0june 2017 TheHindu Editorial Digest

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8 EDITORIAL For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI
THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017

THE HINDU
Cow slaughter and the Constitution

The governments new set of rules on cattle sale is unlikely to withstand judicial scrutiny
dom of religion. The Supreme mits. There is a strong argument,
Court rejected these arguments therefore, that the rules are invalid.
and upheld the laws, but it did so by Furthermore, if indeed the pur-
Politics and propriety focussing its reasoning entirely on
apparent economic considera-
pose of the rules was to prevent
cruelty to animals, then why is
The framing of charges against Uma Bharti tions. Detailed analyses of agricul- their scope limited only to cattle
tural output and milch yields give and to camels? It is true that the
makes her continuance as Minister untenable gautam bhatia these judgments a strained, almost government is always at liberty, for
unreal quality. Much like the Draft- reasons of administrative conveni-
W
ith the Supreme Court invoking its ex-
ver the last few days, the ing Committee, it was as if the court ence or otherwise, to choose and
traordinary powers under Article 142 of the
Constitution to pass decrees and orders to
ensure complete justice in the case relating to the de-
O Central governments new
Prevention of Cruelty to An-
imals (Regulation of Livestock Mar-
was unwilling to admit and to up-
hold the possibility of non-eco-
nomic considerations behind such
categorise the subjects to whom its
actions will apply; but while under-
inclusiveness is not generally a
molition of the Babri Masjid, and reviving the criminal ket) Rules have run into strong laws, as though this would shatter ground for a court to invalidate ex-
KAMAL NARANG
conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders L.K. Ad- headwinds. These rules, which ef- the thin facade of secularism to ecutive action, in the present case,
vani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and Vinay Kati- fectively prohibit the sale of cows which the Constitution remained there seems no rational basis for
yar, the CBI Special Court in Lucknow could not but and bufaloes for slaughter at an- (ostensibly) committed. limiting the reach of an anti-cruelty
imal markets, and are therefore regulation to only some animals. At
have framed charges against them. Over the last 24
perceived as imposing an indirect cultural and economic arguments, and unsatisfactory. Shibban Lal A possible answer the very least, in law, this casts seri-
years, poor investigation and weak prosecution com- beef ban, have been the subject of invoking the sentiments of thirty Saksena objected to such back The disingenuousness that ous doubts about the governments
bined with inordinate judicial delays ensured they did protests in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, crores of population on the one door tactics, and asked why the marked the Constituent Assembly motivation and justiication for its
not have to stand trial for making provocative speeches and have drawn strong condemna- hand, and the indispensability of Drafting Committee was ashamed debates, that was written into inal rules.
that allegedly incited kar sevaks to demolish the masjid. tion from West Bengal Chief Minis- cattle in an agrarian economy on of providing for [the prohibition of text of Article 48, and that has been One might wonder why the
With the Supreme Court ordering this case to be ter Mamata Banerjee. With the the other. cow slaughter] frankly and boldly inscribed into 50 years of the Su- Central government chose to take
clubbed with the one involving the actual demolition by Madras High Court on Tuesday There was one small, snag, how- in so many plain words. preme Courts jurisprudence, has such a momentous step armed with
staying the rules for four weeks, the ever: fundamental rights were Z.H. Lari, one of the Muslim rep- found its latest avatar in the present such a limsy defence. The only
unnamed kar sevaks, and directing day-to-day trials, battle has swiftly moved to the meant to inhere in human beings, resentatives in the Assembly, stated rules. This time, the Central gov- possible answer seems to be that
there is hope that the years of delay are over. India has a court as well. And with this, apart not animals. After much debate, that his community would not ernment has invoked a Supreme had it gone with the traditional,
poor record in inding speedy judicial resolution in in- from the political turmoil, legal and the Constitutions Drafting Com- stand in the way of the majoritys Court order on cattle smuggling economic justiication for an (ef-
stances of mob violence and communal riots; in that constitutional fault lines have also mittee agreed upon a compromise: desire, but nonetheless asked that across the Nepal border, as well as a fective) ban on cow slaughter, it
sense, the Babri Masjid cases are perhaps unexcep- been reopened, causing much un- prohibition of cow slaughter would the majority express itself clearly 1960 law, the Prevention of Cruelty would have run up against an insur-
tional. But given the historical importance of the case, certainty about what the outcome ind a place in the Constitution, but and deinitely, so that Muslims to Animals Act, as its justiication. mountable constitutional dii-
will be. not as an enforceable fundamental could know exactly what the posi- However, the Supreme Courts culty: under our constitutional
and the impact of the demolition on communal har-
right. It would be included as a tion was on cow slaughter. How- order makes no mention of cattle scheme, agriculture and the
mony, it is vital to see them through to the end. In the Constituent Assembly Directive Principle of State ever, clear and deinite expression slaughter, and a reading of the Act preservation of stock fall within
Both Mr. Advani and Mr. Joshi are in the twilight of This dispute has a history, which Policy, which was meant to guide on the issue of cow slaughter was demonstrates clearly that it does the exclusive legislative compet-
their political careers, wielding little power or inluence goes back to the founding of the Re- the state in policymaking, but one thing that the Assembly was not contemplate prohibiting an- ence of the States. This is the
in the BJP. Ms. Bharti is, however, a Union Minister, and public. During the framing of the could not be enforced in any court. unwilling to commit to. Article 48, a imal slaughter per se. Not only does reason why, historically, diferent
the Narendra Modi government cannot pretend that Constitution, the subject of cow Furthermore, in its inal form, this provision that was grafted out of a it speciically exempt slaughter of cow slaughter laws have been
the development has no bearing on her continuance in slaughter was one of the most Directive Principle (Article 48 of compromise that left nobody satis- animals for food, it also provides passed by diferent States. It is to
fraught and contentious topics of the Constitution) carefully ex- ied, came into being with the rest for advice on the design of get around this that the Central gov-
the Council of Ministers. The BJP has tended to under-
debate. Seth Govind Das, a mem- cluded the question of religious of the Constitution, on January 26, slaughterhouses, so that unneces- ernment has invoked the Preven-
play the signiicance of the case on the ground that it is ber of the Constituent Assembly, sentiments. Nor did it require the 1950. sary pain or sufering, whether tion of Cruelty to Animals Act, a
political in nature. But this simply does not wash as framed it as a civilisational [prob- state to ban cow slaughter outright. physical or mental, is eliminated in subject on which both the Centre
the revival of criminal conspiracy charges against them lem] from the time of Lord Instead, under the heading Organ- In the Supreme Court the pre-slaughter stages as far as and States can make laws.
was done at the instance of the Supreme Court. In op- Krishna, and called for the prohib- isation of Agriculture and Animal The fundamental disingenuous- possible. What this has resulted in is a
position, the BJP had been quick to demand the resigna- ition of cow slaughter to be made Husbandry, Article 48 says the ness that underlay Article 48 was to Now, under our legal and consti- badly drafted set of rules, which is
tion of ministers for much less than being part of the Constitutions chapter state shall organise agriculture be repeated, many times over, in tutional system, an executive noti- unlikely to withstand judicial scru-
on fundamental rights, on a par and animal husbandry on modern constitutional litigation before the ication cannot even go beyond the tiny. It is also, however, an oppor-
chargesheeted. The argument that the standards of
with the prohibition of untouchab- and scientiic lines and shall, in par- Supreme Court. Right from 1958, speciic terms and ambit of the par- tunity for citizens and courts to
propriety that apply in corruption cases are diferent ility. In this, he was supported by ticular, take steps for preserving the Supreme Court was asked to ad- ent law from which it derives its au- think once again whether the pre-
from those that apply in a criminal case of this nature is other members of the Constituent and improving the breeds, and pro- judicate upon the constitutional thority. The governments new scription of food choices is consist-
absurd. Even by the lax standards of todays political Assembly, such as Shibban Lal Sak- hibiting the slaughter, of cows and validity of cattle slaughter bans rules, however, go even further: by ent with a Constitution that prom-
morality, it is important to draw the line somewhere sena, Thakur Das Bhargava, Ram- calves and other milch and draught passed by various States. Petition- prohibiting the sale of cattle for ises economic and social liberty to
and framing of charges is a good stage given that it is a narayan Singh, Ram Sahai, Raghu cattle. ers before the court argued that a slaughter at animal markets, they all.
formal document drawn up by a court of law. Rather Vira, R.V. Dhulekar and Chaudhari Members of the Constituent As- prohibition of cow slaughter viol- contravene the Prevention of
Ranbir Singh. Proponents of a cow sembly found these incremental ated their rights to trade and busi- Cruelty to Animals Act by speciic-
than defend Ms. Uma Bharti, the Modi government Gautam Bhatia is a Delhi-based lawyer
slaughter ban advanced a mix of compromises both unprincipled ness, and also their right to free- ally forbidding what that Act per-
would do well to consider the example set by none
other than Mr. Advani himself, who resigned as a Mem-
ber of Parliament in 1996 after he was implicated in the
Jain hawala case, in which the court later held that there
was no material to frame charges against him. For a gov-
ernment that makes much of standing for probity in
This time for Africa
public life, the application of diferent standards to one
Sustained India-Japan cooperation in Africa can match China's substantial outreach
of its own is bound to damage its image. Ms. Bhartis ent, the Vice President and the industrial networks. The strategy print in Africa. An urgent need ex-
guilt or innocence is for the courts to establish. Political Prime Minister have visited 16 encompasses India-Japan collabor- ists for them to increase the scope
propriety demands that she be shown the door. African countries in the east, west, ation for accelerating development of their development projects, cre-
north and south. After assuming in Africa together with other like- ate synergy among themselves, en-
oice in 2014, I have made Africa a minded countries such as the gage proactively with other willing
top priority for Indias foreign and United States, Germany, France partners, and thus turn the
Uncertain times rajiv bhatia
economic policy, Mr. Modi said at
the AfDB meet.
and probably the United Arab
Emirates and Singapore.
concept of the AAGC into a viable
reality.
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
The major terror strike in Kabul underlines The authors of the vision docu-
I
ndia-Africa engagement is get- A growth corridor Diferences in approach ment plan to produce within a year
a rapidly deteriorating security situation ting stronger with the active in- What attracted the attention of me- The very mention of the AAGC ex- an AAGC Vision Study based on a
volvement of political and busi- dia, diplomatic and strategic com- cited many observers. A few in the geographical simulation model
A
fghanistan is no stranger to terror attacks. Even
ness leaders of both sides. This was munities was the release by Mr. media asked experts whether this which will estimate the economic
so, the repeated strikes in the most fortiied areas relected in deliberations at the an- Modi of a vision document on the would be Indias answer to Chinas impact of various trade and trans-
with mounting casualties demonstrate a steadily nual meeting of the African Devel- Asia Africa Growth Corridor aster management, and skill en- One Belt One Road. The honest an- portation facilitation measures.
deteriorating security situation. In April, the Taliban opment Bank (AfDB) recently. The (AAGC). This study was jointly hancement. It will have special swer is in the negative as the ap- The three institutions will then re-
had targeted an army base in Mazar-e-Sharif, killing AfDBs decision to hold its meeting produced by three research insti- focus on the following geograph- proaches of India and China to- commend the way forward to
over 100 soldiers. Now, at least 90 people, mostly civil- here in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, tutions of India and Japan Re- ies: Africa, India and South Asia, wards Africa are essentially deepening the Asia-Africa partner-
ians, have been massacred in a suspected truck bomb demonstrated its conidence in research and Information System for Southeast Asia, East Asia and diferent. China concentrates on ship.
cent achievements and future pro- Developing Countries (RIS), New Oceania. This study indicates a infrastructure and cheque-book If New Delhi and Tokyo are
blast in Kabul. The Wazir Akbar Khan area where the
spects of the Indian economy. It Delhi; the Economic Research In- preference for turning the 21st cen- diplomacy, whereas India pro- anxious to make a diference, the
blast occurred is one of the most secured places in the also conirmed Africas growing institute for ASEAN and East Asia tury into an Asian-African century, motes a broader spectrum of co- most important task for them is to
city, given its proximity to the presidential palace and terest in connecting more extens- (ERIA), Jakarta, and the Institute of and not just an Asian century. operation projects and pro- immediately initiate a few joint pi-
embassies, including Indias. Still, a terrorist managed ively with India Inc. AfDB presid- Developing Economies Japan Ex- The idea of a growth corridor grammes focussed on the lot projects involving the compan-
to drive in with a vehicle full of explosives and detonate ent Akinwumi Adesina called India ternal Trade Organisation (IDE- linking Asia and Africa stemmed development of Africas human re- ies of India, Japan and a few
it. It is not immediately clear who is behind the attack. a developing beacon for the rest JETRO), Japan in consultation from discussions between Japan- sources. China goes solo, while In- African countries such as Kenya,
The Taliban have denied any role, saying they dont kill of the world, adding that the time with other Asian and African think ese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and dia is desirous of working with Ethiopia and Mozambique in iden-
was right for India and Africa to tanks. It envisages closer engage- Mr. Modi in November 2016, in other willing nations to assist tiied areas such as health care, ag-
civilians. Afghanistans jihadist landscape has been di-
forge winning partnerships. ment between India and Africa for light of talks between the two gov- Africa as per the latters priorities. riculture and blue economy. Un-
versiied. There are multiple Taliban splinter groups This conference came against sustainable and innovative devel- ernments in earlier years. Con- Besides, while committed to a vol- less results become visible in the
that do not accept the current leadership of the insur- the backdrop of the historic third opment, and will be anchored to vinced of the rising importance of untary partnership with Africa, In- short term, questions may arise
gency. And then there is the Islamic State, which oper- India-Africa Forum Summit in Oc- four pillars: development and co- the Indo-Paciic region as the key dia is not prescriptive, as Union about the credibility of their joint
ates from eastern Afghanistan and had targeted civil- tober 2015 when all 54 African na- operation projects; quality infra- driver for prosperity of the world, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ex- approach. Chinas substantial suc-
ians in the recent past. Amid all this, the Afghan tions had sent their representat- structure and institutional con- the two leaders decided to seek plained. This enlightened ap- cess needs to be matched by sus-
ives, 41 of them at the level of head nectivity; enhancing capacities synergy between Indias Act East proach ofers limitless possibilit- tained India-Japan cooperation in
government is struggling to win a modicum of public
of state or government. African and skills; and people-to-people Policy and Japans Expanded ies for India-Africa cooperation. Africa.
conidence that it can turn things around. Since most governments have also been ap- partnership. The AAGC will accord Partnership for Quality Infrastruc- Nevertheless, it should be
American troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2014, preciative of Indian leaders unpre- priority to development projects ture. This synergy would be re- reckoned that India and Japan do Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow,
terror attacks have been on the rise. Last year was par- cedented readiness to visit Africa. in health and pharmaceuticals, ag- lected in better regional integra- not have the luxury of time in view Gateway House, and a former High
ticularly bloody, with over 11,500 people having been In the past two years, the Presid- riculture and agro-processing, dis- tion, improved connectivity and of Chinas rapidly expanding foot- Commissioner to South Africa and Kenya
killed or injured even as the Afghan governments writ
shrunk to just over half of the countrys 407 districts.
The problem has political, diplomatic and security LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
dimensions. Politically, the government is seen to be
corrupt, incompetent, and unable to get its act to- Food security people and make them story. The matter is even India and also one which Now that there are forecasts around their limits are not
There is global consensus realise the need to revisit worse in the case of fruits shows little promise of of a fairly good monsoon, polluted by wastewater.
gether. Vice-President Abdul Rashid Dostum, who faces
on the need to address the the relationship between and vegetables. The growth in the near future, the time has come to People across India have
allegations of sexual abuse, has led the country. Presid- issue of food security, man and the environment. problem lies in the lack of the claim that it, the Left educate individuals and undergone severe hardships
ent Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdul- especially in the developing The integration of forward linkages. It is read CPI(M) is the communities about the and this must be taken as an
lah are reportedly not on the same page on key issues. economies that are striving technological and strange that this issue hasnt principal enemy of the utmost importance of opportunity to ingrain in
Corruption is pervasive across government depart- hard to improve their innovative advancements in caught the attention of our Bharatiya Janata Party in the rainwater harvesting them forgotten water
ments, and Mr. Ghani is yet to begin delivering on his socioeconomic parameters this area can help curb the mainstream political parties country is far-fetched (The programmes. It should be a conservation techniques.
promise to streamline governance. The diplomatic and ensuring better welfare serious issue of food and the media. Its quite Wednesday interview: part of every State Being assured of rain should
of their citizens. Its the wastage. The problem of ironic that the recent Pinarayi Vijayan For the governments mission and not make us forget the
challenge before Mr. Ghani is to cut of the Talibans
critical responsibility of the food security is a burning government order BJP, the Left is its principal vision. hardship of previous
supplies from abroad. It is an open secret that Pakistan state to provide its citizens one and entails an regulating the sale of meat enemy, May 30). Every civic body across months (Editorial
is supporting the insurgency. There were reports re- with a suicient quantity of existential crisis for millions on the grounds of animal Kerala Chief Minister India should be responsible Monsoons here, May 31).
cently that Iran and Russia may also be arming them for food, and of globally (Editorial page, Thought welfare will end up Pinarayi Vijayan has painted for ensuring near total A. Thirugnanasambantham,
acceptable standards. India, for food, May 31). depriving the poor of their a rosy picture of several sewage treatment and Coimbatore
geopolitical reasons. Unless the Taliban are cut of from
their external backers, Kabuls writ will remain circum- with its burgeoning Atin Sharma, only source of protein. It policies and programmes of ensuring that rivers and more letters online:
Jammu www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
scribed. The security challenge, perhaps the most im- population, faces the appears to be a blatant the LDF government, with freshwater sources in and
problem of meeting ever- attempt at culturally some of them showing
portant one, is that the Afghan army, after years of re-
rising consumption needs India achieved self- homogenising India. positive signs. But the corrections & clarifications:
lentless war, is demoralised. Though Afghanistan has a of its people. At the same suiciency in food Politicians must stop Achilles heel of the CPI(M) In the report Babri case: Advani, Joshi, Bharti charged with
170,000-strong army, the main combat operations are criminal conspiracy, the date of the Babri Masjid demolition was
time, it has to ensure that production thanks to the cherry-picking issues with in Kerala is its party-irst
wrongly mentioned as December 9, 1992. It is December 6, 1992.
overseen by a small U.S.-trained contingent. They are there is no overexploitation Green Revolution. But political potential and over people-irst
In the From The Hindu Archives column (May 31, 2017, early
stretched on the battleield, given the challenges from of limited resources. This despite this, it has the one of instead show more interest approach.
editions), the date of publication corresponding to the Fifty years
diferent militant groups. The question is, what is Mr. balance between nurture the largest percentages of in the general welfare of the Ayyasseri Raveendranath,
ago entry Sino-Pakistan line-up against India was erro-
and nature is in the malnourishment and country. Aranmula, Kerala
Ghanis government doing in the face of these chal- neously given as May 31, 2017. It should have been May 31, 1967.
backdrop of growing growth stunting. Surplus Arjun K.V.,
lenges? Do its international backers, including the U.S., It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
pressure on available food foodgrain rotting in Hertfordshire, U.K. Harvesting the rains the edition (place of publication), date and page. The Readers Editors office can be
have any plan to stabilise Afghanistan, and if so, what resources. A way out is to godowns across India while India has braved one of the contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
priority do they accord it? As things stand, the country shift to sustainable the underprivileged are Lefts standing worst droughts of the recent Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
Editor, The Hindu, Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002, India.
is at risk of sliding back to the chaos of the 1990s. production methods, efect deprived of suicient food For the Left, a party with a past without too many All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
behavioural changes among intake are two sides of the modicum of presence in calamitous consequences. visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI
For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- OPED 9

Pride in prejudice In good faith?

Good administration involves recognising the distinction
In this increasingly angry age, prejudice has become a matter of public entertainment between errors, maladministration and graft
of historical oppression but the way
in which this language stands as a Guptas predecessor, P.C. Parakh, and Dr.
symbol of power and knowledge Singh. Section 13(1)(c) of PCA relates to a pub-
makes it a classic trope of racism. As lic servant dishonestly misappropriating prop-
a consequence, our intellectual cit- erty entrusted to him or allowing any other
adels cannot respect local language person to do so. Section 13(1)(d)(iii) relates to a
scholars and are more easily willing public servant obtaining any pecuniary ad-
Sundar Sarukkai to accept mediocre English-speaking vantage for any person without any public
academicians. Mukul Sanwal interest.
There was a time in our country We must remember that there are Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, representing Dr.
when prejudice was not allowed to always good reasons to be a racist, Three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of- Singh in the case, had contended before the
blatantly declare itself. There was a colourist, communalist, casteist or ficers, including former coal secretary H.C. Supreme Court that allocation of a coal block
time when there was something that misogynist. A decision not to give Gupta, who dealt with allocation of coal mines was an administrative act without any crim-
was shameful about publicly stating into these prejudices is not a judg- have been sentenced to a two-year term on inal intent. Mr. Sibal argued: There has to be
ones prejudices. But in this increas- ment of reason and rationality alone; the grounds of causing pecuniary advantage a meeting of minds to do a criminal act...
ingly angry age, prejudice has be- it is also an ethical judgement which to others. The conviction is under the Indian Where is the criminal conspiracy? Is it an of-
come a matter of public entertain- depends on how we allocate value to Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy and fence to grant coal mines to a private sector
ment. Repeatedly, we hear anything. Ironically, reason and ra- cheating and under the Prevention of Corrup- company? He said a decision may be right
statements about caste, religion, the tionality have always played a central tion Act (PCA), 1988. or wrong but it cannot be said to be an illegal
poor and the marginalised, in public role in promoting prejudices against The Comptroller and Auditor General act. The bench stayed the proceedings of the
domains and in public conversations colour, caste, religion, sexuality, (CAG) had termed the coal allocations ineffi- CBI Court.
as if they are matters of fact and not gender and other cultures. cient, not corrupt. A parliamentary commit- Section 13(1)(d) of the existing PCA covers
fictions of prejudice. In fact, one of the most dangerous tee report on Coal and Steel had termed the indirect forms of corruption, including abuse
We hear far more strident voices inheritances we have had as part of allocations unauthorised. The Supreme Court of official position by a public servant. An
against reservation, against allowing these prejudicial ideologies is the be- had cancelled the allocation of 214 coal blocks. amendment Bill approved by parliamentary
communities to eat what they want, lief that rationality and reason are The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had committees has replaced this section with a
against norms of behaviour of wo- unique products of the modern directed the Central Bureau of Investigation clearer definition of criminal misconduct by a
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
men. Such voices are getting normal- West. It is sad that we blindly buy (CBI) to probe the matter and the investigative public servant: fraudulent misappropriation
ised and have become part of our into this story without first pausing agency could not find even a whiff of quid pro of property under ones control, and inten-
public gossip. to recognise that some of the most quo in the decisions these IAS officers took. tional, illicit enrichment and possession of dis-
One would have thought that with influential philosophers in Europe Yet, they have been sentenced to spend time proportionate assets. The Law Commission
so many well-meaning and deeply who promoted particular models of in jail. has also pointed out that there must be an
committed individuals and groups rationality held racist and misogynist Four facts are relevant here. First, the CBI undue advantage that results from im-
who have consistently fought against views. The fact that our academic was asked to probe alleged irregularities in de- proper performance of public function or
social prejudice of various kinds, we system is exclusively monopolised by cisions taken by a high-level committee, a activity of a public servant to be punishable.
would have found ways to counter syllabus is dominated by the intellec- students field of work, whether he the works of such men should at forum to resolve inter-State and inter-institu- The amendment is in line with international
prejudice. Instead, we seem to be tual products of the white West. Pre- understands these writers or not. It least make us think about the nature tion technical and political issues. Second, standards reflected in the UN Convention
moving in the other direction. Defin- judice in this sense has entered into is ironic that the theoretical ideas of our education system. since the papers went missing, the events against Corruption.
itely, the growth of vocal hate our core ideas of education far more that we use to make sense of our so- Prejudice is not manifested only were reconstructed by the agency. Third, after All these decisions, modifications and guid-
groups, supported by political deeply than anything else and ex- cial experiences have had to come when major events like the racist at- filing a closure report, it argued that only ance reflect a judicial, legislative and execut-
parties, is a reason but we also have plains why these prejudices are so from great white males outside the tacks on Africans or the attack on three IAS officers be charged, exonerating ive consensus that distinguishes between mal-
to honestly acknowledge that a pleth- powerful and not easy to get rid of. country and not from the writings of beef-eaters occur. Prejudice hap- those above, the ultimate decision-makers, administration and administrative corruption,
ora of social causes participate in this Right from school, the examples of Asians and Africans. To do the latter pens continuously because of the es- and those below them, responsible for the raising the question of relief that should now
legitimisation of prejudice. great minds are largely white and needs more work as there are no tablished social structures, including safe custody of the documents. Fourth, the be provided to these three officers. The Gov-
We have not been able to change male. The list of writers, scientists, sources that are ready-made for use. the caste structure, which create and agency asked for the maximum punishment ernment of India must step in to help argue
these prejudices because, most of- artists and others is filled with these We are not even making serious at- maintain the conditions for prejudice of a seven-year term even though the officers their case and perhaps the Attorney-General
ten, these prejudices against colour, white males (and where Indians are tempts to do this and this is a reflec- to flourish in India. had obtained no advantage. The law as it should personally appear on their behalf.
religion, caste and gender manifest found, they would be largely upper- tion of prejudice. We can be politically correct and stands enables decisions taken through medi- Procedural errors could lead to mistakes in
not always directly but through vari- caste males). The books that children Some Indian philanthropists en- condemn these actions, but if we ation and consensus to be reviewed by an in- exercising discretion and are routinely ap-
ous other means. mostly read are still dominated by a dow Chairs and donate money to continue the same old practices of vestigating agency ill-equipped to do so. pealed against. Systemic failures that lead to
white world. Forget about the lack of education in bastions of white intel- education, language domination, not serious consequences would be regarded as
The white obsession great African, Persian, Chinese or Ja- lectual power, while at the same time engaging with the texts and tradi- Incomplete facts maladministration. Both might be described
Look at our TV and print media. Our panese literatures we dont even bemoaning the lack of quality in In- tions of a diverse India and Asia ran- Further, the Special CBI Court concluded that as negligent, but are not criminal conduct.
world news is largely about white so- read enough of other Indian lan- dian universities. When they do this, ging from the Upanishadic to the the secretary made dishonest misrepresenta- The First Administrative Reforms Commis-
cieties. It is ironic that CNN and BBC guage writing. it is a double whammy since it sus- Buddhist, Jain and the Islamic, as tion to then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan sion, chaired by Morarji Desai had recommen-
in India have so many programmes The prejudice against non-whites tains the privilege of the white West well as the contributions of a subal- Singh, who was also the Coal Minister. This ded, as early as 1966, that the proposed Lok-
about Africa, West Asia, etc. Why goes so deep in these educational while at the same time contributing tern India that has actually created conclusion is based on a reasonable suspicion pal investigate complaints of two distinct
dont our TV channels show more of practices that it is very difficult even to the degeneration of Indian institu- the world that we inhabit, and con- about a set of circumstances and state of kinds: consequences of maladministration
Africa? Or more of other Asian coun- for students who go on to advanced tions. tinue to ignore our cultural cousins events. The reasoning depends on incomplete and favouritism or accrual of personal benefit
tries? By repeatedly having a bias to- degrees like the Masters or PhD to Prejudice continues to be manifes- in Africa, West Asia, South Asia and facts placed before the court with the plausib- or gain to the Minister or to the secretary.
wards the white West, our news deal with non-white intellectual trated and sustained through the priv- Southeast Asia, then we may as well ility of those facts in question. Good public administration does not just hap-
makers exemplify a principle of pre- ditions. I have found that it is most ilege given to English speakers and accept the fact that our society will The same judge, Bharat Parashar, had in pen, and an essential element involves recog-
judice. The way the TV presenters difficult to get students to take other writers in India. Much of this bias has continue to be built on prejudices for 2015 taken cognisance of offences under Sec- nising the distinction between honest mis-
look also supports the many preju- intellectual traditions, including the translated into a sharp rural-urban a long time to come. tions 120-B (criminal conspiracy) read with takes, maladministration and corruption,
dices about colour, class or gender. Indian, seriously enough for their re- divide with the urban legitimising it- Section 420 (cheating) and Section 409 (crim- which is a feature in countries like the U.K.
The prejudices inherent in our search work. The default mode is to self by a prejudicial view towards the Sundar Sarukkai is professor of philosophy inal breach of trust by public servants) of the and Australia.
media are compounded by those in- search for a British, French, German rural other. Some view English as a at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, IPC and under Sections 13(1)(c) and 13(1)(d)(iii)
herent in our education system. Our or American scholars writing in the form of social mobility and a way out Bengaluru of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Mukul Sanwal is a former IAS oicer and UN diplomat
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SINGLE FILE FROM ARCHIVES

FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 1, 1967
Vying for political space Panel to study working of licensing system

Mr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Minister for Industrial Develop-
ment, announced in the Rajya Sabha to-day [May 31, NEW
The protests in West Bengal have come DELHI] that an expert committee would be set up soon to go
as a shot in the arm for the Opposition into the working of the industrial licensing system with a view
to finding out if large industrial houses received undue advant-
Shiv Sahay Singh age over others. In reply to a question he clarified that the
committee would also investigate to what extent licences were
Rallies and political agitations are denied to others in giving preference to Birlas and whether the
not new to West Bengal but two grant of licences was consistent with the policy of import sub-
back-to-back protests by Opposi- stitution. The Minister who was replying to the debate on the
tion parties have come as a shot in Hazari Committee report also announced that a Bill would be
the arm for them. After the 2016 introduced in the current session of Parliament to give effect
Assembly elections when the to the recommendations of the Monopoly Commission as ac-
Left Front and the Congress joined cepted by the Government.
forces to take on the Trinamool
Congress and failed miserably
the space for the Opposition has A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 1, 1917
been severely constricted.
On May 22, thousands of Left Nadar Mahajana Sabah.
PTI
Front supporters led by senior

leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) descended CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC The third Nadar Conference under the auspices of the Nadar
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
on the streets to March to Nabanna (State secretariat); three Mahajana Sabah resumed its sitting yesterday under the pres-
days later, on May 25, supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party CONCEPTUAL FAQ idency of Mr. V. Ponnusami Nadar, when essays were read and
(BJP) tried to lay siege to Lalbazar, the State police headquar- addresses were delivered by representatives of this com-
ters. On both occasions, protesters turned violent and tried to Debt Liquidation made easier munity on compulsory elementary education, higher educa-
break the police cordon. After failing to make any signiicant monetisation tion, female education, technical education, starting of a
mark in either the Assembly and the Lok Sabha bypolls or the newspaper to serve the interests of Nadars, the constitution of
recently concluded civic polls, the Opposition parties wanted Economics The bankruptcy code could improve the business climate the Nadar Mahajana Sabah, the collecting of an endowment
to assert that they could still mobilise a large number of T.C.A. Sharad Raghavan for the creation of insolvency professional agen- fund, the controlling of the Mahamai funds and physical
A term that refers to the
people. ency professionals who cies, and in recruiting culture.
purchase of government What is the Insolvency and
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the would handle the com- insolvency professionals, The Conference met again this morning and it was presided
bonds by the central bank Bankruptcy Code? Passed
rallies as acts of hooliganism and said that they constituted a mercial aspects of the res- has been minimal so far. over by the Honble Dewan Bahadur Justice T. Sadasiva Aiyar.
to finance the spending in 2016, the code was for-
ight for the second and third positions. She also questioned olution process. Insolv- The gathering to-day was particularly large; almost all the
needs of the government. mulated to make the pro-
the politics behind these protests. ency professional agencies What are the reasons for leading Nadars of these places were present.
Since the central bank cre- cess of shutting down and
In reality, the aims of the rallies were not clearly spelt out. will train and regulate the delay? While there is
ates fresh money to pur- exiting a business easier
While for the Left Front it was an 18-point charter of demands, these professionals. no real consensus on why
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chase these bonds in the and less time-consuming.
the BJP said that it rallied to protest against false cases being The Debt Recovery the private sector is not
lodged against its party leaders, and to demand immediate ar-
open market, debt monet- Apart from helping com- DATA POINT
isation leads to an increase panies, it was also expec- Tribunal (for individuals acting swiftly, experts feel
rest of Imam Noor-ur-Rehman Barkati. The Trinamool Con- and unlimited partnership that one reason could be
in total money supply. ted to improve Indias
gress (TMC) leaderships claims that the rallies indicated a kind firms) and National Com- that the entire matter of in-
This, in turn, can lead to rankings in the World
of competitive hooliganism cannot be completely set aside. pany Law Tribunal (for solvency is inextricably
higher prices in the eco- Banks ease of doing busi-
The BJP tried to grab more attention by attacking public prop- companies and limited li- tied to the non-performing
nomy, which the central ness index. India currents
erty. Arrested BJP leaders refused bail, choosing to spend the ability entities) are to act assets (NPA) issue.
bank can counter by ranks 130th overall out
night in police custody. as adjudicating authorit- Many companies may
selling the bonds that it of 189 countries and
However, what may be of concern for the ruling TMC is that ies. be plagued by the non-
owns out in the open mar- 136th on the parameter of
both the Left and the Right were able to channel the anger of Finally, the code lays payment of dues. Only
ket. Such bond sales help resolving insolvency,
the masses. This assumes signiicance as many TMC MPs and down the procedure for after their assets are ra-
in sucking excess money with the World Bank say-
Ministers are being probed by Central agencies over allega- the creation of an Insolv- tionalised, through the
out of the economy, thus ing it takes four years to re-
tions of corruption. ency and Bankruptcy NPA-linked initiatives
helping in the control of solve a bankruptcy case.
West Bengals electorate overlooked allegations of corrup- Board of India, which will taken by the Reserve Bank
rising prices. The code aims to bring
tion against TMC leaders in the 2016 Assembly polls and be the overall regulator. of India, can they be
this down to within a year.
placed their faith in Ms. Banerjee. However, in a fast-changing wound up.
political scenario and given the sharp rise of right-wing forces, What does the Insolvency What is the progress so far? The RBI will look at
the TMC cannot take the peoples support for granted and dis- Code seek to do? When a According to experts, them on a case-by-case
miss the show of strength by the Opposition as just a ight for firm defaults on its debt, while the government has basis, which means that
second or third position. its control will shift to a completed the tasks it had the entire process will take
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Days later Ms. Banerjee asked the police to take strong ac- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
committee of creditors. to carry out towards the time.
tion against those causing communal disharmony. She also They will have 180 days to implementation of the The overall consensus is
MORE ON
said her government would not tolerate cattle smuggling to
Bangladesh. This came just a day after she came down heavily
on the Centres notiication on sale of cattle in animal markets.
THE WEB 3 evaluate proposals from
various interested parties
on how to either resuscit-
code, the private sector is
yet to participate. So, the
Insolvency and Bank-
that excluding some sol-
itary cases there wont
be much progress on the
Ms. Banerjees statements constitute a ine balancing act New cattle slaughter rules
ate the company or enable ruptcy Board of India has implementation of the
while trying to hold on to her minority vote share, she is trying and their aftermath
liquidation. been created, but the pro- code even by the end of
to not lose the support of the majority. http://bit.ly/CattleSlaughterRules
The code has provisions gress in creating insolv- this year.
CM A ND-ND
YK
8 EDITORIAL For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI THE HINDU

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017
How to share intelligence

The attack on Trump for sharing information is somewhat inexplicable, and has lessons for other democracies
ics. What has led to a fractured so- sions and former National Security chiefs is generally the approach of
ciety in the U.S. today carries a Adviser Michael Flynn. Presidents and Prime Ministers,
message for democracies every- Leaking of sensitive secret in- who tend to take a more liberal
Back to basics where. Democracy needs sensitive
handling. One of the principal
formation became a useful plank
to hit the President with. The
view. Mr. Trump is perhaps guilty
of breach of intelligence protocol.
The dip in GDP growth in the January-March charges against members of the secret intelligence referred to was Intelligence protocol stipulates
Trump team is that they main- that of advances made by the Is- that prior approval should be ob-
quarter points to the need for a policy reboot M.K. Narayanan
tained improper contact with Rus- lamic State in bomb-making, and tained from the country providing
sian diplomats who, after Ukraine its plans to mask the explosive the intelligence to share the classi-
I
ndias economy, measured by the gross domestic
he United States currently and Crimea, were regarded as in-
T
devices by concealing it inside ied information with a third coun-
product, grew at 7.1% in 2016-17, the slowest pace
gives an impression of being ternational outcasts, at least from laptop computers, which could be try. Disclosure of bare-bone intelli-
since the National Democratic Alliance government at war with itself. This stems the point of view of the U.S. Con- carried on to an aircraft to launch a gence, short of identity and
came to oice in 2014, and signiicantly lower than the from a series of charges and coun- tact with other foreign diplomats terrorist attack. No mention seems mechanics, is not an ofence. That
8% growth clocked in 2015-16 (revised data). On the face tercharges levied against President was acceptable, but not with the to have been made about the iden- the media should have portrayed it
of it, this is in line with the estimates put out by the Donald Trump and his advisers, in- Russians, possibly a new and modi- tity of the source or the mechanics as one of the gravest crises yet for
Central Statistics Oice in early January and at the end cluding that of collusion with the ied form of McCarthyism, but nev- of how the intelligence was ob- the White House is inexplicable.
of February. A top government economist has lashed Russians, who are accused of med- ertheless the current norm. A passes anything levelled against tained. Only the city from where This does not absolve Mr.
dling with the presidential point to consider, no doubt, is him previously. It was the result of the intelligence was obtained had Trump of not being careful with
out at messiahs of doom who had predicted a 2% de- election. whether there is indeed something a leak from within the White been mentioned. the intelligence in his possession,
cline in growth due to the Centres decision to demonet- Several probes have already sinister in all this, or it is a case of House, and related to a meeting It is not unusual for Presidents and to which he is privy through
ise 500 and 1,000 currency notes last November. But been launched in this connection. the liberal media overreaching it- that Mr. Trump had with Russian and Prime Ministers to exchange the Presidential Daily Brief and
scratch deeper, and those naysayers dont appear to be Meanwhile, the kaleidoscopic self, with investigative and intelli- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in sensitive information including periodic meetings with his Dir-
too far of the mark. Growth in the inal quarter of 2016- nature of the changes taking place gence agencies such as the FBI and the Oval Oice on May 10. The ac- of the intelligence variety in ector of Intelligence, and the heads
17 was just 6.1%, all of 1.8 percentage points lower than in the top echelons of the new ad- the Central Intelligence Agency cusation is that the President re- closed-door sessions. It is again the of intelligence and investigative
ministration is hardly helping mat- (CIA) acting in tow. The role of Con- vealed certain highly classiied in- general practice worldwide that agencies such as the CIA and the
the 7.9% recorded in its irst (which decelerated to 7.5%
ters. The peremptory actions of gress and the elected representat- telligence information to Mr. heads of state and government are FBI. One such intelligence gafe on
and 7% in the second and third quarters, respectively). the President, such as the dismissal ives is little in evidence. Lavrov. the best judges of what they can di- the part of Mr. Trump was his re-
In fact, the only reason the 7.1% estimate has held up is of Federal Bureau of Investigation Even after becoming President, The impression conveyed was vulge to their counterparts at such cent disclosure to the Philippines
because growth for the previous quarters was revised (FBI) Director James Comey, has Mr. Trump remains a disruptor ex- that the President had thereby viol- closed-door meetings. President of the location of two
upwards. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is, however, only aggravated this situation. Al- traordinaire. Disruption is today ated the strict norms that govern In this case, the President was nuclear submarines in the waters
right when he points out that growth had already been most every step taken by the new acceptable in ields such as techno- dissemination of secret informa- apparently expansive during his of the Korean Peninsula, while dis-
slowing down, so ascribing the entire downturn to de- administration is leading to par- logy and business, even regarded tion. The classiied intelligence is meetings with the Russian Foreign cussing the situation in North
tisan rows. The media and intelli- as essential for progress, but the said to have been provided by a Minister. There is nothing to indic- Korea.
monetisation is not fair. Yet, whichever way one looks at
gence agencies are far from impar- same cannot be said for politics West Asian ally to the U.S. and was ate that he went beyond boasting Relations between President
it, the note ban seems to have exacerbated the problem, tial in their behaviour. Leaks from and diplomacy. not to be shared with anyone. It about the intelligence information
particularly for Indias large informal economy that the Trump and sections of society in
within the administration, includ- The jury is still out on his over- was stated to be so sensitive that in the possession of the U.S. In it- the U.S. appear stalemated at
poor depend on, as even the World Bank has now ing the White House, have also cre- tures towards Russia, his simultan- U.S. oicials had not shared it self, what the President revealed present. The avalanche of leaks
noted. ated a piquant situation. Nothing eous diplomatic forays vis--vis widely within the U.S. govern- was hardly a crime. It is well- from within the government re-
Consider these underlying trends. Discounting the comparable to this has been seen Saudi Arabia and Israel, his ap- ment, and had not passed it on to known that leaders at this level are veals an unhealthy atmosphere.
healthy growth in GVA (gross value added) from agricul- since the Nixon years. proach to the North Atlantic Treaty other allies. The fear expressed far less parsimonious in parting Maintaining secrecy of informa-
Organisation and Europe, his atti- was that the West Asian ally would with intelligence than are intelli- tion is important, especially where
ture and government spending, real GVA grew by just
Unparalleled disdain tude towards China and the policy not share any sensitive information gence chiefs and members of the it concerns exchanges between
3.8% in the fourth quarter, down from 8.4% in the irst Liberal America and Beltway towards North Korea. with the U.S. in future. intelligence fraternity.
indicating that private spending and investment col- two governments.
Washingtons disdain for President For the present, hence, the Pres- The facts of the case do not quite
lapsed. Private consumption grew at the slowest pace in Trump, and the manner in which ident appears to be under a virtual add up to what has been put out. The Indian experience For democracies everywhere,
he conducts his policies, is quite siege. Apart from Congress and An element of bias does seem to We in India have been victims of there are lessons to be learnt from
ive quarters, even as construction (with a high depend-
unparalleled. Barack Obama, Mr. Congressional committees, which have crept in. It would seem that such inadequate provision of intel- the present imbroglio in the U.S.
ence on informal/migrant labour) and manufacturing The need to maintain a balance
activities dipped sharply. Industry has renewed pleas Trumps predecessor, is by con- constitute an essential element of the main grouse of Washington in- ligence by friendly countries, des-
trast credited currently with many the U.S. system of checks and bal- siders was to the meeting efected pite having elaborate arrange- between the government, the judi-
for the Reserve Bank of India to cut policy rates and shift ciary and the legislature, the me-
more virtues than at any time ances, he is today confronted by between Mr. Trump and Mr. Lav- ments for counterterrorism
back to an accommodative stance. While lower inla- when he was in oice. Forgotten is teams of lawyers assigned to a kind rov, which also included the Rus- cooperation, an instance in point dia, interest groups and various
tion and growth may soften the RBIs outlook, there is the anger against Obamacare and of Trump Watch, journalists, and sian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, a being the failure of friendly elements in society is vital.
little that monetary policy alone can do at this juncture the Obama doctrine. He is seen as NGOs. These apart, there are the meeting from which the U.S. press counter-intelligence agencies in Without this, the functioning of
a moderate, someone wedded to street protesters. Seldom has an was excluded and to which the 2008 to share all the information in government and institutions
to revive animal spirits. Banks, the primary beneiciar-
maintaining equilibrium in inter- elected President had to face a situ- Russian press was privy. Mr. their possession which might have would become highly untenable.
ies of demonetisation, are lush with funds but credit
growth is at multi-decade lows and the twin stress on national relations and, above all, ation of this kind. Kislyaks presence was a kind of prevented the November 26, 2008
someone at peace with the Amer- The most recent accusation lev- red rag as his name had previ- terror attacks on multiple targets in M.K. Narayanan is a former National
banks and their borrowers balance sheets is spreading
ican nation and its people, in elled against the President, viz. ously igured in the controversies Mumbai. A welcome departure Security Adviser and a former Governor
to other sectors such as telecom. With the direction of marked contrast to Trumponom- that of leaking state secrets, sur- involving Attorney General Jef Ses- from the attitude of intelligence of West Bengal
global headwinds remaining uncertain, growth in gov-
ernment spending budgeted to be lower this year com-
pared to last year, and private investment virtually ab-
sent, these GDP numbers should serve as a reality
check. Returning to the 8% growth mark is going to be a
big challenge. While the government has vigorously un-
Winning back their country
derlined its reform achievements of the last three years,
such as the Goods and Services Tax that rolls out in July, Women are re-entering the public space in Kabul, but its imperative to take empowerment to the countryside
a mission-mode reforms reboot is urgently needed.
studied journalism at Kabul Uni- dia in the late 1970s and during the a handful. He added that there are
And that can only begin if the problem is suitably ac- versity in the early 1990s. My par- years of the Soviet invasion al- currently seven female journalists
knowledged by policymakers. ents have always supported me though womens rights were pro- in his paper.
and have encouraged me to work. moted. The Taliban era (1996- In the recent past some women
Another woman reporter, 2001) dealt a severe blow to both have left journalism due to the hos-
Shukria Kohistani, who works at media freedom and rights of wo- tile security situation in the coun-
the same daily, also had to leave men in the country. try, including frequent terror at-
Pharma lobby strikes Meha Dixit
her job during the Taliban period.
She explained, My parents and es-
Since 2001, women, mostly in
Kabul, began to engage in public
tacks such as the one in Kabul on
Wednesday in which 90 people
Pharmacies protest as they increasingly feel
D
uring the Taliban rule, like pecially my father encouraged me life and there was a boom in the were killed. Journalists in Afgh-
all other working women in and my sister to work. Ms. Raisada media industry that continues to anistan are often under pressure
the heat of competition and regulation Afghanistan, Suraya Raisada noted that in Afghanistan the com- date. from diferent sides such as the
P
harmacies across the country went on a one-day had to quit her job. I began giving munities in general, particularly It is critical to note that the re- Taliban, Islamic State, warlords
strike this week to highlight their concerns about tuitions to schoolchildren at outside Kabul, do not easily accept forms of the 1920s, 1960s and 1970s and the state. When I asked Ms.
home, said Ms. Raisada in broken working women. for womens rights in Afghanistan Raisada and Ms. Kohistani about
the threat from e-pharmacies, and the cost that
Urdu, a reporter with a leading were mostly limited to urban wo- the challenges, both noted that wo-
will be imposed by new regulations on the sale of medi- daily in Afghanistan who began Women and journalism men. Post-2001, noted Maliha, men journalists are paid much less
cines. The strike, called by the All India Organisation of working in the early 1990s during In Afghanistan, the idea that wo- translator for a private news than their male counterparts. For
Chemists and Druggists, had the support of well over the mujahideen period. When the men should be viewed as contrib- agency in Kabul, the status of both women and men reporters, a
eight lakh pharmacies. But perhaps the only thing clear Taliban came into power in 1996, uting members of society beyond Afghan women improved, but it re- critical challenge is diiculty in ac-
from the AIOCDs demands is its intention to protect the women were prohibited from pub- motherhood was introduced dur- (1919-1929), the irst womans mained limited to major cities. cessing information from the
business interests of traditional brick-and-mortar phar- lic life, except for providing health ing Amir Habibullahs reign (1901- magazine, Erschad-al-Nasswan was Even now women in remote areas provinces with Taliban presence,
care to other women. They were 1919). Mahmud Beg Tarzi, who published in 1922 by Queen Suraya are not really aware of their rights, added Ms. Raisada. Despite these
macies, even if it comes at the cost of the consumers in-
also not allowed to attend school. began publishing a bimonthly in Kabul. During Zahir Shahs rule she said. It is imperative that the re- challenges, both the reporters en-
terest. Traditional pharmacies have been knocking at Further, severe restrictions were newspaper called Seraj-ul-Ahkbar (1933-1973), the 1964 Constitution forms reach the rural women, and thusiastically articulated their pas-
the doors of the government for some time now as they placed on the media. In 2001, Afghanieh in 1911, argued that un- allowed women to vote and enter in a manner that doesnt alienate sion to continue as journalists and
face intense competition from e-pharmacies. Their when the Taliban were ousted, Ms. der egalitarian Islam women are politics. The 1960s and early 1970s them from their family and kinship highlight the issues that confront
proit margins and market share have faced pressure in Raisada rejoined the daily. As I sat not denied education. Tarzi de- saw the expansion of press and wo- networks. their country.
recent years from e-pharmacies that often ofer medi- in her oice in Kabul with three voted a special section in Seraj-ul- men increasingly entered Hamidullah Arei, editor-in-
cines at cheaper prices. While this has improved the ac- more Afghan women reporters, in- Akhbar to womens issues titled journalism. chief of state-run daily The Kabul Meha Dixit has a PhD in international
comprehensible murmurs in a Celebrating Women of the World, After Shahs government was Times, said, In Kabul, there are politics from the Jawaharlal Nehru
cessibility of drugs to a wider population, the concern
mlange of Dari, English and Urdu edited by his wife Asma. overthrown in a 1973 coup, severe many women in the media; how- University ( JNU) and has taught at
of traditional pharmacists too is easy to understand. illed the room. She continued, I During King Amanullahs period constraints were placed on the me- ever, in the provinces there are just Kashmir University
The AIOCD has repeatedly accused e-pharmacies of a
wide range of malpractices, including selling fake drugs
and enabling self-medication. The organisation has
been citing these issues to seek a ban on the sale of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
drugs online. At the same time, pharmacies too have
been ighting the government as it tries to tighten the Will Uma resign? vouchsafe that the THE BJP is truly a party Acting in good faith prevent Ministers from situation in neighbouring
screws on the illegal sale of drugs. Political parties speak in government will not with a diference. The article In good faith? being misled by dishonest States of Karnataka and
In March this year, the Ministry of Health and Family one language while they are demand her resignation, Vijai Pant, ( June 1) raises disturbing oicials? If a decision is Tamil Nadu is a major
in the Opposition and quite proving that the high moral Hempur, Uttarakhand questions about the proved to be mala ide at a roadblock. Hence, the State
Welfare proposed the setting up of an e-portal to track
another when they are in ground the party has been implications of the recent later date, why should the will have to focus on
and regulate the sale of drugs across the retail chain.
power and the Bharatiya taking was a hogwash. Impact on farmers conviction of three oicials bureaucrat alone be held industries that are not
The aim was to prevent the sale of fake and substandard Janata Party (BJP) is no C.V. Aravind, Though not a blanket ban in the coal blocks allocation accountable? In the case in dependent on land.
drugs, which are estimated to account for a substantial exception (Politics and Chennai on beef consumption, the case. While corruption must point, the Coal portfolio Further, the State cannot
share of Indias drug market. The AIOCD has opposed propriety, editorial, June 1). notiication issued by the be punished, there is no was held by Prime Minister think of developing
the proposal, arguing that smaller pharmacies lack the Union Minister for Water The demolition of Babri Centre certainly has an reason to criminalise Manmohan Singh. A fallout medium-scale industries
necessary infrastructure to meet the stringent de- Resources Uma Bharti is Masjid, at the behest of adversary efect on cattle decisions taken without the of the convictions is that due to the polluting nature
mands of the Ministry, even as the same rules apply to e- among those against whom Sangh leaders, was an markets operating in intent to cheat or facilitate a even honest bureaucrats of some of them.
charges have been framed unsavoury chapter in various parts of the country pecuniary beneit to the will become more risk- Considering the population
pharmacies. With the strike, pharmacists further
by the CBI Special Court, Indias chequered (Cow slaughter and the oicials. Ineiciency cannot averse because of a fear of density among the highest
upped the ante by temporarily halting the supply of an having been accused of sociopolitical history. It led Constitution, June 1). It always be conlated with being hauled up for in the country and the
essential good. This is unfortunate. The Ministrys pro- criminal conspiracy in the to communal riots and seems the impact of this ban dishonesty. corruption. sensitive lifelines in the
posal to bring both traditional and e-pharmacies under Babri Masjid demolition sowed the seeds of discord on small-scale farmers has While each case of V.N. Mukundarajan, form of 44 rivers, it can
case. The BJP, which never in the society. The framing not been well-understood. maladministration has to be Thiruvananthapuram focus only on technology-
the ambit of the e-portal to track drugs is a welcome
move. The risks associated with e-pharmacies, espe- missed an opportunity to of charges against the There are many farmers, dealt with based on the facts intensive ields like
cially when it comes to the dispensation of prescription demand the resignations of alleged perpetrators by the especially in rural areas, of the case, the CBI has been Unemployment woes information technology,
Ministers embroiled in CBI Court cannot be simply who depend on cattle as a known to exhibit an Pinarayi Vijayan, the Kerala medicine and tourism.
drugs without the necessary checks, cannot be taken
controversies in the glossed over by the BJP as means of livelihood. Cattle adversarial mindset. Chief Minister, did not Another hurdle is the States
lightly. However, the Ministrys plan on regulating e- previous government and something political. farming demands Another issue that demands elaborate much on the slow poor power generation
pharmacies is a rather outdated one. It has mandated even managed to get some Leaders need to be cautious considerable amount of public scrutiny is the quality industrial growth in the capacity. Environment-
that e-pharmacies must set up a licensed brick and of them to relinquish their while making speeches and time, money and efort. of decision-making in the State and its poor related movements against
mortar facility as part of their operations to comply posts, now inds that the not try to act as rabble- What is the incentive a government. When a employment generation bigger hydropower
with the new regulations. This seems like an indirect shoe is on the other foot. rousers for the sake of farmer will have to breed bureaucrat recommends a (For the BJP, the Left is its generation projects have
way of delegitimising the business model of e-pharma- But all attempts by the gaining mileage. It is time cattle if it cannot be sold in certain course of action to a principal enemy, June 1). proved to be a deterrent and
Opposition to force Ms. for Uma Bharti to demit the market? Who will speak Minister, should the latter The unreasonably high cost the public is unlikely to
cies, rather than a regulation that aims to improve their
Bharti to resign have been oice on her own. This up for the concerns of the merely approve it without of land and lack of abundant support nuclear power
transparency and regulation. The huge potential for e- stonewalled as the would not only raise her rural farmers? doing any due diligence? quantity suitable for plants to be established.
commerce in the retail drugs industry is enough reason government is strongly own stature in peoples eyes Mariamma Antony, What checks and balances industrial purposes in K.V. Abdul. Azeez,
to avoid such unreasonably stringent standards. backing her. One can but also go on to prove that Bengaluru have been put in place to striking contrast to the Thrissur
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE
Are we a nation of hyper-nationalists?

Hyper-nationalism does not allow critical engagement; the feeling of hyper-na- critical engagement in white supremacist group Ku Klux to stamp out critical discourse.
tionalism: Pakistan, any sphere of life. It pro- Klan on blacks. He said America be- To my mind, what the ruling
it shows anything critical of ruling party as anti-national Muslims and Dalits, and jects anything critical of lieved in the true spirit of national- combine is doing is anti-national be-
universities. So, while we the ruling party as anti- ism that God created all people cause it strengthens divisions in so-
Ever since the Bharatiya which will be all-inclusive. What dont have the kind of fas- national. It operates equal and every citizen has equal ciety and such strengthened divi-
Janata Party (BJP) presen- was unstated was this: that the cist nationalism which was hand in glove with rights. sions engender more violence. The
ted Narendra Modi as its party will stop the preferential present in Germany, what casteism and religious The role of protecting the rights attempt to construct an ideology of
LEFT prime ministerial candid-
ate, the discourse on na-
treatment to Muslims as a special
category.
we are witnessing is semi-
fascist nationalism along
fundamentalism.
Hyper-nationalists
had to be performed by the state
and the media. Kennedy appealed
hyper-nationalism around food cul-
ture is going to be disastrous. Every-
tionalism has changed. It has be- religious sentiments. think that they alone are pure and to the American media to protect body knows that it is not the Brah-
Kancha Ilaiah
Shepherd come hyper. Rallying around the cow The cow has become Bharat sending soap and shampoo to Dalits peoples rights. And he assured the mins/Banias or the Jains who will be
is director, Centre for The party began by telling people After the BJP came to power, it be- Mata. And all beef-eaters are anti- and Adivasis before their appoint- blacks that his government would affected by the new law but the Dal-
the Study through various modes of informa- came essential to identify an enemy national. Under a gazette notifica- ment with Chief Minister of Uttar do so by all means. its/Adivasis, the Other Backward
of Social Exclusion and tion dissemination including so- that the country could relate to. So, tion titled, Prevention of Cruelty to Pradesh Yogi Adityanath is part of However, what the BJP under Classes (OBC)s and the Muslims.
Inclusive Policy, cial media that the Congress had Pakistan is the constant refrain and Animals (Regulation of Livestock that nationalism. Prime Minister Modi is doing is ex-
served the interests of Muslims. The Muslims, who were no longer Markets) Rules, 2017, all of them are actly the opposite. All criticism is Hyper-nationalism helps to keep
Maulana Azad the nation perpetually in conflict,
National Urdu Congress was a party of casteism, treated preferentially by the new projected so. The cow is not a na- Crushing all criticism being suppressed in praise of the
regionalism and Muslim appease- government, were required to tionalist symbol but has been made I am reminded of a speech from the leader. Dissent in universities is be- with everyone at war with the other.
University, Hyderabad Mr. Modi should listen to what
ment, the BJP said, and promised stand with the nation or else go to into one, and Dalits and Muslims 1960s by U.S. President John F. ing crushed. The Rashtriya Swayam-
that when we come to power, we Pakistan. will continue to be lynched using Kennedy where he raised this ques- sevak Sangh (RSS)s student wing, Kennedy had said decades ago.
will work on a developmental To my mind, there were three this weapon. tion of nationalism vis--vis the at- the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Par-
model, on the lines of Gujarat, crucial elements required to stoke Hyper-nationalism does not allow tacks mounted by members of the ishad (ABVP), has taken upon itself As told to Anuradha Raman
As a new nationalistic wave sweeps India, attempts are law and order issues were ists and stone-pelters, kind of diversity. India has been a even the Congress governments in
not only sought to be cata- meeting separatists in plural society since ancient times various States made laws banning
being made to dub nationalism as hyper-nationalism pulted to the national Kashmir, speaking and there is a cultural and civilisa- cow slaughter.
scene but even interna- against the Prime Minis- tional unity. Its journey of thou-
A particular brand of Some time back, similar attempts tional opinion was ter in Pakistan, and tak- sands of years was impeded by sev- Nationalism from below
intelligentsia, finding were seen in the form of intoler- mobilised. ing pride in slaughtering eral incursions. But the spirit of As the Prime Minister continues to
itself marginalised in ance and award wapsi. The anti- a cow in full public view. India has not only survived all the speak the language of hope and
Repeated defeats
RIGHT the national discourse,
is visibly uncomfort-
national sloganeering in Jawaharlal
Nehru University was first sought to The repeated defeats in
Indian nationalism re-
mains an enigma for
assaults but was strengthened by a
flourishing culture of accommoda-
trust, nationalism has become an
incredible phenomenon of trans-
Shiv Shakti Nath
able with the massive mandate of be defended and then rationalised election after election have frus- those trying to see nationalism tion and adjustment. formation, progress and develop-
Bakshi is the
2014. BJP getting full majority on its and Rohith Vemulas case in Hy- trated them to such an extent that through a fixed framework of inflex- To think that this process of ac- ment. The nationalistic surge today
executive editor of
own and ending a three-decade- derabad Central University was the Congress-Marxist combine even ible rigidities. The problem gets fur- commodation and adjustment was emanates from the masses below to
Kamal Sandesh, the
long fractured polity was beyond propped up as an accusation raises questions on the legitimacy ther compounded when that under- one-sided would be a grave mis- the NRIs abroad, covering vast sec-
BJPs mouthpiece
their imagination. It not only ques- against the Central government. of these mandates. So there is a vis- standing is based on the European take; it was always a multilinear and tions of the society. It represents
tions their ability to analyse elec- The murder of M.M. Kalburgi and ible tendency to question even the experience of nationalism, a homo- dynamic process. It was due to this the aspirations, hope and trust of
tions but raises serious doubts on Narendra Dabholkar which took surgical strikes [against Pakistan] genising, masculine and an imperi- that our freedom struggle right the people. It is time to strengthen
their understanding of Indian soci- place under the Congress State gov- and demonetisation. It has led to alistic phenomenon resulting in the from the war of 1857 recognised nationalism to build a new India.
ety and politics. While trying to ernments and the Dadri incident in mindless opposition of the Central formation of uniform nation states. that the ban on cow slaughter was Any attempt to dub it as hyper-na-
build a counter-narrative, they now U.P. under Samajwadi Party rule government through opposing and Contrary to the European experi- integral to the spirit of nationalism. tionalism will only be counterpro-
derive solace in portraying nation- were highlighted as indictments of denigrating security forces, raising ence, Indian nationalism is not only It was included in the Directive ductive to its proponents and lead
alism as hyper-nationalism. the Central government. The local the issues of human rights of terror- inclusive but celebrates a unique Principles of the Constitution and to their further marginalisation.
We ought to rethink our attitude towards nationalism izenship, therefore, is very But India is no excep- therefore, protects minorities, op- It would be advisable, then, to re-
difficult and challenging tion in this matter as poses patriarchy as well as abol- think our attitude towards national-
and curb much of the enthusiasm that goes with it principally because it goes countries worldwide are ishes untouchability and caste dis- ism and curb much of the enthusi-
against everything that fighting against hyper-na- tinctions from public life. None of asm that goes with it. The many
Nationalism has al- humiliation and jubilation. Demo- arises spontaneously in tionalism, and not al- these came about naturally, or from ethnic killings we have had over the
ways been a seductive cracy is very different. It needs na- us, such as ties of blood ways successfully. below, and it needed the combined years, the proud posturing of Shiv
ideology, not just tionalism as a precondition, but and tradition. It is the del- The French election strengths of Gandhi, Nehru, Sena-style ethnicism, gau rakshaks
CENTRE among us Indians, but only as a precondition. Democracy icacy and fragility of cit- was a recent example of Ambedkar, Patel and others leaders on the rampage and the dubious
for people across the is like a butterfly that comes out of izenship which makes this and fortunately a re- at the top for these radical dreams communal concessions are all ex-
Dipankar Gupta
world. What nationalism does best the larva of nationalism. It does not democracy and its attendant, fra- prieve has been won; but there to come true. All these measures pressions of nationalism.
was a professor
is to create a sense of Us vs. Them appeal, like nationalism does, to ternity, so hard to practise. many other modern nation states, would have been unimaginable in Citizenship cannot tolerate any
at the School of Social
in nearly every case. primordial ties of custom, myth, The Indian national was born at home and abroad, that face this the era of nationalism, pure and of these, but this would need lead-
Sciences, Jawaharlal
In the not-too-distant past, all lore and tradition. in 1947. But the Indian citizen ar- kind of threat all the time. simple. ership of the statesmanlike variety
Nehru University
this was welcome because the rived only after 1950, when our At the same time, our Constitu- to deliver.
other was either a foreign power Nationalism and citizenship Constitution was framed. Since Constitutional provisions tion has had to, on a number of oc- No democracy is perfect but we
or an oligarch or a dictator. In these Whereas nationalism creates a then we have found how difficult it Our Constitution, which may be casions, make concessions to hy- should nevertheless look for a com-
circumstances, nationalism had a unity but demonises the other, cit- is to keep the citizenship flag flying faulted at several levels, has firmly per-nationalism. This aspect is best pass in the storm. This is where cit-
positive, and liberating, effect. But izenship sets out on the contrary as one has to constantly battle laid the foundations of citizenship seen in provisions that allow for izenship alone can be our reliable
in all these cases the common con- principle of creating unity out of headwinds. Hyper-nationalism is al- in our country by ordaining that all Emergency to be declared and also guide.
sciousness it built was founded on the spirit of fraternity where differ- ways waiting out there for the are equal; nobody is intrinsically a to detain people without trial on
blood, gore, war, victory, defeat, ences are embraced. Nurturing cit- weather to turn. better citizen than any other. It, charges of sedition. As told to Anuradha Raman
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
March towards FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 2, 1967
Iraq warns Britain and U.S.

isolationism Iraq informed Britain to-day [ June 1] that it would retaliate
most energetically to any attack on the Egyptian coastal
Trumps hostile stance on key issues is stronghold of Sharm El Sheikh, which controls the Tiran
Strait into the Gulf of Aqaba, an Iraqi Embassy spokesman an-
changing the terms of diplomacy nounced. The Iraqi Charge DAffaires told the Foreign Secret-
ary, Mr. George Brown, to-day [ June 1] that Baghdad would
Garimella Subramaniam regard any attack on Sharm El Sheikh as an act of aggression
It was a diplomatic double against Iraq, the spokesman said. The diplomat told Mr.
whammy by the U.S. last week Brown that an Iraqi force comprising aircraft, tanks, artillery
when President Donald Trump and infantry would take part in the defence of Sharm El
virtually held the countries of the Sheikh and the Strait with other other Arab forces, and that
North Atlantic Treaty Organisa- an extraordinary conference would group oil-producing Arab
tion (NATO) and the Group of 7 in- countries in Baghdad on Sunday to draft retaliatory plans for
dustrialised states (G7) hostage. the eventuality of Israeli aggression.
The Presidents near-repudiation
of NATOs key principles at the A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 2, 1917
123RF.COM
Brussels meet and the Paris Cli- Punjab Muslim Leagues View.
mate Accord at Taormina, Italy is
the clearest sign yet of the diamet- Mr. Pir Tajuddin, Bar-at-Law, Secretary of the Punjab Muslim
rically opposite pathways the U.S. League, has forwarded a lengthy note expressing the
and its European partners have Leagues opinion on the Public Services Commission report.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
been traversing of late. The big diference, of course, is that the
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC The Executive Committee of the League believes, says the
U.S. under Mr. Trump insists on going it alone; while Europe CONCEPTUAL note, that the doctrine of racial superiority openly pro-
ACT ONE claimed by the Commissioners will deepen the sense of sub-
now has no option but to ind its own feet. The normally circum-
Hysteresis jection and retard the growth of the sentiment of common cit-
spect German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, did not conceal her
utter disappointment over the deepening rift among the West- Economics Dealing with stressed assets izenship desired by the Commissioners and that the lot of the
ern allies on her return from the summit in the Sicilian town. Indians in some of premier services of their motherland will
Hysteresis occurs when
She even implored the constituents of her Christian Democratic
unemployed persons are
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance is be worse than before. The note concludes by reiterating the
Union (CDU) to remain prepared for greater global engage- demand for simultaneous examinations for Civil Service, for
ment, given the uncertain future that lies ahead. Notwithstand-
unwilling to accept lower part of a comprehensive approach to the problem Police Department in India and England, recruitment of the
wage rates as a means of heads of Government from those trained in public life in Eng-
ing the divisions that surface frequently in transatlantic rela-
returning to work. Wage Krishnadas Rajagopal ect banking companies to The IBC was enacted to land and prominent Indians, recruitment of three-fourths of
tions, the security umbrella under NATO has been an article of
stickiness implied by hys- Non-performing assets, re- resolve the issues related consolidate and amend the Indian Education Service in India, the founding of the
faith in Europes post-war partnership with Washington. But
teresis can produce an in- structured loans and writ- to specific stressed assets, the laws relating to re-or- Technical and Scientific scholarships and the recruitment of
Mr. Trump refused last week to reairm a commitment to the
crease in the normal un- ten-off assets collect- by initiating insolvency ganisation and insolvency half of the Provincial Executive Service by competition.
mutual defence clause, a reassurance his counterparts had
employment rate, also ively called stressed resolution process of corporate persons,
hoped would allay their apprehensions over the extent of U.S.
known as the non-acceler- assets have become a wherever required. partnership firms and in-
isolationism. However, to their dismay, he upbraided them on
ating inflation rate of un- major challenge to the The government has individuals in a time-bound
their supposed failure to contribute to NATOs inances.
employment (NAIRU), DATA POINT
Washington remained equally unyielding at Taormina, both countrys banking system. troduced two new provi- manner for maximisation
which defies the notion of To combat it, the govern- sions Sections 35A and of the value of assets in or-
on the commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
cyclical, or self-adjusting, ment promulgated the 35AB, under Section 35A der to promote entrepren-
to advance global trade. A mere reference in the inal G7 com-
unemployment. If, for ex- Banking Regulation of the Banking Regulation eurship, availability of
muniqu, to the promotion of multilateralism, was the only
ample, jobs are out- (Amendment) Ordinance, of Act of 1949 through credit and balance of in-
concession the other Western allies could extract from the U.S.
sourced to lower-wage 2017 on May 4. which banking companies terest of stakeholders.
President. That was enough for diplomats to put a positive spin
economies, workers of the can initiate insolvency
on their otherwise fruitless eforts to prevent Mr. Trump from
home economy may over Urgent measures proceedings Facilitating recoveries
walking away without a categorical endorsement of the 2015
time become unqualified It was passed to deal with The RBI has also been The banking ordinance is
Paris Accord. As the country responsible for the worlds second-
to take on those jobs stressed assets, particu- empowered to issue other meant to firm up the IBC
largest volume of carbon dioxide emissions, the U.S.s refusal to
should they return or be- larly those in consortium directions for resolution, and is meant to join forces
cooperate risks encouraging other countries to lower their own
come dependent on gov- or multiple banking ar- and appoint or approve with the Securitisation
treaty obligations. Some of Mr. Trumps advisers sense an op-
ernment welfare benefits. rangements. for appointment, authorit- and Reconstruction of Fin-
portunity for Washington to renegotiate more favourable terms
by remaining within the accord. Mr. Trump himself has indic- In its introduction, the ies or committees to ad- ancial Assets and Enforce-
ated that he may pull the U.S. out of it. Meanwhile, the Earth has Ministry of Law and vise banking companies ment of Security Interest
registered the highest temperatures on record in the past three Justice explained that for stressed asset Act, 2002 (SARFAESI) and
successive years, a trend which portends the dangers of global stressed assets in the resolution. Debt Recovery Acts,
warming. The warming of the planet by more than half-a-de- banking system have which have been
gree Fahrenheit between 2013 and 2016 was the largest temper- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC reached unacceptably Time-bound resolution amended to facilitate re-
ature increase in a three-year time span since temperatures high levels and urgent Further, the recent enact- coveries. The compre-
MORE ON
3
began getting recorded in 1880. Of the 17 hottest years on re- measures are required for ment of Insolvency and hensive approach is part
cord, 16 have occurred since 2000. So far, the anti-establish- THE WEB their resolution. Bankruptcy Code (IBC), of the effective imple-
ment mood of recent years has largely coalesced around the op- The ordinance enables 2016 has opened up new mentation of various
position to immigration and globalisation in national elections. Watch: fire rages on at the Union government to possibilities for time- schemes through resolu-
Mr. Trumps hostile stance in the two forums last week has Chennai Silks in T. Nagar authorise the Reserve bound resolution of issues tion or problems related
placed it on a wider canvas. http://bit.ly/ChennaiSilksVideo Bank of India (RBI) to dir- related to stressed assets. to stressed assets.
CM M ND-ND
YK
For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com --
THE HINDU
SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2017
NOIDA/DELHI
GROUND ZERO 9
On June 15, 2016, just off a train ride

1,000 miles south from a brick kiln in
Punjab, Ramlal Baghel, along with three
of his sons and their wives, arrived
home to their village in rural Chhattis-
garh, fatigued and disappointed. Five
months of gruelling 15-hour days had
netted the family just 26,000. The
earnings would have barely been
enough to sustain the family until the
kilns reopened in September let alone
chip away at the growing debt.
So far it was a familiar story. Now in
his 60s, tall and thin, with deep-set eyes
and a peppered beard, Ramlal is one of
a million-or-so Chhattisgarhis com-
pelled by debt, local unemployment,
and interest-free advances to migrate
to notoriously exploitative kilns across
Indias northern rim. But as the Baghels
settled in at home for the rainy season,
a notice arrived ordering each family in
the village to construct a toilet as part of
a national government sanitation
scheme. Non-compliance would incur
huge fines and suspended entitlements.
Whatever I made at the brick kiln, it
went towards making the toilet, said
Ramlal. He pointed to the small dirt
courtyard at a latrine the size of a small
closet. It had a fresh yellow coat of
paint, corrugated tin roof, PVC door,
and squat pan toilet inside. It was clean,
new and deceivingly innocent-looking.
While sanitation schemes in India
date back to the British Raj, Swachh
Bharat Mission (SBM) is the latest and by
far most ambitious iteration. Launched
by Indias Prime Minister Narendra
Modi at the end of 2014, the 9,000-
crore scheme aims to achieve an Open
Defecation-Free (ODF) India by con-
structing 12 million rural household toi-
lets across the country before October
2, 2019 to coincide with Mahatma
Gandhis 150th birthday.
But in mid-December, a visit to 28 vil-
lages in Janjgir-Champa, considered the
district in Chhattisgarh with the most
migrant brick labourers, revealed that
SBM had become a means to a different
end. Interviews with over 100 villagers
and lower-level government officials
across Malkharoda block, where the Ba-
ghels and some 1,40,000 people live Bad foundation: Just building people toilets doesnt mean theyll use them. More crucial and challenging is inducing communal behavioural change. Banjari, a resident of a village in Janjgir-Champa district, went into deep
across 108 villages, revealed an utterly debt to construct a toilet. K.R. DEEPAK*
botched rollout. Systemic coercion had
Toiling for a toilet

induced rampant debt. No one would
take responsibility. This seemingly be-
nevolent sanitation scheme meant to
make women safer and prevent diseases
had instead perpetuated migratory
forced labour.
Opening the door to coercion

Travelling around Malkharoda, the coer-
In Chhattisgarhs Janjgir-Champa district, a seemingly benevolent sanitation scheme has ended up deepening rural indebtedness and
cion appears widespread. In every vil- perpetuating migratory labour. Yardain Amron reports on the lip side of the race to make every village open defecation-free by 2019
lage administrators had threatened to
revoke the families ration cards their were waiting, said Balash Prasad on average and some have even held that villagers were willingly spend- design, most people said they had been
most essential entitlement if they Chandra, expecting him to give [mater- taken money from the jamadars ing extra. She had constructed toilets in sceptical it would last.
didnt build the toilets. In all but one vil- ials] to us as well. Instead, he said the (middlemen) who take them to the 80% of the village for the allotted Specifically, everyone was worried
lage, guards had been stationed on the local panchayat held a meeting and told brick kilns, so now they have to work 12,000 each. But there had been a about the recommended three-to-four
roads at night to shame women who everyone to build the toilets them- like bonded labourers. minority of villagers who had spent ex- foot pit depth. In Kurda, a group of wo-
were out to relieve themselves; women selves, and fast, or else their ration Still, the price tag was confounding. tra to make their own toilets bigger men resting under an overhang said the
said they blew whistles, knocked over cards would be cancelled. For one, the government and UNICEF and better, with tiles, painted walls, sarpanch had told them to dig two pits
their water jugs, and one man said they The timing couldnt have been worse. consider the 12,000 incentive alloc- and stylised doors. Surely there were three feet by three feet. But when they
assaulted people. In at least one village, Chandra was in the midst of building his ated per household sufficient to con- villagers who spent more to deck-out voiced concern that such shallow pits
the poorest people were told their mud family a house and owed a shopkeeper struct a long-lasting toilet. (In Chhattis- their toilets, perhaps some irrespons- would fill in a year or two, they were re-
kutcha houses would be razed if they for materials he had taken on credit. garh and other States this incentive ibly. But predominantly, the toilets con- buffed and told to build it themselves if
didnt comply. And in a handful of vil- Now, to pay for the toilet too, he had to was in fact a reimbursement since it structed by villagers looked pretty they didnt like the design. Outside an
lages, fines ranging from 50 to 1,000 sell off his paddy stocks, pawn his wifes was being disbursed after the entire vil- much identical to those constructed by auto parts shop in Devgaon, a migrant
were instated for anyone caught out in jewellery, and take out a 45,000 loan at lage or block went ODF.) Gramalaya, an the sarpanch, at least outwardly in size brick labourer named Mahesh said that
the bush. 3% interest. I spent the entire seasons NGO thats been building toilets in India and material. even though his sarpanch had offered to
In Malkharoda village, the dhaba income on this toilet, he said. for decades, claims it can build a child- In Khurgatti, the de facto sarpanch construct a toilet for him, he had taken
owner said that the Janpath chief exec- Whatever we make on this years har- friendly community bathroom with 10 Kishur Kumar Ajay at first echoed Jo- out a loan to build it himself with a
utive officer, Vinay Kumar Soni, beyond vest, Im going to have to spend to get latrines, washing stations, and murals han. But upon seeing a photo of a toilet deeper pit. When asked what he would
threatening to shutter her restaurant if her jewellery back. for about 30,000. that a villager had spent upwards of say to someone who criticised such a
she didnt get the toilet built, had Still, Chandra had it better than For another, even though the SBM 30,000 to construct, he conceded it decision as financially irresponsible, he
threatened to take photos of her reliev- some. He owned some land, and guidelines recommend individual looked almost identical to the toilets he said: We thought that if we had to
ing herself and post them on the Inter- worked as the local confectioner, taking households construct their own toilets had constructed for 12,000. He pivoted make a toilet and it has to last in our
net. Perhaps this was just an easy, sweets orders for weddings that brought to promote ownership, many to a more technical theory about pit house for such a long time, it's better to
empty threat. But the next day in Run- in a few thousand rupees per month sarpanches had built the toilets in their design. In his village, he had used the take a loan and make it into something
pota village, a young man named Di- southern State of Karnataka, but likely an income thats kept him from the village; and when they did, each unit government-encouraged twin-leach pit that lasts for 10 to 20 years than to con-
geshwar Baragi said the village secretary in other States as well. In an online kilns. But the vast majority of lower- had cost around the quoted 12,000. technology. Villagers constructing their tinuously invest in it for many years to
had actually taken his photo while he sourcebook of practical SBM campaign caste people in Janjgir possess little to Why were poor villagers, many already own toilets were digging one single come.
was out relieving himself and circulated ideas written for administrators, a cau- no land nor specialised skills. Most work in significant debt like Ramlal, spending deep pit, he said, which hiked the raw People were trying not to get stuck
it among other village secretaries on tionary note under the sub-header re- as field hands but describe employment two to three times as much on a toilet material and labour cost. with a toilet they believed either would
WhatsApp. flect on ethical issues admits to a as a day-to-day crapshoot. Across the they didnt want in the first place? According to the SBM guidelines require perennial maintenance, or be
I found it very humiliating, said dozen coercive tactics and outright hu- block, people said they had pawned or though, Care shall be taken to ensure permanently out-of-order within a year
Baragi, a bandana tied around his fore- man rights abuses that have occurred sold their wives jewellery, land if they Blame and stigma that these toilets are not over-designed or two. They were thinking ahead, try-
head. And I told him I dont have any in some campaigns. had any, and taken high-interest loans When I put this question to a handful of and over-constructed. I.e. building extra ing to anticipate future expenses and
money, how do you expect me to get from wealthy landowners which would lower-level administrators around the large pits which are not required, to protect the sanctity of their homes. The
[the toilet] made? But he wasnt Digging into debt bondage take years to pay back. block, they offered a few theories to ex- keep them affordableStates have to high-interest loans were less foolish in-
bothered and said if I dont get it built Nonetheless, the coercion had accom- But even worse, in Bade Sipat, where plain the discrepancy, all of which held ensure through effective communica- vestments than coerced, practical ones.
fast, he was going to circulate it on the plished its goal in Malkharoda. Every- about 90% of the 3,300-person village villagers responsible. The first ex- tion that such tendencies are restric- But why was the government hell-
Internet as well. Theyve done it among one seemed to have a toilet. The entire migrates out to kilns, a street vendor pressed by Pirdas sarpanch and an ted. Ajay shook his head upon hearing bent on such a rapid rollout? A clue ex-
my friends too. And the girls. Baragi block was officially declared ODF in named Visham Kurana made it clear the MNREGA employment assistant officer the passage. Its actually totally the vil- ists in a speech Chhattisgarhs Chief
had taken out a 20,000 loan at 3% in- mid-2016. The problem now was that debt was perpetuating their migration. from Nawapara-D simply held that villagers responsibility what kind of Minister Raman Singh gave on July 2,
terest, and the toilet still wasnt beyond the ethical implications, every- Whatever money they had made at the lagers were lying about the high con- designs they have used. Weve conduc- 2016, at a national SBM conclave in
finished. one was in debt. kilns [this past season], theyve spent to struction expense. ted enough programmes to educate Raipur. According to a press release, he
These coercive tactics, beyond being In Amlidih, the sarpanch, or village make this toilet, Kurana said. So again The second theory expressed by them on how to keep the cost at announced that Chhattisgarh will be-
outright illegal, are all degrading distor- mayor, gave out materials initially, but to run their families, they have taken Shivanti Lakshmibai Johan, the 12,000. He continued, Their thought come ODF by the end of 2018 almost a
tions of perhaps the biggest lesson then stopped without explanation. We loans at high interest 50,000 at 5% sarpanch of Ghoghri, among others might be that whatever resources they year ahead of the countrywide target.
learned from decades of rural sanitation have, they can just pawn for now and To hit that early deadline, Singh said the
work across the globe: simply building make a good toilet instead of re-chan- State government would give prefer-
people toilets doesnt mean theyll use nelling the pits again and again. ence to ODF blocks in other schemes.
them. More crucial and challenging is This theory seemed plausible: for a Similarly, Bathoras sarpanch said Janj-
inducing communal behavioural blend of religious, cultural, and habitual girs district collector and other admin-
change. Since the 1990s, the prevailing reasons, villagers were already appre- istrators had promised they would get
technique thats been used in India and hensive about placing their waste so individual projects for his village if it be-
much of the developing world is called close to their homes. Requesting they came the first village to go ODF in the
Community-Led Total Sanitation also manage that waste every couple of district. Yet, almost a year later, he had
(CLTS). In short, CLTS advocates intro- years by clearing the filled pit and received no favours. Only after dozens
ducing the feeling of shame and disgust rerouting the pipe seemed like a steep of sarpanches protested had reimburse-
to a community through a series of sell. Steeper still by a government many ment funds begun to trickle out. But vil-
triggering activities in order to induce distrusted to begin with. We did come lagers who constructed their own toilets
the abandonment of open defecation. across villagers who had opted for one still hadnt received anything.
Under SBM, the Indian government single deep pit. But we also came across In Kurda, a woman named Katra Bai
suggests (and earmarks funds so that) at least an equal number of villagers admitted she felt safer going to the bath-
each panchayat train an army of foot who had opted for two deep pits, usu- room in her house, but that new debt
soldiers under the command of a ally seven to eight feet deep. The tech- had caused so much stress in her mar-
motivator to trigger villages into nicalities of waste management didnt riage that her husband was beating her
abandoning open defecation. If you seem to be above the heads of villagers, now. They were all over us to get it
only followed the governments highly as Ajay claimed. done as fast as possible and threatening
active and curated @swachhbharat Furthermore, this third theory rested us with bad consequences, and now
Twitter account, triggering across the on the premise that sufficient Informa- that its made, where is the money? she
country looks like a pleasant affair: pho- tion, Education, and Communication said. Although its just []12,000, its
tos of villagers actively participating in Activities were conducted prior to con- something, some hope. On the ground
defecation area mapping exercise; smil- struction. But beyond an initial wo- nearby, her children were hunched over
ing women and children leading aware- mens march in June, the opposite was homework assignments, scribbling
ness marches. true: the very problem seemed to be the away. She was determined to keep them
And while the majority of triggering rollout itself. In a number of villages, in school, but without the compensa-
likely stays within the ethical bounds of people said their sarpanch hadnt tion, the kilns were looming.
CLTS guidelines, Malkharoda is not the provided them with any designs. In no
first place where it hasnt. Coercive village was a menu of design options Reporting for this piece was facilitated by a grant
techniques have been documented at Mechanically run: Ramlal Baghel, a resident of Pirda village in Janjgir-Champa district, with his grandson. Interviews with villagers provided as required by the scheme. from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting,
CLTS programmes in Indonesia and and lower-level government oicials across Malkharoda block, where the Baghels and some 1,40,000 people live across 108 And in the villages where the with supplementary funding from the University
Bangladesh, and in India, at least in the villages, revealed a botched rollout of the Swachh Bharat Mission. sarpanch had thoroughly explained a of Michigan
CM A ND-ND
10 NEWS For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI THE HINDU

