Sunday, 31 August 2014

Myanmar population is 51 million

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Myanmar’s first census in more than 30 years shows the country’s population is about 51 million, nearly 10 million fewer than previously estimated.
The government announced on Saturday the preliminary results of the census conducted from March to April.
It shows there are 51,410,000 people in the country. The largest city, Yangon, has the population of 7 million, or about 13 percent of the national total.
The government could not count ethnic minorities in the northern state of Kachin. The survey also excluded Muslims in the west.
Myanmar plans to announce the final results early next year.
International agencies including the International Monetary Fund had estimated the population at about 60 million people. The figure was based on a 1983 survey.
Some analysts say the smaller-than-expected population might make Myanmar a less attractive market.
But government officials say the census should help improve the investment environment as it reveals specific figures, such as the number of people in different areas and in each generation.
AN INVITATION

10th biennial National Convention of National Alliance of People’s Movements

Politics of Development and Social Justice Today

31st October, 1st -2nd November, Pune

Dear Saathis,

20 years ago, in response to the rising inequality, oppression and destruction in the name of development, country’s progressive individuals and sangathans came together and envisioned the birth of the National Alliance of People’s Movements. There was enthusiasm, hope and determination to struggle towards establishing peace, justice and truly participatory democracy. Over the last two decades, we have been a part of the various people’s movements and struggles; there have been victories and there have been setbacks. Despite the changing times which are defined by neo-liberal policies and supported unanimously by all political parties, and having damaging impacts, people’s movements have continued to challenge, propose alternatives and pushed the boundaries of ideas and vision for a just society.  We witness that the rights of the people are increasingly curtailed, natural resources being appropriated and rule of law deliberately violated to undermine people’s movements. However, our struggles have together built increased awareness about such draconian policies, as a result of which exploitation and injustice can no longer be justified under the rubric of nationalism. People are resolutely fighting against the violations of their rights and no longer need outside instigation. Every village, every basti, every city has people who are raising their voices against capitalist and oppressive forces. But on the other hand, religious fanaticism and violence and discrimination based on gender and caste are raising their ugly heads. On one hand the ruling classes are keen on changing the pro-people laws enacted by the Parliament and rights bestowed by the Constitution and on the other hand, it is trying to take political advantage of the existing exploitation and violence to exercise its continuing control over society.   

As we complete two decades, we feel the need to revisit those same questions we started with, in today’s context. We invite you to NAPM’s 10th biennial National Convention on October 31st, November 1-2nd at Rashtra Seva Dal, Pune, Maharashtra. More details will follow but this is the intimation so that you can block the dates and make arrangements for the travel. As it is the festival season, it would be good if you could make your bookings in advance.

We hope you will be part of this gathering so that with the same enthusiasm, we can move forward together and collectively understand and strategize the future course of action to fight the illusion that is being spun in the name of development but is in fact only increasing inequality and leading to destruction of natural resources. Working towards the notion of alternative development and building equitable society is our aim and we are determine to reach this end.  


In anticipation to seeing you all,

Medha Patkar, Prafulla Samantara, Dr. Sunilam, Suniti SR, Arundhati Dhuru, Gabriele Dietrich, C R Neelakandan, P Chennaiah, Ramakrishnam Raju, Saraswati Kavula, Sister Celia, Vilas Bhongade, Suhas Kolhekar, Anand Mazgaonkar, Krishnakant, Kamayani Swami, Mahendra Yadav, Bhupender Singh Rawat, Rajendra Ravi, Vimal Bhai, Meera, Madhuresh, Kanika.

