuri Veeresalingam no Durga Bai Deshmukh no Prakasam no Alluri Seeta Rama Raju no Potti Sreeramulu.
Sonia Gandh's reading of Hindi speeches written in English script is better than Chiranjeevi's reading of Telugu speech written in Telugu.
Though he took months to come out with his party to the chargin of his eager fans, he oould not take categorical stand on prime issues like Telengana, Reservations, etc. He left these issues to committees a typical Parkinson solution.
Days after his so-called mega event, he is yet to come out with a manifesto or a list of office bearers or a road map.
His or his spin doctors' penchant for filmy suspense landed them in trouble over his paty name. So much for organisational skill and home work. Visuals in tjhe media show audience madly gesturing . dancing jostling, stampeding - anything but listening.
One of his principal think tank mambers on whom he is publicly seen dependent is one Dr.Mitra whose own performance in his interaction with Techies was a super flop.
One question worth pondering is, whether maintaining a live list of prospective blood donors area-wise, is not a better alternative to blood donation camps where a lot of precious blood is wasted through poor storage facilities and absence of quick uasage. Ofcourse, these camps generate more publicity compared to the quiet utility of individual donations on demand in an emergency.
One assertion is that in these days of quickies, these actors depend so much on dubbing that they can neither remember nor deliver their dialogues convincingly what to talk of ex tempore speeches.
Except that one more caste/sub-regional party has taken birth what else is achieved, only coming times will tell.
There was no harking to Telugu pride, no mention of the sacrifices made by Telugu people for the Telugu land.
Even the inclusion of green colour in the party flag gives indication to the eagerness to pamper muslim votes whatever may be the claims otherwise.
The list can go on. I wish him well. I am not in a hurry to judge him but pointing out only some indicators. His claims of a party with difference are doubtful what with defectors gaining entry. If service through a political party is his aim he could have as well become a foot soldier of Lok Satta Party with its impeccable credentials with a leadership of totally different kind.
People are a patient and intelligent lot. They will wait watch assess and decide. They cannot be taken for a ride all the time. It is time for Chiranjeevi to ponder...
For a person and a party who/which is destined to be confined to only the Telugu people (may be not all, may be only Kapus and may be only East/West Godacari Districts) he could not find a single Telugu icon giving him inspiration all these years. No Kandukuri Veeresalingam no Durga Bai Deshmukh no Prakasam no Alluri Seeta Rama Raju no Potti Sreeramulu.
Sonia Gandh's reading of Hindi speeches written in English script is better than Chiranjeevi's reading of Telugu speech written in Telugu.
Though he took months to come out with his party to the chargin of his eager fans, he oould not take categorical stand on prime issues like Telengana, Reservations, etc. He left these issues to committees a typical Parkinson solution.
Days after his so-called mega event, he is yet to come out with a manifesto or a list of office bearers or a road map.
His or his spin doctors' penchant for filmy suspense landed them in trouble over his paty name. So much for organisational skill and home work. Visuals in tjhe media show audience madly gesturing . dancing jostling, stampeding - anything but listening.
One of his principal think tank mambers on whom he is publicly seen dependent is one Dr.Mitra whose own performance in his interaction with Techies was a super flop.
One question worth pondering is, whether maintaining a live list of prospective blood donors area-wise, is not a better alternative to blood donation camps where a lot of precious blood is wasted through poor storage facilities and absence of quick uasage. Ofcourse, these camps generate more publicity compared to the quiet utility of individual donations on demand in an emergency.
One assertion is that in these days of quickies, these actors depend so much on dubbing that they can neither remember nor deliver their dialogues convincingly what to talk of ex tempore speeches.
Except that one more caste/sub-regional party has taken birth what else is achieved, only coming times will tell.
There was no harking to Telugu pride, no mention of the sacrifices made by Telugu people for the Telugu land.
Even the inclusion of green colour in the party flag gives indication to the eagerness to pamper muslim votes whatever may be the claims otherwise.
The list can go on. I wish him well. I am not in a hurry to judge him but pointing out only some indicators. His claims of a party with difference are doubtful what with defectors gaining entry. If service through a political party is his aim he could have as well become a foot soldier of Lok Satta Party with its impeccable credentials with a leadership of totally different kind.
People are a patient and intelligent lot. They will wait watch assess and decide. They cannot be taken for a ride all the time. It is time for Chiranjeevi to ponder...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Divided Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is divided in many dimensions:
a) Between India and Pakistan. This is a tangible and physical divide. So-called Line of Control is treated as International border despite claims and counter claims.
b) Between Muslims, Hindus and Budhists viz. Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Leh respectively. After ethnic cleansing in the Valley, the polarisation is complete.
c) Between those who want merger with India, those who want merger with Pakistan and those who want an Independent Kashmir. Today we see agitationists in the valley carry Green/Pakistani flag and those in Jammu carry Indian flag.
d) Between indigenous population and Foreign mercenaries. It is stated that mercenaries from various Asian/African countries are indoctrinated and trained in gurella warfare and thrust into Kashmir.
e) The indigenous population is divided into those who abet foreign mercenaries and those who get crushed between the mercenaries and the Security forces.
f) Hindus are divided between indigenous population of Jammu and the displaced population from valley living in ghettos. They carry different agendas.
g) One more division about which everyone feigns amnesia is the people living in areas ceded by Pakistan to China from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
h) Between those Muslims who still believe in preserving their ancient culture and tradition and those who believe in the establishment of Islamic rule which does not brook anything not originated in arab lands.
There could be many more Divisions. How can we overcome them? What about the fate of the people, men of the central forces, petty government officials, who are placed in the most explosive tinder box on this globe.
...ponder
a) Between India and Pakistan. This is a tangible and physical divide. So-called Line of Control is treated as International border despite claims and counter claims.
b) Between Muslims, Hindus and Budhists viz. Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Leh respectively. After ethnic cleansing in the Valley, the polarisation is complete.
c) Between those who want merger with India, those who want merger with Pakistan and those who want an Independent Kashmir. Today we see agitationists in the valley carry Green/Pakistani flag and those in Jammu carry Indian flag.
d) Between indigenous population and Foreign mercenaries. It is stated that mercenaries from various Asian/African countries are indoctrinated and trained in gurella warfare and thrust into Kashmir.
e) The indigenous population is divided into those who abet foreign mercenaries and those who get crushed between the mercenaries and the Security forces.
f) Hindus are divided between indigenous population of Jammu and the displaced population from valley living in ghettos. They carry different agendas.
g) One more division about which everyone feigns amnesia is the people living in areas ceded by Pakistan to China from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
h) Between those Muslims who still believe in preserving their ancient culture and tradition and those who believe in the establishment of Islamic rule which does not brook anything not originated in arab lands.
There could be many more Divisions. How can we overcome them? What about the fate of the people, men of the central forces, petty government officials, who are placed in the most explosive tinder box on this globe.
...ponder
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