FROM PAGE ONE
We stand by Paris
Real issues being ignored over beef row
Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu says debate on cattle slaughter distracts focus from genuine concerns in northeast
pact, says Modi Nistula Hebbar said the Central government issues for us, Mr. Khandu east was a priority for his
NEW DELHI
Analysts said the U.S. de- will be taking a re-look at the said. government and that we
cision would impede ambi- Arunachal Pradesh Chief notification and reaching out When I became Chief must put the political crisis
tious, global initiatives to Minister Pema Khandu on to stakeholders including Minister of Arunachal Pra- behind us, he recalled.
curb global warming and Friday said the issue of beef State governments. So I think desh, I was a Congressman Among the issues that Mr
was a major setback but In- cannot be the only point of the beef issue is flaring up ( July 2016). I arrived in Khandu has been flagging
dias plans to source a large reference for political dis- out of nowhere. It is true that Delhi, along with ex-chief with Union Ministers is a
part of its electricity needs course with regard to the in the northeast maximum minister Nabam Tuki and the project for border villages,
from renewable energy northeast, and to do so was people are non-vegetarian, State unit president to call on still pending approval at the
sources in the coming dec- to ignore the genuine needs they eat beef and other meat the Congress vice president Home Ministry, and proposal
ades were unlikely to be im- of the area. too. In fact, pork is much Rahul Gandhi. When we to promote high end tourism
mediately affected. Speaking to The Hindu, more popular in northeast landed we were told that our in the State.
With the U.S. Presidents Mr. Khandu, who joined the India, he said. meeting could take place
latest assault on the global BJP in January this year said For my part, I feel that only after three days. Connectivity issue
fight against climate change, Harsh Vardhan the controversy over the re- the issue of beef, therefore, Arunachals issue is con-
meeting the objectives of cent notification by the Min- cannot be the only point of PMs priority nectivity. Railway lines have
the Paris agreement will be- Green Climate Fund (GCF), istry of Environment, Forest reference for political dis- We wondered what we been announced in the last
come an uphill task. Trump a U.N.-approved facility for and Climate Change (MoE- course in the northeast. The would do in Delhi in those couple of years and we have
has sounded the death knell developed countries to FCC) effecting curbs on the issue of beef is dominating Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu when he joined the BJP, three days, so we sent a mes- started surveys for rail net-
for the agreement, Sunita route funds to developing trading of animals for the discourse to such an ex- in Itanagar. FILE PHOTO
* sage to the Congress presid- works. Mr. Gadkari has also
Narain, Director General, countries to adapt to the en- slaughter at cattle markets tent that it takes attention ent that I wanted to call on announced highways worth
Centre for Science and En- vironmental changes ef- was being blown out of pro- away from what we want to east India. Prime Minister anniversary period. Union Prime Minister Modi, which 50,000 crore in the next
vironment, said in a fected by global warming. portion. achieve in the State; other is- Modis focus on the region is Ministers have to visit each is a protocol that is followed. three years. Arunachal is a
statement. The GCF has so far only dis- sues that we deal with, that on a totally different scale of the northeastern States, I sent a message to the PMO beautiful State and top
The objective of the Paris pensed $100 million (6.5 Venkaiah clarification are, like beef, a feature of our from others. He has made it on a roster, every 15 days. seeking an appointment, agenda is tourism, especially
agreement is to prevent an billion) and only a third of Venkaiahji (Information societies, he added. a point to be in the region for And you can imagine if min- thinking it too would take high end tourism as we have
increase in the global aver- that ($34 million) to a pro- and Broadcasting Minister M. Mr. Khandu added that he the third anniversary of the isters are there once a fort- several days, but I got a call many helipads etc. and con-
age temperature, and keep ject in Odisha. With Mr. Venkaiah Naidu) just clari- did not perceive any cul- government; last two years night, bureaucrats from the back in 15 minutes. Prime nectivity for those who can
it well below 2C. Trumps announcement, fied about the notification tural gap coming in the way he visited Sikkim and Centre need to be there Minister Modi met me that afford it is not a problem, he
Considered a landmark this money too stands put out by the MoEFCC and of BJPs expansion in north- Meghalaya during the same more often. It resolves many very day and said the north- said.
move forward, it was adop- cancelled.
ted on December 12, 2015 by India has installed 4000
Political ties may sufer, EVM Challenge today

195 Parties to the United Na- MW of solar powerall
tions Framework Conven- without international fin-
tion on Climate Change (UN- ance. We are on track to
FCCC), replacing its meet our climate commit-
predecessor Kyoto Protocol ments, Ajay Mathur, Dir-
and was finally ratified last
November.
Irrespective of U.S. Pres-
ident Trumps statement,
ector-General, The Energy
and Resources Institute,
told The Hindu. However
the U.S.s stance now means
says former U.S. oicial Uttarakhand High Court refuses to stay event
Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI
the world is already moving that more ambitious targets Putting the blame on India is unfair, says Nisha Biswal The Uttarakhand High Court
to clean energy sources. In- would be delayed. on Friday refused to stay the
vestments will be chan- Officials in the Union En- Varghese K. George would work together for the EVM Challenge, paving the
nelled to markets like India vironment Ministry said the Washington greater good. Absent this di- way for the Election Com-
where the commitment to a United States was still crit- President Donald Trumps mension of cooperation, In- mission to hold the event on
renewable-future is strong, ical to future climate talks. remarks about India in justi- dia will be confined largely Saturday.
said Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, The treaty says that an exit fication of his decision to to narrow bilateral interac- The EVM Challenge is on
Council on Energy, Environ- will take four years and so withdraw from the Paris cli- tions with the United States as scheduled. It will start at
ment and Water, a they would be present at fu- mate agreement is unfair however important these 10 a.m. on Saturday. The
think-tank. ture COP negotiations. India and they leave bilateral ties are, they will not provide NCP and the CPI (M) have
As part of its commit- will continue to stick to its at the government-to-gov- sufficient opportunities to nominated three represent-
ment to deal with climate commitments and [discus- ernment level in a limbo, help the U.S.-India partner- atives each. The challenge Testing times: A ile photo of a demonstration of EVMs and
change, India has said it sions] will be in the um- former Assistant Secretary ship reach its fullest will happen in two separate VVPATs in New Delhi. SHANKER CHAKRAVARTY
*
needs $ 2,500 billion (ap- brella of PM Modis recent of State Nisha Biswal has potential. halls simultaneously, said
prox 150 trillion) until statement in Germany. said. Nisha Biswal Multilevel cooperation an EC spokesperson. machines have also been official. An independent
2030 to ensure that 40% of The U.S. is responsible for Ashley J. Tellis, Tata Chair between India and the U.S. The Commission has got kept in reserve for use in technical committee will
its electricity needs in 2030 21% of the current carbon for Strategic Affairs at Carne- productive because it cedes in climate change mitigation 14 EVMs from Punjab, Ut- case of any exigency. monitor the proceedings
are from renewable sources stock in the atmosphere. It gie Endowment for Interna- U.S. leadership in ways that will continue despite the tarakhand and Uttar Pra- During the event, the and evaluate the outcome of
and its agriculture and is currently the second tional Peace in Washington will ultimately undermine Presidents decision to pull desh for use during the challengers will have four the event.
peoples livelihoods are able largest polluter in the world, DC said Mr. Trumps de- Trumps own America America out from the Paris challenge. hours for the demonstra- Although the participants
to buffer climate stresses. and has the highest per cap- cision to walk out of the First agenda. It is also un- pact, Ms. Biswal said. While the EC had earlier tion. can open and inspect the
Some of the money ita emissions. Paris pact is both lament- fortunate insofar as it pulls But the relationship said that the participants machine, they will not be al-
would be raised internally Under its climate action able and the rug from under one im- between our two govern- could choose EVMs from Will not be aired live lowed to tamper with its
but its hinged on developed plan, the U.S. had pledged counterproductive. portant area of U.S.-Indian ments, and at the head of any of the polling stations in The proceedings, though components.
countries providing $100 to reduce its emissions by cooperation: PM Modi had state is right now an open the five States where the As- video-recorded, will not be They can, however, press
billion (6.5 trillion) a year 26% to 28% below 2005 Counterproductive gone to great lengths to help question, she said, adding, sembly elections were re- aired live. any combination of keys or
until 2020. levels by 2025. On the 1990 Lamentable because it fails achieve a global consensus it is not helpful for the Pres- cently held, the two parties A team of five members use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or In-
The United States has so baseline, the U.S. will cut to recognise the dangers on climate change in part on ident to justify his decision have not given any prefer- in each room, apart from ternet-based devices in an
far committed $ 3 billion emissions by 13-15 % by 2025 posed by climate change for the assumption that the to pull out by unfairly blam- ence. They will be allocated the party representatives, attempt to tamper with the
(approx. 195 billion) to the and 23-27% by 2030. U.S. interests, and counter- United States and India ing India. four machines each. Extra will be allowed, said an EC machines, said the official.
CPI(M) suspends MP India issues visas to ailing Indias protocol on

Allegations of graft against Ritabrata, say party sources Pakistani infant, family Zika followed: Ministry
Special Correspondent cases reported from
Staff Reporter committee has been asked Mr. Banerjee on social me- New Delhi Ahmedabad.
KOLKATA to submit its report within dia. The MP, however, is- 3-month-old needs emergency treatment for heart disease Responding to criticism that The statement said the
The Communist Party of India- three months. There are sued a second letter to the it delayed in reporting Zika Zika cases were reported
Marxist (CPI-M) has suspended allegations of corruption company, withdrawing his MUBASHIR ZAIDI appeal to the Indian thank you all specially those cases, the Union Health first as a part of an answer
party MP Ritabrata Banerjee for against Mr. Banerjee, a first letter where he Karachi Minister. who helped me to get Ministry in a statement said to a Parliament question on
three months for alleged inap- source from the party said. threatened the company The Indian High Commis- through this process. Your it had handled the cases as March 17, 2017 and that
propriate conduct. The de- with consequences if pun- sion in Islamabad on Friday Huge support prayers are always needed. per Indias existing protocol. WHO was notified of all
cision was taken at the partys Hate speeches itive action was not initi- issued visas to an ailing Kens appeal was supported God bless you all. Roohan It noted that the World three cases on May 15, 2017.
two-day State Committee meet- Mr. Banerjee got embroiled ated against the employee. Pakistani infant for emer- by scores of Indians on social Ken Sid, he tweeted. Health Organisation (WHO) In a separate statement,
ing here on Friday. Mr. Baner- in a controversy in Febru- Mr. Banerjee was photo- gency treatment for heart media who urged the Minis- Pakistanis frequently had, on November 18, 2016, the WHO said Although
jee could not be reached for ary after he issued a letter graphed when he went to disease in India, along with ter to order issuance of visa. travel to India for medical declared that Zika infection Zika is no longer a Public
comments. using his official position to see a football match. The his family. No, This child will not suf- treatment due to lack of no longer constituted a pub- Health Emergency of Inter-
Speaking to The Hindu, a threaten a company with a photo was posted on Face- Pakistani national Ken Sid fer. Please contact Indian health facilities and quality lic health emergency of in- national Concern, WHO
senior CPI (M) State Committee police complaint for al- book where two of his ac- had made a desperate appeal High Commission in medical treatment in the ternational concern maintains that vigilance on
member said that there were leged hate speeches cessories were marked and to Minister for External Af- Pakistan. We will give the country. Dawn website (PHEIC), adding that the Zika needs to remain high.
several complaints against him against him by one of its released with a caption fairs Sushma Swaraj on so- medical visa, Ms. Swaraj claimed that Indian hospitals Ministry handled the case It added that: Reporting
and a three-member probe employees. The employee asking how a CPI(M) leader cial media last week to allow tweeted to Ken on May 31 fol- like Apollo in Delhi have pre- as per our existing proof Zika cases reflects the
committee has been formed to had questioned the use of could afford such expens- his three-month-old boy lowing which the Indian viously reported receiving tocol as a result of this countrys efforts to imple-
look into the allegations. The expensive accessories by ive accessories. Roohan to be treated in India High Commission issued the around 500 patients from declaration. ment key WHO recom-
for heart ailment. Ms. Swaraj visas. Pakistan every month. According to the state- mendations related to sur-
responded by promising to It is heartening to see hu- Pakistani patients also fly to ment, The ongoing coun- veillance as well as their
BJP has become Militants loot issue the visa and said a child
should not suffer.
The family had been try-
manity prevailing despite
many differences. Thank you
for your efforts. Humanity
Chennai, which is con-
sidered the centre for any
heart-related treatment.
try-wide Zika laboratory
based surveillance has so far
tested 36,613 human
commitment to the Interna-
tional Health Regulations,
which requires all member
weapons in ing to get a visa for weeks. prevails! God bless every- In 2015, five-year-old samples and 16,571 mos- countries to report public
biggest NPA: Cong. J&K: Centre He does not even know
what is happening between
one, Ken tweeted after he
got the visa. He even posted
Basma from Pakistan had
been treated for an emer-
quito samples. It added
that no other sample tested
health events to WHO. In
view of the first confirmed
India and Pakistan, Ken a thank you message on be- gency liver transplant sur- positive apart from the Zika cases, India has further
The lion of Make in India is snoozing Special Correspondent
New Delhi
tweeted, while making an half of his son Rouhan. I gery in India. three laboratory confirmed stepped up surveillance.
Singhvi stressed that the fig- A senior Home Ministry of-

Special Correspondent
Valley unrest takes a toll on Pandits festival

New Delhi
ures for the Manufacturing ficial said on Friday that a
Sector (PMI) that was made large number of weapons
The Bharatiya Janata Party public on Friday showed it including AK-47s, self-load-
has become the biggest was at a three-month low. ing rifles and INSAS rifles,
NPA for this country, the Ever since the BJP govern- were snatched by militants
Congress said here on Fri- ment came to power, he in Jammu and Kashmir in J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti asks community to return soon, prays for harmony in State
day, with ease of doing said, the Index of Industrial the last one year.
business becoming cease Production (IIP) had consist- As many as 36 SLRs, 58 Peerzada Ashiq country. From 40,000 Pan- votees. A few days ago, the
doing business. ently seen a downward SLR magazines and 1,000 Ganderbal dits converging for the mela PDP-BJP government made a
The BJP has become the trend. SLR rounds, besides eight The Valley unrest cast its in 2010, this year the num- special appeal to Pandits to
biggest NPA [Non-Perform- AK47s, 15 of its magazines shadow on the Kashmiri Pan- ber has come down to visit the shrine.
ing Authority] for India and GDP numbers and 283 rounds were dits annual pilgrimage to the around 1,000, the lowest in Chief Minister Ms. Mufti,
its citizens, Congress Referring to what he de- looted from security forces Kheer Bhawani shrine in the past one decade. also paid obeisance at the
spokesperson Abhishek scribed as the abysmal GDP since May 2016, according north Kashmir on Friday Officials put the number shrine and participated in
Singhvi said here, adding, numbers of this quarter, Mr. to an estimate prepared by with visitors number falling of visiting pilgrims to around the rituals by sprinkling
The lion of Make in India Singhvi said they were so security agencies. significantly, but Chief Minis- 4,000 in the past 24 hours, milk, prayed for peace in
is snoozing. poor that Finance Minister Also, 39 INSAS rifles, 119 ter Mehbooba Mufti used the which includes those living Jammu and Kashmir.
Arun Jaitleys responses to INSAS magazines, 380 IN- occasion to ask the com- in Kashmir. Only 500 mi-
Low figures the press on Thursday were SAS bullet rounds, four car- munity to return soon. grant Pandits managed to Fresh clashes
Pointing out that at full of utter confusion, per- bines, 70 carbine rounds, Located over 20 km north reach the shrine this year For the sixth consecutive
Thursdays public rally in plexity, hypocrisy, bewilder- one .303 rifle and one LMG of Srinagar, there was a very from outside the Valley. day, authorities have de-
Telangana, Congress vice- ment and even bemuse- were snatched by the milit- thin presence at the shrine at It was a difficult decision cided to keep all the degree
president Rahul Gandhi had ment.... he said ants. Home Ministry Ganderbals Tulmul area. Seeking blessings: Mehbooba Mufti during the festival at the this year. The prevailing situ- colleges and higher second-
questioned Prime Minister Demonetisation cannot be spokesperson said such in- Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal on Friday. NISSAR AHMAD * ation here held back many ary schools closed in Srin-
Narendra Modi about his identified as the sole reason cidents have taken place as Lowest in a decade from attending the festival, agar and Anantnag districts
vision for Make in India for low GDP growth (while supply of ammunition The shrine, housing goddess dits, who faced a mass mi- shrine became a major at- said Sudhir Raina, a regular on Saturday, as fresh
and manufacturing, as well saying simultaneously) that from Pakistan has dried up Mata Ragnya near a spring gration in 1990s due to ra- traction for displaced Pan- visitor. The government in protests erupted in parts of
as the agrarian sector that is 7%-8% is a reasonable area due to increased vigil along and under Chinar trees, is ging militancy. dits to return to the Valley Srinagar had made special the Valley after the Friday
currently in deep crisis. Mr. of growth. the border. key mela of Kashmiri Pan- Over the decades, the from various parts of the arrangements to ferry de- prayers.
CM A ND-ND
YK
12 WHO WHAT WHYFor Daily Newspapers

WHEN WHERE -- Visit www.1ias.com --
NOIDA/DELHI
SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2017

THE HINDU
In November 2015, just two months planned interview, often preferring to entered Parliament in 1983, represent- those who saw him as a political no- eliminating caste discrimination. For
WHO
Pp q
Q after his landslide victory in the Labour
leadership election, Jeremy Corbyn
respond to criticism on his own terms,
through social media. He doesnt wheel
ing the London constituency of Isling-
ton North, which he has held to date.
hoper but wanted a token left-wing can-
didate.
years, he chaired Britains Dalit Solidar-
ity Network. Hes been an active mem-
found himself immersed in a contro- out his family for photo opportunities. His radicalism continued in Parliament ber of global socialist networks, attend-
versy on Remembrance Sunday (mark- Hes made a point of focussing on talk- he was arrested outside the South Rebel or man of principles? ing the 2004 World Social Forum in
Jeremy ing the contribution of World War ser-

vice personnel).
Mr. Corbyn, whose anti-monarchist,
ing to people directly, as was the case
with his first performance at Prime Min-
isters Questions in 2015, when he relied
African embassy demonstrating against
apartheid, brought striking miners into
the House of Commons, and invited
His detractors denounce him as a rebel
(he voted against the party whip over
400 times while Labour was in power,
Mumbai. He has pledged to work with
socialist groups across Europe as Britain
faces up to Brexit. In 2013, he won the
Corbyn anti-conflict views already had many of

Britains tabloids in a tizzy, was lam-
basted for supposedly refusing to bow
on questions gathered from the public.
An avowed socialist, he has no qualms
talking about re-nationalising infrastruc-
former Irish Republican Army prisoners
to the Commons. His journey to the La-
bour leadership was just as
between 1997 and 2010), but to his sup-
porters he is a deeply principled politi-
cian, willing to stand up to the party,
Gandhi Foundations International
Peace Award.
Socialist as he laid a wreath at the ceremony. It

subsequently emerged that not only had
he done so but he had also stayed on
ture or raising taxes on businesses and
the wealthy, an approach shunned by
Labour since the days of Tony Blair. He
unconventional.
He reluctantly
agreed to run, after
and his family, when those values
are on the line.
His opposition to grammar
A liability or an asset?
Some of the causes he has championed
have made him easy prey to nationalist
rebel after the ceremony to talk to veterans,
while other politicians attended a meal
doesnt even look like many think a
politician should: his trademark beard
others insisted theyd
had their turn, and
schools, a selective form of state
school to which his second wife
hysteria. Leading the party has also
forced him to compromise on others,
for VIPs. came well before fuzz became fashion- just managed to hoped to send one of his sons, such as on Britains nuclear deterrent.
able while his casual, sometimes maver- scrape together the cost him the marriage. He was However, as he has developed in stature
Why the attacks on Mr. Corbyn? ick, dressing style had some Conservat- necessary number of probably the most prominent paras a leader he has sought to turn some
British politics has long been infamous ives seething when he first entered nominations from other liamentary campaigner against of his perceived vulnerabilities on their
for the personal nature of media attacks Parliament. Labour MPs to stand, the war in Iraq. Hes also been an head. Mr. Corbyn attacked Britains for-
on leaders, but the hostility faced by Mr. including active local MP, taking up eign policy, just days after the
Corbyn has been something else. Its How did he get to where he is? from issues raised with Manchester atrocity, appealing to the
been driven in part by his steadfast re- Born to peace activists, Mr. Corbyn was him by cam- very soldiers the right-wing media had
fusal to play ball with the mainstream involved in politics from a young age, as paign groups, accused him of betraying, with a prom-
media he doesnt take press questions an early member of the Campaign for such as a ise not to send them into futile wars.
after every public speech, and often ig- Nuclear Disarmament, a volunteer in Ja- commit-
nores questions out of the context of a maica, and a trade union organiser. He ment to VIDYA RAM
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virus spread in many African and Asian bies being born with tiny heads, causing severe foetal brain defects. Though it the end of its public health emergency
WHAT
Pp q
Q countries but caused no harm. But in
2007, more than a hundred cases were
severe neurological disorders. By the
end of January 2016, 4,200 suspected
was widely suspected, scientists finally
pinned down the Aedes aegypti mos-
on May 12 this year, the virus appeared
in India. Between November 2016 and
reported at Yap, a tiny island in the cases of microcephaly were reported, quito, common in many tropical coun- February 2017, India reported three loc-
south-western Pacific. Six years later, and the virus spread to several other tries including India, as the vector really transmitted cases (two women and
The lowdown Zika spread to French Polynesia, where

nearly 30,000 people required medical
attention. Among them, more than 70
Latin American countries and to the
Caribbean, with El Salvador, Jamaica
and Colombia advising women to delay
sponsible for transmitting the virus.
The virus can be spread through
blood transfusion. It has also turned up
a man) of Zika in Gujarat; but the news
came to light only on May 26, 2017
when the WHO published it on its
on the people had severe neurological symp-

toms and 40 contracted the Guillain-
Barr syndrome, in which the immune
pregnancy. Last year, on February 1, the
World Health Organisation (WHO) de-
clared Zika a public health emergency
in urine, tears and saliva, but it is not
confirmed that it can spread through
them. Since the virus can stay in semen
website.
What next? A year after the
Zika virus system attacks the nervous system,

sometimes resulting in paralysis.
of international concern. The WHO is-
sued an advisory to pregnant women to
avoid travelling to countries with an out-
longer than in blood, the WHO recom-
mended that couples abstain from sex
for at least six months after a man has
WHO declared Zika a
public health emergency, there has
been some positive news on the vaccine
How did it In north-eastern break of the Zika virus. been diagnosed with Zika. Besides front. A single dose of Zika vaccine
come about? Brazil, towards the spreading to a few States in the U.S, the made from the Zika virus showed prom-
What is Zika is an arbovirus in- end of 2015 and Why does it Besides being virus reached closer to India when it ise in mice and monkeys. More than 40
Zika? fection which occurs within months after the outbreak, the matter? spread by mosqui- was reported in Singapore last August: Zika vaccine candidates are in the
through the bite of sev- Zika virus was seen to have a possible toes, the sexual route 330 cases in two months. The virus pipeline and five are entering human
eral different species of Aedes mosqui- link to birth defects in babies. While of transmission was confirmed in soon spread to Malaysia, the Philip- clinical trials (Phase I). Back home, the
toes, including the Aedes aegypti which nearly 80% of the people infected with France by last February-end; in a matter pines, Thailand and Myanmar. In mid- Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotechs Zika
is active during the day; it can also be Zika did not have symptoms, the infec- of days the WHO said sexual transmis- November 2016, the WHO declared that vaccine was found to confer 100% pro-
transmitted sexually. The virus was first tion became dangerous if it occurred sion of the virus is relatively common. the Zika emergency was over. By the tection on mice. The company has just
isolated from a rhesus monkey in during the early stages of pregnancy. In And by mid-April, in a turning point in end of the year, Brazil had confirmed begun clinical trials in humans (Phase I)
Uganda in the Zika forest, near the west- some cases, if the virus attacked the the Zika virus outbreak, the U.S.-based about 2,230 microcephaly cases. The in two centres in India.
ern shore of Lake Victoria, in 1947, and brain tissue of the foetus, it led to micro- Centers for Disease Control and Preven- U.S. reported nearly 4,600 Zika cases by
hence the name. The mosquito-borne cephaly, a condition that results in ba- tion confirmed that the virus caused December. Even as Brazil announced R. PRASAD
When did he lose form? warding labour. But his current slump is ant best and brought him six Majors. Agassi understands, better than any-
Pp WHY Q
q * Exactly a year ago, after winning the
French Open, Novak Djokovic had
more a result of one following the other,
showing the chinks in his armour. At
But it looked to have reached a satura-
tion point. His form in the first half of
body, how a game based on an incom-
parable return of serve ought to work. If
achieved something no man had man- first, Djokovic appeared to have lost the this year brought little cheer he lost in anything Djokovic is this eras upgrade
aged since 1969: to hold all four Grand hunger to win. the second round of the Australian on Agassi and the American should
...has Djokovic Slam singles titles at the same time. He

was at the peak of his powers and pretty
much invincible.
It was perhaps understandable for he
had nothing much left to win. Later,
when he cited personal issues it
Open in January to the 117th ranked
Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan. In May, he
parted company with all three of his
have an ace or two up his sleeve. But
things arent decided on paper. If they
were, the Djokovic-Becker combo
lost his Tennis, even during Roger Federer's

heyday, didn't seem so monopolistic.
Then, in an astonishing turn of events,
seemed he needed a life coach. So in
came the mysterious spiritual guru
Pepe Imaz, who, apart from being a
decade-long associates coach Marian
Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil
Gritsch and physiotherapist Miljan
should have never worked, so divergent
are their styles of play.
winning Djokovic lost his form. Such has been

the free fall that since the success in
Paris, he has won only two of the 13
former player and the owner of a tennis
centre at Marbella, Spain, specialises in
meditation and extremely long hugs.
Amanovic.
On the eve of the French Open,
Djokovic announced that he would be,
How long before Djokovic is back to
his best?
* There have been flashes of brilliance
touch? tournaments he has played, crashing

out of Wimbledon in the third round
Yet Djokovic, who turned 30 on May 22,
looked spent much of the time. Now, in
at least on a part-time basis, under the
tutelage of the legendary Andre Agassi.
like the 6-1, 6-0 demolition of the for-
midable clay-courter Dominic Thiem in
and losing the U.S. Open final to Stan 2017, when his game seems to be mim- Rome. trope in this match-up is of Djokovic
Wawrinka. He had to surrender his No.1 icking his state of mind, the impression Can the partnership with Agassi work? But his defeat to the up-and-coming pounding Nadal with his return of serve
ATP ranking to Andy Murray last of a full-blown crisis is unmistakable. * On paper it should. Agassi, who has 20-year-old Alexander Zverev in the and double-handed backhand. But it
November. won eight singles titles, four less than very next match showed his inability to was to Nadals credit that he was able to
What has he done to turn things Djokovic, seems to have the skills of a put together a streak. turn this dynamic upside down. The
Is it mind or body or just his game? around? tennis coach and life coach rolled into This means he still has a fair distance two are drawn to meet in the semifinals
* When he was younger, Djokovic * Imaz is still there but the first step one. Agassi knows how to get out of a to cover. Also, the crushing loss to Ra- at Roland Garros. The result will go a
struggled with all three. His plight was Djokovic took to shake things up was to slump in the late 20s and the early 30s. fael Nadal in Madrid, his first in eight long way in determining who stands
akin to that of the mythological Greek relieve Boris Becker of his coaching du- He knows how to achieve a balance matches against the Spaniard, would where.
king Sisyphus condemned to eternal, ties in 2016. The three-year association between work and life, which is essen- have definitely left a scar. Not just the
hard, frustrating and ultimately unre- with Becker saw him being at his domin- tial for any sportsperson. As for tennis, defeat but the manner of it. The familiar N. SUDARSHAN
Bridge of the future: Prime Minister

WHEN
Pp q
Q Narendra Modi inaugurated India's
longest bridge across the Lohit river, a
tributary of the Brahmaputra, in Assam
last Friday, naming it after famous singer
26
Bhupen Hazarika. The bridge, 9.1 km
long, connects Sadiya and Dhola, in
Tinsukia district, situated close to
Arunachal Pradesh. It will reduce travel
May 2017 time between Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh from six hours to one hour. Built
at a cost of 2,056 crore, the Bhupen
Hazarika bridge has been designed to
allow movement of military vehicles,
according to oicials. This will make it
easier for Army convoys to reach border
outposts. Mr. Modi said the Northeast
region must lay stress on development of
infrastructure so that it can attract more
tourists. China, which has a dispute with
India over Arunachal Pradesh, put out a
statement, asking India to be "cautious"
about building infrastructure in the
State. PTI *
Only a third of the usual herds of cattle brought every week, but only around buy a calf. The drought too was making Department, the farmers and traders
WHERE
Pp q
Q arrived at the Vadipatti market this
Tuesday. Many owners, confused how
400 came on Tuesday.
According to P. Ramalingam, a trader
it more difficult to feed the cow.
P. Rajangam, another farmer from
wanted to know who will take up the re-
sponsibility of setting up new facilities.
the Central notification on the ban on from Theni, many owners did not turn Sholavandan, who had come to sell his They feel higher rates will be
the sale of cattle for slaughter or for reli- up fearing harassment from the police, bull, said certain breeds like the Bargur charged. Now, I pay Rs. 180 for a cow
gious sacrifices in the markets will play who have been cracking down on are reared for meat. for utilising the space if I manage to sell.
In a T.N. out in the State, preferred to stay away.

This over 100-year-old market near
Madurai is particularly famous for its
vehicles overcrowded with cattle. Trans-
porting four to five cows or bulls in a
truck is economically not viable, he
The government gives goats and
cows to the poor to earn a livelihood.
Why should selling cattle for slaughter
Otherwise, I do not pay anything. What
is the guarantee that we will not be
charged exorbitant rates irrespective of
market, trade in cows, buffaloes and bulls.

Though traders and farmers, who
throng the market, were unaware of the
pointed out.
At the market at Oddanchathiram in
Dindigul district earlier this week, farm-
after they become unproductive be il-
legal, he asked.
The biggest fear of traders and farm-
whether we make a sale or not, asked
Mr. Mayandi.
Farmers and traders are aware of the
anxiety over finer details of the notification under

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules,
ers and traders were warned by the po-
lice about the new regulations and were
threatened that vehicles overcrowded
ers appeared to be the possible harass-
ment and corruption they may face
once the regulations come into force.
protests against the new notification at
various places in the State. They are
hopeful that the Centre will revise the
slaughter ban 2017, they feel that banning of the sale
of cattle for slaughter and imposing
with cattle would be seized.
The price fetched by the cows and
We already have to bribe the police
during transportation. Now, we may
notification or the State government
will intervene to make the market a
stringent regulations on the way animal bulls also came down at the market on face harassment from officials in the thriving place again.
markets are run will deal a severe blow Tuesday, at least by a couple of thou- veterinary department as well since The Madras High Courts four-week
to their livelihood. sand rupees, according to farmers, they are supposed to monitor the facilit- stay on the ban has come as a small re-
since traders said they had to factor in ies in the markets, Mr. Ramalingam prieve.
Why the confusion? the additional cost for transportation, Poochampatti village, who managed to said. S. Selvagomathy, an activist and law-
Their fears showed in the numbers. M. hiring more trucks. sell his jersey cow at the market, said yer in Madurai, had filed a public in-
Kumar, the person in charge of collect- the cow had served him for more than Will new facilities charge more? terest litigation petition challenging the
ing fees from traders for using the mar- What are the fears? 10 years. Pointing out that most of these markets constitutional validity of the new rules.
ket, said that on an average, roughly Farmers and traders said they found the He said since it had become unpro- were set up on poramboke land, land
1,200 to 1,300 cows and bulls are ban illogical. N. Mayandi from nearby ductive, he had to sell it so that he could which is not assessed by the Revenue PON VASANTH ARUNACHALAM
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI
For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.comCOLUMNWIDTH

-- 13
The modern-day no stroll zones

Normal walking in Indian cities is now conined to those who have no choice but to be pedestrians
but to be pedestrians. So, while south shortens. Around the Capitals flyovers
Calcutta still retains what one might call and major crossings, the biped is really
walkability, the area around where I shown his place do not dare to cross
live (central-south) is impossible to tra- here or you will die seems to be the
verse on foot with any ease or pleasure. message, so, even in the blowing loo,
The sidewalks are occupied by food you end up walking an extra kilometre
stalls, the bits that arent are constantly or more to be able to cross a road safely.
dug up, the bits still remaining have the No matter which metro or sub-metro
constant dripping from the overhanging in India, besides the traffic and the bad
Ruchir Joshi
air conditioners. pavements, the other factor is the pollu-

is a writer, ilmmaker and columnist
The pedestrian has no choice but to tion. To walk briskly or slowly is to fill
Sometimes a change of location throws walk on the road, which is dangerous your lungs with oxygen. This fresh air
up some stark realisations. Things that because, with typical sadistic per- powers your stride, lightens your
have been staring you in the face that versity, Calcuttas drivers think the as- bones, puts a spring in your step. Or, in
you hadnt fully articulated suddenly phalt all of it belongs to them. the case or Ahmedabad or Agra, Bom-
become clear, or, if youd forgotten bay or Bhubaneshwar, Calcutta or Cali-
them, become clear yet again. For in- Anti-pedestrian cities cut, Delhi or Dinajpur, not. Coming to
stance, I move between India and the If anything, large tracts of Delhi are London and walking under the glorious
U.K. most years because of work and conversely, in London it is rare for me between the Avenues of Rashbehari and wasteland and needed motorised trans- worse. In no other city have I seen pave- canopy of the newly green trees, you
family reasons and there is a pattern to find myself in a taxi or what we in In- Southern, between the Parks of Gol and port, but I imagined you could walk if ments specifically designed to be anti- cant help but feel, perhaps not com-
that repeats itself as I make the trans- dia call a private car. This results in a Jodhpur, you could walk. Visiting Bom- you needed to because wheres the pedestrian. I dont know how succeed- pletely fairly, that among the things that
ition from Calcutta or Delhi to London. kind of osteo-schizoid condition that is bay, you walked around the Fort area problem in walking on a flat expanse of ing governments justify the mini- Empire stole were also our fresh air and
both painful (to me) and hilarious (to and, of course, on Marine Drive or dirt? canyons at every bungalow entrance in our promenading areas. Then you real-
Walking the walk spectators, aka family and friends). Chowpatty; sometimes you were driven Returning to London, it hits me again the Lutyens area. ise that no, this is one bit of damage we
One of the first changes involves my As a child growing up in Calcutta, I all the way to the wilds of Juhu, to walk that the walking areas in all these desi As you walk down these roads, you have caused entirely by ourselves. In
creaking bones having to wake up and have memories of doing a lot of walk- on the beach there. Ahmedabad, an- cities have shrunk radically. In fact, in are constantly stepping down and up any case, pushing your bones out of
deal with the fact that this vilayat is a ing. We lived in an underdeveloped en- other of my childhood cities, involved a all these towns you have to take some about a foot at every gate. Around the their half-year sedation, you realise
place where they need to propel me clave in south Calcutta. In order to get lot of walking, some of it on hot sand, form of motorised transport to reach an really large government haciendas, you what a luxury it is, to be able to com-
from point to point, i.e. make me walk. to the city proper, to catch the school some of it on ancient stone in the old area reserved specifically for perambu- get to walk about 30 undisturbed feet plain about needing to walk so much
In India, I live in cities and it is rare for bus or the public buses, one had to pols. lation because normal walking is now between the steep steps; around the even as you crave the activity while wak-
me to walk from one point to another; walk. In south Calcutta generally, The south Delhi of the late 60s was a confined to those who have no choice smaller bungalows, the distance ing up every morning.
When a peasant revolts Pushing the boundaries

The state needs to ind holistic solutions to Indias chronic agrarian distress As India and Pakistan face of, some questions about the cricket calendar
changed. Indias per capita cereal de-
mand, as Credit Suisses Neelkanth
Mishra pointed out in a recent article,
has been declining by 1% a year for the
last 30 years. This means that do-
mestic demand for cereals isnt grow-
ing any more while output, even in
bad monsoon years, has risen.
R. Srinivasan Farmers continue to grow cereals,
Mini Kapoor
is Editor, The Hindu Business Line tempted by rising MSPs. Procurement,
is Ideas Editor, The Hindu
faced with growing grain mountains
It didnt last long enough to turn pub- and tightening of subsidies, has re- Most of us in South Asia, even the oc-
lic attention away from more weighty duced, except in traditionally strong casional cricket watchers, set a calen-
matters like cattle trade and peacock agri-markets like Punjab, Haryana and dar alert for the next India-Pakistan
tears, but nevertheless, the two-day Madhya Pradesh. match. And todays match between the
strike by farmers in Maharashtra This forces distress sales at below two teams in Birmingham is bound to
ought to have politicians and policy- MSPs, as was also seen in the case of be particularly charged expectedly
makers worried everywhere. That is toor dal this year. Last years record so, given how cricketing ties between
because when the Indian farmer de- price surge forced the government to the two countries are so dismal that an
cides to take collective action, there is announce higher MSPs and incentives. India-Pakistan encounter is a rare
really no way to counter it. However, an immediate and over- thing. This lazy Sunday is bound to be thoughtful, long-term cricket fan tries Trophy this year), Papineau says it
Chaudhary Charan Singh demon- (MSP) a criminal offence. It also agreed whelming response from the farmers given over to the match, the English to work out an answer to that, and matters little: the future will not
strated this way back in 1978. His to set up a State-level commission on found it unable to actually procure at weather permitting. theres no set progression. undo crickets role in creating a post-
kisan rally remains the largest gather- agricultural costs and prices. the promised support price, leading to Yet, such meetings of the two teams One way of doing so, suggests the colonial identity for Anglophone West
ing witnessed in Delhis Boat Club Of course, the ruling party has ac- distress sales, and a continuing cycle only in multilateral tournaments, such book, is to take notice of the presence Indians. Its part of a vivid chapter in
lawns to date. It was an awesome dis- cused middlemen of machinations to of rising agricultural debt and unpaid as the rather pointless ICC Champions of teams in the fray in different sports the book about national teams that
play of political power which pro- jack up prices (quite true) as well as bills. Trophy currently in progress, cannot that inspire a following that is not con- demand loyalty to countries that dont
pelled him howsoever briefly into the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Con- In Maharashtra, for instance, one of be good for the sport. To amount to fined to their geographical/national appear on the official map of nations.
the Prime Ministers office. gress Party of political shenanigans the subsidiary demands was to stop something more than wholly partisan boundaries. They pull us out of par- Hong Kong sends a separate team to
Mahendra Singh Tikait demon- (also quite true), but that shouldnt dis- harassment by microfinance com- account-keeping of the final result, fix- tisan selves, so that we become partis- the Olympics; in most sports Ireland
strated it again a decade later at the tract us from the real takeaways from panies, which leads me think that an- tures between the keenest rivals in ans of the sport, not its teams. teams include the north and south of
same venue. Half a million farmers this episode. other Andhra Pradesh-type crisis may team sport need to be embedded in a For long, that team has been the the island (that is, the Republic of Ire-
squatting on the lawns off Rajpath The first one is this: when the In- well be brewing there. larger narrative such that cricket in West Indies for cricket. For the longest land and Northern Ireland); its Eng-
soon brought the Rajiv Gandhi govern- dian farmer is roused enough to march This in turn triggers demands for its normal calendar allows, with bilat- time especially from the seventies to land and Wales Cricket Board, but the
ment to its knees, which accepted on the streets, it is almost impossible loan waivers and other write-offs. Yogi eral Test tours, the odd tri-series, the the mid-nineties to beat the team team itself is England; and Scotland
Tikaits long charter of demands, ran- for any government to counter it. That Adityanath set the ball rolling with a rare friendship match setting up indi- was to announce ones claim to a place has its own cricket and football teams.
ging from higher price for sugar cane is what 65% of the population means. loan waiver in Uttar Pradesh now the vidual sub-plots (such as the Sachin in the sun. But the West Indies, before (Interesting fact: The annual Scot-
to waiving of electricity dues. Faced with large-scale farmer protests, demand is spreading. Tamil Nadu Tendulkar-Shoaib Akhtar competitive- that dominance and now even after its land-England [football] match was one
More recently, the Jats of Haryana Rajiv Gandhis Congress caved; the farmers, despite a high-profile demon- ness), imbuing nuance (a record of rel- decline, pulled spectators out of their of the great sporting fixtures, until it
once again demonstrated the might of Janata Party caved; the UPA caved and, stration in Delhi and a half-hearted ative strengths in different formats and corners, it forced them to appreciate was discontinued in 1989 because of
farmer power, seeking Backward now, the BJP has caved in in Haryana strike, have not managed to get one conditions putting each victory/loss in crickets social history, its anti-colonial the fans excesses.)
Class status and associated reserva- and Maharashtra. yet, but that is only because they perspective) and reminding the viewer subtext and its capacity to be enriched In this context, Papineau points to
tions in jobs and education for them- The second is this: unless the havent yet found a forum or a leader of context. Else, for the hysterically by newer influences on and off the the American exception: When it
selves by coming out into the streets. powers that be stop merely paying lip they can rally behind. If Tamil Nadu loyal fan as well as the may-the-best- field. comes to international sporting com-
So, it is hardly surprising that the service to agrarian distress and actu- finds a Tikait, the tale would unfold team-win purist, these sporadic fix- To truly enjoy a game of cricket, you petition, it is almost invisible. This rel-
Devendra Fadnavis government had to ally double down efforts to find mean- quite differently. tures would amount to just point-scor- needed to be aware also of how it was ative lack of enthusiasm for team
cave in, in a span of just two days. With ingful solutions, we are looking at po- The point is, given the manifest ing between teams (or rather, their watched in the stands in Kingston, sports on the international stage, com-
fruit and vegetable prices soaring 50% tentially much larger, much more shortcomings in execution capability, fans), nothing more. Port of Spain, Bridgetown, and other pared to national leagues, requires its
and faced with an imminent milk impactful uprisings in times to come. and the limits on capacity, state inter- iconic venues in the Caribbean. You own sociological study, but in a week
shortage, the Fadnavis administration vention of the type which Fadnavis On whose side? needed to know the game, and equally when the U.S. pulled out of the Paris
bought peace by agreeing to waive the A distorted subsidy regime and the Yogi have preferred can What a cricket match between India you needed to be awash in the spirit of climate pact, Papineaus words have
loans of small and marginal farmers It is paradoxical that agrarian distress never really solve the problem. There and Pakistan means in the time of sus- the game. particular resonance: Exceptionalism
nearly 80% of the States 13.7 million- has risen even as agricultural output isnt enough capacity and there isnt pended bilateral tours is a complex It is, of course, the case, as on the sports field encourages excep-
strong farmer population as well as has grown. There are many reasons for enough money. question, but its useful to be guided Papineau points out, that the sporting tionalism off it. A country that shies
waiving interest and penalty on this. At the core is a distorted subsidy What needs to be done instead is to along in some aspects, obliquely, by a country of the West Indies isnt a away from international sport can be
pending power bills. regime which has pushed cereals in fa- find holistic solutions actual, rather new book, Knowing the Score: How real country. And even as the islands tempted to stop thinking of itself as
The government also agreed to hike vour of oilseeds and pulses, and water than theoretical access to credit, lifting Sport Teaches Us About Philosophy (And (as well as Guyana) increasingly turn to one nation among other.
the procurement price of milk or input-intensive cash crops like sugar of market access controls, better rural Philosophy About Sport) by David other sports such as football and bas- Food for thought as we wonder, this
though perhaps not to the 50 per litre cane or cotton in areas which are agro- infrastructure, affordable and reliable Papineau, a professor of, no prize for ketball, and lose aspiring cricketers weekend, why exactly India and
farmers demanded and promised to climatically not suited for them. On power supply and a crackdown on guessing, philosophy. He inquires into such as Usain Bolt to track and field, Pakistan dont play each other more
bring in legislation to make procure- the other hand, with rising incomes, middlemen. Otherwise, it may not be questions such as what makes and even as the West Indies struggles often, and as we work out how bilat-
ment of agricultural produce at prices education levels and prosperity, the milk that flows down the streets the someone a fan, beyond appreciating to keep up with other teams (its not eral cricket has over the decades en-
below the Minimum Support Price nature of food demand has also next time around. the objective merits of a team? Every even in the fray in the Champions riched more than just the game.
Cryptocurrency: An idea whose time has come

China, South Korea and Japan have adopted use of bitcoins with regulations. India can either follow its Asian counterparts or drive the whole enterprise underground
If you have never heard of bitcoin or check if this output has specific preset people (as of 2015, nearly 1,00,000 mer- successive Indian governments have ig-
cryptocurrencies, one way to think of it properties. If not, then the block header chants) accept bitcoin or other crypto- nored cryptocurrencies. Finally, on
is as tokens sold by temples for special is incremented by a random number currencies for goods and services, their April 12 this year, the Indian govern-
rituals or prasadam in exchange for (nonce) and this new set is passed value increases. ment constituted an inter-disciplinary
cash. These temple tokens, typically, through the hash function again. The real, and perhaps unanswerable, committee to study regulatory frame-
can only be used within the premises. Finally, after many trials, when we question is what is their true value i.e. works for cryptocurrencies. It has
They are often exchangeable between find the appropriate nonce, the miner how many rupees is any given crypto- sought public comments. However,
individuals without the permission of announces this random number to the currency worth? The real answer is: no prominent voices like the BJP parlia-
any supervening authority. And if you rest of his peers in the Bitcoin network. one knows. Unlike fiat currencies, mentarian Kirit Somaiyya have called
Keerthik Sasidharan lose the token or forget to use it, it is as They check using this nonce if adding whose long-term relative values are for an outright ban citing some under-
is a writer and is on Twitter @KS1729
good as losing money. This analogy is this information produces an output driven by differentials in purchasing standable (what happens to the mono-
useful, but it can only go so far. Unlike with specific properties, including an power, we do not have a good under- poly of rupee in India as medium of ex-
A spectre is haunting global capitalism: tokens in a temple which are controlled untampered old block. If verified, then standing of what determines the long- change?) and many absurd fears (drugs,
the spectre of cryptocurrencies. Three by authorities, cryptocurrencies are this new block is deemed valid. The term relative value of these cryptocur- money laundering, Ponzi schemes).
distinct forces of our modern age have generated by a network of computers new public ledger with updated inform- rencies. But this has not stopped in- What the Indian government ought
come together to breathe life into this that run a software called blockchain. ation is now deemed as the new con- vestors from betting on the increased to do instead is follow, learn, and innov-
strange and wondrous monetary arti- Most networks be it, businesses or sensus. Thus we have a cleverly-engin- acceptance of various versions of block- ate based on what China, South Korea,
fice. One, the rise of computational families rely on trust to build con- eered consensus via a system that chain technology and its currency units. and Japan have done: enshrine min-
power that allows algorithms to pro- sensus. What happens to consensus doesnt rely on trust but rather on a Since 2014, the American tax author- imum capital requirements, force se-
grammatically issue currencies; two, a formation if there is no trust in families (think of units of information arranged proof of work. ities have treated cryptocurrencies as gregation of customer accounts, and
distrust towards governments that can or businesses? as separate blocks which are concaten- property subject to appropriate capital make potential criminal activity diffi-
idiosyncratically debase currency or A network that uses blockchain ated to form a chain), when a new piece Known unknowns gains tax rate. On April 1 this year, Japan cult. The Indian state can either help
even demonetise at will; and three, a transcends this requirement of trust of information arrives, it is appended to A natural question: why would anyone deemed bitcoin as a legitimate payment structure the growth of cryptocurren-
scarcity of safe assets to store wealth among members to form consensus. It a previous block to create a new block. bother to mine for this random num- method; on July 1, Australia will follow cies or drive the whole enterprise un-
over the long term. The birth of the first is does this by relying on two funda- This new block is arranged in a specific ber? This is the part of the system that suit. Chinese authorities have aggress- derground beyond its control. As a wise
cryptocurrency bitcoin was an- mental ideas: the near-impossibility of architecture (the Merkle tree) and the relies on human self-interest. For every ively stepped in, when needed, to en- Finance Minister, quoting Victor Hugo,
nounced to the world in 2008 by still reverse engineering a mathematical al- header of this new block is passed verified number that is mined, the Bit- sure cryptocurrency exchanges func- said during his 1991 budget speech: no
unidentified inventor(s) who goes by gorithm (SHA-256 hash function) and through the hash function. This func- coin network allocates 12.5 bitcoins [~ tion well. power on earth can stop an idea whose
the name Satoshi Nakamoto. human self-interest. In a blockchain tion spits out transformed output. We $30,000] to the miner. When more However, over the past seven years, time has come.
CM A ND-ND
YK

MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2017
The economy in the time of Narendra Modi

Three years since 2014, standard indicators show little sign of an economic transformation
conomic policy is evident. At a icult to imagine that demonetisa-
time of declining private invest- tion will achieve more for revenues
ment the prudent thing for a gov- than the Goods and Services Tax.
GST countdown ernment to do is to raise public in-
vestment. This has not happened
Interestingly, in his book The Curse
of Cash, the guru of the less cash
There is still no clarity whether the loose ends on anything like the scale neces- movement, Kenneth Rogof,
can be tied up in time for the July 1 deadline sary. Indeed, with regard to iscal presents data that show countries
pulapre balakrishnan policy, the government had been with a relatively high cash-to-GDP
T
he Goods and Services Tax Council has inalised guided by iscal consolidation ratio, such as Japan and Switzer-
s the Bharatiya Janata Party deined in terms of deicit reduc- land, having smaller underground
A
the rates at which tax will be levied for almost all
products and services under the tax regime, just reportedly prepares for tion. Admittedly, in this the Na- economies than some such as the
Modifests to celebrate the tional Democratic Alliance-II has Scandinavian ones recording far
four weeks before the July 1 deadline for rollout. The de-
completion of three years in power only taken forward a programme far less cash. It may be noted that
cisions amount to a balancing act between competing the citizen would be interested in initiated by UPA-I. But the slowing in Japan the said ratio is 50% higher
demands. The Council has set the tax rate on gold, sil- knowing how their government of capital formation was not a fea- than in India. No one thinks of Ja-
ver, diamonds and other jewellery at 3%, while uncut has performed in respect of the ture then, and economic policy is pan as backward. So, with demon-
diamonds will attract a notional duty of 0.25%; a credit economy. This because in his elec- meant to respond to a changing en- etisation, has the government
can be claimed for exports of such diamonds after they tion campaign in 2014 Narendra vironment. In 2016-17, gross ixed caused output loss without clear
are polished and cut in Indias gem clusters. Footwear Modi had chosen to highlight his capital formation in the economy gains elsewhere in the economy?
ability to turn the economy for the turned negative. This worrying de- And if the argument was that large
and readymade textiles will have diferential tax slabs
better, notably to raise its growth growth acceleration in the eco- the fact that the focus of Make in velopment requires addressing. denomination notes abet corrup-
based on sale price (with a concessional 5% for foot- rate. Once he became Prime Minis- nomy. In most of these years, an- India, such as the ease of doing But having tied itself down to a dog- tion, it is diicult to comprehend
wear below 500 and clothes below 1,000). But oddly, ter, he quickly presented his idea of nual growth of manufacturing had business, has mostly been on the matic policy stance, the govern- the replacement of the 1,000 cur-
no such distinction has been made for mass consump- how this could be done. Manufac- exceeded 10%, which has not been supply side. But there is demand to ment can do little. The rency note with a 2,000 note,
tion items such as glucose biscuits. Textiles, leather, turing was to be the key and Make matched since. Interestingly, the reckon with. Firms invest in anti- centrepieces of this policy package with its inconvenience. It is clear
diamonds and food processing already are, or have the in India the governments pro- performance of this sector in the cipation of demand, and when are iscal consolidation and inla- from this that politicians and eco-
potential to be, Indias biggest employment engines, gramme to actualise it. Pressing last three years is not superior even they perceive slow growth of de- tion targeting. This combination nomists do not employ daily-wage
ahead to produce in India can to that at the tail end of United Pro- mand, they are likely to hold back. leaves no room to address con- earners.
and repercussions of tax structure anomalies can be felt
hardly be faulted as an objective, gressive Alliance (UPA) II. Clearly, cerns of growth. The governments Prime Minister Modi is not a
hard and fast in a competitive global market. Though for in a market economy income Make in India is yet to fulil its Explaining slow growth response to suggestions that it re- man for the understatement. He
the low rates on gold and diamond can dampen smug- generation depends upon making promise. It is clear that some part of the slow spond to the situation is that it will had come promising a transforma-
gling opportunities, they introduce two more rates to something. As for the focus on Now, could it be that the pro- growth of demand in India is bey- not sidetrack iscal consolidation. tion of the economy. Three years
an already complex GST structure of ive rate slabs plus manufacturing, its relevance can- gramme has actually had a favour- ond the grasp of government due Actually, no one is asking it to! It is later the standard indicators show
a variable cess on sin goods. Taken together, with the not be exaggerated. Indian agricul- able impact but the fruits are yet to to the weather cycle. Two of the possible to adhere to iscal deicit no sign of his government bucking
exemptions for critical sectors such as real estate, elec- ture is overcrowded. With shrink- appear? This is possible, and past three years have been years of targets while expanding public the trend. It may be seen in the
ing farm size, the returns to this would be the case if the pro- very poor agricultural GDP capital. You do this by switching ex- latest Economic Survey that
tricity, petroleum and alcohol, GST in its current form is
activity is set to shrink and only gramme has led to a surge in invest- growth, with the igure actually penditure from consumption to in- growth had began to rise and inla-
far from the One Nation, One Tax it purports to be. manufacturing can absorb the lament. But there is no evidence of negative in 2014-15. But agricul- vestment. tion fall before 2014. Since then the
Not surprisingly, fresh demands for diferential tax bour that will have to be trans- this either. If we take a wider meas- tures performance cuts both ways, growth acceleration has tapered
treatment have begun already, including for bidis. ferred out of agriculture. Also manure of investment that for the serving also as windfall when it Impact of demonetisation of, with the year just ended actu-
States and sections of industry want a review of rates i- ufactures are often easier to export economy as a whole we see that turns out to be buoyant. Thus, for All this is from a macroeconomic ally recording a slowdown. Finally,
nalised earlier for products ranging from biogas, fertil- than the services that India special- capital formation as a share of total 2016-17 the Central Statistics Of- point of view. To be fair to the gov- in what must come as an embar-
izers and tractors to agarbathis, human hair and ises in. So, Make in India is emin- output has declined even more ices advance estimates indicate a ernment, we must acknowledge its rassment of sorts considering the
ently sensible of itself. But how suc- sharply since 2014 than it had been more than three-fold increase in other programmes. Admittedly slogan of minimum government,
cashew. Actor Kamal Haasan has threatened to quit
cessful has this initiative been? since the decline began in 2011. agricultural growth while industry there are several but it is demonet- among the most prominent drivers
cinema as it has been included in the 28% sin category, Private investment, seen as the and services register a reduction in isation that it thinks of as its of growth in the past three years
and States have backed the demand that regional A slow starter? bellwether of an economy, has not theirs. Had agricultural growth not showpiece. Claims made have has been a record growth of gov-
cinema be treated diferently. The Council is slated to Turning to the evidence, we would been forthcoming despite this gov- risen so dramatically, growth in been the ending of corruption and ernment consumption expendit-
meet again on June 11 to discuss these demands while ind that far from taking Indian ernments business-friendly ori- 2016-17 would have slowed even tax evasion. So far we can only be ure. The stock market, however,
taking a call on a few pending items such as lotteries, manufacturing to new heights, the entation. As the decline in invest- more than it actually did. The gov- certain that there was an immedi- exults! Apparently the punter
and inalise rules pertaining to accounting and e-way performance since 2014 does not ment had commenced in 2011, the ernment just got lucky. ate slowing of growth in the formal holds something close to his chest.
match what has been achieved in development itself cannot be laid Whatever may have been the de- sector of the economy after
bills (to be generated to transport goods). An assurance
the last boom in India, which was at the present governments door mand-constraining impact of slow November as relected in the Index
of input credit on existing stocks with dealers and sim- obtained during 2003-08. During but it is unambiguously the case agricultural growth in the irst two of Industrial Production. It is too Pulapre Balakrishnan is Professor of
pler rules for iling returns should help industry gear up this period, for the irst time in dec- that it has not been able to reverse years of this governments tenure, early to establish what the impact Economics of Ashoka University, Sonipat
for the transition. But in the absence of inal accounting ades, manufacturing had led the it. Part of the reason has to do with the independent role of its macroe- will be on tax revenues but it is dif- and Senior Fellow of IIM Kozhikode
rules or clarity on the anti-proiteering framework,
there is concern whether all the loose ends can be tied
up this month. The government is sticking to the July 1
deadline despite reservations about the readiness of
the administration and the GST Network that would
Need for corrective action
have to manage billions of invoices. The Council must Revised estimates show that demonetisation hurt, but a deepening investment slowdown remains the challenge
take a realistic and honest stock of ground realities at its
next meeting. A sub-optimal GST design can be correc- lost speed last year. Corrective ac- and private investments, were, and is that unresolved bad loans are re-
tion should help the economy re- remain, out of steam. Demonetisa- stricting banks lending capacities,
ted over time, but a hasty beginning could prove costly.
gain the lost momentum. tion briely killed the third, private which is choking investments.
Quarterly estimates show that de- consumption. As the cash crunch
monetisation certainly hurt the eases, consumption will probably Investment slowdown
European variation puja mehra

economy, but growth impulses
had started weakening six months
earlier. A thorough understanding
revive. But the risk to the recovery
is from the credit crunch that de-
monetisation worsened.
The investment slowdown is
neither a recent development nor
has data captured it for the irst
With global politics in a lux, India must make
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
of the slowdowns causes will be Credit growth plunged to a time. The government has so far
I
ndias economic growth estim- crucial to the choice of policy tools. multi-decade low as banks were played a passive role, irst by rely-
a careful choice of coalitions it forges ates lately seemed out of sync devoted to exchanging notes that ing on banks, and now on the Re-
with the dampened feel-good Demonetisations disruption ceased to be legal tender. This serve Bank of India, to tidy up the
P
rime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Germany,
sentiment in the economy. The Demonetisations damage is dis- overburdened banks and took at- bad loans mess. Unless addressed
Spain, Russia and France brings into sharp focus
GDP was growing at a world-beat- cernible in the last two quarters of tention away from the pressing on a war footing, the credit crunch
the shared dilemma India and Europe face with ing rate, the stock market was 2016-17. It is more pronounced in problem of bad loans, the impact could stall the economys recovery.
Americas shifting policies, and the resultant lux on the booming, but little on the ground the later one, when from January GVA growth looks diicult. Projec- of which is visible in the continuing The quicker the banking sector re-
world stage. Mr. Modis irst stop in Germany came a suggested that people were feeling to March this year, coinciding with tions of a quick bounce back seem slide in the gross ixed capital form- covers its health, the speedier will
day after Chancellor Angela Merkels strong comments better of. Consumption and in- the peak cash crunch, gross value optimistic. At the time demonetisa- ation, a measure for investments. be the pullback. The stress, if unat-
aimed at President Donald Trump, that Europe could vestment behaviours suggested added (GVA) grew at its slowest tion was announced, GVA growth Decreasing for the ifth straight tended, will limit the efectiveness
no longer depend on traditional partners. Europes probably not. So when in February pace in at least eight quarters. The had been on a downward slope. It year, the share of gross ixed cap- of the monetary support of lower
this year, the state statistical appar- loss of momentum is considerable. had decelerated in the two quar- ital formation in GDP shrunk to interest rates.
disappointment with Mr. Trump at the G-7 and NATO
atus estimated that the impact on Growth slumped to 5.6%. Just four ters preceding demonetisation. 27.1% last year. It was 34.3% in Since the economy was on a
summits was three-fold: his refusal to reairm NATOs the economy of demonetisation quarters earlier it was a robust The shock dragged it further in the 2011-12. smooth recovery path for the last
Article 5 on collective defence; his warning on the was muted, doubts were cast on its 8.7%. next two quarters. From the peak Investments, the principle en- four years, the slowdown should
trade deicit with Europe; and his expected decision to credibility. Construction and manufactur- of 8.7% in the January-March 2016 gine of growth, remain unrespons- probably no longer be ascribed to
pull America out of commitments in the Paris Agree- Dissonance between the statist- ing, crucial sources of jobs, have quarter, it lost momentum consist- ive to macroeconomic stimulus. the policy paralysis that character-
ment on climate change. For the past few months India ics and ground reports consider- been most severely afected. The ently, decelerating for four straight The government stepped up its ised the dying years of Prime Minis-
has faced a similar disappointment as the U.S. has ably reduced in the latest released GVA growth received a boost from quarters. public investments, even deferring ter Manmohan Singhs govern-
batch of data into which the up- agriculture that beneited from last iscal deicit targets, but the in- ment. The fresh bout of pain in the
forged closer ties with China, indicating what Mr. Modi
dated Index of Industrial Produc- years good rains and Government Risks to the recovery crease is more than ofset by the economy is to a great extent a fal-
called a loosening of the world order, while the U.S. has tion was plugged in. spending, largely immune to de- In the boom years during the fall in private investment. Liberal- lout of decisions both that were
targeted Indian professionals and businesses to protect The GDP data for the iscal year monetisation. The growth in the United Progressive Alliance gov- ising foreign investment policies taken and those that should have
American jobs. Another blow came from Mr. Trumps 2016-17 present a sharp picture of rest of the economy, minus this ernments tenure, four engines and improving the ease of doing been taken but were not of Prime
comments on the Paris Accord when he blamed India the state of the economy. GDP contribution, was barely 3.8%. In had powered the economy. Of business has not pulled the eco- Minister Narendra Modis
and China for what he called an unfair deal. Mr. Modis growth has slowed for the irst time the same quarter a year ago, this those, just two were still running nomy out of the investment government.
meetings with Ms. Merkel and subsequently Spanish in ive years, in 2016-17, to 7.1%. The was 10.7%. before demonetisation: govern- slowdown.
economic recovery that was gath- Given the extent of the disrup- ment investments and private con- The message in the revised es-
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and French President ering pace year after year abruptly tion, a sharp, sustained reversal in sumption. The other two, exports timates relevant to policy decisions Puja Mehra is a Delhi-based journalist
Emmanuel Macron saw those issues raised one way or
another, as they tried to explore new ways to cooperate
on multilateral issues, including terror, trade and cli- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
mate change. In particular, Mr. Modis assurance in Ber-
lin that the suspended India-EU free trade talks for the The U.S. walks away assiduously crafted climate terror funding trail, NIA Mr. Guha. His expos of the Karunanidhi. Mr.
of traditional tribal dialects,
Broadbased Trade and Investment Agreement would By pulling out of the Paris pact is appalling given that it conducts raids on violation of norms and the eforts by tribal Karunanidhi has often been
resume soon has raised the hope that progress will be Accord, U.S. President is widely regarded as the separatists, June 4). The procedures will ind communities like Saura and one of the main architects of
made before the EU-India summit in Delhi this year. Donald Trump has not only most important UN government should ensure resonance as he has raised Oraon to revive them are political alliances at the
However, while the EU and India have a clear conver- refused to honour the achievement in the recent that such operations reach his voice for a just cause heartening. However, the national level and it is worth
developed worlds past. What is ironical is that their logical conclusion ridding the game of ilth and eforts need to be supported noting that Mr. Stalin is
gence in many areas, a dependable alliance can only
obligations on climate when smaller and poorer putting the brakes on terror promoting probity. The and invigorated through trying to take a leaf out of
come from a concurrent worldview. It cannot be ig- change but also put the nations are weaning funding so that militant Committee of state assistance in earnest tohis fathers book, especially
nored, for example, that Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs developing world in a themselves away from fossil outits and their sponsors Administrators has received achieve greater progress. at a time when the
visit to Berlin and Brussels, also last week, saw the EU double jeopardy: of having fuels and even an can be exposed at the the mandate of the Supreme Atin Sharma, Opposition is struggling to
to emit large volumes of authoritarian state such as international level. Such Court and it must appear to Jammu counter the autocratic
repose much more faith in Beijing than New Delhi
would be comfortable with, given the current Sino-In- greenhouse gases to achieve North Korea, perceived as a operations, coupled with be a change maker. Better moves of the NDA
dian tensions. European leaders praised President Xi growth, while preparing to rogue state, has ratiied it Indias repeated assertions opportunities for domestic Son rise government. There also
adapt to the destructive and launched a nationwide of the need for a permanent players, less politics and That the DMKs M.K. Stalin seems to be a remarkable
Jinpings leadership on connectivity and climate
efects of adverse weather tree-planting initiative, the solution to bilateral issues, more transparency are is blossoming into a national change in the attitude of
change. Europe perceives its single largest threat to be conditions, such as worlds oldest and richest augur well for a trouble-free needed. Let Mr. Guhas leader is evident from the Rahul Gandhi towards the
from Moscow, not Beijing. Mr. Modis attendance at the droughts and loods, linked democracy, with a historic situation in the Valley. missive be the turning manner in which he DMK.
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to unveil to climate change (Editorial responsibility towards V. Subramanian, point. conducted the mega meet Tharcius S. Fernando,
We need Paris, June 3). It mitigating global warming, Chennai in Chennai to celebrate the Chennai
a new India-Russia vision statement for the 21st century Parthasarathy Sen,
is unfortunate that instead is irresponsibly and New Delhi 94th birthday of his father
along with President Vladimir Putin could cause similar more letters online:
discomfort in European capitals. This divergent world- of exploring the potential regressively continuing to Guhas resignation and DMK patriarch, M. www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
for energising international depend on carbon-emitting Ramachandra Guhas Tribal heritage
view may be further highlighted this week as Mr. Modi
policies and linkage fossil fuels. It is a great relief missive of 2,445 words has The diverse socio-cultural corrections & clarifications:
travels to Kazakhstan to formalise Indias membership between external inance that China and countries of come as a bombshell and traditions of the many tribal In a report headlined BJP has become biggest NPA: Cong.
of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, seen as a ( June 3, 2017), the full form of NPA was erroneously given as Non-
and climate action, the the European Union have only shows that all is still not groups in our country, their
Performing Authority. It should have been Non-Performing Asset.
counter-NATO coalition of Russia, China and Central Trump administration has vowed to abide by the well with Indian cricket. rituals, their synergy with
Late correction: A Business page report headlined Usha eyes
Asian states. Standing at a crossroads few had expected taken a myopic position by climate pact. The letter only indicates the the environment, and their
double-digit growth in fan sales (May 21, 2017) erroneously re-
at this stage, India will have to consider its options care- stoking unfounded fears Nalini Vijayaraghavan, perpetual hold of cricket unique dialects impart ferred to the growth in the fan business (in the headline and twice
about the U.S. economy Thiruvananthapuram superstars who can make or strength to the social fabric
fully as it decides which coalitions to forge as the U.S. in the text). It should have been air cooler business.
losing manufacturing jobs. mar any career. However, of India (Tribal
overturns traditional ties in favour of transactionalism. It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
Shreyans Jain, NIA raids genuine fans are concerned communities in Odisha are the edition (place of publication), date and page. The Readers Editors office can be
The Centre must undertake a full review of Indias pri- New Delhi The search operations by about the future of young speaking up to save their contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
orities and interests before Mr. Modi heads to Washing- the National Investigation players who depend on dialects, June 4). Against Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
ton for a meeting with Mr. Trump at the end of June. Mr. Trumps callous Agency (NIA) are welcome, domestic cricket for a living, the backdrop of the fading All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
disregard for the though a bit belated (On a concern pointed out by inluence and falling usage visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

Accounting for three good years FROM THE READERS EDITOR
Silencing the media is

India now has a positive image and the NDA is delivering on its promise of clean, responsive governance
and the long-pending Land Bound-
ary Agreement with Bangladesh.
I move back to welfare for the
political suicide
needy. Under Jan Dhan Yojana, a re-
cord 28.52 crore bank accounts were Those in power should realise that an enabling environment
opened. Another 13 crore people
have availed social security cover at
for the media is beneicial both to them and the people
M. Venkaiah Naidu nominal rates under Jan Suraksha. giving it any special comfort now. It is paying
Capital of 3.17 lakh crore as collat- a huge price for its years of centralising tend-
By glossing over the positives in the eral-free loans has been provided to encies, which did not permit a credible
three-year rule of the National Demo- 7.45 crore small entrepreneurs under second-line leadership, coupled with a maze
cratic Alliance (NDA) government led the Micro Units Development & Re- of moves to silence critics through defama-
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finance Agency Ltd (MUDRA)
SHANKER CHAKRAVARTY
tion cases, physical threats and the use of le-

our political adversaries, especially scheme. gislative privileges which are not codified.
the Congress party, are trying to pro- Other pro-poor initiatives include A.S. Panneerselvan Excess by the state machinery because the
ject a false narrative. Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling
When the NDA took over the reins Suraksha Bima Yojana and Jan Surak- There were two interesting reports in The dispensation is not new. Indira Gandhi pur-
from the Congress-led United Pro- sha Yojana benefiting 16 crore Hindu last week that once again emphasised sued this path in the mid-1970s, Rajiv Gandhi
gressive Alliance in 2014, it had to people. the need for an enabling environment for the was no different in the mid-1980s, and one
overcome all-round despondency After the Prime Ministers appeal, news media to hold those in power to ac- can produce a list that illustrates the brazen-
after scam-ridden UPA rule. Now, ution of insolvency cases, is one of management of fisheries, with an about 1.2 people have surrendered count. One was an in-depth investigative re- ness of various State governments at least
there is an all-round, positive image the governments biggest reforms. As outlay of 3,000 crore, has been en- their LPG subsidy, which is being port in the Ground Zero section. The from the late 1970s that cast a shadow on
for India and the NDA leadership has part of governance reforms, the visaged for five years. given to the poor under Ujjwala Sasikala web: how a maze of shell companies democratic practices.
delivered on its promise of clean, re- share of States from the divisible The NDA government had to re- Yojana. link up to her, her family and friends (May Those in power have to realise that their
sponsive and transparent pool of taxes has been increased to work tax agreements with some As many as 224 schemes have 27, 2017) looked at how late Chief Minister J. authority is not eternal and an enabling en-
governance. 42%. countries. The series of measures to been brought under the Direct Bene- Jayalalithaas close friend and aide, Sasikala, vironment for the media to do its mandated
The other big reform has been the unearth black money include consti- fit Transfer platform and over 1.92 and her family amassed wealth during the work not only benefits the people but also
A global bright spot enactment of Real Estate (Regulation tuting a Special Investigation Team to lakh crore transferred to 32 crore be- AIADMK rule. helps them.
The economy which was almost in a and Development) Act, 2016. announcing the successful Income neficiaries, resulting in a saving of When there is no fear of the states dra-
shambles, is now estimated to grow On the foreign policy front, the Declaration Scheme (IDS). With the 49,560 crore. Rural development, A silent move conian intervention, journalists tend to bring
at 7.5% this fiscal. India is being Prime Ministers pro-active engage- Benami Transactions (Prohibition) infrastructure and housing have The other was a scoop, Confiscation of out the mistakes at a very early stage. It is im-
hailed as the bright spot by the In- ment with world leaders has ensured Act, the government has blocked a been given a huge thrust through properties begins in disproportionate assets portant for political parties to realise that a
ternational Monetary Fund and widespread backing for Indias claim key route to generate and hold black Housing for All; rural electrification case against Jayalalithaa, 3 others (May 30, well-documented investigative report offers
other international bodies amid for UN Security Council money. (about 13,432 of 18,456 un-electrified 2017), that looked at how the government, in them a protective cover to effect a course
global gloom. membership. Finally, the game-changing inval- villages have been electrified) and order to comply with the Supreme Courts correction and to minimise damage to their
The Prime Minister believes that The Prime Minister has made it idation of 500 and 1,000 notes has rural connectivity (1.20 lakh km of order that upheld the trial courts verdict, own reputation.
development would be incomplete clear that Gaon, Garib, Kisan, Maz- dealt a major blow to the twin men- rural roads constructed in last three was initiating the process in a silent manner.
without the poor benefiting from door, Mahila, Yuva form the core of aces of black money and corruption, years) are others. The ruling faction of the AIADMK is forced to Defamation threats
economic growth. With his stress on the NDAs people-centric policies and which became all too pervasive dur- Several schemes to empower wo- do in a silent, discreet and sly manner some- One of the questions I have faced is: why
reform, perform and transform, schemes have been formulated for ing the UPA regime. men have been successfully imple- thing it is bound to do anyway. This is be- should the media succumb to the pressure
people feel that he is the biggest their uplift. Agriculture has been ac- The entire amount of black money mented which include Beti Bachao, cause its legally and morally correct action is from the government? It is extremely ro-
transformer. corded highest priority and the goal has come into the banking system Beti Padhao (BBBP), Sukanya Sam- in effect an indictment of the party and its mantic to imagine every reporter to be a war-
The 7.5% growth projections for is to eventually double the income of through demonetisation and every riddhi Yojana (over one crore ac- former Chief Minister. Any transparent initi- rior. Journalists are as vulnerable as any
this fiscal clearly indicate that eco- farmers. rupee is being verified whether it is counts opened), Maternity Benefit ative in this matter would further undermine other human being. Physical threats or
nomic resilience is due to efficient Credit facility to agriculture has black or white. Post-demonetisation, (Amendment) Act ( increasing mater- the rudderless party. threats to family members do send shivers
management. Fiscal prudence has been increased to a whopping 10 91 lakh people have been added to nity leave to 26 weeks) and Pradhan The first story should have happened long down the spine of any brave reporter. The
been the watchword of this govern- lakh crore this will go a long way in the income tax net. There has also Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan before Jayalalithaas death. A variant of this lower court usually issues a notice in the de-
ment. The golden indicators of the preventing farmers from falling prey been unprecedented growth in di- (safe pregnancy). After BBBP, there should have been the lead investigative re- famation cases filed by the government,
economy show that fiscal deficit is to usurious money lenders. gital payments. has been a remarkable improvement port during her first term as Chief Minister without even examining its claims and con-
under control; the current account Another major pro-farmer scheme This government has ushered in in the child sex ratio in Haryana between 1991 and 1996. There should have tents. The onus on proving otherwise lies
deficit is down to 0.7% from 4% in has been the Pradhan Mantri Fasal an infectious sense of honesty, ac- 950 girls to 1,000 boys. been a follow-up series during the sub- with the reporter and the news media organ-
2014; inflation is at a low of 4% as Bima Yojana, which covers all food countability and transparency in the Another important reform-driven sequent terms when she was in power isation. The state machinery has a full-
against a high of 11% in 2014; foreign grains and all risks in the crop cycle. bureaucracy. The biggest example of outcome has been the cancellation of 2001-2006, 2011-2016, and May 2016 to fledged legal arm, headed by a law officer, to
direct investment inflows have With an outlay of 50,000 crore, the this is the transparent auctioning of 23 million fake ration cards following December 2016. But, the story is out only handle these cases. However, for a journalist
touched $62.3 billion, and Indias for- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee coal blocks and spectrum. Auction- Aadhar-linked public distribution in now. This posthumous revelation is a pointer and a news media organisation, this process
eign exchange reserves have touched Yojana seeks to provide water to ing of 82 blocks over the life of the the States. With the mass movement to understand how the media works, what is extremely time consuming, expensive and
a new high of $379 billion for the every field (Har Khet ko Pani) in five lease period would net 3.94 lakh of Swachh Bharat, 40 million toilets the basic requirements are for its independ- a drain on the meagre resources.
week ended May 19. years. The highest ever expenditure crore. Compare this with the astro- have been built and 1,94,000 villages ent functioning, and what happens if a ruling It is important for those in power to inter-
The introduction of the landmark of 51,902 crore was made in 2016-17 nomical loss of 1,86,000 crore in have become open defecation free. dispensation can create a chilling atmo- nalise the 448th couplet of Thirukkural,
GST regime from July 1 is set to im- under the Mahatma Gandhi National the coal blocks allocations, as the The NDA Government can defin- sphere that muzzles the press. which in Gopalkrishna Gandhis translation
prove the economy further. Another Rural Employment Guarantee Act Comptroller and Auditor General itely look back with satisfaction on its Today, the AIADMK is the third largest reads: The King whom no one checks, no
important reform is the abolition of (MGNREGA). computed it, under the UPA three-year rule. party in India in terms of Electoral College, minister corrects/ Does not have to wait for
the Foreign Investment Promotion There is also the Blue Revolution dispensation. which is computed on the basis of its foes, himself he vivisects. Silencing the me-
Board. to ensure economic prosperity for There has also been decisiveness M. Venkaiah Naidu is Union Minister for strength in the Parliament and in the Legis- dia is an act of political suicide.
The Bankruptcy and Insolvency fishermen and nutritional security in resolving the four-decade old One Urban Development and Information & lative Assembly. The numbers, which once
Code, which helps in the quick resol- where integrated development and Rank One Pension for ex-servicemen Broadcasting gave the party an enormous power, are not readerseditor@thehindu.co.in

Mind the diversity President urges Bihar to look ahead

Its inherent to our nations character The President, Dr. Zakir Hussain, to-day [ June 4] asked the
people of Bihar to avoid the habit of mass begging and ap-
and deiling it will be counterproductive pealed to them to prepare themselves for future work, particu-
larly for the next kharif production. Famine was a natural
Navina Jafa calamity, which would be short-lived. We must not lose
heart, but work hard to overcome it, he said. He told report-
Multiculturalism is part of the
ers at the Gaya aerodrome at the end of his hurried tour of
Indian society and any attempt
some of the famine areas of Gaya district. It is not advisable
to monochrome it will be self-
to make the entire population habituated to doles and relief
defeating. It was on display re-
measures for a long time. Dr. Hussain expressed his appreci-
cently in Kerala through two
ation of the relief work now in operation. He hoped more such
opposing developments a
schemes would be organised with the co-operation of all vol-
Modifest and many beef-eat-
untary organisations.
ing festivals. One represented
the illustration of a report card A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 5, 1917
for development and the other
FREEPIK.COM
the right to assert a personal Wanted: binoculars.

choice. The following Press Communique has been issued by the Mu-
Humans are an interesting nitions Board: Great difficulty is experienced by officers sent
species whose history is on service to Mesopotamia in obtaining binoculars suitable for
deined by greed in gaining and maintaining control over re- field service and the Commander-in-Chief therefore makes an
sources and sustaining power. Cultural identity has been a appeal to private individuals in India who may have suitable
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
central tool in this. A cultural identity is a phenomenon which, CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
binoculars in their possession to give them on loan to the
among other things, comprises choices by individuals and
communities that deine aspects like religion, ethnicity and
CONCEPTUAL SHELF HELP Board for issue to officers who cannot otherwise obtain a pair.
The names of all persons who send in binoculars on loan will
personal habits. However, these identities have also been re-
peatedly used by the power elite to serve their own interests.
Positive non- The power of one be registered with a view to the return of their property after
Manipulation and politicisation of cultural symbols relating intervention the war. Persons who are willing to lend binoculars are invited
to these identities has resulted in chaos and destruction. The Economics Sometimes, a dazzling dbut is diicult to live up to to send them to the Officer-in-Charge. Mathematical Instru-
ment Office, 15 Wood Street, Calcutta, where they will be ex-
most glaring example relates to the debasement of the symbol amined with a view to their suitability and if necessary re-
The economic policy adop- Sudipta Datta child: You never really the dead of the entire
of swastika in its uncorrupted form a metaphor for the Sun paired and put into good order.
representing time, good health, and positive energy. ted by Hong Kong under What prompts a writer to understand a person until country across its length
Across the world, markers of cultural identity have aided in- the rule of John J. Cowper- pause after one brilliant you consider things from and breadth, somewhere CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
dividuals and communities in comprehending their interests, thwaite, the citys Finan- book? What makes him or his point of view... until losing her grip.
and forming a perception of themselves and that of the other. cial Secretary from 1961 to her escape into silence? Is you climb into his skin and This is unlike her dbut, DATA POINT
They remain a device for empowerment and inluence as much 1971. It involved opening it the burden of success or walk around in it. that beautifully structured
as they are potent seeds to generate conlict. up the economy to free fear of failure? Then again, While Lee didnt pick story of Rahel-Estha and
market forces, not doling if a second book is indeed up the pen again, that is Ammu-Velutha of the
An organic phenomenon out favours to business written, does it live up to not exactly how Arundhati House of Ayemenem.
While in other countries such as Canada, multiculturalism is a groups, and imposing very the magic of the first? Roy spent the two decades That brings us to an-
recent phenomenon resulting from migration, in India it is or- light regulations. The city It happened with between her first book other dazzling first book
ganic and part of our DNA. Any kind of action to tamper with also adopted a conservat- Harper Lee, who didnt the Booker-winning The and its writer, Invisible
the idea of diversity will only result in conlicts and resistance, ive fiscal and monetary write another novel after God of Small Things and Man by Ralph Ellison. Pub-
and will impede the countrys economic development, which policy to preserve its cur- the spectacular success of her second novel, The Min- lished in 1952, it met with
characterises the aspiration of all Indians today. rency, and allowed the free To Kill a Mockingbird, in istry of Utmost Happiness. instant success. He contin-
Handling cultural diversity is a complex process. Seeing and movement of capital. Posit- 1960, till Go Set a Watch- She wrote non-fiction, ued to write, hoping to
projecting the country as a unidimensional monolith may ive non-intervention is man, which was published more than half a dozen, replicate the success of his
seem to be an easy way out but will be both fruitless and coun- credited with reviving 55 years later. Watchman choosing to fight on behalf dbut novel. In 1967, a fire
terproductive, hindering our peaceful and sustainable devel- Hong Kongs economy and was clearly one of the of the Outsider: the Dalit, at home destroyed his
opment. Diversity is also existent in the very idea of free mar- aiding its transformation drafts of or a prequel to the Adivasi, the Muslim, second manuscript.
kets, especially in the mental make-up of the youth of the from a city of poor immig- Mockingbird, masquerad- the Kashmiri, the farmer He rewrote it, and a
country whose aspirations and impatience to acquire socio- rants, to an international ing now as a second novel. experiences which tell on condensed version, Jun-
economic upward mobility is deined by their sense of entitle- financial hub with one of This when in one of her her second book of fiction. eteenth, published after his
ment to have multiple choices in what they eat, wear and be- the highest standards of last interviews in 1961 be- Among a host of charac- death in 1999, didnt quite
lieve in. The ambition and expectations of Indians are living. fore she became a recluse, ters, she writes the story of live up to the powerful
heightened by the multiple choices available and accessed Lee said she wanted to Anjum, a hijra, a living words of the first, the pro-
through information technology. chronicle small-town, creature that is incapable logue of which set the
The surge in conidence in individuals and communities in middle class southern of happiness, always vul- tone: I am an invisible
todays India has resulted in a reinvention of identities and
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC life. She gave us a peek nerable and on the mar- man... I am a man of sub-
helped them express resistance to the emergent nationalism in into what she would be gins; and Tilo, a woman stance, of flesh and bone,
MORE ON
innovative forms. Their expressions not just make us aware of
the multicultural character of our country but also show that
attempts to monochrome its composition will be a failure.
THE WEB 3 chronicling if she contin-
ued to write. Mockingbird,
which won the Pulitzer
fighter in Kashmir, who
will find a home in a grave-
yard a battered soul
fiber and liquids and I
might even be said to pos-
sess a mind. I am invisible,
Video: How India chooses Prize, talks about race, watched over by battered understand, simply be-
Navina Jafa is vice-president of the Centre for New Perspectives, a think
its President class, justice, relationships angels. Ms. Roy concerns cause people refuse to see
tank on traditional knowledge skills and sustainable development http://bit.ly/Prezelection and a fathers advice to a herself with the living and me....
CM A ND-ND
YK

TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2017
The case for a rate cut