Contact: Suniti SR :09423571784, Kanika :9818823252, Madhuresh: 9818905316


आमंत्रण
जन आन्दोलनों का राष्ट्रीय समन्वय का दसवां द्विवार्षिक राष्ट्रीय अधिवेशन
आज के दौर में विकास और सामाजिक न्याय
अक्टूबर ३१, नवम्बर १  २, पुणे

बीस साल पहले देश के संघर्षशील और प्रगतिशील साथियों और संगठनों ने देश में बढती गैरबराबरी, शोषण और विकास के नाम पर हो रहे विध्वंस को देख कर एक साथ मिलकर उस दिशा को बदलने के लिए जन आन्दोलनों के राष्ट्रीय समन्वय (NAPM) की परिकल्पना की थी. जोश था, उमंग थी, संघर्ष करने की चाहत थी और था संगठन ताकि देश में शांति, न्याय और लोकतंत्र का राज स्थापित हो सके अंतिम जन के लिए. इन दो दशकों में अनेकों संघर्षों में हम साथ चले हैं, जीते हैं, कभी हार का भी सामना करना पड़ा है, लेकिन इन सब में जन मुद्दों को आगे ही बढाया है. समय बदला है, और बड़े तेजी से बदल रहा है. आज नव उदारवादी नीतियों को भी दो दशक से ज्यादा हो चुके हैं और देश में इन नीतियों का भयावह प्रभाव भी दिख रहा है. सभी राजनैतिक पार्टियों इन नीतियों के बारे में एकमत है.
जनता के हकों को आज तेजी से रौंदा जा रहा है, प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का बेतहाशा दोहन हो रहा है, शोषण, अन्याय का बोलबाला हो रहा है, लेकिन जन संघर्षों के बदौलत जनता की समझ भी परिपक्व हुई है. आज शोषण और अन्याय को देश हित में या राष्ट्रवाद के नाम पर जायज नहीं ठहराया जा सकता. जनता उठ खड़ी होती है अपने हकों के लड़ने के लिए. आज बाहर से किसी को आकर उद्वेलित करने की जरूरत नहीं है, गाँव गाँव, क़स्बा क़स्बा, शहर शहर, हर जगह लोग अपने हकों की लडाई के लिए पूंजीवादी और दमनकारी ताकतों के खिलाफ खड़े हैं. लेकिन दूसरी ओर आज धार्मिक उन्माद तेजी से सर उठा रहा है, महिलाओं के प्रति हिंसा बढ़ रही है तो जातिगत हिंसा, भेदभाव और पक्षपात भी उसी भांति बाद रही है. जन विरोधों के कारण ही एक तरफ आज शासक वर्ग संविधान और संसद के द्वारा बनाये गए जन पक्षीय कानूनों को बदलने के लिए आमदा है तो दूसरी तरफ वह समाज में मौजूदा विषमता और हिंसा का राजनैतिक फायदा उठा कर समाज में अपनी पकड़ बनाई रखते है.
आज दो दशक बाद जरूरत महसूस होती है, उन्ही सवालों को आज के दौर में देखने की, जिसे लेकर हम चले थे. हम आपको आमंत्रित करते हैं, NAPM के दशवें दिवार्षिक राष्ट्रीय अधिवेशन में अक्टूबर ३१, नवम्बर १-२ को पुणे में. अगले कुछ दिनों में और विस्तृत जानकारी दी जायेगी, लेकिन यह पहली जानकारी हम आपको दे रहे हैं ताकि आप तारिख नोट कर लें और यात्रा की टिकट भी समय रहते कर लें. यह समय त्योहारों का है, तो बेहतर होगा अगर ट्रेन का रिजर्वेशन पहले कर लें.
आशा है आप जरूर इस महत्वपूर्ण समागम में जरूर शामिल होंगे, ताकि हम फिर उसी उत्साह के साथ मिलकर आगे के संघर्षों की भावी रूप रेखा तय कर सकें और विकास के नाम पर जो मायाजाल बुना जा रहा है जिससे सिर्फ और सिर्फ गैरबराबरी बढ़ रही है और प्राकृतिक  संपदाओं का नाश हो रहा है, उसे हम रोकने में कामयाब हो सके. वैकल्पिक विकास की अवधारणा, और एक साम्यवादी समाज की संरचना ही हमारा लक्ष्य है और उसे निर्मित करने के लिए हम कटिबद्ध हैं.