If the RBI wishes to do its bit to boost growth, it must keep its inlation target lexible
need to do. prices may harden. Allowances
This is not quite true. Even if prescribed by the last Pay Commis-
Diplomatic mayhem growth were recovering, it would

be below the output potential of
the economy. We need to aim for
sion could cause the inlation rate
to edge up. And so on.
For a government that is keen to
The Saudi-led bid to isolate Qatar could have higher growth. The case for the RBI push growth, the RBIs position
far-reaching economic-political consequences to cut interest rates in order to sup- does present a problem. A cut in
t.t. ram mohan
port growth does not go away. the policy rate would help repair
T
he dramatic decision by Saudi Arabia, the United But growth is not the primary the balance sheets of banks and
id demonetisation impact mandate of the RBI today. The corporates and reverse the fall in
D
Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen to sus-
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
pend diplomatic ties with Qatar could have far- the economy badly? Observ- primary mandate is keeping inla- the investment rate. It would fur-
ers have been awaiting the tion within a targeted band of 4% ther boost consumption. By check-
reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.
growth igures for the full year, plus or minus 2%. The MPCs inter- ing the appreciation of the rupee
Tensions were brewing within the Gulf Cooperation 2016-17, for a clear answer to the pretation of this mandate has we have seen over the past year, it
Council for the past six years ever since Qatar started question. Well, the igures are out evolved. To start with, the MPC would give a illip to exports.
actively supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, a political now. But the answer is not as clear suggested that it only needed to en-
Islamist movement that the Saudis and their close allies as some would like to believe. ted in aggregate growth but it is re- these larger factors. sure that inlation stayed with the Rupee not a worry
see as a threat to stability in West Asia. In 2014, Saudi Ar- Demonetisation happened on lected in particular sectors that overall band. In February 2017, the Until December 2016, when the
abia, the UAE and Bahrain had temporarily withdrawn November 8, 2016. Observers had bore the brunt of demonetisation. Reserve Bank vs CEA MPC made a signiicant shift: it sig- U.S. Federal Reserve announced
said its efects would be relected in Manufacturing slowed down from So much for the impact of demon- nalled that its inlation target was the irst of many interest rate in-
their ambassadors from Qatar over this. But a suspen-
the igures for growth in the third 8.2% in Q3 to 5.3% in Q4. The etisation. The fact remains that 4%. Where do we stand in relation creases expected in a tightening
sion of diplomatic ties as well as air and sea travel to and quarter of the year (October- growth rate in construction over growth has decelerated over the to this target? cycle, the concern was that any
from Qatar is unprecedented. Saudi Arabia, the UAE December). They were proved the two quarters changed from past year. The policy question is: In his VKRV Rao memorial lec- rate cut by RBI would lower the dif-
and Bahrain on Monday asked Qatari diplomats to leave wrong. Growth held up quite well 3.4% to minus 3.7%. Segments of how should the Reserve Bank of In- ture last month, Mr. Subramanian ference in yields on the rupee and
their countries within 48 hours and Qatari citizens in Q3 compared to that in the previ- the services sector also slowed dia (RBI) respond? Chief Economic argued that the economy has the dollar, cause an exodus of
within 14 days. Saudi Arabia blames Qatar for harbour- ous quarter. down sharply in Q4. The services Adviser (CEA) Arvind Sub- over-achieved on inlation. Con- funds from the Indian markets,
ing a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that Hold on, critics of demonetisa- sector as a whole was rescued by ramanian and the RBI difer on this sumer Price Index (CPI) inlation is and lead to a destabilising fall in
tion said, you will see the efect an acceleration in public adminis- all-important question. well below the RBIs medium tar- the rupee exchange rate. This is
aim to create instability in the region. But such allega-
with a lag in the fourth quarter. It tration, defence and other ser- Mr. Subramanian noted in an get. True core inlation, that is, not such a concern today when for-
tions can be raised against most Gulf countries. It is an would appear they have been vices. article last month that since the inlation minus food, fuel and eign inlows remain strong and the
open secret that both Saudi Arabia and Qatar back their proved right. Growth, measured The diiculty is in disentangling middle of last year (2016) there has transport services, has been falling problem we have is of rupee appre-
proxy militant groups throughout West Asia. Take the by Gross Value Added (GVA), did the efect of demonetisation from been a noticeable deceleration in for the past several months. ciation.
case of Syria, where the Saudis back Salai groups such slow down from 6.7% in Q3 to that of other factors. Merely be- manufacturing activity. He went The central bank, however, is Whichever way you look at it,
as Ahrar al-Sham, while the Qataris bankroll the armed 5.6% in Q4. But if demonetisation cause growth in FY 2016-17 is lower on to argue that there is a strong guided, not by past inlation, but the Indian economy could use a
wing of the Muslim Brotherhood. Both share the same did impact the economy, growth than in 2015-16 or because there case for broad macro policy sup- by inlation expected in the future. rate cut today. However, the RBIs
for the year as a whole should have was a deceleration in Q4 of 2016-17 port, including monetary policy In its monetary policy report of commitment to an inlation target
goal: to overthrow the regime of Bashar al-Assad. In Ye-
been lower than forecast before relative to Q3, we cannot conclude support, to reinvigorate the eco- April 2017, the RBI noted that of 4% renders a rate cut diicult. If
men, Qatar is part of the Saudi-led coalition that has demonetisation. that demonetisation is primarily nomy.(Mint, May 25, 2017.) core inlation (CPI inlation the RBI wishes to do its bit to boost
been bombing the country for over two years. responsible. That is not the line that the RBI minus food and fuel) was sticky. growth, there is only one way out.
It is not immediately clear what drove Riyadh to take Check the timeline In 2015-16, the Indian economy has been taking. The minutes of The RBI said it expected inlation to It must avail of the lexibility it has
this extreme step. Emboldened by President Donald This has not happened. Growth in reaped the beneits of a sharp drop the Monetary Policy Committee average 4.5% in the irst half and 5% been provided under the inlation
Trumps open embrace and anti-Iran agenda, the king- GVA for the year as a whole, at in oil prices and the boost to con- (MPC) meeting of April 20 noted in the second half of 2017-18. mandate. It must return to its initial
dom could be making a renewed attempt to rally Sunni 6.6%, is in line with estimates prior sumption it gave. The Economic that growth in GVA was poised to There is every prospect that in- commitment to the inlation band
to demonetisation. Growth in GDP, Survey of 2014-15 had estimated the rise to 7.4% in 2017-18 from the then lation in 2017-18 will be within the of 4% plus or minus 2% instead of
countries under its leadership against Tehran. Qatar
which is GVA plus net taxes, came potential gain for the next year at 2 estimated level of 6.7% in 2016-17. RBIs 4% target. However, if the RBI being ixated on a 4% target. The al-
has historically played of both sides of the Saudi-Iran in at 7.1% for 2016-17. This is what percentage points of GDP. This Further, in its monetary policy re- does not want to take chances, it ternative would be to squander a
rivalry. Even as it joined the occasional GCC outbursts the Central Statistics Oice (CSO) gain was absent in 2016-17 when oil port, the RBI noted that manufac- can cite several factors that could great opportunity for stepping up
against Tehran, it maintained sound economic and dip- had forecast even before the im- prices stabilised or even rose turing activity had gained mo- cause the 4% inlation target to be growth.
lomatic ties. Qatars ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al pact of demonetisation became slightly. Private investment has mentum in the second half of breached. GST might impact the
Thani, who had a phone conversation with Irans Pres- known. continued to decelerate. 2016-17. The RBI seemed to be say- price level adversely. The climatic
ident Hassan Rouhani last week, is reportedly critical of Some argue that the impact of The fall in GDP growth from 8% ing: growth is recovering of its own factor known as El Nio could dis- T.T. Ram Mohan is a professor at IIM
demonetisation may not be relec- in 2015-16 to 7.1% in 2016-17 relects accord, there isnt much that we rupt food output. Commodity Ahmedabad. E-mail: ttr@iima.ac.in
the Saudi-led eforts to drive up an anti-Iran agenda. It is
to be seen whether Saudi Arabia has overplayed its
hand. If Qatar continues to resist the GCC line, it could
trigger a wider crisis in the region. Qatar is an economic
powerhouse in the Gulf and hosts the headquarters of
the U.S. militarys Central Command. The air war com-
Finessing data collection
mand for the U.S.-led ight against the Islamic State in Despite availability of employment statistics, data gaps need to be plugged
Iraq and Syria is also in Qatar. So any prolonged attempt working and living conditions, the lect additional and improved in- expected to develop their own sys-
to isolate the country would not only have economic need to reduce the time lag formation on labour force. tem of work statistics keeping in
consequences oil prices luctuated soon after the de- between the survey and release of mind its various uses and a na-
cision was announced but also complicate the ight data and the need to conduct The ILO resolution tional data collection strategy. As
against the IS yet more. What West Asia requires is a short-term surveys for quick as- The task force should also take stated in the resolution, labour
united front against terror and lowering of Saudi-Iran sessment of the impact of diferent note of the Resolution by ILO force surveys will be the main
indira hirway policies on employment. A few (2013) on Statistics of Work, Em- source of data for implementing
tensions. Opening new fronts in the rivalry will only
data gaps need to be illed in, such
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
ployment and Labour Underutil- the resolution. They will focus on

destabilise the region further. as the absence of data on district- isation which intends to set new employment and, where relevant,
T
he government has recently level employment for decentral- standards for work statistics to own use production of goods.
set up a task force headed by ised planning, data on circular mi- guide countries in updating and in- Some countries may also include
Maha farm crisis the Vice-Chairman, NITI
Aayog to recommend a methodo-
grant workers; the working and liv-
ing conditions of women labour.
tegrating their existing statistical
programmes in the ield. It deines
unpaid trainee work. Statistics on
other forms of work will be collec-
Reforms that de-risk agriculture are required logy to generate timely and reliable There are two more areas of em- work as any activity performed ted periodically, either as add-on
employment data. ployment statistics that need the net all work performed by people. by persons of any sex and age to modules to a labour force survey or
for a long-term solution to agrarian distress India already has several glob- attention of the task force. They also throw additional light on produce goods or to provide ser- as part of a stand-alone, special
ally respected sources of employ- the characteristics of the work- vices for use by others or for own purpose survey, including a time
A
strike by farmers in Maharashtra continues to af-
ment statistics, which include em- Complementing surveys force-labour force that is not feas- use (this deinition is consistent use survey. A TUS is expected to
fect normal life, despite the State governments ployment and unemployment Time-use surveys (TUS) to comple- ible under labour force surveys. with the concept of General Pro- supplement the labour force data
announcement of an end to the strike last week. surveys (EUS) conducted by the ment labour force surveys: It is This includes the scattered nature duction Boundary under the Sys- to implement the resolution.
The farmers, whose demands include full waiver of National Sample Survey Oice now well accepted that TUS com- of work mainly of informal work- tem of National Accounts). Under Again, a national TUS will have to
farm loans, hikes in the minimum support price for ag- (NSSO) till 2011-12 at an interval of plement the labour force survey in ers, multiple jobs performed by the resolution, there are ive distin- be conducted periodically using
ricultural produce and writing of of pending electricity ive years and annually with a thin two major ways. First, they can re- workers; the time spent on work in guished forms of work. The resolu- sound methods and concepts to
bills, have been on an indeinite strike since June 1. As sample; annual and sub-annual duce, if not eliminate, underestim- hours and minutes (useful in estim- tion has also presented a new la- complement the modiied labour
EUS by the Labour Bureau since ation of the workforce/labour ating underemployment); and bour force status classiication, force survey to implement the res-
the strike nears the end of its irst week, prices of essen-
2011-12; the Census of India con- force, which is known to be a major measuring time stress experienced which includes persons in employ- olution.
tial goods such as milk, fruits and vegetables have risen ducted every 10 years; an Eco- weakness of our employment stat- by workers as relected in their ment, persons in unemployment Finally, the task force should re-
steeply, causing distress to consumers. Some farmer nomic Census conducted for agri- istics. This is because TUS, which total time spent on work as well as and persons outside the labour commend modiications in a man-
groups agreed to call of their strike after Chief Minister cultural (excluding crop collect comprehensive informa- the time spent on simultaneous force all deined slightly difer- ner that comparability with old
Devendra Fadnavis promised that his government production and plantation) or non- tion on how people spend their activities. Our study that has com- ently than earlier. In addition, and new data is maintained the
would waive farm loans of small and marginal farmers agricultural sectors at intervals; time on diferent activities without pared in details the NSSO (1999- there is a brand new concept of la- new data should not be used to
worth about 30,000 crore, increase power subsidies, and other administrative data. missing any activity, are likely to 00) and TUS data (1998-99) on the bour underutilisation, which in- hide the declining rate of growth of
However, with the changing times, capture even scattered, sporadic workforce has shown that a TUS cludes time-related underemploy- employment of recent times. Un-
hike the price for milk procurement, and also set up a
new challenges need to be and irregular informal work of provides valuable additional in- ment, unemployment relecting an less policymakers know what is
State commission to look into the matter of raising the addressed. people. Also, under-reporting of formation on the labour force in In- active job search by persons not in really happening, they will not be
MSP for crops. He also promised that buying agricul- workers due to the biases of invest- dia. employment, and potential labour able to design correct policies.
tural produce below their MSP would soon be made a Filling in data gaps igators or of respondents is not The working group set up for the force, i.e. persons not in employ-
criminal ofence. Other farmer groups, meanwhile, These include the need to collect likely to get in in this system of data 68th EUS has already decided that ment but who are willing to work Indira Hirway is Professor of Economics
have stuck to their demand for a complete farm loan detailed information on informal collection. In addition, data on a TUS should be conducted after an under speciic conditions. and Director, Centre For Development
waiver and continued with their protest. It is notable workers their earnings, and their simultaneous activities are likely to EUS in a staggered manner to col- All countries including India are Alternatives, Ahmedabad
that the protests have come soon after the Uttar Pra-
desh government waived farm loans earlier this year,
setting of similar demands in other States. Yet, while
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
Maharashtras farmers have caught the attention of the

Women in combat as many of us wouldnt have Milk impure Fizzling out excellence and quality to explain what average
government, the focus on quick ixes has pushed aside The Armys move to recruit crossed our childhood The article on the The political hullabaloo over education and where clause in an insurance
the real structural issues behind the crisis. women to combat positions without them. If the media adulteration of milk (Being the use of electronic voting many a bureaucrat and contract is. In the good old
At the root of the crisis is the steep fall in the prices of will open up new vistas for does its research, it will ind page The milk you drink machines amounted to diplomat came from is now days, the marks one scored
agricultural goods. The price slump, signiicantly, has them. Indian women are innumerable stories: of an could be laced with nothing in the end. The in the news due to its were directly proportional
come against the backdrop of a good monsoon that led sure to surmount initial infant in the family which detergents, June 4) is a Election Commission of incompetent State toppers. to the intelligence of the
to a bumper crop. The production of tur dal, for in- hiccups, if any, and excel in grew up on cow or bufalo matter of concern. One only India has exposed the rank This shows the deep student. These days they are
their new and formidable milk as its mother was too hopes that the random milk cowardice of the Opposition maladministration and inversely related. A student
stance, increased ive-fold from last year to over 20 lakh assignments. With more sick or malnourished to feed samples tested in Delhi did parties which did not have mismanagement in schools scoring 50 marks or less
tonnes in 2016-17. Irrespective of price luctuations, women joining the Army in the child or of a sick not include samples any courage to meet the and the quality of means that he/she has tried
MSPs are supposed to enable farmers to sell their pro- multiple ields, there will be grandparent who managed supplied by government-run challenge posed by the ECI education. to understand the basic
duce at remunerative prices. But procurement of crops a welcome cessation of the to survive by depending on dairies. Milk remains the to prove that EVMs can be Arvind Mishra concept, now considered a
gender barrier and cows milk. And then there most vital nutritional food of tampered with. Darbhanga, Bihar crime in present-day
at MSP by the government has traditionally been low for
most crops, except a few staples such as rice and wheat. attendant mental blocks. I are the bulls that help a the nation, especially for The parties which have been education. Education
envision the day when a farmer till the land, haul growing children, and there defeated at the hustings Tamil Nadus toppers are should instil discipline and
This has forced distressed farmers to sell their produce
bold and accomplished loads and help a family raise can be no compromise on its should now analyse the no better than their Bihar humaneness in students
at much lower prices, adding to their debt burden. Not woman will don the mantle some income. purity and safety standards. causes for their political counterparts. I usually which are sadly missing
surprisingly, the whole system of agricultural market- of Army chief and come out City dwellers and some in The government must setback and leave the ECI check those students who now.
ing has led farmers to feel cheated, and it was only a with lying colours. the media can scof at this as conduct nationwide sample and EVMs alone. They score stunning centums in A. Ravi,
Chennai
matter of time before they organised themselves to P.K. Varadarajan, much as they want, but tests at all milk producing should look for reasons why commerce subjects. I once
Chennai there are many of us who units in coordination with they have strategic had a postgraduate in
protest. Going forward, any long-term, wide-scale pro- more letters online:
curement of crops at MSPs looks unlikely; even a one- are grateful to this animal the Food Safety and deiciencies and a commerce who was unable www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
time full loan waiver is considered unrealistic by the

Be humane which has done so much for Standards Authority of India bankruptcy of ideologies.
The media is bursting with many a family. So please and the respective State B.S. Jayaraman, corrections & clarifications:
Chief Minister, given the States inances. The possible reports on curbs on cow think and show some mercy governments. In an Coimbatore A news report headlined CSIR faces fund crunch, asks labs to
ban on buying produce below the MSP would just slaughter. There are news towards these poor animals environment where we are look outside ( June 4, 2017) erroneously expanded CSIR as the
worsen the crisis by making it hard for farmers to sell reports of a bizarre food which make our lives better. already being slow poisoned Schooling in Bihar Council for Scientiic and Industrial Research. It should have been
the Council of Scientiic and Industrial Research.
their produce even at the market price. The only long- fest at a premier It is unfortunate that many by air and water pollution, It is painful and
educational institution in of these animals sufer by chemicals in vegetables and disappointing to read about Misspelling: The blurb that accompanied the story headlined
term solution is to gradually align crop production with Two dance forms, and a story of friendship across the Palk
genuine price signals, while moving ahead with reforms Chennai and the killing of a eating plastic, foraging in food items, adulterated milk the Bihar topper scam Straits ( June 4, 2017, World) got the spelling of Sri Lankas
bull in Kerala in public view. garbage and sufering should not be allowed to (Headmistress, two others Kandyan dance wrong. It had been misspelt as Kandiyan.
to de-risk agriculture, especially by increasing the crop
All this is heartbreaking. For oxytocin injections to yield sneak in as an additional held in topper scam, June 5
insurance cover. Expediting steps to reform the Agricul- many of us from the villages, more milk. Why add to their toxin. There needs to be and Bihar Inter topper It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
the edition (place of publication), date and page. The Readers Editors office can be
tural Produce Market Committee system and introduce we ind this to be shocking misery by slaughtering another pure and healthy held, June 3). It is tragic contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
the model contract farming law would go a long way to because a cow or a bufalo is them? white revolution. that a State which is home to Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
free farmers from MSP-driven crop planning. valued as a treasure. These Jagannatham Jamalla, A. Mohan, Nalanda University once All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
animals represent survival Chennai Chennai considered the centre of visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

The President should be a voice A passage through Europe

for sanity and fairness While talking trade and terrorism, the Prime Minister also
presented India as a defender of the global order
A strong President can inspire us to stand up for all sections of the people, says Amartya Sen
K. Venkataramanan a federal character. Doesnt this place
an onus on the President to defend
The President of India has an elevated the rights of States? In practice,
standing as head of the Republic, and Presidents are often asked to endorse Harsh V. Pant
should be a voice for sanity and fair- decisions adverse to State
ness, says Amartya Sen, Nobel laur- governments: for instance,
eate and economist. In the run-up to imposition of Article 356 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in
the presidential election, he answered appointment of Governors without Europe last week to galvanise Indias ties
questions via email on the role of the consulting Chief Ministers. What with key European powers as well as to keep
President in a secular and federal should the role of the President be in the momentum of his past visit to Europe go-
democracy. An enlightened President such situations? ing. In what has now become his signature terror problem primarily through the lens of
has many things to do, but being a style, he touched upon key aspects of Indian Kashmir, there is now a greater understand-
rubber stamp is not one of them, he You are absolutely right that the foreign policy interests pertaining to each of ing of the changing nature of the terror
says. Excerpts from the interview: President of India has a natural role the four nations Germany, Russia, Spain threat and how certain states abet the pro-
in ensuring Indias constitutional fed- and France. Despite Europes inward-looking cess of radicalisation. This has provided Mr.
President Pranab Mukherjees term eralism. When dictates of the Centre foreign policy orientation at the moment, Modi with an opportunity to develop greater
ends soon. Given that the President run counter to the legitimate rights several aspects of Mr. Modis visit stand out synergies with Europe in tackling this
has only a formal, titular role, is it and the traditional spheres of the which will help India over the long term. problem.
better to look for a candidate outside States, the President certainly has a This is also a time when Europe is con-
GETTY IMAGES
the realm of active politics? Is protective role that cannot be obliter- Trade, ties and terrorism cerned about its own future under the on-
opening up the position for writers, ated by the commands of the Centre. The focus of the visit was clearly on boosting slaught of Britains impending exit from the
artists, public intellectuals and so on It would be absurd for the President trade and economic ties with Europe. Mr. European Union and Americas flirtation
more desirable? to be guided only by the orders of the Modis unabashed selling of India as an in- with retrenchment under President Donald
Centre when the Centre is itself an vestment destination is the most striking as- Trump. German Chancellor Angela Merkel
The President of India has an There are indeed serious reasons Accountants need rubber stamps interested party. pect of his outreach to the West. One of the gave vent to these concerns when she sug-
enormously important role in the for concerns and apprehensions a country does not. The President most important roles that leaders of major gested that the times when we could com-
leadership of the country. This is not right now, based on observing the vi- not only has to exercise his or her What qualities should a President economies are expected to play in todays pletely rely on others are, to an extent,
only because of the particularly as- olations of human rights and of tradi- own judgment, and to recognise that have? day and age is that of a salesman. And Mr. over.
signed duties of the President in spe- tional protections that are going on within the provisions of the Indian Modi is a salesman par excellence. Pledging
cial circumstances, as in a political in the country. The targeted victims Constitution, he or she has a much The election of a President in- a stable and transparent tax regime, he has Partners for the future
crisis of governance, but also become typically from vulnerable sec- bigger role than simply rubber- volves practical politics, but there been busy wooing global investors, arguing European powers now want to hunker down
cause of the elevated standing of the tions of the society from minority stamping decisions taken by others. are issues that go well beyond that. that development is not a mere political and are looking for new partners. China is
head of the Republic in motivating communities (particularly the poorer A President can be quite tough and In building our future, we have to be agenda but an article of faith for his gov- well-positioned to take advantage of this
and inspiring the secular democracy Muslims), Dalits and tribal people. ultimately effective in asking the careful not to shed the strength we ernment. In Germany, he addressed the shift, given its economic heft. But European
of India, guided by the Constitution. The President has potentially a government to reconsider its priorit- have got from our past. Ra- Indo-German Business Forum while in liberal values sit uneasily with Chinese au-
While a number of statesmen and hugely important role in insisting on ies, especially when rights and fair bindranath Tagore wanted us to fight Spain, he exhorted CEOs of leading Spanish thoritarian capitalism. India as a democratic
politicians have played that role with fair treatment of all the people in the treatment of countrymen are for freedom for all, with reason and companies to participate in initiatives like rising power needs to position itself accord-
distinction, going back to Rajendra country and the immediate stopping threatened, and also to take an- determination. Mahatma Gandhi Make in India. To the Russian defence in- ingly, and Mr. Modi was doing just that in
Prasad (the first President of India), of what The New York Times has other area of serious transgressions taught India the importance of pub- dustry he sold the governments new policy Europe: presenting a subtle counter-narrat-
leaders of thought from other walks alarmingly described, in its widely- when education, science and free- lic protest whenever we face inequit- of allowing Indian companies to manufac- ive to Chinas rise.
of life including Sarvepalli read lead editorial of the day, vigil- dom of thought are undermined. ies and unfair treatment of vulner- ture defence equipment with foreign Towards this end, India under Mr. Modi
Radhakrishnan, Zakir Husain, and ante justice in India. The recogni- There were very illuminating and able people (by the way, among the players. wants to present itself as a defender of the
K.R. Narayanan (among others) tion that Indias image as a successful quite long discussions in the Con- names suggested in the papers, Go- The other issue which took centre stage global order: an order that has benefited In-
have also, by their prominent pres- democratic country has dramatically stituent Assembly on why certain palkrishna Gandhi, the Mahatmas during Mr. Modis tour was terrorism. dia but is now under threat from Mr.
ence and stature, helped to lead In- declined across the world may be a provisions and articulations were ne- grandson, would be an excellent Europe has been hit by a spate of terror at- Trumps isolationist tendencies and Chinas
dia to remain faithful to itself re- minor concern (even though it does cessary to stop the continuation of standard-bearer, given his know- tacks over the last two years, and the attacks growing assertiveness. Describing the Paris
minding the country of the vision of worry many Indians, and should old injustices and the avoidance of ledge, experience and wisdom). The in Britain have further underscored the agreement as a collective asset of the
fairness that gave birth to democratic have worried the Government of In- new inequities. That background is President of India should fit into this enormity of the challenge facing the contin- world, Mr. Modi assured the world during a
and secular India after its long and dia as well), but the violations and extremely important in interpreting broad, non-sectarian picture, in- ent. In Russia, he urged the global com- joint news conference with French President
hard fight for independence. wrongdoings themselves have reason not only the nastiness of what are inspired by the history of our fearless munity to block funding, weapons and com- Emmanuel Macron, The protection of the
to agitate all fair-minded people in creasingly becoming the new rules of and shared movement for independ- munication modes of terrorists and to rise environment and the mother planet is an
At a time when sections of society are India, whether they are themselves governance in India, but also for the ence (a history that some leading above the good terrorism/bad terrorism article of faith. He wants to project India as
apprehensive about the secular targeted or not. The President can be determination to pursue equity to politicians in India seem to have for- binary. a responsible global power interested in pre-
credentials of the government at the not only the face of India, but also a which the Indian Constitution made gotten). Within his or her constitu- Against the backdrop of growing concerns serving the extant order.
Centre and there is criticism from great voice for sanity and fairness. such an important contribution. An tional as well as evocative roles, a in India about Moscows growing gravitation Mr. Modis outreach, sustained over the
abroad that religious freedom is enlightened and strong President strong President can make a major towards Pakistan, Russian President Vladi- last three years, has injected much-needed
under threat, what should be the role What sort of candidate would you will have many things to do being a contribution in inspiring us to stand mir Putin admitted that India is facing a seri- pragmatism in a relationship which was
of the President in guiding the endorse? Will you prefer someone rubber stamp is not one of them. up for fairness for all sections of the ous problem due to the threat of terrorism adrift for quite some time. Now the prover-
government and its policy? Should with an independent mind, someone people. If we do not ask anything and that the situation is not an imaginary bial ball is in Europes court.
the President be activist by nature, or who will not be a rubber stamp, or Given that the electoral college for from our President except being a thing. Terrorism was also a common theme
confine herself to the customary, someone who will take a strict, electing the President of India is rubber stamp, we are very likely to in Mr. Modis discussions with the German, Harsh V. Pant is distinguished fellow at the Observer
constitutional role as a titular head of constructionist view of the drawn partly from the State get nothing more than a decorated Spanish and French leaderships. Unlike in Research Foundation, New Delhi, and professor at
state? Constitution and abide by its letter? Assemblies, the Presidents office has rubber stamp. the past when Europe used to look at Indias Kings College London

Undemocratic and Bitter ighting between Israel, Arab States
majoritarian Heavy fighting on land and air broke out between Israel and
the United Arab Republic today [ June 5] and spread from Is-
raels southern Negev desert to the holy city of Jerusalem.
Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia hurried into the fray, and
The attempted ban on cow slaughter is the Israeli Government ordered general mobilisation. Israel
and the U.A.R. each charged the other with starting the war
part of the BJPs divisive agenda after three weeks of mounting tension. Cairo Radio called on
N.G.R. Prasad
the Arab forces to attack, destroy and liberate Palestine.
Cairo said Israel had started the war by launching ground
It is generating so much heat and air attacks early to-day [ June 5]. It said Israels air strikes
and so little light. It may be use- were launched on several U.A.R. military airfields and in the
ful to refer to a hilarious story Suez Canal area, and on an airbase in the Cairo area.
in R.K. Narayans book My
Dateless Diary in which he A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 6, 1917
refers to a young orthodox In-
dian, a Gandhian, who goes for Mr. Gandhis mission.
study to the U.S. and inds him-
self in a situation where he has The Pioneer publishes a letter from Mr. Irwin, Manager of
CLKER.COM
to take to beef-eating. He an important factory in Motihari, giving the history of Mr.

writes to his mentor that this Gandhis recent proceedings in Behar. After describing incid-
would solve our countrys en- ents up to the fire in the Tarkunhu outwork, Mr. Irwin says:
tire food problem and we need CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Naturally his arrival in Bettiah sub-division was objected to by
not then go to America begging for wheat. The young Indian both planters and officials and the former sent a deputation to
goes to the extent of suggesting to his mentor that beef-eating CONCEPTUAL ABSTRACT Ranchi to try to get the Government to put an end to or at any
should be made a national duty. The mentor feels sorry that rate, keep under some control, Mr. Gandhis activities. This
the student has completely lost touch with the Indian realities. Rentier state Taming the inlation monster resulted in the local officials and Mr. Gandhi being summoned
by wire to attend the conference in Bankipore, which ended in
The author concludes that probably suggesting the eating of Political Science
beef may not sound abnormal in most parts of the world but in Mr. Gandhis being permitted to return and continue his do-
India where the cow is a sacred object and beef cannot be A government that derives Looking back at a suggestion on stripping governments ings now more uncontrolled than ever, and clothed, to the
eaten, no rationalisation is even possible on this subject. its revenues predomin- of their monopoly over the supply of money raiyats mind, in garments of recognition and approval by the
Government.
antly from the sale of valu-
Not in the Constitution able resources it owns to Prashanth Perumal cisions of the central CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
However, the question of the proposed ban on cow slaughter clients in other countries. Inflation affects everyone. bank, and thus over the
cannot be decided on the basis of a majority section of the The idea was first pro- As prices rise, an individu- supply of money too. DATA POINT
Hindu community holding it as a sacred animal. Article 48 of posed by Iranian econom- als ability to afford goods Choice in Currency: A
the Constitution is a pivotal section here. It does not ban ist Hossein Mahdavy in diminishes unless his in- Way to Stop Inflation, a
slaughter of cows which have become useless. In order to pro- 1970. Saudi Arabias gov- come increases propor- 1976 essay by Austrian
tect and promote the cattle wealth of the country, it only says ernment, which earns al- tionately. Yet, it has be- economist Friedrich A.
that the state shall endeavour to prohibit the slaughter of the most all revenue by selling come so common to see Hayek, offered a more
cows and calves and other milch and drought cattle. In 1958, its oil to the rest of the prices rise over time that novel solution to the chal-
the Supreme Court in the Mohd. Hanif Quareshi case (AIR 1958 world, is a good example inflation is consider nor- as its primary currency lenge of controlling the
SC731) had struck the right note when it said that cattle feed of a rentier state. Some so- mal, and even harmless. prior to the 20th century, money supply. Hayek pro-
shall not be wasted on useless cattle as it would afect the nutri- cial scientists have argued In fact, most economists both money supply and posed that governments
tion of the useful ones. But unfortunately, in recent times, in a that rentier states are un- today agree that a moder- prices showed remarkable be stripped of their mono-
case from Gujarat reported in 2005 (8) SCC 534, the Supreme likely to be accountable to ate price inflation is a sign stability. poly privilege to supply
Court brought in the idea of cows and bullocks being wor- their citizens as they are of a healthy economy with money. Instead, private
shipped by Hindus as justiication of a ban on cow slaughter. not dependent on tax rev- sufficient demand to keep Reckless spending companies should be al-
The attempted ban is part of a divisive agenda of the major- enues for their survival. everyone employed. To rein in the supply of lowed to offer their own
ity party to consolidate itself on grounds which are constitu- This can lead them to be The most common money, economists at the money in the market, thus
tionally not permissible. These are social fault lines which are more tyrannical than cause of inflation is the in- Chicago School favoured competing with money is-
dogging us. Sensing such tendencies, Parliament thought it other governments. crease in the total money the adoption of a rules- sued by governments.
appropriate to introduce Chapter 51A, outlining the Funda- supply in the economy. based monetary policy This, Hayek argued,
mental Duties, through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. One Inflation is always and that mandated central would discipline govern-
of the important duties is to develop a scientiic temper, hu- everywhere a monetary banks to maintain a stable ments that create money
manism and a spirit of inquiry and reform. Can it ever be said phenomenon, economist rate of inflation. Such a in a reckless manner, as
that a ban on slaughter of old cattle conforms to this mandate? Milton Friedman famously policy was supposed to tie citizens can freely switch
Issues like a ban on cow slaughter and ghar wapsi are not CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC said to emphasise the in- the hands of spendthrift to alternative currencies
harmless acts. They are a part of the cultural agenda of the ma- fluence of money supply governments that hoped that offered better value.
MORE ON
3
jority party. A ban on slaughter, if carried to its logical extent, on prices. But what ex- to fund their expenses by In this context, it is worth
will be dangerous and create a state within a state. It will not THE WEB plains the almost-unstop- recklessly creating new noting that metals like
only be undemocratic but also seditious. The Constitution pable increase in the money. However, history gold already act as altern-
calls for a more tolerant and pluralistic approach. Explainer: Why did Saudi money supply in modern suggests that governments ative currencies that cit-
Arabia cut ties with Qatar? economies? After all, invariably exert political izens demand during
N.G.R. Prasad is an advocate at the Madras High Court http://bit.ly/UAEandQatar when the world used gold influence over the de- times of high inflation.
CM A ND-ND
YK
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2017

THE HINDU
Expensive, hazardous and inequitable

The governments recent approval to ten new nuclear reactors deserves to be carefully appraised
odology that consistently incor- aster can contaminate large tracts
porates the time value of capital of land with radioactive materials,
were to be used to establish tarifs. rendering these areas uninhabit-
In a new orbit While announcing its decision,
the government claimed that these
able for decades. More than 30
years after the accident at
ISRO lifts India into the elite group capable of plants would generate more than Chernobyl, about 650,000 acres
33,400 jobs in direct and indirect are still excluded from
putting heavier satellites into a precise orbit suvrat raju & m.v. ramana employment. But this number inhabitation.
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
ceases to be impressive when
T
he Indian Space Research Organisation has
y all accounts, nuclear power viewed in the context of the The peoples concerns
crossed a signiicant milestone with the success-
ful developmental light of the countrys heaviest
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, the GSLV
B has had a bad year. In March,
Westinghouse, the largest his-
toric builder of nuclear power
planned capital expenditure of
70,000 crore. The relevant factor
in assessing the employment op-
Local communities are keenly
aware of the hazardous nature of
nuclear power. Since the 1980s,
Mark-III. This is the irst time a satellite weighing over plants in the world, declared bank- portunities provided by a project is every new site chosen for a nuclear
3.1 tonnes has been launched from India to reach the ruptcy, creating a major inancial not just the total number of jobs plant has been greeted with a
geostationary orbit about 36,000 km from Earth. The crisis for its parent company, look at the credibility of those suggested by the governments produced but the ratio of the jobs protest movement. Sometimes,
Toshiba. The French nuclear sup- members of the nuclear establish- press release on its decision, and produced to the capital invested. these movements have succeeded
Mk-III can launch satellites weighing up to four tonnes,
plier, Areva, went bankrupt a few ment who advocated these deals using the pattern of expenditure A widely cited study by three in forcing the cancellation of plans,
which almost doubles Indias current launch capacity. months earlier and is now in the for a decade, but for a compre- seen at Rawatbhata and Kakrapar, analysts from the University of including at two sites in Kerala and
With communication satellites becoming heavier (up to midst of a restructuring that will hensive re-evaluation of the role of a rough estimate suggests that the California, Berkeley, found that one site in West Bengal. More re-
six tonnes), the capability for larger payloads is vital. cost French taxpayers about 10 nuclear power in the countrys en- cost of electricity during the irst nuclear power created only 0.14 cently, the plan to establish a plant
This can be done by switching over to electric propul- billion. Its reactor business is being ergy mix. year of operations at these reactors job-years per gigawatt-hour of elec- near Patiala seems to have been
sion for orbit rising and to keep the satellite in the right taken over by a clutch of compan- Therefore, the governments re- is likely to be around 6 per unit at tricity produced. In contrast, solar dropped.
position and orientation in the orbit through its lifetime ies, including the public sector cent decision to approve the concurrent prices. The Central Electri- photovoltaic sources were more Other communities have been
lectricit de France, which is it- struction of ten 700 MW Pressur- city Regulatory Commissions pub- than six times as labour intensive, less lucky. In some proposed sites,
(that is, station keeping). The switch-over would reduce
self in poor inancial health. In ised Heavy Water Reactors lished tarifs show that almost all creating about 0.87 job-years per such as Fatehabad (Haryana), the
the weight of the vehicle as it can do away with nearly May, the U.S. Energy Information (PHWRs) deserves to be scrutin- currently operating Indian coal, gigawatt-hour of electricity. Since government has succeeded in us-
two tonnes of propellants and carry heavier satellites. Administration announced that it ised carefully. Strictly speaking, natural gas and hydroelectric solar energy is cheaper, this coming inancial incentives to counter
Towards this end, ISRO has started testing electric expects the share of nuclear elec- there is little that is new in this de- power plants produce cheaper parison is even more unfavourable opposition to nuclear construc-
propulsion in a small way; the South Asia Satellite tricity in the U.S. to decline from cision. A list of all the sites where electricity. to nuclear power when viewed in tion, in essence exploiting the eco-
(GSAT-9) that was launched last month used electric about 20% in 2016 to 11% by 2050. the PHWRs are to be constructed Even prices for solar power have terms of jobs created per rupee nomic vulnerability of the local
propulsion for station keeping. On Monday, an indigen- The newly elected Presidents of had already been provided to Par- dropped below those of nuclear spent. population. But protests continue
Korea and France have both prom- liament by the United Progressive power. For example, the winning at other sites, such as Chutka (Mad-
ously developed lithium-ion battery was used for the
ised to cut the share of nuclear en- Alliance government in 2012. But bid at the auction for the Bhadla Bad it for climate change hya Pradesh). The sad irony in
irst time to power the satellite. Another key achieve- ergy in their countries. And the delays with the irst 700 MW Phase-IV Solar Park in Rajasthan The government also argued that Chutka is that some of the afected
ment is the use of an indigenously developed cryogenic Swiss just voted to phase out nuc- PHWRs already under construc- held last month was 2.44 per unit, these reactors would bolster people were previously displaced
stage, which uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen; lear power. tion, the changed international which is ixed for 25 years. This is global eforts to combat climate by the Bargi dam, and are now be-
the 2010 GSLV launch using an indigenous cryogenic Both Areva and Westinghouse scenario for nuclear energy, and not an isolated example, but part change. While climate change is ing asked to move a second time.
stage ended in failure. It can now be said without hesita- had entered into agreements with the ongoing reductions in the cost of a trend of falling prices in the re- indeed a grave problem, it is not Their plight typiies the social dy-
tion that India belongs to the elite club of countries that the Indian government to develop of renewable energy all imply that newable sector. the only environmental problem namics associated with nuclear
nuclear plants. Areva had prom- these earlier plans are best In fact, the governments tarif confronting us. Nuclear power power. The risks and costs are
have mastered cryogenic technology. In the December
ised to build the worlds largest abandoned. model makes nuclear power ap- poses its own set of threats to the borne overwhelmingly by poor
2014 experimental light of the GSLV Mk-III, a passive nuclear complex at Jaitapur (Maha- pear more competitive than it environment and public health, rural communities, who consume
cryogenic stage was used. Though the cryogenic stage rashtra), while last June, Prime It doesnt come cheap really is. The capital invested in and is therefore an inappropriate only a tiny fraction of the electri-
was not meant to be ignited, the launch provided in- Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. First, although the 700 MW any plant yields no returns while tool to mitigate climate change. city that is generated.
valuable data on aerodynamic behaviour of the vehicle. President Barack Obama an- PHWRs are cheaper than imported the plant is being constructed. At All nuclear reactors produce ra- The government claims that its
The Mark-III will be operational with the success of nounced, with great fanfare, that reactors, their electricity is likely the end of construction, the gov- dioactive waste materials because recent decision displays Indias
one more developmental light, which is set to take Westinghouse would build six re- to be costly. These reactors are ernment ixes a tarif by calculating each ission event involving nuclei commitment to sustainable devel-
actors at Kovvada (Andhra Pra- commercially untested, since the a rate of return on the nominal of uranium or plutonium gives rise opment. But does the path to sus-
place within a year. This will make India self-reliant in
desh). The collapse of these com- largest PHWRs constructed so far amount of capital invested, disreg- to radioactive elements called is- tainable development run through
launching heavier satellites, bringing down costs sub- panies vindicates critics of these in India are the 540 MW twin units arding the value this amount could sion products. Some of these re- a source of electricity that is ex-
stantially. Till now, heavier communication satellites deals, who consistently pointed at Tarapur. There are two 700 MW have accumulated during this idle main radioactive for hundreds of pensive, hazardous and antithet-
have been launched on Europes Ariane rockets; in fact, out that Indias agreements with PHWRs under construction at time. As a result, the efective rate thousands of years. Despite dec- ical to equity?
ISRO will soon be using Ariane rockets to launch two of Areva and Westinghouse were isc- Rawatbhata (Rajasthan) and Kakra- of return on equity invested in nuc- ades of research, nuclear waste re-
its heavier satellites. But as has been the case with ally irresponsible. If these projects par (Gujarat), but these have been lear energy is signiicantly lower mains an unavoidable long-term
Suvrat Raju and M.V. Ramana are
had gone ahead, Indian taxpayers delayed by over two years, and the than the rate of return provided by problem for the environment.
lighter satellites, it is likely that other countries will physicists associated with the Coalition
would have been left holding the government has not revealed the other sources of electricity that Nuclear reactors are also cap- for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace, and
soon turn to ISRO for the launch of heavier satellites at a bag billions of dollars of debt, resultant cost increases. have shorter gestation periods. able of catastrophic accidents, as currently based in Bengaluru and
lower cost. With fewer propulsion stages and, there- and incomplete projects. This nar- Nevertheless, assuming a cap- Nuclear power would be even less witnessed in Fukushima and Princeton, respectively. The views
fore, control systems, the Mk-III is far more reliable row escape calls not only for a hard ital cost of 10 crore per megawatt, economically attractive if a meth- Chernobyl. A single nuclear dis- expressed are personal
than the GSLV and the PSLV. Combined with its ability
The art of the free trade agreement

to carry eight to 10 tonnes into a low Earth orbit, the Mk-
III can be considered for human-rating certiication (to
transport humans) once some design changes are
made. Compared with the two-member crew capacity
of the GSLV, the Mk-III can carry three astronauts and A European Court of Justice ruling will have bearing on India-EU pacts
have more space to carry out experiments. The next de-
intellectual property and invest- this option is not feasible because tion. The MIC system will bring in
velopmental light, therefore, will be crucial.
ment protection including the in- all EU member countries might not tenured-judges with expertise in
vestor-state dispute settlement ratify such an FTA. Third, it could international investment law (IIL)
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
(ISDS) mechanism. The ISDS provi- negotiate the main FTA without an unlike the party-appointed arbit-
sion in the EU-Singapore FTA gives ISDS provision but make ISDS pro- rators, many of whom are not ex-
Theresa may not? prabhash ranjan

investors a choice between bring-
ing a dispute against a host state be-
visions a subject matter of an op-
tional protocol provided this is per-
perts in IIL; usher in transparency
in the ISDS system; introduce an
fore the national court of the coun- mitted under EU law. The optional appellate mechanism to correct er-
The Prime Minister may have erred in turning try where the investment has been protocol could theoretically bind rors of law made by tribunals of
D
the election into a presidential-style contest uring their recent meeting made and submitting the dispute would be resolved using the state- the EUs partner country and only irst instance, which is missing in
in Germany, Prime Minister to international arbitration. The state dispute settlement (SSDS) those EU member countries that the current ISDS system. Third,
U
nder the looming shadow of exit negotiations Narendra Modi and German European Commission and the EU mechanism. Given Indias protec- ratify it and thus give their consent pending the creation of the MIC,
with the European Union, British Prime Minis- Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed member states disagreed as to who tionist stand on BITs and ISDS, as to the removal of investor-state dis- will India accept the creation of a
ter Theresa May had good reason to call a snap on the need to resume India- had the competence to ratify the relected in the 2016 Model BIT, In- putes from their jurisdiction. bilateral investment court system
European Union (EU) free trade FTA. The ECJ decided that EU had dia might be happy with this out- with tribunal members being ap-
general election on June 8. By putting her faith in the
agreement (FTA) talks. These ne- the exclusive competence over al- come. However, it is unlikely that Challenges for India pointed for a ive-year period and
hands of the voters, she sought a strong, unequivocal gotiations, covering trade, invest- most all aspects of the FTA barring the EU would totally abandon the Assuming the EU exercises the with an appellate mechanism? The
mandate to take the ight to Brussels. In April, opinion ment protection and intellectual non-direct foreign investment ISDS system. Its FTA-text with third option and tailors the ISDS method of dispute resolution in
polls suggested that she might even match the majorit- property, have remained dead- also known as portfolio investment Singapore and also the recently optional protocol on the lines of the Indian Model BIT is based on ad
ies of former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and locked since 2013. and the ISDS mechanism. In signed EU-Canada FTA reveals the the EU-Canada FTA, India will have hoc arbitration through party-ap-
Tony Blair, of 144 in 1983 and 179 in 1997, respectively, in The recent and hasty unilateral other words, for agreements con- EUs preference for ISDS. Though, to think about its ISDS negotiating pointed arbitrators though the
the 650-seat House of Commons. Yet that dream ap- termination of bilateral investment taining non-direct foreign invest- one major change is that the EU, in strategy carefully on three fronts. possibility of creating an appellate
treaties (BITs) by India with many ment and/or ISDS provisions, EU its FTA with Canada, has moved First, will India accept allowing for- mechanism is recognised.
pears to be crumbling as the race has gradually
EU member countries including member states enjoy mixed com- away from arbitration to a bilateral eign investors to submit cases to in- India should use the ECJ de-
tightened, with multiple terror incidents, including the Germany has complicated things petence to approve such treaties. investment court system to settle ternational tribunals without irst cision to rethink the best way of ap-
Manchester bombing and the London Bridge attack, further, leaving many European The court held that since the ISDS investor-state disputes. Under this resorting to domestic courts? The proaching the ISDS, such as
further muddying her prospects. The initial 20-plus businesses worried about invest- provision allowed the removal of system, both countries nominate a 2016 Indian Model BIT requires a whether it should move forward
points lead held by the Tories when the election was an- ment protection in India. As India the disputes from the jurisdiction roster of 15 tribunal members for a foreign investor to litigate in na- with the option of negotiating for a
nounced in April has withered into a mere ive points, prepares to resume FTA negoti- of the courts of an EU member ive-year period, and three mem- tional courts for at least ive years MIC. As a democracy based on the
according to an Ipsos MORI poll. A YouGov poll, an out- ations on all issues including in- state, it could not be done without bers shall be randomly selected to before approaching an interna- rule of law, India should actively
vestment protection, a recent land- the consent of the member states. serve on one tribunal. In addition tional tribunal. Second, is India engage with the EU as part of its
lier, projected the Tories losing 20 seats Ms. Mays out- mark decision by the European This decision will impact the to this, an appellate tribunal will be prepared to accept the proposal of FTA negotiations, towards creating
going government enjoyed a 17-seat working majority. Court of Justice (ECJ) the highest EUs ongoing FTA negotiations, in- established to review tribunal de- setting up a MIC and submit to the a robust and transparent interna-
Other models, however, show her winning a sizeable court in the EU in matters of EU law cluding with India. As Anthea cisions. Not just this, the EU is also jurisdiction of such a court? This tional judicial system like the MIC
majority, in some cases by as much as 142 seats. These which has not attracted much at- Roberts of the Australian National keen to set up a multilateral invest- would mean that all BIT disputes that would protect foreign invest-
variations in poll projections must, however, be contention assumes importance. University has argued, to honour ment court (MIC) with an appellate would be settled by the MIC and ment from states regulatory
sidered alongside the recent setbacks endured by the the ruling, the EU might consider mechanism as relected in Article not through ad hoc arbitration as abuse.
The ISDS mechanism diferent options. First, it could de- 8.29 of the EU-Canada FTA. India currently proposes in its
U.K. polling industry, which in some measure failed to
The European Commission negoti- cide to jettison the ISDS clauses in Second, the EU could negotiate Model BIT. There is a lot of merit in Prabhash Ranjan is an Assistant
read the tea leaves correctly for the 2015 general elec- ated an FTA with Singapore from all its future FTAs. In other words, an FTA with ISDS provisions sub- developing an MIC because it will Professor of Law at South Asian
tion and the 2016 Brexit referendum. 2010 to 2013 covering a wide range it may negotiate FTAs where dis- ject to the treaty being approved by help ight the vices of current ISDS University. The views expressed are
Nonetheless, the state of national politics may ofer of issues such as tarif reductions, putes between investors and states all EU member states. However, system based on ad hoc arbitra- personal
the Conservative leadership fewer reasons to feel san-
guine. Prime Minister May miscalculated in framing the LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
race as a presidential-style contest against Labour
leader Jeremy Corbyn. This not only opened the win- Launch by launch mayhem, June 6). As the Muslim world in the power operationalise. Is the raid a supported by any study. the focus is on achieving
dow of opportunity to him to stage a comeback, but also The Indian Space Research world has started moving to struggle in West Asia than result of refusing to act as There have been instances ixed targets without proper
brought a host of domestic policy issues on to the table Organisation is doing a use natural gas, a much about isolating a nation the one of the governments where peoples entitlements evaluation. Three years is a
for voters to dissect and criticise. Indeed, according to commendable job and is cleaner fuel than oil, Qatar aiding terrorism. India has cheerleaders? The CBIs have been stopped for fairly good enough time to
some polls Mr. Corbyn is only a few points shy of Ms. slowly but surely proving has the potential to reap this wisely distanced itself from action is an unmitigated non-construction of toilets. deliver on promises made
Mays net favourability rating, and has gained even that in terms of space opportunity. Other than the stand-of. attack on the independence There is also haste in but distress in the
technology, India is on a par Iran and Russia, Qatar is the S. Vasudevan, of the media. declaring gram panchayats countryside, poor growth in
more traction by critiquing her governments cut of
with any other developed only other country known Chennai S.K. Choudhury, open defecation free manufacturing and lower
20,000 police oicers at a time when the U.K. has been nation (India successfully to have signiicant reserves Bengaluru without even examining the job creation are all causes
vulnerable to the sort of terror attacks witnessed in re- ires heaviest launch of natural gas. The rift is yet CBI raid quality of construction of for concern.
cent weeks. Similarly, Ms. Mays campaign has taken a vehicle, June 6). Its role in another instance of the U.S. It is perplexing that when the Three years in power toilets built. In the case of Kush Mehndiratta,
making India a cost- meddling in the afairs of banking sector has been Too much is being talked drinking water, LPG New Delhi
beating from the awkward backtrack on what has been
dubbed the dementia tax, a proposal whereby care efective and reliable the Middle East in order to crippled by unpaid loans about in the article, cylinder supply and more letters online:
for an elderly person would be paid for by the sale of his partner in heavy satellite secure its fossil fuel supplies disbursed to industrialists Accounting for three good electriication in rural areas, www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
launching cannot be without getting its boots on over the years, and with no years ( June 5) but little has
or her house after death, depriving the heirs. Other aus-
ignored. It is fortunate that the ground. Diplomatically criminal cases being iled been achieved on the corrections & clarifications:
terity policies proposed by Conservatives, including a it is one organisation that for India, it is a case of wait against them by the CBI, the ground. True, there has One of the highlights in the front-page ( June 6, 2017) graphic -
controversial plan to end universal free school lunches has been allowed to be andwatch. Indias reaction agency should now hasten to been a slew of welfare Fat boy in space - erroneously said GSLV Mk-III can launch com-
mercial rockets as heavy as 4 tonnes. It should have been satellites.
for children, have sent the jitters among some sections guided by foresight. should be very cautious. act against a private and measures aimed at
A sentence in Accounting for three good years (Oped page,
of voters. The lesson from this pre-election turbulence Vinod C. Dixit, Amit Kumar Upadhyay, leading television channel. It improving the lives of poor
New Delhi June 5, 2017) read: After the Prime Ministers appeal 1.2 people
in support for the Tories is that even if they succeed in
Ahmedabad is evident that the CBI people, but these well- have surrendered their LPG subsidy ... It should have been 1.2
retaining or increasing their parliamentary majority, it continues to be a caged intentioned schemes crore people.
Rounding on Qatar Leaving aside the rights parrot even under the remain mired in corruption
would be unwise to take their opposition for granted, or It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
It is clear that geo- and wrongs in the present dispensation and will and faulty implementation.
be overly optimistic in assuming that the European economics is at play in the unprecedented decision, remain so until it is brought The forceful legitimisation
contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
Union would soften its negotiating stance owing to the rift between Qatar and the move seems to have under the Lok Pal, which the of Aadhaar in almost Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
internal politics of the U.K. Saudi Arabia and its allies more to do with inter- Modi government is everything and consequent All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
(Editorial Diplomatic factional rivalries in the intriguingly unwilling to reduction of leakages is not visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

THE WEDNESDAY INTERVIEW | DEEPAK PENTAL
What greater crisis do you want in our agriculture?

The geneticist and former Delhi University V-C explains why India must shed its knee-jerk opposition to GM crops
Jacob Koshy What we have to see is slow. I dont see what the en- crisis do you want in our agri-
Deepak Pental is Professor of Genetics at the University of Delhi. whether the hybrids are con- vironmental problem is any- culture? Yields are stagnant,
A former vice-chancellor, hes at the centre of a scientific storm sistently yielding more than way. The mustard oil doesnt climate change will give you
over transgenic mustard, the first such food crop thats been their parents. Like, for in- contain any protein. The more insect attacks, and we
cleared by the Environment Ministrys technical committee for stance, is DMH-11 yielding barnase and barstar genes are importing crores worth of
release into the fields. Dr. Pentals group has used two genes more than Varuna? DMH-11 dont express in the seed, edible oil. How will you go
from soil bacterium (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), called barnase has the same male parent as only the bar gene does, to about doubling farmers in-
and barstar, that make mustard, a self-pollinating plant, amen- DMH-1 (an East-European some extent but it poses no come? And all we talk about
able to hybridisation. Hybrid plants are generally considered line called EH2). Only the fe- threat. There are, naturally, is GM, GM, GM.
higher yielding than pure, native parental cultivars. Activists op- male parent is different. 80,000 proteins in mustard.
posed to GM technology, however, allege that Dr. Pentals claims DMH-11 uses transgenic tech- Some expressed in abnormal Why do you think
on yield are inflated, and that along with barnase and barstar nology, DMH-1 uses CMS, and quantities may be toxic but transgenic technology
he employs another gene, called bar, that make the mustard for DMH-11 we used Varuna we dont need to go as far as evokes such
herbicide-tolerant, locking farmers into certain brands of weedi- as the female. The funda- that. There are recommen- apprehension?
cides. In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Pental explained why mental insight is that you will ded tests and weve done
such allegations are baseless and why GM technology is vital to get heterosis (or high-yielding them. That should be the end There is certainly a fear.
the future of Indian agriculture. Excerpts: hybrids) only if you cross an of it. I do get the sense that We understand technology as
East European line with an higher political class is com- long as it deals with objects
Indian pure (cultivar) line. In- mitted to research and innov- of pleasure such as cell-
You have been working on barstar system (BB system) dian-Indian crossings wont ation. So lets see. phones and cars. We under-
the genetic we can keep on making have that effect irrespective stand health tech but dont
transformation of newer hybrids for traits such of what technology you use. Theres another concern. always understand the extent
V. SUDERSHAN
mustard for many years as disease resistance and pro- That once GM mustard is of scientific work underlying
now and had already ductivity, but the system is Are transgenic seed cleared it will open the it. However, the knowledge of
developed a way to make basic. Without a good system systems avoidable? way for other GM seeds how the world feeds itself is,
mustard hybrids without you cant have a good hybrid that are protected by somehow, extremely limited.
using foreign genes in seed production. We started My point is simple. What patents of multinational Else these paranoid ques-
2002. Why have a new
transgenic technology
with the observation that
combining Indian and East
exactly bothers critics of ge-
netic engineering? Is it be-
herbicide tolerance?
<
> Yields are stagnant,
climate change will
and Indian farmers would
do well cultivating it?
seed companies. The
Indian farmer will thus be
tions wouldnt be asked. Just
as people have health prob-
now? European hybrids are more cause it appears unnatural? Is Its not designed for that. give you more insect beholden to MNCs. lems, crops have diseases
productive. it because someone is paying That gene is required to mark attacks, and we are And in the process starve and manipulating genes is
That was DMH-1 (Dhara you to campaign against it or, out the seeds that have all the our own children? Organic This is the most defeatist necessary to address them.
importing crores
Mustard Hybrid-1), the only But groups say that there is it because you believe agri- desired characteristics after farming is flawed because its attitude one can have. These
hybrid released by the Indian are already mustard lines culture ought to be done the the hybrid crosses are done. worth of edible oil. low-yielding and may not be were the arguments during You say that your BB
Council for Agricultural Re- that outyield DMH-11? way it was before the 1900s? This is done at the lab level How will you go a problem for us urban folk the Green Revolution, that system is a platform
search (ICAR) after extensive Before nitrogenous fertilisers and doesnt need to be about doubling but will massively hurt our we are opening the door to technology and not, on its
field trials. That employed a Complete lies. Why dont all agriculture was organic. sprayed by farmers in the farmers income? average farmer. If our govern- international fertiliser com- own, responsible for
different technique, called they give a graph? Publish a This mindset bothers me a lot field. ment says no to technology, it panies but we have sub- increasing yields. How do
cytoplasmic male sterility peer-reviewed paper? All because its misleading and will be a disastrous decision sequently built our own fer- you explain that to
(CMS). Its effective but large- work done in ICAR is recor- irrational. Every country Do you think there is a and coffee. Well pay you a and history will not forgive us tiliser companies. We have farmers?
scale seed production isnt ded and reported, and if its ought follow its own, rational false opposition between little more money. But they for it. 102 agricultural institutes, 76
possible in this system. It has good enough, published in path. Europe doesnt need GM seeds and organic wouldnt themselves grow agricultural universities. Why These mustard plants we
problems with stability and peer-reviewed journals. The transgenics because they agriculture, given that the anything organic. In 2010, ac- GM Mustard is now in a have you created them? Shut have made will spread in no
cannot be used in many mus- first trials of DMH-11 were dont want to increase their aims of both are to use cording to the Food and Agri- similar situation to what them down, or recharge time. Farmers dont care
tard lines. If we need hybrid done in 2010. That time Var- area for cultivation. They minimal, chemical cultural Organisation, Ger- Bt Brinjal was, about a some of them and back the about underlying technology,
seeds of high purity and im- una (one of its parental lines) dont want to export food. pesticide? many had 11.8 million ha decade ago. Its been good horses. and historically its seen that
proved production, we need was the national check (a They dont have 48% of their under crops, India had 165.5 cleared by scientific We have been able to do hybrids have always done
a robust pollination control standard practice in Indias population dependent on Absolutely. Theres a ves- million ha, though that may groups but awaits a nod our mustard work because well. I dont see this as being
mechanism. A flower has agriculture system whereby farming. There is, for in- ted interest though I dont be a slight underestimate. from the Environment we were backed by the Na- any different. However, it will
male and female parts. [Mus- certain cultivars are desig- stance, no organic cultivation know whose. Take DMH-11. It Now look at the insecticide Minister. Are you worried tional Dairy Development do best in ecologies where it
tard self pollinates] and so to nated regional benchmarks). in Germany. Are any of their yields 25% more than the use: Germany [uses] about mustard may go the Bt Board and the Department of has been tested. There may
make hybrids using different Later on, a variety called prescribed herbicidal chem- best varieties. If you want to 1,243.79 tonnes and India Brinjal way? Biotechnology. This, in spite be differences in output in
parental lines you need to Kranti was discovered to icals any less toxic? They are grow it using organic prac- about 20,000 tonnes. Fungi- of being based in a liberal Rajasthan and Bihar. There is
first make the male plant yield more, and became the not desperate but India has tices, go ahead. Theres noth- cides: Germany 9,670 I didnt closely follow what university. That shows you no question of blindly pro-
sterile and in the other par- national check. We had star- to be because our yields are ing inherently contradictory tonnes, India 13,000 tonnes. was happening then. But the the possibilities. When moting DMH-11 all over the
ent, you need to put some- ted with Varuna and so stuck stagnating, farm incomes are but then you must also evalu- But Germanys per-unit con- fact is that it was a good ma- people say that GM seeds country. Right now we hope
thing to restore it, so that the with it. The suggestion to use not growing and we are im- ate the yields of plants grown sumption of the latter dwarfs terial and brinjal requires could breed monopolies, to release it in parts of Pun-
farmer gets fully-fertile seeds. Varuna came from the ICAR porting 65,000 crore worth this way. There are barely 0.6 Indias. several toxic sprays. I believe what is your response? Fight jab, Haryana, Rajasthan. We
The other aspect is how good system itself. To get an under- of edible oil. million hectares of organic it shouldve been taken them or keep your farmers are sure it will do very well in
the parental lines are. [The standing of a seeds yield agriculture in the world. Can mindsets be easily through. However, every de- stuck to low-yielding varieties these climates.
controversy over GM mus- from independent trials you Why does your plant have Europe might use fungicides changed? Many believe velopment has its own con- and have them importing
tard] is that we are confusing must compare their trends, a third gene bar thats for its own purposes but tells that Europe pays a text, positives and negatives. [oil]. Either way, your money Full interview on
the two. With the barnase- or their year-on-year profile. known to promote India, Give us organic tea premium for organic food In mustard, weve taken it is going to go What greater www.thehindu.com
Her career matters FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 7, 1967
U.A.R. closes Suez Canal

The sustainability sector has many able The United Arab Republic to-day [ June 6] declared the Suez
women but few women leaders Canal closed to all navigation because of alleged Israeli attacks
against ships in the vital waterway. A communiqu issued by
Lekha Sridhar the United Arab Republics Supreme Command said: Because
Kanika Chawla of the intervention by the American and British Governments
As someone working in the sus- in Israeli military aggression and the air protection they
tainability sector in India, it is par provide for Israel from aircraft carriers it has become neces-
for the course to be the lone wo- sary to halt officially navigation in the Suez Canal. The an-
man at a round-table or a panel nouncement over Cairo Radio said there was also the danger
and sometimes, at an entire that a ship might be attacked in the canal and thus block the
event. The percentage of women waterway. All ships presently in the canal were ordered to
working at climate and energy leave it immediately, the announcement said. The Radio did
policy think tanks is 36% at the not identify the ships which it said had come under Israeli fire.
employee-level, 33% at the leader-
ship level and 21% at the board of trustees level. Those numbers A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 7, 1917
dont look so bad, do they? That was our irst reaction too.
Never mind the fact that more than 50% of the graduates Bengal jails: Administration report.
from sustainability and climate-related degrees in India are wo-
men. Never mind the fact that 40% of all science graduates and A resolution on the administration of Bengal Jails during the
37% of all science PhD candidates are women. They make up last year published to-day, shows that in the early part of 1916
only 16% of employees at government-run scientiic research the average daily population was 15,546, as compared with
organisations and only one out of the 39 directors at Council of CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC 14,475 in 1915. After August 1916 the figures began to fall off and
Scientiic and Industrial Research laboratories. These numbers CONCEPTUAL NOTEBOOK the total number of admissions during the year was 80,828,
exemplify two major issues plaguing the country insuicient that is, 973 less than in the previous year. Statistics regarding
number of women being promoted to managerial positions
and women permanently leaving the workforce.
Rule of 72
Finance
A irst pilgrimage sickness and mortality are slightly less favourable than those
of the previous year, death rate being 22.4 as compared with
the quinquennial average of 21. The scheme for converting the
These two issues are not unrelated: women are often passed
up for promotions due to perceived familial duties and may A mathematical rule used At Cannes, cinema can be at its most blinding and Berhampore jail into a special tuberculosis jail still awaits pro-
quit the workforce when their careers are not progressing. as a short-cut to calculate
the approximate number
starry but still wedded to reality vision of a new central lunatic asylum for the presidency. But
Equally, women often quit the workforce due to social pres- meanwhile, the Inspector-General has arranged to construct a
sures and insuicient support mechanisms and therefore, of years it would take for Namrata Joshi you have to be open to the Pink is right in the middle, temporary building for treatment of tuberculosis prisoners
there are fewer women left vying for leadership positions. In an investment, assuming it For a film journalist, Fest- idea of living in a chum- followed by the blues and from Western Bengal and proposes to make similar arrange-
the last two decades, female workforce participation in the yields a certain rate of an- ival de Cannes is nothing mery. the yellows. So I did get a ments in one of the Eastern Bengal Jails.
country has declined by 11%. nual return, to double in short of a Kumbh mela Personal experience seat at every screening
The ones who remain face signiicant barriers. They are like- size. for cinema colourful, says that sharing with film- even if at times it was the
lier to rate themselves lower on performance appraisals, are The number of years can bustling and a must-visit makers is better than with second row from the CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
less likely to volunteer to lead projects and have to work much be calculated by dividing occasion. It can also get fellow hacks because you screen or at an odd angle
harder to prove their worth. 72 by the annual rate of re- chaotic and overwhelm- wont be getting ready and in the balcony. DATA POINT
Obviously, these problems are not restricted to the sustain- turn on the investment. ing, particularly when you rushing out at the same Cannes is all about
ability sector alone but we believe that it is important for organ- For example, if an invest- are on your first time. style. Even the ushers in
isations in this sector to have this conversation. We are in the ment earns a return of 6% pilgrimage. their sharp suits, espe-
business of thinking about social justice across income groups, annually, it would take a I woke up to it late this Overcoming FOMO cially the ones at starry
genders and geographies. We emphasise the importance of total of 12 years for it to year and had almost given Cannes also makes you press conferences, look
data collection and research to forward these goals. Yet, most double. While the rule up on travelling after see- overcome FOMO the suitable enough to walk
organisations have failed to turn a critical eye upon them- might require minor ing the 10-day package fear of missing out. Red into any film role with
selves. High attrition is put down to the woman employees in- changes for higher rates of rates of some of the hotels carpet events and parties, their easy charm and im-
dividual circumstances rather than systemic issues. Failure in return, it can still serve as adding up to the cost of an press conferences and peccable ways.
getting promotions to leadership positions is explained away as a useful rule of thumb. MIG flat in Delhi. Even simultaneous screenings On the other hand,
lack of credentials. hostels as far as Nice and in various sections offi- glamorous film personalit-
There is much that organisations can do to change the status Antibes can set you back cial and parallel make it ies talk serious issues and
quo taking airmative action like including gender equity as a by a months rent of a 3- impossible for one person politics. Will Smith talks
key performance indicator; discouraging interruption during BHK flat in south Bombay, to be present everywhere, colour, Jessica Chastain
meetings; and adopting a more holistic, transparent approach what with prices shooting even if she may want to. talks gender, Pedro Alm-
to promotion criteria. Organisations also need to put in place up by 500% in the film And then there is the daily odovar talks LGBTQ and
gender-diverse policies that support men who have family season. filing of copy. So, you political correctness, Har-
commitments or wish to work from home. Cannes, however, learn to exercise choice vey Weinstein brings in
We believe that women should not be better represented in makes you believe in your and let go of one film for the issue of native Americ-
the sector only because of perceived gains like them bringing own luck and in the power another, however heart- ans, Roman Polanski dis-
in a diferent or diverse point of view. Women are half the pop-
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC of social media. I managed breaking that might be. cusses the politics of im-
ulation and that is the only reason necessary for us to be dissat- to sneak into a shared Things went smoothly ages and our own Nandita
MORE ON
3
isied with a mere 36% of the sectoral workforce being female. apartment on the strength for me primarily because I Das dwells on the post-
No woman in this sector should have to leave due to reasons THE WEB of a Facebook post. had a pink card, a respect- truth world.
other than her own choice and least of all, due to institutional If theres another thing able entry pass in the me- Cannes is where
hurdles. 10 new upgrades at Apples Cannes teaches you, its dia pecking order. White cinema can be at its most
WWDC17 that you probably sharing. Unless you are on and pink cards with a yel- blinding, starry and rar-
missed an invite or have booked a low dot are at the top of efied but still not divorced
Lekha Sridhar is programme associate and Kanika Chawla is senior
http://bit.ly/ApplesWWDC17 place years in advance, the press cards hierarchy. from reality.
programme lead at the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water
CM M ND-ND
YK

Retrieving ground in Afghanistan

The legitimacy of its institutions, including the unity government and the security forces, must be enhanced
next year and advancing the pres- spends nearly $18 billion on main-
idential election by a year (it is due taining its troop presence (it costs
in 2019) to save costs. However, the slightly more than $2 million a year
Holding the rate deteriorating situation raises ques-
tions about the feasibility of elec-
to deploy a U.S. soldier in Afgh-
anistan). In comparison, raising
The RBI has rightly opined that premature tions. Today, less than 60% of Afgh- and equipping a brigade of Special
anistans territory is under Forces would cost a billion dollars
action risks disruptive policy reversals later rakesh sood government control; the rest is a year. Therefore Gen. Nicholsons
either contested by or under the idea of a slight increase in interna-
T
he Reserve Bank of Indias decision to keep the ast week provided a grim re- Taliban. While putting its weight tional troop presence can only
policy interest rate unchanged, and reaffirm its
neutral policy stance, clearly indicates that
policymakers at the central bank are singularly fo-
L minder of the worsening se-
curity situation in Afgh-
anistan. A suicide attack on May 31
behind the NUG in 2014, the
Obama administration also backed
the idea of a lasting political settle-
work only if it is coupled with prac-
tical ways of enhancing Afghan
capabilities.
cussed on their primary remit of ensuring price stabil- in the heart of Kabul, with a truck ment between the Afghan govern-
ity while supporting economic growth. That the RBIs bomb containing 1,500 kg of ex- ment and the Taliban. To this end, Mirage of reconciliation
plosives, has left more than 150 he announced that 8,400 U.S. In recent years, numerous initiat-
Monetary Policy Committee has chosen to do so in the
AP
persons dead and hundreds in- troops would stay on in Afgh- ives to bring the Taliban to the ne-
face of clamour for a rate cut, and Consumer Price In- jured. No one has claimed respons- Coming in quick succession, from the highly centralised presid- anistan (together with another gotiating table have been attemp-
dex data and the banks own survey of households in- ibility and the Taliban issued a these events have exposed the ential system introduced in 2003 5,000 from NATO partners) in an ted. A Taliban office in Doha was
flation expectations appearing benign, points to the statement denying any involve- weaknesses of the National Unity towards a more federal arrange- assist, advise and train mission. intended to get the Taliban negoti-
MPCs determination to reassert the central banks in- ment. Afghan intelligence have Government (NUG), emboldening ment. In 2003 too, the Northern The Trump administration has ators away from the ISIs control
dependence, especially in the rate-setting realm. Lay- blamed the Haqqani network the opposition. Dr. Abdullah has Alliance had demanded the posi- yet to announce its policy though but turned out to be a non-starter.
ing out its reasoning for opting to remain watchful, working together with the appealed for calm and said that if it tion of a PM but had to be content indications are it might authorise The four-country quadrilateral
Pakistani Inter-Services Intelli- helps, he is ready to step down. It is with the compromise of a Presid- an increase of 3,000-5,000 in U.S. group involving China along with
the RBI has raised pertinent questions relating to the
gence, a charge vehemently rejec- clear that his support base has ent and two Vice-Presidents on the troop levels. This is the figure men- Pakistan, the U.S. and Afghanistan
outlook for price stability, the foremost being whether ted by the Pakistani government. eroded. Meanwhile, Foreign Minis- tacit understanding that the two tioned by General John Nicholson came to an abrupt end when it was
the unusually low momentum in the reading for April Two days later when over a ter Rabbani hinted at conspiracies. Vice-Presidents would come from in his testimony to the U.S. Con- revealed that Mullah Omar was no
will endure. It posits that the easing trend in inflation, thousand people collected near Protesters have pitched a tent out- the smaller ethnic groups. The U.S. gress in February and has been longer alive and had died, possibly
excluding food and fuel, may be transient given its vul- the site, the mood of the demon- side the hospital in the area, which had strongly backed the idea of a supported by both Defence Secret- two years earlier. Russia is now
nerability to rising rural wage growth and strong con- strators was anti-government. Ban- has become a focal point for strong American-style presidency, ary Jim Mattis and National Secur- promoting the idea of talks by play-
sumption demand. And the elephant in the room, in ners and slogans were raised call- speeches by Tajik leaders, includ- overlooking the fact that the insti- ity Adviser H.R. McMaster. Gen. ing up the idea of the larger threat
ing on the government to resign. As ing former Vice-President Ahmad tutional checks and balances of the Nicholson described the current of the Islamic State that has
the MPCs opinion, is the real prospect of inflationary
the demonstrators moved towards Zia Massoud, who hold the Pash- U.S. system were missing in the situation as a stalemate which emerged in eastern Afghanistan in
spillovers from the rising risk of fiscal slippages caused the presidential palace, police tun-dominated government of war-ravaged country. needed to be tilted in favour of the Nangarhar province though this
by farm loan waivers Uttar Pradesh has set the stage, used water cannons and tear gas to President Ashraf Ghani respons- The constitutional amendment Afghan security forces. Like his has failed to carry much traction
and Maharashtras government has vowed to come up break up the crowd. According to ible. The Tajik-led Jamiat is now for converting the position of the predecessors, he too held Pakistan with the Afghan authorities. Pres-
with the States largest-ever. Observing that inflation the police, some protesters were reaching out to other ethnic CEO into that of PM is still pending responsible for the Talibans suc- ident Ghani is putting his faith in a
has fallen below 4% only since November 2016, the RBI armed and began shooting, forcing groups, Uzbeks and the Hazaras. as parliamentary elections which cesses, pointing out that eliminat- new regional initiative, similar in
has reiterated its commitment to keeping the headline the police to retaliate. Half a dozen Meanwhile, Uzbek leader and Vice were due in 2015 have not taken ing external sanctuary and support composition to the Heart of Asia
protesters were killed. Among President Abdul Rashid Dostum place; these elections were to be is essential to the success of the process. If the past is any guide,
reading close to that figure on a durable basis.
them was Salim Izadyar, son of Mo- left for Turkey last month for med- preceded by changes in the elec- mission. Yet, other than calling for none of these will yield any con-
The MPC acknowledges that the latest monsoon fore- hammed Alam Izadyar, a promin- ical treatment following growing tion procedures which were to be a holistic response, he failed to crete benefits because unless the
cast augurs well for the agriculture sector, and when ent Tajik and the Deputy Speaker public criticism after his security worked out by a special commis- specify what this would entail. ground situation is materially
viewed in conjunction with continuing robust govern- of the Meshrano Jirga (Upper guards sexually assaulted a polit- sion that would, in turn, be ap- Since the U.S. has been unable to altered, any talk of reconciliation
ment spending, it ought to help undergird overall mo- House). ical rival. proved by a newly constituted In- change Pakistans behaviour des- with the Taliban remains prema-
mentum in the economy. The RBIs business expecta- The NUG agreement, concluded dependent Election Commission. pite having provided nearly $34 bil- ture and ends up conveying mixed
tions index based on its industrial outlook survey of Fault lines exposed in September 2014, with strong With this process having come to a lion in economic and military as- signals, to the Afghans, the Taliban
The following day, on June 3, at backing of the U.S., was more than halt and a change of administration sistance since 2002 accompanied and Pakistan.
April points to upbeat prospects for the manufacturing
Izadyars funeral, three suicide at- just a means of resolving the elect- in Washington, differences by occasional threats to suspend or If the gains of the last fifteen
sector in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, tackers blew themselves up killing oral dispute between the two can- between President Ghani and Dr. withhold the funds, enhancing years are to be preserved, the only
spurred by rising rural and overseas demand. However, more than 20 and injuring over a didates, Ashraf Ghani and Abdul- Abdullah today can no longer be capability of the Afghan security option is to enhance legitimacy of
on the growth front too the RBIs policy panel has opted hundred mourners. Among those lah Abdullah. It was a patched up. They keep erupting, forces remains the only option. the Afghan institutions: the NUG,
for caution given that the Central Statistics Offices GDP present were Chief Executive Ab- power-sharing arrangement reflecting a governance structure This means strengthening the Spe- the election process and the
and GVA (gross value added) data released last month dullah Abdullah, Foreign Minister between the Pashtuns who have that is both under internal strain cial Forces in both the Army and Afghan National Security Forces.
suggest that the effects of demonetisation have lingered Salahuddin Rabbani and former in- traditionally ruled Afghanistan and external attack by the Taliban. the Police as these are most effect-
telligence chief Amrullah Saleh, and the non-Pashtuns (Tajiks, The visible anti-government senti- ive in fighting the insurgency and
on. The RBI has accordingly cut its GVA growth forecast
who escaped any injuries. A fourth Uzbeks and Hazaras). The creation ment is a worrying sign. providing air power and artillery. Rakesh Sood is a former Ambassador to
for the year ending in March 2018 by 10 basis points to attacker was nabbed and has ad- of the post of the Chief Executive, The U.S. provides $3.4 billion out of Afghanistan and currently Distinguished
7.3% and flagged the risks that global political uncer- mitted to having been recruited to be converted into the position of Deteriorating security the NATOs annual support of $4 Fellow at the Observer Research
tainties, rising input costs and wage pressures and the and trained by the Taliban in a Prime Minister within two years, There is talk about pushing billion for the Afghan National Se- Foundation. E-mail:
twin balance sheet problem (an over-leveraged corpor- Quetta. was an attempt at moving away through a parliamentary election curity Forces. In addition, it rakeshsood2001@yahoo.com
ate sector and stressed lenders) pose to a revival in
private investment demand and a more durable eco-
nomic expansion. Spelling out the priorities, the MPC
has said monetary policy can be effective only when
private investment has revived, the banking sectors
The neutrino opportunity
health is restored and infrastructure bottlenecks are re- Setbacks to the Neutrino Observatory show the need to garner public support for scientific research
moved. To do otherwise risks disruptive policy re-
through air. They are notoriously in 100 millionth of the natural radi- dia. In 2002, a document was
versals later and the loss of credibility of the RBI.
difficult to track down. If you hold ation, which is negligible. presented to the Department of
your hand towards the sunlight for The procedural lapses and as- Atomic Energy which laid out an
one second, about a billion neutri- sumptions about the projects ambitious plan to establish the
The PM-in-waiting nos from the sun will pass through

it; this is because they are the by-
agenda have made a project of this
scale hard to bear fruit in India.
INO. Since then, fast-paced devel-
opments have taken place in neut-
products of nuclear fusion in the Further, allegations such as neutri- rino physics. Consider this: more
Irelands new leader Leo Varadkar will have jaiby joseph & m.p. ram mohan sun. These little wisps hold the nos being radioactive particles and than half the Nobel Prizes in phys-
to oversee issues of Brexit and social reform blueprint of nature, which the INO that the INO will double up the ics in the past 50 years have been
I
ndias wait to join the elite club project aims to use to understand storage of nuclear waste have dam- awarded to basic research in
L
eo Varadkar, the son of an Indian immigrant, is set of countries undertaking neut- some of the unsolved mysteries of aged the collaborations many particle physics; this includes the
to be Irelands Prime Minister after he won an in- rino research suffered a proced- the universe. years of outreach efforts. Any fur- 2015 Prize for the discovery of
ternal contest to lead the centre-right Fine Gael, ural delay in March this year when While the suspension of INOs ther delays could defeat the pur- neutrino oscillations. On January
the senior coalition partner in the Republics minority the National Green Tribunal (NGT) environmental clearance is a set- pose of the project because similar 5, 2015, the Union cabinet gave its
government. The outspoken Mr. Varadkar, the incum- suspended the environmental back, the scientific community posed excavation is planned to be projects elsewhere could under- approval to establish the INO at an
clearance (EC) granted to the India- hopes these procedural lapses will carried out by a controlled blast, mine Indias efforts. For those who estimated cost of 1,500 crore, the
bent Social Protection Minister, is to take over the reins based Neutrino Observatory (INO), be addressed in an earnest and limiting the impact of vibrations argue that 1,500 crore is a waste of most expensive basic science pro-
of the party and country from Enda Kenny, who is step- and ordered it to file a fresh applic- time-bound manner. The NGTs with the help of computer simula- money, it might be instructive to ject in India.
ping down after heading the party for 15 years and the ation for clearance. March 2017 order further delays tions. Additionally, building the look back at the enormous achieve- While public apprehensions in
country for six. Mr. Varadkar will be Irelands first-ever The proposed INO project the start of the project. Now the INO involves constructing an un- ments 20th century has brought in such projects are understandable,
openly gay Prime Minister with minority and immig- primarily aims to study atmo- earliest conceivable completion derground lab accessed by a 2 km- on the pillars of relativity and they also demonstrate that com-
rant roots. He is just 38 years old, and thus in a club of spheric neutrinos in a 1,300-m date is projected as 2022. The INO long horizontal access tunnel, re- quantum mechanics. munication between the scientific
deep cavern in the Bodi West Hills will fall further behind other facilit- sembling a road tunnel. Such tun- community and the public needs
young world leaders with Frances Emmanuel Macron
in Theni district, Tamil Nadu. If ies including Chinas Jiangmen Un- nels have been built extensively in Long history of research to be more basic and democratic.
and Canadas Justin Trudeau. While it is indeed remark- completed, the INO would house derground Neutrino Observatory India and the relevant studies Neutrino research has a long his- For a country of young minds, we
able that a person of Mr. Varadkars background has the largest magnet in the world, ( JUNO), expected to open in 2019. show that the environmental im- tory in India. In the 1960s and should generate sufficient public
been elected to lead Ireland, what is even more striking four times more massive than the pact (mainly dust and noise in the 1970s, a group of scientists led by support for such high technology
is that during the ruling partys elections voters fo- European Organization for Nuc- What it involves initial phase) have been managed. the Tata Institute of Fundamental and science projects.
cussed not on his background but on his policies. This lear Research, CERNs Compact The INO project also has its critics. In the second phase, the INO pro- Research detected some unusual
speaks volumes for how far the country has come on its Muon Solenoid (CMS) detectors Many argue, among other things, ject initially had planned to be set experimental observations, the so-
magnet. Neutrinos are tiny that the explosives used in con- up as a far detector for the Neut- called Kolar events in the Kolar Jaiby Joseph, Assistant Professor,
social attitudes. Ireland is deeply religious. Catholi- Department of Physics, K.E. College,
particles, almost massless, that struction are a threat to the highly rino Factory, which is a proposed Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka.
cism, the state religion, has a far-reaching influence on travel at near light speeds. Born sensitive ecology of the Western particle accelerator. This may not Half a century later, however, these Mannanam, Kerala, is a
many aspects of Irish life, including birth, death and from violent astrophysical events Ghats, and that the relevant radi- be necessary because of the discov- events remain as science fiction, collaborator of the INO project. E-mail:
jjoseph4@kent.edu. M.P. Ram Mohan, an
marriage. Abortions, except to save the mothers life, such as exploding stars and gamma ation safety studies for carrying eries already being made in the yet to be explained and unravelled. Associate Professor at the Indian Institute
are illegal; divorce, legalised in the 1990s, requires a ray bursts, they are abundant in out the long baseline neutrino ex- field. Even if you build it, the radi- From the 1980s, neutrino enthusi- of Management, Ahmedabad, works on
four-year separation; and gay marriage was legalised the universe, and can move as eas- periment in the second phase of ation from the neutrino beam asts discussed the possibility of a nuclear risk regulation and governance.
just recently. ily through matter as we move INO have not been done. The pro- alone on an average would be one neutrino observatory located in In- E-mail: mprmohan@iima.ac.in
As Prime Minister, Mr. Kenny steered Ireland out of
the financial collapse of 2008-2010 and campaigned,
successfully, for the European Union (EU) to recognise
Irelands unique position during the forthcoming Brexit

The farmer in distress ascribing each crop with agitating farmers and the is all the more important behind in building a Tall leader
negotiations between Brussels and London. The Re- Agriculture is the backbone genuine price signals, government should have than saving it during foolproof system for its own In the demise of Era
public of Ireland is contiguous with Northern Ireland, of the Indian economy but increasing crop insurance given utmost priority to summer and it is our needs. Rolling out the GST Sezhiyan, the nation has lost
and therefore the only EU country that shares a land the sad part is that it is still and introducing a model redress their genuine collective responsibility to without getting the basics an affable, unassuming and
border with the U.K. Mr. Kenny leaves office having con- in a rudimentary stage, contract farming law. These grievances (5 killed as ensure that not a single right will spell disaster for knowledgeable
vinced the EU to address the fallout for Ireland during which ultimately affects the will go a long way in freeing police fire on M.P. farmers, drop is wasted. While the economy in general and parliamentarian who stood
Brexit negotiations. He also leaves Mr. Varadkar a vastly overall economy. The most farmers from MSP-driven June 7). The nation lives not governments should ensure the common man in tall among political leaders
egregious and crop planning. because of its bureaucrats, desilting of tanks and other particular. The common and was loved by all
improved economy, with an unemployment rate close
heartbreaking instance of Anisha, politicians, rulers, waterbodies periodically, man has yet to understand irrespective of party
to 7%, about half of what it was in 2012. Mr. Varadkar the agricultural crisis is the Rohtak, Haryana engineers, doctors and the households and individuals fully the implications and affiliation (Veteran
will now have to build on his predecessors success and ongoing strike by farmers in corporate world but should practise water the extent of the GST. The parliamentarian Era
address his failures, including a severe housing short- Maharashtra since June 1. In his 32-minute-long because of our farmers. harvesting in their little attitude of the government Sezhiyan breathes his last at
age and a police service that has demonstrated an abil- Their basic demands, which speech delivered extempore When they protest, this is ways which will vastly seems to be that of crossing 95, June 7). On more than
ity to collude with other public agencies to punish range from a full waiver of in the Central Hall of not the way to counter improve the water table. the bridge when it gets to it. one occasion he refused to
whistle-blowers and cover up corruption. As regards farm loans, hikes in the Parliament in May 2014, them. Kshirasagara Balaji Rao, Instead of taking everyone accept positions of power.
minimum support price for Narendra Modi said that his Sukumaran C.V., Hyderabad by surprise, the endeavour He was an authority on
Brexit, Mr. Varadkar will have to ensure that the Com- Palakkad, Kerala
agricultural produce to government is one which of the government should parliamentary procedures
mon Travel Area, a mechanism by which British and Ir- writing-off pending thinks about the poor, A hasty rollout? be to make the GST and Speakers often looked
ish citizens can live and work in the two countries, is electricity bills, underscore listens to the poor and Catching the rain As July 1, the day of discernible. A panel up to him for clarifications
maintained, and that the border between the Republic their desolate condition. At which exists for the poor.... The IMDs prediction that reckoning, is fast comprising economists, and advice from time to
of Ireland and Northern Ireland is not reinstated. He the heart of the crisis is the This government is for the the country is likely to approaching, news that the bureaucrats, lawmakers and time in exigencies. Leaders
will also have to manage the economic impact of Brexit unjustified fall in the prices villagers, farmers, Dalits receive more rains this GST interface is not fully representatives from the like Sezhiyan who
on trade and jobs in the event that the negotiations di- of agricultural goods despite and the oppressed.... Now monsoon than estimated is geared to make the chambers of commerce maintained unquestionable
a bumper crop ascribed to a after reports of firing at and encouraging but the implementation process must iron out all issues. probity in public life are
minish Britains access to the European single market.
good monsoon this year, killing of farmers, is this question is how far we are simple and easier is Perhaps the GST can be difficult to come by in the
Finally, as Prime Minister, he will be expected to shep- which has made farmers what Mr. Modi meant when prepared to conserve all this shocking ( June 7). It is deferred by a few months, present political scenario.
herd further reforms in laws relating to divorce and disillusioned. There have to he said that this rainwater (IMD predicts unbelievable that a country say to January 1, and aligned S. Vaithianathan,
abortion if he wishes to further align the Republics val- be steps to reform the government is for their more rain this monsoon, which is home to some of with the new financial year. Madurai
ues with those of the EU and other liberal democracies. agricultural produce market aspirations? Nothing can June 7). Storing rainwater the best software Subramanian Venkatraman, more letters online:
committee system such as justify police firing on during the monsoon season professionals is lagging Chennai www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

Declare instant triple talaq invalid Terror and the

Social boycotts and no-triple-talaq conditions in prenuptial contracts will not bring gender justice
age of puberty through khiyar al-bu-
Metropolitan Police
loogh or, the Option of Puberty.
It is sad to see Muslim theologians Preventing future terror attacks in London rests heavily on
trumpeting khiyar-al-buloogh as a the trust that exists between the police and the community
progressive provision in Islamic
shariah even while justifying the mar- ance that the police have been given, the lat-
a. faizur rahman riage of minors and declaring that a ter need more hands. There is nothing as re-
minor girls marriage subsists till she assuring to the public as seeing an armed
Ever since the Attorney General told invalidates it.They conveniently ig- policeman in uniform on the street. The Met
the Supreme Court that the govern- nore the fact that marriage being a and the rest of U.K. police have no doubt a lit-
ment will bring in a comprehensive contract in Islam, a contract signed any of complaints against successive Conser-
divorce law for Muslims if the court by a minor girl is legally invalid and vative governments, chief of them being an
outlaws triple talaq, some comment- hence not binding on her. r.k. raghavan unimaginatively drastic reduction in police
ators have been arguing that the Strangely, the concept of Option of strength. A rough estimate is of a loss of
wider and more liberal right of di- Puberty continues to find a place in When Cressida Dick (56), the first lady officer about 12,000 jobs in the past seven years.
vorce of Muslim women should not The Dissolution of Muslim Marriages to preside over the 188-year-old Metropolitan This comes at a time when the police have on
be taken away for the sake of judicial Act, 1939. Section 2 (vii) of this Act Police (Met), assumed office on April 10 this their radar about 3,500 terror suspects, and
oversight of divorces. states that a woman married under year, she should certainly have known that 28,000 persons of interest. While the Met
Muslim law shall be entitled to obtain she was taking up one of the toughest police has about 30,000 men and women, the rest
Some of the options a decree for dissolution of her mar- jobs anywhere in the world. A city of over of the country has only about 90,000. There
Before we go into the necessity for ju- riage on the ground that, she hav- eight million with a hugely diverse popula- is a clear mismatch here between resources
dicial oversight of divorces, the ques- ing been given in marriage by her tion, London, by any standards, is complex and workload.
tion that needs to be answered is: Do father or other guardian before she to police. Crime is on the rise, if not statistic- The next major issue that confronts the
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
Muslim women really have equal attained the age of fifteen years, repu- ally, at least in public perception. The phe- police leadership is: Can the Met and the rest
right to divorce in India? Lets exam- diated the marriage before attaining nomenon of knife crime, mainly by white of the U.K. police do more to prevent terror-
ine some of the options that are the age of eighteen years, provided youth, has assumed dangerous proportions, ist attacks? Yes, they can, provided there is a
spoken of as liberal rights of Muslim that the marriage has not been con- with the Met having to form special task blanket assurance that no policeman will be
women. summated. It would be interesting to forces to handle it sternly. The situation is hauled up for any bona fide action against a
Faskh: This is not the equivalent of examine the reconcilability of Sec- compounded by a tinge of politics, caused es- terrorist suspect. The task requires constant
talaq-e-bida (instant triple divorce) would amount to forcing them to vorce. It is a kind of mutual swearing tion 2 (vii) with The Prohibition of pecially by differences between an incum- updating of police dossiers. This calls for sus-
where women can unilaterally di- concede the legal superiority of their that averts punishment for adultery. Child Marriage Act, 2006. bent government belonging to one party and tained fieldwork to collect basic data.
vorce their husbands in one go husbands as males, and their own in- According to the Koran, a husband the Mayor to a different party. Whether the existing police strength with
without judicial intervention. In feriority as females. Talaq-e-tafweez who does not have any witnesses, ex- Restoring legal equality Although she is a Home Office appointee, the assistance of MI5, the domestic intelli-
faskh, the woman approaches the finds no mention in the Koran or any cept himself, to prove his wifes adul- It is unbelievable that doctrines that the Commissioner reports to the Mayor. Not gence outfit is sufficient to do this is a moot
Qazi and it is he who annuls the mar- Prophetic hadees. tery must swear by God four times deny equality to Muslim women and long ago a Conservative Mayor, Boris John- question.
riage on her behalf provided he finds Khula and mubarah: Under the that he is speaking the truth, and seek to perpetuate their legal inferi- son, gave hell to Ian Blair, appointed by the
merit in her petition. Therefore, un- present Muslim law, divorce at the in- again for a fifth time invoking the ority are being presented as liberal Labour government in 2005. Mr. Blair had to Keeping tabs on radicals
less the husbands unadjudicated uni- stance of the wife is called khula. It curse of God on himself if his accusa- out-of-court divorce provisions. Cer- finally call it a day. This is the political back- There are known hotspots in London, Birm-
lateral right to talaq-e-bida is with- cannot be described as an uncondi- tion is proved to be a lie. However, if tainly, our courts should not be fur- drop against which Ms. Dick has to operate. ingham and a host of other places where
drawn, faskh cannot cannot be tional or absolute right of the wife be- the accused wife too goes through the ther burdened with the additional She does not owe her job to frustrated Muslim youth are sus-
counted as an equal or reasonable cause it violates the legal parity given same process of swearing to counter load of Muslim divorces. But what either political party, and is ceptible to recruitment to the
option for Muslim women to dissolve to Muslim women in the Koran by lay- her husband, the punishment for gets adjudicated in Alternative Dis- generally known to be militant ideology. Physical and
their marriage. ing down the conditions that for the adultery shall not be imposed on her. pute Resolution centres too cannot apolitical and a thorough electronic surveillance by the
Talaq-e-tafweez: Under the prevail- offer of khula to be valid, a) it must be The Koran does not elaborate on be based on gender-discriminatory professional. But she has police of suspects is in place. An
ing Muslim law in India, a husband accompanied by a consideration the effect of lian on the marriage. But provisions of the AIMPLB-endorsed had a torrid early tenure: eye is being kept also on certain
can either pronounce talaq himself (usually monetary) known as evaz, the CIL states that after the mutual law. Any law that violates the egalit- first, the strain of coping mosques for disseminating ob-
or give this power to an agent. If the and b) the offer must be accepted by swearing, the qazi will effect separa- arian principles of the Koran or the with the aftermath of the jectionable propaganda mater-
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
agent happens to be his wife, the del- the husband. tion between the parties, and it will humane teachings of the Prophet March 22 attack near Parlia- ial. The problem, however, is
egated right is called talaq-e-tafweez. This interpretation is supported by amount to an irrevocable divorce. cannot be termed Muslim law. ment, and now last weeks that the arm of the law doesnt
It is obvious here that insofar as the the Compendium of Islamic Laws (p. 88). Therefore, the only way to restore attacks at London Bridge extend to indoctrinated, radical-
wife is concerned, this right is not her (CIL) published by the All India This clearly shows that lian is not a the legal equality of Muslim women and Borough Market, both ised youth until they commit a
own. It flows from her husband. If he Muslim Personal Law Board (AIM- divorce at the instance of wife. Even if and pre-empt the states legislative in- in central London. crime this explains the phe-
refuses to devolve it to her, she will PLB) in 2001. It states: Termination it is considered so, it not unilateral or terference in the Muslim Personal Fortunately, the light- nomenon of persons let off after
not be able to divorce him. Moreover, of marital relation by the husband in instant like talaq-e-bida and is limited Law is for the AIMPLB to declare in- ning-like response of the police to the first of questioning going on to indulge in violence.
even after granting talaq-e-tafweez consideration for a return agreed to cases involving accusations of adul- stant triple talaq invalid with immedi- the two attacks of last week has won whole- Ultimately the effectiveness of action in
the husband retains the right to talaq- upon by the parties is khula, whether tery. ate effect, and make the Koranic pro- some praise from everyone. Ms. Dick can such situations rests heavily on the trust that
e-bida which hangs over the wifes it is through the word khula, or by Khiyar al buloogh: This anachron- cedure of talaq gender-neutral. Social therefore rest assured that her force will not exists between the police and the com-
head like the proverbial sword of mubaraat, or by the word talaq or istic doctrine is actually a tacit justi- boycotts and no-triple-talaq condi- be lacking in speed if the capital is again sub- munity. To be specific, there is a need for
Damocles. any other of its synonyms. (p.93) fication of child marriage and hence tions in nikahnamas (prenuptial con- jected to violence. However, the question ceaseless communication channels that
In the Koran-based Islamic law the It may be pointed out here that cannot be accepted as an option tracts) will not remedy the legal in- many Londoners are asking is, how can the would help identify indoctrinated/radicalised
question of the husband delegating to mubarah is the only form of divorce available to an adult Muslim woman feriority of women under the police foil a future assault? Do they have youth; where there is a hiatus, little can be
his wife the power to divorce does in which the wife enjoys legal equal- to dissolve her marriage. prevailing Muslim law. enough resources, manpower and legal au- achieved. Despite all the confidence in the
not arise. She enjoys rights on a par ity with her husband. But the AIM- According to the Hanafi law treat- thority? It is difficult to answer in the overall ability of the police to keep the aver-
with her husband under the dictum PLB, by equating it with khula and ise Fataawa al-Hindiya, the marriage A. Faizur Rahman is an independent affirmative. age citizen safe, what is of concern is the
wala hunna mislul lazi alai hinna bil talaq, has made even mubarah con- contracted on behalf of a minor by researcher and secretary general of the growing feeling that terrorism can never be
maaroof (Koran 2:228). In other tingent on the husbands consent. any guardian other than the father Chennai-based Islamic Forum for the The need for numbers rooted out completely.
words, asking women to secure their Lian: As per the Koranic definition and paternal grandfather can be re- Promotion of Moderate Thought. E-mail: Terrorist violence since 9/11 has repeatedly
right to divorce through tafweez (in 24:6-9) lian is not a form of di- voked by the minor on attaining the a.faizur.rahman@gmail.com proved that despite all technological assist- R.K. Raghavan is a former CBI Director
Spelling out their success FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 8, 1967
U.A.R., Iraq reject U.N. appeal for cease-fire

Bilingualism may explain why Indians The United Arab Republic and Iraq to-day [ June 7] rejected the
do so well in global spelling contests United Nations Security Councils call for an immediate cease-
fire in West Asia. Arab countries are determined to continue
Swaminathan Subramaniam the war Cairo Radio said and blared anew the call for all-out
When Ananya Vinay took the war. Israel late last night [ June 6] told the U.N. Council that it
victory podium at the recently would abide by the U.N. cease-fire call if the Arabs did like
held 2017 U.S. Scripps National wise. The U.N. Security Council last night [ June 6] unanim-
GETTY IMAGES
Spelling Bee, it was a brain sport ously adopted a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire
grand slam for the Indian-Amer- and a cessation of all further military activities in West Asia.
ican community. On May 17, The text of the resolution, over the wording of which the 15
Pranay Varada of Texas won the members of the Council had wrestled for over 36 hours, was
U.S. National Geographic Bee. Indian children also dominate immediately transmitted to Tel Aviv and the various Arab cap-
the leader board at the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the itals. In Washington President Johnson welcomed the cease-
U.S.s most prestigious pre-college science competition. fire call.
So what explains this stunning performance (for Indians, at
A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 8, 1917
1% of the U.S. population, this victory parade is a statistical
freak, all else being equal). The reasons given for Indian suc- Socialist conference Premiers speech
cess are the ones usually tagged to Asian immigrants work
ethic, rote learning, high value placed on education in the fam- In the [French] Senate yesterday, M. Regimanset introduced
ilies of these children (the parents themselves being highly an interpellation inviting M. Ribot to define the general policy
educated), high household incomes, community support, etc. of France. He said that the Senate was unanimously indignant
None of these statements are untrue about Indians, and it when seven Frenchmen proposed to go to Stockholm to con-
would indeed appear that a perfect storm of coincidences is
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC fer with Germans, and it wished to share Governments re-
powering these children to their enviable success. sponsibilities, being unable to admit that Frenchmen could
CONCEPTUAL FAQ show the least sign of halting when the country was still
The only problem with this rationalisation is the fact that
other Asian groups in the U.S., particularly the Chinese, share Lollapalooza invaded.
these attributes in equal (or greater) measure. And yet, Chinese
children are not represented among the finalists in these com-
effect What ails education in Bihar? M. Ribot replying said, that the German Socialists from the
first were conscious accomplices in the crimes against human-
ity and even now approved atrocities by culpable silence. It
petitions in proportions that come close to the dominance by Psychology
On what lies behind the saga of the Class XII toppers was morally impossible for Frenchmen in the middle of the
Indians. It is true that Indian parents are fluent in English and
that may play a role. But there is no reason to believe that their A phenomenon where amarnath tewary cing bar code on answer exams, and of others that war and when France was still invaded to confer with such
Chinese counterparts fare any worse in English, given that the multiple human biases, sheets to concealing stu- they had received marks in enemies.
What was the Ruby Rai
out-of-home environment, where English is learnt and prac- acting in a concerted man- dents identity to installing subjects they hadnt even
controversy? A year after a CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
tised, is the same for both. ner, produce a large, ex- CCTV cameras, imposing appeared in. The topper
picture of people climbing
treme outcome. It was Section 144 on the days of was also found to have DATA POINT
the high walls of an exam-
A factor? coined in 1995 by Amer- the exams, deploying fudged his age. Ganesh
ination centre in Vaishali
Is it possible that bilingualism explains this success? Bilingual- ican billionaire investor heavy police personnel to and three others have
district to pass on chits to
ism promotes cognitive function and capacity. The brain ad- Charlie Munger, who is regular visits of flying been arrested and sent to
examinees shocked the na-
apts to environmental challenges and the cognitive enhance- also a partner of investor squads at the exam jail.
tion, the 2016 intermedi-
ment seen in bilinguals may be spillovers from brain Warren Buffett. Mr. Mun- centres. In results an-
ate exam topper in hu-
adaptations required for the complex task of learning and man- ger cited Coca-Colas dom- nounced on May 31, 64% Is there a systemic issue at
manities, Ruby Rai, hit the
aging two different languages at the same time. inance of the soft drinks students failed to pass the fault? Experts say that
headlines with her inabil-
Bilingualism is a necessity for survival in India. Whether you market around the world Class XII exam. As many as apart from rampant cor-
ity to answer basic ques-
are in the north or the south, you need a second language to as an example of the Lol- 654 schools failed to pro- ruption in the BSEB, the
tions posed by reporters
communicate with those from outside your home State. Indian lapalooza effect. Cokes duce even a single success- States education system is
on her subjects. One of the
children born in the U.S. are exposed by bilingual parents to easy availability at most ful candidate. Authorities in a mess, with teacher ab-
answers stood out:
two languages from birth the language of their mother stores, strong brand value claimed all this was proof senteeism in higher sec-
Prodikal (Political) Sci-
tongue, as well as English. Educated Indian parents seamlessly of happiness, social influ- that only deserving stu- ondary schools as high as
ence teaches cooking. As
switch between English and the vernacular this is in contrast ence, and other favourable dents passed this year. 29%.
many as 21 people, includ-
to Chinese immigrants. Given these observations, it is reason- biases towards the drink The Nitish Kumar gov-
ing the Bihar School Exam-
able to hypothesise that fluent bilingualism plays a role in the have created a huge mar- Then what went wrong this ernments decision to ap-
ination Board (BSEB)
intellectual achievements of Indian children. That the phe- ket for it. All of these bi- year? Two days after the point teachers on contract
chairman, his wife, and
nomenon may not be unique to the U.S. is supported by similar ases combine to create a results, humanities topper while abolishing the post
Ruby Rai were sent to jail,
dominance by Indian children in the RHB-The Straits Times Na- compounded effect that Ganesh Kumar from of Assistant Teachers is of-
hundreds of BSEB officials
tional Spelling Championship in Singapore. creates a competitive ad- Samastipur inflicted a ten faulted for marring the
transferred from the
While celebrating these achievements, we must ponder over vantage for Coke. Ruby Rai rerun on people. quality of education.
headquarters, registration
the implications for language education in India. Is bilingual- of over 200 schools can- On camera, he failed to hit Against around 27.5 mil-
ism important? If so, how do we preserve it against the global celled. Patna Commis- even the basic notes of lion students, there are
monoculture that swamps our lives through social media? CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC sioner Anand Kishor was music in a subject in which only 5,00,000 teachers, of
Urban Indians experience an increasing erosion of bilingual put in charge of the board. he had got 83% marks; whom 4,00,000 are on
MORE ON
3
capability. The loss of a rich and diverse culture is one reason this, amidst claims by contract. Even basic infra-
this is tragic. The cognitive disadvantage of being monolingual THE WEB What preventive measures some students of having structure is woefully inad-
may be another. did the Board take? Mr. cracked the all-India IIT- equate: the State needs at
Is plastic rice for real? Kishor took several strin- JEE tests and yet failing in least 60,000 more
Swaminathan Subramaniam is Founder-CEO at Nutrea, Bengaluru bit.ly/Plasticrice gent steps, from introdu- their BSEB intermediate classrooms.
CM M ND-ND
YK

Getting back on the growth track

A big push on private investment is needed. But social harmony is also a prerequisite for faster growth
declined steeply. Third, the sectors believed, has changed. The reform
that have shown a sharp decline agenda has been pushed forward.
The next President are construction and trade, hotels,
transport and communication.
The Bankruptcy Code has become
operational. The Goods and Ser-
These are the sectors which use
With a consensus unlikely, the opposition has cash extensively. In the case of con-
vices Tax will very soon come into
force. The FDI rules have been con-
no more than a small window of opportunity C. Rangarajan struction, output actually declined siderably relaxed. All these are wel-
by 3.7% as compared to a rise of come steps. It will, however, take
P
residential contests in India are usually tame and he National Income numbers
T
3.4% in the previous quarter. How- some time before the impact of the
predictable, and 2017 does not promise to be any for 2016-17 have been re- ever, the decline in construction first two is felt on investment and
different. To date, the election of V.V. Giri over leased. What do they convey? should be interpreted carefully. growth.
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in 1969 remains the only notable What do they hold for the immedi- Obviously the liquidity crunch
ate future? Briefly, this is the pic- brought about by inadequate avail-
exception to the long list of humdrum presidential elec- Burden of debt
ture. Recent revisions in the Index ability of currency consequent
tions: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi called for a con- Perhaps one of the reasons for in-
of Industrial Production and upon demonetisation must have
science vote just before the election, and a sizeable vestment not picking up is the bur-
Wholesale Price Index do not alter halted a lot of construction activity
number of Congress parliamentarians and legislators den of debt under which Indian
the annual growth rates for the re- immediately. But the decline is also businesses are suffering. The bank-
voted against the official candidate, Reddy, in favour cent years. partly due to shock effect. After ing system is also under stress. The
of Giri. Before and after that, however, the favourites The differences are in one or all, the construction and real estate health of the banking system is
have carried the day, with opposition-sponsored can- two decimal points. The growth sectors are notorious for their cash closely aligned to the health of the
rate for 2015-16 is estimated at 8%. transactions and dealings which
didates putting up no more than a symbolic fight to The growth rate for 2016-17 is 7.1%,
private sector business, both cor-
are not above board. There is a porate and non-corporate.
prove no more than a political point. At present, the which is the same as forecast a few paramount need for the parti- The sooner we resolve the prob-
numbers are stacked against the opposition for the July months ago. cipants to adjust. lems of the banking system, the
17 election. The Bharatiya Janata Party, with its regular It is naive to pretend that de- better for the economy. It is the res-
allies and new-found friends, should be able to see any Impact of demonetisation monetisation would not have had a olution of the NPA (non-perform-
non-controversial candidate through. Parties such as It is the numbers for the fourth short-term disruptive effect which ing assets) problem that will enable
quarter of 2016-17, that is, for the would adversely affect growth. The trend. Now that the disruptive ef- There is a general concern that
the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the All India Anna the banks to restart their lending
quarter January-March 2017, which long-term benefits in terms of a fects of demonetisation are behind despite reasonably high growth
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which do not see the BJP programme in a big way and help
has attracted much attention. The change in mindset and behaviour us, we need to explore the other (the average growth of GDP for the
as a political threat, have indicated their readiness to business to embark on new invest-
numbers are being scanned with a of people and greater use of tech- factors that may be holding growth three years beginning 2014-15 is
back a BJP-sponsored candidate. The Biju Janata Dal too ment. The macroeconomic stabil-
critical eye to know what impact nology-driven payments system back. The most disturbing aspect 7.5%), job creation has been mod- ity parameters are in good shape.
might not be opposed to taking such a course, although demonetisation had on the eco- are in the future. They need fur- of the data just released is the con- est. Growth can happen because of Prices are under control. The Cent-
the BJP has emerged as its main rival in Odisha. Unless nomy. The overall growth rate of ther actions. tinuing decline in the Gross Fixed greater utilisation of existing capa- ral government fiscal deficit is ad-
the ruling party scares away all its supporting parties by GDP is 6.1%, which is nearly 1% be- Fast remonetisation will help to Capital Formation (GFCF) rate, city or new investment. Job cre- hering to the road map laid out in
low the growth rate for the previ- eliminate the adverse effects that is, GFCF as a proportion of ation in the first case will only be
projecting a polarising candidate, the opposition can- the Budget. The balance of pay-
ous quarter at 7%. The year-on- caused by shortage of currency. GDP. It has been steadily declining modest as is happening currently
not expect to put up anything but a token fight. ments situation is also under con-
year decline is, however, steep. The authorities also need to aug- and in 2016-17 it fell to 29.5% from in India.
Much might revolve around the BJPs choice of can- trol.
In analysing the January-March ment the supply of 500 notes in a 30.9% in 2015-16. It is only new investment that
didate. There have been instances when allies have The monsoon is expected to be
quarter numbers, we need to keep big way. will push growth and that will gen- normal in the current year. This is
switched sides to vote for or against a particular candid- in mind three factors. First, a de- While decreased use of cur- Role of new investment erate greater employment. Obvi- the appropriate time to convert
ate. Regional considerations have weighed with some cline in growth rate has been seen rency is a desirable goal, the au- In the days of high growth, it ously, there are many other factors sentiment to firm action with a big
parties, as in 2007 when the Shiv Sena voted for Prat- from the beginning of the year. The thorities should not proceed on the hovered around 33%. In recent such as technology that play a key push on private investment. Like
growth rate of every quarter has assumption that it is actually hap- years an attempt has been made to role in determining the level of em-
ibha Patil against Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the candid- law and order, social harmony is
been sliding from the previous pening and therefore the supply of raise public investment. In fact, ployment.
ate fielded by its ally, the BJP. The Sena and the Akalis also a necessary prerequisite for
quarter. Second, during Quarter 4, currency can be reduced. While this effort, combined with some For sustained high growth, we
are not entirely happy with the BJP, but they would faster growth. Ignoring this will
the only two sectors which have the adverse effects of demonetisa- improvements in the efficiency in need new investment and policy-
need a strong reason to break ranks. That can come bring to naught all other economic
shown strong growth are agricul- tion on GDP are clearly seen, it is the use of capital, has led to signi- makers must shift their focus to- initiatives.
either in the form of an unacceptable BJP candidate or a ture and public administration. difficult to decipher how much of ficant improvements in the output wards this. In fact, foreign direct
really appealing opposition candidate. Ideally, the Con- Public administration, defence the decline in growth rate in the of coal, power and roads. This is investment has been very high. C. Rangarajan is former Chairman of the
gress would like to wait for the BJP to announce its can- and other services have shown a January-March quarter is due to necessary and must be continued. Despite this, the rate of growth of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime
sharp increase of 17%. But for this, demonetisation and how much But the ultimate answer lies in the fixed capital formation has been Minister and former Governor, Reserve
didate before revealing its own. But the process of
the overall growth rate would have due to the underlying declining pickup in private investment. weak. The sentiment, it is generally Bank of India
reaching out to other parties outside its core alliance
has already begun. The Congress can count on, besides
current allies such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam,
the Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the
Samajwadi Party, the Left parties and the Trinamool
Congress. But just as in the case of the BJP, an alliance
can be built or broken on the basis of the Congresss
Clouded coherence
choice of candidate. The party might have in mind Given Indias recent foreign policy fluidity, the sustainability of its SCO membership is in doubt
some eminent people not directly involved in politics in
order to appeal to a broader political spectrum. What is rorism cooperation, connectivity, Europe power structures. It would middle-power coalitions in the
and on resolving the situation in seem incongruous to reconcile this Indo-Pacific, the government
certain is that there will be no consensus candidate. For
Afghanistan. Membership may with Indias close military ties with made an about-turn recently, re-
the BJP to not get its person of choice through as the thus have seemed a good idea the U.S. today, or Mr. Modis stated jecting Australias request to join
next President, 2017 will have to throw up an unexpec- when India first took observer objective last week during his Malabar naval exercises with Ja-
ted twist or a complete surprise. status in 2005, and when it applied Europe tour of a closer strategic pan, India and the U.S. Indias West
for full member status in 2014 but partnership with the EU to ensure Asia policy of engaging all in-
Suhasini Haidar in 2017 so much has changed in In- rule-based international order, cluded inviting the leaders of arch-
dias foreign policy posture that the and casts doubt over which way In- rivals Cyprus and Turkey to Delhi
T
he phrase Where you stand sustainability of its SCO member- dia would turn if there were to be in the same week in April, but
depends on where you sit, ship is in doubt. an actual conflict, say, between when Mr. Modi heads to Israel in
Terror in Tehran also called Miless Law, was
coined by Rufus Miles, an Amer- Contradiction in positions
Russia and NATO (North Atlantic
Treaty Organization) in the
July, he will reportedly not visit the
Palestinian side. And after making
Heightened Iran-Saudi Arabia tensions put ican bureaucrat who served as As- To begin with, there is a basic con- Balkans, or China and the U.S. tri- the Nuclear Suppliers Group mem-
sistant Secretary to three U.S. Pres- tradiction between Indias stand would be able to drive Indias point lateral in the South China Sea bership a singular goal last year,
regional security in West Asia at further risk idents (Eisenhower, Kennedy and last month on Chinas Belt and on sovereignty home, given that today. The SCO executive speaks of the MEA appears to have put its
Johnson), essentially to describe Road Initiative (B&R) and the not just China, but Kazakhstan and counter-terror cooperation as a membership bid on a slow burner
W
ednesdays attacks in Tehran targeted the two
how ones policy changes accord- SCOs. In a strongly worded state- Kyrgyzstan are keen to join the part of its Regional Anti-Terrorist until China is convinced, a clear re-
most significant symbols of the 1979 Revolu-
ing to ones location and the comment, the Ministry of External Af- CPEC too. Structure (RATS), with joint exer- versal from previous strategy.
tion the Parliament and the tomb of Ayatol- pany one keeps. fairs (MEA) said not only does India Second, the SCO is a security al- cises among member states, while
lah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. The At a time of flux across the world
As India takes its place as a full have sovereignty issues over the liance, not a cultural or geograph- also being guided by the Shanghai
fuelled by Americas capricious-
terrorists clearly wanted to send a message to the Ira- member of the Shanghai Coopera- China-Pakistan Economic Cor- ically based coalition, and its spirit of good-neighbourliness.
ness, West Asias internal combus-
nian state, and they retained the element of surprise. tion Organisation (SCO) in Astana, ridor (CPEC) part of the B&R, it has charter in 2001 specifies confid- Again, this would square badly
tion, Chinas aggression and Rus-
Though it is involved in the fight against the Islamic many are wondering just where environmental worries and con- ence-building in military fields. with Indias objective of expos-
sian inscrutability, India is
State in Iraq and Syria, Iran has so far largely remained Indian foreign policy stands on the cerns over the unsustainable debt Subsequent statements of the SCO, ing Pakistans cross-border terror
certainly well poised to be a demo-
basis of where Prime Minister Nar- burden for smaller countries, as including at Astana in 2005, com- policy, and derail any progress in
insulated from the regional crises. The attack, the first cratic, dependable leader of an al-
endra Modi is sitting, along with well as over the lack of transpar- mit them to jointly preserving re- the manner India-Pakistan ten-
major terror incident in Iran in many years, suggests ternative global coalition. The gov-
Russia, China, Central Asian states ency from China. gional peace, security and stabil- sions finished off the SAARC (South
that even the formidable security cover put in place by ernment must, however, be more
and Pakistan (which is also being However, all SCO members are a ity; and establishing a democratic, Asian Association for Regional Co-
sure-footed and clear of its own
the elite Revolutionary Guards can be breached by ter- admitted this year). part of B&R and endorse it. In 2015, fair and rational new international operation) process.
principles of engagement, rather
rorists. The IS immediately claimed responsibility for An SCO membership has many SCO heads of government in political and economic order. If anything, Indias foreign
than of where it stands being
the attack that killed 12 people. For the IS, Iran is the obvious advantages: being a part of Zhengzhou issued a joint state- The new order is a direct refer- policy fluidity seems part of a pat-
guided by where it sits or more
main adversary in West Asia, for both ideological and a major security coalition in Asia, ment fully supporting the B&R ence to a compact led by Russia tern in the past few months, pos-
precisely, where the PM lands
with easy access to the energy-rich (then called Silk Road Economic and China, clearly aimed at the sibly triggered by insecurities over
strategic reasons. The IS has thrived on anti-Shia sec- next.
stans, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Belt) as the SCOs vehicle for re- West. As a result, the SCO has been the erratic behaviour of the new
tarianism and persistently attacked Shia Muslims, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It is an gional economic cooperation. It re- often called the Anti-NATO, U.S. administration. For example,
mainly in Iraq and Syria. For it, Iran is the embodiment important forum on counter-ter- mains to be seen how far Mr. Modi meant to counterbalance U.S. and after years of encouraging suhasini.h@thehindu.co.in
of Shia power in the region. Further, Iran is directly in-
volved in the anti-IS fight in Iraq, Iran-trained Shia mi-
litia groups are in the forefront of the battle for Mosul
which has almost liberated the second largest city from LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
the IS; and in Syria, Iran is propping up the regime of
Bashar al-Assad which the IS wants to overthrow. Farmers unwelcome? agricultural produce at 50% Farmer suicides have gone husband and the wife, a Congress president has Preserving autonomy
This is a country of farmers, above the input cost. up. bond meant to be handled surfaced yet again, and the North Block and Mint Street
But the attacks and the Iranian reaction must also be
yet it is not for the farmers, Farmer-centric schemes The fate of electoral with care and caution, in party has fixed October appear to be on a collision
seen in the context of heightened Saudi Arabia-Iran as proved again by the have not yet made farming promises is well-reflected in order to make this contract 2017 as the new deadline. course yet again with the
rivalry. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards has said in a unabated farmer suicides remunerative and the governments absolute and marriage subsist till the (Congress clears decks for RBI-led Monetary Policy
statement that Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are involved in and the latest police firing sustainable or given farmers failure on the front of job last breath. This is because Rahuls elevation, June 7). Committee (MPC), which
the attack. This is a serious allegation to make, and risks on farmers in Mandsaur, an assured basic income. creation. After using the not only the future of the The announcement of sets up interest rates in the
escalating tensions between Riyadh and Tehran. The at- Madhya Pradesh (Rajnath Now, the government has to Ram Temple issue for husband and the wife, but organisational polls has country, declining an
tack is yet another reminder that no country in West asks M.P. govt. to crack do more than appeal to polarisation in the 90s, the also the future of children given rise to fresh invitation from the Finance
down on instigators, June voters religious sentiments BJP is now using the Holy are involved. Issues like speculations about this. Ministry for a meeting just
Asia is free from the threat posed by terrorists, and that
8). Things have now come to to avoid erosion of support. Cow as a symbol of instant triple talaq are alien However, rumours on this before the monetary policy
the region has a collective responsibility to fight them. such a pass that farmers can G. David Milton, majoritarianism, leading to to the tenets and teachings front have been doing the review on Wednesday, amid
Unfortunately, what is happening is just the opposite. be shot dead for fighting for Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu lynching of Dalits and of the Koran. The All India rounds since 2011 when reports that the ministry
There is a coordinated attempt under way in West Asia, their rights. It is ironic that Muslims. The social scene is Muslim Personal Law Board news broke that Ms. Gandhi was unhappy with RBI
led by Saudi Arabia, to isolate Iran. Saudi Arabias they have become High on image building dominated by illusory (AIMPLB) appears to be had gone abroad for governor Urjit Patel for not
deputy crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud, expendable under a We have to concede that promises and issues related defending the indefensible treatment for an cutting interest rates more
had said last month that Riyadh would take the battle supposedly pro-farmer three years since assuming to identity. and looks hell-bent on undisclosed illness. The aggressively (RBIs
and farmer-friendly BJP office, one area where the Mohd. Zeyaullah Khan, turning a non-issue into an situation has since decision to hold interest
into Iran. This anti-Iran approach was endorsed by U.S. Nagpur
administration. The Modi government has issue, ignoring larger worsened both for Mr. rates reveals rift with
President Donald Trump during his visit to Riyadh in protests a desperate cry scored extremely high is problems like the need to Gandhi and the party. Centre, June 8). This is not
late May. The Trump administration has repeatedly for distress mitigation image creation. It has been Un-Koranic educate and empower Electoral defeats have the first time that the
called Iran a state sponsor of terrorism, and has openly should persuade it to able to sell damaging moves There is no reference women, eschew gender bias become the norm for it. Just Finance Ministry has tried
aligned itself with the Saudis against Iran. Such increas- address the problems of like demonetisation as good anywhere in the Koran and enforce equality. last year, the Congress lost to poke its nose into the
ingly hostile rhetoric that is perceived to be playing on a crippling debts and price for the country. While a about pronouncing instant Neither a marriage nor a power in Assam and Kerala, working of the RBI. One is
Sunni-Shia face-off is an opportunity for terrorists to ex- crash and accede to the just section of the country lives triple talaq at one go divorce carried out without fared poorly in West Bengal sure that the central bank is
demands for loan waiver under the spell of illusions (Declare instant triple talaq the full consent of the and Tamil Nadu. This year, well equipped to take stock
ploit. And the Tehran bombing suggests they are at it.
and fair price for propagated by the invalid, June 8). It has been woman can be considered the party suffered of the current
Unless such crises are handled with extreme caution, agricultural produce. As government, the rest of the ordained that divorces will valid or legal. humiliating defeats in macroeconomic situation
they could ignite regional tensions on sectarian lines. M.S. Swaminathan said, If population suffers due to be deemed valid only after M.Y. Shariff, Uttarakhand and Uttar and can perform better with
The last thing West Asia needs today is a Shia-Sunni sec- agriculture goes wrong, increasing unemployment, attempts to save the Chennai Pradesh, and setbacks in the least government
tarian conflict. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia should stand nothing else will go right. a rise in prices of essential marriage through Goa and Manipur. For Mr. interference.
down from this mutual hostility and join hands in the The promise of enhancing commodities and a steep reconciliation have failed. Rahuls elevation Gandhi, nothing seems to N.J. Ravi Chander,
the minimum support price fall in the standard of living. Marriage in Islam, though Talk of Rahul Gandhi succeed like lack of success. Bengaluru
cause of regional security if they are serious about the
(MSP) must be fulfilled by The health-care system has not sacrosanct, is a contract succeeding his mother R. Sivakumar, more letters online:
public claims they make. Chennai www.hindu.com/letters
fixing the price of taken a further beating. binding on both the Sonia Gandhi as the
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE
Is the Paris Agreement necessary?

The U.S. withdrawal is an opportunity to make the rules drum. It committed min- tocol (after diluting com- problem. The world the U.S. and stronger and ambitious.
imum emissions reduc- mitments), but George us cannot combat climate change While other countries must step
of the Paris Agreement stronger and more ambitious tion: 26-28% below 2005 W. Bush did not ratify it; without changing the way we drive, up their commitment to cut emis-
levels by 2025. and Mr. Obama ratified build homes or consume goods. sions, they should also put punitive
Candidate Trump had do its part, the U.S. pushed for an If we consider 1990 as the weak Paris Agree- One of the unintended con- measures, including economic and
called climate change a agreement that was a common baseline, the U.S. would ment, but Mr. Trump sequences of Mr. Trumps decision trade sanctions, to ensure that
hoax. President Trump minimum denominator. It made have cut emissions by a junked it. is that it has unified the world on countries such as the U.S. dont
LEFT followed this up with the commitments voluntary and mere 23% by 2030. In The U.S. is historically climate change. This is an oppor- walk away.
anti-climate policies the accord non-legally binding and comparison, the then 28-nation the largest contributor to climate tunity to strengthen the Paris
since assuming office. So the June 2 non-punitive. European Unions commitment was pollution. It is currently the second- Agreement. Critical period
Chandra Bhushan
announcement was just a formality. All this because President Barack to reduce emissions 40% below largest polluter in the world, and We can do this by: (a) Refusing to It is time to call a spade a spade:
is deputy director
But with this formality, he has Obama didnt want this agreement 1990 levels by 2030. has one of the highest per capita renegotiate Paris Agreement to re- U.S. obduracy on climate change
general, Centre for
made the Paris Agreement to be ratified by his Senate. Once This is the crux of the issue: emissions. duce the commitments of the U.S. has ensured the world today is in
Science and
meaningless. this happened, we knew that the whether Democrats or Republic- since any dilution of the agreement the danger zone and will go critical
Environment
Republicans would not accept it. ans, the U.S. doesnt want to take Surging ahead without U.S. will make it worthless. soon. Since 1992, when the United
Long U.S. reluctance Then it was all about who would fair and equitable share of re- So, how do we deal with the cli- (b) Isolating the U.S. during nego- Nations Framework Convention on
For many of us who followed the win Hillary Clinton or Donald sponsibilities. mate-problem country? tiations, since it remains a member Climate Change (UNFCCC) was
negotiations closely, this was com- Trump. This is because there is a funda- Some commentators have al- of the agreement for the next four signed, the U.S. has played offence
ing. The Paris Agreement was de- But the fact is even if Ms. Clinton mental belief in the U.S. that negoti- luded that other countries should years and can potentially destroy it finger-pointing at others and justi-
signed for and pushed by the U.S. would have been the President, the ating climate change is negotiating step forward and share the burden from within. fying its own lack of action. It is
for its own convenience. As it didnt U.S. would have done little to help American lifestyle. This is why Bill left by the U.S. This is a very (c) Making the rules of the Paris time the rest of us stopped playing
want to take full responsibility and solve the climate change conun- Clinton agreed to the Kyoto Pro- simplistic way of looking at the Agreement, being negotiated now, defence.
Rather than obsess about Paris, India will do well to let lems of congestion and other way, its poverty took more than a decade. The rule of law and free markets en-
pollution are much more that makes the poor vul- transition to LED (light-emitting di- sures a competitive environment,
the free market guide itself to more efficiency severe in poorer countries nerable to natural calam- ode) is happening at a faster pace. constantly improving efficiency and
than richer ones. ities. Increased con- These inventions didnt come into cleaning up the environment.
Donald Trumps de- sought to leverage the power of the Poor environmental sumption in a being because governments willed
Rather than travelling on the
cision to withdraw state to prod and goad, tax and pen- quality is not due to mar- competitive and free them so. On the contrary, they bore
road to Paris, and plan new targets
from the Paris accord alise their citizens to a particular ket failure, but due to the market provides the best the burden of additional taxes for
for renewable or impose high taxes
RIGHT is the right decision
but for completely
line of thought and behaviour. Mr.
Trump is now using the same in-
failure of governments
and regulators to facilitate
incentive to reduce pol-
lution, clean up the phys-
being novel before becoming ob-
jects of mass consumption.
on energy, or walking on the steps
Barun Mitra of Mr. Trump, India will do well to
wrong reasons. It will not impact struments of political power to reshaping boundaries of property ical environment while simultan- A thousand years ago, there was
is a policy analyst and free the spirit of enterprise and free
the global temperature in the long move his country into another dir- rights in line with changing eco- eously improving general well hardly any significant use of coal,
founder of Liberty trade. We need to trust the creativ-
run, but will undermine political ection. No one pollutes for the sake nomic realities and technical pos- being. India and China greatly im- 150 years ago there was no petro-
Institute ity of entrepreneurs to constantly
and economic freedoms in the of pollution. Were you to account sibilities. If the rights are well- proved their energy efficiency and leum, and there is nothing to make
strive for better products, and capa-
short term. Whats worse, the con- for car ownership per 1,000 people defined, externalities such as lowered the carbon intensity of these fuels last longer than neces-
city of consumers to learn and
tagion of protectionism and nation- across countries heres what emission and pollution can be in- their economies in the last couple sary, and be replaced by a whole
choose in their best interest. Pro-
alism in the U.S. is likely to infect emerges: India - 32, China - 140, ternalised and provide incentive to of decades not because they expli- host of alternatives. Not because
tecting freedom locally will contrib-
the world. Taiwan & Malaysia - 330 to 360, Ja- market players to improve effi- citly worked to achieve those goals, any economic planner designed it
ute to economic prosperity and en-
pan and most Western developed ciency and reduce pollution. Envir- but because they opened their eco- that way, but because that is how
vironmental dividend globally.
Failure of governments countries - 500 to 600, and some onment quality is like a value-ad- nomies to greater competition. The the invisible hand of the market
Former U.S. President Barack small and large countries, including ded product. It becomes affordable transition from filament bulbs to creates the new, and replaces the
Obama and other world leaders had the U.S. - 800 plus. Yet, the prob- as people become richer. Put an- CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) old. Respect for property rights, as told to Jacob Koshy
their domestic institu- More bizarrely, even worldwide, can obscure the Kerry argued that it nevertheless
The U.S. pullout has sparked a surge of commitment to tional arrangements for as the accord sharply di- dangers of non-participation by the sent a strong signal to business the
the accord, but not a focus on its deep flaws climate action has already luted any attempt to en- U.S. Without one of the worlds world over, and would stimulate in-
given cause for alarm, sure equity for develop- largest emitters on board, global dustry and markets to action. This
Make no mistake, U.S. tion in 1997, a rejection driven by while the radical decelera- ing countries, it also emissions cannot be limited to the rationale has been reiterated by
President Donald both Republican and Democrat le- tion in climate research by promised to attempt to global carbon budget appropriate many following the Trump de-
Trump has just dealt a gislators, caused an 18-year hiatus one of its leaders, the U.S., limit global temperature to the 2C goal. Any such attempt, cision. Billionaire businessman-
CENTRE body blow to the Paris before a new agreement could be will also have grave increase to not more even as the U.S. consumes global politician Michael Bloombergs
Agreement. In its re- crafted. consequences. than 1.5C of pre-indus- carbon space at its current pace, pledge to provide a fraction of his
T. Jayaraman
fusal to acknowledge the signific- The new hiatus may not last as What exacerbates the danger is trial levels. But drowning any artic- will turn the screws, ever more vast fortune as a contribution to cli-
is chairperson of the
ance of this threat to global secur- long, but that is small comfort the hype that has greeted the Paris ulation of these deep flaws, the tightly, on the development options mate action speaks of the hubris of
Centre for Science,
ity, his decision to pull the U.S. out when the climate threat has ad- agreement since its signing and the Trump decision has now renewed a of India and a large section of the global capital in the contemporary
Technology and
of the climate accord has virtually vanced considerably since then. Mr. illusions this has promoted. The surge of commitment to an already G-77. world, of seeing personal charity as
Society, School of
no parallel since the beginning of Trumps move is likely to set off a agreement leaves the solution of a weak agreement, an outcome that More fundamentally, Mr. the key to the security of the planet.
Habitat Studies School
the post-World War II era of domino effect of inaction among global collective action problem to will worsen the prospects of hold- Trumps decision has called the The long-term future of the
of Research
multilateralism. other known climate laggards, the purely voluntary action, with binding global temperature increase to bluff on the real rationale of the world hangs today by the slender
Methodology at TISS
U.K., Australia, Canada, Japan and ing commitments only to processes even the 2C limit. agreement, articulated by the out- thread of faith in neo-liberal eco-
Ripple effect likely Russia being some of the most and not to the adequacy of efforts No talk of climate leadership by going Secretary of State, John Kerry, nomic theory and the hope and a
The rejection of the Kyoto Protocol prominent among these. to enforce greenhouse gas emission the European Union and China, or a year after Paris at Marrakech. Ac- prayer that this will work. Surely
by the George W. Bush presidency, Despite the diplomatic rhetoric, reduction targets, especially by the joint action by other national, re- knowledging the inadequacy of the something more tangible and sub-
signed by the Clinton administra- the weakening or dismantling of developed nations. gional and local governments agreements mitigation goals, Mr. stantial is needed.
Court-ing controversy FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 9, 1967
Egyptians hit back in Sinai

Margaret Courts homophobic views
Egyptian forces to-day [ June 8] hit back at the Israelis in the
feel like a throwback to the 1980s Sinai desert, Cairo Radio and newspaper reports said. It said
several Isreali armoured columns were now locked in
Preethi Ramamoorthy between El Arish and the coast in the north-east corner of
As the French Open progressed Sinai. Isreali tanks had tried to infiltrate behind El Arish and
in Paris, a debate surrounding surge forward along the coast but the Egyptian Air Force had
comments made in distant Mel- destroyed them inside El Arish itself, the radio added. El Ar-
bourne garnered unusual at- ish is about 100 miles east of Suez. Fighting in the Sinai penin-
tention. It started when Aussie sula continued despite the U.N. Security Council demand for
legend Margaret Court (in pic- a cease-fire. The deadline for cease-fire was fixed for 1-30
ture), who has won more I.S.T. (Thursday). Isreali planes raided some districts of Cairo
Grand Slam titles than anybody and the Canal Zone, the Egyptian Armed Forces Command
else in history, first criticised announced. Nine Isreali planes were shot down.
Qantas airlines for its support
of same-sex marriage, said
AP
transgender children were the

work of the devil, and then
claimed that tennis is full of lesbians who influence
A pleader suspended.
younger players. Predictably and rightly so Courts com-
Mr. Kasim Ali, a pleader, practising in Banda for nearly 30
ments have received staunch criticism. There have been calls CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
years, has been found guilty of unprofessional conduct by the
for the Margaret Court Arena, the second show court at the
Australian Open, to be renamed. CONCEPTUAL ACT ONE Allahabad High Court and suspended from practice for three
years. The charge against the pleader was that in connection
The legendary Martina Navratilova, a lesbian herself, wrote Random walk
a stirring open letter in The Sydney Morning Herald, in which Finance
A level playing field with a criminal case he gave one version of facts to the Police
and another to the Magistrate when engaged in the case as
she said, It is now clear exactly who Court is: an amazing ten-
counsellor for two clients. When asked to give evidence by
nis player, and a racist and a homophobe. A theory that explains Motherhood neednt be a career-impeding move the Police the pleader said that he could not appear as wit-
Tennis has always been seen as one of the more progressive movements in the prices
ness for the prosecution as it would interfere with his work,
sports. All four Grand Slam tournaments now offer equal prize of stocks as random and Krishnadas Rajagopal and adopting mothers. and feed the child in the
but he undertook to put forward people who were willing to
money to the mens and womens title winners. It is also a sport unpredictable by anyone. Almost 56 years after the However, the increased crche.
give evidence on behalf of the prosecution. Mr. Justice Tud-
which has dealt with gender and sexuality more openly. In this It implies that, since stock enactment of the Maternity maternity leave of 26 The Bill also gives provi-
bull said that it reminded one of China where one could get a
context, it is indeed easy to dismiss Court and her comments prices do not track any Benefit Act of 1961, Parlia- weeks is only applicable for sion for the employer to
substitute for everything even if one was sentenced to death.
with a collective eye-roll and a heavy sigh. particular variable or ment introduced much- the first two children. The permit a new mother to
But not for those who know the sports history and the trend, price movements of needed amendments to the third child would not enjoy work from home, if the
struggle to bring about a change. No lesbian athlete publicly the past cannot be used to law in a statutory recogni- the mothers presence and nature of work assigned is CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
came out until Billie Jean King and Navratilova did in 1981. It re- predict future price move- tion of the women work- the same level of nutrition of such nature. Work-from- DATA POINT
quired enormous courage and such were the circumstances ments. The idea was fam- forces contributions to na- as the first two siblings. home conditions and
that both lost most of their commercial endorsements follow- ously tested by American tion-building. The Working women who have period would be mutually
ing the revelation. Navratilova, in her competitive prime, was economics professor Bur- amendments in the Mater- more than two children agreed upon by the em-
often cast as the beast to Chris Everts beauty; with some of ton G. Malkiel in his 1973 nity Benefit (Amendment) would continue to have a ployer and the mother.
her opponents attributing her tennis accomplishments as book A Random Walk Bill, 2016 bring about bene- 12-week maternity leave. Every establishment would
much to her sexuality as to her training. Down Wall Street. Malkiel volent changes so that a Maternity leave of 12 be required to communic-
So, when someone like Court, with a profile as significant as concluded that random working woman gets time weeks is also available to ate in writing or electron-
hers, makes such comments, it feels like a throwback to the price movements implied to exclusively breastfeed mothers adopting a child ically the availability of
1980s when such rants were used to trivialise, marginalise and that markets are efficient her child for six months below the age of three these benefits at the time
stigmatise women athletes. Even as one may argue that the in pricing in all available after birth. The amend- months as well as to the of a womans appointment.
situation isnt as dire now, it is important to be sensitive to the information about a stock. ments take into considera- commissioning mothers The Maternity Benefit
idea that homophobia is still alive within the sporting com- So an investor is better off tion the plight of many from the date the child is Act of 1961 covers women
munity. It is, therefore, important to empower athletes who engaging in passive over working women who are handed over to the adopt- employees in various sec-
are homosexuals to respond to insinuations with confidence active investing as he can- forced to cut short their ing mother or the commis- tors, including those work-
and power like Navratilova has done. not hope to beat the careers. sioning mother. The Bill ing in factories, mines, cir-
This whole debate is, of course, part of a larger question market. defines a commissioning cuses, plantations and
what do we expect of our sporting icons? Should professional Features of the Bill mother as a biological shops or establishments
sportspersons be judged only on their performance? When The Bill has increased ma- mother who uses her egg employing 10 or more per-
they voice their opinions, should they restrict themselves only CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ternity leave available to to create an embryo sons, except the employees
to their field of endeavour? It would be rather unfortunate if working women from 12 planted in any other who are covered under the
MORE ON
things are reduced to such a state.
With 62 Majors, Court is undoubtedly one of the greatest
players of all time and her opinion matters. Her mixing of be-
THE WEB 3 weeks to 26 weeks for the
first two children. This
period, according to the
woman.
Establishments with
over 50 employees have to
Employees State Insur-
ance Act, 1948. The amend-
ments are, however, silent
All you need to know about
liefs with tennis is as much her right as Navratilovas. It is government, would enable provide for crche facilities on whether these en-
Trump, Comey and
rather unfortunate that she is on the wrong side of the net this a working mother to recu- for working mothers and hanced maternity rights
allegations of Russian
time, that her name is being associated more with her homo- perate after childbirth. It the latter would be permit- would extend to women
interference
phobic views rather than with having inspired young women further addressed the con- ted to make four visits dur- engaged in unorganised la-
http://bit.ly/ComeyTL
to play more tennis. cerns of commissioning ing work hours to care for bour and domestic work.
CM A ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
Shake-out in Westminster
The British general election has slain many political assumptions about the leading parties and voter choices
the public appetite for greater centre ground was the partys only
spending on public services. hope of success. The Corbyn mani-
The results also question the festo is a radical one, with pledges
Split wide open common perception that politics
and politicians dont change over
to renationalise key infrastructure,
raise taxes on corporations and the
The new government in Britain would do well the course of the campaign, but wealthy, and revisit Britains inter-
merely relect the sentiments that ventionist foreign policy. The cam-
to grasp the nuances of the voters choice vidya ram have ridden through it. Mr. paign has returned the British
Corbyn, a long-term passionate electoral system to one dominated
N
o single party securing the necessary majority of
n Wednesday night, the and principled politician who had by the two mainstream parties in a
326 out of 650 seats in the House of Commons is
not an unprecedented outcome in U.K. politics:
it happened, for instance, in 2010 and in 1974. Yet the
O Union Chapel, a church in
the central London borough
of Islington that doubles as a popu-
taken up a range of causes over the
years, from nuclear disarmament
to cracking down on caste discrim-
way it has not been for many years.
Questions on Brexit
spectacle of non-majority party leaders seeking to meet lar and trendy music venue, played ination, proved able to juggle the With Brexit negotiations set to
the Queen the morning after in a bid to somehow host to a diferent kind of stardom, diferent policies within his party. commence soon, the result will
cobble together a standing coalition government eli- as Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn Some policies in the manifesto also raise fundamental questions
held his last rally before were ones that he had explicitly op- about Britains Brexit strategy,
cited sarcasm. Indeed, it is a winding path laden with
Thursdays general election. Oh posed in the past, such as the re- though perhaps not in the way
avoidable pitfalls that has brought the U.K. to this cross- Jeremy Corbyn and Jez We Can newal of Trident, Britains nuclear some had foreseen. The collapse of
roads. When Prime Minister Theresa May announced in were among the loud, musical deterrent. Wary in his early days of support for the right-wing UK Inde-
AFP
April that she was calling snap elections in less than two chants of the audience gathered working with the mainstream me- pendence Party had been expec-
months, little did she imagine that her sky-high favour- there, while more stood outside ration and Islamaphobia. immigration, viewed by and large dia, Mr. Corbyn was increasingly ted to beneit just the Conservat-
ability ratings and hopes for a thumping mandate for a unable to get in. Such gatherings While the results and the pre- as a disaster by Britains business willing to engage over the course of ives, but Labour gained from them
hard Brexit would rapidly izzle out. The Conservative across the country have been the ceding BBC exit poll came as a community. The negative cam- the election, joining in a televised too, suggesting that the disillusion-
trademark of Mr. Corbyn since his shock to many, the Conservatives paigning was cleverly and humor- debate that he and Ms. May had ori- ment that UKIP in part relected
Party leadership may have blundered in confusing the
epic campaign to become leader of could have looked back to the cam- ously played on by Labour at times, ginally not intended to participate did not necessary involve policies
narrow win for the Leave campaign with a sense of pub- the Labour party in 2015, but were paigns of the Brexit referendum to which used social media to its ad- in. Such moves helped draw in La- focused around cutting immigra-
lic faith in the strong and stable leadership that Ms. scofed at in the early days by his get a sense of where theirs may vantage with great mastery, bour voters who had initially been tion. While Labour has pledged
May promised, not realising that the underlying voter opponents within and outside his have loundered. Post-mortems of through the campaign. #Last- sceptical of him, as well as win sup- fair rules and reasonable manage-
intentions driving the two may be entirely distinct, party, convinced that his support- the Brexit campaigns had sugges- MinuteCorbynSmears was doing port from within inluential party ment of migration, its immigra-
even contradictory. Faith in a national leadership is ers were hardly representative of ted that the Remains focus on scar- the rounds in the days before the igures, such as Tony Blairs ally tion strategy would be a big depar-
driven by a broad swathe of domestic policy promises the wider British public. ing people about what a Britain election result, as Labour support- Alastair Campbell. ture from the tough Conservative
That assumption was thrown outside Europe would sufer rather ers parodied some of the attempts Mr. Corbyns earnest and pas- approach, making allowances (sig-
and outcomes, and unfortunately for the Tories voters
out with the bathwater on than making a positive case for by the tabloids and others to bar- sionate style contrasted with Ms. niicantly for India) for family re-
assessed them as coming up short. The push for Brexit Thursday night, along with hopes membership was one of the factors rage people with scare stories Mays, as her attempt to position unions and a more welcoming en-
was, however, powered by a more limited desire for of a comfortable Conservative vic- that contributed to its failure, and about Mr. Corbyn and his policies. herself as a bloody diicult wo- vironment for students. However,
economic distance from the European Union, which tory, as the election resulted in a such an approach was certainly the man felt out of step with the mood the results also suggested that
voters may have believed another leader could deliver. hung Parliament, with the Conser- case with the Conservative cam- The Corbyn transformation of a country concerned about the there was limited public appetite
The other leader of the moment, of course, is La- vatives losing seats. The rubber paign this time round. Initial at- By contrast, the Labour campaign ways in which negotiations over for the Liberal Democrat pledge to
bour Party chief Jeremy Corbyn, who masterfully chan- stamp on the Conservative track tempts to send a positive message focussed overwhelmingly on its as- Brexit would pan out. Her refusal hold a second referendum on the
record that Prime Minister Theresa focussed on Ms. Mays track record pirations to build a nation For the to take part in a televised debate, terms of the Brexit deal, as the
nelled his long experience of engaging freely with the
May had sought was nowhere in quickly gave way to a highly per- Many, Not the Few, cleverly shift- which Mr. Corbyn joined in at the party failed to make the comeback
public to underscore a subtle contrast in leadership sight. By contrast the vote for La- sonalised assault on Mr. Corbyn ing the debate away from Brexit to last minute, accentuated that im- it had hoped to. At the same time,
style compared to Ms. May, considered to be aloof and bour was up by over three million. and other members of his team, the impact that years of austerity, age, while moments captured of Labour has pledged to rip up the
surrounded by a small circle of advisers to the exclusion with the Conservatives deriding including for the past seven years her on the election trail suggested Conservatives white paper and ad-
of many even from among her own party. Similarly, the Holding of the right the coalition of chaos that could under the Conservatives, had had she wasnt fully engaged with the opt a more conciliatory approach
governments dementia tax goof, plans to cut 20,000 Much uncertainty remains but result from the Labour Party work- on voters from the schools their speciic concerns of communities. to the negotiations, which would
police oicers at a time when the country was vulner- there are a number of takeaways ing with others such as the Scottish children attended to the pressures That was the case with an inter- include retaining the beneits of
for Britain and beyond so far. First, National Party and the Liberal facing the National Health Service. view with a journalist from a local the single market and customs
able to the terror attacks of the sort witnessed in recent
the much-touted march of the Democrats. It attempted to pour Austerity even igured high in the newspaper in the port town of Ply- union.
weeks, and talk of ending universal free school lunches right, vaunted by its proponents in scorn on Labours spending plans debate around terrorism, with the mouth, which went viral online, Uncertainty is likely to continue
contrasted embarrassingly with Labours manifesto. the wake of the Brexit referendum and policies such as removing tu- Conservatives attempts to portray where genuine questions about in the coming days, but one thing is
Yet, it would be unwise to view the result as a victory of and the victory of Donald Trump in ition fees for students, with the Mr. Corbyn as weak on security, local concerns about potential clear: political victory doesnt al-
any sort for Labour. Ms. Mays government could cling the U.S. last year, is far from inevit- concept of a Magic Money Tree. failing to fully convince. They Brexit-related job cuts were met ways equal winning an election,
on with the support, from the inside or outside, of able. What is happening in Britain However, the Conservatives failed struggled as he shifted the focus with unemotional, highly general and as Mr. Corbyn said on Friday,
Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, which points to something far more com- to make much headway with this as back on them and the cuts that had responses. British politics has changed and
plex at work in the West: wide- the party did not provide detailed been made to police forces over the The result will have a huge im- politics isnt going back into the
won 10 seats. In one sense the British people have dealt
spread dissatisfaction with the costings in its manifesto, and ques- past few years. In a television inter- pact on the Labour Party going for- box it was in before.
themselves a diicult hand politically, for they now status quo that doesnt necessarily tions were raised about the inan- view on Friday morning, even John ward, putting paid to the assump-
have to live with the prospect of continuing uncertainty give into campaigns of fear and cial viability of their programme, Redwood, a Conservative MP to the tion of many within the party, since
on the direction that their country will take with regard negativity pegged around immig- which counted heavily on cutting right of the party, acknowledged the days of Mr. Blair, that being on vidya.ram@thehindu.co.in
to Brexit and also other domestic concerns. The silver
The arc to Tokyo

lining may be that by exercising their democratic rights
they have given voice to their collective political opin-
ions; and whoever helms their nation would do well to
understand all the nuances of their choice.
The India-Japan nuclear deal is today less signiicant than it would have once been
certain reactors like the AP 1000 the U.K. And according to Nikkei, the energy sector tougher than
Proper protocol and EPR, including safety compon-
ents and domes, are a near-Japan-
Mitsubishi has reached a broad
agreement to purchase about 15%
ever, while wind and solar power
generation are also growing as vi-
The revision of antibiotics classes by the WHO ese monopoly. of Arevas reactor unit, investing able, alternative energy sources.
$366 million for the stake. This will According to the International
is a welcome step to prevent drug resistance Erosion of Japans might boost Mitsubishis total investment Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), just
However, circumstances in the in Areva to more than 70 billion three nuclear reactors started con-
T
he revision of antibiotics classes by the World pallavi aiyar nuclear industry, both globally and yen ($636 million). struction worldwide last year, and
Health Organisation in its list of essential medi-
speciically in Japan, are undergo- Whether such a move is wise in only 51 were begun between 2010
cines is a welcome step in the global initiative to
S
even years of rollercoaster ne- ing tumultuous changes, making the current context is question- and 2016. In contrast 20 to 30 new
push back against antimicrobial resistance, the phe- gotiations over an India-Japan the India-Japan deal less signiicant able. In the aftermath of the 2011 were being built every year in the
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
nomenon of bacteria becoming resistant even to the civil nuclear energy deal came than it would have once been. Re- Fukushima nuclear disaster, the 1960s and 1970s.
most potent drugs. With a graded approach to the use to fruition on Wednesday when Ja- cent developments have dimin- nuclear industry is facing a global The IAEA still expects global
of antibiotics, under which some medicines are re- pans Parliament, the Diet, ap- ished Japans previously formid- crisis. Stricter safety regulations nuclear capacity to grow, until at
served for the most resistant microbes, the WHO list proved the pact. Opposition able nuclear capabilities, calling have spiked the costs of construct- least 2030, although it thinks the
parties voiced protest against the into question its very survival as a ing plants and some countries increase could be just 1.9% over the
can stop their misuse as broad-spectrum treatments.
deal, highlighting concerns that In- nuclear exporter of heft. have become more cautious about whole period. Faster growth will
The Indian Council of Medical Research issued a warn- dia has provided insuicient guar- The most dramatic example is heavyweight, also booked an es- new reactors. Germany, for ex- depend principally on the pace of
ing two years ago, based on studies conducted in hos- antees for Japans right to termin- that of Toshiba, once a titan of the timated 65 billion ($588 million) ample, once a committed nuclear demand in China, South Korea,
pitals, that resistance to antibiotics was found in 50% of ate the agreement in the event of Japanese nuclear reactor industry write-down for iscal 2016 related champion, has decided to pull out eastern Europe and India.
patients. A large number of infants were dying due to in- New Delhi conducting a nuclear that is currently struggling to stay to a stalled laser-based uranium of nuclear power altogether by In India, the cabinet decision
fections that did not respond to treatment. Antibiotics test. Nonetheless, the ruling coali- aloat following the enormous enrichment joint venture with 2022. Last year, Vietnam scrapped last month to set up 10 nuclear re-
have had great success, extending the frontiers of medi- tion pushed the accord through losses and eventual bankruptcy of General Electric in the United plans for nuclear plants thought to actors with a combined capacity of
with a majority vote. The agree- its U.S. nuclear unit, Westinghouse States. The company said de- be a sure win for Japanese builders. 7,000 megawatts, comes against
cine for over 70 years. But Alexander Fleming, who dis-
ment is set to take efect in early Electric. After writing down West- mand for nuclear fuel in the U.S. And the feasibility study for a this backdrop.
covered the irst antibiotic, himself foresaw the danger July. inghouses value (the U.S. com- was unlikely to grow as strongly as planned Turkish project is drag- A recent Observer Research In-
of relying too much on them. The revised WHO classiic- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo pany had a total debt of $9.8 bil- had been expected. ging on far longer than anticipated. stitute study concludes that it is
ation can mitigate the problem if the many issues asso- Abe believes that nuclear exports lion), Toshiba declared a net loss of Meanwhile, Japans third major, In Japan there has been no do- highly feasible for Indias installed
ciated with use of the drugs can be monitored and regu- are key to kick-starting a Japanese $9.9 billion for the iscal year that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is in mestic construction on a new re- nuclear power capacity to rise to
lated. Within the realm of medical practice, the economy stuck in a holding pattern ended on March 31. At a news con- trouble too. Its French partner, actor for the past eight years, since 40-50 gigawatts (GW) by mid-cen-
prescription of antibiotics is often guided by such for more than two decades. For In- ference, Toshibas president, Areva, is mired in losses and un- a unit at the Tomari plant on the is- tury, up from its current installed
dia, the deal represents hope that Satoshi Tsunakawa, put it baldly, dergoing a major restructuring. land of Hokkaido came on stream 5.78 GW capacity. For Japans nuc-
factors as patient demand, competing alternative treat- the 2008 waiver it received from stating, We have all but com- Areva logged losses equivalent to in 2009. Hitachi, Mitsubishi and lear industry this is an opportunity
ment systems, and even inancial incentives. Close the Nuclear Suppliers Group pletely pulled out of the nuclear more than $700 million in 2016, Toshiba are all focussing on repair that might not knock twice, yet
scrutiny of these by national stewardship programmes might inally begin paying of given business overseas. A decade ago, marking its sixth year in the red. and maintenance of existing plants even if grabbed unreservedly, it
such as those initiated by the ICMR is needed. There are that so far it has had limited tan- Toshiba was dreaming of a big For the moment, Hitachi and (most of which are idle) rather than might still not be enough to revive
also environmental factors, including the widespread gible beneits for the countrys global expansion when it bought Mitsubishi are not giving up on on construction of new ones. the archipelagos lailing nuclear
use of antibiotics on farm animals, that require more re- power industry. The deal with Ja- Westinghouse for $5.4 billion with their overseas nuclear businesses. ambitions.
pan is also a necessity for enabling plans to install 45 new reactors In February, Hitachi partnered Emergence of viable options
search to determine their role in building resistance.
Indias bilateral nuclear deals with worldwide by 2030. with the Exelon Corp group to pro- The emergence of cheap shale oil Pallavi Aiyar is a journalist and author
One of the key aspects of the WHOs guidance is the other countries. Key elements of Hitachi Ltd., another nuclear mote a nuclear power project in and gas has made competition in based in Tokyo
availability of a irst-line access group of antibiotics at
all times. Other drugs are placed under a watch cat-
egory as second choice, or as reserve to be deployed as LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
a last resort. Clearly, this system underscores the need
for universal access to essential medicines both in the Agitation and politics It appears that Rahul the government adopt animal slaughter and the ielding. The Indian captain and Dabrowski showed
public health system and for patients cared for by The Congress has been Gandhi is focussed on modern farming practices? like. It is time that the BJPs should bring in ace strike their nerves, fought back
private practitioners. The Ministry of Health and Fam- trying hard to draw political ishing in troubled waters, Three years ago, the BJP executive, party and bowler Ravichandran dauntlessly and converted
ily Welfare, which has promised health assurance for mileage out of the death of with his advisers waiting to projected itself as a party ideological wings are Ashwin to play the do-or-die three of the ive breakpoint
farmers in Madhya Pradesh snif out trouble spots in that had farmers interests orchestrated by a pivotal match against South Africa. opportunities they got to
all, must come out with a framework to ensure this. Ac-
(M.P. govt. shunts out NDA-ruled States for him. at its heart. Why is the authority lest they lose grip N. Hariharan, push the match into a tie-
cess to speedy and accurate diagnosis is equally import- Collectors, SP, June 9). He is then there in a jify Prime Minister now silent? on a greater purpose that Chennai break.
ant in order to deploy the correct antibiotic early. While Media footage was proof trying to inquire into the Gaurav Bhatia, of smooth and peaceful Tennis is a game India
the medical community can be sensitised to its respons- enough that the Congress perceived grievances of the Faridabad, Haryana governance of the nation. At Roland Garros needs to develop after
ibility to prevent antimicrobial resistance, it will take has been only shedding aggrieved. Its a diferent R. Narayanan, By lifting his maiden Grand Bopanna has become the
enlightened policies on housing, sanitation and hy- crocodile tears in the hope story altogether that he Losing grip? Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Slam title in the French fourth Indian ever to clinch
giene education to prevent new infections and the that the unrest brings didnt have the least The government appears to Open mixed-doubles along a major international tennis
spread of disease-causing organisms: hand-washing,
disrepute to the BJP inclination for such be donning a controversial Outplayed by Sri Lanka with Canadian partner event.
government in Madhya activities when his party mantle and one fears that it One must compliment Sri Gabriela Dabrowski, Rohan R. Sampath,
for instance, is extremely beneicial. Drug-resistant mi- Pradesh. Congress Vice- was in power at the Centre may be forced to wear many Lanka for pulling of a seven Bopanna has made every Chennai
crobes pose a serious challenge today to treat, among President Rahul Gandhi has for 10 years, nor in the few more of them. In its singular wicket victory over India in Indian proud. Though they more letters online:
other things, pneumonia, infection of blood and sur- forgotten about the farmers States where his party is pursuit of winning the 2014 the ICC Champions Trophy were broken once, Bopanna www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
gical sites, and meningitis. The quest for new classes of who have ended their lives now in power. election at all costs, every (Sport Sri Lanka coasts
in Karnataka, a Congress- wing of the right wing was to an easy win over India, corrections & clarifications:
drugs goes on. An efective response demands scrupu- Suri R.,
The results column of Womens semi inals at Rolland Garros
ruled State. The Congress is New Delhi sequestered by the BJP to June 9). It was unfortunate
lous adherence to prescription discipline of the kind ad- (Sport, June 9, 2017), erroneously mentioned Simona Halep as
living in a fools paradise if it energise the electorate. It is that our bowlers, especially the 2nd seed. She is actually the third seed.
vocated by the WHO. India has severe asymmetries in
thinks that it can make For an economy where another matter that these the much-hyped Hardik
the delivery of health care: rural-vs-urban, and poor-vs- political capital out of the 50% of the people are very groups are now forcing Pandya and Ravindra It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
aluent patients, to name just two. It will take good farmers agitation to win employed in the agricultural the government and the Jadeja, were found to be contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
public health policies, suicient funding and determ- forthcoming elections. sector, what are the steps party to come up with wanting and proved to be Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
ined leadership to overcome antibiotic resistance. K.V. Seetharamaiah, being taken to boost executive iats on the pedestrian bowlers. Adding All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
Hassan, Karnataka productivity? Why doesnt consumption of beef, to our woes was the pathetic visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI
For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com --GROUND ZERO 7

Fault lines in the ields

From a persisting cash crunch due to demonetisation to a price free fall because of a bumper produce, its a big bag of woes for farmers in Madhya Pradesh and
Maharashtra. Mahesh Langa and Jayant Sriram report on the gathering storm as their protests for a fairer deal threaten to escalate
Abhishek Patidar, 19, had just passed

his Class 11 exam this year with dreams
of becoming a doctor. His family owns a
piece of land about 27 bighas in
Barkheda Path, a village 22 km north of
Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh where
they grow soybean, methi (fenugreek)
and chana (gram). On June 6, Abhishek
went to Mandsaur along with hundreds
of others from his village to protest
against the falling crop prices that were
pushing his family to the brink of des-
peration. Tragically, he became one of
the victims of police firing, taking three
bullets on a day when farmer protests
across the western belt stretching from
Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra
reached a frenzied pitch. He was too
young but was keen to join the protest.
We grow everything in our 27-bigha land
but in the last three years, prices have
plunged and ruined us, says Abhisheks
father, Dinesh Patidar, 55, tears rolling
down his eyes.
Price pinch in Malwa

Barkheda Path is typical of the villages
in this region. With an approximate
population of 3,500, 95% of the popula-
tion is engaged in farming in landhold-
ings that are less than a hectare per fam-
ily. Abhisheks family members narrate
their tale of loss. The last three years
have crushed our backbone because
prices have plunged, forcing us to sell
our produce at rates where we dont
even recover our investment, says
Dinesh, adding, todays market price
for soybean is 2,500-2,700 per quintal
while our cost to produce one quintal is
above 3,000. Not only soybean, prices
of onion, gram, methi, vegetables, milk
have bottomed while input costs have
soared for seeds, fertilizers, labour and
transport, he says.
Madhya Pradesh consistently boasts
of double-digit growth in agriculture
averaging 13.9% during 2010-15 and
like many other States, had a bumper
harvest following a good monsoon in
2016. Yet as per the National Crime Re-
cords Bureau statistics, as many as 1,982 A double blow: We grow everything in our 27-bigha land but in the last three years, prices have plunged and ruined us, says Dinesh Patidar, 55, whose 19-year-old son, Abhishek, died in the police iring in Mandsaur,
farmers committed suicide in the State Madhya Pradesh. VIJAY SONEJI
*
in 2016-17. A combination of factors

falling procurement prices because of a with a tarpaulin cover has been parked Onions and other vegetables from movement in the district. some recognition, says Abhijit Dige, In Italy, for instance, a village about
glut of produce in the market, a cash inside for three days even as workers go godowns like Sanaps go to the Agricul- who owns an eight-acre farm about 60 10 km from Niphad that was the one of
crunch due to last years demonetisa- about their usual task of loading onions tural Produce Market Committee United in adversity km from Nashik. Politicians dont the centres of the agitation,
tion policy and the predominance of into bright red sacks. (APMC) market in Nashik from where As the major commercial supplier in know what farmers go through, its not Swarupananda Bhorgade says that
smaller landholdings which are expens- We had an order for onions to go to they are taken to other cities in Maha- this region, Nashik may have become like other businesses. Devendra Fad- about 80% of the village of 5,000-odd
ive to maintain have led to a simmer- Madras (Chennai) a few days back but rashtra like Mumbai and Pune as well as the epicentre of the farmers movement navis should come and work in the field farmers is involved in grape farming,
ing anger. Like their counterparts in the truck was accosted on the road be- to other States in the south like Tamil but it all started in a village called for 14 hours a day, work at night in the sometimes done in rotation with
many parts of Maharashtra, farmers in fore it could get to Nashik and all the Nadu and Karnataka, and even Sri Puntamba in Ahmednagar district three cold to tend to onion crops, and then onions. I have been growing grapes for
Mandsaur launched an agitation de- onions were dumped on the road, says Lanka. The APMC market in Nashik is months ago on April 3, when the vil- maybe hell understand, he says. the last 20 years and till about seven or
manding remunerative prices for their Sanap. Onions that are left at the mercy appropriately mammoth on either lages gram panchayat passed a resolu- That same sentiment is echoed by eight years ago I used to sell it for about
onion, soybean and pulses. As thou- of the elements lose their value almost side of a dusty road are two large open tion warning of a Shetkari Sampa Deepak Rane who has a one-acre farm 50 a kilo, says Bhorgade. So it was
sands of farmers poured onto the immediately, so for now Sanap is just halls, each the size of a large bus ter- (Strike of the Ryots) from June 1. Their just off Niphad where he grows cauli- only natural that I planted grapes on
streets, stopping traffic, attacking trucks waiting for things to tide over. The minus with tall pillars running right charter of demands addressed to Maha- flower. The strike should not stop be- every inch of my 15 acres. Now it costs
and confronting police, things turned hartal (strike) will have to end soon be- through. On June 8, a day after the one- rashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fad- cause people dont realise what we go me about 15 to harvest a kilo of grapes
violent and five farmers were killed as a cause there are many farmers who have week strike called by farmers in the re- navis included ensuring crop procure- through. I am not able to recover the and all I can get on the market is 9 to
result of police firing and a curfew was no choice but to sell their goods even if gion officially ended, a small group of ment prices at least 50% above cost that I bear to treat my crops with 18 a kilo, he says.
imposed across five districts. prices are bad. women have set up shop to sell veget- production costs, a complete waiver of chemicals and fertilizers. I work from 6 Bhorgade attributes this to a number
Farmers from the Mandsaur- ables like cabbage, chillies, tomatoes farm loans, 100% subsidy on drip/ in the morning; what is it all for? he of factors, the most important of which
Neemuch stretch in the Malwa region, and cucumber. They take up barely a sprinkler irrigation systems, and a min- says. is climate storms would come un-
aside from growing soybean and chana, quarter of one hall but as produce is imum milk purchase price of 50. People from all walks of life face seasonably and the crops would be des-
also grow a range of spices and medi- brought in by farmers in smaller trucks, Farmers across the region may find a hardships but have you ever considered troyed. Or there would be hailstorms.
cinal plants like methi, dhaniya (cori- there are murmurs of anger outside specific resonance in one or the other of why it is only farmer suicides you have This past year, the weather was regular
ander), jeera (cumin) and ajwain (carom with some arguments breaking out as these demands but what seems to have heard of? asks Dinesh Nikam, another and the crop was good for once but
seeds). Yet, farmers in the region claim the produce is passed inside. These really helped the movement spread trader in Nashik who has refused to take there is no price. You have to take into
that prices for these cash crops have women are not from Maharashtra, you from Puntamba across the Nashik- orders for onions and other vegetables account how much we have spent on
been falling for the past few years. We can tell from their earrings that they are Ahmednagar-Pune stretch of Maha- because he says he stands in solidarity growing these crops and how we will re-
never sold methi below 4,000 per from Rajasthan. These are just small rashtra is the language in which the idea with the farmers. cover it. It costs a lot to invest in crops
quintal during the Manmohan Singhs local farmers who want to break the of the strike was communicated. Farm- like grapes and pomegranates, he says,
government. But ever since Modi be- strike, says one of the men. Still, even ers face many hardships but this was The illusion of prosperity adding that farmers from the region ini-
came PM, methi prices have collapsed, these small traces of activity raise the the first time Ive seen farmers actually When farm distress was first reported in tially tried to rope in their counterparts
says Dinesh, showing methi gunny bags suspicion that divisions are beginning to willing to go on strike to and risk Maharashtra, it focussed mainly on the from Amaravati who grew tur dal but
stored in his house. form in what was till now a unified everything to see that they are given prices of tur and arhar dal and the diffi- their situation was completely different.
In addition to low prices, what has culties faced by farmers in the drought- They have larger landholdings and
aggravated the situation is the Central prone Marathwada and Amaravati re- their crop is rain-fed. They dont have to
governments demonetisation move late gions. After two years of consecutive spend on irrigation and other chemicals
last year that has adversely hit the rural drought, a good monsoon in 2016 and fertilizer like we do.
and agrarian economy. Notebandi has brought in a bountiful harvest and the On June 3, a faction of farmer leaders
almost finished us in the rural areas. markets were simply swamped with decided to call off the strike after Mr.
Even after selling our produce, we dont produce. Record harvests were offset by Fadnavis announced a partial loan
get money in our hands before at least a steep fall in procurement prices for waiver for small and marginal farmers
two-three weeks and sometimes even a both crops. that would come into effect on October
month, says Lalchand Mali, a farmer The plight of those farmers is often 31. In a large meeting on June 8 in
from Barkheda Panth. referenced by prominent leaders of the Nashik that included about 3,000 farm-
Interestingly, not many farmers in movement in Nashik and Ahmednagar ers and 150 representatives of farmer as-
the region are seeking loan waiver as is though it has to be noted that this re- sociations from across the State, that
being claimed in the media. Most of gion is substantially different. The compromise was rejected. The people
them want better and remunerative stretch from Ahmednagar to Nashik, who met the Chief Minister did so late at
prices that cover their costs and provide and down to Kolhapur and Sangli where night without anybody knowing and the
them income for survival. Believe me, the movement spread is a fairly contigu- agreement was not along the lines of
no true farmer would want loan waiver. ous belt that is home to relatively more what we were originally demanding,
If the government provides better prosperous farmers. The majority of said Raju Shetti, president of Swabhi-
prices, we will repay our debt. The farmers in the region over the past two mani Shetkari Sanghatana that has
problem is the government never decades have moved from cultivation of taken a major role in advancing the
provides better prices, adds Lalchand, crops like bajra (pearl millet) and jowar agenda. If the government did not ac-
who owns a two-hectare plot in the (sorghum) to cash crops like grapes and cede to the demand to waive all loans
village. onions. Many have invested in dairy immediately and bump up procure-
farming (Puntamba, for instance, is ment prices, the meeting decided that
The Maharashtra stir home to many dairy farmers). the strike would move to a new phase of
In the town of Niphad in Maharashtras Vegetables, then, are actually only a hartals across district and collectors of-
Nashik district, the main vegetable mar- small part of the produce from this re- fices from June 12 and rail rokos in
ket, located in a large yard opposite the gion and while the enduring visual im- some areas. As of June 8, the meeting
tehsil office, lies deserted. In a series of ages of the strike may be of vegetables concluded that farmers should be al-
godowns that lie adjacent to the yard like cauliflower and cabbage being lowed to take their produce to the mar-
there is a pink gleam as sunlight filters dumped on the road, there are many ket in order to meet their minimum
through to large sacks of onions that are places where people show us pictures needs. Look for Puntamba on that day
waiting to be transported. In Vittal shot on cell phones of roads lined with ( June 12), says one of the farmers who
Sanaps godown, which is nearly packed Bitter harvest: Traders have not been able to send onions to other parts of the country due to the farmers strike. Picture shows a pomegranates, which is the most recent attended the meeting. The first rail
to capacity with produce, a large truck worker checking sacks of onion in the market yard at Niphad near Nashik, Maharashtra. VIVEK BENDRE *
entry to the crop market here. roko will be there, where it all started.
CM A ND-ND
YK

NOIDA/DELHI

THE HINDU
In January 2015, a casually dressed Leo the scant attention paid to Mr. rookie. Ive realised that doctors can when Minister of Social Protection, to parisons with French President Em-
WHO
Pp q
Q Varadkar, Irelands then Minister for
Health, sat in the studios of RTE Radio
Varadkars politics. Nobody in Ireland
cares that Leo Varadkar is gay or half-In-
only help change a certain number of
patients but a Minister of Health can
name and shame and bring in other
tough measures against perpetrators of
manuel Macron and Canadas Justin
Trudeau, his agenda is likely to be quite
and announced he was gay. Its not dian. We care that hes a right-wing really change things, he said, citing welfare fraud. different. A fierce advocate of the
something that defines me. Im not a ideologue, who doesnt trust womens Fine Gaels pro-European stance, and In 2008, he proposed that unem- European Union, he will have to con-
Leo Varadkar, half-Indian politician or a doctor politi-

cian or a gay politician for that mat-
terit is part of my character, I sup-
choices, tweeted one woman, of his
public declarations of being pro-life,
and against abortion on request or
liberal economic policies for his own
enthusiasm.
ployed foreigners could be given a lump
sum payment if they agreed to leave the
country, which was widely condemned
tend with the impact of Brexit on rela-
tions between Ireland and Northern Ire-
land.
an agent pose, he told the station.
What does his win mean?

demand.
How did he get into politics?