सविनय आपसे मिलने की अपेक्षा में,

मेधा पाटकर, प्रफुल्ला सामंतरा, डॉ. सुनीलम, सुनीति सु र, अरुंधती धुरु, गब्रिएले दिएत्रिच, सी आर नीलकंठन, पी चेन्निया, सिस्टर सीलिया, विलास भोंगाड़े, सुहास कोल्हेकर, आनंद माजगओंकर, कृष्णकांत, कामायनी स्वामी, महेंद्र यादव, भूपेंदर सिंह रावत, राजेंद्र रवि, विमल भाई, मीरा, मधुरेश कुमार, कनिका

संपर्क : सुनीति सु र : 09423571784 कनिका : 9818823252 मधुरेश : 9818905316


-- 
===============================================
National Alliance of People’s MovementsNational Office : 6/6, Jangpura B, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110014
Phone : 011 24374535 Mobile : 09818905316
Web : www.napm-india.org | napmindia@gmail.com
Twitter : @napmindia

Saturday, 30 August 2014

GDP first quarter (Q1) of 2014-15 is estimated to be 5.7 per cent

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Finance Ministry states that the performance of the economy in the First Quarter of the FINANCIAL Year 2014-15 is broadly on expected lines. Responding to the estimates of GDP for the first quarter of 2014-15 as released today by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Ministry states that with improvement witnessed in some important sectors including manufacturing as well as in the performance of exports (that REGISTERED a growth of 11.5 per cent at 2004-05 prices), along with the measures taken by the Government, the economy can be expected to show further improvement in the remaining part of the year.
Growth in GDP at factor cost at constant (2004-05) prices (real GDP) for the first quarter (Q1) of 2014-15 is estimated to be 5.7 per cent as against 4.7 per cent in Q1 of 2013-14. The growth rate for the FINANCIAL year 2013-14 was 4.7 per cent.
At the sectoral level, the growth rate is 3.8 per cent for agriculture and allied sectors, 4.2 per cent for industry sector and 6.8 per cent for services sector in Q1 of 2014-15. This growth was 4.0 per cent, (-) 0.4 per cent and 7.2 per cent respectively for these sectors in Q1 of 2013-14.




Book Launch on Safety Sustainability & Future Urban Transport

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DSCN2311DSCN2312DSCN2313 DSCN2314DSCN2315  DSCN2310