What is his politics?
While Mr. Varadkars de-
cision to come out as
for pandering to anti-immigrant senti-
ment.
In 2007, his suggestion that prison-
His predecessor Enda Kenny had lob-
bied hard with the European Union to
recognise Ireland's unique position as
of change Defining or not, it was his personal and

racial profile that grabbed global head-
lines in recent days as the 38-year-old
The son of a Mumbai doctor who
moved to England and then Ireland,
and an Irish nurse, Mr. Varadkar grew
the country pre-
pared for a referen-
dum on same sex
ers could be asked to pay for the cost
of their time in prison was derided
as loathsome, by the former ruling
Brussels and London start Brexit talks.
He has pledged a referendum on Ire-
lands abortion laws and has signalled
doctor comfortably won the leadership up in Dublin, attending the prestigious marriage was seen as Fianna Fil party, and disowned by the need for some change, though his
contest of the Fine Gael Party, and pre- and private Kings Hospital school, and a courageous step, his own party. More widely, he has precise position is yet to become clear.
pares to take over as Taoiseach (Prime then Trinity College, Dublin, where he other moves have sat sought to position himself as the In deeply-Catholic Ireland, religion
Minister) later this month after gaining studied law before switching to medi- less comfortably with politician of the aspirational and de- influences everything from birth to
the necessary support of the lower legis- cine. public sentiment, termined, pledging to represent those death. Abortion is illegal, unless a
lative chamber. While his family was non-political, such as an initiative who get up early in the morning. mother's life is in danger.
While international media extolled from his early days as a medical student championed by His medical past has clearly re-
the societal changes that enabled an he began to dabble in party politics. An him, What are we likely to mained influential as measures aimed at
openly gay person with an immigrant RTE interview from 1999 provides a see from him? cutting excessive alcohol consumption
background to lead a predominately glimpse of his motivation, ambition and While Mr. (and tackling its associated health im-
Catholic country that had only stopped confidence: If you want to change Varadkars cha- pact) are expected by Irish media to be
homosexuality being a criminal offence things, politics is the best way to do risma, confidence among his earliest legislative initiatives.
in 1993, many Irish people took to social that, he said, speaking with the ease of and youth have
media to express their frustration over a seasoned politician rather than a led to some com- VIDYA RAM
It lacks a formal structure and is an in Saharanpur. It came into the lime- WHY DOES IT The Bhim Army Not only does the Bhim Army high-
WHAT
Pp q
Q unregistered body, but claims to have
over 20,000 members in and around
light when Mr. Azad put up a board in
his native village extolling his caste iden-
MATTER claims it is politically
independent but
light the flux, it also creates pressure on
the BSP to innovate.
Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh, tity: The Great Chamar of Dhadkauli bases its ideology on Ambedkarite prin-
where it is based. Welcome You. ciples, just like the Bahujan Samaj Party WHAT NEXT The outfit is in disar-
ray. Mr. Azad, who was
The lowdown The prime attraction of the group is
its stress on direct action based on con-
frontation to preserve, protect or re-
This symbolic assertion by Dalits pro-
voked the dominant Thakurs, who
smeared the signboard with black ink.
(BSP). The group is, however, still not
clear whether its movement is for asser-
tion of Dalit identity or a larger
absconding, has been arrested. Many
other members have been booked and
on the Bhim store the dignity of Dalits. Its co-founder

and most recognisable face is a charis-
matic lawyer named Chandrashekhar
This led to bouts of caste tension, with
the Bhim Army not shying away from
taking on the dominant castes.
Ambedkarite movement.
Most Dalit thinkers agree that the
Bhim Army arose out of the social va-
arrested on charges of instigating viol-
ence. Its identity is under threat with
both the BSP and the BJP accusing it of
Army Azad Ravan, whose close team mem-

bers sport ink blue scarves and ride on
stylish bullet motorbikes.
Mr. Azad became the local Dalit hero.
The outfit has been in the news over
the last two months for its intervention
cuum created by mainstream political
parties, particularly the BSP, and their
failure to address issues like unemploy-
being a political proxy.
It is difficult to gauge how the outfit
will develop or sustain itself. Its first
Through the Bhim Army, the Dalit in calming tension between Dalits and ment, land distribution, atrocities and challenge is to weather the administrat-
WHAT IS IT The Bhim Army youth become aware that they can Muslims, when the BJP took out a real empowerment, despite seizing ive action against it. Its focus on the
Bharat Ekta Mission or struggle for their constitutional rights Shobha Yatra in Saharanpur without political power. At a time when the BSP symbolism around the Chamar caste is
the Bhim Army is a fledgling group of and they will no longer tolerate oppres- permission through communally sensit- has lost ground electorally and the BJP also limiting it, as identity politics
mostly Dalit volunteers who claim to sion. The Bhim Army is not to scare off ive areas, and the Dalit-Thakur clashes a has begun mobilising Dalits, the Bhim within Dalit castes opens doors for the
champion the Dalit cause. Focussed on anybody but for the security of Dalits, few weeks later in the same district on Army is a symbol of resistance from RSS-BJP and impedes attempts to forge
quick redress of caste-based atrocities Mr. Azad said in a recent interview. the birth anniversary of Rajput king Ma- within Dalit society. Noted Dalit scholar a larger Dalit consciousness. Mean-
and discrimination, promoting educa- harana Pratap. The State government Anand Teltumbde writes that its emer- while, two questions linger: is the Bhim
tion and social awareness among Dalits HOW DID IT The Bhim Army held the Bhim Army responsible for in- gence may be likened to the Dalit Pan- Army the start of a social movement
and propagation of Ambedkarite values, COME ABOUT was formed around citing violence, while the latter claims thers in Maharashtra in 1972, which in from the ground or a mere expression
the group considers itself a social 2015 after a group of that the government was targeting it to turn was the by-product of the bankrupt of localised Dalit aggression?
counter-movement to Brahmanical Dalit youths raised its voice over stray malign the movement and shield upper politics of the erstwhile Republican
ideology. cases of discrimination and oppression caste offenders. Party of India. OMAR RASHID
What happened? The demands are not new. Farmers This resulted in a glut in the market. vendra Fadnavis formed a panel to
Pp WHY Q
q * On June 1, farmers in Maharashtra
went on strike for the first time ever.
have also asked for a cap on import of
farm produce and an increase in import
Traders made a killing because they
were able to buy at lower rates, and
study the Uttar Pradesh loan waiver.
The government has also said it will in-
Their agitation saw violence, and angry duty to safeguard the interests of the when the Minimum Support Price troduce a stringent law making buying
farmers spilling milk and throwing ve- farm sector. (MSP) kicked in, they sold at the MSP, agricultural produce at rates lower than
are farmers of getables on the road; at one point the

strike expanded into a bandh call,
where agitators threatened to stop sup-
What brought on the agitation?
* From 2013 to 2015, successive poor
leading to more farmer fury. Farmers
say the governments failure to anticip-
ate the larger crop isnt their fault, and a
MSP a punishable offence. For the rest
of the demands, it has passed the buck
onto the Centre. When the strike star-
Maharashtra ply to urban markets. This apparently

leaderless agitation grabbed the atten-
tion of both the government and the
monsoons exacerbated farmer woes.
Frustration grew when, after a satisfact-
ory monsoon in 2016 and a good crop,
loan waiver would help them offset
their losses because they heeded the
Prime Ministers appeal but were then
ted, the State government called a meet-
ing of selected leaders and announced it
would declare a waiver package by Oc-
on strike? urban population, quite ignorant of

conditions in rural areas. A week into
the protest, the farmers have made one
demonetisation and the resultant cur-
rency crunch meant that the Rabi pro-
duce failed to earn profitable prices. De-
let down by the government. Farmers
organisations admit a waiver is not the
ultimate solution, but say it will have at
tober 31. The meeting, held without in-
forming all organisations representing
the agitating farmers, backfired: the
gain: the Maharashtra government has monetisation also hit district central least a soothing effect and bring farmers leaders who attended the meeting were
committed itself to a deadline by which cooperative banks, the backbone of the back into the credit system. Farm loan dubbed back-stabbers by the farmers. Ambitious infrastructure projects the
it will announce a loan waiver. States crop loan system; DCCBs are waivers in the States ruled either by the Mumbai-Nagpur superhighway
now sitting on over 2,700 crore in de- BJP or the allies of the NDA have promp- Is a loan waiver viable? (40,000 crore), urban Metro projects
Why are farmers protesting? monetised currency, which the Centre ted them to ask, why not in * Maharashtra is in a financial crunch. (over 1 lakh crore) and the Shivaji
* The main demand: loan waivers. The is refusing to exchange for new notes. Maharashtra? For 2017-18, the estimated revenue defi- statue off Mumbais coast (3,800 crore)
other demands include higher support This has raised questions about their cit is likely to cross 4,000 crore. Excise add to the bill. Against these expendit-
price for their produce and the imple- lending capacity, and they face the How has the State responded? revenue has dropped by 7,000 crore ures, bringing over 31 lakh farmers back
mentation of the Swaminathan Commit- danger of being wiped out. In addition, * The BJP-led State government has al- after the Supreme Courts decision to into the credit system would require
tee recommendations. The BJP had heeding the Prime Ministers 2016 ex- ways maintained that it supports the ban liquor outlets near highways. Im- 30,000 crore. The government has
made the implementation of the report, hortation to grow more pulses, many loan waiver. But it has also said it will plementing the Seventh Pay Commis- hard choices ahead.
tabled a decade ago, a campaign prom- farmers invested heavily in their cultiva- announce the decision at the right sion report for State government em-
ise during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. tion. time. This week, Chief Minister De- ployees will cost 21,000 crore. ALOK DESHPANDE
Twin terrors: Suicide bombers and

WHEN
Pp q
Q gunmen struck at the heart of Tehran
on Wednesday, attacking the two most
important symbols of the 1979 Iranian
Revolution the Parliament and the
7
tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini, founder of
the Islamic Republic. The Islamic State,
or IS, claimed responsibility for the
daring breach that stunned Irans famed
June 2017 and feared Revolutionary Guards. The
strike left 12 people dead and at least 46
injured. For the IS, comprising Sunni
extremists, Iran, which is primarily Shia,
is the key enemy in the region. Iran is also
involved in the anti-IS battles in
neighbouring Iraq and Syria, where it is
helping the regime of Bashar al-Assad
take back territory held by IS militants.
In a statement, the Revolutionary Guards
blamed the twin attacks on Saudi Arabia
and the U.S., coming as they did soon
after President Donald Trumps
visit to the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh,
where he openly reached out to Arab
nations. AFP, AP *
I was elected to represent the citizens Anne Hidalgo and Mayor of Pittsburgh surrounds it. Carnegie Mellon Univer- imprudent announcement, he said the
WHERE
Pp q
Q of Pittsburgh, not Paris, U.S. President
Donald Trump said, announcing his de-
William Peduto wrote in a joint op-ed in
The New York Times this week.
sity (CMU) began developing autonom-
ous driving vehicles three decades ago,
day after Mr. Trumps announcement.
As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can as-
cision to pull America out of the Paris Pittsburgh is today at the frontier of and the city today hosts research facilit- sure you that we will follow the
climate agreement. futuristic technology but its history is ies of all digital giants Apple, Google guidelines of the Paris agreement for
Mr. Trump sought to make Pittsburgh also a guide. It is the history of Amer- and Facebook, among the more than our people, our economy and future,
In Pittsburgh, the metaphor of his America First

politics. As it turned out, it is not only
his brand of nationalist politics that this
ican capitalism.
The Pennsylvanian city sits in the
midst of vast reserves of coal. Andrew
1,600 of them. This is the first city that
Uber has chosen to trial-run its driver-
less cars.
he said, prompting a national mobilisa-
tion, endorsed by former President
Barack Obama, of 250 U.S. cities and
rejecting statement spurred, Pittsburgh has also

come to symbolise climate globalism in
the last few days.
Carnegie, one of the builders of modern
America, was born to Scottish parents
here and grew up to pioneer mass steel
Around CMU and numerous other
universities, a futuristic ecosystem is
taking shape in the city. It hopes to shift
several States that have now made sim-
ilar commitments.
Trumps Paris Since Mr. Trumps statement, Pitts-

burgh, a city of more than three lakh,
400 km northwest of Washington and
production. Carnegie left a complex leg-
acy of entrepreneurism, philanthropy,
labour oppression and greed all fea-
to 100% renewable energy by 2035, and
has 13,000 people employed in renew-
able technology research.
Why is it polarised?
But the future that Pittsburgh holds out
could also be deeply polarising. More
pact exit 600 km west of New York City, has be-
come the metaphor of a future beyond
tures that would define American capit-
alism in the 19th and early 20th century. Why is it going against Trump?
than three quarters of Pittsburgh voters
chose Hillary Clinton, Mr. Trumps op-
fossil fuels. And environmental degradation. As Mr. Trumps statement brought interna- ponent, in last years election. But in the
Pittsburgh steel mills fired by coal dug tional focus on Pittsburgh and Mayor surrounding counties in rural
What is the plan? from mines all around ramped up pro- steel mills closed in 1999. Abandoned Peduto became the face of resistance to Pennsylvania, untouched by the future
Last week, President Donald Trump duction to meet the surge in demand mines and shuttered plants fired Mr. the official U.S. policy of climate denial. and ravaged in the present, Mr. Trump
tried to pit our two cities against each during the Second World War, the city Trumps politics. For decades, Pittsburgh has been re- triumphed, becoming the first Repub-
other when he announced the pull-out was enveloped by a smog. Streetlights building its economy based on hopes lican to win the State of Pennsylvania
of the Paris Agreement on Climate stayed on round the clock in the 1940s. How has it reinvented itself? for our people and our future, not on since 1988, which was a major factor in
Change. As the Mayors of Pittsburgh Then came globalisation and Chinese But the city of Pittsburgh overcame the outdated fantasies about our past. The his national victory.
and Paris, were here to say that were steel. One after another, steel mills and shock of globalisation fast, though that City and its many partners will continue
more united than ever, Mayor of Paris mines around the city closed. The last cannot be said of the coal country that to do the same, despite the Presidents VARGHESE K GEORGE
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

-- 13
The Islamic State as an excuse

Too many decent, religious people believe their faith assigns them a position of moral superiority
xenophobic, undemocratic and un- sympathy for the IS. Such religious believe in Jesus as the son of God, I have tremist ideologies. To think that you are
likely-to-be-effective policy options in Muslims often castigate people like me met a hundred who would laugh at the so special can very easily turn into a dis-
the U.S. for describing IS-murderers as Islamists. notion. missal of the equivalent humanity of
The IS claim also enabled British They are not Islamists because they Unfortunately, I have met too many others, as casteist Hindus do with Dalits
politicians, who (it has to be said to have nothing to do with Islam, I am con- religious Muslims who believe that they and as colonial Europeans did with the
their credit) basically reacted with calm sistently told. I agree but I also point are specially chosen, and anyone who colonised at times.
and restraint, to suggest international out that the IS and such terrorists think does not share their faith is condemned Until more religious Muslims face up
conspiracies (highly unlikely) and rem- that they have everything to do with Is- to an eternity of hellfire. to this flaw in their thinking, their chil-
Tabish Khair edies (such as curbing Internet), which lam. Sheer repudiation does not suffice. Most religious Muslims do not act on dren will be vulnerable to such detest-
is an Indian novelist and academic who are unlikely to work and will probably It especially does not suffice if you are this conviction; they do not even utter it able ideologues as those of the IS and
GETTYIMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
teaches in Denmark have more drawbacks than advantages. yourself Muslim. in front of non-Muslims. They are de- Islam, as a faith, will be the target of
It is nice to have a Dr. No version of the The IS enables peaceful, religious cent people. But it lurks in the depths of hatred from at least some of those who
Three men drove a van into a crowd in IS to blame, when you know that your Muslims the vast majority to shirk their minds. are excluded from the category of being
London on June 3, 2017, and then ran own neo-liberal and post-Brexit actions their inadvertent complicity in such vi- It can also be flaunted indirectly: for chosen.
about stabbing people until efficiently such as laying off policemen in Lon- olence. It is time to face up to this, in- instance, recently a major Indian The IS is not some Hollywood su-
shot down by British policemen. Imme- don probably contributed to the casu- stead of expressing surprise and horror Muslim leader dismissed another pervillain, an Islamic Dr. No, with highly
diately, the Islamic State (IS) claimed the alties. when some nephew or son mimics the Muslim for not being a true Muslim be- trained agents present everywhere. It
attack though, as yet, there is no Finally, it enabled peaceful religious IS and kills innocent people in the name cause he read the Bhagavad Gita! Or, does not have that sort of clout outside
proof that the IS was directly involved. Muslims many of whom will be angry of Islam. during the holy month of Ramzan, the regions it controls and some neigh-
But of course the IS will claim any at me for saying this from facing up to I have written a lot about the us- people Hindus, Christians, etc. many religious Muslims give charity bouring spaces.
monstrous act in the name of Allah their responsibility in the matter. Do not them binarism that had undergirded might tend to have too. However, many only to the Muslim needy. Us and them. But it is actually more dangerous be-
committed by morons anywhere in the misunderstand me: these religious colonial Western atrocities against the religious Muslims also believe that their Them and us. cause it can capitalise on the flaws in
world. It suits the IS. And in some ways, Muslims hate what the IS stands for: this rest, and still dominates the thinking of faith will prevail on Earth in the future our thinking, those cracks in the floor of
such a claim suits almost everyone else fact was brought home by the sad but people like Mr. Trump. But it has to be and at least assure them (and only Facing up to a flaw ordinary family homes, Muslim and
too. necessary decision by 130 Muslim im- added: peaceful, religious Muslims har- them) of paradise after death. This is the germ that runs through much non-Muslim. I have written about the
ams and leaders in U.K. not to perform bour a similar us-them binarism. I have met Christians and Jews with of contemporary religious Muslim think- cracks in the floors of ordinary
It suits many people the compulsory funeral prayers over Many decent religious Muslims be- similar beliefs of being a kind of chosen ing, and drives the more confused of European or American homes, with
It suits people like Donald Trump. It en- the bodies of the three London attack- lieve that their faith assigns them a posi- people, but their ratio is far lower. For our Muslim children into mimicking the their civilisational hubris. But it is time
abled him to send out inane tweets, ers. tion of moral superiority over others. every Christian I have met who believed monstrosities of the IS. This germ for religious Muslims to face up to the
seeking to use this tragedy to further his Yes, most religious Muslims have no This is a feeling other very religious that I would go to hell because I do not makes Muslim youth vulnerable to ex- cracks in their own homes too.
In the heat of climatic terror A bastion of women nawabs

Its 45C at seven in the morning and the ACs give up, much like the Opposition The erstwhile princely state of Bhopal has many distinctions
G. Sampath Rana Safvi

is Social Afairs Editor, The Hindu is a historian, author and blogger
documenting Indias syncretic culture
This week, dear reader, you must ex-
cuse me. Its the heat. My brain melted As the Mughal Empire started disinteg-
into hot fudge about half an hour ago. rating after the death of Aurangzeb,
Luckily, I had the presence of mind to many local chiefs and governors de-
collect it in a non-stick, copper-bottom clared independence. Many others,

kadhai and put it in the freezer. But I finding the empire weakened, seized
can no longer remember what I land and carved an empire for them-
wanted to write about when I began selves. One of these was an Afghan-ori-
this column. gin soldier named Dost Mohammad
Its so hot in Delhi its not funny. I Khan who captured the Gond kingdom
get positively enraged when I hear of Jagdishpur and established his hold
someone trying to joke about it. Its no over it. His new capital, near present-
laughing matter when it is 45C at call me right now and invite me to a fuels, what did the Pushpak Viman run day Bhopal, was called Islamnagar,
seven in the morning and all your ACs panel discussion followed by lynching, on? If ancient Hindu society wasnt in- and he set about fortifying it. The must have withstood enemy attacks. Most people mistakenly assume that
have given up, much like the Opposi- I cant predict what my response dustrialised, how did they build nuc- foundation of a fort named Fatehgarh The holes in the turret walls of the tiny Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest
tion, without even trying. No need to would be. Im aware that, purely in lear power plants and do plastic was laid in 1723 on the northern bank mosque were built for positioning mosque of the country; in fact, it is the
visit Twitter or Facebook for your daily temperature terms, there are other surgery? of the Upper Lake. Dost Mohammad guns. They are a reminder of the con- Taj-ul-Masajid (in picture) with an in-
fix of outrage. Just lying in bed and places in the country that rank above In fact, there is now overwhelming Khan named it after his wife Fateh stant danger the soldiers would have terior area of 4,00,000 sq. m and seat-
breathing in and out is enough to make the national capital. Bathinda, I am evidence, documented in multiple Bibi. faced even while performing prayers. ing capacity of 1,75,000 people.
your blood boil. told, has crossed 48C. But Delhi is the WhatsApp forwards, that even the It is said that the idea of this fort was A flight of steps leads to a lofty gate-
And breathing, as you may have no- only place I know where the minimum word industry came from the root conceived by both of them during a A tale of two mosques way, clearly inspired by Fatehpur
ticed, involves air. In case youve ever temperature consistently surpasses ind of India. So to claim that Vedic In- shikar (hunting) expedition, and Dost Daniel McCrohan of Lonely Planet Sikris Buland Darwaza.
wanted to find out what its like to have the maximum temperature. dia was cooler than modern India be- Mohammad selected the site on that paced the floor of the mosque and es- Like Delhis Jama Masjid, it is built of
Daenerys Targaryens pets flying This morning, for instance, I woke cause it wasnt industrialised and very moonlit night. Remains of the for- timated its interior area to be 16 sq. m, red sandstone, with two lofty 206-feet-
around, raining fire upon the city, I up from a nightmare in which I was didnt use fossil fuels is nothing but tification wall can be seen from a which makes it smaller than the 25-sq. high octagonal minarets soaring from
suggest you take a flight to Delhi. Delhi drowning. Only, it wasnt just a night- pure cow dung. Ill be honest. I con- neighbourhood mosque. Despite m structure built in 2002 at each end, and crowned by three beau-
air is dragon breath. In June, as a fam- mare. I really was drowning in a two- fess that on most days of the year Im fierce attacks by enemies inside and Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia, in hon- tiful marble domes. As in all mosques,
ous poet may have written if he wer- feet-deep puddle of my own sweat. I too busy leaving carbon footprints all outside, Bhopal managed to hold on to our of those who fought Ivan the Ter- there is a huge tank for ablution before
ent already in cold storage, the Delhi couldnt help but wonder: how did over the floor to worry about climate its own even after Dost Mohammeds rible. The mosque is plain inside, the prayers and a big courtyard to take on
evening is spread out against the sky people in these parts manage in the change. But the extreme rage gener- death and became famous as Bhopal two and half steps leading to the the overspill of the faithful during con-
like a patient dehydrated upon a table. times gone by? How did Indians in the ated by Delhis extreme heat needs a state which had the distinction of be- prayer hall giving the monument its gregational prayers.
Vedic era beat the heat? Did they wrap scapegoat, if not an explanation. ing ruled for 100 years by women name. The corresponding bastion on Eleven beautiful mihrabs, with the
Leaves you seething their heads in towels soaked in pea- So let me try and collect some nawabs. the other side of the wall has a water central one set in the western wall of
Last Sunday it was 47C on my bal- cock tears? Or drink chilled cow sweat thoughts before they evaporate. Heres Though Bhopal is no longer a state, tank in it. the mosque inside the main hall, de-
cony. The clothes Id put out to dry from terracotta goblets? Do cows even one: the Paris Climate Agreement. I it still has the distinction of hosting Fatehgarh fort no longer exists ex- note the qibla (the direction of Kaaba
including a fire-proof, Pakistan-green sweat? And if they do, why is their skin know its got something to do with both Indias biggest mosque and the cept for its walls. It has been replaced in Mecca) for the prayers. As a
silk kurta a friend had got for me from so dry? what an idiot cricketer recently re- worlds smallest mosque! by a medical college instead. madarsa runs here during the day, I
Benaras burst into flames. When I A colleague tells me that summers ferred to as global warning. And that The Dhai Seedhi ki Masjid (mosque The construction of Taj-ul-Masajid found many young children in their
rushed out with a bucket of water, I in Delhi may not have been so hot in an idiot politician has sabotaged it by of two and a half steps) is one of the (the crown of mosques) was started by kurta-pyjamas and topis running
burnt my feet so badly the doctor the Vedic age since it preceded indus- pulling his continent-size country out citys highest points which offers a Nawab Shah Jahan Begum (1838-1901) around the courtyard trying to reach
asked me if Id tried to immolate my- trialisation. According to him, global of it. Now the stage is set for an idiot commanding view of the city. in the 19th century and continued by their classes in time. It is situated on
self. This is nothing but climatic terror- warming is caused by fossil-fuel guzz- species to wreck the planet and com- As the construction of Fatehgarh her daughter Nawab Sultan Jahan Be- the side of a lake, Motia Talab, which
ism. Like traditional terrorism, which ling, industrial societies. The Earths mit mass murder on millions of life fort progressed, the mosque was built gum. It remained incomplete for long adds to its out-of-the-world charm.
makes you angry enough to want to temperature rose by one degree in the forms whose only mistake was to not as a makeshift structure for the guards due to a paucity of funds but construc- From the nearby Taj Mahal, a palace
bomb a country any country to last century because thats when the kill off this terroristic species before it to pray. The mosque has stayed intact, tion was resumed in 1971 due to the ef- complex built by Nawab Shah Jahan
dust, it leaves you permanently seeth- whole world embraced fossil fuels. I began to threaten their and their plan- albeit many recent additions have forts of two Muslim clerics Maulana Begum, I saw a reflection of the
ing. As most of you may have guessed dont buy this argument because it ets existence. And heres my second been made to increase capacity. Syed Hashmat Ali and Allama Mo- mosque and it inspired a sense of piety
by now, I was born a non-violent per- fails to answer some simple questions: and final thought: it better rain, or The bastion itself stands strong and hammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari and devotion, as Im sure it was meant
son. But if a mob of vigilantes were to if Vedic Indians werent using fossil else resolute, as during the days when it and completed in 1985. to.
A nation is a people in conversation

So anyone stopping this conversation, in the name of managing or resolving conlict, is damaging it
be no conversation amongst a whole Bhakti or Vedantic ideas across large versation, not even those with whom for more pernicious reasons; for in-
people, no development of common swathes of India? Yet, what is new in one profoundly disagrees. For having a stance, it is the avowed aim of terrorists
concerns and therefore no nation. So, it our time is that in principle any Indian conversation is not the same as agree- to terminate this conversation. Such
is entirely apt to say that a nation exists can begin a conversation on any matter ment. When a very large group begins a suppression of disagreement or conflict
only as long as there is a continuous and turn it into an issue of common and conversation, different voices, interests, undoes a nation.
conversation among its members about pervasive concern. An issue of a partic- ideas about the common good particip- Second, after allowing differing
what it was, is, will and should be. A dis- ular community, say, triple talaq ad- ate in it. voices to enter the arena, they adopt
ruption of this conversation is the undo- versely affects only Muslim women and Some of these differences go deep, disruptive tactics shout down, abuse,
Rajeev Bhargava ing of a nation. is primarily a matter between Muslim and surface for the first time only dur- and troll them, making participation so
is a political theorist with the Centre for the men and women, but can be viewed, at ing conversation and cause dissonance. unpleasant and fearful that inter-
Study of Developing Societies, New Delhi Matters of common concern least secondarily, as a matter of com- For example, currently, issues pertain- locutors are compelled to give it up.
This conversation is also about what the mon concern. Likewise, the exclusion of ing to Kashmir are so fraught that even This too contributes to the unravelling
What is a nation? Above all, it is a nation should do. This is an unpreced- Hindu women from some temples may an academic argument by a professor of a nation.
people self-consciously bound together ented achievement of our own age. For not affect non-Hindus but can be raised causes intense heat.
by common or overlapping concerns conversations now are not just passive by them as a matter of more general Not surprisingly, the public arenas For the sake of the nation
about their past, present and future. and contemplative, mere post-facto re- concern. where such conversations take place are One final point: A nation a people in
This self-conscious awareness of com- flections, but can yield decisions on The philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, a frequent site of conflict. Both the ex- conversation on common issues is not
monality is not genetically encoded. which a people may act. says somewhere that the distinguishing pression of conflict and its artful man- the same thing as a state, i.e. public
Nor does it drop from the sky. It grows A modern nation is a collective agent; mark of an intellectual is that he sticks agement (ensuring that it does not blow power concentrated in specific institu-
when people talk and listen to one an- its members can together strive to real- his nose into every other persons busi- up) are crucial for a productive conver- tions such as the parliament, govern-
other and, through oral and written ise goals they have set for themselves. ness. However, in the age of democracy sation. ment, judiciary, army, police and bur-
communication, understand each For example, India together must dis- and modern nations, this trait is wide- If a nation is a people in conversa- eaucracy.
other. This is easy among families and cuss and find ways to reduce unemploy- spread; provided he empathetically un- tion, then anyone stopping this conver- Nations may exist without states and
in villages concentrated in a small territ- ment, resolve the conflict in Kashmir derstands it in all its complexity and nu- sation is damaging it. Such conversa- states without nations. Moreover, the
ory where people meet face-to-face, but and alleviate the distress of its farmers. ance, virtually anyone can make tion-stoppers act in two ways. First, nation is ethically prior to the state; the
how do common concerns develop This was impossible in earlier societies another persons interest a matter of his under the illusion that they are man- state exists for the sake of the nation. At
amongst an entire people, virtual where decisions about the future of so- interconnected action could have exis- and common concern. aging or resolving conflict, they forcibly no point must the state hijack the con-
strangers to one another, and spread ciety were taken by a small band of ted in the past. If this is so, an important implication remove some groups from the public versation, dictate its agenda or control
over a large territory? elites, notably chieftains and kings, Some elites dispersed across large ensues for the ethics of nationhood: No arena, depriving them of means of exit. It is a part of the conversation, not its
The short answer is that without a largely to protect their own interests territories may well have had a conver- one should be prevented from turning a pressing their particular concerns and permanent leader. Indeed, it is its duty
public culture forged first by print and and only secondarily for the people. sation about things in common. How particular matter into an issue of com- arguments. to rein in those who disrupt or block
then an electronic media, there would To be sure, such conversations and else does one explain the spread of mon concern, excluded from this con- Some violent extremists even do so conversation. The nation expects it.
CM A ND-ND
YK

Neighbourhood First in Nepal

India needs to help Prime Minister Deuba clear the way for elections under the new Constitution
through. in its internal afairs, of imposing
Except for a small number, most an economic blockade and sup-
Madhesi leaders who have strong porting the Madhesi agitation. Sig-
Pragmatic step roots in the Terai see the political
logic in participating in the local
niicantly, it eroded the signiicant
goodwill that had been generated
The Kerala government wisely cuts its losses body elections. They sense the by Prime Minister Narendra Modis
rakesh sood public enthusiasm relected in the historic visits to Nepal in 2014.
by relaxing restrictions on bar licences high turnout, and realise that their With Mr. Prachanda withdrawing
T
he Kerala governments new liquor policy is a boycott will not prevent the elec- support from the Oli coalition and
ast week, on June 7, just days tions from going ahead but make forming his coalition government
pragmatic step that may help boost its revenue
and retrieve lost ground in the tourism sector.
More important, it will end the discrimination in favour
of ive-star hotels. Keralas erstwhile United Democratic
L before he turns 71, Prime Min-
ister Sher Bahadur Deuba was
sworn in as the new Prime Minister
them appear spoilers. Second, if
they are cut out of local politics for
the next ive years, it will be dii-
with NC support, it gave both
Nepal and India an opportunity to
step back.
of Nepal, marking his fourth term not been passed is because of op- mandu. The enhanced powers of cult for them to maintain their Meanwhile, China has been
Front government had restricted bar permits to ive- as Prime Minister. Yet compared to position from Mr. Olis party, the the local bodies will enable the cre- cadre base, necessary to ensure a stepping up its presence in Nepal.
star hotels alone, resulting in more than 700 hotels of the rather turbulent politics in Communist Party of Nepal (UML), ation of a much needed new polit- good showing in the following pro- Mifed with India, Mr. Oli had
other categories losing their bar licences. Under the Nepal which makes him the 24th and the diiculty in mustering the ical leadership. vincial and parliamentary elec- signed an Agreement on Transit
new policy, hotels in the three- and four-star category Prime Minister since the beginning two-thirds majority necessary. tions. Trade which is now being de-
of multiparty democracy in the Externally, Mr. Prachanda also Deubas challenges In the 2008 elections for the irst veloped along with an examination
may also have bars that serve Indian Made Foreign Li-
country 27 years ago, this trans- set about repairing relations with Mr. Deubas fourth term as Prime Constituent Assembly, the three of a possible rail link. For the irst
quor. Two-star hotels are permitted to serve wine and ition was singularly straightfor- India which had reached a low dur- Minister will be a short one, even Madhesi parties emerged as a cred- time, joint military exercises were
beer. At the same time, the Left Democratic Front gov- ward. ing the tenure of Mr. Oli, who shorter than his previous terms. ible political force for the irst time, held in early 2017, after the irst
ernment in the State has sought to give a boost to the His elevation comes as part of blamed India for stoking the Mad- None of these had lasted two years. with 84 seats. Internal squabbling ever visit by the Chinese Defence
traditional toddy business by allowing hotel bars to sell the deal struck between Nepali hesi agitation and imposing an eco- The second time in 2002, he was and power politics fractured the Minister to Nepal, promising a mil-
toddy too. To partially ofset criticism, it has raised the Congress (NC) and the Maoist party nomic blockade. Mr. Prachandas sacked by King Gyanendra for in- three into a dozen, and in the 2013 itary grant of $32 million. Work is
legal drinking age from 21 to 23. The new excise policy (CPN-Maoist Centre) last July un- early oicial visit in September competence, and after his 2004-5 elections, they were down to 40. under way to restore and upgrade
der which Pushpa Kamal Dahal 2016 followed by a second one dur- term, he was placed under house Realising the need for unity, some the Rasuwagadi-Syabrubesi road
is, of course, no surprise as the LDF election manifesto
Prachanda became Prime Minis- ing the BRICS outreach event in Oc- arrest by the same monarch. This Madhesi parties came together in link with Tibet. Nepal has also
had made it clear that it does not favour prohibition and ter in August, with NC support on tober, and reciprocal visits by Pres- time, he has the opportunity to en- April to form a new entity, Rastriya signed on to the Belt and Road Initi-
would rather emphasise on voluntary abstinence. In a the understanding that after nine ident Pranab Mukherjee and sure a happier ending for his fourth Janata Party Nepal (RJPN). The irst ative and a special economic zone
State that has a high per capita alcohol consumption, months, during which his govern- Nepali President Bidya Devi term. He has already announced decision of the Deuba government has been promised. A 1,200 MW
there is a case for a vigorous campaign about the ill-ef- ment would conduct the local Bhandari, helped restore the rela- that his primary responsibility is to was to amend the Local Level Elec- hydel project on the Budhi
fects of being addicted to alcohol, as opposed to one body elections, he would hand tionship. ensure that provincial and parlia- tion Act, on June 8, which provides Gandaki river was awarded on
that makes liquor scarce and encourages bootlegging. over charge and support NC leader As promised, he held the irst mentary elections are held before recognition of the RJPN and its EPCF (Engineering, Procurement,
Deubas claim to the post. phase of the local body elections January 18, which gives him a ten- election symbol, enabling it to join Construction, Finance) basis to the
The government has waited for a year before unveiling
for municipalities and village de- ure of under eight months. the June 28 elections in its new Gezhouba group.
the changes it wanted, lest it be seen as acting in undue Prachanda delivers velopment councils on May 14, in Mr. Deubas immediate chal- avatar. Earlier, some were thinking India needs to support Mr. Deu-
haste. Politically, the LDF is on irm ground. The UDF Mr. Prachanda upheld his end of three of the seven federal lenge is to conclude the second about ighting the elections under bas eforts to conclude the local
regimes hardline liquor policy was the result of an in- the bargain, and in contrast with provinces. These elections were phase of the local body elections their old symbols, but with this body elections followed by the pas-
ternal game of one-upmanship between factions, and his irst term as Prime Minister last held in 1997. At present, there scheduled for June 28 in the four change, any reservations should be sage of the constitutional amend-
that decision did not help it return to power. which ended ignominiously with are 744 local bodies in Nepal and remaining provinces. These set aside because now the RJPN can ment, which will clear the way for
Some opposition to the new policy is expected from his resigning after nine months in the irst phase covered 283 local provinces include the two Terai- put up a united front. The two the provincial and parliamentary
2009, following the controversy bodies in three predominantly Pa- based provinces (Provinces 2 and other major Madhesi groups led by elections under the new Constitu-
inluential religious groups as well as opposition
around arbitrarily dismissing the hadi provinces, including metro- 5) and the far east and the far west Upendra Yadav (Federal Socialist tion. This will go a long way in
parties. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has justiied his Army chief Rookmangud Katawal, politan areas of Kathmandu and provinces (Provinces 1 and 7). Mad- Forum Nepal) and Bijay Gachhadar bringing political stability to Nepal
decision to liberalise the sector by describing the his second nine-month tenure was Pokhara. hesis have a signiicant presence in (Nepal Democratic Forum) have which, during the last quarter cen-
earlier policy, which had received the Supreme Courts productive. Under the new Constitution pro- the two Terai-based provinces. already indicated that they will be tury has gone through a Maoist in-
approbation as well, as a iasco, as the restrictions on Domestically, he tried to build mulgated in 2015, seven provinces They had demanded that unless joining the elections, thus ensuring surgency and transitioned from a
the sale of liquor had brought down tourism traic, bridges with the Madhesis and the have been created and signiicant the constitutional amendment ad- a good Madhesi presence in the monarchy to a republic. Import-
caused job losses and led to a spike in drug abuse. He Janjatis who had been alienated by decentralisation of powers has dressing their concerns was local bodies in the Terai. antly, India needs to ensure speedy
his predecessor K.P. Sharma Olis taken place. Consequently, the passed, they would not participate delivery of the generous pledges of
will now have to ensure that the purported positive out-
highhandedness, by promising local bodies now enjoy extensive in the local body elections. Restoring goodwill over a billion dollars committed
comes, such as revitalising the tourism sector and the them a consultative process and a inancial powers. It is estimated Given the UMLs stand, it is clear Mr. Olis nine-month tenure which during the last two years to make
hotel industry, boosting employment and ending the constitutional amendment that signiicant that more than $5 bil- that the Deuba government cannot ended in July last year marked a good on Mr. Modis neighbour-
brewing of hooch are actualised on the ground. The big would address their concerns. In lion will now be spent by the local muster the two-thirds majority low point in India-Nepal relations. hood irst policy.
challenge lies in pursuing this policy without violating keeping with this assurance, his bodies on infrastructure and deliv- needed. Mr. Deuba has, however, It increased ethnic polarisation
the Supreme Courts ban on having liquor outlets government tabled a constitu- ery of social services. Historically, committed that once the local within Nepal and as always hap-
Rakesh Sood is a former Ambassador to
within 500 metres of national and State highways. tional amendment proposal which given the centralised character of body elections are concluded, he pens at such times, enabled him to Nepal and currently Distinguished Fellow
goes a long way in addressing the the Nepali state, all political lead- will exert all possible eforts to get don the mantle of Nepali national- at the Observer Research Foundation.
News that a 1983 document of the Indian Roads Con-
Madhesi reservations. That it has ers have gravitated towards Kath- the constitutional amendment ism and blame India for interfering E-mail: rakeshsood2001@yahoo.com
gress has said all highways automatically become arter-
ial roads or sub-arterial roads while passing through
urban areas gives a new dimension to the highway ban.
State governments may now consider examining this
aspect to get the Supreme Court to relax its highway ban
Leave them students alone
in respect of hotels located within towns and cities. As For a system blamed for being exam and textbook-oriented, it is strange that public exams are being piled on
protests mount against relocating bars from highways
to interior residential areas, the situation calls for a and adopting best practices in In- middle school levels. These tests be questioning, imagining and cre-
pragmatic and holistic solution. dia and abroad. Another instance are optional, non-threatening and ating instead of preparing set an-
of that freedom was in selecting constructed by experts in the ield. swers to set questions. Therefore, it
textbooks. Only literature texts Important feedback (leading to ef- is all the more puzzling why more
were prescribed for the Indian Cer- fective feedforward) is received and more public examinations are
Comeys case devi kar
tiicate of Secondary Education
and Indian School Certiicate (ISC)
by these schools from the experts.
The council, it has been said, will
being piled on. Why have we sud-
denly forgotten the examination-
examinations. The ISC examina-
H.S. MANJUNATH
outsource the testing at these lower related suicides that occur every
The former FBI directors Senate testimony on tion was an adaptation of the Cam- levels. In that case, why shouldnt year without fail? No board exam-
T
Russiagate sharpens parallels with Watergate he Council for the Indian bridge or General Certiicate of the schools be left to choose the ination can be stress-free and we
School Certiicate Examina- Education O level examination. So tests they wish to administer, just as have no right to overburden our
T
he dramatic three-hour hearing of James Comey tions (CISCE) has gleefully in the good old days, the philo- they should be left to prescribe children and make anxious parents
before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee on foisted two more board examina- sophy of not ranking students, not writers. We must wean our chil- their own textbooks? Incidentally, even more distressed. Guidelines
June 8 has dragged President Donald Trump tions on unsuspecting students mentioning the aggregate or pre- dren away from textbook-oriented it is undesirable to measure from the council are most welcome
deeper into the Russia scandal, which he desperately from next year. The council has al- cise marks was strictly followed; learning altogether. The bane of the aptitude at a young age. not constricting mandates.
ways claimed to be student- only subject-wise points were in- Indian education system has al- Those in favour of these addi- Alas, we never learn from our
wants to get out of. Mr. Trump once called Mr. Comey,
friendly, so oicials have hastened dicated. The vile element of sense- ways been this crippling depend- tional exams feel that such tests own experiences or from those of
who he ired as the Director of the Federal Bureau of In- to point out that these examina- less competition over a mark or ence on the textbook. Children would enable children to take the others. Frequent testing does not
vestigation last month, a nut job and the probe into al- tions would be application-based two was deliberately avoided. But must be shown that the pages of a board examinations in their stride improve learning. The 11-plus ex-
legations of Russian intervention in the 2016 U.S. pres- and would not require prepara- sadly, we as a people are obsessed speciic textbook do not contain all in future. It is rather odd that some amination that is held in England
idential elections a witch-hunt. But Mr. Comeys tion. with rank and status even in aca- the answers and that learning hap- consider success in the board ex- annually is widely criticised. The
testimony, under oath before the Senate, lends cre- The question is this: wouldnt demics, and, sadly, the council pens everywhere. aminations to be the objective of exam reduces everything to Eng-
dence to arguments that the administrations handling children have to master the matter gave in. school education. Putting it mildly, lish, Maths and reasoning at an age
that is required to be applied? The Ironically, the CISCE website an- Focus on the teacher our current board examinations where childrens minds ought to be
of Russiagate was problematic from the very beginning.
inclusion of Sanskrit as an optional nounces as its ethos: minimum The councils main objective in in- leave much to be desired. Exam- opened to the wonders of the world
Mr. Comey, who questioned the Presidents integrity language from Standards V to VIII is monitoring; allowing schools to troducing these new tests, accord- iners follow the marking scheme ri- and to the fascinating possibilities
and accused the administration of spreading lies, plain nothing new but it will certainly evolve own niche (sic); giving freeing to various dailies, is to assess gidly and many bright students of science, says an outspoken, but
and simple, has torn into the White House narrative on please the powers that be; as will dom to experiment with new ideas the standard of teaching and thus have sufered because they have ex- highly respected, headmaster. I do
both the Russia probe and his iring. He conirmed re- the introduction of mandatory and practices. It is disappointing keep schools on track. However, expressed themselves diferently. wish that we in India would con-
ports that Mr. Trump had asked him to let go of the in- yoga from Standard I. to see that the CISCE is deviating amination results can never indic- Time and energy should be spent centrate on educating our young
sharply from its stated ethos of ate the quality of school teaching on improving the administration of instead of preparing them for
vestigation on Michael Flynn, the initial choice as Na-
Schooling then and now minimum monitoring. It is now accurately; the focus should be on these important exams instead of competition.
tional Security Adviser who was ired for lying to the The USP of the CISCE was the free- attempting to take control of the teacher training and teacher devel- invading new areas which will only Indeed many are deeply dis-
Vice President over his own Russia links. This assertion dom it aforded to every school to entire school curriculum. We hope opment. External assessment of result in the dilution of existing turbed about the pressures that are
directly counters Mr. Trumps claim that he had not design its own curriculum till that it will not start prescribing schools for benchmarking and self- services. about to be put on our 10 year olds
asked Mr. Comey to back of on the Flynn probe. Mr. Standard VIII. Guidelines have textbooks next. This would result evaluation is required but certainly The Indian education system is by the demand for ticking boxes.
Comey also said he was ired over the Russia probe, not been available in abundance and in promoting the racket of publish- not in the form of periodic board constantly blamed for being too
over any mishandling of the investigation, as claimed by schools derived great pleasure in ers vying for business and adding to exams. Some schools voluntarily exam and textbook-oriented. The Devi Kar is Director, Modern High School
researching, comparing, collating the dubious tribe of textbook ofer external tests at the junior and refrain is that our children should for Girls, Kolkata
the White House, into Hillary Clintons use of a private
email server while Secretary of State.
In short, Mr. Comey did not directly accuse the Pres-
ident of trying to obstruct justice when asked he said
it is up to the Special Counsel to understand what the

Describing Gandhiji hold the Mahatma and his culture by introducing the the health of people is very As a student of earth laxity on the part of private
Presidents intent was. He tactfully presented a timeline
At a time when the nation ideals in high esteem due to mother of all waiver important, and there has to sciences, I am conident that contractors to collect
of their interactions: Mr. Trump irst asks for Mr. faces challenges of an their timeless relevance. schemes in 2008 in order to be stringent punishment for people from most walks of garbage is palpable as one
Comeys loyalty, tells him to drop the probe on his aide unprecedented nature, BJP K.R. Srinivasan, retain political power. What food adulterers. life would be interested in can see huge heaps of waste
Mr. Flynn, and later ires Mr. Comey. Mr. Trump is still President Amit Shahs Secunderabad should be the last resort has Srinivasan B., having a structured lying uncollected in several
description of Mahatma now become the default Chennai approach to the subject. parts of the city. The
adamant on his earlier positions. He has called Mr.
Comey a liar and dismissed his Senate testimony. But Gandhi as a chatur bania is Its about marketing response of governments Abhilash Borah, Chennai Corporation often
the Senate hearing has already shifted the contours of not only in very poor taste While farming practices, which want to be seen as Promoting geotourism Nadia, West Bengal ignores complaints and the
but also disappointing. agro-climatic conditions and pro-farmer (Ground Zero I believe that what 82-year- common man has learnt to
the Russia probe. It is no longer only about Russian in- There is no doubt that the crop selection difer from page Fault lines in the old Mohansingh Sodha has Uncovering a scam live with such indiference
tervention in the presidential election, but also about remark has been made in State to State, a common ields, June 10). done in his life so far boils It is shocking to note from with no time and resources
whether the President of the United States tried to ob- order to win over certain problem faced by our V.N. Mukundarajan, down to one important the investigation done by at his disposal to take on the
struct justice in his country. Here, the parallels between segments of the population farmers has been the Thiruvananthapuram thing serving the nation in The Hindu into Chennais strong contractor-oicials
the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nix- ahead of the Assembly polls volatility in prices for the interests of future garbage scam that nexus. The Corporation is
ons resignation in 1974 and Mr. Trumps current predic- in Chhattisgarh early next produce. A record price for Food safety generations (The Hindu contractors are mixing also making a mockery of
year. On its part, for the a crop in a season attracts The plastic rice scare Magazine The Bone construction debris with the Swachh Bharat initiative.
ament are striking. It is still not established whether
Congress party to raise a more farmers to cultivate it, appears to spreading across Collector of Kutch, April municipal garbage in order V. Subramanian,
Nixon ordered the break-in at the Democratic party of- hue and cry over Mr. Shahs causing a glut which drives India, fuelled by social 29). I feel there is certainly a to increase tonnage (Ill- Chennai
ice in the Watergate complex in Washington that comment is ludicrous given down the prices. media. Reports of it having strong need for us to mull gotten gains: making wealth more letters online:
triggered the crisis, but he had to go over his interfer- that it abandoned the Governments cannot extend some kind of a harmful over the options of out of waste, June 11). The www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
ence in the FBI probe into the Watergate case. It is up to Mahatmas ideals a long the minimum support price substance is only adding to enhancing the potential of
time ago (Cong. demands mechanism to cover all the the panic. The common geotourism. Gujarat, Assam, corrections & clarifications:
Special Counsel Robert Mueller to ind out if Mr. Trump In the Ground Zero page report, Fault lines in the ields ( June
tried to obstruct justice by asking the FBI chief to let Mr. apology for Shahs chatur crops. Indian agriculture man has no way of knowing Meghalaya, Andhra 10, 2017), there was a reference to Italy, a village that was one of the
Bania remark, June 11). that has overcome how to diferentiate Pradesh, Jharkhand and centres of agitation. The correct name is Nitaley.
Flynn go and whether he lied to the American public
The Prime Minister would production crises is now between a genuine product Kerala are some regions that
over Mr. Flynn, Mr. Comey and Russiagate. While the indo well to advise Mr. Shah to facing a marketing crisis. from a harmful one. The are home to fascinating It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
vestigation will take time, its widening scope and the refrain from making such Policymakers will have to Ministries of Health and geological wonders from contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
new revelations pose greater diiculties for a President insensitive remarks as they look at marketing solutions. Family Welfare and Food preserved fossils to Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
who appears to be clueless on how to tackle the issue. only hurt the sentiments of a The UPA government and Public Distribution mountains of interest All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
majority of citizens who still started the farm loan waiver need to assuage our fears as which should be showcased. visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

Six days of war, 50 years of occupation To be a heart that hears, FROM THE READERS EDITOR
Its evident from Israels policies that it continues to choose territories over peace
receives and transmits
An enabling environment for the media is one in which the
other estates do not infringe on its independence
Stanly Johny
SLAP[P] is more than simply getting a gag-
ging writ. It is a strategy used to put people
On May 22, 1967, Egyptian President on notice, ensnare them in the legal process,
Gamal Abdel Nasser, while address- put them through all the trouble and hassles
ing his pilots at the Bir Gafgafa air- this involves, and make them give up their
base in Sinai Peninsula, said, The cause if not silence them forever Those en-
Jews are threatening war. We say to trapped in litigation had to go through it, pay
A.S. Panneerselvan
them ahlan wa-sahlan (you are wel- for it and suffer its consequences. If they
come). War clouds were already were defiant before the litigation started,
GETTY IMAGES
gathering over the West Asian skies. I received a set of questions from some crit- such defiance soon wore off with the pro-
There were frequent conflicts ics in response to my column, Silencing the longed and expensive proceedings which, if
between the Syrian and Israeli milit- media is political suicide ( June 5, 2017). lost, would also result in paying damages to
aries in the demilitarised zone. A What do I mean by enabling environment? the victor. The penalties for filing suits was
week earlier, Nasser had remilitar- Where does the freedom of the press end always less intimidating than the dividends
ised the Sinai Peninsula. A week after countries in six days amused Presid- pushed for peace both before and the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s, and the normal course of law begin? Does to be obtained from a successful SLAP[P].
Nassers speech, Egypt and Jordan ent Lyndon B. Johnson at a time after the Khartoum summit. Soon only after the first intifada that began news media seek an exception from being
Cold War enemies signed a joint when American troops were fighting after the war was concluded, there in 1987, during which the Palestini- scrutinised by other institutions? Dominance of the digital
defence agreement. Israel read these an increasingly tough Communist in- were demands from Palestinian com- ans rose against the occupation. But There was also an attempt to conflate the The second and the more important fact we
developments as preparations for a surgency in Vietnam. The U.S. munity leaders in the West Bank for after the assassination of Yitzhak Ra- roles of different institutions, where even the have to bear in mind is that the present in-
major war. On June 5, within six days offered diplomatic protection, ad- an independent Palestinian state at bin, the Israeli Prime Minister who fair criticism against the use of human formation age is dominated by the digital
of the Jordanian-Egyptian agree- vanced weapons and financial aid to peace with Israel. Such plans never signed the Oslo Accords, in 1995, the shields was invoked to say that the news me- devices. Historian Hampton Sides, in his ad-
ment, Israel launched a surprise at- Israel and in turn the latter remained took off. When King Hussein of urgency for peace was lost and ever dia needs to be put in its place. However, dress to the outgoing students of Colorado
tack on Egypt, totally destroying the one of the pillars of American foreign Jordan expressed his desire for peace since then the Oslo process has been these critics of the media did not say what College, recently explained the challenges in
Egyptian Air Force in one day. King policy in the region. a month after the war, Israel refused directionless. Though Israel kept that mythical place is. front of the media brilliantly. He first ex-
Hussein of Jordan entered the war on Israel was aware of the profound to respond immediately. The Israeli talking about peace and portrayed it- plored the present status of the information
the same day, but his troops had to changes the war had made to re- offer came in September 1968, in self as a victim of Palestinian terror, Detecting overreach world: Its been said that we live in an age of
withdraw to the eastern part of the gional politics and was ready to cap- which they promised to return parts on the ground it continued to deepen The four estates legislature, executive, ju- truth decay. That we inhabit a post-factual
kingdom in the wake of the Israeli ad- italise on its advantageous position. of the West Bank to Jordan and retain the occupation of the West Bank with diciary and media define democracy and world. A world of fake news and alternative
vances. The Syrians attacked Israel Shortly after reaching a ceasefire the control over East Jerusalem. King more Jewish settlements and land each of them has its role defined and its re- facts. A world in which every story is tainted,
from its northern border, but faced with Arab countries, the Israeli Cab- Hussein rejected the offer. grabs. The next major concession mit spelt out. It is not rocket science to de- the product of leaks and hacks, black ops
the same fate as the Jordanians. On inet decided to annex East Jerus- Israel later entered into a peace from Israel happened in 2005 when tect overreach when it happens. An enabling and active measures, propaganda and disin-
the sixth day of the war, on June 10, alem. They promised to withdraw agreement with Egypt, but only after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided environment for the media is one in which formation spread by trolls, replicated by
Israel had captured the entire Sinai from Sinai and Golan but decided to the 1973 Yom Kippur War in which to pull out both troops and settlers the other estates do not infringe on its inde- Internet bots, amplified in echo chambers
and Gaza Strip from Egypt; the West continue military presence in the Egyptian troops shocked the Israeli from Gaza, but only after the violent pendence, trample on its freedom or stifle its deep in the dungeons of the web.
Bank and eastern Jerusalem from West Bank and Gaza until peace leadership with a surprise attack. second intifada from 2000 to 2005. watchdog role. Then he looked at the nature of the self-
Jordan; and the Golan Heights from agreements were signed with Arab Egyptian President Anwar Sadat Today, 50 years since the end of This is not a claim for any exceptionalism defeating certitudes that the digital possibil-
Syria. The war ended in six days, but countries. But promises of peace for wanted to change the status quo and the June War, Israel is still on the for the media. It is a vital requirement for it ities create among the users: Never in the
it had already changed the face of the Israel, as the 50 years of occupation he found that war was the only op- Golan Heights, the Syrian territory to deliver on its mandate of carrying out the history of the world has so much knowledge
region in many ways. suggest, have always been a delaying tion. Israel was ill-prepared for a war. which it promised to return within critical, adversarial role of examining the been so instantaneously available at our fin-
tactic. Since the June 1967 war, the Though Israel eventually fought back days of the war; East Jerusalem, facts. In this context, any move by the legis- gertips and for free. Yet ironically never be-
Myth of Arab unity broken undeclared policy of Israel towards the Egyptians, the attack challenged which the Palestinians want as the lature and/or the executive to try the media fore have we been so disdainful of facts: Be-
Primarily, it broke the myth of Arab the occupied territories has been to the deterrence which Israel thought capital of their future state, remains should first pass a few tests. Some of the ob- cause they are so easy to come by, they are
unity. Arab countries could never continue the occupation. As General was established with its 1967 victor- annexed to Israel; Gaza, the tiny vious tests involve making sure that: the ac- no longer precious. Why do we need to be
stand up to Israel together after the Moshe Dayan, Defence Minister (in ies. The intelligence failure to foresee Mediterranean strip that houses tion is not mala fide in its intent; there is a smart, when we have smartphones? Why do
Six-Day War. Egypt, the strongest of picture), announced standing in such a massive Egyptian troop move- about two million Palestinians, is prima facie case against the media that will we need an appetite for knowledge when we
them all, would take years to recover front of the Western Wall in Old City ment also plagued the Israeli military today the worlds largest outdoor stand the legal scrutiny of the courts; and the can just get the app? Why do we need to
from the humiliation it suffered. Nas- after the war, We have returned to and political leadership for years. It prison, blockaded by both Israel and case is not in the nature of a SLAPP suit. know when we can Google-know?
ser died in three years, and with him our holy places and we shall never also reinforced the view that Egypt Egypt; and the West Bank remains an Mr. Sides ended his talk with those won-
died the idea of pan-Arabism. leave them. remained a potential Arab military Israeli colony. As King Hussein said SLAPP suit derful lines from William Wordsworth:
Second, the war reinforced Israels Since the June War, Israel has not rival. Within five years, the Camp in Washington in 1969, Israel may The SLAPP suit that takes myriad forms Bring with you a heart that watches and
military might in the region. No Arab given up even an inch of the occu- David Accord was signed, which led have either peace or territory, but when it comes to stymieing the media is a receives.
country but Egypt would dare attack pied territories without being forced to the eventual Israeli withdrawal she can never have both. Its evid- complex phenomenon. Coined by two pro- For news media to remain a heart that
Israel directly after the June War. to do so. Though Arab countries, in from the Sinai. ent, from the past 50 years of Israels fessors in Denver, the term SLAPP stands watches, receives and transmits in good
Third, it turned Israel into an Amer- the September 1967 Khartoum con- Subsequent concessions from Is- policies, that it chose territories over for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Particip- faith, it is incumbent upon the other three
ican asset in West Asia. The United ference, declared their famous rael were also linked to the use of peace. And the tragedy is that it got ation. Rajeev Dhavan, the well-known Su- estates to create and maintain a conducive
States realised the true strategic po- Three Nos no peace with Israel, force. Israel agreed to the establish- away with it for five full decades. preme Court lawyer, in his book, Publish and atmosphere.
tential of Israel only after the June no recognition of Israel and no nego- ment of a Palestinian Authority in Be Damned, explained the contours of these
War. Israels easy victory over Arab tiations with Israel they separately the West Bank and Gaza as part of stanly.johny@thehindu.co.in suits. He contended: The purpose of a readerseditor@thehindu.co.in
Economic forecasting FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 12, 1967
Serious scarcity condition in M.P.

is not a science The Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, said here [Am-
bikapur] today [ June 11] that though the situation in Sarguja
Macroeconomic data cannot prove or district in Madhya Pradesh was serious, she did not find any
specific instance of starvation deaths alleged by the Opposi-
disprove any hypothesis tion and Sarvodaya leaders. (Sarvodaya leaders had asserted
that 207 persons had died of starvation). She, however, con-
Prashanth Perumal ceded that it was difficult to draw a line between malnutrition
and starvation deaths. Mrs. Gandhi was talking to newsmen
India lost its tag as the worlds before leaving for New Delhi after a hectic one-day tour of the
fastest-growing economy last interior parts of the scarcity-stricken Sarguja district. She said
month as its fourth quarter the complaints of starvation deaths received by her from the
GDP growth fell to 6.1%, the people she met during her tour were too general. When they
slowest in two years. Very few were asked by her to name a few persons who had actually
economists expected the slow- died of starvation, all that was mentioned was the death of a
down. In fact, most waited for six-month-old child and that of an old man.
the economy to rebound as it
quickly healed from the im- A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 12, 1917
pact of the demonetisation of
high-value rupee notes in
Hurt by sulphuric acid.
November. Critics of demonet- An arrack merchant, named Mr. A.D. Narayana Sah, residing
isation felt vindicated, particu- in Chindatripet (Madras) filed a case before His Worship to the
larly after GDP igures for the effect that another merchant named Velayada Mudali of Ele-
third quarter suggested that the shocking, overnight move to phant Gate Street, poured sulphuric acid on him at Washer-
demonetise had very little negative impact.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC manpet Railway Station. The complainant gave out that he was
Yet, for all the sermon delivered by the countrys punditry, an Abkari Contractor, that at the beginning of the month of
CONCEPTUAL SHELF HELP February last the Collector of Madras put up for auction the
the fact remains that macroeconomic forecasting is a lousy
business regardless of who makes the predictions. For one, Simon-Ehrlich right or vending arrack in various Abkari shops in Madras and
data cannot prove or disprove any hypothesis as they do not
wager Dark tales for dark times that he along with his brother bid at the auction for some of
the shops of renters ... making increase of about Rs. 6,000 and
establish causation. The mere fact that growth slowed in the
irst full quarter after demonetisation does not prove decis- Economics Why writers are retelling Greek myths in iction Rs. 16,000 over the last years rent on the arrack and opium
ively that the slowdown was caused by demonetisation. As shops and that this, in his opinion, had incurred the displeas-
some have speculated, the current slump in the growth rate A famous bet made in 1980 Sudipta Datta into literature. Some book one atrocity in retaliation ure of the accused.
may be a continuation of the trend of slowing growth wit- between American busi- Human beings have al- or play or opera is rein- to an event in the past. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
nessed even before demonetisation. ness professor Julian L. Si- ways been mythmakers, venting the dark tales all With one terror attack fol-
Nor does the unexpectedly strong GDP growth in the third mon and American ecolo- says Karen Armstrong, in the time. lowing another in the
DATA POINT
quarter prove that demonetisation has had no negative impact gist Paul R. Ehrlich on A Short History of Myth, in- This year, at least two world today, its not diffi-
on the economy. The economy is a complex organism with what the price of certain troducing a Canongate writers are retelling the cult for Toibin to hold up a
several variables working in tandem, which makes prediction non-government-con- series by writers such as Greek tragedies through mirror to the present
an almost impossible task. This is in contrast to the physical trolled natural resources Margaret Atwood to re- their fiction. With dark- through the past.
sciences where controlled experiments allow scientists to will be in 1990. Ehrlich imagine an ancient myth ness at the heart of the Pakistani writer Kamila
tease out the inluence of any variable. predicted that increasing for modern times. Arm- Greek plays of Sophocles, Shamsie is retelling the
Two, there are no constant relationships between variables demand from a swelling strong argued that we Euripides and Aeschylus, myth of Sophocles Anti-
when it comes to the economy that allow for making exact pre- population would exhaust need myths to help us it perhaps resonates with gone in Home Fire, to be
dictions. So, even if economists were to dig into historical data the limited supply of re- realise the importance of the dark times we live in. released this September.
and ind the exact impact that demonetisation has had on GDP sources, thus increasing compassion We need Colm Toibins House of After a bloody civil war,
growth, there is no guarantee that it would hold in the future. their prices. Simon, on the myths that help us to ven- Names is inspired by the two brothers leading two
For instance, peoples expectations may change which makes other hand, argued that erate the Earth as sacred story of Clytemnestra. The sides into battle are killed.
them adapt to a cashless economy better, thus blunting the im- the price rise would in- once again tale was told, among oth- The new king of Thebes,
pact of demonetisation on GDP growth. centivise new production Two years ago, the Hog- ers, by Euripides, who Creon, decides that one
Three, macroeconomic forecasting is focussed to a very which in turn will reduce arth Press, the publishing wrote a play from Clytem- brother will be honoured
large extent on measuring things that are fundamentally im- the price of these re- company founded by Vir- nestras point of view, and the other left on the
measurable. When it comes to measuring GDP, for instance, sources. Simon eventually ginia and Leonard Woolf Sophocles (Electra) and battlefield. The story is
the price that is assigned to a good as its value is arbitrarily de- won the bet as the infla- in 1917, launched a series Aeschylus The Oresteia, a about their sister Antigone
cided by statisticians. This happens despite the fact that the tion-adjusted prices of all of Shakespeare-inspired trilogy). who promises to defy
value of any good lies in the eyes of the consumer. Finally, both five metals picked by Ehr- novels to be written by A powerful king, Creon and bury her
innocent and political biases inluence the process of oicial lich dropped between bestselling and acclaimed Agamemnon, sacrifices brother; its primarily a
data collection to calculate GDP, a fact that raises questions 1980 and 1990. writers like Atwood who his daughter Iphigenia to story of love and loyalties.
about its reliability. has retold The Tempest, the gods; his wife, Clytem- In Shamsies reinven-
None of this is to say that economists can make no useful Jeanette Winterson (A nestra, feels betrayed and tion, it is reported to be
predictions. But such predictions are more likely to be qualit- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC Winters Tale), Tracy Che- murders him; their out- still a story about love and
ative rather than quantitative. Any wise economist could fore- valier (Othello) to intro- raged children Orestes loyalties but told through
MORE ON
3
see that demonetisation would have a substantial impact on duce the plays to new and Electra commit matri- the colliding strands of
the economy; simply from the premise that money greases the THE WEB readers and show how rel- cide. Toibin taps into this two Muslim families, one
wheels of commerce, so outlawing it would afect demand and evant they still are. spiral of violence in the trying to live down the leg-
create chaos across production lines. But trying to quantify its What is the Six-Day war The Greek plays, partic- house of Atreus, trying to acy of a missing jihadist
impact in terms of the exact percentage points of growth that and why is it significant? ularly the tragedies, have understand how one father, and the other living
would be shaved of GDP is a futile exercise. http://bit.ly/Six-Daywar always found their way murder leads to another, a privileged life in politics.
CM A ND-ND
YK

The road from St. Petersburg

Nostalgia may be useful, but it cannot make up for a lack of substantive drivers in India-Russia ties
play a more active role in the two sides had agreed to co-develop
Shanghai Cooperation Organisa- and produce almost a decade ago.
tion as a member. It is probably just as well since
The rot in farming Two, it is in Indias interest to see
an improvement in relations
whatever one had heard about the
Russians constantly changing goal
We must enable a sustainable price discovery between Russia and the U.S. and posts and revising costs did not au-
Western Europe. It is the coordin- gur well for Indias long-term in-
for agricultural produce shyam saran ated support of these three major terests. We should not have to go
T
o say it is a domino efect of the loan write-ofs for partners of India which enabled us through another Admiral Gor-
here has been a certain de- to overcome Chinese opposition shkov episode, which has left such
T
small and marginal farmers by the Uttar Pradesh
government may be simplistic, but farmers in dif- pressing pattern in India-Rus- and obtain the unprecedented a bitter taste.
sia relations over the past dec- waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Four, since the end of the Cold
ferent parts of the country have begun agitating for
ade. Annual summit-level Group in 2008. This is no longer War, India sought to establish a
waivers. In Tamil Nadu, they have given the State gov- meetings have been marked by ex- the case. The U.S. under President strong, long-term energy partner-
ernment two months to meet their demand for a full pressions of nostalgia for the glory Donald Trump appeared to be ship with Russia. While some im-
waiver or face a fresh agitation. Maharashtra Chief Min- days of Indo-Soviet friendship , de- moving in the direction of normal- portant deals like the Sakhalin oil
ister Devendra Fadnavis, in the face of protracted clarations of solemn intent to take ising relations with Russia, but this and gas project have been a suc-
protests by farmers, has announced a blanket loan contemporary relations to new now seems unlikely as reports of cess, the early promise of expand-
waiver for needy farmers, with an estimated outgo of heights and highlighting common are immune to the changes in the cuts in nuclear weapons in bilat- Russian involvement in the Amer- ing cooperation in this sector has
perspectives even as the two coun- geopolitical situation. This is good eral negotiations with the U.S. pre- ican electoral process become been mostly belied. Russia has
35,000 crore. In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shiv-
tries mostly go their respective political packaging but we should cisely because the gap with Chinas more compelling. However, the seen its interests better served by
raj Singh Chouhan has resisted announcing a waiver, ways. The St. Petersburg Declara- accept that in reality this is simply expanding and qualitatively better very unpredictability of Mr. Trump giving priority to Western Europe
but unveiled a package that includes a settlement tion issued at the end of Prime Min- not true. India-Russia relations nuclear arsenal is diminishing and and his roiling of the Western alli- and China. India has been rather
scheme to bring loan defaulters back into the credit net ister Narendra Modis recent visit today are very diferent precisely this heightens Russian concerns. ance confronts both U.S. allies and low on the radar. In St. Petersburg,
with interest-free loans. Farm groups in Punjab also to Russia appears not much difer- because we are very diferent Chinese inroads into Central Asia adversaries with the need to avoid there was a reference to India and
began dharnas on Monday for loan waivers and other ent in this respect. countries today and the world is and Eastern Europe are also a con- misunderstanding and mispercep- Russia setting up an energy cor-
interventions. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has cat- very diferent from the 1960-1990 cern for Russia, which regards tions. A more united and coherent ridor and another reference to
Convergences, divergences phase of the India-Soviet strategic both these regions as part of its European Union may well be open the use of natural gas as a relatively
egorically said States must generate their own re-
This is not to say that the two coun- partnership. The cordiality and strategic periphery. These con- to re-engaging with Russia, and clean and climate-friendly fuel.
sources to fund such largesse, and the Reserve Bank of tries do not continue to have im- mutual trust of the past may be cerns may currently be muted be- this should be encouraged by In- One hopes that this statement of
India has warned of inlationary risks from iscal slip- portant convergent interests. Cer- leveraged to fashion a new rela- cause Russia needs Chinese sup- dia. In an increasingly luid inter- ambitious intent is followed up
pages caused by large farm loan waivers. However, it tainly there are speciic areas such tionship but they cannot substitute port in confronting a hostile U.S. national situation, an India which with some concrete and practical
would be short-sighted to see the rising angst in the defence hardware and technology, for a lack of substantive drivers in and Western Europe. has strong relations with the U.S., steps. India has been reluctant to
farm sector as simply the desire of farmers around the nuclear energy and oil and gas the relationship. What this means for India is that Western Europe and Russia is in a use gas for power generation. Does
country to keep up with U.P. There are deeper reasons where their cooperation is of mu- Let us look at how the key as- we need to adjust to a new and unique position to play a larger the joint statement signal a rethink
tual beneit. There may even exist sumptions underlying the Indo-So- more positive phase in Russia- geopolitical role. It can use its en- in this regard and will Russia play a
that must be addressed holistically. longer-term convergence in help- viet strategic partnership, pre- China relations, learn not to rely on hanced relations with each to up- role as a major supplier? One will
The problem is price discovery. In fact, there is dela- ing shape a multipolar interna- Cold War, has changed. Moscow to confront Chinese hostil- grade its relations with the other have to await details.
tion in pulse and vegetable prices. The RBI has acknow- tional political and security archi- ity towards India or support India major powers. This will also dimin- This 18th annual India-Russia
ledged that already falling vegetable prices dipped tecture. Shared China concerns against Pakistan, but seek to build ish Chinese pressures on India. summit appears to have been more
more sharply because of ire sales following demonet- However, these shared interests One, it is the shared perception of a a broader framework of relations substantive than the previous
isation, and pulses are cheaper because of high output must be balanced against diver- Chinese threat which brought based on the longer-term Russian Defence, nuclear, energy ties ones, and one hopes that in a rap-
gences that are inherent in the very Delhi and Moscow together. The concerns about the emergence of Three, India and Russia should fo- idly evolving geopolitical land-
on top of imports. Prices for eggs, oils, cereals and milk
dramatic transformations which end of the Cold War changed this, China. Russia, like India, prefers a cus on maintaining and expanding scape, India and Russia ind a more
are moderating, and while the sharp fall in food prices have taken place in the two coun- with Russia no longer looking at multipolar world and is unlikely to their already considerable cooper- realistic basis and more compel-
has kept consumer price inlation tepid, rural distress tries themselves, and in the re- China as a current security threat. accept a junior league status in a ation in the defence hardware and ling reasons to work together.
has been aggravated. The new cattle trade rules gional and global situation since The early settlement of their bor- Chinese-dominated world. The St. nuclear energy sector. Both sectors Ones assessment of Russias for-
threaten the viability of livestock and dairy farming. the end of the Cold War, which der dispute, the expansion in their Petersburg Declaration describes are important to Russia as well as to eign policy remains: its current
Banks are awash with funds since the note ban, but have inevitably altered the overall economic and trade relations and India and Russia as great powers. India. The loss of the Indian market closeness to China is tactical; its
rural lending growth collapsed to 2.5% in the second context of our relations. This the emergence of China as a major That is signal enough that neither is in these two areas would be a blow long-term interest both globally
altered context has to be acknow- recipient of Russian weapons and about to succumb to Chinese pre- to Russia and they would deprive and in its neighbourhood are not
half of 2016-17 and even shrank in several States, includ-
ledged by both sides, and rather defence technologies brought tensions to singular dominance. India of advanced technology not aligned with China. India should
ing Punjab and Maharashtra. Prices of fuel used by rural than cling to the assumptions of a about an asymmetry in percep- For the same reason, Russia may always accessible elsewhere. How- pursue its relations with Russia
households have surged for three successive months. It very diferent past, there should be tions of China between India and welcome a higher-proile role by ever, there is no need for India to keeping this reality in mind.
is this squeeze on several fronts that seems to have an unsentimental reckoning of Russia. But Russian perceptions of India in Eastern Europe and Cent- accept terms and conditions which
pushed farmers to the brink. In consultation with the both the challenges and opportun- a long-term Chinese challenge to ral Asia. In this context, India are onerous merely because of sen-
Shyam Saran is a former Foreign
States, the Centre must reconsider whether it is ities that could deine India-Russia its interests persisted, and still do. should pursue the proposed Free timentality. During the recent visit, Secretary and currently Member,
prudent to narrowly target low food inlation. If India relations in the new millennium. For example, Russian nuclear ex- Trade Agreement with the Euras- one heard nothing about the ifth- Governing Board, Centre for Policy
It is ine to say that our relations perts have been reluctant to deep ian Economic Union and seek to generation ighter aircraft that the Research
wants to be the worlds food factory, its farm policy
needs to recognise farmer requirements for state sup-
port. If consumers and producers can beneit from a
single national market in the GST era, farmers should
also have the freedom to sell their produce where and
when they want with a predictable policy framework
Upholding Chavismo
(no lip-lops in export-import stances, for instance) The Venezuelan Opposition needs to support democracy and help in drafting a new Constitution
that enables farm-to-fork supply chains independent of extra-heavy crude production. The Constitution. America countries to take advant-
local mandis and traders. Labour and land reforms also National Assembly has obstructed The new Constitution, like the age of the improved health and
need to be revisited to create more opportunities bey- every joint venture between the present one, will also, most likely, housing conditions ofered by the
ond farming, and irrigation and other infrastructure state-owned oil company and for- be put to referendum. Until then, Bolivarian regime; besides,
projects speeded up to boost farm productivity. eign oil irms. With its no-holds- all existing constitutional bodies, Venezuela sheltered some
barred politics, it has opposed including the National Assembly, 2,00,000 refugees who led the
even steps such as establishment of will remain in oice. The stipula- conlict in Colombia.
Abdul Nafey
fair price shops to sell essential tion under Article 349 that existing In essence, Chavismo changed
Feats on clay food items at ixed rates. Major bills constitutional authorities shall the social equilibrium; it has left no
D
emocracy is said to stand and other presidential initiatives not be permitted to obstruct the scope for the conservative, pre-
consolidated when no one have remained stalled. Further, Constituent Assembly in any way dominantly white oil patriarchy to
While Nadal sealed his greatness at the French challenges the legitimacy of the legislature has rather brazenly does not mean the NCA assuming return to power.
Open, Ostapenko announced her promise the process to access power. In sought to encroach upon the the legislative powers. Tibisay Lu- The expected Caracas spring
Venezuela, the Opposition wants a powers of judiciary and the Presid- cena, president of the National has not arrived. Protests are con-
I
n sport, there arent many tests tougher than playing restoration of the old order, one in ent through measures such as or- Election Council, has assured the ined to the posh areas of Caracas
Rafael Nadal on Parisian clay. For over a decade, the which power and privilege came as dering the release of political July. To write the new Constitution, people that all regional and presid- and the other big cities. Slingshots
Spaniard has reduced nearly every player, regard- inheritance. Political actors of dif- detainees. 364 members would be elected by ential elections will be conducted and steel bullets, and not the
ferent hues, who were united in the municipalities; the remaining as scheduled for 2017 and 2018. much-hyped medicines-in-short-
less of reputation, Roger Federer included, to an unre-
their common distaste for late A way out 176 will represent the diversity of age, have become the most
cognisable heap of dust. On Sunday, when he did the President Hugo Chvez, have been With all ofers of dialogue, includ- the nation, which includes local Ushering in change smuggled items. The streets of Ca-
same to Swiss Stan Wawrinka to win an unprecedented determined to strip President ing through papal mediation, hav- communities like those of the When Hugo Chavez won the pres- racas are witness to politics of cyn-
10th French Open title and his 15th major overall, it was Nicols Maduro of the presidency ing been rebufed, Mr. Maduro has workers, the peasants and isher- idency in 1999, 50% of the icism aimed at precipitating condi-
just a reiteration of the same. Nadal lost only 35 games ever since the Opposition gained a inally taken recourse to the Con- men and the indigenous com- Venezuelans were poor and an- tions for a military coup.
all tournament, a number second only to Bjorn Borgs majority in the national legislative stitution to restore peace and over- munities. It will be a participatory other 20% indigent. When he died Democracy stands consolidated
32 in the 1978 French Open, and did not concede more elections held in December 2015. come the politics of hatred and in- body representative and multi- in 2013, only 24% of the population when the given set of institutions
The National Assembly was par- tolerance. Article 347 of the 1999 cultural in its composition. A re- was poor, to quote the UN. He built become the only game in town.
than four games in any set he played. Coming as it did
ticularly incensed by the Supreme Constitution allows the people of gistered voter, above 18 years in one million homes for the poor; The Opposition in Venezuela must
after two years of under-performance, troubled by a Court order of March 29, 2017 Venezuela to convene a Constitu- age, can contest for the NCA, and gave land title to millions of know this; it should support demo-
creaky wrist and stripped of his aura, it might well be which upheld the power of the ent Assembly with the aim of which will be a non-partisan body. squatters in and around Caracas. cracy even if it is opposed to the re-
his most signiicant title. This does not mean that President to make energy deals transforming the state through a The NCA will be bound by the The country has the highest per- gime, and participate. The new
Nadals status as the greatest of all clay-courters was with international oil irms. Crude new legal framework. The National guidelines enshrined in the Con- centage of university enrolment in Constitution will seek to make
ever in doubt. As the 31-year-old himself said after exports bring in 95% of the coun- Electoral Council (CNE) has valid- stitution. It will lay down the neces- Latin America; likewise, the ratio democracy the only game in town.
thrashing Dominic Thiem in the semi-inal, I think I trys foreign exchange, and, with ated the election to a 540-member sary statute for its working by re- of doctors remains higher than
prices remaining low for three National Constituent Assembly maining within the ambit of the elsewhere in the region. Several Abdul Nafey is professor, Latin American
dont need to make more history. Its enough. Nine are
years, it is never easy to ind joint (NCA) to be held on territorial and principles that deine the Republic hundred thousand emigrated from studies, at the Jawaharlal Nehru
more than good. Rather it should highlight, more venture partners for the heavy and sectoral basis before the end of and the framework of the 1999 southern European and Latin University
vividly than ever before, that Nadal is no ordinary dirt-
baller. When he won for the irst time at Roland Garros
in 2005, he was seen as yet another of those cautious, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
risk-averse, immovable objects the clay-court special-
ists were. Through 15 Grand Slam titles, including two Expensive way out comprehensive loan waiver endorsing the famous and all this in a non-violent country and with abundant king of clay with La
Wimbledon titles, he has proved that his tactical nous Populist interventions such for small farmers. Kolhapuri chappal in way. Has Mr. Shah forgotten sunshine. There is huge Decima, June 12).
and regenerative powers are second to none. The last as farm loan waivers are Preliminary data indicate Maharashtra. It is to be this? potential for solar energy C.M. Umanath,
very serious and expose that approximately 369,000 understood that the Anamika Bahuguna, production. Hydroelectric Marikunnu, Kozhikode, Kerala
fortnight perhaps ofered a glimpse of what a devastat- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
rural and agricultural farmers beneited from debt economic repercussions of power has also not been
ing blend a happily married ofence and defence is. lending institutions to forgiveness. One of the the cattle ban are not only fully tapped. There is also The signiicance of this
On the womens side Jeena Ostapenko, the 20-year- considerable risk immediate impacts was a limited to the issue of Think renewable wind energy. milestone in as competitive
old Latvian, sent out the same vibes with her triumph (Maharashtra capitulates to steep drop in recovery rates. freedom of food choice but There is absolutely no doubt Karan Choudhary, a sport as tennis and during
as a teenaged Nadal had done in 2005. If Nadal had won grant farm loan waiver, Moreover, it negatively also the livelihoods of the that there is an urgent need Pathankot, Punjab an era when two other
his maiden title in his irst attempt in Paris, for Os- June 12). A striking example afected the overall credit minorities and Dalits. to follow the path of all-time greats, Federer and
tapenko the 2017 win was the irst trophy of any kind is Thailand where the culture, says a report. A Nithin Suresh Puthiyapurayil, sustainable development, Nadal on a roll Djokovic, are competing will
populist Thaksin recent survey showed that Bengaluru especially in the context of After Roger Federer at the be better appreciated in
and helped her become the irst unseeded woman to
government announced a one out of every four climate change (Expensive, Australian Open, it is now times to come. More than
win at Roland Garros since 1933. Like when Maria debt moratorium for small respondents wants to wait Distasteful hazardous and inequitable, Rafael Nadal at the French Nadals ferocious forehand,
Sharapova, all of 17, mowed down Serena Williams at farmers in 2001 that for another loan waiver. Instead of focussing on June 7). But the approval of Open. These two legends stamina or athleticism, it is
Wimbledon in 2004, Ostapenko played with a panache seriously afected the Bank K.M.K. Murthy, eradicating poverty and 10 nuclear power plants by have raised the bar and his unshakeable self-belief
that belied her experience. She was up against Simona for Agriculture and Secunderabad promoting peace in these the government raises many given their fans so much joy when playing on clay that
Halep, the favourite, in the inal but so nerveless was Agricultural Cooperatives tense times and when there concerns and questions, a over the years that it may makes him invincible. One
her performance that even being a set and 0-3 down did (BAAC). More than two Ripple efect is farmer unrest in some major one being the risk come as no surprise if the struggles to ind examples of
million farmers owing over It is interesting that this parts of India and rights factor. We honestly know two of them dominate the such domination in other
not afect her poise. She lived by the sword, making 54
$1.7 billion a third of years Economic Survey has violations in Kashmir, it is that Japan is leaps and sport in the coming months racquet sports. Rudy
winners and as many errors in the inal. Its a tactic that BAACs portfolio enrolled a detailed chapter on the disturbing that BJP bounds ahead of us in terms and rekindle the great Hartono in badminton with
does not always fetch the right dividend on clay but in the programme. As a leather and apparel sector. President Amit Shah has of infrastructure and rivalry. Nadals 10th title at eight All England titles,
credit should go to Ostapenko for persisting with her at- result, BAACs loan write-of Here, the Chief Economic chosen to make a distasteful technology but even then Roland Garros is a tribute to Jahangir Khan with 10
tacking mindset. Admittedly, the womens draw was rate jumped from 3% in 2001 Adviser tries to highlight the comment about the Father was unable to deal with his resilience and a itting consecutive British Open
shorn of stars with Williams, Sharapova, Victoria Azar- to 12% in 2002, and its importance of this sector as of Nation, who showed the Fukushima. If this is the case reply to all those who wrote squash titles or Jansher
enka all absent, Petra Kvitova just about recovering reserves for bad debt rose to a key solution for rising world that non-violence is with a country such as him of a few years ago. Khan winning the World
21% of its loan portfolio, unemployment. In this an absolutely powerful Japan, how will our country, Never underestimate these Open squash eight times are
from a knife attack, and World No.1 Angelique Kerber
according to Christen and context, the decision of the weapon. I think that rather so highly populated, deal two icons of tennis and let the only names that come to
anything but that. Regardless, the competitive quality Pearce, 2005. government to put checks than give the Mahatma with even a small disaster? us sit back and enjoy mind.
on the womens side was a notch above the mens, and Another recent case on the sale of cattle for labels, we need to recognise There are also questions another era of their titanic Chandramohan Nair,
Ostapenko, playing ive thrilling three-set matches out occurred in India in slaughter is paradoxical. him as the leader who was regarding the viability of battles which we were Ernakulam, Kerala
of her seven, was a testament to this. February 2008 when the This is the same government able to defeat the British, nuclear power plants. India fortunate to see (Sport more letters online:
government announced a whose Prime Minister was lead us to Independence, is very lucky being a tropical page Nadal returns as the www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

More to it than MSP Marching into a binary

Forcing them to play to the gallery is doing the security
Price increase alone wont beneit farmers. Issues of procurement and credit need to be addressed
enormous pressure on them to find
forces a huge disservice
ways to increase income through broke ethical rules of engagement but,
various agricultural activities. Unfor- equally, he was an ordinary young man func-
tunately, income from crop cultiva- tioning in extraordinary circumstances. It is
tion, which is a major segment of ag- surprising the Army should have reacted by
riculture, is not growing enough to honouring him rather than acknowledging it
meet the expected level. On the con- as an aberration, but one wonders how
Elumalai Kannan trary, the increasing market orienta- much such reactions are forced by a climate
tion and reforms in the input sector
Vaishna Roy where military-political lines are being calcu-
Agricultural distress is often viewed have resulted in a substantial rise in latedly blurred, and by the shrillness of de-
as a short-term phenomenon in input costs. A year or so ago, I was in Hussainiwala, in bate that insists on black and white answers
which farmers look for support from Punjabs Ferozepur district, on the India- to murky grey questions.
various quarters on account of being Dipping income Pakistan border where the Sutlej flows. Until Sophisticated cynicism regardless, for an
unable to get a gainful return due to Analysis of data from the Ministry of the 1970s, there used to be a flourishing overwhelming majority, the abstraction of
price crash, poor marketing facilit- Agriculture and Farmers Welfare re- trade in dried fruits and nuts across the bor- nation will always be represented by the
ies, rising credit burden, increasing veal that income from cultivation of der here. All thats over now. What we have easy symbolism of soil, flag and anthem.
cost of inputs and frequent occur- many cereals and pulses has de- instead is a Retreat Ceremony along the lines These sentiments drive the soldier too. Quot-
rence of natural calamities. A pro- clined between 2004-05 and 2013-14 of Wagah. The evening I was there people ing Tolstoy calling patriotism stupid and im-
RITU RAJ KONWAR
longed unrest in rural India such as despite a considerable increase in crowded into the stands on both sides, wav- moral might be intellectually correct, but it
the decision of Andhra Pradesh farm- MSP during this period. In the case ing flags and singing songs. The soldiers did is facile and ignores the soldier.
ers not to sow in the 2011 kharif sea- of paddy, out of 18 major rice-grow- their little dramatic routine, playing to the This person has undergone years of in-
son and mark a crop holiday protest ing States, net income has declined galleries with grimaces, boot-stomping and tense training, a reconditioning of a person
will have serious consequences for in five, and it is negative in six States. hoisted rifles. They were cheered raucously, into an automaton to succeed in war. Ideals
food security. In seven States, it has increased only the more aggressive the posturing, the of flag and country have been drilled in so
Agricultural distress has become a asked to rank production con- put dealers. Further, analysis of marginally. Income from the cultiva- louder the applause. Except perhaps for two deep that he is willing to lay down his life un-
permanent feature due to the failure straints. Will a rise in the minimum credit disbursement data from the tion of even horticultural crops is un- or three people, everybody else was thrilled questioningly for these. How do you invoke a
of not only elected governments to support price (MSP) solve the prob- Reserve Bank of India reveals that certain due to the heavy investment with all this display of patriotic borderless world or the idea of nation as
find a lasting solution but also local lem? Some critics argue that a rise in out of total advances to agriculture, involved and the high volatility in belligerence. sham for this person?
institutions such as community or the MSP will lead to increase in food the share of indirect finance has in- market prices. Most acute is the rise
social networks which are sup- inflation, while others that it will aug- creased substantially over time, in prices of fertilisers: between 1991- A duality
posedly weakening because of in- ment farmers income. Both argu- while that of direct finance to farm- 92 and 2013-14, while the price of For the Army, the performance is just an-
creasing individualisation. The con- ments rest on the mistaken notion ers has declined. This means that at urea increased by 69%, that of DAP other day at work. Backstage, soldiers from
sequence is that helpless farmers are that the MSP is a remunerative price. the macro level, it would appear that (diammonium phosphate) and both sides rehearse together, exchange
increasingly pushed to the brink of It is actually an insurance price, a there is an increase in credit flow to potash rose by 300% and 600%, snacks and movie CDs, and peaceably send
committing suicides. floor price of sorts. Besides, a vast the agricultural sector but this has respectively. back goatherds who stray across the border.
AP
majority of the farming population is actually accrued to agro-business Recent policy pronouncements The amity as well as the swagger at sundown
A tipping point unaware of its existence. firms/corporations and not directly have added to the woes of already are real, and if war breaks out tomorrow, the
The distress seems to have reached a The Government of India has an to the farmers. Consequently, mar- beleaguered farmers. The promotion killing will be as real. Its a duality they live Every argument that intellectualises the
tipping point, with scenes of dejec- MSP for 23 crops, but official pro- ginal and small farmers continue to of traditional farming at this juncture with. But for a gullible audience that does idea of nationhood without contextualising it
ted farmers throwing agricultural curement at the MSP is effectively rely on traders and input dealers. of agricultural development will take not have the benefit of nuance, viewing a enough drives the wedge deeper into the
produce such as vegetables and milk limited to rice and wheat, and that Unless the fundamental problems of the sector to where it was decades faux skirmish such as this is to imagine an al- false binary. Worse, it plays into the hands of
on the roads becoming a routine fea- too concentrated in a few States only. crop and regional bias of MSP policy, ago. Most existing modern crop vari- ways hostile enemy. It actively stokes the jingoistic, desk-bound patriot-politicians
ture in recent years. Rather than ad- Awareness about the MSP is limited government procurement and access eties will not respond to these prac- bloodthirstiness. who have conveniently made the armed
dressing the genuine problems of to States such as Punjab, Haryana to institutional credit are addressed, tices in the medium term; con- On a larger scale, on mass and social me- forces the face of the dispute. And its a role
farmers, politicians are unfortu- and Andhra Pradesh where such pro- mere increase in MSP will not benefit sequently, yield and income will dia platforms, just such a stoking is going on the forces are increasingly and naively ac-
nately busy scoring points over the curement takes place. According to most farmers in the country. decline. Further, facilities to produce a crude and constant invoking of a bogey- cepting because it seems like recognition
deaths of innocent farmers. the National Sample Surveys (NSS) Further, the response of various adequate organic inputs have not man, a rage always kept at boiling point. after decades of bureaucratic neglect and
Are demands of our farmers un- Situation Assessment Survey of Agri- State governments to a glut in the been developed either. Animal hus- Soldiers, who had so far stayed away from mistreatment.
just? Not really. They want a reason- cultural Households 2013, even for market appears to be muted. There bandry has been practised as a sup- political grandstanding, have today been Faced with cinematic posturing on one
able price for their produce, better paddy and wheat, less than one-third exist intervention schemes to under- plementary activity since time imme- hauled into television studios and Twitter side that claims to respect the soldier and
marketing facilities, institutional of farmers were aware of the MSP; take the procurement of commodit- morial. Livestock acts as a cushion timelines and forced into the same false bin- by a dissociated condescension on the other,
credit, irrigation, quality seeds and for other crops, such awareness was ies whose market prices go below the against crop loss during times of ary as everyone else with us or against us, no prizes for guessing where the soldier ima-
fertilisers, procurement during times negligible. Further, a substantial pro- MSP, but on most occasions the mar- drought. The new rules on animal nationalist or anti-national, patriot or traitor. gines salvation lies.
of market glut and a social safety net portion of crops are sold to local keting season of bumper crops gets markets will put poor farmers and Forcing them to play to the gallery is doing The discussion around the Kashmir Valley
during natural calamities. These are private traders and input dealers to over by the time a bureaucratic de- landless labourers in a fix. These de- the security forces a huge disservice, and has now become so much about theories of
the basic inputs and services farmers whom the resource-poor marginal cision on procurement is taken. Ulti- velopments do not augur well for this government has dragged them into the nationalism, about grandstanding on one or
need to continue to engage in agri- and small landholders are obligated mately, the farmers are left at the rural youth whose interest in farming very public and simplistic us versus them the other side, that the conflict itself has
cultural production. Many commit- to sell their crops due to tie-up with mercy of unscrupulous traders to sell is already dwindling. While other de- debate just as cynically as governments been normalised. By either constantly fore-
tees and commissions constituted in credit. at whatever price they offer, with res- veloping countries are moving to- down the years have dragged them into con- grounding the soldiers martyrdom or by
the past have looked into Indias Since 2004, successive govern- ultant repercussions such as the wards modernisation of agriculture flicts planted and watered by politicians. casually demonising the soldier, we are con-
farming conditions. Their recom- ments claimed to have increased in- burning of the entire crop or throw- which would reduce dependence of Unfortunately, in the Kashmir Valley veniently forgetting to ask why the soldier is
mendations have been shelved by stitutional credit flow to the agricul- ing the harvested produce on roads labour force and enable a rise in pro- today, as elsewhere, it is precisely an easy, there in the first place.
successive governments. tural sector through increased in protest. ductivity, Indian agriculture is clue- populist binary that is not available to the Surely it would be wise now for the gener-
The non-availability of remunerat- budgetary allocation on crop loans. Various studies show an increas- lessly plodding ahead. armed forces. Who are us and who are als to remember that finding solutions in the
ive prices to farmers on agricultural According to NSS data, over 40% of ing divergence between agricultural them? Citizen, terrorist, insurgent, pro- Kashmir Valley is not the Armys job, but the
produce is a vexed issue and farmers still rely on non-institutional and non-agricultural income. And Elumalai Kannan is an associate professor at vocateur, informer they are all mixed up in governments.
emerges as the prime issue in various lenders, who mostly happen to be the rising aspirations among rural Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. one bag.
research studies wherein farmers are moneylenders-cum-traders and in- youth to emulate urban lifestyles put Views are personal That eventful day, Major Leetul Gogoi vaishna.r@thehindu.co.in

Corner of a shared ield Chavan assails Shiv Sena
An unequivocal condemnation of the unlawful activities of the
Cricket continues to be a marker of the Shiv Sena was made by the Union Home Minister, Mr. Y.B.
state of India-Pakistan political relations Chavan, in the Lok Sabha today [ June 12, New Delhi]. Describ-
ing the Shiv Sena as reactionary and harmful, Mr. Chavan paci-
Martand Jha fied an angry Opposition by reiterating his assurance that Gov-
ernment would not allow anyone to seek redressal of his
Last Sunday, the Indian and
grievances, however justified it might be, through unlawful
Pakistani cricket teams played
means. In a half hour discussion initiated by Mrs. Sushila Go-
against each other in the
palan (Com.), angry speeches were made by the Communist
Champions Trophy. Emotions
and D.M.K. members criticising the Maharashtra Government
ran very high on both sides of
and the Union Government for what they called the apathy to-
the border. This was because
wards the unlawful activities of the Shiv Sena which had
people rarely get to see these
REUTERS
caused untold hardship and suffering to non-Maharashtrians,

South Asian rivals play against
particularly South Indians living in Bombay.
each other in a sport which is
almost followed like a religion
in both the countries. A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 13, 1917
India and Pakistan havent been playing bilaterally against Bihar labour committee.
each other since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, except in 2012 The duty of the Committee appointed by the Local
when the Pakistani team came for a very short tour to India. Government to enquire into the relations between the
The Government of India has taken a irm stand that cricket landlords in Bihar, will be (1) to enquire into the relations
and cross-border terrorism cant go side by side and, as a res- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC between the landlord and tenant in the Champaran district,
ult, normal cricketing ties between the two nations have re- including all disputes arising out of the manufacture and
mained disrupted for nearly 10 years. CONCEPTUAL ABSTRACT cultivation of indigo, (2) To examine the evidence on these
Cricket has become a marker of the state of political rela- Client politics subjects already available, supplementing it by such further
tions between the two countries and has been used as a diplo-
matic tool by leaders from both the sides. From Rajiv Gandhi to
Political science Economics without entrepreneurs enquiry, local and otherwise as they may consider desirable,
and (3) to report their conclusion to the Government stating
Atal Bihari Vajpayee and from Manmohan Singh to Narendra
Modi, leaders have tried to use cricket to improve relations
A political situation where
government policy is influ-
A recent paper suggests that economics has remained the measures they recommend in order to remove any abuses
or grievances which they may find to exist. The Lieutenant-
with Pakistan. Indias famous goodwill tour to Pakistan in enced by the interests of a silent on the concept of entrepreneurship Governor in Council desires to leave the Committee a free
2004 came after Mr. Vajpayees visit to Pakistan the same year small minority, rather than hand as to the procedure they will adopt in arriving at the
to attend the SAARC summit. that of the overwhelming Prashanth Perumal look to identify and satisfy clude that most of them facts.
In 2015, Mr. Modi called his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz majority. In politics, smal- Entrepreneurs are said to untapped consumer de- dont care to even theoret-
Sharif and conveyed his best wishes for the World Cup. Mr. ler groups at times can ex- be the backbone of a mar- mand. Being the first to ically define an entre- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Modi said, Cricket connects people in our region and pro- ert a disproportionate in- ket economy, and for good satisfy a new consumer preneur, let alone ex-
motes goodwill. Hope players from SAARC region play with fluence on government reason. They use their demand can lead to super- plore his economic DATA POINT
passion and bring laurels to the region. This led to speculation policy by virtue of being precious savings to ac- ior returns for an entre- function. Firms are virtu-
that bilateral cricketing ties could be resumed. After Mr. more organised than lar- quire scarce resources, preneur with the ally assumed to be on
Modis surprise visit to Pakistan on Mr. Sharif s birthday in ger groups. Individuals in which they then trans- foresight. At the same autopilot, maximising rev-
December 2015, it was almost believed that the Indian cricket these smaller groups have form into various con- time, such foresight also enues and minimising
team could visit Pakistan for a tour sometime in 2016. more incentive to organise sumer goods according to benefits society by bring- costs, without any guid-
All these hopes were shattered after the Pathankot attack, since the benefits they the market demand. If ing to life several con- ance. In fact, economic
which happened just a week after the visit. This was a breach gain from a favourable their judgment about de- sumer goods that were models assume an eco-
of trust at the highest level and, with an increasingly deterior- policy are larger when mand turns out to be once unimaginable. Yet, nomy where resources
ating situation in Kashmir later last year, all talks of resuming they are part of a smaller right, they earn profits; if for all these praises sung have been allocated seam-
cricketing ties came to a full stop. The Board of Control for group. In contrast, indi- its wrong, they suffer about entrepreneurs, lessly according to con-
Cricket in India (BCCI) said no to the Pakistan Cricket Board viduals in larger groups losses. Of course, entre- mainstream economics sumer demand.
(PCB)s call to resume cricketing ties, even as the PCB have lesser incentive to or- preneurs engage in the textbooks largely remain Not surprisingly, eco-
threatened to take legal action over non-compliance of the ganise since the benefits risky business of foresee- silent about them. nomists dont even think
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2014. they gain are smaller. ing demand only to earn about possible errors in
For almost a decade, India has been playing against Pakistan personal profits. But they False assumptions entrepreneurial judgment
only in ICC tournaments. However, this month, ahead of the also end up helping soci- Economics Doctoral Pro- and its implications for
match, a new debate emerged on whether India should boy- ety in two crucial ways. grams Still Elide Entre- the wider economy. How
cott even that. The argument given was that boycotting One, in their search for preneurship, a 2017 pa- accurate are entrepren-
Pakistan in international tournaments would be akin to mak- better returns, entrepren- per by Dan Johansson and eurs generally in their
ing a irm political statement in front of the international com- eurs look to introduce Arvid Malm, provides foresight of demand? How
munity, much like the boycott of South Africa during the CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC technology that can help evidence that even ad- do they gauge the likely
apartheid years. On the other side of the debate were former minimise costs. This can vanced economics demand for a product?
MORE ON
3
cricketers. They questioned the singling out of cricket. They not only improve their courses still remain ag- What, if any, role do past
said such a boycott should be extended to all ields, like other THE WEB personal returns, but also nostic about entrepren- prices play in their invest-
sporting events and trade. Amidst this, debate, India played increases the overall pro- eurs. The paper provides ment decision? Clearly,
and defeated Pakistan convincingly at Birmingham. Rafael Nadal and his ductivity of the economy. a survey of readings pre- economists are a long way
Roland Garros la decima Two, again in the search scribed to doctoral stu- from combating these vi-
Martand Jha is a freelance writer based in Delhi http://bit.ly/Nadalinpics for profits, entrepreneurs dents in 2014-15 to con- tal questions.
CM A ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
The best of times, the worst of times

Without government support, farmers pay the price for a bumper crop they labour so hard to produce
vocacy with the States by the Gov- rural India. All this great work of
ernment of India. providing an alternative to the us-
urious moneylender-traders is
A shattered peace On diversiication
Third, we require continued diver-
threatened by loan waivers.
Finally, we need strong Farmer
siication to other forms of liveli- Producer Organisations, to over-
The Central, West Bengal governments must hood, such as livestock and isher- come massive handicaps faced by
SINGAM VENKATARAMANA
mihir shah
do more to calm tempers in Darjeeling hills ies, among the fastest-growing isolated farmers and enable them
segments of the rural economy, to really beneit from market
P
eace in West Bengals Darjeeling hills has been he ongoing farmers agitation which could be hurt by recent participation.
shattered again, with the key hill party, the
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, renewing its demand
for a separate Gorkhaland state. The protests started
T has taken on a shockingly viol-
ent form. Discussion has re-
volved around an apparent para-
policy changes. We must also shift
focus away from water-intensive
rice and wheat. This means radical
Demonetisation crunch
While many cumulative factors
with the suspicion that Bengali would be made mandat- dox: why are farmers rioting after a changes in the way we grow these have taken a toll on farmers over
ory in the hills, but have spiralled into a broad-based in- bumper crop? But any student of dian agriculture and crops grown even more urgent in the context of crops (seed, water and input re- decades, more proximate factors
economics knows that prices fall and eaten by the poorest people of climate change. Large-scale evid- gimes) but also much greater en- explain the outbreak of extreme vi-
deinite agitation with the GJM targeting symbols of the
after bumper harvests, which is our country pulses and millets. ence now exists that non-chemical couragement to millets and pulses, olence. Speaking to farmers and
state and ordering closure of all government oices good for consumers but terrible for There is also nothing green about agriculture has become a proitable which are nutritionally far superior traders, it appears that demonet-
from June 12. In May, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee farmers. This is why the govern- this revolution because, over the alternative. As farmers reduce their alternatives in a country beset with isation squeezed so much liquidity
had announced that all students would have to study ment needs to step in to buy from years, it has caused a deep crisis of dependence on synthetic fertilisers the diabetes epidemic. The key out of the system that traders did
Bengali from Class I, but later clariied that it would not farmers at a minimum support sustainability, economic and ecolo- and pesticides, they slowly emerge change required here is aggressive not have requisite cash to buy the
be compulsory in the hill district of Darjeeling. The price, while subsidising consumers gical. Large-scale use of chemical from the ecological vicious cycle and extensive procurement of farmers produce. Farmers also
GJM, which had lost the Mirik municipal election to the so that they get afordable food. fertilisers and pesticides has had an and are also able to dramatically re- these crops by the government. FCI feel that persisting with imports,
This is what we have done over the extremely adverse impact on our duce their costs of cultivation, procurement focusses only on rice even after clear signs of a bumper
Trinamool Congress in May, appeared to hear only one
last ifty years after setting up the soil and water. Deep drilling by without compromising on produc- and wheat although this year we harvest, further depressed prices.
part of the language decree, and announced a host of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in tubewells to grow these water-in- tion. The biggest votary of non- saw some initial steps in the direc- Having lived in remote rural Mad-
marches and shutdowns. When Ms. Banerjee arrived in 1965. tensive crops has happened chemical farming is the Prime Min- tion of procurement of pulses. This hya Pradesh for the last three dec-
Darjeeling with her ministers for a meeting on develop- If this system has been in place without any reference whatsoever ister himself. He has also launched is a welcome move but needs to go ades, I do not recall a crash in
ment last week, she was greeted with protests and for so long, why are we still lurching to Indias unique hydrogeology, the Soil Health Card Scheme, which much further. The best way would prices as dramatic as this years,
stone-pelting of a kind not seen since 2013. The Army from crisis to crisis? For long, we where nearly two-thirds of our land potentially enables farmers to be to include millets and pulses in that too in the peak of summer. In
was called out, and Ms. Banerjee stayed put in Darjeel- have said that the solution is to get is underlain by hard rock forma- more carefully manage input re- the massive anganwadi and mid- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and
people of farming. While there is tions which have very low rates of gimes. The government must an- day meal programmes. Karnataka, prices of tuar, gram,
ing till she thought a semblance of normality had re- no doubt we need to create more natural recharge. nounce a comprehensive package Fourth, investments in agro-pro- soybean, grapes, potatoes, onions,
turned. With May and June constituting the peak tourist jobs in manufacturing, we must not This has meant that there is now to give a green direction to the cessing infrastructure are urgently tomatoes, milk, garlic, cumin, cori-
season, the GJM has, for now, kept hotels, shops and forget that even in the year 2050, a serious water crisis, with both wa- nature of subsidies in the sector. required that would enable farmers ander and fenugreek are at histor-
transport facilities outside the purview of the shut- according to the latest projections, ter tables and water quality falling Second, we must radically re- to move up the value chain. We can- ical lows. And when this happens in
down. It is the peak season for the Darjeeling tea too, there will still be 800 million rapidly. We have arsenic, luoride, form the management of both sur- not continue to have them dump- crops with high costs of cultivation
with the second lush harvesting on. This eyeball-to- people living in rural India. And mercury, even uranium in our face and groundwater to ensure ing their vegetables and milk on the and inadequate government sup-
just one look at the state of Indian drinking water, creating serious that the water in our irrigation com- road. They should be processed be- port, the impact is catastrophic,
eyeball confrontation spells fresh trouble for a region
cities makes it clear that endlessly health issues. What is worse, to get mands reaches the farmers for fore they are sold and farmers must leading to what the Reserve Bank of
that depends on tourism and tea for its survival. moving people from villages to cit- the same increase in production, whom it is meant and groundwater get their due share in the value India has called ire sales. Which
If the irst day of the indeinite bandh was more or ies could actually deepen the urban farmers have had to apply more is managed sustainably in a way chain. has also created apprehensions
less peaceful, it was thanks to the heavy military pres- imbroglio. So solutions have to be and more fertilisers and pesticides that ensures that no one is deprived Fifth, we need to ensure access about kharif sowing. No wonder
ence and the stringent measures announced against found for agriculture and fast. over time. This dramatically raises of their right to water for life. There to credit and crop insurance, espe- the farmers are upset.
those who supported it, including a possible break in costs of cultivation, without a pro- is positive movement in both these cially to our 85% small and mar- Violence shows no way forward.
service for employees missing work. For their part, GJM Use and abuse of soil, water portionate increase in production. directions within government ex- ginal farmers. This is why I am But this is a juncture agrarian
The problem with Indian agricul- More than 3,00,000 farmers have cept for some hesitation in going strongly opposed to farm loan policy reform in India cannot af-
leaders Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri want the Centre
ture is that we are still stuck with committed suicide over the last two ahead with a new model groundwa- waivers as they destroy the integ- ford to ignore. Only a comprehens-
to intervene. When the TMC came to power in 2011 after the so-called Green Revolution of decades, which has absolutely no ter Bill drafted by the Ministry of rity of the banking system and po- ive policy response can ensure that
34 years of Left rule, the GJM had agreed to the forma- the 1970s. I use the preix so- precedent in Indian history. Water Resources. This landmark tentially undermine the ex- farmers distress becomes a thing
tion of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration after called for a speciic reason. Yes, Bill seeks to replace archaic British traordinary anti-poverty initiative of the past.
three years of violence in the hills. Mr. Gurung, who had there was a dramatic rise in food Sustainable agriculture Common Law from the 19th cen- led by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of
set up the GJM in 2007 with the sole agenda of separa- production. And India no longer So what can we do to address these tury, which has provided legal legit- women across the country. So
Mihir Shah, a member of the erstwhile
tion from West Bengal, became its chief executive, say- needs to beg for food in the world twin tragedies of suicides and viol- imacy to the over-extraction of many of these extremely poor wo- Planning Commission, has lived in remote
market. But this was primarily a ence by farmers? First, we need to groundwater that underpins the men, with more than 97% loan re- rural Madhya Pradesh for the last three
ing he would take the Gorkhaland demand to Delhi and
rice and wheat revolution. It com- transition to a more ecologically re- current agrarian crisis. The new covery ratios, have helped the decades, working on issues of water and
refrain from shutdowns in the hills. But with the TMC pletely neglected two-thirds of In- silient agriculture. This becomes law needs urgent adoption and ad- banking system survive in remote livelihood security
making inroads in the hills, the GJM clearly feels its
wings are being clipped, especially with the govern-
ment setting up several development boards of ethnic
communities and further weakening the hill party.
Watching from the sidelines is the Bharatiya Janata
Waiting for reconciliation in Myanmar
Party, which is keen to expand its base in the State. GJM
leaders are in touch with BJP president Amit Shah, but
Aung San Suu Kyi makes some progress in addressing long-standing federal issues
the Modi government has not yet spelt out its stand on Our assessment indicates that viewed as a red line by the ping assured her that China would
Gorkhaland. While the State government must be irm some progress has indeed been military. continue to provide Myanmar with
and quick to quell cries for the formation of a separate made. What follows the confer- Agreement emerged that states assistance in its internal peace pro-
state in the border region, the GJM should tread care- ence may be as important as what and regions could have their own cess. Meeting her separately,
fully as a spiral of violence hurts hill-dwellers the most. happened last week. constitutions provided they were Chinese Premier Li Keqiang dis-
in conformity with the federal con- cussed infrastructure projects, ac-
Players and issues stitution. Forty-one principles recording to Xinhua, suggesting their
rajiv bhatia Two basic issues need to be appre- lating to ive sectors politics, se- proper handling in order to
ciated here: role players and sub- curity, society, economy, and guide cooperation expectation and
Moroccan Spring?
T
he second 21st century Pan- stance of dialogue. The peace pro- management of natural resources boost conidence.
glong peace conference, cess has been managed by a were discussed; broad agree- In the build-up to the peace con-
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
Rabat is struggling to contain anti-government which ended after six days of national tripartite committee comment was reached on 37 prin- ference, Sun Guoxiang, Chinas
deliberations (May 24-29), was prising the government (including ciples. Two noteworthy features of special envoy on Asian afairs,
protests after the death of a isherman marked by some drama in and out- the military), political parties and the conference may be highlighted camped in Naypyitaw, meeting key
side the conference hall. The de- eight Ethnic Armed Organisations here. First, while EAOs sufer from igures and paving the way for ar-
T
he shadow of the 2010-11 Arab Spring still hangs gree of progress achieved towards (EAOs) which had signed the Na- internal divisions and the bulk of rival of representatives of seven
over Morocco, as its authorities scramble to con- national reconciliation should be tionwide Ceaseire Agreement them are still outside the process, EAOs from Kunming on a Chinese
tain the latest political turmoil. The trigger for the measured by scratching below the (NCA) in October 2015. Ms. Suu This group remains opposed to the the government and the military plane. Ms. Suu Kyis top aide U Zaw
current troubles was the gruesome death last October surface. Kyis government has been anxious NCA, but it has real clout as it con- are working in coordination. Yet, Htay told an interviewer that the
of a isherman while retrieving allegedly illegal catch The 20th century Panglong to make the process inclusive by trols nearly 80% of armed rebels in the two have diferent long-term success of the peace process did
peace agreement was master- bringing other ethnic groups the country. They joined the pro- objectives: Ms. Suu Kyis National not necessarily depend on
from the police in the Mediterranean port town of al-
minded by Aung San the archi- within its fold. cess indirectly, thanks to the pro- League for Democracy (NLD) China, but China does play an im-
Hoceima. The incident in the Rif region, which has been tect of modern Burma. By ensuring From this perspective, limited active diplomacy of China. wants genuine democracy and portant role.
periodically restive, proved a catalyst for social unrest the cooperation of key ethnic success was achieved. The United The main achievement of the considerable autonomy for states The coming weeks will be re-
witnessed since then against the general marginalisa- minorities, he won Myanmars in- Nationalities Federal Council irst Panglong conference, held in and regions, whereas the military vealing. If ighting does not break
tion of the population, and culminating in the detention dependence. But at the age of 32 he (UNFC), a coalition of seven EAOs, August-September 2016, was that it is conservative on both facets. She out between the military and insur-
of scores of protesters, including journalists and human was assassinated, leaving the chal- insisting on amending the NCA be- took place. But the second confer- demonstrated her political skills by gents again; if a formula is crafted
rights activists. Protests have rocked Rabat too. At- lenge of nation-building to his suc- fore their participation, boycotted ence went into substantive issues. seeking to bridge the divide enabling all EAOs to join the peace
cessors. They all failed. Now, his the conference. However, the Participants, including the milit- between the military and the ex- process; and if the dialogue re-
tempts to restore normalcy have been hampered as the
daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi de Panghsang Alliance composed of ary, agreed to secure a federal tremist elements in EAOs. sumes soon, hopes will be
government and angry protesters continue to trade ac- facto leader of Myanmar pilots another seven EAOs, including the state. This was a signiicant gain be- strengthened. Probably the dead-
cusations. A leader of the protest movement has been the project to weld together 135 principal armed rebels such as the cause in the past the military re- The China factor line is 2020. Aung Sans spirit and
charged with threatening the security of the state, while ethnic races into a democratic and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) garded federalism as taboo. Prob- Second, Chinas decisive role came the people of Myanmar are
some followers face criminal investigation. The mon- federal state. Will the daughter and the United Wa State Army ably sensing its lexibility, a few out in the open. Days before the waiting.
archy under King Mohammed VI is contending with the complete the task left uninished (UWSA), took part in the inaugural ethnic representatives pushed for conference, Ms. Suu Kyi visited
overall fallout from the 2004 constitutional guarantees 70 years back? ceremony and then held discus- the inclusion of the right to seces- Beijing to participate in the Belt Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow,
Ms. Suu Kyi called the confer- sions on the sidelines with the gov- sion, a demand that was turned and Road Forum. At a bilateral Gateway House, and a former
for women, including a minimum age for marriage and
ence outcome a signiicant step. ernment, especially Ms. Suu Kyi. down by the government. It is meeting, Chinese President Xi Jin- Ambassador to Myanmar
fair procedures for divorce. A decade-long campaign
for gender justice is now focussing on the denial of
equal ownership rights for women, and the govern- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
ment-backed privatisation of tribal land.
Against this backdrop, the onerous task of restoring The distressed farmer cost of credit discipline. It of initiating such a step of dealer will also have to For that he does not really the Tamil Nadu State
popular faith in the democratic process has fallen on Addressing an election rally is, therefore, surprising why waivers why cant the submit three online returns need a college. He can learn Education Minister
the multi-party coalition of Prime Minister Saad Eddine in the parched Jhajjar the BJP is encouraging government think of giving every month on diferent them from books. The value announced as many as 41
el-Othmani who took oice in March. Paradoxically, the district of Haryana in 2004, recidivist tendencies among free seeds, fertilizers and dates. As most such dealers of an education in a liberal educational reforms,
former Prime Minister Atal its State governments insurance cover to the will ind it tough doing these arts college is not the much to the discomiture of
installation of the incumbent government led by the
Bihari Vajpayee promised to instead of encouraging state fullest extent possible tasks themselves on a high- learning of many facts, but students, teachers and
Justice and Development Party came after a prolonged usher in a second Green investment in agricultural against any type of losses technology-based digital the training of the mind to parents; students will now
impasse since the general elections of last October. The Revolution. Referring to the backend infrastructure. It is during a cultivation period platform for various think something that cannot have to face three
stalemate lent substance to scepticism that the reforms late Devi Lals loan waiver time the government came to small and marginal reasons, seeking be learned from textbooks, consecutive common
set in motion in the wake of the Arab Spring were at risk scheme, he said that he did up with a robust framework farmers? This would act as professional help again will said Albert Einstein. But examinations. It is a dismal
due to the renewed assertiveness of the traditional not believe in such populist to mitigate agricultural an incentive to poor farmers add to their costs. The contrary to this, the fact that Tamil Nadu State
elites close to the monarchy. Morocco had successfully measures as they were distress and rural to carry out agricultural unjustiied and unfair rule educational system board students are unable
virtual invitations to default. indebtedness and operations during all of reversal of the input tax encourages the rote- to crack the National
averted the political upheavals of the Arab Spring wit-
The solution to farmers prevented State Chief seasons. There also needs to credit of a receiving dealer learning method, resulting Eligibility-cum-Entrance
nessed in Libya and Egypt through a calibrated ap- woes, he argued, lay in Ministers from indulging in be a long-term vision drawn in the case of his supplier in a slew of written Test examination. One only
proach of constitutionally managed transition. In re- making their profession cowboy banking up by experts in the ield. not remitting the connected examinations which test a visualises schools being
turn, the country remained a favoured destination for lucrative. (Editorial The rot in Financial institutions would tax amount to the candidate on a readymade reduced to the level of
foreign investment and revenue from a thriving tourism Such deviation from farming, June 13). also appreciate such an government will keep him stock of questions without coaching centres.
sector. These were no mean achievements, in stark con- political expediency was Shreyans Jain, atmosphere with assured engaged in the any check on testing E.S. Chandrasekaran,
echoed by RBI Governor New Delhi repayments in the normal unproductive task of conceptual comprehension Chennai
trast to the atrocities unleashed against hundreds of
Urjit Patel, who termed course and hassle-free knocking at his suppliers (Leave them students
thousands of popular protesters and the lurch towards farm loan waivers a moral Almost all political parties credit lows to the sector. doors relentlessly. The high alone, June 12). Recently,
more letters online:
www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
authoritarian and more brutal regimes elsewhere in the hazard and sought are resorting to loan waivers P. Gopinath, cost of compliance, both
Arab world. The same political sagacity and national consensus among political without proper analysis of Thiruvananthapuram direct and indirect, under corrections & clarifications:
stewardship is once again the need of the hour in order parties in India to desist its pros and cons or even the GST will thus strike at A report about a boy from Haryana ( June 12, 2017) topping the
from announcing them. conirming whether the The GST sword the very survival of the Joint Entrance Examination ( JEE)-Advanced 2017 said the examin-
to restore conidence in the democratic process. The ation was held for admission to all the 23 Indian Institutes of Tech-
Prime Minister is known as a consensus-builder, and a Further, expressing her beneits do go to the Several provisions under small and unorganised nology and the Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad. It is clari-
concerns over the deserving sections of the the Goods and Services Tax sector. ied that the latter is now called IIT (ISM).
genuine dialogue between the government and the
repayment culture among farming community. A law that have been framed Kamal Laddha,
leadership of the popular movement is key to a return the farmers, State Bank of substantial amount would will harm small and Bengaluru It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
to stability. Equally, the monarchy would do well to ex- India Chairperson be drained from the medium enterprises. Apart contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
ercise restraint to facilitate the smooth functioning of Arundhati Bhattacharya exchequer and undeserving from having to deal with a Its raining exams Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
the mainstream political process. maintained that support to people would ind a place to lengthy annual audit report It is not so very important All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
farmers should not be at the enjoy the beneits. Instead with a dozen annexures, a for a person to learn facts. visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

THE WEDNESDAY INTERVIEW | AMARINDER SINGH
Like-minded parties, secular forces must come together

The Punjab Chief Minister on how he is all the wiser from his irst stint in power and why he thinks the Congress will bounce back in other States too
Smita Gupta sonal food habits are their He will make a very good
Captain Amarinder Singhs chequered political career has seen business. president. In the last three
him briefly quit the Congress to protest against Operation Blue years, I have interacted with
Star, join the Akali Dal, and even form his own party at one For the Congress, Punjab him very closely on various
stage before returning to his original party. He was among the was the only bright spot in subjects. He is very flexible-
handful of senior Congressmen to make it to the Lok Sabha in the recent Assembly minded, very supportive. So
2014 before quitting to take over the reins of Punjab earlier this elections. Can the I am very happy with that.
year as Chief Minister for the second time. In an interview on a Congress be revived
visit to Delhi, he talked about the challenges before his govern- nationally? You have written very
ment, the future of the Congress, and the raging national issues persuasively in defence of
of the day. Excerpts: The BJP, too, had once Major Leetul Gogoi, and
gone down to two seats. talked of the split-second
Whats it like to be Chief hype, a social media cre- Then, with V.P. Singh, the decision he must have
Minister after a gap of a ation. And if you recall the whole pattern changed to taken to save lives. As a
decade? previous election, everyone caste-based politics, the reformer Army officer, you
was talking about PPP gional parties came up. may argue that he did a
Last time (2002), I came as [Peoples Party of Punjab] Maybe one may have to have difficult job and should
a fresher. I come now as an and [its leader] Manpreet understandings [with other not be punished, but did
experienced hand. So its Badal becoming Chief Minis- parties]. But the Congress he deserve to be
been easier for me to act ter, but he got zero seats. The has been around for more rewarded?
from day one. Last time, it same is the case with the than 120 years, and has five
took me some time to stabil- AAP. The people of Punjab to 50 people in every village. Absolutely on the spur of
V.V. KRISHNAN
ise the situation. Now, we didnt buy it. There will be ups and downs the moment, he took a de-
have set Punjab on the road in politics: well bounce cision. And there were no
to a growth trajectory, eco- Fighting corruption was back. casualties. We should give
nomically, and begun to fulfil an election promise: yet, him a pat on the back.
the promises we had made to today, your Minister, Rana You are one of the few
the people in these few
months, hopefully what we
Gurjit, is embroiled in a
scam. Youve refused to
from the previous
government. Is the <
> The Opposition has
nothing to say. The
Vajpayee who was Prime
Minister in your first chief
down a bit because of de-
monetisation. Unka to kuch
Congress leaders willing
to call a spade a spade in
While this may be
appreciated within the
have put into place will begin drop him, saying you Central government going Akalis, for 10 years, ministerial tenure. Whats bhi nahin hai (They, public. Why dont senior Army, surely it has a code
to give results. want to wait for the to give you the financial messed up Punjab, it like with the present Pakistan, have nothing). leaders collectively tell of conduct which this
results of the inquiry assistance you need to Modi government? They (Pakistan) are not so vice-president Rahul transgresses?
and the Aam Aadmi
Last time, you had one youve set up. fulfil your ambitious bothered about us they are Gandhi whats wrong with
political opponent, now manifesto promises? Party is totally I had a problem with cash worried about their western the party? Bringing peace is not the
you have two. I have seen it happening inexperienced all credit limit for my crops: we borders where they are in job of the Army. This is the
for too long. I have done over When we were fighting the they do is shout had come in when the wheat full battle with the Taliban [In my last meeting with] job of the BJP government in
There is no Opposition. 50 years in politics and this elections, our information harvest had started. I met and the ISIS is now going to Rahul, we had an open chat Delhi and of Mehbooba
They have nothing to say. trial by media is unaccept- was that the debt was 1.3 When we promised to give [Finance Minister Arun] Jait- come there. They will be enfor about 45 minutes on vari- [Mufti]s in Kashmir. They
The Akalis, for 10 years, able to me. Anybody can lakh crore; now we have got fully loaded telephones, ley four or five times and he meshed in that. ous things, not just Punjab, should get together and
messed up Punjab, and the take any stand, and then run a White Paper, and it is likely everyone said youre bribing sorted it out. Every time, he other States too Both of us bring peace. The Army only
Aam Aadmi Party is totally editorials The media cre- to be closer to 2 lakh crore. your voters. That was not our has helped me. The Prime The Modi government has called a spade a spade. reacts to situations. Sit across
inexperienced all they do ates a hype, the Opposition Those (manifesto prom- idea. I have 99 lakh young- Minister has helped me; all brought in some the table and resolve mat-
is shout. They have only man starts shouting, I sack my ises) we are doing out of the sters without jobs; theres a the Ministers I have met have regulations to ban the Do you think the coming ters, see what the youth is
with experience, Sukhpal Ministers how do I run my box: the Budget cant sup- great deal of drug addiction. been helpful. In the political selling and slaughter of together of the Opposition angry about, create schools,
Khaira, the one MLA who government? port them. I want to take their mind field, it is different, but at cows. Some State parties is enough? Doesnt colleges, jobs, and then we
has been there once before. Incidentally, it was an e- away from drugs so that they that level of government-to- governments have it need a leader and a wont need Major Gogoi. Till
The rest are all freshers. auction. Nobody knew who What about the farm loan can talk to their buddies and government, there has been objected to it, saying its clear message? such time, India has to be
was bidding, everyone used waiver? this, incidentally, is only for no trouble. an infringement of their protected; Kashmir is an In-
Which of the two the a code name, and this bid families with an income of powers. First, the Congress must dian State. Every day we are
Shiromani Akali Dal or was conducted by a retired The Budget doesnt have to less than a certain amount You are confident youll make up its mind what it losing Indian soldiers. How
AAP is your main High Court judge and two produce the money to pay and where the boys have revive industry in Punjab. Its a matter in various wants to do and eventually a many more are we going to
opponent? IAS officers. In 2011, the gov- off the banks. What we are studied up to Class 10. High Courts. My sense is they decision will be taken. I think lose? And that country next
ernment did an auction and doing is that to a certain Then we have set up a I think so. I dont see hot will be clubbed together and like-minded parties, secular door is prodding it on. You
If you ask me who will got 43 crore. This time, we limit, we will eliminate all Special Task Force to deal wars taking place now. The sent to the Supreme Court forces must come together. can bring them to the negoti-
grow again, I will say the shall exceed 1,000 crore. loans. The cooperative de- with the drug problem. A wars in the world will now be eventually. In Punjab, we We cant go back to the ating table in a bilateral way
Akali Dal. There is no Oppos- I cant sack Rana. Ive set partment will negotiate with grade one gram of heroin economic, whether with the dont comment because we 1950s. That time the Con- with Pakistan to cool them
ition today, but in due up a judicial inquiry with a the banks to bring the in- used to cost 1,500. It has Chinese they may make are not a beef-eating State. gress was different, the down. This is your State, you
course... we have been in ex- very competent judge who is terest down, etc. Then well now mounted so much, it is their noises here or there Its not a problem for us. concept of the country was have to deal with it. Not only
istence for more than 120 an expert in corporate af- take a long-term commit- 5,000. And the rehab or Pakistan they make But if you ask me person- different: now we have to that, you also have to deal
years, they also have been in fairs. Whatever he comes out ment with the banks to repay centres have started to fill their noises to keep their ally, its everyones right make our place within the with the Naxal problem. Our
existence for a 100 years. with, well act on it this has on behalf of those small up. So the pressure is begin- people under control. what to eat, whether its in framework of what exists. solution is not to kill every-
Three generations have been blown out of all farmers. ning to work. Hamara Hindustan to chal south India or northeast In- one off.
grown up and they have a proportions! raha hain (Were doing dia, its their business. I think Will Rahul Gandhi take
very firm base in our vil- What are the other out-of- You enjoyed a good okay). Our economic growth Jaitley has himself commen- over as Congress For full interview, please visit
lages The AAP was just You inherited a huge debt the-box ideas? equation with Atal Bihari is 6.7% it may have come ted on this, saying that per- president this year? http://bit.ly/AmarinderIntrw
Detecting possibilities FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 14, 1967
All-Party MPs delegation to visit Naxalbari

The LIGO-India project will lead to the
An all-party parliamentary delegation will shortly proceed to
emergence of new research areas Naxalbari in West Bengal for an on-the-spot study of the situ-
ation there arising from lawless activities. A suggestion to this
Shubashree Desikan effect made by the Union Home Minister, Mr. Y.B. Chavan, in
U.S.-based Laser Interfero- the Lok Sabha to-day [ June 13, New Delhi] was welcomed by
meter Gravitational Wave Ob- all sections of the House. The House held a two-hour boister-
servatory (LIGO)s detectors ous debate on the reported formation of a parallel Govern-
have picked up signals of yet ment in Naxalbari and Kharibari areas in West Bengal and the
another merger of two black alleged training of guerillas through Indian security forces.
holes that are three billion He said the Central Government had reasons to suspect that
light years away and have extremists, who did not believe either in the Constitution or
masses equal to 31 and 19 times orderly progress, had been playing a prominent role in the re-
the mass of the sun. cent developments. Although no reply has been received by
With this discovery emerges Mr. Chavan from the West Bengal Government to the telegram
not only a pattern among sent by him asking for details of the situation, Mr. Chavan told
LIGO
black holes but also possibilit- the House that other reports he had received spoke of utter
ies of gravitational wave astro- lawlessness, particularly theft of arms and ammunition, at-
nomy, detection of new heavenly bodies and gaining a better tacks by persons dressed as policemen, murder, and loot,
understanding of that most elusive of theories Einsteins gen- these lawless activities caused grave concern.
eral theory of relativity, and the fundamental force of CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
gravitation.
CONCEPTUAL NOTEBOOK A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 14, 1917
Contribution of Indians
Indians have made a signiicant contribution to this, with
Capital flight Post-retirement antics Political suspects case.
nearly 67 Indians from 13 institutions across the country tak- Economics
In the S. 110 C.P.C., case against the political suspects, Mano-
ing part in the theory and experiment: CMI, Chennai; ICTS-
TIFR, Bengaluru; IUCAA, Pune; and IISER Kolkata, to name
A term that refers to an The transformation of Virender Sehwag has cricket har Payne and four others, three new witnesses were ex-
event where investors pull
just a few. capital out of an economy commentators constantly updating their appraisals amined and Mr. Farmer S.P., already examined, was cross-ex-
amined first. Witness Jamini Mukherji, S.I. Nator, stated that
The jubilation over their participation is, however, on a large scale by selling
tempered by the fact that the two existing detectors are not G. Sampath post that tweet. Sehwag has social media slapstick to re- he searched the house of Kamlash Payne, father of Manohar,
the financial assets that
suicient to locate exactly where in the sky the signals are com- In early 2014, I wrote a capitalised on the publicity main in the public eye. For and seized three post cards addressed to Manohar, also the
they own. Capital flight oc-
ing from. With the Italy-based VIRGO detector set to join oper- comment piece titled In- this controversy generated me, Sehwags post-retire- house of Sukumar Sanyal, father of accused Manindra, and
curs when investors lose
ations soon, this issue will be addressed. However, there will dia should not let Virender by maintaining a hyperact- ment antics, such as they seized one letter and a khata. Mr. C.T. Horen, Inspector of Po-
confidence in an economy
still remain some blind spots which can be overcome if the Sehwag fade away. I never ive presence on Twitter. are, are an affront to the lice, Dacca, stated that he searched the Sakha Press, Dacca,
for various reasons, and
LIGO-India project enters the fray, as planned, in 2024. imagined that a time might His tweeting style might legacy of his on-field ex- and seized one trunk containing two pistols, one American
wish to protect the value
Amidst such anticipation, it is necessary to take stock of the come when I would be remind many of his batting ploits. colt and another German mause 319, cartridges, one exercise
of their investment. In a
challenges ahead in building up this fourth player in the gravit- wishing the opposite. But it style he goes all out to en- Nonetheless, I can still book and one post card addressed to Bidhu Bhusande, arres-
world of freely moving
ational wave-detection game. There will be many irsts for In- clearly has. tertain the audience, live with his reincarnation ted and recommended for prosecution under S. 19 Arms Act,
capital, the sudden exit of
dia. Its experimental requirements will spearhead the evolu- I must state upfront that without thinking too much as a Twitter maven or five persons named Abani Aswini, Kumer Roy, Mahnes Roy,
capital can act as a force of
tion of many new research areas. Work on some of them has I am a mega fan of Sehwag. about the consequences. cricket commentator. Dharendra Rakshit and Bidhu Bhusan De.
discipline on bad eco-
already begun in many centres: like the study of squeezed light nomic policies by starving He is was to me what Last week, for instance, What really gave me
in IIT-Delhi and IIT-Madras; mirror surface physics, in Saha In- the economy of precious Sachin Tendulkar is to most he tweeted a photo of him- sleepless nights was the CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
stitute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, and TIFR, Hyderabad; and investment capital. Capital Indians. I felt terrible when self and his wife, with the prospect of him taking over
ibre-based laser technology in IIT-Madras. flight can also be irra- retirement happened to following caption: Biwi ji as India coach. With Anil DATA POINT
tional, which provides op- him when he was already has given me title of King. Kumbles term ending, Se-
Multiple constituents portunities for other in- out of the game. Its like Chess. King can hwag had suddenly
On the theoretical side, too, there are major developments in vestors to buy assets being Recently, however, Se- take only one step at a time emerged as a contender.
store. The challenge will be to nurture these and take them to- sold rapidly at bargain hwag has returned to the and Queen can do Here too, he made news for
wards implementation. Second, unlike experiments that are prices. limelight, and in a typically whatever she wants to the wrong reasons for
built up from a small core team, LIGO-India will start of as a explosive fashion. He first #HasiBand. It got 2,100 sending in his application
complex organism, the many constituents of which will evolve made headlines when he retweets and 21,000 likes. without a CV. Luckily for
simultaneously in diferent parts of the country. Assembling mocked young Gurmehar Another monstrously in- us, Kumble will keep the
the parts to form a mature scientiic enterprise, a irst for In- Kaur on social media. It ane tweet on World Envir- job.
dia, will be an enormous challenge. Lastly, the Department of was felt, and not without onment Day was widely The last thing India
Atomic Energy, which is the main funding body for all big sci- justification, that he was lampooned on social me- needed is a coach whose
entiic investments in India, will also, in an unprecedented CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC poking fun at a martyrs dia, causing a lot of pain most profound pronounce-
manner, take up the responsibility of building up the experi- daughter. and embarrassment to me ment on the art of batting
MORE ON
3
ment. Sehwag did clarify that personally. has been see ball, hit ball.
The detected black hole mergers may seem simple com- THE WEB his tweet wasnt targeted at I idolised Sehwag for his To my mind, Sehwag is In-
pared with the dynamics of this massive coming together of so Kaur. But he couldnt save carefree, magisterial, and dias greatest Test batsman.
many theoreticians and experimentalists. However, what All you need to know about me from being shamed by generous approach to bat- It would have been a grave
holds promise is that the level of the challenge is well-matched Catalonias independence my pacifist friends, some of ting. So I find it hard to re- injustice to the man if we
by the experience, the number and the ability of the scientists referendum whom reacted as if I had concile myself to my had allowed him to become
involved. http://bit.ly/SpainRef personally asked him to erstwhile hero stooping to Indias worst coach ever.
CM A ND-ND
YK

Musings on London Bridge

Combating the new range of threats posed by the IS will also require political settlements in Syria and Iraq
his head, Suri was captured by geting Muslims. But IS leaders en-
Pakistans security services in late dorse the wholesale slaughter of ci-
Unwise proposal 2005. He was reportedly turned

over to the Central Intelligence
Agency and was then sent to his
vilians, including many Muslims
that they regard as inidels, as epi-
tomised by the spate of attacks on
The Election Commissions proposal seeking native Syria, where he was wanted Muslim countries during Ramazan
by Bashar al-Assads regime. After in recent years.
contempt powers for itself is alarming mohamad bazzi the Syrian war began in 2011, there By mid-2014, the IS seized large
P
ermanent laws cannot be made in response to were reports that Suri was among chunks of Syria and Iraq. The group
n the evening of June 3, three hundreds of al-Qaeda and other then proclaimed a caliphate in the
O
transient trends, especially to create a power that
is open to abuse. The Election Commission of In- men unleashed terror in the militant operatives freed by the As- territory under its control, and
dias proposal to the Law Ministry that it be armed with heart of London, killing eight sad regime. Many of those operat- named its leader, Abu Bakr al-Bagh-
people and wounding dozens, in ives went on to become leaders of dadi, as caliph and leader of
the power to punish for contempt is an unwarranted
the third major terrorist attack in IS and the Nusra Front, al-Qaedas Muslims everywhere.
and poorly thought-out response to some strident ac- Britain in three months. ailiate in Syria. But other reports,
cusations of partisan functioning, mainly from political The assailants sped across Lon- including statements by jihadist Looking for real solutions
parties that had lost in the electoral arena. With demo- don Bridge in a white van, ramming leaders, say that Suri is still being Over the past three years, the IS dis-
cratic practices evolving over time, even the power to into pedestrians. They later tual successor, Ayman al-Zawahiri, The latest wave of attacks its held by Assads regime. placed al-Qaeda as the dominant
punish for contempt vested in the judiciary has come emerged from the van with hunting realised that maintaining training into a series of appeals by IS leaders force in international jihadism.
under question, with many wondering whether this knives and began stabbing people camps and central control was not for their supporters to carry out Lone wolf as a strategy Baghdadis group had been more
in Borough Market, a nearby night- going to work after the group was self-directed assaults that use any Regardless of his status, Suris con- successful in its strategy, which re-
relic of a bygone age should be retained. Even superior spot. The attackers were quickly forced out of its base in Afghanistan means necessary to kill civilians, ception of the individual, or leader- lies on capturing and holding territ-
courts, empowered to act under the Contempt of chased down and killed by British under U.S. bombing. Before the especially in the West. As the group less, jihad continues to resonate. In ory. But after its recent losses in
Courts Act, 1971, are often advised to use it only spar- police. September 11 attacks, bin Laden continues to face a U.S.-led bomb- relying on lone wolf attacks by indi- Iraq and Syria, the group has rever-
ingly. Against this backdrop, for a multi-member Elec- On May 22, a suicide bomber at- had relied on recruits trained at ing campaign against its strong- viduals who are self-radicalised ted to its roots as a jihadist insur-
tion Commission, which enjoys a high degree of public tacked a concert arena in the city of Afghan camps, and many had per- holds in Syria and Iraq, it is losing and have only a tangential under- gency, bent on large-scale attacks
conidence and a reputation for impartiality, to ask that Manchester, killing 22 people. Two sonally pledged allegiance to him. the territory and ighters that make standing of jihadist ideology and, that instil fear but achieve few tan-
months earlier, a driver mowed But even while in hiding, bin up the backbone of its self-declared in some cases, are mentally dis- gible gains.
it be clothed with the powers of a high court to punish
down pedestrians on Westminster Laden and al-Zawahiri frequently caliphate. As a result, the IS is turn- turbed the IS is able to project a In doing so, IS leaders realise
both civil and criminal contempt is a travesty of our Bridge in London, and tried to addressed their supporters ing towards both centrally organ- greater reach than it actually has. that they are on the verge of losing
open and democratic system. Civil contempt pertains break into Parliament before being through dozens of videos, audio- ised plots and individual attacks In September 2014, Abu their self-declared capitals in
to wilful disobedience of court orders, and giving the shot and killed by security forces. tapes and Internet statements. carried out by sympathisers to re- Muhammed al-Adnani, the leading Raqqa, Syria and Mosul, Iraq. That
ECI the power to enforce its orders may be an idea The Islamic State (IS) claimed re- They encouraged new recruits to assert its claim as the worlds lead- IS spokesman, issued an audio- means the group would squander
worth debating. However, it will be very harmful to free sponsibility for all of these attacks, act autonomously under al-Qaedas ing jihadist movement. taped appeal that relected Suris the caliphate that has distinguished
speech and fair criticism if the ECI is given the power to and it now seems that the terrorist banner, and they helped inspire One of the major inspirations for tactics. Adnani (who was killed two it from other jihadist movements,
group will be quick to adopt nearly hundreds of young men to carry this strategy is Abu Musab al-Suri, a years later in a U.S. air strike in and helped it attract new recruits.
punish for criminal contempt on grounds that some-
every attack on civilians, especially out suicide or conventional bomb- veteran jihadist ideologue and an Syria) urged the groups sympath- To combat this new and more
thing had scandalised it or tended to lower its author- in the West. These claims of re- ings in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, al-Qaeda leader who worked with isers to use whatever means at their complex range of threats posed by
ity a vague and subjective provision that should have sponsibility tend to be somewhat Jordan, Morocco, Spain, Britain bin Laden and al-Zawahiri in the disposal to attack American and the IS and its sympathisers, govern-
no place in contempt law. It is a matter of concern that generic they dont show the ISs and elsewhere. 1990s. After he became disillu- French citizens, and virtually any ments in the West and throughout
the ECI appears to be preparing the ground to use its involvement in the planning or exe- After a large number of al- sioned with al-Qaedas leaders and other Western civilians. If you are the world will need to do more than
power to curtail free speech; its letter refers to some cution of attacks but they do help Qaedas leaders were killed, cap- direction following the September not able to ind an IED [improvised simply continue military strikes
parties taking advantage of the right to freedom of ex- the group in its propaganda eforts. tured or forced to lee, one of bin 11 attacks, Suri published a 1,600- explosive device] or a bullet, single against targets in Iraq and Syria. De-
Ladens former bodyguards in page manifesto titled, A Call to a out the disbelieving American, terring new attacks against civilians
pression to question the conduct of elections.
A decentralised jihadism Afghanistan described the groups Global Islamic Resistance, on the Frenchman, or any of their allies, will require working towards polit-
There is a marked diference between the judiciary These self-directed and lone wolf revamped operations to an Arabic Internet in 2005. he said. Smash his head with a ical settlements in Syria and Iraq. It
and the Election Commission. Judges have a tradition of attacks are not an accident. They newspaper. Every element of al- In the document, which is still rock, or slaughter him with a knife, will also mean greater vigilance in
not responding publicly to criticism. As Lord Denning are the result of an organised, dec- Qaeda is self-activated, he said. widely shared in jihadist circles, or run him over with your car, or monitoring clandestine networks
observed in 1968, they cannot enter into public con- ade-old movement within Islamic Whoever inds a chance to attack Suri calls for a wave of individual throw him down from a high place, set up by IS operatives and adjust-
troversy. The ECI, on the other hand, responds ro- jihadism to decentralise attacks simply goes ahead. The decision is jihad in which independent oper- or choke him, or poison him. ing to a new enemy that knows no
bustly as and when allegations about the conduct of and make them more difuse. This theirs alone. atives sometimes self-radicalised For several years, the IS and al- limits.
trend predated the emergence of and other times assisted by recruit- Qaeda have been competing for
elections surface. There is no reason to believe that
the IS it can be traced back to al- The rapid rise of the IS ers on the Internet would target funding, recruits and prestige. The
public conidence in the ECI will be shaken or its super- Qaeda after the September 11, 2001 Today, the IS has expanded and Western civilians in an efort to sow two groups often disagree over tac- Mohamad Bazzi is a journalism professor
intendence, direction and control over the election attacks. perfected this concept of the lead- chaos and terror. Suri described his tics: to avoid a backlash similar to at New York University and former Middle
process undermined by criticism, however tendentious While al-Qaeda was a hierarch- erless jihad. And it is now wreak- jihadist philosophy as no organiz- the one they faced during Iraqs East bureau chief at Newsday. He is
or calumnious it may be. It is true that parties have ical organisation, its leader Osama ing havoc and spreading fear, both ations, just principles. civil war, al-Qaedas leaders have writing a book on the proxy wars between
bin Laden and his deputy and even- in the West and in West Asia. With a $5 million U.S. bounty on urged their followers to avoid tar- Saudi Arabia and Iran
made unfair accusations about the conduct of elec-
tions, or more accurately, about the outcome of elec-
tions that went against them. The Aam Aadmi Party has
made it a sort of mission to run down the electronic vot-
ing system. Not stopping with scepticism of the claim
that the electronic voting machines are invulnerable, it
Big data, big dangers
has alleged ECI members are politically aligned to the India needs to negotiate the world of big data technology with adequate safeguards
ruling party at the Centre. However, it cannot be forgot- ing habits. Similarly, Facebook and ing on is not without its perils. The tional geographical boundaries.
ten that reforms such as the introduction of a veriiable Amazon have collected informa- only way to negotiate this brave Moreover, we should also build
paper trail came about only because somebody voiced tion about social networks. In addi- new world is to make sure that In- research and development activit-
criticism and suspicion. Throttling criticism in the tion to using this data to improve dia does it on her own terms and ies in Big Data Science and data
name of punishing contempt will only cut of feedback. products or services that these cor- inds a way to protect both inan- centre technology at our academic
porations ofer, the stored data is cial rewards and ensure individual and research institutions that al-
available also to highest bidders privacy and national security low for better understanding of the
hemant kanakia and governments of nations where through appropriate safeguards. way in which BDT can be limited to
The Quetta murders these companies are based. reduce the risk of deductive dis-
W
ith the Supreme Court What India can do closure at an individual level. This
The killing of two Chinese nationals exposes turning its gaze on pri- Looming dangers China has apparently understood will require developing software
vacy issues associated One major problem with collecting this dynamic and taken measures and training for individuals on how
fault lines, but wont afect China-Pakistan ties with Aadhaar, can we take a mo- and storing such vast amounts of to counter this threat. It has en- to protect their privacy and for or-
T
he killing of two Chinese nationals, abducted at ment to look to the myriad ways in data overseas is the ability of own- couraged the formation of large In- ganisations and government oi-
gunpoint in the Balochistan capital Quetta in May, which our privacy is being assaul- ers of such data stores to violate the ternet companies such as Baidu cials to put in place strict irewalls,
ted in the digital world? When my privacy of people. Even if the revenue that is currently earned by and Alibaba and deterred Google data backup and secure erasure
appears to have exposed fault lines between
neighbour across the street got too primary collectors of data may not local newspapers or other media and others from having major mar- procedures. In the West, we
China and Pakistan, with Beijing issuing statements curious about my life, I installed engage in this behaviour, foreign companies would eventually start ket share in China by using in- already are seeing a number of
calling for Islamabad to do more to protect its citizens. curtains to block his gaze. But what governments or rogue multina- to low outside the country to over- formal trade restraints and anti- start-ups developing technology
To begin with, there have been reports of unhappiness about when the invisible drones at tionals could clandestinely access seas multinationals. A measure of monopoly rules against them. In- that enables users to control who
over the $55-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Facebook send him a message that these vast pools of personal data in this efect can already be seen in a dia may not be able to emulate gets access to the data about their
some Pakistani economists mention the debt burden one of my colleagues has tagged order to afect policies of a nation. way that consumer dollars are be- China in this way, but we could behaviour patterns in the digital
Pakistan will face, and there have been protests by Gil- me enjoying a music festival in Goa Such knowledge could prove toxic ing redistributed across the spec- take other countermeasures to world.
and he might want to like this and detrimental in the hands of un- trum of U.S. businesses touching preserve our digital economy inde- The government has approved
git, Baloch and Sindhi activists against the environ-
picture? How do we draw a curtain scrupulous elements or hostile for- them. For instance, communica- pendence. The heart of building the Digital India Plan that aims to
mental impact of major infrastructure projects. There around our digital lives? eign governments. The alleged tion carriers such as AT&T, Verizon companies using BDT is their abil- connect 2.5 lakh villages to the In-
are also religious issues: Pakistan accused the two Think beyond the nosy neigh- Russian interference in the U.S. and cable networks ind that their ity to build sophisticated super- ternet by 2019 and to bring Wi-Fi
Chinese nationals, who had obtained business visas to bour to the corporations that want election tells us that these possibil- revenue has remained lat to large data centres. By providing ap- access to 2.5 lakh schools, all uni-
teach Mandarin and learn Urdu, of being involved in to utilise minutia of your life to sell ities are not simply science iction slightly falling in the last ive years propriate subsidies such as cheap versities and public places in major
Christian missionary work, which is unlawful in the products that you may or may not fantasies. whereas the revenues of Google, power and real estate, and cheap cities and major tourist centres.
country. The abduction and murder, irst announced in need. Corporations have always The other major problem is the which depend on these carriers to network bandwidth to those data This is indeed a very desirable
been interested in understanding potential drain of economic wealth provide connectivity to con- centres, one would encourage our policy step. But unless we evolve
the Islamic State site Amaq, also indicates the inroads
consumer behaviour and been col- of a nation. Currently, the corpora- sumers, are increasing exponen- industries to be able to build and appropriate policies to counter the
the group has made in Pakistan. The Pakistan govern- lecting data about users using their tions collecting such vast amounts tially. Unless we employ some retain data within our boundaries. side efects of the Digital Plan, this
ment, which has faced criticism in the Chinese media products or service. What is of data are all based in developed countermeasures, we should ex- In the short term, we should also could also lead to the unforeseen
for not doing more to save the two Chinese nationals, unique about Big Data Technology countries, mostly in the U.S. Most pect the same phenomenon repeat create a policy framework that en- eColonisation of India.
will clearly have to speed up its plans for a Special Se- (BDT) is the scale at which this data emerging economies, including In- itself for corporations based in courages overseas multinationals
curity Division to protect CPEC, raising nine army bat- collection can take place. For india, have neither the knowledge India. such as Google and Amazon to Hemant Kanakia is a computer scientist
talions and hiring about 14,000 personnel. It would, stance, Google has stored peta- nor the favourable environment Sadly, BDT is a tiger the world is build large data centres in India and investor in high technology
bytes of information about billions for businesses that collect data on destined to ride. It is no longer pos- and to retain the bulk of raw data companies. The views expressed are
however, be a mistake to read too much into reports of people and their online brows- such a vast scale. The advertising sible to safely disembark, but stay- collected in India within our na- personal
that the killings have caused strains between China and
Pakistan, or Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The two countries have had decades of close cooper-
ation, led by defence co-production and nuclear tech-

Roots of a crisis phenomenon than it is Unrest in the hills engaging with their is that the ire has been relit Minister over the decision to
nology transfers; if anything, CPEC binds them in an
The report of two debt- understood by many. In being non-negotiable Assamese-speaking over the issue of language retroit train coaches with
even closer embrace. In a recent statement, Beijing ridden farmers committing R. Sivakumar, conformists of cultural counterparts in areas of imposition. If the West modern amenities
sought to dismiss reports suggesting that President Xi suicide in Madhya Pradesh Chennai identities and rejecting the professional or personal Bengal Chief Minister has (40,000 train coaches to be
Jinping had refused to meet Pakistan Prime Minister evokes much sorrow and prerequisites to cope with outreach. While insecurity made the assurance that retroitted, June 14). One
Nawaz Sharif at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Or- resentment. It is lamentable Advice for the Congress the challenges of a over cultural imperialism is Bengali is optional in the should travel by reserved,
ganisation summit in Kazakhstan because of the kid- that the State government Punjab Chief Minister globalised era, the hill valid, this must be tempered hills, why is the agitation ordinary, second class
nappings. It said the two leaders had already held sub- continues to turn a Nelsons Captain Amarinder Singhs community in Darjeeling is irst by reposing a strong still escalating? The answer coaches to experience the
eye to the growing crisis call to like-minded parties only doing a great disservice faith in constitutional perhaps lies in the BJP, the travails of the average
stantive discussions during the Belt and Road Forum in ( June 10). Farmers have no and secular forces to ind to itself in its response to the safeguards of minority arch-rival of the TMC in passenger. Ticketless
mid-May. The killing of the Chinese nationals repres- guaranteed income and common ground is timely language issue (Editorial A cultural rights and also by West Bengal, fanning the travellers lay siege to the
ents a lapse in security, but is part of what the Chinese there is widespread (The Wednesday interview: shattered peace, June 14). A sustained engagement lames of unrest. The peace passageways and the
Foreign Ministry calls the risks of going global, indic- perception that the agrarian Amarinder Singh, June 14). working knowledge of the between various cultural in Darjeeling should not be approach to the toilets
ating that as its footprint grows in developing nations crisis is an outcome of The Congress party in States principal language communities so as to build shattered and the BJP should which are always soiled.
and conlict zones, its citizens will face higher risks. For natural calamities which no particular should pay heed plays an important role in an ediice of trust. not try to ish in troubled The less said the better
one can ight. Governments to his advice if it is to revive the process of integration Bibhuti Das, waters; this is not an about the TTEs, who seem
both China and Pakistan, CPEC and other cooperation New Delhi
over the years have used this its fortunes. The political with economic ordinary political issue. If as helpless as the passengers
is not ideological but driven by mutual strategic in- to hide their ineiciencies in situation is now vastly opportunities and avenues West Bengal fails to quell and go about their job of
terests. China has, for example, refused to consider In- problem- solving. One diferent from when the created across the State. The demand for a this unrest and the BJP plays ticket checking
dias concerns on terror emanating from Pakistan, al- should understand that an Congress was numero uno Those in Darjeeling separate administrative foul for the sake of politics, mechanically.
though groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba have attacked agrarian crisis not only and the party must be spearheading the agitation region of Gorkhaland has it could eventually ignite a Let the funds earmarked for
Chinese citizens. Similarly, Pakistan raises concerns afects the life of the farmer willing to reconsider the must realise that they are existed since 1907 when the whole set of demands for refurbishing coaches be
over the alleged treatment of Kashmiris and minorities and his family but the rural coalition formula. Despite the chief architects of the Hillmens Association of smaller territorial units. spent on ensuring a hassle-
economy as well. The time doomsday predictions by future of the next generation Darjeeling submitted a H.M. Riajul Hoque, free journey. Train travellers
in India, but ignores the Chinese governments strict Baranaldaha, Nadia, West Bengal
has come to scrutinise the one and all, the Indian who also have dreams and memorandum to the would be only too willing to
anti-terror laws in Xinjiang province. While it is import- impact of LPG National Congress is capable ambitions. This Morley-Minto Reforms pay extra for a safe and
ant to observe the progress of CPEC closely, and con- liberalisation, privatisation of bouncing back. It needs phenomenon of a concrete Committee. The movement Amenities can wait comfortable journey.
tinue to raise Indias concerns on sovereignty with and globalisation reforms to keep a level head and cultural fencing can be seen for a separate state of As a senior citizen and a S. Vasudevan,
on Indian agriculture. follow good advice. in Assam as well. A majority Gorkhaland gained serious frequent train traveller, I am Chennai
China and Pakistan, it is premature to attach too much
lasting signiicance to the kidnappings in Balochistan. Therefore, an agrarian crisis J. Anantha Padmanabhan, of the Bengali-speaking momentum during the not in a position to share the more letters online:
is a much broader Tiruchi people face obstacles when 1980s. The perception now enthusiasm of our Railway www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

To battle the demons within Taking water to

A Sri Lankan documentary examines the Tamil communitys internal battles during the civil war
the LTTEs execution of two dissid-
Telangana farmers
ent student activists Selvi and Man-
oharan who had saved his own life An improved land acquisition Act heralds speedier
and that of others from the Tigers. In expansion of irrigation projects
an eerily dramatic scene, former mil-
itants from different Tamil organisa- jects, about 45,000 acres of this purchased
tions sit in the dark around a fire, re- directly from the landowners.
Meera Srinivasan flecting on how Tamil civilians
suffered at the hands of other Tamils The Telangana amendment
Sri Lankan filmmaker Jude Ratnams who were weeding out rivals and An amendment to RFCTLARR Act was
dbut documentary, Demons in Para- dissidents in their midst. cleared by the State Legislature and after get-
dise, got the rare red-carpet honour ting the presidential assent, the legislation
Shailendra Kumar Joshi
at the Cannes Film Festival recently, Need for introspection has been notified on May 18, 2017. It seam-
but he is certain that he will be called This sort of introspection of the lessly provides for land purchase, consent
a traitor for making it. For me, the past and its manifestation in the Procuring land is an important precondition and normal awards for public projects. In ad-
film was a way of confronting the present is in Mr. Ratnams view in- for implementing large infrastructure pro- dition to providing R&R benefits to land
questions I have had since childhood dispensable for meaningful post-war jects. Most irrigation projects require sub- losers and other affected families as per the
about my Tamil identity, he told The reconciliation. Take the question of stantial tracts of land that could be justified Act of 2013, it offers choices to project-af-
Hindu in an interview in Colombo. caste. Contrary to what many say, on the basis of a proper cost-benefit analysis. fected families (PAF) to accept a lump sum
As a five-year-old, Mr. Ratnam fled the LTTE never eradicated it; they By and large, one unit of land required for an package in lieu of R&R benefits, even as they
STILLS FROM THE MOVIE
the capital with his parents to escape merely brushed it under the carpet. irrigation project can serve around 20-25 retain their right to R&R benefits as per the
the July 1983 anti-Tamil riots. His Otherwise why would we see caste- times the area of the fields of farmers. principal Act.
formative years were spent in the based discrimination emerging as a The overall land required for irrigation The underlying philosophy of this robust
Tamil-majority north-east of the is- major challenge in post-war Tamil so- projects in Telangana is estimated to be legislation is that overall compensation for
land nation where, as a displaced ciety? he asked. about four lakh acres, to serve 100 lakh acres land purchase/acquisition and voluntary
boy, he witnessed different Tamil Mr. Manoranjan also hopes that of farmland. Out of the total land required, R&R should not be lesser than those
militant groups organising them- the film will open some doors in Telangana had about 2.5 lakh acres, mostly provided under the Act of 2013.
selves. The young men with guns, ives of war like the Sinhalese pho- with the idea. But he had been there, breaking the taboo around the pain done through consent award for irrigation However, provisions such as exemption
preparing to fight the oppressive Sri tographer who captured the iconic done that and knew where it was inflicted by Tamils on fellow Tamils projects in place at the time of enactment of from chapter II (Social Impact Assessment)
Lankan Army, looked like heroes to image of a Tamil man being stripped headed. and Muslims. Tamil society is strug- the Right to Fair Compensation and Trans- and chapter III (food security), land pur-
me. naked at a bus stop in the heart of Mr. Manoranjan, who was raised gling within itself to do a truthful self- parency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation chase etc. compress the overall time frame
Colombo in 1983, shortly before he in Kandy and speaks fluent Sinhala, examination of what went wrong. and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act 2013. for land acquisition & rehabilitation and re-
Returning to the roots and others like him were murdered; moved to the north as the war intens- Though it is slowly happening among Subsequently, several factors slowed down settlement.
Later, his family moved to Kandy in and the railwayman who witnessed ified, where he made an unusual the ordinary masses, the Tamil me- land acquisition in the State as well as the In a single requisition, land could be pro-
the central highlands where his scores of Tamils escaping to the move of joining a small left-wing dia, the academic community, the re- country. cured for a department either through vol-
father, an Anglican priest, was sta- north, including some who were cal- group, the National Liberation Front ligious entities and the political untary purchase, consent and normal
tioned, before returning to Colombo. lously thrown off the train. of Tamil Eelam (NLFT). But after a parties are still adamantly maintain- Facets of the 2013 Act awards, or a combination of all the said op-
More than three decades later, the It took Mr. Ratnam ten years, and few years, with the LTTEs growing ing silence, he told The Hindu via Efforts to ensure payment of fair compensa- tions. This perhaps, is the most unique fea-
filmmaker took the train to the enormous conviction and family sup- hegemony and the repression of email. tion, to introduce greater transparency in ture of this enactment.
north, just as his family had in 1983, port, to make the film. I had to work other organisations, he decided to While the film subtly points to this the acquisition process, and to integrate re- Although the government can dispense
for his 90-minute film on Sri Lankas very hard to convince some people give up the gun and continue his apparent silence, it makes no pro- habilitation and resettlement (R&R) culmin- with the requirement of SIA in case of cer-
civil war through the experiences of to talk. It was when [Mahinda] Ra- political work as a journalist. Follow- nouncements. That is because I ated in the enactment of the 2013 Act. But tain projects, a socio-economic survey is a
his own family. japaksa was in power. There was a ing death threats from the LTTE, he dont have definite answers. I started good intentions notwithstanding, the Act is must for identification of PAFs, determining
In its largely autobiographical first climate of fear, many were scared to was forced to leave Sri Lanka and he off with my own discomfort about highly procedure-oriented. overall quantum of compensation and their
half, Mr. Ratnam draws on some speak candidly about the past, he relocated to Canada. The film shows being a Tamil and that led me to Another major shortcoming is the ab- respective apportionment. Now all PAFs in-
vivid childhood memories to narrate said. him visiting the country after many many questions, said Mr. Ratnam, sence of consent award that was there in the cluding those losing livelihood are entitled to
how the war impacted his family. This project came out of his disil- years, reuniting with the Sinhalese for whom working on the document- Land Acquisition Act of 1894. Consent award R&R benefits.
My mother would wipe off her pottu lusionment with the human rights neighbours in Kandy who had given ary was cathartic. provides a win-win situation to both requisi- The provision for voluntary purchase of
(bindi) and my father dressed in sector where he had worked that refuge to his family following com- At the end of it, I think I have tioning party as well as landowners by pre- land is expected to offer a better compensa-
sarong to look like the Sinhalese. And he felt was severely flawed in its ap- munal violence; and revisiting some come to terms with my Tamil iden- venting avoidable and prolonged litigation. tion to the land losers and should be avail-
those days our family spoke Tamil in proach. NGOs think that reconcili- traumatic memories of bloodshed tity, shedding the fear and guilt I After the formation of Telangana, the able throughout the LA process till such time
hushed tones for the fear of being ation happens when you put five Sin- and brutality in Jaffna. have had for long, he said. State government has taken up an ambitious that the entire land has been procured for
heard and killed, the 39-year-old halese and five Tamils in the same In this segment, the film turns its Though sceptical about whether plan to provide irrigation facilities to one the project. The process could further be im-
filmmaker recalled. hall of a five-star hotel. How can that lens on the complex impact of the many would be willing to screen or crore acres of farmland. According to Article provised by providing early bird incentives.
All the same, the film is not about ever work without factoring in our armed struggle on the Tamil com- distribute the film, he is steeling him- 31(a) of the Constitution, the state can com- To the naysayers, it has been upheld by sev-
the Ratnams alone, whose ancestors histories and the politics of the war? munity, including through a rare cri- self to be labelled a traitor by many pulsorily acquire private property for pub- eral decisions of the High Court that execut-
came to Sri Lanka from Tuticorin in How can Tamils reconcile with the tique of the LTTE from one of its Tamils, as the LTTE and its support- lic purposes by paying compensation at a ive power under Article 298 of the Constitu-
Tamil Nadu six generations ago. He Sinhalese before reconciling within former cadre. We were so cruel ers branded its critics within the rate not less than the market value. The tion can be applied for the voluntary
uses his familys past as a peg for a the Tamil community first? he you cannot accept that in the name Tamil society. Not just in Sri Lanka, State government came out with a market- purchase of land by the state.
larger story of a Sinhala majorit- asked. of the struggle, says Vasudevan, I want to ask film viewers in India, based approach, a framework allowing Only time will justify the efforts in this dir-
arian state that victimised Tamils; of These are the questions that dom- now living in the U.K., when recount- and particularly in Tamil Nadu, who landowners to willingly selling their land and ection but for now, the first hurdle in bring-
the birth of Tamil armed militancy; inate the second half of his film. ing his participation in the LTTEs shed tears for Eelam Tamils, if they properties for an agreed consideration. ing water to the parched lands of Telangana
of the path it took the Tamil com- Here, Mr. Ratnam probes the Tamil massacre of some 900 militants have the courage to watch this film Negotiated purchase and consent award by way of expeditious land acquisition seems
munity on; and of the nagging ques- communitys political choices and from the rival Tamil Eelam Libera- made by a Sri Lankan Tamil who allow free discussion and a resulting fair to have been crossed.
tions that persist eight years after the militancy using the story of his uncle tion Organisation (TELO) in the in- lived here all through the years of price. Both mechanisms prevent avoidable
war ended. Manoranjan, who discouraged him ternal violence that gripped the war. and prolonged litigation. Telangana added Shailendra Kumar Joshi is Special Chief Secretary
He goes back to eyewitnesses and from joining the armed struggle. Tamil polity. Elsewhere, Mr. Manor- another 60,000 acres of land during the last (Irrigation), Telangana. The views expressed are
people seldom heard in the narrat- Like many young boys I too toyed anjan breaks down when recalling meera.srinivasan@thehindu.co.in three years for execution of irrigation pro- personal

Qatars isolation Indian diplomats humiliated at Peking airport

Red Guards beat and kicked two Indian diplomats in wild
The rift between Qatar and other Arab scenes at Peking airport to-day [ June 14] before they left by air
nations is unsustainable in the long run for Hongkong after being expelled from China accused of spy-
ing. The Second Secretary Mr Krishnan Raghunath and the
Nasima Khatoon Third Secretary, Mr. P. Vijay were dragged and pushed, held
by the neck and arms among a crowd of Red Guards several
The recent diplomatic rift
hundred strong. They were punched and kicked and Red
between Qatar and other Arab
Guards waved red books of Mao Tse-tungs quotations at them.
states like Saudi Arabia,
Other Indian diplomats were hit and Third Secretary, C.V. Ran-
Bahrain, UAE and Egypt has
ISTOCKPHOTO
ganathan was made to bow his head by the crowd who tried to
again highlighted the geopolit-
force him to kneel on the runway.
ical signiicance of the region
beyond the oil factor. It A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 15, 1917
emerged as a result of an alleg-
ation that the small gas-rich country supports and funds terror New Russia: French reply.
through its support of Iran and Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni The French reply to the Russian Note regarding Allied war
Islamist political group outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the aims is published here. It says: France relying on the senti-
UAE. ments of her old and loyal ally rejoices to be in full community
These allegations have been been in focus in the past as well. of ideas with the Russian Government and people on the sub-
An American intelligence report in 2015 had accused Qatar of ject of the war. France does not dream of oppressing any
inancing Hamas. It has also been accused of funding al-Qaeda people, but is resolved that oppression so long weighing on
ailiates like Al-Nusra. Qatars hosting of the Afghan Taliban, CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
the world shall be destroyed and that the authors of crimes
including by providing it with an embassy, has also invited CONCEPTUAL shall be punished. France, forced to fight in defence of her
widespread criticism. However, the Saudi-led action this time
FAQ
liberty, means to secure the release and return of the faithful
Samaritans
seems to be mainly targeted at Iran. A few days before the an-
nouncement of the boycott, U.S. President Donald Trump had dilemma Mission Everest Inc. provinces of Alsace and Lorraine and will fight with her Allies
till their territorial right to independence is restored, full in-
accused Iran of being a regional terror sponsor. He later spoke demnities for the inhuman ravages are paid and indispensable
in favour of the sanctions against Qatar, unmindful of the fact Economics
It has been a controversial climbing season on guarantees against recurrence of horrors obtained.
that the Gulf monarchy hosts the largest U.S. military base in
West Asia. Historically, Qatar has avoided allying itself closely The dilemma faced by the worlds highest mountain CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
with either Saudi Arabia or Iran. It shares the worlds largest people engaging in charity. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
On the one hand, charity Kallol Bhattacherjee ing Norgay. The Himal re- petition and availability of
gas ield with Iran, hence cant ignore it.
gion of Nepal has always cheaper gear. They now
DATA POINT
As regards the impact of sanctions on India, it depends on can help people who are Why the buzz about the
Qatar for 90% of its natural gas requirements and hence is in genuine need of eco- Everest season? There has been a destination for seri- cost about $40,000, some-
likely to maintain its good relationship with the monarchy. A nomic assistance by offer- been a renewed push this ous trekkers. However, times even less. Websites
few days after the crisis began, the External Afairs Ministry ing them timely help. At season to create records over the last two decades, offering budget trips have
had made it clear that India didnt foresee any issues caused to the same time, it can also among international Kathmandu has turned the sprung up. This has cre-
its own relations with countries in the region. However, the have the unintended effect teams. Almost 600 season of expedition into a ated a sudden influx of
Qatar Airways lights between India and Doha will be afected of encouraging recipients climbers and their associ- tourism season. It has professionals and enthusi-
as following the UAEs decision to not allow its air space to be to become dependent on ates have been camping in even allowed small passen- asts from across the world.
used, the lights will now have to get routed through Iran. charity in the long run. So the valleys and villages ger aircraft to fly near the However, Nepals poor in-
The sanctions will certainly hurt the Qatari economy. How- a philanthropist must find near Mt. Everest. More summit, in order to give frastructure has not been
ever, with its foreign exchange reserves of about $335 billion, it ways to help those in need than 380 climbers have passengers a look at the able to meet the demands.
is expected to avoid an economic crisis in the short term. The of serious help, while sim- reached its summit from worlds tallest mountain
newly expanded port facility will help it continue its gas ex- ultaneously taking steps to the south side this season, peak. That said, the Does climbing on a large
ports. However, Doha cant allow the dispute to drag on for discourage sloth and de- and at least 120 from the Everest season has also scale jeopardise the fragile
long. A long-term crisis is likely to make borrowing more ex- pendence on charity. The Tibet side. Last year, 640 helped Nepal generate mountain range?
pensive for the government, afecting its ability to build infra- same dilemma is faced by people reached the sum- much-needed foreign cur- Yes it does. Climbers have
structure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. governments providing mit. However, this push rency, apart from provid- pointed out that the famed
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries need to ne- welfare for citizens. The for records has also led to ing employment oppor- Hillary Step, the most chal-
gotiate and ind a solution, keeping the groups collective term was coined by Amer- concerns about the fragile tunities to the locals. The lenging part of the climb
agenda in mind. A diplomatic freeze will only allow non-state ican economist James M. ecology of the region. Nepal government relocated just below the
actors like the Islamic State (IS) to strengthen their presence. Buchanan in 1975. portedly earns an annual summit, has reportedly
Cooperation between Iran and Sunni Arab countries is also de- How did Everest climbing revenue about $3.5 million crumbled. This was pos-
sirable for the beneit of both. The U.S. has been successful in become part of Nepals in the form of Everest sibly because of the 2015
balancing its strategic ties with the countries in the region. tourism industry? Everest climbing fees. earthquake or due to the
However, recent statements by Mr. Trump against Qatar, in
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC climbing was once the ex- sustained human assault
which he accused Doha of funding extremism, risk upending clusive preserve of the What accounts for the on the mountains. How-
MORE ON
3
the balance. Qatar needs to choose between aligning its Sherpas, the sturdiest of recent deaths and ever, fearing bad publicity,
policies with those of the regional heavyweights or greater THE WEB the native Himalayan accidents? There have the impoverished Nepal
isolation. It is not yet strong enough to have its own independ- climbers who led from the been at least 10 deaths this government has dismissed
ent regional doctrine. A look at flames taking over front. The first summit year. Expedition attempts, reports of the collapse. If
a high-rise building in climber, Edmund Hillary which used to cost true, the loss of the Hillary
London of New Zealand, was sup- $1,00,000, have been Step can make the experi-
Nasima Khatoon is a research intern at National Institute of Advanced
Studies, IISc, Bengaluru
http://bit.ly/FireinLondon ported by his guide Tenz- made cheaper due to com- ence more dangerous.
CM M ND-ND
YK