Criminal Politicians Corrupt Incompetent Judiciary-Bureaucracy

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Ravinder Singh
To
presidentofindia@rb.nic.in manmohan@sansad.nic.inspeakerloksabha@sansad.nic.in supremecourt@nic.in websitemhaweb@nic.in and 33 more…
Today at 8:33 AM
Criminal Politicians Corrupt Incompetent Judiciary-Bureaucracy
August30, 2014 (C) Ravinder Singh ravinderinvent@gmail.com
Indian constitution provides for Independent Judiciary, Legislature &
Bureaucracy and knew very well that their NEXUS would be disaster for
people.
S. Y. Quraishi, Ex. CEC in so many talks never admitted to Gross
Incompetence of Bureaucracy & Corruption in Judiciary while talking on
issues of Political Corruption.
The forenoon talk yesterday was on ‘Fast Track Courts’ for Politicians
and general conclusion was with same Lame Duck quality of corrupt
judges taken out of Clogged and Corrupted courts would not make any
difference. Even when Petitioner and Opposite Party data is IDENTICLE
in Billing Disputes Court may take 3 years and neither award Just Fair
Compensation Nor Enforce Compliance of its own order.
S. Y. Quraishi admitted there is 50% rise in MPs getting elected with
Criminal Cases pending even after 2002 Supreme Court Judgment
Empowering Election Commission to Frame Rules and Procedures to
prevent admission of Candidates with criminal cases pending in to Lok
Sabha. It was Total Incompetence & Failure of Election Commission in
12 years to Frame Rules to Screen Out Criminal Politician.
Even in the latest Judgment of Supreme Court on Issue of ‘Ministers in
the Supreme Court With Pending Criminal Cases’ the judgment was to Let
PM decide on his own WISDOM whether to keep them or not.
Here too EC missed an Opportunity to Press for -
1. Pre-Registration of Candidates;
2. Minimum Qualifications;
3. Social Service or Political experience Track Record etc.
4. Permanent Residence Qualification of 5 Years for MLAs and 10 Years for MPs.
Our Democracy is Corrupted and Compromised When VOTERS & Even
Political Parties Have No Idea of the Candidates Contesting in
Elections Just 1-7 days before Closure of Nomination, in fact some
candidates file nomination just minutes before dead line.
Qualification of a CM was She Won 4 Times from Three Different
Constituency?
Mercenary Politicians
When a person can get Elected from any Constituency – almost 70%
candidates are non resident. They live in Cities but Contest from
Rural Areas and Misrepresent rural voters are Mercenary Politicians
who are in Business of Politics not service.
DERC Secretary is IAS and there are SIX IAS on Board of Delhi DISCOMS,
there are several IAS, IRS Officers in Delhi State Power Department
and parent Reliance or Tata companies too have IAS on board yet no one
from Civil Service take responsibility of Corruption and Loot in Delhi
by DISCOMS – Don’t Even Acknowledge Complaints.
Judiciary-Consumer Courts Most Corrupt & Incompetent
Politician and Bureaucrat (Supreme Court Advocate Was Absent) agreed
with the Observations of Press that even in Matrimonial Cases – SIX
FAKE CASES ARE REGISTERED when the real issues are Custody of Children
and FINANCIAL Settlement.
Consumers Courts which are to RESOLVE mainly billing and Service
issues MANDATED to DISPENSE ORDERS IN 30 Days take 10-30 hearings and
Maliciously Go in Appeal up to the Supreme Court.
In spite of REGULATION & CONTROL of Ministry of Consumer Affairs
totally to Administer Consumer Courts that even Bills which ought to
be SETTLED in 10 minutes are DRAGGED for 12 years – Ex Governor OP
Mehra vs DJB case.
DELIBERATE LIES OF BUREAUCRATS
Bureaucrats failed to address the Billing Complaint of Ex. Governor
and Deliberately Lied in Consumer Courts and Twice Appealed Against
Consumer Courts orders over 12 years without Complying With District
Level Consumer Courts.
In 90% of Civil Cases Pending in Indian Courts, Bureaucrats Are
Directly Responsible Are Incompetent.
Every Ministry has 10-50 IAS Officers plus IRS – yet there is
Widespread Corruption and Failure of Government to address SIMPLE
Cases.
In last 52 years I have not Seen Even an SDM or Commissioner visit our
area to see Condition of Drainage and other services. They approve
Expenditure Running in to Hundreds of Crore Rupees sitting in offices.
Their Official Vehicles are used to buy Grocery and take children to
School or Spouse for Shopping etc.
When the talk was on TV News was discussing how a person who
intervened in a fight was stabbed and police though present didn’t
take him to hospital for one hour who died shortly after admission.
It is Shocking Public Has to Call Police Not AMBULANCE in Cases of
Accidents and Fights resulting in serious injuries.
National Consumer Commission On PAYROLLS Of Companies
I found Justice ERADI led National Commission to be on the PAYROLLS of
Companies 1996-97. He denied Claims or Awarded Pittance as Claims to
the Gains of Insurance Cases, Car Manufacturers etc. (Attached
‘Corruption in Judiciary – CPA1986 (C)’)
Made a Charge Sheet against Justice ERADI and was DISMISSED within a week.
Why can’t Ministry of Consumer Affairs take Down Corrupt & Incompetent
Consumer Courts?
There is NO PROGRESS in Issues RAISED related Services in 1993-97 in
Charge Sheet of 1997 against Justice ERADI led National Commission in
20 years.
Ravinder Singh, National General Secretary.
Sabka Bharat Mission 2019
Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -110016
Ph: 9650421857, 9718280435
Sabkabharatmission2019@gmail.com




Real GDP grows at 5.7% in Q1 FY2015

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(The real GDP growth stands at 5.7% in Q1 of FY15 as against 4.7% in Q1 of FY14)

India’s real GDP growth increased to 5.7% in Q1 of 2014-15 from 4.7% in Q1 of 2013-14.  The GDP at factor cost at constant (2004-2005) prices for Q1 of 2014-15 is estimated at Rs. 14.38 lakh crore, as against Rs.13.61 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14. Whereas, GDP at factor cost at current prices in Q1 of 2014-15, is estimated at Rs. 26.97 lakh crore, as against Rs. 24.11 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14, showing an increase of 11.9%.