The anniversary of a divide

Fear, like an invisible fume that you do not see, surrounds us. And it can ignite in our face
Gandhi in Calcutta on the eve of the no interest in religion.
new dawn. But from midnight to- Has that bedrock position been
night Hindustan will be broken oicially reversed? No, it has not.
Shoots take root into two pieces. So tomorrow will
be both a day of rejoicing and of
But it stands undermined.
Those connected historically
The rate increase by the Fed indicates that the mourning. There was much celeb- and culturally to the idea of a
ration in the city, great ca- Hindu Rashtra are, today, promul-
worlds largest economy has gained traction maraderie.
Gopalkrishna Gandhi gating their passionately-held
T
he biggest takeaway from the U.S. Federal Re- The euphoria was short-lived. philosophy in diferent ways, dis-
serves decision to raise the federal funds rate, for Sixteen days into Independence, persed incidents, apparently un-
his year, the 70th anniversary on August 31, at about 10 at night, a
a third time in six months, is its assertion that
growth in the worlds largest economy has gained trac-
tion and is on course to warrant further gradual rate
T of Indias independence is
also the 70th anniversary of
fuming mob of Hindu youths came
to where he was staying in the
connected, in ways that make a
Muslim feel fearful, a Christian feel
as light as a leaf that can be blown
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Indias partitioning. The division Muslim quarter of Beliaghata, look- of by a single majoritarian breath,
increases. Fed Chair Janet Yellen emphasised the was not neat. It was a giant, bloody ing for his Muslim hosts to attack a liberal feel vulnerable, a dissid-
factors underpinning this rebound in economic activity mess. Uprooted from their homes, and perhaps kill them. It was ent feel targeted. They serve to
an ongoing improvement in the job market and relat- some 14.5 million human beings, Gandhis day of silence. make the cattle-trader afraid, the
ively high levels of consumer sentiment and wealth Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, left the new He was unwell, tired and prepar- non-vegetarian at his meal declare
Pakistan for India, or India for the ing to leave the next morning for it is not, please, Sir, not beef. They
that have spurred household spending, an expansion in
new Pakistan. Noakhali, by now in East Pakistan, go to make the journalist feel hesit-
business investment, and most signiicantly, a global They left in terror, travelled to assuage Hindu families traumat- associates to begin singing the Red Fort was very heaven. ant, the farmer feel betrayed, the
pickup in demand. This ofers more reassurance that trembling, and arrived traumatised by the murderous attacks on Ramdhun. All India Radio has re- We must and will celebrate that Dalit and the tribal feel insecure.
the global economy may have inally re-emerged from ised to a ramshackle refuge. A new them. The youths started breaking corded the entire sequence, with and more the advance of India on Above all, anyone hurt by adminis-
the post-inancial crisis doldrums. It is also noteworthy and powerful word moved from things, hurling stones at lamps and the sound of the explosion dis- the path of economic self-reliance trative wrongdoing or dismayed by
that the economic revival has been happening amid the small print of the English lex- window panes. tinctly audible. and prosperity, electoral demo- state policy feel afraid to say so for:
heightened policy uncertainty worldwide, especially in icon to everyday Indian speech: They ran into the rooms looking The bomber was 25-year-old cracy and the rule of law. But we if you are against the government,
refugee. The very rich and the ri- for their targets. What is all Madanlal Pahwa, a refugee from cannot aford to forget the price at you are against the nation.
key areas like trade, as political tumult continues to roil
diculously poor were refugees to- this? Gandhi asked the rampaging West Punjab. He was spotted by a which that independence came. Fear is abroad, like an invisible
the U.S. under the Donald Trump administration and, gether. One had left a manor, an- crowd, breaking his silence and woman, appropriately named Su- Not just because it was a heavy levy fume that you do not see but know
more recently, the U.K. as well. And while Ms. Yellen re- other a hut. Both begged together walking into the mob. Kill me, kill lochana (the good-eyed), and a po- but because we are paying that cess that it surrounds you. And know,
iterated that the American central bank remained on for food, shelter, medicines, me, I say. Why dont you kill me? lice team soon arrived and took the even today. And it may be called too, that it can ignite in your face.
alert in monitoring inlation developments, given a re- clothes and dignity. All these A posse of military police arrived young man into custody. When the Two Nations Theory Cess.
The great American thinker
cent softening in price gains, the Feds decision to an- took time coming. The only imme- and dispersed the crowd. But riots asked later if he thought Pahwas The Two Nations theory had two
Thomas Jeferson said: We may
nounce the contours of a programme to gradually pare diate relief was that the claws of ab- lared in the city. The next day, was just the harmless prank of an celebrated articulators: Vinayak
consider each generation as a dis-
duction, loot and death were no Gandhi cancelled his Noakhali visit irresponsible youth, Gandhi said Damodar Savarkar of the Hindu
the size of its $4.5 trillion balance sheet is another sign tinct nation. A new generation of
longer upon them. and went on a fast. it was not. Mahasabha and Mohammed Ali
that the U.S. economic engine is warming up. Indias ex- Indians, a new distinct nation, is
For how many days? Abha Dont you see there is a terrible Jinnah of the Muslim League. Their
porters can take heart that demand in one of the largest marking the 70th anniversary of
Rejoicing and mourning Gandhi asked. Until peace is es- and widespread conspiracy be- perspectives were diferent, their
our independence in an idiom and
markets for their goods and services is likely to continue Estimates vary but some of them tablished I shall take nothing but hind it? He was right, Pahwa was purposes divergent. Savarkar be-
with a vocabulary which has noth-
to strengthen in the coming months. The Fed also tell us that at the lowest about water. By the fourth day of the integral to the conspiracy which lieved Hindus and Muslims were
ing to do with the freedom
bumped up the median projection for U.S. economic 200,000 and the highest about fast, Calcutta was quiet again. was to hit its target 10 days later. two nations living in their distinct-
struggle. It is making the difer-
2,000,000 human beings were Later that night some of the riot-in- That was the temper of the nation ness within an un-harmonised In-
growth in 2017 to 2.2%, from 2.1% forecast in March. ently disposed, both outside and
butchered in the process. The Gov- stigators came and surrendered 70 years ago. Hate, brutality, viol- dia but he did not want a division.
Ms. Yellen and her colleagues on the Federal Open within the Hindu fold, its target.
ernment of India claimed that their weapons riles, cartridges, ence both sudden and also calcu- Jinnah believed Hindus and
Market Committee have also done well to ward of a And its equally active counterpart
33,000 Hindu and Sikh women bombs. lated. It was the season of ven- Muslims were two separate nations
2013 taper tantrum-like scenario by lagging the pro- in Pakistan, going for the other
had been abducted. The Govern- In Delhi shortly thereafter, he geance, of retribution. It was the that needed to be in two separate
both within and beyond Islam, is
jected path of balance sheet normalisation a deliber- ment of Pakistan claimed that saw the same mayhem again. An- season of dank suspicion, of nation states.
not its adversary but its twin. Their
ate and clearly calibrated set of reductions that increase 50,000 Muslim women had been other fast ensued, another calm. In hooded conspiracies. The Muslim Leagues advocacy
religion is not Hinduism or Islam, it
over time without detailing a schedule for the start of abducted. his prayer meeting on January 20, So, does the 70th anniversary of of the Two Nations theory reached
is Separateness.
Life stood divided, death stood 1948, as he spoke, a small bomb the birth of independent India its purpose by the formation of
the process. Clearly spelling out that the plan to de- On the 70th anniversary of inde-
partitioned. they later called it a gun-cotton slab which is the 70th anniversary of Pakistan 70 years ago. What of the
crease reinvestment of principal payments from asset- pendence and partition we must
Refugees seethed in rage. detonated. There was some com- the death of undivided India as counter goal of a Hindu Rashtra?
backed and Treasury securities is conditional on the resist a second partitioning of In-
On this anniversary, we should motion. Suno, suno (listen, well, admit of any celebration?
economy staying its anticipated course, the Fed has ear- Bedrock position dia, of its versatile ethos, through
remember that 1947 was one part listen), he said to the congrega- Of course it does, for ridding
an invisible surgery, performed by
marked this year as the broad time frame for its start. In- independence, one part dismem- tion, kuchh nahin hua hai (noth- ourselves of the yoke of colonial- For some three generations over
the knife of discord moving under
dias monetary authorities can derive some reassur- berment, one part triumph, one ing has happened) agar sach ism was unquestionably a tri- the last 70 years, India has been a
the numbing anaesthesia of fear.
ance that they are not alone in adopting a policy stance part tragedy. Unimaginable, indes- kuchh ho jae to kya karoge (if some- umph. Seeing the imperial power plural society with a secular gov-
cribable tragedy. thing were to really happen, what out of our lives was a matter of re- ernment committed to the idea
that seems counter-intuitive to some in the light of slow-
Tomorrow we will be free from will you do)? And then asking the joicing. Watching Jawaharlal that religion has no business with Gopalkrishna Gandhi is a former
ing inlation in their respective economies. While the bondage to the British, said gathering to stay calm, he got his Nehru unfurl the Tricolour on the government and government has administrator, diplomat and Governor
Fed describes its stance as accommodative to spur
further strengthening in labour market conditions and
Fuelling other ires

a sustained return to 2% inlation, the Reserve Bank of
India has said that its neutral poise is intended to con-
tinue support for economic expansion while ensuring
price stability. The common theme is the welcome em-
phasis on consistency and stability in the messaging. The Grenfell Tower tragedy will feed into the frenzied debate over inequality and social justice in Britain
tragedy raised questions about At a time when there is a fren- below the surface in the capital
both: whether Britains interven- zied national debate over inequal- city, exploding at points as they did
No time to work tionist approach in countries such
as Syria, Libya and Iraq contrib-
ity and social justice, the tragedy
will inevitably feed into this. The
in 2011 when thousands rioted,
triggered by the death of Mark Dug-
With ratiication of conventions on child uted to the risk to civilians from ter- tower is owned by the local council gan, a black man stopped by police
ror attacks back home, and in a borough considered the most in North London. They swiftly be-
labour, we must have assessment of violations whether cuts to police forces made unafordable to rent in the entire came about much more: the angry
Vidya Ram it harder for them to gather coun- city and which, like most of the rest energy of the urban poor.
I
n a welcome move this week, India has ratiied two
terterrorism intelligence sui- of London, has extreme wealth sit-
key global conventions meant to keep children away
H
ow soon is too soon to raise ciently rigorously. His decision to ting side by side with great depriva- Fire safety standards
from work, decades since they were originally adop- diicult, politically charged do so was clearly not of-putting tion. But while in the aftermath of such
AFP
ted by the International Labour Organisation. Nonethe- questions about a tragedy enough to the public, who handed Harrods is as much part of the situations promises of goodwill
less, the scepticism aroused by the Child Labour (Pro- that has cost lives? Its become an the party its biggest increase in borough as social housing estates and measures to tackle underlying
hibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 over increasingly pertinent question in terms of share of the vote in post- policy had played a role: Ronnie such as the Lancaster West Estate, problems are aplenty, in reality
the governments commitment towards complete abol- Britain, which has witnessed a war Britain. King, the honorary administrative with largely working-class, multi- theyve rarely been acted upon in a
ition of child labour will persist. The ILO treaties are series of devastating events from secretary of the House of Com- cultural communities. concerted way. In the case of Bri-
three terrorist attacks within a Austerity link to tragedy? mons All Party Parliamentary The chilling blog of the Grenfell tains tower blocks, one architect,
about the minimum age at which a person may begin
three-month period to the cata- The ire was still raging through Group Fire Safety and Rescue Action Group chronicles the many Sam Webb, told various media out-
work and the hazardous industries where she may not. strophic ire that engulfed a resid- Grenfell Tower on Wednesday Group, had told the radio station times over the years that residents lets on Wednesday of a report hed
Crucially, conventions 138 and 182 of the United Nations ential tower block in west London morning when Mr. Corbyn drew a earlier in the day of how his group had raised questions around neg- worked on as early as the 1990s
body leave it to the member-states to determine what on Wednesday killing 17 people, potential link between the govern- and others had urged the govern- lect, often relating to ire safety reg- which warned the government
constitutes acceptable or unacceptable work for chil- with the death toll set to rise ments austerity programme and ment to act upon the indings of ulations. The Grenfell Action that the majority of tower blocks
dren at diferent ages. Such lexibility has given the In- further. the tragedy. past inquests that had highlighted Group irmly believe that only a he surveyed across the country
dian government wiggle room in adopting the interna- In the past politicians have often If you deny local authorities the need for reform of the ire regu- catastrophic event will expose the had failed to meet basic ire safety
stayed away from questions the funding they need, then there lations governing tower blocks, of- ineptitude and incompetence of standards.
tional standards in question, even though the 2016
around whether policy decisions is a price paid by a lack of safety fa- ten a crucial part of afordable our landlord, the Kensington and The precise cause of the ire will
legislation falls several notches below a comprehensive have contributed to tragedies for a cilities across the country. I think housing schemes in city centres. Chelsea Tenant Management Asso- only become known in the days
prohibition of child labour. The Act contains the contro- certain amount of time, but in the there needs to be some very The recommendations were not ciation, it ominously warned last and weeks to come as ireighters
versial provision that condones the employment of heated political and highly ideolo- searching questions as quickly as acted upon. November. contend with the grim aftermath,
children below 14 years under the rubric of family en- gically charged country that Bri- possible in the aftermath of the Others on the scene noted the The tragedy has unsurprisingly but the anger palpable in the local
terprises and the declassiication of several industries tain has become over the past year, ire, he told LBC Radio, also point- lack of council staf on hand as the led to checks up and down tower community and beyond makes the
as hazardous occupations. The detrimental efects on thats become less so. ing to the cuts that had taken place tragedy unfolded, with community blocks across the country, while need to ask diicult questions
In the days immediately after to ire services across the country, organisations stepping in to Prime Minister Theresa May has more pressing than ever. Politi-
the ground from these dilutions of the original 1986 Act
the Manchester attack, Jeremy and reiterating his message that provide assistance. Theres been pledged a full investigation. But cians and the public must have the
could be widespread. With roughly 90% of the work- Corbyn, the leader of the Labour people could not be protected on so many cuts, there arent enough keeping up the pressure will be es- guts and persistence to ensure
force continuing to remain outside the ambit of the or- party, spoke out against the gov- the cheap. people to do with this, a Kensing- sential tensions around inequal- theyre answered and dealt with.
ganised sector, protecting vulnerable children from ex- ernments foreign policy and cuts This time he was not a lone voice ton and Chelsea councillor told The ity and the ability to have ones
ploitation is diicult. The rules notiied by the Ministry to police forces, arguing that the in raising questions about whether Guardian. voice heard have long simmered vidya.ram@thehindu.co.in
of Labour and Employment for the enforcement of the
2016 amendment include some small concessions. Un-
der these stipulations, children may work in domestic LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
enterprises only for three hours after school, and not
between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. These restrictions are inten- Deadline jitters their assigned tasks due to Democracy thrives and criticism through a codiied majority mark in the Everest Inc, FAQ, June 15).
The Finance Ministrys various technical and other evolves through debate and process rather than Electoral College The fragile ecology of the
ded to ensure attendance at school. But given the sensit-
resolve to go ahead with reasons. Some of the rules discussion, though the attempting to silence the comprising all elected MPs peak is adversely afected
ivities involved in monitoring activities within tradi- implementation of the too have not been inalised process of reaching already fading voices that and MLAs is concerned, due to overcrowding and
tional households, efective enforcement will pose a Goods and Services Tax yet. There is nothing consensus may face raise scepticism. Further, the BJP seems to be way littering of the glaciers and
challenge, and the rescue of vulnerable children will re- (GST) from July 1, rejecting sacrosanct about July 1 as diiculties. The EC has still a the power to punish under ahead. However, as we camps. If this so-called
main an uncertain proposition. the chorus of demands for the GST is required to be lot to answer for concerning contempt law invites abuse complete 70 years of tourism boost continues at
Indias ratiication of the two conventions, after more its postponement, is myopic only operationalised by issues of public interest in general and has to be independence, our the present pace, the day is
than 165 countries have legally bound themselves to (Put of GST rollout to September. such as missing names on revisited. legislators need to make not far away when this
Sept.1, Aviation Ministry S.K. Choudhury, electoral lists and bribing of S.A. Thameemul Ansari, sure that the winner gets pristine peak would be
their obligations, is itself a sad commentary on the pri- Bengaluru Kayalpatnam, Tuticorin
tells FinMin, June 15). the target electorate. elected unanimously. It was called the worlds highest
orities of successive governments, cutting across party Experts have justiiably V. Subramanian, a good four decades ago, in garbage dump. The recent
lines. The ILOs Minimum Age Convention of 1973 raised a red lag over the Anti-democracy Chennai Next First Citizen 1977, that Neelam Sanjeeva crumbling of Hillary Step
entered into force in 1976 and the instrument pertain- challenges faced by The Election Commission With the Election Reddy got elected should be a strict warning to
ing to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour industries in the service (EC), acclaimed for its The ECs seeking of power Commission of India issuing unopposed, the only person stop exploiting our
in 2000. While policymakers are no doubt alert to the sector. Companies with professionalism in holding to punish for contempt is the statutory notiication for to have done so thus far. mountain ecosystem.
inequities that perennially plague Indian society, the multiple oices spread elections in a transparent yet another sad example of the countrys 15th Hemant Kumar, Eforts must be put in not
across the country are now and fair manner in a vast how intolerant our presidential elections, it Ambala City only by the government but
practical realities are too painful for the millions who
required to obtain separate country like India, appears institutions of democracy seems just next to also by NGOs and citizens
languish on the margins. Any genuine enforcement of a registration for each State. to have suddenly lost its way have become to criticism. impossible that a broad Paradise getting lost themselves to prevent soil
minimum age at work will elude governments so long as With barely 15 days by seeking power to punish There is no doubt that the consensus would emerge The little pleasures of erosion, trampling of
a universal minimum wage of subsistence for the adult remaining for the roll-out, for contempt (Unfair EC still continues to enjoy between the NDA mountaineering escaping vegetation and excessive
workforce is not implemented scrupulously. On this the IT system and the GST proposal, editorial, June the conidence of the large dispensation and the into the bountiful Nature waste disposal caused by
score, the record of diferent States is at best patchy. Network (GSTN) system are 15). There is no yardstick to majority of people despite Opposition front. One and discovering yourself incessant expeditions.
This scenario is unlikely to improve in the absence of a not even accepting new measure what amounts to some embarrassing wonders why the ruling while getting lost have Kriti Chachra,
registrations. The GST contempt. Positive questions posed by political elite swung into action so disappeared due to its New Delhi
vibrant mechanism of collective bargaining among
Suvidha Providers (GSP) too criticism may be looked parties. However, the late in this regard as June 28 vulgarisation, as has
stakeholders. Without this, the total elimination of have reportedly expressed upon as contempt by an institution can retain public is the last date of iling happened in the case of more letters online:
child labour will remain a diicult task. their inability to perform intolerant institution. trust only if it responds to nominations. As far as the Mount Everest (Mission www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE
Is the media under siege?

It is not just the media that is under siege, but the very ors across the nation re- fectly normal to hear stroke. After all, the government is alopes and giraegi); weaponised
semble the hapless Kash- that the government has the biggest advertiser. trolling; arrests, killings, raids, lock-
idea of the nation that is India miri tied to the Army jeep. a list of journalists who The country is going through an downs. Little wonder, India now
Late last year, an editor your-face, executive intervention They are the advance attended a protest meet- existential crisis. Fear, anger, anxi- stands at 136 on the World Press
whose employment was the censor sat openly amid journal- party to quell dissent, ing in NDTVs support; ety and paranoia have become nor- Freedom index, down from 133.
ended under the tatkal ists in newspaper offices and manufacture consent, set perfectly normal for the mal. Nobody trusts anyone any- However, it would be foolish to
quota met a media owner blacked out stuff they thought In- the agenda, drum up sup- Foreign Correspondents more. Nobody feels secure. People, lay all the blame for Indian medias
LEFT whose exit had been sim- dira Gandhi wouldnt like. port, and spread fear, Club to publicly assert it including journalists, try to prove current plight at the politicians
ilarly fast-tracked a few months venom, hatred and was not involved in it; their loyalty to the government by door. The siege began long ago with
earlier. Co-option and coercion bigotry sometimes through sheer perfectly normal for a CEO to snitching on colleagues and neigh- dodgy ownership; mercenary busi-
Krishna Prasad
Who was making the [phone] What is on today is a sly, insidious silence. privately predict no one in the TV bours. Turkeys most famous wo- ness practices; advertising and cir-
is former Editor-in-
calls? the latter asked. When he operation without anybodys The saffronisation of the air industry will stand up because man novelist Elif Safak could well culation revenue meltdowns; emer-
Chief of Outlook
heard the names of a couple of Aadhaar-linked fingerprints. It is waves is staggering. most will be too scared. be speaking about India. ging technologies. But at least there
magazine, and a
Union Ministers, the malik aimed not merely at managing the It would be useful, therefore, to When Big Brother tracks every was independent journalism
member of the Press
snarled: Oh, wasnt that glib RSS headlines in the newsroom but at stop deluding ourselves that the channel, watches every tweet, and Whos to blame? shining the light, showing the way.
Council of India
chap in the BJP amongst them? paving the way for a lethal ideology siege began with the raid on reads every word, why would any- Much of what is now happening Today, as non-state actors
The anecdote might well be apo- that has long craved legitimacy, NDTVs promoters. Far from it, it is body want to take a risk when the here is happening in countries throttle Indias foundational values
cryphal. What is not is that main- through the boardroom. the culmination of a devious, top- caged bird is a homing pigeon, where nativist nationalists are run- in broad daylight, and much of a be-
stream media is in deep coma, In that sense, it is not just the me- down attempt at co-option and co- striking targets with precision? ning riot: the United States, Japan, sieged media happily plays cheer-
gasping under pressure not felt dia that is under siege, but the very operation that failed. Hence, the co- Putting the same man in charge Turkey, even France. leader, future historians might won-
even during Emergencys darkest Idea of India. ercion. of the Finance and I&B Ministries in Defamatory name-calling (using der if it did not suffer from the
nights. That was an advertised, in- Influential owners, anchors, edit- So, in the New India, it is per- 2014, therefore, was a master- terms such as presstitutes, journ- Stockholm syndrome.
Has the government reacted to the concerted attack on siege is not only fallacious Upstarts like a small- since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. premises of promoters of NDTV, the
but also mischievous and time demagogue called Despite the party and its allies media under siege cry has be-
it by the left-liberal media with an iron ist? No smacks of an ideological Kanhaiya Kumar of JNU romping home with an unpreced- come shriller. Raids on a media
bias. are given publicity totally ented 325 seats out of 403, the hec- house are indeed undesirable, but a
It was fashionable, at Modi at its helm barged into power There is not an iota of out of proportion to their toring of Chief Minister Yogi distinction has to be made whether
least until quite rein Delhi, the so-called left-liberal evidence to substantiate influence. Adityanath has been relentless the reason for the raid was editorial
cently, for Muslim cler- sections of journalists, especially in the charge of siege. It was Reports of attacks on from day one. Did the Union or or financial.
RIGHT ics in India to raise the
war cry: Islam in
the English-language media, have
demonstrated near-hysterical beha-
truly gagged hand, mouth and foot
only once in independent India,
Muslims, especially those accused
of eating or selling beef, are played
State government react? Did they
stop or even cut down advertising No cause for alarm
Chandan Mitra
danger! This was used to feed the viour, claiming from rooftops that which was during the Emergency. up in a way that is bound to excite support even to the hostile section In the instant case, the CBI claims
is Editor of The
paranoia of the unlettered masses the Indian media is under siege. The vicious anti-Modi campaign communal passions, cause disturb- of the media? the reasons were purely financial. It
Pioneer and has been
among their followers and galvan- that was unleashed by the left-lib- ances and thus destabilise the Has any journalist been harassed is now for the agency to justify its
a two-term Rajya
ise them into violent action against Anti-Modi bias eral media in 2002 still determines government. for propounding an anti-govern- action in a court of law. It is not for
Sabha MP from the
another community or the state This stems basically from their their mindset towards the BJP gov- ment view? Has anybody been ar- us to prejudge the issue. If NDTV is
BJP
whenever any threat, real or per- pathological dislike of Mr. Modi. Un- ernment. Be it in print, TV or the No vindictiveness rested or even questioned by the not being pursued by the investigat-
ceived, was felt. Looking at the way doubtedly the BJP knocked down social media, the present govern- Has the government reacted to this police, something common during ors for its editorial predilections,
sections of the Indian media have the comfortable bastions of the left- ment, particularly the Prime Minis- concerted attack with an iron fist? the Emergency years? If nothing of there is no cause for alarm.
behaved over the last few months, liberal intelligentsias privileges. But ter, is lampooned on a daily basis. During the Uttar Pradesh election the above has happened, what is Given the countrys strong demo-
it seems they are replicating that to conclude from the discomfiture Stories that would make the regime campaign virtually the entire left- the basis of suggesting the media is cratic traditions, it is worth remind-
model. of the erstwhile elite class of scribes uncomfortable are exaggerated and liberal media ran a drive suggesting under siege? ing ourselves that the media in In-
Since the BJP with Narendra that the media in India is under grossly highlighted. the BJPs vote bank had shrunk Following the recent raid on the dia is as free as it wants to be!
What is under siege is not the media, but a political and with its influence has been ordinary journalist, however, with the use of the militar- tirade of Times Now against The
able to galvanise support writer, filmmaker and istic metaphor of a siege. The word Wire all gesture to a deeply divided
moral idea of media as watchdogs from all quarters, but as blogger precisely be- evokes a sudden forceful takeover moment for media where one
with most wars, the real cause NDTV is such a and this is not really a useful ac- doesnt really need the state to
Coincidence in the ity. But when democratic institu- casualty is generally borne powerful and influential count of how conflicts actually un- question the legitimacy of media
time of conflict is tions are under attack and when it by the foot soldiers and player. fold the moment of the siege is since they are more than willing to
rarely a divine occur- happens selectively against those critics are right to point only the performative culmination do it themselves.
Defending the elites
CENTRE rence or even an at-
tribute of moral luck,
inclined towards questioning the
policies and politics of the govern-
out that myriad attacks
(the recent denial of per- When asked why he
of sustained lower-order assaults
(by the likes of Censor Board chief Civil war within?
Lawrence Liang
is professor of law at and one cannot help but ascribe it ment, those who profess constitu- mission to screen films on Rohith chose to defend Claus Von Bulow, a Pahlaj Nihalani & Co.). What therefore is at siege to my
the School of Law, with sinister overtones. tional faith in liberal values cannot Vemula and Kashmir, the known aristocratic anti-Semite, in a The presumption of media being mind is not the media but a political
Governance and The timing of the CBI raids on but blame the powers that be. Kafkaesque use of ISBN to monitor murder trial, lawyer Alan Dershow- a singular thing under threat from and moral idea of the media as
Citizenship, Ambedkar the Roys of NDTV throws up similar publishers, etc.) have not received itz, who was then a champion of the state belies the fact that much of watchdogs of truth, and until it
University Delhi questions. The controversy over Cause for concern the same kind of attention as the at- civil liberties, replied that it was the siege is actively orchestrated by frees itself of its lustful desire to be
some of the financial and institu- But is the NDTV affair conclusive tack on NDTV. precisely because of Bulows elite the media as collaborators of the and act like biblical angels whose
tional transactions of NDTV has res- evidence of the fact that the media This is certainly a valid critique status. He added that if the state state. only job is to sing hymns of praise
ulted in a fault line within the me- is under siege? There are difficulties and yet at the same time there is a could get away with harassing The trolling of academic Partha to the glory and honour of the di-
dia in response to the raids, with in arriving at such a conclusive pro- danger of subsuming this into a elites, then one could only imagine Chatterjee for likening the Army vine it would appear that the
commentators suggesting that this gnosis. rhetoric of worthy and unworthy what they could get away with chief s defence of a Majors actions siege appears as much as a civil war
might be less about freedom of the For one, is it possible to have a victims, and the assault on NDTV against those much less powerful. in Kashmir to General Dyer of Jalli- within media as it does a threat by
press and more about accountabil- singular idea of the media? NDTV should be a cause of concern for the There remain other difficulties, anwala Bagh infamy, the tireless the state.

Since men are not angels Language trouble in Lok Sabha

The language controversy erupted with full fury in the Lok
Is the fate of any reform dependent on Sabha to-day [ June 15, New Delhi], virtually paralysing the
how it afects interests of the powerful? proceedings of the House for 15 minutes. The Speaker, Mr. N.
Sanjiva Reddi, combined humour with firmness to restore the
Prashanth Perumal order in the House. The controversy started when the S.S.P.
Ask any economist, and the stand- member from Mysore, Mr. J.H. Patel, sought to put a question
ard advice you are likely to hear is in Kannada on the utility of the proposed revolving tower res-
that the government must step in taurant at the State-owned Ashoka Hotel in the capital. He
to help the economy whenever was allowed to put the question in his language, but when the
the market fails. Almost no eco- Minister could not reply and the member insisted on an an-
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK PHOTO
nomist, however, talks about even swer there was trouble.

the remote possibility of govern- A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 16, 1917
ment failure even though there
is ample evidence all around us to Motor accidents at Poona.
suggest that governments are far
from perfect. Political corruption A motor car fatality occurred about the midnight of last night
of various kinds often makes in which a native policeman lost his life and another was
news, and sometimes afects us slightly injured. It appears that two policemen were on their
personally, yet economists con- way home from Napier Cinema where they had been on duty
tinue to believe that the government can play a positive role in when they were run into by a motor car driven by Captain
the economy. Just why are economists so blind to reality? CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC Manson, R.A.M.C., with whom were two other officers. Colli-
A possible answer lies in the assumption that economists sion occurred on Wellesley Road near Jewish Synagogue. Cap-
usually make about the nature of individuals. When econom- CONCEPTUAL ACT ONE tain Manson drove the injured men to the Sassoon Hospital
ists talk about producers and consumers, they have in mind an
economic man, or homo economicus, who is purely inter-
Thucydides Guaranteeing time-bound services where the one who was more seriously injured succumbed to
his injuries within a couple of hours of admission. The police
ested in his own self-interest. trap on learning the occurrence held an inquiry, Superintendent
So economic models, for instance, assume that business- International The ombudsman law needs to include statutory Yond and Inspector Corby to-day recording statements of
men run companies primarily to maximise proits, while con- relations those concerned in the case.
sumers purchase goods and services from irms primarily to guarantees for the right to delivery of services
better their own personal condition. Yet, when it comes to The idea that the rise of a CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
politicians and bureaucrats who run governments, econom- new power, as a compet- K. Venkataramanan be required to publish a cit- by the grievance redress of-
ists for some reason naively assume that these are altruistic in- itor to an existing super- When the Supreme Court izens charter that will set ficers orders could appeal DATA POINT
dividuals who care only about the well-being of society, rather power, likely leads to the observed recently that the out the goods and services before a Designated Au-
than their own self-interest. escalation of political ten- Lokpal Act was an emin- provided by it, along with thority. Further appeals to
People are People: The Elements of Public Choice , an es- sions and war. The term ently workable piece of le- timelines for their delivery. the State and Central Com-
say by Gordon Tullock, ofers an alternative and more real- was coined by Graham T. gislation, and wondered Some States have such le- missions were provided for.
istic view of public servants. Tullock, an American econom- Allison, an American polit- why it was not being opera- gislation to guarantee to Orders by these two Com-
ist and a prominent member of the Virginia School of Political ical scientist and author of tionalised, it was indirectly right to public services de- missions could be appealed
Economy, encourages economists to view politicians and bur- the 2017 book Destined for admonishing the govern- livery, but the Central law against before the Lokay-
eaucrats as self-interested individuals just like any of us. In Tul- War, and is named after ment for delaying the es- sought to provide an over- ukta and the Lokpal re-
locks view, public servants do not participate in public life to the 5th century Athenian tablishment of the Lokpal. arching framework. spectively. A Parliamentary
promote the interests of the people, but rather just to line their historian Thucydides. Al- It is one of several citizen- The Bill required every Standing Committee,
own pockets. lison based his conclusion friendly laws dating back public authority to estab- which went into the provi-
This crucial insight about human nature leads to many inter- on the study of 15 histor- many years that have either lish information and facilit- sions of the Bill, felt that
esting conclusions in public policy mostly to do with the un- ical cases since 1500 in lapsed or are yet to be en- ation centres for an effi- there was one appeal too
intended consequences of government ownership and regula- which the dominance of acted or not implemented cient and effective delivery many provided in it. It did
tion. For instance, private monopolies are usually considered an established power was for one reason or the other. of services and redressal of not favour the Lokpal and
a huge threat to the eicient working of the market economy. challenged by a rising new A significant Bill that grievances. Lokayukta, conceived of as
Consequently, many economists argue that government regu- power. War resulted in 11 could help guarantee deliv- The Bill provided for the anti-corruption agencies,
lators must be given the powers to prevent the domination of of the 15 cases, as the ery of services to citizens appointment of grievance being burdened with griev-
any single group of companies. Very little thought, however, rising power caused fear in and empower them to seek redress officers and State ance redressal.
goes into the likely incentives that face bureaucrats who are in the ranks of the estab- redress of their grievances and Central Public Griev- While implementing
charge of regulation. Not surprisingly, lobby groups which lished power. has not seen the light of day ance Redressal Commis- laws related to the ombuds-
are more organised than consumers end up inluencing both for years now. The Right of sions. Citizens could file man against corruption,
regulations and regulators. Meanwhile, the social good Citizens for Time-bound complaints before these au- the government would do
which is supposed to be the goal of all regulation goes for a Delivery of Goods and Ser- thorities pertaining to any well to give statutory guar-
toss. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC vices and Redressal of their violation of the citizens antees for the right to deliv-
So, if people in government are interested only in furthering Grievances Bill, 2011, was charter, that is, a failure to ery of services. As a citizen-
MORE ON
their own interests, as Tullock argues, what does it mean for
public policy? Government policy, in that case, will simply be
dictated by the personal interests of those in power. If so, it is
THE WEB 3 introduced in the Lok
Sabha in 2011 but it lapsed
with the term of the last
deliver goods or services as
promised, or the function-
ing of any public official.
strengthening package, it
should also fast-track pro-
posals for a whistle-blower
worth noting that the fate of any reform that can beneit the What is dynamic fuel House. The essence of the These grievances would protection law and elec-
overall economy will depend above all on how it might irst af- pricing? proposed law was that have to be remedied within tronic delivery of services
fect the interests of the powerful. http://bit.ly/fuelpricing every public authority will 30 days. Those aggrieved as well.
CM M ND-ND
YK

Undoing the gains

The rush to hand out farm loan waivers raises the broader issue of adherence by States to iscal obligations
while the Centre borrows largely mine the overall macro stability.
for revenue spending and current There are three short-term
consumption like wages, salaries, steps. First, we must improve the
Deep-sea dive the States do so for capital ex-
penditure like infrastructure. This
due diligence by the Central gov-
ernment in giving consent to bor-
The Reliance-BP plan for the KG-D6 block is despite the fact that delivering rowings by States under Article 293
public services which are growth of the Constitution. Unfortunately,
could draw more oil, gas majors to India n.k. singh & prachi mishra enhancing, such as health and edu- there is some lack of coordination
cation, is the prime responsibility within the Ministry of Finance it-
R
eliance Industries and BPs joint investment of he viral of farm loan waivers is of the States. Overall, however, this self. Approvals for State govern-
40,000 crore in the KG-D6 gas block has import-
T
acquiring epidemic propor- is a compositional issue and mat- ment borrowings are accorded by
ant implications for the oil, gas and renewable tions. In some ways it is a ters less for solvency or debt the State Plan Division with little
energy sectors in terms of technological development, competitive race to the bottom. sustainability. coordination with the Budget Divi-
supply line infrastructure and pricing policy. The in- This is notwithstanding serious Although composite State in- sion, which monitors implementa-
vestment assumes a projected gas yield of 30 to 35 mil- concerns that this can scarcely ad- ances are useful to analyse, there tion of FRBM obligations. A more
dress the distress of the farming are marked variations across stringent criteria in approving bor-
lion cubic metres a day from the ields, and accompan-
community. Unfortunately, States. States like Tamil Nadu, Gu- rowings for States which deviate
ies an overall partnership between the two companies broader structural changes in agri- jarat, and Maharashtra have signi- from stipulated iscal norms is ur-
in low-carbon and renewable energy, as well as in fuel culture have eluded coherent im- icantly lower iscal deicit, with gently needed. The criteria must
retailing. With the last big investment in the sector be- plementation. Loan waivers in the deicit stipulated by the States is much higher for the States com- more intensive tax eforts, than be transparent and apolitical in
ing BPs purchase of a 30% stake in some of RILs oil and past failed to address intended out- themselves in their FRBMs. As a pared to the Centre. The Centres States like Uttar Pradesh and character.
gas production-sharing contracts in 2011, this pact sig- comes. We know that the loan consequence, the consolidated primary deicit according to the Jharkhand, which collect lower tax Second, whenever the Central
nals a growing comfort with and acceptance of the waivers of February 1990 by the iscal deicit of the Central govern- RBI report is 0.7% of GDP while and are iscally less prudent. government breaches the iscal
National Front government led to ment (Centre and States com- that of the States is close to 2% of Despite signiicant variations norms, it secures parliamentary
Centres new gas pricing policy, which includes a mech-
sharp iscal deterioration and the bined) will increase from 6.7% in GDP. A signiicant part of the Cent- across States in the degree of iscal approval. State governments must
anism for higher rates for gas from deep and ultra-deep subsequent balance of payments FY15 to 7.5% in FY16. The iscal con- ral governments deicit is mainly prudence, there is little correlation be encouraged to adopt a similar
wells. The proposed investment also brings into sharp crisis. Subsequent loan waivers solidation of the Centre is more towards interest payments on ex- between State government yields practice by securing the approval
focus the 2014 arbitration case the companies had iled had similar results. than ofset by expansion of the isting borrowings, unlike the States (measured as spread over Central of the State Legislature.
against the government regarding gas pricing. Given The Finance Minister has States. This is partly explained by which spend signiicantly less on government securities) and iscal Third, regulatory measures can
the Centres current stance, the partners will not be spoken wisely that the Central gov- the State power distribution com- interest payments. Nonetheless, if deicits. Yields have no relation- be devised to enable bond yields to
able to derive beneit from the new gas pricing formula ernment has no role to play. State panies (DISCOM) debt, 75% of this picture persists, State debts ship to State iscal prudence. Per- be responsive to market signals
governments are entitled to take which will be explicitly accounted will increase from close to 20% of haps this is on account of the impli- and bridge the information asym-
till the legal spat is resolved. The RIL-BP partnership
such decisions but manage their in States balance sheets, and GDP to 35% of GDP over the next 10 cit guarantee by the sovereign. The metry between markets and State
also seeks to build capabilities across the entire oil and inancial consequences. Farm loan treated as capital spending in iscal years. A signiicant consolidation implicit sovereign guarantee, how- inances of the concerned State
gas value chain. Thursdays announcement that the waivers are a subset of the broader accounts. The quality of compli- by the States would be needed to ever, cannot explain why State governments.
two partners would explore opportunities in fuel retail- issue of sustainable State inances. ance by States has also deterior- keep the debt ratio stable for the bonds consistently trade above Finally the 15th Finance Com-
ing too was signiicant, coming as it did a day before the We need to address several issues. ated. These go beyond UDAY States, let alone decline. Central government Gsecs, and the mission must address the broader
country moved to a dynamic pricing policy involving (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) Given the increased foreign spread may, in fact, suggest the ad- issue of adherence by States to
daily price revisions. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minis- A growing concern to include irregularities in food holdings of Indian government ditional credit risk associated with iscal obligations. It must restore
Following the 14th Finance Com- credit accounts of State govern- bonds, a worsening of State in- State bonds. Or perhaps the latter adherence to iscal norms as an im-
ter Dharmendra Pradhan had invited the two compan-
mission recommendations, the ments with commercial banks, of- ances will dent Indias credibility spread could relect the liquidity portant ingredient in the devolu-
ies to invest in fuel retailing, and their agreement sug- total State expenditure (as a per- balance sheet expenditures, and among foreign institutional in- risk. tion formula. This also implies
gests optimism over the outlook for the pricing regime. centage of GSDP) is higher than creative accounting engineering to vestors (FIIs). The rise in govern- Borrowings by States are likely inter se distributional burden
Conventional energy companies worldwide are real- even the Centres. State inances evade stipulated targets. ment bond yield of State govern- to increase sharply due to interest among the States themselves.
ising that traditional markets are diminishing, and have increasingly become a crucial Debt is considered sustainable if ment securities would increase the of UDAY bonds, and more import- Investors recognise and reward
sources of conventional energy such as coal mines and lynchpin of Indias iscal frame- debt-GDP ratio is stable or on a de- interest burden on new debt and antly, the viral of farm loans macro stability. Fiscal prudence
gas ields becoming more expensive to operate. The work. Many State governments clining path. This is a necessary also for the old debt which are re- waivers. With little compensatory exercised by the Central govern-
have adopted State-level iscal laws condition for solvency of any gov- priced. Such a scenario could action, this will seriously undercut ment has been widely acclaimed.
RIL-BP plans to explore opportunities in renewable en-
and adhered to the 3% iscal target ernments inances. While debt ra- make State debt more explosive. the hard-won battle to secure iscal The management of State inances
ergy should be viewed against that backdrop. The two under the State-level FRBMs tios for the Central government are Indeed, the yields of State govern- prudence for the country as a must not undercut this important
companies, in their search for new sources of conven- (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget projected to decline under plaus- ment debt have increased, remain- whole. achievement which is central to in-
tional energy, have developed expertise that could be Management Act). However the re- ible assumptions, the behaviour of ing higher than the Central govern- vestor conidence and enhanced
applied in the renewable energy space. BP has been op- cent report of the Reserve Bank, the States is strikingly diferent. ment securities and with the What can be done credit rating. A lot is at stake. We
erating deep and ultra-deep wells for years and has the State Finances: A Study of Budgets The debt ratio for the States under spread showing a rising trend. We must recognise that macroeco- must not undo the gains.
infrastructure and technology to operate in high-risk, 2016-17, has some worrying conclu- status quo and present FRBM scen- nomic stability is contingent on the
sions. The combined deicit of the arios is actually projected to in- Composition of the deicit iscal position of the general gov-
diicult locations. One possible opportunity for the States reached 3.6% of GDP in crease! This is mainly because the An ameliorating factor for the ernment. The Central government
N.K. Singh is a former Member of
Parliament & Chairman, FRBM Review
companies is to exploit this know-how and develop of- FY16, signiicantly higher than primary deicit (total deicit ex- States is that the revenue deicit for has pursued iscal prudence Committee. Prachi Mishra was recently
shore wind installations across the KG-D6 block. A com- 2.6% in the previous year. This sig- cluding the interest payments), a the Centre is 2.5% of GDP com- against many odds. Unchecked with the Reserve Bank of India, Strategic
pany used to drilling at ultra-deep locations should not niicantly breaches the 3% iscal driving variable in debt dynamics, pared to 0.2% for the States. Thus proligacy by States can under- Research Unit
ind it diicult to set up the foundations for ofshore
windmills at these sites. And it is not that big a jump to
get electricity supply lines running alongside pre-exist-
ing oil and gas pipelines. With ofshore wind installa-
tions virtually non-existent in India, the area ofers an
Access to excellence
untapped market that the government would be keen We have failed to provide institutions of excellence for everyone, for people to enjoy growing up in India
to see exploited. While details of the investment plan
have not been presented, the scale of the funds in- The trajectory to professional suc- stalled in place that create such creates exclusivity and elitism. We
cess then crucially hinges on your heinous exclusivity, so early in life? have failed to cultivate institutions
volved, coupled with attractive pricing and FDI
ability to secure a seat in one of the Which school of thought claims of excellence for everyone, for
policies, may well help draw more global oil and gas ma- good colleges. that someone lying one notch be- people to enjoy growing up in In-
jors to the Indian market, upstream and downstream. low the cut-of is not a worthy can- dia, to learn while they grow up.
Cut-throat competition didate? And what gives the nation Aristotle, the genius that he was,
How many seats are we talking and society the right to judge the spoke about telos, the essence and
Book of jobs yugank goyal &

arun k. kaushik
about? The top 10 colleges in, say,
arts, science, humanities, engin-
character of its citizens based on
how many marks they received?
purpose of anything. Justice and
ethics are teleological. The
ROHIT JAIN PARAS
eering, medicine, architecture and Have we become so insensitive that primary factor to decide who
Better ways to track employment data are
S
ummer is one of the toughest law, every year with the most lib- we fail to distinguish between what should be granted admission into a
necessary for meaningful policy responses periods of the year for anyone eral estimate will not go beyond we need and what we demand? Or university must then be decided by
graduating from school. This 100,000. Now imagine 30 lakh stu- are we blindly importing the ideas what the telos of a university is. Its
T
he government has begun ield work to compile a means we are talking about almost dents competing for 100,000 of competitive performance from not scholarly excellence, for if it is
new Periodic Labour Force Survey to track em- one crore students who gave their seats. For the top IITs, the selection like the 99% of those students who economics to humanity, failing to so, then airmative action cannot
ployment trends more swiftly, in order to gener- class XII exam. With an enrolment rate lies at 0.01%. By contrast, the wont clear the entrance exam. For realise that capability enhance- be allowed. It is in fact promotion
ratio of around 24.3%, we are look- Massachusetts Institute of Techno- a minority who have the resources, ment is inherently opposed to the of virtuous citizens in a society.
ate quarterly reports on the urban labour market situ-
ing at almost 30 lakh students des- logys (MIT) selection rate is 8%. they go abroad. The rest gaze at a idea of meritocracy? Universities are a place of learning
ation and annual dossiers on the overall employment perately trying to obtain good The QS World University Rankings career unfolding its misery in front values of life, and not just employ-
scene. With well over 80% of the workforce employed scores in their XII board exams or List was released recently. IIT of their eyes. A self-defeating im- About avoiding failure ment. And there is no reason to be-
informally (with no contractual rights), Statistics and sitting for entrance examinations Delhi, the best from India, secured pulse reigns, devastating human The results are disastrous. Failure lieve that only those who have aca-
Programme Implementation Minister D.V. Sadananda for various higher education insti- a rank of 172. MIT was at the top! dignity. Its an educational calam- becomes the most fearsome entity. demic merit must be worthy of
Gowdas assertion that the Survey will also attempt to tutions. If their scores are not The lack of an adequate number ity in India, unreported, unad- The new goal of society is to avoid being honoriic citizens. In fact for
capture such workers employment status is welcome. good, their careers will be per- of quality institutions then ratchets dressed and as ubiquitous as invis- failure. That alone deines your a university that claims itself to be
ceived to be dead. up the value of the few better ones ible. There is practically no family character, personality and essence engaged in a nation-building pro-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now expected to meet Thirty lakh students! This is an unusually high. Cut-throat compet- that you would know of that has of life. Costica Bradatan, the Ro- ject, all the more reason to select
oicials, including Niti Aayog Vice-Chairperson Arvind astounding igure for the Dar- ition for securing a place in a so- not sufered at the hands of this manian-American philosopher those who do not have good
Panagariya, to discuss issues related to job creation and winian struggle they know they called elite institution in India con- calamity. Many of these students who is currently writing a book on scores.
the recommendations of a task force set up to oicially will be getting into. Why? Because tinues to push the cut-of higher may become successful in later life, failure, says that our capacity to fail And how do we do it? Well, as a
capture the employment status of Indias workforce the higher education system in In- every year. Top colleges in the Uni- but for the time being, these scars is essential to what we are. And this start, shift the policy discourse
more efectively. The task force had been constituted dia is a binary phenomenon. You versity of Delhi have routinely re- will pain them and their families capacity is stripped of our stu- from elite to non-elite, B grade in-
either have intellectually elite col- jected students who do not score unbearably. For many, the per- dents. In the long run, instilling stitutions. Thats where most of
amid a growing sense of concern, even within industry,
leges, a handful of them, or a vast above 95% or so. formance of failure will never be such loathing of failure among our our youth are dissatisied, while
about the lack of adequate jobs created and fresh talk of majority of mediocre ones which This creates a new normal. It forgotten. students drives them to recalibrate growing up to be part of the coun-
jobless growth. The only oicial job data available, have lost their ability to even signal puts students into a constant This is not a rhetoric, but lets their ethical compass to what wins, try that has given it nothing much.
based on surveys conducted by the Labour Bureau the quality of their students one struggle akin to that of survival. pause for a moment to see what not what is right.
since late 2008, have painted a gloomy picture on new of the most basic purposes for an Those who cannot score above have we internalised. What kind of At the heart of this malady is the Yugank Goyal and Arun K. Kaushik teach
jobs for the worlds youngest workforce in the irst two educational institution to exist. 95% are the unfortunate lot, just educational structures have we in- wretched education system which Economics at O.P. Jindal Global University
years of the Narendra Modi government.
Indias employment data are far from robust and not
timely enough to enable meaningful policy responses LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
for emerging job market realities. Government oicials
too have questioned the reliability of the Labour Bur- Darjeeling simmers to violent protests, stone at our cohesive existence. In Mahatma was against State of the media self-imposed state of
Emboldened by the result of pelting in the Kashmir a country where more than Partition but events Except for the premeditated subservience.
eau exercise that covers only a few sectors in select
the election to the civic Valley, and gau rakshaks 1.2 billion people live superseded him. The raid on a leading television Haridasan Rajan,
States. Niti Aayog member Bibek Debroy, for instance, bodies, West Bengal Chief terrorising cattle sellers. The together, it is inevitable to carnage that followed was channel, the role of the Kozhikode, Kerala
has said that existing jobs data can be used to claim both Minister Mamata Banerjee unrest in West Bengals witness some stray indescribably horrendous. I government in throttling the
growth-less jobs and jobless growth, given Indias appears to have come up Darjeeling hills has only communal, violent would like to clearly media is not as pronounced The common man was
largely informal economy. The task force is considering with the well-thought-out added fuel to the ire. incidents and crimes. This emphasise here that loyalty on the surface as some think never afected even during
the use of proxy measures such as car sales to incorpor- strategy of making Bengali a Though the demand for could happen in other to the nation should come (Left, Right, Centre Is the Emergency. Nor was his
ate informal employment generation into the oicial compulsory subject in exclusivity goes back in democratic nations too. I irst. As a secular nation, the media under siege? freedom of expression in
schools. So it may not be fair time, it is not a valid think Mr. Gopalkrishna with all our omissions and June 16). Most of the top peril, as it is now. When
narrative. How the recommendations of the task force
to say that the Gorkha demand. How will a country Gandhi need not be so commissions, we are far media and entertainment acrimony arises between
will be incorporated into the new labour force survey, Janmukti Morcha appeared function if every other day, pessimistic in portraying a better than Pakistan which companies in India are leftist and rightist
for which work began in April, needs to be seen. While to hear only one part of the citizens are out on the dismal picture of our land is on the lines of a theocracy. owned by powerful intellectuals, the routine
it is never too late to spruce up statistical systems, the language decree (Editorial streets demanding a and asking us to avoid a In India, there is no doubt corporate moguls and their slogan of freedom of the
timing of this exercise is odd. Chief Statistician T.C.A. A shattered peace, June separate State using a second Partition. The that it is the foremost duty close links with the current press is in danger is raised.
Anant expects the results of the irst Survey, awaiting 14). misplaced notion of dignity present situation does not of the ruling dispensation to ruling dispensation are There is a vast diference
approval for more than a year, to be released by Decem- Politicians should not forget and identity? Breaking up an merit such a line (The ensure that there is no well-documented. It is naive between what the media
that a Nepalis mother already small State will anniversary of a divide, persecution and harassment to imagine that such was then and what it is now
ber 2018. The most comprehensive existing employ-
tongue, which is also an hamper overall June 16). in the name of anything companies would show the as the latter has now
ment survey conducted quinquennially by the National Eighth Schedule language, is development. K. Jayanthi, endangering the secular interest and the verve to embraced some negatives
Sample Survey Oice has not been done since 2011-12. dear to him. Linguistic Deepti Jain, Chennai credentials of our nation. It indulge in a complete such as paid news
The UPA government had commissioned an out-of-turn chauvinism in any form New Delhi is also incumbent upon exposition of truths which allurement, and
survey then as the 2009-10 survey presented an overtly does more harm than good, The article kindles everyone to ensure that have the potential to alter sensationalism. A stray
gloomy job market in the aftermath of the global inan- if Assam is to be taken as an Partition and after pondering. People living their thoughts and deeds are perceptions. For incident of a raid on a media
cial crisis. In contrast, the NDA government will go to example. Indias unity in diversity together for generations had contributory and not continuance of a regime house cannot be magniied
Rajat Baran Mahanta, and peaceful co-existence of to undergo separation and it questionable and exceedingly benevolent to by saying that the fourth
the next Lok Sabha polls having released just one com- Guwahati multitudes of ethnicities was painful and tormenting. detrimental towards the them, Opposition parties estate is endangered.
prehensive labour force survey, close to the end of its after seven decades of The cunning ploy of the harmony, cohesiveness and and fellow media houses, R. Krishnamachary,
term. Importantly, given the new coordinates, the Sur- The country is already freedom won from the British and the obduracy of cause of the nation. which still believe in fair Chennai
vey may not be strictly comparable with past data. reeling from unprecedented British is a matter of pride. Jinnah resulted in two R. Ramanathan, play, have to be necessarily more letters online:
turmoil farmers resorting Many countries are amazed nations. To the last, the Coimbatore pilloried. The media is in a www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

*
ILLUSTRATION: DEEPAK HARICHANDAN
How genetics is settling the Aryan migration debate

New DNA evidence is solving the most fought-over question in Indian history. And you will be surprised at how sure-footed the answer is, writes Tony Joseph
The thorniest, most fought-over ques- those at the centre of the action. Three a 2010 paper, for example, he had writ- statements whatsoever in fact, even email to this writer, Moorjani said as studies, we also know that 2000 BC was
tion in Indian history is slowly but years ago, a team of 32 scientists he led ten that there was evidence against the figures 65,000 and 40,000 do not much. In answer to a question about the around the time when the Indus Valley
surely getting answered: did Indo- published a massive study mapping the substantial patrilineal gene flow from figure it in it! conclusions of the recent paper of Prof. civilization began to decline. For any-
European language speakers, who distribution and linkages of R1a. It used East Europe to Asia, including to India This stark contrast between what the Richards et al that there were strong, one looking at all of these data object-
called themselves Aryans, stream into a panel of 16,244 male subjects from 126 in the last five or six millennia. Today, study says and what the media reports male-driven genetic inflows from Cent- ively, it is difficult to avoid the feeling
India sometime around 2,000 BC populations across Eurasia. Dr. Under- Dr. Underhill says there is no compar- said did not go unnoticed. In his column ral Asia about 4,000 years ago, she said that the missing pieces of Indias histor-
1,500 BC when the Indus Valley civilisa- hills research found that R1a had two ison between the kind of data available for Discover magazine, geneticist Razib she found their results to be broadly ical puzzle are finally falling into place.
tion came to an end, bringing with them sub-haplogroups, one found primarily in 2010 and now. Then, it was like look- Khan said this about the media coverage consistent with our model. She also The second is that many studies men-
Sanskrit and a distinctive set of cultural in Europe and the other confined to ing into a darkened room from the out- of the study: But in the quotes in the said the authors of the new study had tioned in this piece are global in scale,
practices? Genetic research based on an Central and South Asia. Ninety-six per side through a keyhole with a little torch media the other authors (other than access to ancient West Eurasian samples both in terms of the questions they ad-
avalanche of new DNA evidence is mak- cent of the R1a samples in Europe be- in hand; you could see some corners Reich that is - ed) seem to be leading that were not available when we pub- dress and in terms of the sampling and
ing scientists around the world con- longed to sub-haplogroup Z282, while but not all, and not the whole picture. you to totally different conclusions from lished in 2013, and that these samples research methodology. For example,
verge on an unambiguous answer: yes, 98.4% of the Central and South Asian With whole genome sequencing, we can this. Instead of leaning toward ANI be- had provided them additional informa- the Poznik study that arrived at 4,000-
they did. R1a lineages belonged to sub-hap- now see nearly the entire room, in ing proto-Indo-European, they deny tion about the sources of ANI ancestry 4,500 years ago as the dating for the
This may come as a surprise to many logroup Z93. The two groups diverged clearer light. that it is. in South Asia. splintering of the R1a Z93 lineage,
and a shock to some because the from each other only about 5,800 years Dr. Underhill is not the only one Lets leave that there, and ask what One by one, therefore, every single looked at major Y-DNA expansions not
dominant narrative in recent years has ago. Dr. Underhills research showed whose older work has been used to ar- Reich says now, when so much new data one of the genetic arguments that were just in India, but in four other contin-
been that genetics research had thor- that within the Z93 that is predominant gue against Bronze Age migrations by have become available? In an interview earlier put forward to make the case ental populations. In the Americas, the
oughly disproved the Aryan migration in India, there is a further splintering Indo-European language speakers into with Edge in February last year, while against Bronze Age migrations of Indo- study proved the expansion of hap-
theory. This interpretation was always a into multiple branches. The paper India. David Reich, geneticist and pro- talking about the thesis that Indo- European language speakers have been logrop Q1a-M3 around 15,000 years ago,
bit of a stretch as anyone who read the found this star-like branching indicat- fessor in the Department of Genetics at European languages originated in the disproved. To recap: which fits in with the generally accepted
nuanced scientific papers in the original ive of rapid growth and dispersal. So if the Harvard Medical School, is another Steppes and then spread to both Europe 1. The first argument was that there time for the initial colonisation of the
knew. But now it has broken apart alto- you want to know the approximate one, even though he was very cautious and South Asia, he said: The genetics is were no major gene flows from outside continent. So the pieces that are falling
gether under a flood of new data on Y- period when Indo-European language in his older papers. The best example is tending to support the Steppe hypo- to India in the last 12,500 years or so be- in place are not merely in India, but all
chromosomes (or chromosomes that speakers came and rapidly spread a study lead-authored by Reich in 2009, thesis because in the last year, we have cause mtDNA data showed no signs of across the globe. The more the global
are transmitted through the male par- across India, you need to discover the titled Reconstructing Indian Popula- identified a very strong pattern that this it. This argument was found faulty migration picture gets filled in, the
ental line, from father to son). date when Z93 splintered into its own tion History and published in Nature. ancient North Eurasian ancestry that when it was shown that Y-DNA did in- more difficult it will be to overturn the
various subgroups or lineages. We will This study used the theoretical con- you see in Europe today, we now know deed show major gene flows from out- consensus that is forming on how the
Lines of descent come back to this later. struct of Ancestral North Indians when it arrived in Europe. It arrived side into India within the last 4000 to world got populated.
Until recently, only data on mtDNA (or (ANI) and Ancestral South Indians 4500 years ago from the East from the 4,500 years or so, especially R1a which Nobody explains what is happening
matrilineal DNA, transmitted only from
mother to daughter) were available and
<
> The prevalence of R1a in India
is very powerful evidence for a
(ASI) to discover the genetic substruc-
ture of the Indian population. The study
Steppe... About India, he said: In In-
dia, you can see, for example, that there
now forms 17.5% of the Indian male lin-
eage. The reason why mtDNA data be-
now better than Reich: Whats
happened very rapidly, dramatically,
that seemed to suggest there was little substantial Bronze Age proved that ANI are genetically close to is this profound population mixture haved differently was that Bronze Age and powerfully in the last few years has
external infusion into the Indian gene migration from central Asia Middle Easterners, Central Asians, and event that happens between 2000 to migrations were severely sex-biased. been the explosion of genome-wide
pool over the last 12,500 years or so. that most likely brought Indo- Europeans, while the ASI were unique 4000 years ago. It corresponds to the 2. The second argument put forward studies of human history based on mod-
New Y-DNA data has turned that conclu- to India. The study also proved that time of the composition of the Rigveda, was that R1a lineages exhibited much ern and ancient DNA, and thats been
European speakers to India.
sion upside down, with strong evidence most groups in India today can be ap- the oldest Hindu religious text, one of greater diversity in India than elsewhere enabled by the technology of genomics
Martin P. Richards,
of external infusion of genes into the In- University of Huddersield, U.K.
proximated as a mixture of these two the oldest pieces of literature in the and, therefore, it must have originated and the technology of ancient DNA. Ba-
dian male lineage during the period in populations, with the ANI ancestry world, which describes a mixed soci- in India and spread outward. This has sically, its a gold rush right now; its a
question. So in a nutshell: R1a is distributed all higher in traditionally upper caste and ety... In essence according to Reich, in been proved false because a mammoth, new technology and that technology is
The reason for the difference in over Europe, Central Asia and South Indo-European speakers. By itself, the broadly the same time frame, we see global study of R1a haplogroup pub- being applied to everything we can ap-
mtDNA and Y-DNA data is obvious in Asia; its sub-group Z282 is distributed study didnt disprove the arrival of Indo-European language speakers lished last year showed that R1a lineages ply it to, and there are many low-
hindsight: there was strong sex bias in only in Europe while another subgroup Indo-European language speakers; if spreading out both to Europe and to in India mostly belong to just three sub- hanging fruits, many gold nuggets
Bronze Age migrations. In other words, Z93 is distributed only in parts of Cent- anything, it suggested the opposite, by South Asia, causing major population clades of the R1a-Z93 and they are only strewn on the ground that are being
those who migrated were predomin- ral Asia and South Asia; and three major pointing to the genetic linkage of ANI to upheavals. picked up very rapidly.
<
> Whats happened very rapidly,
antly male and, therefore, those gene subgroups of Z93 are distributed only in Central Asians. The dating of the profound popula- So far, we have only looked at the mi-
flows do not really show up in the India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Hi- However, this theoretical structure tion mixture event that Reich refers to dramatically, and powerfully grations of Indo-European language
mtDNA data. On the other hand, they malayas. This clear picture of the distri- was stretched beyond reason and was was arrived at in a paper that was pub- in the last few years has been speakers because that has been the
do show up in the Y-DNA data: specific- bution of R1a has finally put paid to an used to argue that these two groups lished in the American Journal of Human most debated and argued about histor-
the explosion of genome-wide
ally, about 17.5% of Indian male lineage earlier hypothesis that this haplogroup came to India tens of thousands of years Genetics in 2013, and was lead authored ical event. But one must not lose the
has been found to belong to haplogroup perhaps originated in India and then ago, long before the migration of Indo- by Priya Moorjani of the Harvard Med- studies of human history based bigger picture: R1a lineages form only
R1a (haplogroups identify a single line of spread outwards. This hypothesis was European language speakers that is sup- ical School, and co-authored, among on modern and ancient DNA, about 17.5 % of Indian male lineage, and
descent), which is today spread across based on the erroneous assumption that posed to have happened only about others, by Reich and Lalji Singh. This and thats been enabled by the an even smaller percentage of the fe-
Central Asia, Europe and South Asia. R1a lineages in India had huge diversity 4,000 to 3,500 years ago. In fact, the paper too has been pushed into serving technology of genomics and male lineage. The vast majority of Indi-
Pontic-Caspian Steppe is seen as the re- compared to other regions, which could study had included a strong caveat that the case against migrations of Indo- the technology of ancient ans owe their ancestry mostly to people
gion from where R1a spread both west be indicative of its origin here. As Prof. suggested the opposite: We caution European language speakers into India, DNA.... from other migrations, starting with the
and east, splitting into different sub- Richards puts it, the idea that R1a is that models in population genetics but the paper itself says no such thing, original Out of Africa migrations of
David Reich,
branches along the way. very diverse in India, which was largely should be treated with caution. While once again! Geneticist and professor, Harvard Medical School around 55,000 to 65,000 years ago, or
The paper that put all of the recent based on fuzzy microsatellite data, has they provide an important framework Heres what it says in one place: The the farming-related migrations from
discoveries together into a tight and co- been laid to rest thanks to the arrival of for testing historical hypothesis, they dates we report have significant implica- about 4,000 to 4,500 years old. West Asia that probably occurred in
herent history of migrations into India large numbers of genomic Y-chromo- are oversimplifications. For example, tions for Indian history in the sense that 3. The third argument was that there multiple waves after 10,000 B.C., or the
was published just three months ago in some data. the true ancestral populations were they document a period of demo- were two ancient groups in India, ANI migrations of Austro-Asiatic speakers
a peer-reviewed journal called BMC probably not homogenous as we as- graphic and cultural change in which and ASI, both of which settled here tens such as the Munda from East Asia the
Evolutionary Biology. In that paper, Gene-dating the migration sume in our model but instead were mixture between highly differentiated of thousands of years earlier, much be- dating of which is yet to determined,
titled A Genetic Chronology for the In- Now that we know that there WAS in- likely to have been formed by clusters of populations became pervasive before it fore the supposed migration of Indo- and the migrations of Tibeto-Burman
dian Subcontinent Points to Heavily Sex- deed a significant inflow of genes from related groups that mixed at different eventually became uncommon. The European languages speakers to India. speakers such as the Garo again from
biased Dispersals, 16 scientists led by Central Asia into India in the Bronze times. In other words, ANI is likely to period of around 1,9004,200 years be- This argument was false to begin with east Asia, the dating of which is also yet
Prof. Martin P. Richards of the Univer- Age, can we get a better fix on the tim- have resulted from multiple migrations, fore present was a time of profound because ANI as the original paper that to be determined.
sity of Huddersfield, U.K., concluded: ing, especially the splintering of Z93 possibly including the migration of change in India, characterized by the put forward this theoretical construct it- What is abundantly clear is that we
Genetic influx from Central Asia in the into its own sub-lineages? Yes, we can; Indo-European language speakers. de-urbanization of the Indus civiliza- self had warned is a mixture of mul- are a multi-source civilization, not a
Bronze Age was strongly male-driven, the research paper that answers this tion, increasing population density in tiple migrations, including probably the single-source one, drawing its cultural
consistent with the patriarchal, patri- question was published just last year, in The spin and the facts the central and downstream portions of migration of Indo-European language impulses, its tradition and practices
local and patrilineal social structure at- April 2016, titled: Punctuated bursts in But how was this research covered in the Gangetic system, shifts in burial speakers. from a variety of lineages and migration
tributed to the inferred pastoralist early human male demography inferred from the media? Aryan-Dravidian divide a practices, and the likely first appear- histories. The Out of Africa immigrants,
Indo-European society. This was part of 1,244 worldwide Y-chromosome se- myth: Study, screamed a newspaper ance of Indo-European languages and Connecting the dots the pioneering, fearless explorers who
a much wider process of Indo-European quences. This paper, which looked at headline on September 25, 2009. The Vedic religion in the subcontinent. Two additional things should be kept in discovered this land originally and
expansion, with an ultimate source in major expansions of Y-DNA hap- article quoted Lalji Singh, a co-author of The study didnt prove the migra- mind while looking at all this evidence. settled in it and whose lineages still
the Pontic-Caspian region, which car- logroups within five continental popula- the study and a former director of the tion of Indo-European language speak- The first is how multiple studies in dif- form the bedrock of our population;
ried closely related Y-chromosome lin- tions, was lead-authored by David Centre for Cellular and Molecular Bio- ers since its focus was different: finding ferent disciplines have arrived at one those who arrived later with a package
eages across a vast swathe of Eurasia Poznik of the Stanford University, with logy (CCMB), Hyderabad as saying: the dates for the population mixture. specific period as an important marker of farming techniques and built the In-
between 5,000 and 3,500 years ago. Dr. Underhill as one of the 42 co-au- This paper rewrites history there is But it is clear that the authors think its in the history of India: around 2000 dus Valley civilization whose cultural
In an email exchange, Prof. Richards thors. The study found the most strik- no north-south divide. The report also findings fit in well with the traditional B.C. According to the Priya Moorjani et ideas and practices perhaps enrich
said the prevalence of R1a in India was ing expansions within Z93 occurring ap- carried statements such as: The initial reading of the dates for this migration. al study, this is when population mixing much of our traditions today; those who
very powerful evidence for a substan- proximately 4,000 to 4,500 years ago. settlement took place 65,000 years ago In fact, the paper goes on to correlate began on a large scale, leaving few pop- arrived from East Asia, probably bring-
tial Bronze Age migration from central This is remarkable, because roughly in the Andamans and in ancient south the ending of population mixing with ulation groups anywhere in the subcon- ing with them the practice of rice cultiv-
Asia that most likely brought Indo- 4,000 years ago is when the Indus Val- India around the same time, which led the shifting attitudes towards mixing of tinent untouched. The Onge in the An- ation and all that goes with it; those who
European speakers to India. The ro- ley civilization began falling apart. to population growth in this part. At a the races in ancient texts. It says: The daman and Nicobar Islands are the only came later with a language called
bust conclusions of Prof. Richards and (There is no evidence so far, archaeolo- later stage, 40,000 years ago, the an- shift from widespread mixture to strict ones we know to have been completely Sanskrit and its associated beliefs and
his team rest on their own substantive gically or otherwise, to suggest that one cient north Indians emerged which in endogamy that we document is unaffected by what must have been a tu- practices and reshaped our society in
research as well as a vast trove of new caused the other; it is quite possible that turn led to rise in numbers there. But at mirrored in ancient Indian texts. multuous period. And according to the fundamental ways; and those who came
data and findings that have become the two events happened to coincide.) some point in time, the ancient north So irrespective of the use to which David Poznik et al study of 2016 on the even later for trade or for conquest and
available in recent years, through the The avalanche of new data has been and the ancient south mixed, giving Priya Moorjani et als 2013 study is put, Y-chromosome, 2000 B.C. is around the chose to stay, all have mingled and con-
work of genetic scientists around the so overwhelming that many scientists birth to a different set of population. what is clear is that the authors them- time when the dominant R1a subclade tributed to this civilization we call In-
world. who were either sceptical or neutral And that is the population which exists selves admit their study is fully compat- in India, Z93, began splintering in a dian. We are all migrants.
Peter Underhill, scientist at the De- about significant Bronze Age migrations now and there is a genetic relationship ible with, and perhaps even strongly most striking manner, suggesting
partment of Genetics at the Stanford into India have changed their opinions. between the population within India. suggests, Bronze Age migration of Indo- rapid growth and expansion. Lastly, Tony Joseph is a writer and former editor of
University School of Medicine, is one of Dr. Underhill himself is one of them. In The study, however, makes no such European language speakers. In an from long-established archaeological BusinessWorld. Twitter: @tjoseph0010
CM A ND-ND
YK

NOIDA/DELHI

THE HINDU
Baijayant Panda or Jay Panda, Biju largest, fully integrated producer of Mr. Naveen Patnaik in December 1997, a Patnaik shared a warm friendship for naik may deny him ticket to contest the
WHO
Pp q
Q Janata Dal (BJD) MP from Kendrapara,
has been openly critical of his party of
ferro alloys, Mr. Panda graduated from
the Michigan Technological University
few months after the demise of Biju Pat-
naik. He has had a long stint in Delhi
years, but the relationship appeared to
have soured after the 2014 Lok Sabha
2019 Assembly elections. In that case,
Mr. Panda will have no difficulty in get-
late, making his stand clear through and, with a background in engineering and is well networked he was Rajya elections, when the Kendrapara MP ting BJP ticket for his own political sur-
newspaper articles, tweets and state- and management, worked in the cor- Sabha member from 2000 to 2006 and grew close to the BJP top brass. Mr. vival.
Baijayant ments. Faced with the spectacular suc-

cess of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
in the panchayat elections in February
porate sector before joining politics.
Although Mr. Pandas father has
stayed away from politics all these dec-
was re-elected to the Upper House in
2006. But he chose to cut short his
second term in the Rajya Sabha in 2009
Panda wanted to be made leader of the
BJD Parliamentary Party in the Lok
Sabha, but had to be content with the
Although Mr. Panda has not openly
challenged Mr. Patnaik so far, after eggs
were hurled at him in his own constitu-
Panda, rebel and it emerging as the main Opposition

to the BJD, Mr. Panda called for intro-
spection in the party. Seen as an act of
ades, his mother, the late Ila Panda, was
a Rajya Sabha Member from 1992 to
1998. She represented the
and was elected to the Lok Sabha from
Kendrapara, considered a stronghold of
Biju Patnaik as well as an anti-Congress
position of spokesperson along with
party MP from Balangir Kalikesh
Narayan Singh Deo. Mr. Pandas na-
ency by BJD activists for his critical
stand against the party, he alleged that
intra-party conflict and goondaism had
in waiting defiance, he was removed as spokesper-

son of the BJD Parliamentary Party in
May. The BJD did win 474 of the 853 zilla
erstwhile Janata Dal,
which Chief Minister
Naveen Patnaiks
bastion. He was elected to the Lok
Sabha again in 2014 when Narendra
Modi became Prime Minister.
tional profile, coupled with his appreci-
ation of Mr. Modis policies in several of
his articles, made Mr. Patnaik suspi-
surfaced in the past three years, with
bureaucrats sitting in air-conditioned
rooms in the capital Bhubaneswar man-
parishad seats, but the rise in the BJPs father and former Apart from having a business em- cious of him. He began to see Mr. Panda aging party affairs. He alleged that many
tally from 36 to 297 since the 2012 Chief Minister Biju pire, Mr. Pandas family owns as a political threat. Mr. Pandas criti- key positions were no longer held by
elections raised concerns in BJD circles. Patnaik led in prominent Odia news television cism of the BJDs functioning became people who struggled for the party,
The BJP has been striving hard to Odisha those days. channel Odisha TV (OTV), adding louder after the panchayat elections, who might have given a honest feed-
emerge as the BJDs alternative after it to his strength as a politician. By forcing Mr. Patnaik to remove him as back, but rather by opportunists from
secured the second position in the pan- Why did he join writing articles in national newspa- the partys spokesperson. The State gov- various fields, including some who had
chayat polls overtaking the Congress. politics? pers and making use of social me- ernments subsequent action against worked against the party. With the BJP
What has made things worse for Mr. Mr. Panda joined active dia, Mr. Panda was the BJDs Mr. Pandas family-run mining opera- trying to grow in Odisha by highlighting
Panda is a perception that he is acting at politics when the face in New Delhi. tions also indicated that their relation- Brand Modi, the dissident in Mr.
the behest of the BJP. BJD was ship was on the brink. Panda is likely to create trouble for Mr.
formed by What are his Patnaik in the months to come. Will Mr.
What are his roots? ambitions? What are his options? Panda survive in the BJD that long?
Son of Odia industrialist Bansidhar Mr. Panda According to party sources, if Mr. Panda
Panda, who founded the IMFA, Indias and Mr. continues to remain in the BJD, Mr. Pat- PRAFULLA DAS
What is it? The simple act of paying tax authorities so that the two docu- Aadhaar number cannot be held as in- What Next? If you dont have an
WHAT
Pp q
Q your income tax to the
government an article of citizens faith
ments can be linked, and makes quoting
of Aadhaar mandatory for all PAN card
valid for the time being. Aadhaar number yet,
you could either fast-track your income
that is not exercised by enough Indians applications and to file income tax re- Why does it PAN cards are tax returns and submit them before July
with incomes over 2.5 lakh a year if turns. Parliament approved the Bill in matter? mandatory not just 1 or enrol yourself for Aadhaar. For now,
The lowdown you go by Indias low direct tax base

will never be the same again. Having a
PAN (permanent account number) card
April, including the provision that Mr.
Jaitley stressed was a measure to check
tax evasion by those having multiple
for filing income tax
returns, but also for deposits above
50,000 into bank accounts as well as
the government has said that even an
Aadhaar enrolment number will suffice
in order to file returns or apply for a
on linking of from the Income Tax department will

no longer be enough to file your re-
turns. Starting July 1, the government
PAN cards. The new provision also
states that the existing PAN cardholders
who fail to link their Aadhaar numbers
purchasing property, among other
things. The universe of taxpayers in In-
dia is smaller than the number of PAN
PAN card. Those who already have an
Aadhaar number must ensure they
quote it in their returns as tax experts
Aadhaar-PAN has made it mandatory for taxpayers to

link their Aadhaar number to their PAN
cards in order to be able to file returns.
will have the legal status of their PAN
card revoked and those cards will be
held invalid for all other purposes. How-
cardholders. Aadhaar was introduced
as a unique identification system that
would pay off the governments invest-
warn that any attempt to conceal the
same would be tantamount to providing
false information and invite prosecution
for taxes Aadhaar numbers have also been made
mandatory for all those applying for a
ever, petitions were filed in the Su-
preme Court, challenging the move
ment in capturing peoples biometric
information by plugging leaks and bene-
under the income tax law, with punish-
ment that could include imprisonment
new PAN card after July 1. with the argument that it runs foul of fit-cheating in welfare programmes for and fines. The Supreme Court may have
the courts earlier decision on Aadhaar- the poor through real-time authentica- offered limited relief to taxpayers, but
How did it Among several related petitions that the unique ID tion of the beneficiarys identity. Most the bigger battle over the Aadhaar pro-
come about? changes appended to number cannot be made mandatory. taxpayers, barring those earning up to gramme will continue in its corridors as
this years Finance The Supreme Court ruled on June 9 that 10 lakh a year who still get cheaper and when a Constitutional Bench is
Bill that did not figure in the budget the new provision does not violate the LPG cylinders, are not eligible for sub- formed to examine Aadhaar-related
speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Constitution or its earlier order passed sidies. Effectively, the Centre has man- concerns about right to privacy and hu-
introduced a new Section, 139 AA, in in 2013. For those holding Aadhaar aged to expand the ambit of Aadhaar man dignity as limbs of Article 21 of the
the Income Tax Act of 1961. This new numbers, the court said the provision beyond subsidy beneficiaries, thus mak- Constitution.
Section stipulates that all PAN cardhold- would apply in totality but held that ing it a more universal identification
ers share their Aadhar number with the PAN cards of those who do not have system. VIKAS DHOOT
What happened? ment and the GJM were locked in a war What is the key demand? ease was palpable among the GJM lead-
Pp WHY Q
q * June 8 was a day of considerable signi-
ficance for Darjeeling as a Cabinet meet-
of words, each threatening the other
with dire consequences, tension in the
* The root of the violence can be traced
to the decades-old demand for Gorkha-
ership over losing political dominance.
The fresh agitation for Gorkhaland has
ing of the West Bengal government was hills started rising. The discontent fi- land to be carved out of Darjeeling, Kur- strengthened the GJM. Several smaller
being held there after 44 years. Over 30 nally found an outlet on June 8, with seong and Kalimpong (Kalimpong is parties, including the arch-rival GNLF,
is Darjeeling members from the Council of Ministers,

including Chief Minister Mamata Baner-
jee, were present at the meeting at Raj
Darjeeling erupting in violence so in-
tense that it brought back memories of
the violent agitation for Gorkhaland
now a separate district). In 2008, after
the GJM wrested power in the hills from
the GNLF, it relaunched the agitation for
have joined hands with GJM.
What lies ahead?
on the boil Bhavan. However, just about 200

metres away, at Bhanu Bhawan, hun-
dreds of supporters of the Gorkha Jan-
spearheaded by Subhas Ghisings
Gorkha National Liberation Front
(GNLF) in the mid-1980s.
Gorkhaland, a movement which saw
many years of bloody political battles
and destroyed the economy of the re-
* The Centre has called tripartite talks
on June 19. While the Trinamool is not
keen on attending the meeting, the GJM
again? mukti Morcha (GJM) the most import-

ant hill party launched a sudden
attack on the police contingent near the
What is the situation now?
* With the outbreak of violence, the
gion. Finally, in 2011, after the Trin-
amool Congress came to power in the
State, the GJM, the State government
has said it will attend the talks only if a
separate State is discussed. The Trin-
amool, too, is not showing any sign of
meeting venue. Over a dozen police hills again plunged into uncertainty. and the Centre signed a tripartite agree- engaging in discussions with the GJM.
vehicles were set on fire and more than After a 12-hour shutdown on June 9, the ment for the establishment of the GTA, Several companies of the Army and
50 policemen were injured in relentless GJM intensified the agitation by declar- a regional autonomous body aimed at Central forces have been deployed, be-
stone-pelting by the agitators. ing an indefinite bandh of government giving significant administrative control sides a huge contingent of the police.
offices and those of the Gorkhaland Ter- over the region to the elected party in The GJM has called a long-drawn
Why were they angry? ritorial Administration, set up in 2011, the hills. The recent developments in- struggle, and the tourism sector it is
* The precipitating factor was the gov- from June 12. However, things came to a dicate the shattering of an uneasy truce peak season now has been hit hard.
ernments decision on May 18 to make head on June 15, when the police raided between the GJM and the Trinamool The tea industry is going to suffer and
Bengali compulsory in all schools. The the residence of GJM president Bimal government, especially after the party the common man too, as shops, com-
GJM took exception to this announce- Gurung in his stronghold Patlaybas, and made inroads in the hills and won Mirik, mercial institutions and banks remain
ment, and took to the streets. It called a recovered weapons and cash, prompt- one of the four municipalities that went closed.
strike in all educational institutes in the ing the GJM to call for an indefinite total to the polls recently. The term of the
hills on June 1 and 2. As both the govern- bandh in the hills. GTA is also coming to an end, and un- SHIV SAHAY SINGH
Nature's fury: Assam is no stranger to

WHEN
Pp q
Q monsoon loods, and this year is proving
to be no diferent. On Wednesday, after
incessant rain for 48 hours, the capital
Guwahati woke up to severe water-
14
logging; a lood alert was sounded in at
least ive districts in lower Assam; and
both the Brahmaputra and the Barak
rivers were lowing above the danger
June 2017 mark. The India Meteorological
Department forecast more heavy rain
in the region. The rain has cut of the
highway between Assam and Nagaland,
with vehicles stranded in the rising
waters; and the rail link between lower
and upper Assam has been hit by
landslides. The southwest monsoon
has caused havoc in neighbouring
Manipur and Mizoram too, with heavy
rain for the past few days resulting in
lash loods and landslides. At least 13
people are reported dead, and hundreds
afected due to lash loods. PTI *
Mainland France is voting today in a LREM-MoDem alliance: 415-455 seats ac- have the confidence of a majority in the win is that it will be unhealthy for
WHERE
Pp q
Q second and final round to elect legislat-
ors to the 577-member lower house of
cording to an Ipsos/Sopra Steria projec-
tion. The same poll predicts that the Re-
assembly can carry out the Presidents
agenda. Usually, the electorates choices
democracy. The low turnout and the
fact that Mr. Macron inherited a deeply
Parliament, or National Assembly, publicans and their allies will get for President and legislators are consist- divided France, coupled with the large
where they will hold a five-year term. between 70 and 110 seats and the left al- ent with each other, i.e., voters give the majority predicted for LERM/MoDEM,
liance, comprising the Socialist Party President a parliamentary majority. Oc- will mean that views that are at odds
Macrons What happened in round one?