Trend in growth of India’s real GDP                                                                                             (%)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from CSO

The economic activities which REGISTERED significant growth in Q1 of 2014-15 over Q1 of 2013-14 are electricity, gas & water supply at 10.2%, financing, insurance, real estate and business services at 10.4% and community, social and personal services at 9.1%. The estimated growth rates in other economic activities are 4.8% in construction, 3.5% in manufacturing, 2.8% in TRADEHOTELS, transport and communication, 3.8% in agriculture, forestry & fishing, and 2.1% in mining & quarrying during this period.

Recent pattern in quarterly estimate of GDP growth (at 2004-05 prices)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from CSO

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) at current prices is estimated at Rs. 16.71 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15 as against Rs. 14.92 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14. At constant (2004-05) prices, the PFCE is estimated at Rs. 9.35 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15 as against Rs. 8.85 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14. In terms of GDP at MARKET prices, the rates of PFCE at current and constant (2004-2005) prices during Q1 of 2014-15 are estimated at 58.8% and 61.7%, respectively, as against the corresponding rates of 58.6% and 61.8%, respectively in Q1 of 2013-14.

Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) at current prices is estimated at Rs. 3.81 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15 as against Rs. 3.29 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14. At constant (2004-2005) prices, the GFCE is estimated at Rs. 1.87 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15 as against Rs. 1.72 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14. In terms of GDP at MARKET prices, the rates of GFCE at current and constant (2004-2005) prices during Q1 of 2014-15 are estimated at 13.4% and 12.4%, respectively, as against the corresponding rate of 12.9% and 12% each in Q1 of 2013-14.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) at current prices is estimated at Rs. 8.14 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15 as against Rs. 7.32 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14. At constant (2004-2005) prices, the GFCF is estimated at Rs. 4.96 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15 as against Rs. 4.63 lakh crore in Q1 of 2013-14. In terms of GDP at MARKET prices, the rates of GFCF at current and constant (2004-2005) prices during Q1 of 2014-15 are estimated at 28.6% and 32.7%, respectively, as against the corresponding rates of 28.7% and 32.3%, respectively in Q1 of 2013-14.

 Select demand side indicators, as % of GDP (at constant MARKET prices)
ItemQ1FY15Q1FY14
Private Final Consumption Expenditure61.761.8
Government Final Consumption Expenditure12.012.4
Gross Fixed Capital Formation32.732.3
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from CSO




Punjab decisions taken in a joint PAC and state executive meet

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From: Media Cell AAP <mediacellaap@gmail.com> Fri, 29 Aug ’14 5:46p
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Show full Headers
A joint meeting of the Political Affairs Committee of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Punjab state executive committee of the party was held in Delhi on Friday.
At this meeting, the following decision were taken:
1. Suchche Singh Chottepur was given the responsibility of state convenor. He was the party’s candidate from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha constituency and has led many social movements in the state.
2. Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur, Bhagwant Mann, has been given the charge of running campaigns across the state and mobilizing the youth in Punjab.
3. It was resolved that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those indulging in anti-party activities and seek to kill the idea of clean politics in Punjab by hurting the Aam Aadmi Party.
4. The Aam Aadmi Party is committed to a drug-free and corruption-free Punjab. The AAP vows to continue this fight and run state-wide campaigns till the idea and institution of clean politics does not become permanent in the land of the five rivers, Punjab.
Regards.
AAP Media Cell




July 2014 fiscal deficit at 61.2% of actuals to BEs

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The gross fiscal deficit of the Central government stands at 61.2% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2014 as compared to 62.8% of the actuals to budget estimates in the corresponding period of the previous year. The primary deficit significantly increased to 198.1% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2014 as compared to 148% of the actuals to budget estimates during corresponding period of the previous year.

     Differentials in use of fiscal deficit space at the end of July 2014 vis-୶is July 2013      (in %)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Government of India accounts, Government of India
Note: The Fiscal deficit data pertains to the end of the respective month
The Data for January 2014, February 2014, March 2014 and January 2013, February 2013, March 2013 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
* indicates data at the end of respective FINANCIAL year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The revenue receipts at the end of July 2014 of the central government stands at 14.8% of the actuals to budget estimates as compared with 16.7% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013.

    Fiscal position for July FY2015 vis-୶is July FY2014
Month% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2015*% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2014*% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2013*% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2012*
April21.517.313.118.1
May45.633.327.631.7
June56.148.437.139.4
July61.262.851.555.4
August74.665.766.3
September76.065.668
October84.471.674.4
November93.980.485.6
December95.278.892.3
January101.689.4105.4
February114.397.494.6
March96.9^94.1^98.9^
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
Note: * Data pertains to the end of the respective month
The Data for January 2014, February 2014, March 2014 and January 2013, February 2013, March 2013 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
^ indicates data at the end of respective FINANCIAL year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The government’s MARKET borrowing stands at 51% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2014 as compared with 50% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013. The domestic financing stands at 61% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2014 as compared to 64% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013. The external financing of the government stands at 35% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2014 as against 10% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2013. The total financing of the central government stands at 61% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of July 2014 as against 63% of the actuals to budget estimates during the corresponding period of previous year.

       Sources of financing the deficit                                                                                             (%)
 Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
Note: Data pertains to the end of July 2013 and July 2014




EFI Condemns the desecration of the Church in Uttar Pradesh

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 Evangelical Fellowship of India 
805/ 92, Deepali Building, Nehru Place, New Delhi, India
PRESS STATEMENT

The Evangelical Fellowship of India Religious Liberty Commission condemns in strongest words the reported attempted conversion of a Church into a Mandir, allegedly by Hindu groups at Asroi, near Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh on August 27, 2014. Asroi is 30 Kilometres from Aligarh and part of Hathras District.
On the same day it was also reported that a mass conversion of Christians to Hinduism also took place inside the ‘converted’ Church as a ‘Shuddhikaran (purification)’ ceremony and a ‘Havan’ (a Hindu ritual which involves making OFFERING into a consecrated fire), were performed under the guidance and in the presence of many Hindu leaders.
As per reports by the Times of India, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar and other newspapers, the groups included the Dharma Jagran Manch, which is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the Arya Samaj, Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad among others.
The ‘conversion’ of the Church included the desecration of the cross, the installation of posters of Hindu Gods by Hindu right wing groups. According to the Times of India report, “A cross was allegedly removed from the church and placed outside the gate and a portrait of Shiva installed.” The ‘purification’ ceremony was also marked by much anti-Christian sloganeering.
It is evident from the reports that this alleged conversion to Hinduism has been organised and carried out by strong fundamentalist political religious groups. It is also clear that this seems to be a part of a larger strategy and conspiracy against religious minorities. We condemn both the act and the sinister conspiracy.
The desecration of the church as reported in newspapers is a separate heinous crime under the Indian penal code as it violates many of the IPC sections. Moreover it is an attack on the sanctity of the place of worship and hurts both Christian and Hindu sentiments.
We have confirmed reports that not all Christians belonging to the said Church were converted and that the media reports are highly exaggerated. According to information available, the persons quoted as converted to Hinduism, were already followers of the Hindu religion.
As per inputs received from Asian News Network, 11 people have been arrested so far.
We appeal to both the state and central government to act strongly on this crime designed to polarise society for political gain, and which terrorises a small and helpless religious community. Christians in Uttar Pradesh have recently faced a wave of physical violence and attacks on Churches and Pastors that have left the community terrorized.
We demand strong and exemplary action that ensures that criminal social cultural and political elements are deterred and the security and confidence of the minorities is restored.
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell,
General Secretary,
Evangelical Fellowship of India,
New Delhi, India 
Rev. Vijayesh Lal,
National Director,
Religious Liberty Commission,
Evangelical Fellowship of India,
New Delhi, India.
Email : 
vijayesh@efirlc.org
Contact No. (M): +91 9810176973




SC: Disqualification of Union & State Cabinet Ministers responsibility of PM, CMs

30082014
August 29th, 2014
 
 
Disqualification of Union & State Cabinet Ministers is constitutional responsibility of PM, CMs: Supreme Court of India
 
An ADR and NEW analysis reveals 44 (23%) out of 194 State Cabinet Ministers from 13 Assemblies (where elections were conducted in the last two years) and 12 (27%) out of 45 Union Ministers have self-declared criminal cases against themselves. (Detailed report is attached)
In a landmark judgement on Aug. 27, a five-member Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court observed that it is not the prerogative of the Apex court to disqualify ministers facing criminal charges. Putting the ball in Prime Minister’s court, the SC held that it is the collective responsibility of the Prime Minister and Chief Ministersto keep those people against whom charges have been framed in criminal and corruption cases, out of their Cabinet. 
 
Ideal tenets of polity observed in the judgement
  1. Disqualification of Minsters is not Court’s prerogative: Interpreting Article 75(1), the Supreme Court said that disqualification of Ministers cannot be added to the responsibility of Court as it is the constitutional prerogative of those functionaries who are called upon to preserve, protect, defend the organization. Thus the court cannot issue any direction to PM and CMs as to the manner in which they should exercise their power while selecting their colleagues in the Council of Ministers.
  2. Court’s duty is to remind PM, CMs about their role in working of constitution: The judgement said it is the bounden duty of the Court to remind the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of the State of their duty to act in accordance with the constitutional aspirations.
  3. Scope and purpose of Articles 74, 75 and 164: Constitutional trust, constitutional morality and good governance are the three fundamental ingredients of Article 74, 75 and 164 and the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers are regarded as the repository of these three fundamental aspects. Thus the office of the Prime Minister is expected to carry the burden of constitutional trust.
  4. Whether any restriction can be placed on the operation of Article 75 (1): The Article 75(1) clearly states that the PM shall be appointed by THE PRESIDENT and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the PM. Therefore as a result, such a “restriction” would amount to laying down of boundaries on the advice of PM. In instant judgement, the Apex court has respected the doctrine of “Separation of Powers.”
  5. PM is expected to act with constitutional responsibility: PM is expected that he should act in the interest of national polity of a nation state. He has to bear in mind that “unwarranted elements or persons” who are facing charges in certain category of offences should be prohibited from entering into our constitutional structure.
  6. Constitutional advice on appointment of ministers: The advice given by the Prime Minister is the constitutional advice. Prime Ministerial advice under Article 75 (1) conveys formation of his opinion and trust of people is reposed in him under the constitution. This reposing of faith in the PM by the entire nation has the expectations of good governance which is carried out by Ministers of his choice.
  7. Advice should be considerate, deliberate and informed one: The advice given by the PM to THE PRESIDENT in the context of Article 75 (1) has to be considerate, deliberate and informed one. Keeping in view the sanctity of oath, he takes, the PM would consider not choosing a person with criminal antecedents against whom charges have been framed for heinous or serious criminal offences or charges of corruption.
  8. Presumption of innocence needs to be treated differently under electoral polity:Presumption of innocence should not be considered for being chosen as a Minister in a stage of “framing of charges.” The reason behind this is that framing of charges is a judicial act by an experienced judicial mind.
Current status of criminalization of politics in India
State Cabinets
·     Ministers with declared criminal cases: 44 (23%) Ministers out of 194 analyzed have declared criminal cases in their affidavits.
Ministers with serious declared criminal cases: 26 (13%) Ministers have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.
States with high percentage of Ministers with criminal cases: Among the states analysed, Telangana (90%) has the highest percentage of Ministers with criminal cases followed by Andhra Pradesh (56%), Karnataka (34%) and Odisha (27%).
States with 0% Ministers with criminal cases: None of the Ministers from the states of Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim have declared criminal cases.
States with high percentage of Ministers with serious criminal cases: Telangana (80%) has the highest percentage of Ministers with serious criminal cases followed by Rajasthan (25%) and Andhra Pradesh (22%).
Chief Ministers with declared criminal cases: K.Chandrasekhar Rao of Telangana and N.Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Union Cabinet
Union Council of Ministers with declared criminal cases: 12 (27%) out of 45 Ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Union Council of Ministers with declared serious criminal cases: 7 out of 45 Ministers have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.
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