French President Emmanuel Macrons
centrist movement, La Republique En
(PS) and its allies, including Europe Eco-
logy, will get 20-30 seats another sig-
nificant setback in a series for the left
casionally, however, France has wit-
nessed cohabitation, where the Prime
Minister is not from the party to which
with Mr. Macrons policies will not have
a sufficiently strong presence in Parlia-
ment to impact legislation. Both Mr.
party marches Marche (LREM), which has drawn can-

didates from the left, right and centre,
and its ally, Democratic Movement (Mo-
which started with former Socialist
President Francois Hollandes record
low approval ratings. Benoit Hamon,
the President belongs. This has
happened three times, the third being
between 1997 and 2002 when President
Melenchons far left Insoumise, and the
far rights FN, have economic policies
that are at odds with Mr. Macrons cent-
on in Paris Dem), won 32.32% of the vote in a land-

slide victory. The main party of the
right, the Republicans, and its allies,
the PSs presidential candidate, was
eliminated from the presidential race in
round one of voting in April, having
Jacques Chirac, a conservative, had So-
cialist Lionel Jospin for Prime Minister.
The law was changed in 2000 to syn-
rist policy platform which borrows from
the left (e.g., government investment in
key sectors) and right (e.g., downsizing
won 21.56%. Mr. Macrons rivals in Mays won just 6.36% and the partys current chronize presidential and parliament- government and making the labour
presidential round, Marine Le Pens far leader, Jean-Christophe Cambadlis, ary terms by cutting the presidential market more fluid). Mr. Macron is also
right Front National (FN), won 13.2%. has already been eliminated from the term down from seven to five years. Mr. staunchly pro-EU and supports free
However, the first round had a record parliamentary race. The Communist Macrons political agenda, which in- trade and globalisation views that the
high abstention rate of 51.3%, beating Party and Jean-Luch Melenchons La cludes changes to the countrys social far ends of the political spectrum dis-
the previous record of 42.8% in 2012. France Insoumise or France Unbowed protection schemes and labour laws, is agree with partly or wholly. Mr. Melen-
Some of Mr. Macrons opponents have are projected to get 8-18 seats. The FN is form a parliamentary group. ambitious as well as contentious and an chon had hoped that the Insoumise
blamed this on disillusionment because expected to get 1-5 seats in the new Par- LREM/MoDem majority will help him would function as the primary opposi-
of the large win predicted by polls. liament, compared to its current 2 seats, Why does a win matter? carry it through. tion to the President but the projections
according to the Ipsos poll. From the point of view of Mr. Macron, suggest that is unlikely to happen.
What is expected now? The party has set itself a goal of 15 and his party, a majority is important so What are the critics saying?
Polls predict a sizeable majority for the seats, the minimum number required to the Prime Minister who by law has to A criticism of Mr. Macrons projected SRIRAM LAKSHMAN
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

-- 13
Naked elections please, theyre British

How the snap parliamentary elections called by Theresa May shape-shifted from beginning to end
to lose but our chains attitude began to in lets see how long she stays on death landscape during the different phases,
make inroads. When May was asked row before execution, presumably by here you dont even see a policeman at
about the naughtiest thing she had ever her fellow party members) while a voting booth.
done, she Enid Blytonified herself and Corbyn, in his first speech in the new As compared to our mile-long
smarmed cutely that she had once run Parliament, could say that he looked queues, here there are barely a dozen
through a field of wheat and the farmer forward to working with the Prime Min- people lining up at any given time. For-
had not been pleased. When Corbyn ister for however many days or weeks get the EVMs and all the doubtable di-
was asked the same question, he her government lasted. gital paraphernalia, here there is a se-
GETTY IMAGES
winked and said it was too naughty to The acerbically analytical columns cluded counter, a pencil tied to a string
Ruchir Joshi talk about, throwing up visions of per- from writers across the entire political and a paper ballot that gets slid into a
is a writer, ilmmaker and columnist haps a quite different, D.H. Lawrencian, spectrum were to be envied, as too were box containing the votes that will later
use of a field of wheat. cartoons in the papers. One by Steve be counted by hand.
Sometimes watching elections in other Bell, the level of visual slapping unima- Watching the results coming in, I had
countries is like being at some sports Battle of contrasts they can cascade, a shot that would nor- had gained hugely while avoiding taking ginable in India, shows a naked Theresa a memory of all this being pretty much
match when your side is not involved. When May refused to join the all-party mally go for four or six gets skied into a over the country at the time of great May trailing a red cape striding off a cliff the same about 25 years ago, when, as a
At other times you care about the res- debate on TV, Corbyn replied that he dolly catch, you miss a goal from two chaos; the Tories were badly damaged in her leopard-patterned high heels, the Commonwealth citizen living in Lon-
ults as desperately as you would back in wouldnt participate either if May yards while breaking your leg, and so but still in charge of the mess they had cape held by her Brexit negotiating don, I had rightfully registered to vote
India. These recent U.K. snap elections wasnt coming, but then (naughty boy) on. Thus, the two horrible terror attacks created; their goose could now be team, Boris Johnson, David Davis, etc., for my obscure, marginal Labour can-
shape-shifted from beginning to end. At he wrong-footed everyone by finding in Manchester and London, which cooked slowly and properly with the ed- also all naked. The justification for the didate. I had gone into the booth, voted
first, staying with the sports analogy, it time at the last minute to appear with should normally have shored up May as ibility potentially lasting over a longer cartoon is provided by Mays own com- and come out, all within about seven
was as if a walkover was declared the the other party leaders, making May the strongest-on-security candidate, in- period. ment which is quoted in her speech minutes, all vaguely dissatisfying for an
incompetent in-Corbynites were a look cowardly and arrogant. The debate stead opened the can of worms on po- What was most fun for an Indian bubble: Jeremy Corbyn will find him- Indian. The man Id voted for won but
shambles about to be boiled in further was a turning point when all the Oppos- lice cuts that she had made as Home used to seeing politicians either getting self alone and naked in the negotiating in a Parliament dominated by John Ma-
shambolifying oil by Turgid Theresa of ition leaders ganged up on the hapless Minister. And, finally, the nations too much respect or exchanging the chamber of the European Union. If you jors Tories. It was interesting to see the
The Terrible Tories; the Labour Party Amber Rudd who was standing in for youngsters actually woke up and got out crudest barbs during elections was the want naked, Bell seems to be saying, Ill same man today, standing jubilantly as
was dead and Britain was about to be- May, accusing the Prime Minister of be- of bed on voting day. In any case, the mixture of civility, frankness and wit on give you naked. the leader of a buoyant Opposition and
come a one-party state. Then May ing a) too scared, and b) too lordly to Tories won but lost, and Labour lost but display. On the one hand George Os- British elections are naked in a differ- telling the Prime Minister he was ready
stumbled and kept stumbling, while come to a debate with them. won. The outcome was almost, nay borne could say something like Theresa ent way from ours. Where we have con- to form a government the moment her
Corbyn, with a charming, easy, nothing When things go wrong in a game, completely, perfect for Jezza Corbyn: he May is now a dead woman walking (as voys of paramilitary moving across the chaotic coalition collapses.
The spectre of unemployment Caribbean chronicles

Sans quality jobs, aspirational young India will become angry young India You cant understand cricket till you know of the islands history, politics, culture
more to improve their quality of life. In
doing so, households propel economic
growth and more employment.
If that be the case, then, going by
the BSEs own yardstick, India appears
to be in a very good place. As per the
BSE-CMIE Unemployment Rate Index,
the 30-day moving average of the un-
employment rate was just 3.90 as of
R. Srinivasan June 16 4.7% in urban areas and 3.5% Mini Kapoor
is Editor, The Hindu Business Line in rural areas. is Ideas Editor, The HIndu
GETTY IMAGES
Thats an astonishingly good num-
The government and Paytm may ber. If 96% of Indias workforce is pro- The elimination table has delivered an-
not agree, but there are some down- ductively employed, as the index sug- other Super Sunday for cricket enthu-
sides to the rising digitisation and con- gests, then Prime Minister Narendra siasts, with India and Pakistan squar-
nectivity. One is an unleashing of aspir- Modi has more than made good on his ing up once again today at the ICC
ations. Everyone wants not just what pre-poll promise of creating one crore Champions Trophy. The result will be the Haitian Revolution, more than 200 you may be lucky to hear during tele-
Bengals leftists used to contemptu- new jobs in five years. It also means what it will be, but the Indian team years ago: How universal, really, are casts from Port of Spains Queens Park
ously dismiss as components of the that India is now well and truly a might perhaps be already looking human rights? Oval if the commentators just quieten
middle-class Indian dream gaadi, middle-income country, with poverty ahead to its next destination, the West Cheerful tourism pamphlets mostly down for a few minutes. Explaining
baadi, chaakri (car, home, job) but a and deprivation confined to isolated Indies. Its a short tour, five one-day in- gloss over the dark history of slavery Trinidads reputation for extreme lit-
whole lot of other things. From watch- pockets, and many, if not all, in a posi- ternationals and one Twenty20, with Jelly-Schapiro points out that the eracy with the unique ways in which,
ing the latest Salman-starrer now tion to fulfil most of those newly un- stopovers in just three of the cricket- Caribbean received six million say, calypso and the steel band were
which is why India is the download leashed aspirations. playing Caribbeans many magnificent African slaves, compared to the four encouraged by post-independence
capital of the world to the latest islands, Trinidad, Antigua and Ja- lakh who reached the U.S. Along with governments as intrinsic to the na-
phone and footwear, people desire for Fall in agricultural employment maica. The West Indies team is a yet- people from almost every other part of tion, he suggests that Trinidad is a
all forms of comfort. This is a down- A recently released report by the more-pale shadow of its old fiery self, the world, including India from where place where the emergence of C.L.R.
side because the Indian economy is scale which will make the farmer agita- McKinsey Global Institute also appears having lost the first of this months indentured labour started moving to James makes sense.
simply not in a position to create the tion look like a toddlers tantrum to suggest that India may be getting a three ODIs against Afghanistan, and the sugar plantation colonies in the Its also the place where the emer-
kind of ecosystem which will enable all jobs. Or more precisely, the lack of handle on the challenge of creating then drawing the series 1-1 when the mid-19th century, they built island so- gence of V.S. Naipaul makes sense,
these aspirations to be realised by a them. qualitatively richer jobs in larger num- last match was washed out, leaving the cieties, finding selfhood in a multicul- even though he went on underplay the
vast majority of the people. That the available workforce of a bers. It says that between 2011 and hosts hopes for a direct entry for the tural ethos, and setting up, in the most Trinidadian influence. Writes Jelly-
The other downside is the near-in- country needs to be occupied in fruit- 2015, agricultural employment fell by 2019 World Cup in doubt. difficult circumstances, the big ideas of Schapiro: But what bonds him to
stantaneous transmission of unrest. ful employment is a no-brainer. The 26 million, while non-farm jobs in- But the West Indies will remain what it meant to be free, to be equal, Trinidad, as lettered Trinidadians all
Thanks to YouTube and WhatsApp, an reason global businesses are investing creased by 33 million. crickets most special destination as to be a society. know and one suspects he does on
expression of farmer unrest can travel billions of dollars in India is its poten- Unfortunately, as with all things long as the game continues to be some level, too, is the truth that
from Mannargudi to Mandsaur faster tial to become one of the worlds eco- statistical in India, the numbers hide played in these islands. Much is said Search for roots though he produced as huge and var-
than any ponderous governments at- nomic powerhouses. more than they reveal. So, an open un- about the international entity cricket That pursuit, the search for roots, in ied an oeuvre as youd expect of a No-
tempts to address or contain the dis- employment rate of under 4% doesnt has woven in bringing together inde- its deepest political iteration, suffuses bel winner, with books set all over the
turbance within a particular area. So Demographic advantage really mean that everyone else is use- pendent territories into one team every enterprise in the Caribbean: mu- world, the books he wrote about grow-
far, we have only had glimpses of what This potential derives from Indias fully employed. but as Indian cricketers island-hop sic, sports, literature, spirituality. Take ing up in Trinidad The Mystic Mas-
such spontaneous congregations can demographic dividend the millions The vast majority of the poor simply over the next few weeks, its intriguing Trinidad, from where C.L.R. James, seur (1957), Miguel Street (1959) and A
be like tens of thousands of students of young people joining the workforce do something or the other to survive, to consider the wider region too as one historian of the Haitian Revolution, House for Mr. Biswas (1961) in his early
virtually bringing Parliament to a every year. India will add more than so they are termed employed. But entity. The inquiry is prompted by a crickets greatest writer and much phase; A Way in the World (1994) later
standstill during the Nirbhaya 100 million people of working age they are by no means in a position to recent encyclopaedic book, Island else, came and whose spirit guides this on have remained in many ways un-
protests, or the huge crowds at Delhis between now and 2025, by which time be attractive target consumers for any People: The Caribbean and the World, book, no doubt because he was Jelly- excelled both in their vivid rendering
Ramlila grounds which so spectacu- it will account for one-fifth of the en- corporate. by Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, an American Schapiros first big intellectual of a societys audible surface and in
larly launched Arvind Kejriwals career tire worlds workforce. The Fifth Annual Employment-Un- geographer who has travelled over the crush. their grip of its internal dynamics.
as a mainstream political leader. That creating productive and remu- employment Survey Report revealed past decade all across the region It became a Spanish colony after The West Indies is a place, if it may
nerative jobs for these aspirants is In- that in 2015-16, about 85% of Indias from Jamaica to Montserrat, from Christopher Columbus claimed it in be called that, without which cricket
Recent farmer protests dias biggest economic challenge is workers earned less than or up to Cuba to Barbados to understand 1498. In the centuries ahead, the Span- cannot be truly embraced. Jelly-Scha-
If we havent had more such demon- also a no-brainer. As the Bombay Stock 10,000 a month and only 0.5% of Caribbean-ness. ish gave land rights to French Catholic piro is not really cricket literate. (He
strations, or bigger unrests, it is prob- Exchange, which, in collaboration workers earned 50,000 or more. Us- Each island is its own delineated planters. The British took the island in puzzles for a while at the meaning
ably because there hasnt been an is- with the Centre for Monitoring Indian ing these figures, economist Sudipto self, as even a causal visitor on the 1797, and after slavery was ended in when someone in Antigua complains
sue big enough to concern all the Economy, produces Indias only high- Mundle argued in a recent paper that cricket trail will find upon visiting, say, 1835, indentured labour was brought that as great a batsman Viv Richards
people across the country at the same frequency indicator on employment, the vast majority of Indias working Barbados and Antigua. But the claim from India to work on the sugar cane was, you cant forget that man
time. The recent farmer protests, big puts it eloquently: The degree to households are still living precariously that Jelly-Schapiro makes is this: that estates. Roberts: he took five wicket.) But, be-
and significant though they were, left which society can provide employ- on the brink of survival. the Caribbean islands are places In an aside, Jelly-Schapiro then adds ing a James devotee, he knows its im-
urban India untouched except for ment to those who seek employment This is Modis and Indias where phenomena we think of as be- a little known detail, that after the portance. As we watch cricket from
Mumbai, where a 50% jump in veget- is one of the most important indicators biggest challenge. It is not just about longing to our own age mass migra- Second World War, American soldiers the Caribbean, its valuable to read this
able, milk and meat prices in two days of the well-being of any society... A so- creating jobs but generating employ- tion and mass industry and transcon- brought along with them 55-gallon oil account of travels and the regions
brought the Fadnavis government to ciety where a large proportion of the ment that yields substantially more tinental trade have been facts of life drums, which local musicians used for great musicians and writers to be re-
its knees. labour force is employed provides res- than mere sustenance. Otherwise, the for centuries. One of the biggest polit- the steel pan drum, famously the only minded of the Jamesian truth: What do
But there is one issue which, sooner pite from poverty and vulnerability. It aspirational young India will turn into ical questions of our time, he argues, acoustic instrument invented in the they know of cricket who only cricket
or later, may unleash social unrest on a also motivates households to spend an angry young India. was birthed in the Caribbean, with twentieth century, and whose sounds know?
We must subject the canon to criticism

There is a need to interrogate concepts such as nation, sovereignty and culture to arrive at more pragmatic ways of living
vive if they collectively tied themselves Hobbes, the mere magnificent presence make up the Constitution has This status quo may have been ad-
to the mast of ritual and routine. of the king was meant to, as philo- emerged an elaborate ecosystem of self- equate a few decades ago. But now,
Sariputtas diagnoses of what can sopher Quentin Skinner describes, descriptions. Concepts such as national thanks to the scalability, communicabil-
drive groups to divisions mishearing, serve as an ordering force. But after identities, sovereignty and patriot- ity, and unpredictability of the chal-
misremembering, misunderstanding 16th century, the social contract ism have an incredible ability to corral lenges we face like climate change,
the originary discourse, infidelity to the amongst the governed that we now call and coax us to act in certain ways, per- monetary flows, migration and terror-
primordial text have emerged in vari- the Constitution became this ordering haps no differently than bots that act ism institutions like the police, central
ous guises over time. Historically, those force. In some circles, particularly under the influence of algorithms. In a banks, and legislatures that we deem
without any creedal affiliations to a text, among the Americans, the Constitution way, these constructs are analogous to fundamental to society have hit dimin-
Keerthik Sasidharan even ostensibly strange ones, were of- has acquired near talismanic powers in fat applications which are built on ishing returns. We find traditional meth-
is a writer and is on Twitter @KS1729 ten described away as barbarians. the imagination of many. thin protocols. ods of organising small groups into
Who remembers the Visigoths now? But Yet, at its heart, any Constitution is large, homogeneous clusters as many
In one of Buddhisms canonical texts, we are inundated with Roman history, merely a protocol for coexistence with a Self-perpetuating institutions since Sariputta have insisted becom-
Sangiti-suttanta, monk Sariputta offered even if the latter killed many times over. specific grammar and tags to annotate For the past three millennia, and partic- ing less effective with each passing year.
an explanation on why the early Jainas portions of the text. What is striking is ularly since the beginning of modernity What are we the governed and
failed to thrive unlike, presumably, he Privileging the text that most Constitutions are smaller in in the 16th century, we have had a situ- those who are governing us to do? One
and fellow Buddhists. He claimed that a By the mid-17th century in the north At- length than an average bestselling ation that is not so different from what strategy to ensure peaceful survival
great schism had emerged among the lantic, this conceit of privileging the text novel, yet they affect so many. For ex- we see when we study the architecture seems to be that we muddle along while
Jainas and that they were bent on killing in order to construct polities found two ample, the Chinese Constitution is of the Internet. On a barebones protocol taking small, creative steps to progress-
each other because their doctrine and unexpected allies. One was the Guten- 10,900 words, the American one is such as TCP/IP, as venture capitalist Joel ively recognise many historical and per-
discipline were so ill-proclaimed. berg revolution, thanks to which the 7,762 words, and even the longest the Monegro notes, gargantuan ecosystems sonal forms of conditioning. As citizens
By ill-proclaimed, he meant that printed word reached the masses; the Indian Constitution is only approxim- such as Facebook, Amazon and Uber caught in the throes of feeling loyal to a
keeping the Buddhist sangha together other was the idea of a nation state. In to how individuals could re-conceptual- ately 1,46,000 words. As a point of com- have come about. Much like these fat country as well as appalled by what is
required them to reiterate their adher- 1651, when Thomas Hobbess book De ise their loyalties. From being subjects, parison, a conventional high-end car applications that operate solely to ex- done in its name, in our name, perhaps
ence via chanting and memorisation Cive was translated into English, which individuals slowly became citizens, has 100 million lines of software code. tract value and perpetuate themselves, another answer is to teach ourselves to
to the Buddhas originary discourses. he declared was an effort to perform a which in turn meant the particularistic Arguably, humans dont need pro- elaborate institutions have been built, interrogate more critically concepts
In essence, according to Sariputta, an more curious search into the rights of loyalty for the king was transmuted into gramming and human societies are pre- since the beginning of the nation state, such as nation, sovereignty, culture
elaborate and intricate network of states, and duties of subjects, what fol- a more diffuse commitment to the col- sumably non-programmable. Yet, out of whose sole function is and hopefully arrive at less orthodox
Buddhist lives could only thrive and sur- lowed was a quantum leap with regard lective. More subtly, in the era before these thinly defined protocols which self-perpetuation. and more pragmatic ways of living.
CM A ND-ND
YK

New playground for non-state actors

Internet-enabled terrorism has introduced greater complexity in an already diicult scenario
may be rivals today. A fair amount Speciic instances already exist
of cooperation at the operational of the IS undertaking this kind of re-
level is hence inevitable, and does cruitment via the Internet. There-
Contest vs. consensus exist among terror outits, along-
side a commonality in tactics and
after, the individual is guided
through every single step along the
The latter should be the default approach techniques, including in the use of way for several months by anonym-
high grade explosives such as TATP ous handlers to carry out a terror
for selecting a presidential candidate m.k. narayanan (Triacetone Triperoxide). attack. This marks a quantum jump
What also cannot be ignored as far as the terror matrix is con-
W
hether an enlightened public igure or an act-
idden terror was, till now, while comparing the banal with cerned. We are possibly still at the
ive politician, the next President should be
H
believed to be conined ground realities is that terrorism is beginning of the curve as far as the
one who enjoys the widest possible acceptab- mainly to the less developed becoming even more asymmetric phenomena of enabled or re-
ility. For this to happen, there should be meaningful dis- regions of the world the 9/11 at- by the day. This is becoming more mote-controlled terrorism is con-
cussions towards building a consensus among the ma- tack in the U.S. was seen as an aber- evident by the day as new terrorist cerned; yet, the impact of this
jor political parties ahead of the presidential election. ration, or exception, rather than groups emerge. Collaboration could be quite shattering.
The BJPs overtures to key leaders in the opposition ap- the rule in this respect. Since 2015, agreements among terror outits
however, with the attack in January are, meantime, increasing, with Remote-plotting
pear to be merely exploratory. Approaching opposition
of that year on the Charlie Hebdo signs of greater sophistication in The IS appears to be in the lead in
parties for their cooperation without putting forward a oices in Paris, followed by a series solve not to allow emotion to cloud resulted in the killing of eight per- the means and methods to per- this respect as of now. Other inter-
name will be unfruitful. It appears that the Union Minis- of major terrorist incidents in Brus- its judgment unlike many other sons, and injuries to more than 40. petuate terror. national terrorist organisations are
ters who met key opposition leaders requested that the sels, Paris, Nice, Berlin and Istan- European nations, has lately been The attackers utilised a van driven This last aspect is especially im- also beginning to resort to remote-
latter should not ield a candidate merely for the sake of bul during the past two years, it is hit in rapid succession, by three sig- at high speed across the London portant. Both direct to home jihad plotting. Such situations will result
a contest. Such an approach is more likely to succeed if evident that the developed world is niicant terror attacks. This is indic- Bridge to mow down bystanders in and the lone wolf syndrome have in little or no dependence on the
the Centre draws up a list of possible names and seeks no longer immune from terror ative of the shifting trajectory of ter- its wake. The attackers proceeded, gained new meanings of late. Rad- maintenance of safe havens for the
strikes. ror today, and the determination of thereafter, to knife many more per- icalisation via the Internet has at- plotters, since the plotters are an-
the cooperation of opposition parties in getting one of
The Islamic State (IS) has new era terrorists to attack not sons in the neighbouring Borough tained a whole new dimension. onymous. Visa restrictions and air-
them elected. It would also help the opposition parties claimed responsibility for the vast only soft states, but even those Market. Similarities between the Propaganda via the Internet today port security, including perimeter
arrive at an agreement among themselves on whether majority of these attacks, though who pride themselves on being March and June terror attacks in involves far more than mere re- security of the installations to be
to ield a candidate or back the ruling partys choice. this may not be true in all cases. fully prepared to meet all London are quite eerie. So, like- cruitment imperatives, even targeted, would again mean little to
The BJP may want to elect a President who will share its What is not disputed any longer is contingencies. wise, are the similarities between though elaborate recruitment attackers, since they will strike
political outlook and philosophy. After all, in the last that the West now has a sizeable The irst of the attacks occurred the May 22 Manchester attack in the videos continue to be distributed where they live, and will no longer
two elections the Congress succeeded in getting its number of radicalised Islamist ele- in March. This came after a gap of U.K., and the November 13, 2015, via the social media, which depict have to travel abroad or long dis-
ments who are willing to perpetrate several years following the 2005 Bataclan terror attack in Paris. the IS ighters as knights. All this tances for both training and action.
party leaders elected President. But it is worth recalling
acts of terror either on their own, terror attacks in London. The still remains highly appealing to Welcome, hence, to the world of
that the main opposition of the day did not oppose K.R. or under instructions from else- March attack took place on West- Copycat methods some Muslim youth. Nevertheless, cyber-planners, who will be re-
Narayanan and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 1997 and 2002, re- where. minster Bridge and in the shadow Copycat methods have often fea- a far more dangerous aspect today sponsible for planning terror at-
spectively. A consensus is still possible if the candidate of the Big Ben, in which ive per- tured in IS attacks. In both the Lon- is the arrival of Internet-enabled tacks, identifying recruits, assess
chosen meets one of the most important qualiications Timeline of the new phase sons were killed and around 50 don attacks, vans were used, and terrorism. This has introduced a far possible opportunities, act as vir-
for the presidency a general acceptability. Terrorism can be said today to be injured. even the locale was much the same. greater degree of indeterminate tual coachers, and provide guid-
the single most serious threat to A far more serious terrorist in- Not to be lost sight of also is the fact complexity into an already diicult ance and encouragement through-
Too often, contestations in the political realm make it
peace across the world. Several as- cident occurred subsequently in that in quite a few other IS- scenario. The result is that the lone out the process. These elements
imperative for the opposition to ield a candidate in the pects, political, security and devel- Manchester in May, in which at sponsored attacks vans/trucks wolf is no longer alone. Internet- could be involved in every single
interest of demonstrating its unity in the hope that its opmental, are afected adversely least 22 people were killed and have been employed. Instances of enabled terror involves violence planning stage of an operation, in-
combined strength will pose some sort of a threat to the by terrorism. Meanwhile, those in- more than a hundred injured. It fea- this kind have been reported conceived and guided by control- cluding where to obtain weapons
ruling dispensation. There is little doubt that the cur- dulging in acts of terror appear to tured a home-grown jihadist, earlier in Stockholm, Antwerp, Ber- lers thousands of miles away. The that will be needed for use. All the
rent political mood in the country is not entirely condu- have moved beyond the earlier whose victims were mostly teen- lin and Nice in the past two years. attacks are masterminded from while, the cyber planners and cy-
cive to successful cooperation among diverse political non-traditional, non-state actors agers attending a music concert, All this needs to be viewed afar, guided via the Internet, and ber controllers would be able to
who were legatees of the Afghan Ji- possibly the irst instance of a large against the backdrop of the com- the actual perpetrators of violence maintain almost total anonymity.
forces to get an eminent citizen elected without a con-
had (1979-1989). The new breed of scale killing by the IS in the U.K. plicated pattern of relationships act almost like robots. The Internet has thus become a
test to head the republic. There is widespread unrest radicalised terrorists is not overly There had been prior warnings that that exist between various radical Enabled or remote-controlled dangerous plaything in the hands
among farmers and there are credible fears among sev- dependent on external sponsors or the IS would focus on soft targets Islamist terrorist organisations terrorism is fundamentally difer- of the many of the new-era terror
eral sections that there may be an attempt at homogen- state support. Their inspiration is and large crowds, rather than on worldwide. These exist, notwith- ent from anything seen previously. outits. Some like the IS are said to
ising the countrys cultural diversity. There will be little diferent. While their origins may protected areas with high security. standing the fact that the IS, for in- Remote controllers choose the tar- be also preparing to use the deep
surprise if parties opposing the policies of the National be traced to outits such as al-Qaeda The IS propaganda magazine Ru- stance, preaches an exclusive get, the actual operative, the web and the dark net. The dark
Democratic Alliance regime would want to make use of and its ailiates and they still con- miyah had speciically listed con- brand of puritanical Islam along- nature of the attack, and even the net, in particular, could become a
tinue to adopt the techniques and cert halls as ideal target locations side a vision of a new Caliphate, weapon to be used. Operating be- vicious instrument in the hands of
this opportunity to join hands and make a determined
belong to the same genre of terror for attacks, while publishing a while some of the other terrorist or- hind a wall of anonymity, this helps terrorist groups such as the IS.
attempt to challenge the electoral supremacy enjoyed they are distinct. lengthy defence on the killing of ganisations do not fully subscribe obscure the role played by indi-
by the BJP in the recent elections. On the other side, the The United Kingdom, which has women and children in crusader to this ideal. The reality is that vidual members of terrorist
BJP may believe it has an edge in the electoral college a reputation of possessing the best countries. many present-day terrorists have a groups, who utilise various indi- M.K. Narayanan is a former National
consisting of all members of Parliament and the State counter-terrorist organisation in The IS has claimed responsibil- common origin, and this includes viduals to carry out attacks and Security Adviser and a former Governor
Assemblies, as it can count on the backing of some re- Europe, and displays a steely re- ity for the latest June 3 attack. This the IS and al-Qaeda, though they leave no trace. of West Bengal
gional parties. In such circumstances, a contest is likely.
A quantum step to a great wall for encryption

However, it would be best if someone who inspires con-
idence that he or she would act in a non-partisan man-
ner is elected with the support of both the ruling party
and the major parties in the opposition. It would enable
the next incumbent to be the honest broker and wise Chinas experiment also underlines the extent to which the Wests domination of science has eroded
counsel the Constitution envisions him or her to be.
major leap in employing QM to the derstood fairly well since the 1980s, chance.
cause of secrecy. it has been hard to transmit en- Only one out of six million
tangled photons through the atmo- photons sent could be recovered,
The uniier How it works

China as a study in the journal Sci-
sphere because they are extremely
fragile and can disintegrate
which experts told Science News,
was better than previous ground
ence reports has combined satel- through contact with other studies of entanglement but still
Helmut Kohl was instrumental lite technology and the elusiveness particles in the air. Until last week not good enough for the moon-shot
jacob koshy
in shaping post-Cold War Europe of quantum mechanics to demon- the world record was a transmis- goal of sending secure keys using
strate how secret information can sion of a few hundred kilometres. quantum mechanics principles.
T
he architect of a reuniied Germany and a staunch
champion of European integration, Helmut Kohl,
who died at 87, was the longest-serving German
Q uantum mechanics (QM) is
the dark arts of physics.
Though physics in the New-
be transmitted over a thousand
kilometres a tenfold increase
over what has so far been achieved
Leading the way
The Chinese set-up transferred en-
Doughty China has publicised
plans for international collabora-
tions and transmitting entangled
Chancellor since World War II. The steely politician, tonian mould tells us how every with the guarantee that any unau- tangled photons through a satellite, photons in a trans-continental pro-
who lost his bid for a ifth consecutive term as head of object will precisely behave when thorised attempt to decipher it called entangled photons. Modern, called Micius, between two ground ject. Were that to be successful, or-
pushed and hurled, QM deals with would be immediately discernible. electronic secrecy works by two stations that were 1,200 km apart. ganisations and people reliant on
his conservative Christian Democratic Union in 1998,
the invisible world of subatomic One of quantum mechanics car- parties encrypting the messages According to a report in Science online inancial transactions that
went into political wilderness within months there- particles, where counter-intuitive dinal principles, of Heisenberg Un- they want to exchange and sending News, the researchers shot a laser are increasingly dependent on
after, following a controversy over anonymous dona- rules apply. certainty, follows that no physical each other keys (which are chains beam into a light-altering crystal in satellite-based Internet and para-
tions to his party. Raised in an austere Roman Catholic QM inhabitants such as elec- object can be known entirely. Meas- of numbers) that can be used to de- the satellite. The crystal emitted noid about security would take a
family, Kohl irst came into prominence when he was trons and photons live in zombie- uring, say, its momentum with in- crypt the information. The trouble pairs of photons entangled so that shine to quantum satellite encryp-
39, becoming minister-president of Rhineland-Palatin- like undead states. The very act of creasing precision reduces the ac- is that a third eavesdropper can in- their polarisation states (or how tion technology.
observing them makes them be- curacy with which you can tercept these keys. An un-crack- they are oriented in space) would The endeavour also underlines
ate in 1969. He emerged as president of the CDU in the
guiling tricksters. Though not al- determine its position. For long this able system would be one where be opposite when one was meas- the extent to which the Wests dom-
early 1970s, and held the position with a irm grip until ways understandable, science was seen as a barrier imposed by both parties know if an intruder is ured. The pairs were split, with ination of science has eroded.
the end of his political life. Over the decades he ment- knows, in bits and pieces, how they nature to us fully comprehending a trying to pry out information from photons sent to separate receiving Today, the number of high-quality
ored the careers of several leaders, including two can be manipulated for purposes physical system but for a few dec- the keys. stations in Delingha and Lijiang, science publications out of China is
former presidents, and the incumbent Chancellor An- that beneit the visible world such ades now, the ield of quantum Enter the entangled photons of which are telescopes on moun- second only to the U.S. Along with
gela Merkel in the 1990s. Kohl was catapulted to high of- as making integrated circuit chips cryptography has evolved around QM. Connected just like the ends of tains, 1,200 km apart. Both stations advances in the manipulation of
ice in 1982, when the liberal Free Democratic Party quit and ibre-optic lines for global, in- designing keys or alpha-numeric a see-saw, in that one going up ne- are in the high mountains of Tibet, stem cells, this latest step shows
stantaneous communication. codes exploiting quantum mechan- cessarily means the other is going reducing the amount of air the fra- their command over the great sym-
the ruling coalition with the Social Democrats to back
Transparency may be the shin- ical strictures. down, and using such photons to gile photons had to traverse. This bols of the modern scientiic age:
the CDU. His early years as Chancellor were notable for ing ideal of modern society but Pairs of photons share their forge a key would mean that any team then simultaneously meas- the satellite, quantum and the
the eforts to embed Germany in the Western alliance, countries and corporations are quantum properties no matter how change in their state indicates that ured more than 1,000 photon Internet.
improve relations with the Soviet Union and promote now ininitely more obsessed with long they are separated or how far someones been trying to manipu- pairs. They found the photons had
post-War reconciliation. His 1985 visit along with Pres- secrecy than in the days of ancient they have travelled. These can even late them. opposite polarisations far more of-
ident Ronald Reagan to the site of the Bergen-Belsen SS Greece. On Friday, the world took a be created in a laboratory and are While this principle has been un- ten than would be expected by jacob.koshy@thehindu.co.in
concentration camp and the Bitburg military cemetery,
marking the 40th anniversary of liberation from Nazi
rule, stoked controversy both at home and in the U.S. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
But it took until almost the close of the decade before
Kohl would begin to play a pivotal part in the develop- Aryan migration European language, later to subsequent analysis. I am Lessons from London Still unclear Ways and means should be
It is marvellous what genetic be called Sanskrit, entered certain that this article too The deadly ire in a high-rise Although the government found to retain the
ments that culminated in the end of the Cold War. The
science can do, enabling us India over the northwest will end up this way. building in London must be says the new GST regime exemptions/concessions
prospect of a reunited Germany, following the moment- to look at the history of passes, some time in the L. Jayasree, seen in a larger context. At will take efect in July, there granted under preferential
ous 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall, caused deep scepticism time without distorting the second millennium BC and Guntur, Andhra Pradesh the turn of the 1930s, the are still many discrepancies, treatments accorded to
among both European leaders and the Soviet Unions truth (Ground Zero page needed just the kind of new British Tories dreamed of ambiguity and confusion imports under trade
Mikhail Gorbachev over the potential economic domin- How genetics is settling the DNA evidence in settling The next President creating a property- relating to customs duties agreements such as ASEAN
ance by what would become Europes largest nation. Aryan migration debate, this hotly contested topic. As a political tango takes owning democracy. When and concessions, causing Free Trade Agreements and
However, Kohls broader vision of a Germany at the June 17). Irrefutable genetic Indeed, all of the worlds place over choosing the they returned to power in hardship especially to those from least developed
indings should discredit populations, regardless of next President, political 1951, the emphasis shifted engaged in import and countries.
heart of a federal Europe and his instinct for comprom-
the long-held right-wing their speciic geographic parties must remember that towards slum clearance and export activities. There needs to be a formula
ise helped overcome such apprehensions in the years stance on Aryan migration. location, are migrants. the President is required rehousing people in Imported stocks of to calculate Integrated
that followed. His embrace of Europes move towards That birth-based social There is no such thing as a and expected to be purpose-built Council components, consumables Goods and Service Tax and
the adoption of a common currency was a French idea. hierarchy was brought into pure race. Each is distinct apolitical. What all political houses or high-rise blocks. and raw materials worth compensation cess on
Franois Mitterrand, his French counterpart, regarded being by the Aryans is of yet bound by the underlying parties look for from a In time, cronyism impacted crores of rupees have been imports, so that the
the Deutschemark as Germanys nuclear bomb. The particular signiicance. It is principle of unity. President is that he should design and architecture and unsold on account of efective rate of duty levied
time we recognise that we A.K. Merchant, act within the letter and the standard of confusion over input credit is error free.
euro thus emerged as a concrete, if controversial, sym- New Delhi
are all migrants. As we are spirit of the Indian construction. Safety soon availability against Counter A. Sathyanarayana,
bol of forging a collective European economic future, all earthlings, and children Constitution. Therefore, if became a casualty. The Value Duty/ Special New Delhi
above all between the unions two locomotors, Paris of Mitochondrial Eve, the The article is nothing but such a pivotal constitutional recent ire is an example of Additional Duty paid more letters online:
and Berlin. When faced with a domestic audience re- time of migration need not yet another western post is held by a retired this. India too is embarking imported goods. www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
luctant to see the national currency replaced, Kohl de- matter much or divide us in attempt through Supreme Court judge, he on massive, Janata-type
any manner. Planet Earth is inconclusive genetic will act as per the holy housing plan. Fire corrections & clarifications: A Sports page report, Srik-
clared that the adoption of monetary union would be a anth stuns Ho, enters inal( June 18, 2017), said the 24-year-old
matter of war or peace in the 21st century. Indeed, the our common home. research to it India into book the Constitution. By department clearances and player (Srikant) fought ... to outclass the Korean player Son 21-15,
G. David Milton, its template of a 5,000-year- and large, retired Supreme particularly external ire 18-21, 24-22. The correct scoreline is 21-15 14-21, 24-22.
recent debt crisis in the Eurozone exposed the limits of Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu old Indian history. There Court judges are apolitical, escapes must be sacrosanct.
introducing a common currency without concomitant have been numerous and discharging their Lessons from faraway It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
political integration. Berlins commitment to closer Indo-European linguists articles in scientiic constitutional duties will be London must be learnt contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
union within the EU, despite recent setbacks to the ori- have long held the belief publications where the childs play for them. closer at home. Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
ginal project, is a lasting legacy from the Kohl era. that a band or bands of indings have raised great K. Pradeep, R. Narayanan, All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
speakers of an Indo- hope only to be rejected in Chennai Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

Muzzling freedom of expression

FROM THE READERS EDITOR
Unless a trade is prohibited by law or taken over by the state, restrictions of the kind imposed by the
Sting journalism is not
rules regarding sale of cattle are constitutionally suspect investigative journalism
It is a lazy substitute to meticulous reporting. It may create
a buzz but can never examine anything in depth
tion have created a dangerously competitive
environment in which ethical and profes-
Kapil Sibal sional standards have been sidelined. In
broadcasting, for instance, where 40 televi-
At the heart of the fundamental right sion news channels compete for viewers in
of freedom of expression is free one of the worlds most crowded media mar-
speech. But the human right to freely kets, sting journalism some might call it
express oneself is not limited to free A.S. Panneerselvan voyeurism and entrapment has come to
speech. dominate the news mix, he wrote about In-
We all express ourselves in differ- In this age of digital storage of information, dian television channels. Now, with numbers
ent ways. A child expresses hunger, one is not sure whether it is the power of the of channels going up, the downward spiral in
and other needs, before learning to search engines or their own stupendous standards seems to be touching a new low.
speak. Form of dress is an expression memory that helps readers to remember and
of your personality. Personality at- recollect information and pose questions. In public interest?
tributes express themselves in differ- Whatever be the case, the fact remains that One of the defences advanced by sting journ-
ent ways. Protest in all its manifesta- the printed word, which has now entered cy- alists is that the subterfuge is in public in-
tions represents expression. berspace, seems to have acquired a much- terest; hence, it should be accepted as a nor-
Expression of cultural traits of indi- longer shelf life since Johannes Gutenbergs mal journalistic practice to bring out the
viduals, communities, nationalities invention of the printing press. truth. I can cite at least ten outstanding in-
may also be discerned from custom Some of the readers wanted to know vestigative reports for each decade since
and the food we eat. whether the latest sting involving AIADMK Emergency. For instance, in the mid-1980s,
Through speech we merely com- MLAs taking money for switching factional Praful Bidwai explained the huge gap
municate our thoughts, feelings, de- issuing a notification under the Pre- wise, it is arbitrary and irrational to will, in turn, impose an unpreceden- affiliations has changed my opinion on sting between the claims and reality in the func-
sires attributable to that moment. vention of Cruelty to Animals (Regu- allow non-milch cattle not to be ted burden of 3000 a month on journalism. They wanted to know whether, tioning of the Indian nuclear establishment.
Such expressions may be transitory. lation of Livestock Markets) Rules traded for slaughter as that affects a owners, apart from massive adverse as a Readers Editor, I would recommend un- Unlike the garrulous AIADMK MLAs, the In-
What is fundamental and inalienable 2017 (Rules). number of farmers right to liveli- economic consequences. What is un- dercover journalism and deployment of spy dian nuclear establishment is known for
is the individuals right to freely ex- Cattle under the new Rules in- hood. der threat is the mixed crop-live- cameras for The Hindu. They cited two of my maintaining its secrecy remember how the
press himself or herself. This, of clude bulls, bullocks, buffaloes, stock farming system. Livestock sup- earlier columns The dilemmas of sting West was hoodwinked about Pokhran-1 in
course, is subject to caveats. Such ex- cows, heifers, steers, calves and Adverse impact plement farm incomes by providing journalism (December 16, 2013) and Means 1974? and has a powerful legal cover in the
pression should not be abusive, de- camel. Apart from a written declara- The government is not unaware of employment, draught animals and and ends matter (September 22, 2014) in form of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
famatory, immoral or in any way for- tion that cattle will not be sold for the adverse consequences of the no- manure (Economic Survey: 2015- which I had strongly repudiated the idea of The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
bidden by law. slaughter, an undertaking will have tification on livelihoods of the more 2016). The state itself slaughters the sting. had made a claim that nuclear energy had
to be given to market committees than 22 lakh people employed in the highest number of buffaloes (6.2 mil- My reservation against sting journalism become a major source of energy. Bidwai
Dangerous discourse that cattle will be sold for agricultural meat industry. Farmers too would lion). With the new Rules, none of goes back to the days when Tehelka ventured collected data on the quantum of power pur-
The preceding enunciation is neces- purposes and not for slaughter. Un- suffer. Maintenance of uneconomic them can be bought from the mar- into Operation West End that looked at chased from the DAE by various State electri-
sary to put in perspective controver- der the Rules, records of such sales cattle costs a farmer 40,000 a year, ket. murky deals in defence procurement. I am city boards and established that the DAEs
sies that have bedevilled the national will have to be preserved for six a huge cost for small farmers to pay. convinced that sting journalism is a lazy sub- figures were highly overstated. Sucheta
discourse that has consumed public months. Given this, the grievance of Of the overall meat production, For electoral reasons stitute to meticulous investigative reporting. Dalals investigative stories which broke
attention. I am talking of vigilantes the States that the Union is seeking to cattle are a bare 5%, buffalo 23% and The governments decision clearly It is true that some of the defence deals are the securities scam in 1992, Indias biggest
who beleaguer, maim or even take interfere in areas within their exclus- poultry 46%. After the new definition has no rational basis. Its objective is murky. However, the investigations that have financial scandal until then still remain a
peoples lives to allegedly save a cow; ive domain is justified, despite a fa- of cattle, 28% of the meat trade will to keep the communal pot boiling so had some sort of national resonance are the touchstone on how to look at data from the
of anti-Romeo squads who allegedly cile clarification by the Finance be affected. In 2014, India toppled that the issue of slaughter of cows, ones that have deployed conventional invest- financial institutions.
prevent eve-teasing; of sentinels of Minister. Brazil and became the highest beef prohibited in most States, continues igative modes. For instance, the Bofors in- The Saturday special of this newspaper,
morality who take revenge for what Such Rules are, first, beyond the exporter globally with a volume of $4 to occupy the public space, to emo- vestigation by this newspaper was a long- Ground Zero, is a contemporary version of
is called love jihad; and of self-ap- scope of the Prevention of Cruelty to billion. The leather industry too will tionally exploit majoritarian senti- haul exercise that involved meticulous docu- ethical investigation that is rigorous, fact-
pointed nationalists who brand all Animals Act, 1960. Since the said Act be badly hit. Meat exports fell by 13% ments. That it will adversely impact mentation, first-hand interviews and, in the checked, and in public interest. The stories
those who dare to oppose this gov- does not prohibit the slaughter of an- during April-December 2016. The consumption, trade, business, liveli- words of Columbia Journalism School, evid- are not based on hit-and-run, off-the-cuff,
ernments policy prescriptions in imals, the Rules under the law can- worst is yet to come. hoods does not matter as long as it ence of a qualitatively new, unimpeachable surreptitious recordings of a gullible single
Jammu and Kashmir and towards not seek to impose any such prohibi- Hides and bones of slaughtered delivers electoral benefits. Besides, kind. source, but involve painstaking suturing to-
Pakistan as anti-national. tion. Second, Article 19(1)(g) makes cattle are used not just in the leather the real issue, that of freedom of ex- The ubiquitous 24x7 news channels do gether of facts culled from multiple sources
What I eat is part of my freedom of carrying on any trade, business or industry but also in the manufacture pression, gets buried, encouraged not understand the rigours of serious invest- that make up our interlocking public.
expression. It is part of my identity. profession a fundamental right. Un- of soaps, toothpastes, buttons, paint also by shrill debates in the elec- igative journalism. The moment they access Is it possible to do a sting to replicate Tony
Also my desire to eat what I want, less a trade is prohibited by law or brushes, surgical stitches, pharma- tronic media. a sheet of paper coming from officials, they Josephs How genetics is settling the Aryan
unless prohibited by law, is a matter taken over by the state, restrictions ceutical products and musical instru- While the mayhem caused contin- think they have unearthed a scam, and their migration debate ( June 17, 2017)? Lord
of my choice. Exercise of choice is of the kind imposed by the Rules re- ments. Indias leather industry ac- ues, the self-proclaimed chowkidar decibel levels reach a crescendo, only to be Levesons voluminous report refers to sting
part of a persons individuality. No garding sale of cattle are constitu- counts for around more than 12% of watches unmoved. While he does lost following the discovery of another sheet journalism as journalistic dark arts. Sting
one can pre-empt my right to exer- tionally suspect. the worlds leather production of not express himself, his government of paper, to proclaim another exclusive ex- journalism may create a buzz, but its logic is
cise that choice. The recent decision Lastly, sacrifice of an animal, in- hides and skins. chokes others freedom of pose. In 2008, Aidan White wrote an excel- never to examine anything in depth but to
of the Ministry of Environment pro- cluding cattle, as part of religious tra- India also accounts for 9% of the expression. lent handbook, To Tell You the Truth, in just skim the surface till it finds a new villain
hibiting trade of cattle and other an- dition, or slaughter for consumption, worlds footwear production. If cattle which he laid down the ground rules for of the day.
imals meant for slaughter is baffling. is part of the fundamental right to are not slaughtered, they would need Kapil Sibal is a former Union Minister and journalism to remain a trustworthy endeav-
This is sought to be accomplished by freedom of expression. Even other- to be protected and cared for. This senior Congress leader our. Fierce competition and a lack of regula- readerseditor@thehindu.co.in

Deubas fourth innings Israel dares UN to order return to old frontiers
Israel will refuse to comply with any United Nations General
Nepals new Prime Minister faces a Assembly resolution calling for a return to pre-war boundaries
tough year ahead in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Abba Eban said in an in-
terview published to-day [ June 18]. The Government and Press
stepped up attacks on the Soviet Union on the eve of the emer-
Kallol Bhattacherjee
gency Assembly session requested by the USSR to demand
Nepals new Prime Minis- that Israel give back the territory it captured in the six-day war.
ter, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Mr. Eban was interviewed by the English-language Jerusalem
who took charge on June 6, Post before he flew to New York yesterday [ June 17] to head
has a tough job on hand. He Israels U.N. delegation. If the General Assembly were to vote
got a taste of the diicult by 121 to one in favour of Israel returning to the (1948)
times ahead even before armistice lines to-morrow [ June 19], Israel would refuse to
taking over, as the second comply with that decision, he said. This has been made clear
phase of the local-level to the major powers. Mr. Eban said Israeli strategy would try
elections were postponed to prevent harmful intervention in the new Middle Eastern
to June 23. realities.
The postponement was
necessary in view of the A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 19, 2017
fact that this round of polls
were meant for the Madhes At Allahabad
region that has opposed CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Nepal governments plans A public meeting to be held on Friday is being arranged to ask
CONCEPTUAL SHELF HELP for the withdrawal of the internment order [against G.A. Ar-
for elections, calling it a
drama. Locals and Mad- Ordoliberalism undale, B.P. Wadia and Annie Besant, issued on June 7, 1917 by
hesi party leaders have Economics Patterns out of chaos the Acting Chief Secretary of Madras, Lionel Davidson]. It is ex-
pected that the Honble Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya will
been holding strikes and
protests for days in this An economic ideology that Making sense of the populist wave around the world preside. A large number of leading Allahabad citizens who
AFP
regard. views the the state as an in- have hitherto kept aloof from the Home Rule League for one
stitution that offers an ap- Suhasini Haidar iters in U.K., or Marine Le Merkel and Mr. Trump. reason or other propose now to join it. The Honble Dr. Tej Ba-
A curious situation propriate legal framework In these times of turbulent Pen in France? Is discom- The Populist Explosion: hadur Sapru, President of the United Provinces Congress Com-
Mr. Deubas irst task, therefore, is to conduct polls in Madhes for the efficient function- change and unexpected fort with civil society or- How the Great Recession mittee, has sent a telegram to the Home Secretary, Simla, this
provinces without violence. However, widespread incidents of ing of the market eco- outcomes, it is natural to ganisations a factor that Transformed American morning conveying the protest of his committee against the in-
arson and protests in the plains, partly due to a lack of con- nomy. It emphasises that take comfort in patterns. brings Vladimir Putin, Xi and European Politics, by ternment orders and saying that the action of the Madras Gov-
sensus among the political parties, have struck a blow to the the state has a crucial role Which is why surprise elec- Jinping and Rodrigo John N. Judis tries to draw ernment will excite the public mind throughout India and the
hopes. to play in fostering market tions, mass movements Duterte together? Are the explanations from history, only consequence will be stronger agitation, and that the com-
A signiicant number of leaders of the Madhesi morcha, led competition, by prevent- and the rise of authorit- religious nationalisms of as do a series of books try- mittee views the new policy with apprehension and suggests
by the newly formed Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal, say in ing the rise of monopolies arian but popular leaders Recep Tayyip Erdoan in ing to trace the roots of that the Governor-General may direct local Governments gen-
private that elections should not be held without irst complet- that can exert harmful eco- in the past few years have Turkey and Narendra Modi todays authoritarian lead- erally not to embark upon it.
ing the process of bringing amendments to the Constitution. nomic and political power. sparked a flurry of books in India part of a pattern? ers to 1930s Germany:
Yet, they have expressed support in public. It is in this curious At the same time, the state worldwide. Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939 by CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
situation where participating parties can go back on their must also avoid distorting Some writers have Populism vs. pluralism Volker Ulrich and Becom-
promises that Mr. Deuba has to run his government. the free market. Ordolib- found the pattern to be One of the best places to ing Hitler by Thomas DATA POINT
Despite being a seasoned political leader with three past eral principles, famously about politics, others have start is Princeton professor Weber (out later this year).
stints at the top post, Mr. Deuba is bound to ind the current adopted by former Ger- tried to study leadership Jan Werner Mullers What Two Indian authors have
spell a new experience. In his three previous stints, Mr. Deuba man Chancellor Ludwig styles, and some others is Populism? In his treatise, contributed significantly to
a product of the politics of durbar-democracy conluence Erhard, played a major have turned to history to Mr. Muller strips down the the debate this year.
dealt with a diferent Nepal. Present-day Nepal, on the other role in the miraculous rise try and understand just current wave of populist Basharat Peers compar-
hand, is facing disruptive politics due to an upsurge in demo- of the German economy in what is happening. movements, both left-wing ison of the politics of Mr.
cratic sentiments from all sections of the society. the post-Second World There are books like and right-wing, to their ba- Modi with that of Mr. Er-
War era. Hillbilly Elegy, J.D. Vances sics: Populism, according doan, A Question of Or-
The old vs. the new riveting account of social to Mr. Muller, is a rejec- der: India, Turkey, and the
On the one hand, the Madhesis and the Janajatis are demand- and economic strife in the tion of pluralism. Return of Strongmen looks
ing an amendment to the Constitution passed in September U.S., that seek to find An equally important at the phenomenon of anti-
2015. On the other hand, there is the old order, in which Mr. purely American reasons body of work has come liberal elected autocrats
Deuba was trained, trying to preserve its inluence. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC for the Donald Trump vic- from Ivan Krastev, who has worldwide. In The Age of
Mr. Deuba is therefore going to face a tough year ahead, be- tory. But a host of others followed his bestseller Anger, Pankaj Mishra, who
MORE ON
3
ginning with the June 23 elections. This will be followed by an- ask if there are global Democracy Disrupted: The clearly experiences much
other round of local elections and general elections. He will THE WEB threads we can draw. Is the Politics of Global Protest of that anger, dissects the
also have to balance Nepals expanding role in the region and anti-globalisation plank of (2014), with a well-timed many isms of our time: re-
beyond. The Hindu explains: How Mr. Trump in America or book called After Europe, ligious extremism, nation-
His irst challenge, next weeks elections, will not just test worms could solve plastic Viktor Orban in Hungary almost presaging the realism, revivalism, majorit-
him but also send a message on the resilience of the Himalayan pollution linked to the platform of cent NATO spat between arianism and yes,
nations democracy. http://bit.ly/wormssolveplasticpollution Nigel Farage or the Brex- German Chancellor Angela cynicism.
CM M ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
Legislation and legality

In the Aadhaar-PAN case, the Supreme Court has efectively held that policy goals override rights
trumps) the court has accepted, Now, its plain to see that even if
sans reasons, sweeping conclu- Parliament represents the interests
sions drawn by the state. of the people, any legislation made
End the violence Casting away concerns
by it is a product of the proclivities
of the government in power. To
And take steps to empower the Gorkhaland For instance, the court altogether check whether a legislation is arbit-
rejected the contention that the In- rary or not is not to question the
Territorial Administration
suhrith parthasarathy come Tax Act cannot make wisdom of the legislature, but
L
ongstanding issues such as the demand for a sep- Aadhaar compulsory when the rather to examine whether the clas-
t one point in its recently de- core legislation, the Aadhaar (Tar- siications that a law makes are ra-
arate state of Gorkhaland in the Darjeeling Hills of
West Bengal cannot be wished away with a magic
wand. State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appears to
A livered judgment, in Binoy
Viswam v. Union of India, the
Supreme Court described the dis-
geted Delivery of Financial & Other
Subsidies, Beneits & Services) Act,
2016, makes enrolment in the
tional and to scrutinise whether
Parliament has exercised judgment
by responding to reasoned analysis
think otherwise, as if charisma, short-term political tac- pute over Section 139AA of the In- scheme voluntary. The court did as opposed to the whims of motiv-
tics, and tokenism are enough. Ms. Banerjee had come Tax Act, 1961, as falling this by accepting as gospel truth the ated interest groups. Here, the
claimed to have solved the Gorkhaland issue after within a category of what Ronald ists a particularly knotty contro- trine of their community. states arguments that the linking of court inds no need for such an in-
agreeing to the semi-autonomous Gorkhaland Territ- Dworkin calls hard cases. The versy over deciding what the law The issues in Binoy Viswam, Aadhaar and PAN can help eradic- quiry because a legislation, it
orial Administration in 2011, following a series of agita- petitioners before the court had ar- really is, where an application of however, called for no such Her- ate the ills of tax evasion caused by holds, cannot be subject to judicial
gued that the provision, which difering value judgments could culean interpretive exercise. Nor a proliferation of black money. Sev- review for being purely arbitrary.
tions by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. In the years since
makes it obligatory on individuals plausibly result in contradictory did it require the court to indulge in eral signiicant concerns high- Arguments on how Section
its establishment, little has been done on the ground to iling income tax returns to link identiications of the law. any lawmaking. The facts were lighted by the petitioners, which 139AA violates a persons right to
transfer many of the subjects to the body as was prom- their permanent account numbers To illuminate this point, in his simple enough, and the court, not- showed that both biometric details practise any profession or carry on
ised, rendering the notion of autonomous rule in the (PAN) to their Aadhaar, was uncon- book, Laws Empire, Dworkin cites withstanding its assertions to the and iris scans can be forged, were any trade under Article 19(1)(g) also
Hills rather moot. The hold of the GJM in the Hills was stitutional as it, among other McLoughlin v. OBrian, a 1983 contrary, did not have to decide on also swept aside without so much met with a similar fate. And this
sought to be broken by reaching out to indigenous com- things, infringed a number of fun- House of Lords case involving an the wisdom of the Legislature in as a mention. As a result, the states cloud has only the thinnest of silver
munities in the region through the creation of various damental rights. automobile accident. Here, Ms. enacting a particular law, but argument was allowed to stand, in linings when a Constitution
The court, however, in declaring McLoughlins husband and four merely on its constitutionality. To spite of the fact that almost no ra- Bench eventually decides on
tribal development boards. The GJM, on the other
this case as hard, was efectively children were injured after their do this, it only had to apply existing tional nexus has been shown to ex- whether Aadhaar as a collective
hand, believes that the GTA is just a stepping stone for telling us that its abilities were car was hit by a lorry. She only precedent to rule on whether Sec- ist between the governments pur- policy infringes the rights to pri-
the creation of a separate State. Legitimate grievances somehow hamstrung by the nature heard about the accident a few tion 139AA violated one or the ported aim of eradicating black vacy and bodily integrity (if indeed
with the West Bengal government on transfer of powers of the dispute, that despite the hours later, and when she drove to other of the fundamental rights money and the classiication that such liberties are deemed as funda-
to the GTA aside, the GJM, which has ruled the Author- strength of the petitioners argu- the hospital where the rest of her guaranteed in Part III of the Consti- Section 139AA makes in compelling mental guarantees), there remains
ity, too has been guilty of lackadaisical administration. ments there existed principled family was admitted, she was told tution. Regrettably, the courts an- individuals alone to secure a the possibility that Section 139AA
The party also mirrors Ms. Banerjees Trinamool Con- reasons why it might be diicult for that one child had died and the oth- swers to these basic questions are unique identity. may be rendered void.
it to intervene. Unfortunately, this ers were seriously injured. Ms. patently misjudged. The court showed a similar dis- But, for now, were left with a
gress in Machiavellian tactics, such as dovetailing with
assertion lies in the face of Amer- McLoughlin, as a result of these rev- Despite keeping arguments over dain in dismissing arguments made deeply undesirable and unsatis-
the Bharatiya Janata Party in parliamentary elections ican philosopher-jurist Dworkins elations, sufered a nervous shock, privacy outside the scope of their on the arbitrariness that is inherent factory outcome: all those who
alone so as to secure support for the statehood demand. ideas which the court sought to and she later sued the lorry driver submissions given that a larger in Section 139AA. The reasons sup- already possess an Aadhaar card
The ad hocism and tokenism shown by these two polit- invoke. whose negligence had caused the bench of the Supreme Court has plied by the petitioners on why the must integrate it with their PAN, re-
ical parties in West Bengal are responsible for the re- While at irst blush, a quibble accident. been asked to rule on whether In- linking of Aadhaar and PAN is ca- gardless of whether they ever ima-
newed violence in the Darjeeling Hills. For its part, the over this categorisation might seem This case, in Dworkins belief, dias citizens possess a funda- pricious were wholly ignored. For gined having to submit to such a
BJP is caught in a bind it seems to be sympathetic to a largely frivolous concern, seeing was hard because there was no mental right to privacy at all there example, the judgment failed to burden at the time of securing the
as it is made on apparently existing precedent where a person were a number of acute arguments heed to the fact that the con- identity, and where any person
the statehood demand, allied as it is to the GJM in the pedantic grounds, in reality the was awarded damages despite be- that were made to show the court sequences of an invalidation of a who iles an income tax return after
Hills, but is afraid to articulate it openly as it has ambi- courts mistake here goes to the ing absent from the scene of the ac- that Section 139AA violated the persons PAN might result in a vir- July 1 must have, at the least, ap-
tions in the rest of the State. root of why it got its decision in cident. To decide such a case, rights to equality, to practise any tual civil death, as the senior plied for a unique identity. As to
The proximate cause for the lare-up in the Hills was Binoy Viswam as it did, and why it Dworkin said, a judge must view profession, and to personal liberty counsel Arvind P. Datar, who rep- how this distinction is constitution-
the State governments announcement that Bengali so often fails to uphold critical civil law as integrity, that proposi- of the petitioners. However, each of resented one of the petitioners, de- ally sustainable, the court tells us
should be compulsorily taught in all schools in West liberties when faced with acts of tions of law are true if they are de- these arguments was dismissed al- scribed the provision. Instead the little. Ultimately, this wasnt a
governmental coercion. rived from principles of justice, most on the singular ground that court invoked the proposition that hard case to decide. But by get-
Bengal till Class X. Earlier this month the government
fairness and procedural due pro- the state has a legitimate interest in a legislation cannot be struck down ting its conclusions as it has, the
had also held a cabinet meeting in the Hills after many Dworkins hard cases cess, which provide the best con- making classiications to efectuate on grounds of arbitrariness alone. judgments consequences are cer-
years, drawing a sharp response from the GJM and For Dworkin, hard cases are structive interpretation of the com- its policy decisions. This might To do this, it relied on the verdict tainly likely to prove diicult, im-
other separatist political forces that saw this as a ploy to those disputes where no settled munitys legal practice. In other seem like an unexceptionable pro- from 2015 in Rajbala v. State of posing, as they do, an unreason-
undermine the GTAs authority. Ms. Banerjee later clari- rule dictates a decision either words, a judge deciding such a dis- position. But in efectively holding Haryana, ignoring, in the process, able burden on our essential civil
ied that Bengali was optional in the hill district, but this way, and where, therefore, it pute must test her interpretation that the government has the power a mountain of earlier precedent liberties.
was not enough to assuage sentiments as the GJM might seem that a proper decision by asking whether her decision to undermine rights to achieve where arbitrary state action, in-
could be generated by either policy could form part of a coherent the- policy goals (an ironic conclusion cluding by way of legislation, has
sought to use this point to ramp up agitations. The
or principle. In other words, they ory that justiies the entire network given that Dworkin, who the court been held as antithetical to the Suhrith Parthasarathy is an advocate
whipping up of passions in the Hills has coincided with encompass cases where there ex- of political structure and legal doc- relies on, championed rights as guarantee of equality. practising at the Madras High Court
the rise of Bengali chauvinism in the plains in the recent
past. This polarisation does not portend well. The State
government must reach out to the GJM and work out a
way to transfer powers to the GTA as was promised in
2011. A signal in this direction will go a long way in tamp-
Another summer of discontent
ing down the violent agitation. It should also abandon Why Mamata Banerjee is in a bind over how to handle the Darjeeling agitation
its wishful thinking that short cuts can solve the intract- ment on Hailey Road in Delhi, Mr. severe, as something or the other ing is not about how committed the
able Gorkhaland issue, which is culturally rooted. Gurung, who heads the main has kept the homeland movement TMC is, but why?
party, the Gorkha Janmukti alive. Once again, civil society argues
Morcha (GJM) in Darjeeling said, in that creating a buzz from com-
2009 that backing Mr. Tamang was Simmering within munity board formation to target-
Sunday revival perhaps his wisest political
move. Mr Gurung followed up Mr.
In Darjeeling, many civil society
representatives have argued that
ing GJM leaders using unparlia-
mentary language was an
suvojit bagchi Tamangs success by launching the the 2017 movement was simmer- attempt to squash the Nepali iden-
Pakistan overcame the odds and displayed
GJM. ing inside. It was an anti-GJM tity question. Many within the GJM
glimpses of world-beating teams of the past
T
en years ago, Prashant movement but not for the reasons have argued that the party was
Tamang, a constable in the A repeated demand as perceived by the government. reprimanded in the civic polls
P
akistans thumping 180-run victory over India in
West Bengal police, and an If Prashant Tamang brought the is- The Trinamool Congress (TMC) ar- not necessarily for corruption
the ICC Champions Trophy inal at Londons Oval ethnic Gorkhali from Darjeeling, sue of the Nepali identity and na- gued that the GJM was losing the but for settling for too little
on Sunday shredded the form book and under- won the television show Indian tionality back in focus in Darjeel- peoples mandate on account of autonomy by signing the GTA
PTI
scored the teams reputation for being unpredictable. Idol Season 3, no mean feat for a ings politics in the last decade, it mismanagement of funds. agreement, 2011. The call for devel-
Perhaps India paid the price for banking on its batting young man from a perennially neg- was Bengal Chief Minister Mamata largely unchanged in 2017, says In his blog, TMC MP Derek opment and the buzz is thus
might as on winning the toss, Virat Kohli preferred to lected region. Mr. Tamang got ad- Banerjee who has triggered the is- the key ideologue of the GJM, Amar OBrien has argued that the GJM- seen to be an attempt to dilute the
chase, which is often diicult in a high-stakes inal ditional votes after an appeal to the sue in 2017. Her government an- Singh Rai, in a recent interview to run Gorkhaland Territorial Admin- Gorkhaland issue.
police force by Zuliqar Hasan, a nounced that Bengali would be The Hindu. However, many have istration (GTA) received 1,500 Bimal Gurung realised that this
where the scoreboard pressure can be stiling. Only
joint commissioner in the Kolkata mandatory in schools. Though questioned Ghisinghs position crore from the State and the Cent- simmering angst could have led
once has India successfully chased a big score in a big- Police, and now an operations she withdrew the mandatory bit, over the years. ral governments in the last ive to him being replaced had the GJM
ticket match Sri Lankas 274 for six in the 2011 World chief of the Central Reserve Police the damage was done. But the demand to treat Darjeel- years but refused to ile the ac- not relaunched the Gorkhaland
Cup inal in Mumbai. But back then it was Kumar Force in Kashmir. However, the decision is only ing as a separate unit has often counts. As the TMC asked for a movement. He needed an issue
Sangakkara who had won the toss and opted to take irst On realising that the Bengal Po- the efect of a cause rooted else- returned. Historian Subhas Ranjan special audit, it rattled the and this was when the issue of the
strike. Besides overlooking history, India was unable to lice were batting for a Nepali where. Between 1907 and 1987, de- Chakraborty, who has stayed and GJM, the MP said. Moreover, he imposition of Bengali cropped up.
counter centurion Fakhar Zamans brilliance and failed singer, many approached the un- mands for a separate Darjeeling worked in Darjeeling for many said that the developmental pro- However, the question is this: how
disputed leader of Darjeeling, were raised on at least on 15 occa- years, noted that in 1907 on behalf jects of Ms. Banerjee had resulted will Ms. Banerjee deal with the situ-
to survive against Pakistans potent attack. Wasim
Subhash Ghising, to back Mr. sions, notes Tapash Mukherjee, a of the hill people of Darjeeling, a in the TMCs victory in recent civic ation, given that most Bengalis are
Akram, one of the greatest fast bowlers, has said he sees Tamang. Ghisings lack of enthusi- veteran journalist who has covered separate administrative unit was polls which stunned the GJM. against the division of the State?
a younger version of himself in Mohammad Amir, and asm was a boon for his former aide, Darjeeling. demanded. In 1930, a representa- The TMC is widely expected to do Thus for Ms. Banerjee, there is little
on Sunday Amir emphatically lived up to the faith inves- Bimal Gurung, who soon appealed Sikkim gifted Darjeeling to the tion to Sir Samuel Hoare, Secretary well in the forthcoming GTA elec- option but to quell it. Whether she
ted in him. He stunned the Indian batsmen and ripped for votes for Mr. Tamang. Millions East India Company in 1835 and of State for India, said that Dar- tions as the Chief Ministers pres- does it with diplomacy or coercion
apart the top order, leaving the defending champions of Nepalis voted believing that it Ghisingh referred to this transfer of jeeling should be excluded from ence has created a buzz in Dar- remains to be seen.
wobbling at 33 for three in nine overs. After Amirs pre- would be a step forward to being land when he demanded the de- Bengal. So, some say that the argu- jeeling and the TMC is committed
recognised as Indian and not tachment of Darjeeling. The stand ment that imposing Bengali acted to work hard, Mr. OBrien added.
cise incisions, there was only one way the match was
Nepali. Sitting in a sprawling apart- of the GJM on Gorkhaland remains as a trigger in 2017 may be too However, the question in Darjeel- suvojit.bagchi@thehindu.co.in
headed, as the batting wilted, yielding a total of just 158.
India was outplayed on all fronts. Extras had been con-
ceded India gifted 25 to Pakistans three and the LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
ielding lacked the passion that Sarfraz Ahmeds men
displayed. Not journalism electronic media and the predictions of cricket time they have is then spent However, it is unfortunate demonstrate the potential
Stepping into the tournament, India had shades of I am with the Readers temptation to enhance pundits, India was drubbed endorsing products. In the that this fervour has not of the Northeast to be the El
Pakistans traditional troubles, especially with rumours Editor, A.S. Panneerselvan, circulation by indulging in in the inal by its arch-rival inal while we marvelled at received the focus of the Dorado of quality players.
loating about of a cold equation between Kohli and when he says that sting sensationalism have to be Pakistan, which made a the ighting spirit and irm mainstream media or the The only impediment in the
journalism is not checked. remarkable comeback. grit of Pakistans players, we support of national sport quality manifestation of
coach Anil Kumble usually it is Pakistan that grapples investigative journalism Simultaneously, our saw only a bunch of meek bodies. For long, football in
Y.G. Chouksey, their inborn talent is the
with revolts in the dressing room. In any event, the ( June 19). There is an ethical Pune forgotten hockey team Indian players. India has been viewed as lack of resources to sharpen
arch-rivals did well to reach the tournaments climactic diference between ilming crushed Pakistan elsewhere P.P. Venugopalan, being a Kerala, Goa or their acclaimed football
end. An India-Pakistan inal was the tonic that the Inter- a real event as proof of a At the Oval and beyond in London on the same Kannur, Kerala Bengal-centric afair. The skills.
national Cricket Council needed as viewership soared, certain incident and laying a Congratulations to Pakistan evening. All TV channels recent achievements of Bibhuti Das,
and it backed the parent bodys earlier decision of not trap for a target by creating on its emphatic win against featured cricket while A football nursery Lajong FC or the Northeast New Delhi
an imaginary scenario. Even India in the Champions hockey was given a back Sometimes sports becomes United FC and now the
abandoning the Champions Trophy. The latest edition more letters online:
in the former, what is seen Trophy at the Oval. The seat. Even on June 19, the an assuaging factor for Aizawl FC in the I-League www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
also lent hope about a revival in Pakistan cricket, as the captured on camera may match, which saw fortunes print media wrote people bedevilled by the
squad ranked eighth walked away with the silverware. not be the entire story. It luctuate, was vintage stuf prominently about cricket complexities of life corrections & clarifications:
A question corresponding to the GSPC (Gujarat State Petroleum
Ever since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus has to be supported by at its best (Sport while pushing the hockey (Weekend Sport In Corporation) deal got left out in a Business page interview with
in Lahore in 2009, Pakistan has been unable to have its other information. In Inspired Pakistan gives win down the page. Even football heaven, April 29). the chairman of energy major ONGC, Mr. Dinesh Kumar Sarraf
home series in Pakistan, barring the odd ixture. Ven- essence, a sting operator India a hiding, June 19). Kidambis victory in the The north-eastern States ( June 19, 2017). The question was: How do you justify the acquisi-
ues such as Sharjah and Dubai have been the home plays the role of a mole to The bonhomie and Indonesia Open got only a exemplify that creed. tion of KG basin block of GSPC for $1.2 billion? The acquisition of Im-
entice the target. This is not sportsmanship displayed by mention while Rohan Despite being swamped in perial Energy by ONGC for similar value was questioned and the
bases for its bilateral series. The team has mostly company had to write down the value of its investments.
journalism at all. the players of both teams Bopannas Grand Slam the miasma of poverty,
struggled, and its last signiicant triumph was the 2009 Sting journalism and paid were refreshing. India and doubles win at the French underdevelopment and The dateline corresponding to At Allahabad published un-
ICC World Twenty20 title in London at Sri Lankas ex- news have marked a decline Pakistan should play more Open hardly got the ethnic conlicts der A hundred years ago (From The Hindu Archives, June 19,
pense. The tournament also had enabled a moment of in the credibility and cricket in future as it will go coverage it deserved. compounded by perpetual 2017) was erroneously given as June 19, 2017 instead of June 19,
1917.
redemption for Amir, who had once been banned for integrity of the media. a long way in furthering the All this shows that cricket insurgency, north-eastern
Our media reached its cause of both sports and erodes the value of other Indians have never drifted A front-page report headlined Monsoon to be delayed over
spot-ixing in 2010. Sarfraz spoke for Pakistan crickets Central India ( June 19, 2017, some editions) erroneously gave the
well-wishers when he said, Hopefully this will boost zenith in the 1980s-1990s bilateral ties. sports. from professing their expansion of LPA as low pressure area. It should have been long
mainly due to the Nagarajamani M.V., Cricket stars are ilthy rich; passion for football. Any period average.
Pakistan cricket. The absence of the West Indies, Hyderabad
painstaking work of they have no time to tournament, whether local
which failed to qualify for this event, was hardly no- journalists those days; this practise, as they are or a broadcast of a duel It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
ticed. Yet cricket, a sport with global ambitions but was a change from the The much awaited continuously engaged in between Messi and contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
largely locked within Britains former colonies, cannot descriptive reporting in the Champions Trophy has various tournaments Ronaldo, is nothing less Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
aford to watch pedigreed outits lose their way. post-Independence phase. come to an end. Thwarting without adequate rest and than a Christmas Day All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
The craze for TRPs in the all calculations and practice sessions. Whatever celebration. visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

An unpredictable voyage Lessons for

The Prime Minister will be walking on thin ice when he visits the White House
six reactors we had contracted for
with Mr. Obama. The solution to the
investigating terror
liability law issue proposed by Mr.
Modi, which earned him the reputa-
We have been systematically diluting the capacity
tion of a man of action, has not taken and skills of the local police forces
off at all. Of course, Mr. Trumps
views on nuclear trade with India are fearless judges who are not only knowledge-
T.P. Sreenivasan not known, even though the nuclear able about the intricacies of contemporary
deal was the handiwork of fellow Re- terrorism but also have the courage to steer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will publican George W. Bush. the proceedings during a trial.
be on the most hazardous journey of
Inquiries into the 12 explosions in various
his political-diplomatic life towards Trumps climate-change denial
parts of Bombay in March 1993 were first
the end of June for his maiden en- On climate change, Mr. Modi had a
handled by the city police before being
counter with U.S. President Donald very good chance to be on the same R.K. Raghavan transferred to the Central Bureau of Investig-
Trump. Not only is Mr. Modis side as Mr. Trump if India had sup-
ation to facilitate an investigation that had as-
greatest achievement, the new ported a renegotiation of the Paris As one who was associated with the Bombay
sumed pronounced international dimen-
heights India-U.S. relations had Agreement. It is no secret that Mr. blasts trial for about two years (1999-2001),
sions, with the escape from the country of
scaled in 2016, in jeopardy but also Modi was not fully satisfied with the the latest conviction of six of the accused, in-
one of the principal conspirators, Tiger
the White House itself is in turmoil Paris Accord and had contemplated cluding Abu Salem, gives me enormous satis-
Memon, and other prominent accused like
with former FBI director James not ratifying it unless India got mem- faction. This court order forms part of the
Dawood Ibrahim already abroad.
Comeys testimony before the Senate bership of the Nuclear Suppliers second stage of the trial; in the first stage,
The Bombay Police did an outstanding job
Intelligence Committee and the Sen- Group. The argument was that India the special TADA court designated for the
in first identifying many of the large number
ates invitation to Mr. Trump to would not be able to reduce green- purpose had in September 2006 convicted
of the accused and later bringing them be-
testify. The results of Mr. Modis visit house gas emissions unless it en- as many as 100 accused. Much more grati-
fore the special TADA court. They further
could be as unpredictable as the per- hances its nuclear power generation. fied must be the unfortunate relatives and
produced enough credible evidence to per-
sonality of Mr. Trump, regardless of But Mr. Modi later vowed his allegi- friends of the 257 people who perished in
suade the court to frame charges against
the charm offensive that the Prime ance to the Paris Agreement. An am- the savage attack on March 12, 1993 that
most of them.
Minister is capable of. No stranger to DC: PM Narendra Modi at the White House in 2014. * PTI biguous line on Paris may have been brought the great city to its knees.
India had identified several to our advantage. My regret is that there is only a modest The common impression that units of a
streaks in the personality of Mr. India were another reason for optim- itive to the views of developed coun- With the liabilities outweighing public understanding of the complexity of State police are hardly equipped to handle
Trump, even in the days of the elec- ism. But his America first approach tries during climate negotiations. the assets that he is carrying to Wash- combating and investigating terrorism. The investigations of such epic proportions was
tion campaign, which held out a may well contradict Mr. Modis Make ington and the unconventional dip- Batla House controversy of 2008 in Delhi is for once proved wrong by the remarkable
glimmer of hope for better bilateral in India and Digital India initiatives. Offering an arms deal lomacy of Mr. Trump, Mr. Modi will an example to mention for sheer politicisa- groundwork done by the Bombay Police.
relations. Foremost among them was Even co-designing and co-produc- The real test for Mr. Modi lies in be walking on thin ice in the Oval Of- tion of terror matters and putting dedicated The investigations into the November 26,
an indication that he would follow a tion of defence equipment, which whether he has anything in his bag to fice. policemen in a state of discomfiture and 2008 attacks were again clinical, proving
policy of containment against China, formed the basis of the new sym- offer Mr. Trump to overcome these The first time he entered the Oval danger. once again that in post-Independence India,
in contrast to his predecessor Barack phony in India-U.S. relations, may hurdles. His penchant for personal Office, its then occupant had begun despite the valuable resources and talent
Obamas policy of calibrated cooper- not stand Mr. Trumps scrutiny by his chemistry may be counterproductive by congratulating Mr. Modi on the From investigation to trial that are available in the States, we have been
ation. Mr. Trump had called China a own standards of what is considered with Mr. Trump. The experiences of welcome he had earlier received There are several misconceptions about systematically diluting the capacity and skills
currency manipulator that had to be to be in the U.S.s interests. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from the Indian community in the what an investigation like the one into the of the local police forces. The political lead-
countered in the interests of the U.S. The litmus test of Mr. Trumps and French President Emmanuel Madison Square Garden. Perhaps, Bombay blasts could achieve. The establish- ership is the main culprit for this dismaying
economy. But the moment the North goodwill towards India was to be his Macron in shaking hands with Mr. Shalabh Kumar and his Hindu con- ment, both past and present, is often ac- phenomenon. Equally blameworthy is the
Korea crisis became critical, he em- policy on the information technology Trump have been disastrous. stituency may organise a matching cused of a failure to secure all the accused police leadership, which had over the years
braced China. (IT) industry, but it has failed be- One way to handle the visit is to performance to impress the current and get those available convicted by the meekly abdicated professionalism on the
cause of the restrictions he has im- steer the discussion towards matters occupant. But for the inward-looking court. The inability to bring the architect of sometimes dubious plea of political interfer-
Targeting terror posed on H-1B visas. Replacing In- of primary interest to Mr. Trump. His Mr. Trump, who has shown indiffer- the 1993 conspiracy, Dawood Ibrahim, to In- ence. The National Investigation Agency, set
Another straw in the wind was Mr. dian IT professionals with American visit to Saudi Arabia has shown that ence to the North Atlantic Treaty Or- dia to face trial has in particular been out- up in December 2008, has somewhat filled
Trumps extreme antagonism to- ones will only hurt the U.S.s business huge arms sales agreements are his ganization (NATO) and hostility to- rageously assailed as an index of the incom- in the gap in terror investigation skills
wards the Islamic world, which interests. In any case, it will take six weakness. Though we may not be wards the Paris Agreement and other petence of our agencies. This is unfair, to say between State and Central agencies.
found expression in the travel ban to seven years for the U.S. to replace able to match the Saudi figures, pur- international commitments, a the least. Despite nearly foolproof evidence Recent attacks in Europe, especially in the
against designated countries. The all Indians. This may be on the top of chase of arms may help even if it con- massive gathering of Indian immig- that he is being protected by the Pakistani U.K., have convinced us that no amount of
stated reason for the ban was terror- Mr. Modis agenda and a setback on tradicts our efforts to escape our rants may well be a provocation. authorities, my perception is that no amount deterrence can foil adventurism on the
ism, but the worst exporters of ter- this issue may sour bilateral reputation as the biggest importer of India should wish its Prime Minis- of security cover can permanently shield streets. But merely beefing up numbers of
rorism, like Pakistan, were excluded. relations. weapons. Mr. Modi will do well to ter well in his most difficult voyage. such a fugitive from justice. policemen is of no avail. What is even more
Later, Mr. Trump surprised everyone A reason for Indias likely disillu- collect the shopping lists of our ser- At this moment of a thorough re- Looking back 16 years, the most import- crucial is the need to constantly sharpen po-
by making his first visit abroad to sionment on these issues is that Mr. vice chiefs before boarding his flight. shaping of international relations, ant image in my mind is of a member of the lice reflexes vis--vis responding to an act of
Saudi Arabia, where he gave many Modi is expected to seek a reinstate- Since creating jobs in the U.S. is Mr. conflicting trends in recent elections judiciary who was scared to take up the case terror. The eight-minute reaction time dis-
other Muslim-majority countries a ment of Mr. Obamas architecture on Trumps first priority, a few good or- in France and the U.K. and a decline to conduct a day-to-day trial. He had to be as- played by the Metropolitan Police during the
sermon on terrorism without utter- India-U.S. relations, an edifice Mr. ders for U.S.-made weapons may of the post-Second World War dis- sured of an incredible scale of security be- London Bridge attack deserves to be studied
ing a word of criticism on Riyadhs Trump is determined to demolish. gladden his heart. pensation, India simply cannot af- fore agreeing. It is an entirely different mat- in detail and emulated.
human rights record. Further, an- He did not spare India even while By the same token, Mr. Modi could ford to lose out. Together with Ger- ter that later on he rose to the occasion to Governments and police forces have their
other tranche of reimbursement was disowning the Paris Agreement on look at the nuclear trade with the man and Chinese, a mixture of dispense justice that is now hailed in many roles cut out. But what about the citizenry?
made to Pakistan for fighting terror climate change as he said that one U.S., though he has embarked on an Indian English and Hindi must also quarters. He also went on to adorn the Bom- Is it not the responsibility of the private sec-
in Afghanistan. Mr. Modis concerns reason for his decision was that India indigenous programme and also prevail on the international stage. bay High Court. tor and volunteer groups to prepare for the
over cross-border terrorism are not was demanding billions and billions signed up for the next stage in The public should know that it is not the worst-case scenario without waiting for an
likely to get a sympathetic hearing in and billions of dollars to implement Kudankulam with Russian President T.P. Sreenivasan is a former Ambassador of investigator alone who needs to have the actual disaster to occur?
Washington. the pact. The remarks were unwar- Vladimir Putin. Westinghouse has India and currently Director General, Kerala guts to unravel all the facts. The judiciary
Mr. Trumps business interests in ranted as India has always been sens- gone bankrupt and cannot build the International Centre, Thiruvananthapuram should also be enabled to build a corps of R.K. Raghavan is a former CBI Director
Origins of us FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 20, 1967
Reciprocal curbs on Chinese embassy

How humanity just got tens of The Government of India to-day [ June 19] imposed on the
thousands of years older Chinese Embassy in the capital restrictions similar to those im-
posed on the Indian Embassy in Peking. These restrictions
Jacob Koshy came into force from 6 p.m. The Defence Minister, Mr. Swaran
Mans unrelenting Singh, who is temporarily in charge of the External Affairs
quest to chart out Ministry in the absence of Mr. Chagla, announced in the Lok
the precise pattern Sabha the Governments decision in response to persistent
of his ancestry got a questioning by Congressmen as well as Opposition members.
lightning jolt of ex- He also said in a statement earlier that the Government was
PHYS.ORG
citement this not considering severance of diplomatic relations with China

month. Fossil at the moment.
hunters have dated
a tranche of jaw,
tooth and skulls (in picture), unearthed at diferent periods
since the 1960s, from a cave in Jebel Irhoud, Morocco. These Swadeshi vow taken.
have been profered as proof of the oldest known humans. The A very largely attended public meeting, the like of which had
pair of research papers reported in Nature suggests that sci- not been held here [Trivandrum] within recent years, was
ence may have grossly underestimated the age of humanity. held at the local Victoria Jubilee Town Hall, last evening [ June
Until last month, the consensus was that humans were about 18], under the presidency of Mr. K.P. Raman Menon, B.A.,
2,00,000 years old. This discovery pushes the history of hu- B.L., to protest against the internment of Mrs. Annie Besant
man evolution back to at least 3,00,000 years. and Messrs. G.S. Arundale and B.P. Wadia. The hall had been
There are multiple reasons why this is signiicant. One, it CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC packed to its utmost, and many had to seek accommodation in
shows the extremely inventive methods that archaeologists the verandhas on either side. There were Musalmans, Hindus,
and paleo-anthropologists tap to date human history. Here CONCEPTUAL ABSTRACT Christians and others, such a gathering having not been wit-
they used electron spin resonance dating that tells you how
long a sample in this case the enamel from the teeth had
Lewis turning The economic legacy of empires nessed before. Mr. Raman Menon in a strong speech explained
the terms Home Rule and self-Government and referred to
been exposed to the radiation from the surrounding sediment point their claim for self-Government. In conclusion, he thought
in which it was buried. The age was computed by measuring
the atoms with unpaired electrons (free radicals) which were
Economics
A paper reports a strong link between the share of that, perhaps, one of the faults on the part of Mrs. Besant,
which deserved internment was that she induced many young
created by the ambient radiation. The other technique em- The point when the supply Europeans in colonies and the latters present income men to join the Indian Defence force.
ployed was thermo-luminescence. Accompanying the bones of surplus labour from
were lints that were probably used to make ire. When heated, rural areas, for employ- Prashanth Perumal Europeans created institu- find that the share of
electrons are released from those rocks and over time solar ra- ment in cities, is ex- Countries colonised by tions that promoted long- Europeans in the colonial
diation replenishes those electrons. In a lab, such stones are hausted. It is named after Europes imperial powers term economic develop- population is more
heated again and based on the number of electrons scient- Caribbean economist Wil-
DATA POINT
had vastly divergent eco- ment. On the other hand, strongly correlated with
ists can igure out how long ago those stones were irst ired. liam Arthur Lewis, who nomic fates after the end when they had little economic development,
In 2010, scientists extracted DNA from Neanderthal bones proposed the idea in 1954. of colonial rule. Some reason to settle in a re- than the share of
and were able to sequence the entire genome of that species, Consequently, Lewis also prospered into extraordin- gion, the Europeans set European descendants in
which is considered our most mysterious cousin. From this we won the Nobel Prize in arily rich economies, up institutions that were the colonys population
know that 2-4% of DNA in Europeans and Asians is of Neander- 1979. All countries witness while others made very suited only for the quick today.
thal provenance and that there was a far deeper connect the Lewis turning point in little progress. Could such plunder of resources. Thus, the quality of in-
between the two species than was previously assumed. the course of their trans- economic divergence be The European Origins stitutions, rather than the
ition from agrarian to in- due to differences in the of Economic Develop- quality of human capital
Discovery in western Africa dustrial economies. The kind of influence that co- ment, a 2016 paper by supplied by Europeans,
Another aspect of the Jebel Irhoud ind was the location: Mo- movement of labour to- lonial rulers had on the American economists Wil- may better explain the
rocco. In the last four decades, fossil inds in the East African wards cities comes to a colonies? Some research- liam Easterly and Ross present economic fate of
Rift Valley, such as the bipedal ape Lucy, human precursors halt when, as a result of ers have speculated that Levine, sheds more light the colonies.
Homo habilis and Homo erectus, had veered scientiic opinion the continued drainage of the quality of institutions on the link between There is an assumption
to the east of Africa being the cradle of mankind. However labour from rural areas, set up by the imperial European settlements and here that Europeans had
South Africa, with recent discoveries of pre-humans such as wages in rural areas rise powers may have dictated economic growth. East- significant influence over
Homo naledi and million-year-old ancestors of hominids, such above those in the cities. the long-run economic erly and Levine find that the quality of institutions
as Australopithecus sediba, has persistently laid claim to be the growth of the colonies. there is a strong positive in their colonies. Other-
cradle of mankind. Now with Morocco, theres an entirely new correlation between the wise, these findings can
west side story that has cropped up. Quality of institutions share of Europeans in the be used as effectively to
Archaeologists have usually sought to mark out the descent Daron Acemoglu and total colonial population support other arguments.
of man through traits such as bipedalism, tool making, brain James A. Robinson, for in- and the per capita income The most obvious one be-
volume and existence of social structure in ancestral species. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC stance, in their famous of the colonies today. ing: it was the quality of
However, many of these traits are now seen to be far more 2012 book Why Nations Once again, this sug- colonial institutions that
MORE ON
3
widely distributed in the animal kingdom in beings that are Fail, argued that local con- gests that the regions that influenced the decisions
not even remotely linked to the human lineage. THE WEB ditions influenced the Europeans found most of European powers,
The acuity of electron-spin measurements, thermolumin- nature of institutions set hospitable, and thus either to settle and
escence and DNA extraction methods will only blunt the sharp Video: London mosque up by Europeans. If the settled in, may have ended prosper in a region for the
distinctions that Homo sapiens sapiens has created to distin- attack colonies were well-suited up with better institu- long run or simply plun-
guish itself from its siblings. Humanity, it is increasingly clear, http://bit.ly/LondonMosque for their settlement, the tions. The authors also der and leave quickly.
is easier to deine than humans.
CM M ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
The art of positive messaging

The opposition parties might do well to take a leaf out of the BJPs playbook
even painful, and proving to be narrative is essentially make-be-
counter-productive, decisions by lieve, ignoring the power of posit-
American voyage the government by using the lan-

guage of sacriice. For a country
that was distressed by scams after
ive messaging can be perilous for
those involved in mass mobilisa-
tion in an age when post-truths and
The PMs meeting with Trump gives India a scams during the second United alternative facts tend to chip away
happymon jacob Progressive Alliance government, at the fundamentals of fact-based
chance to study its options in a changed world
Mr. Modis assertive and impas- debates. The non-BJP parties have
T F
hree years after his irst visit to meet U.S. Presid- or all the killing and be- sioned calls for making personal typically ignored the lessons of
ent Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra heading they do on the sacriices to curb corruption and positive messaging. Most of their
Modi will travel to Washington for his irst meet- LoC (Line of Control), we terror inancing came across as be- narratives labour on about inabilit-
thrashed them so badly on the ing driven by a national sense of ies, inadequacies and a what can
ing with the new President, Donald Trump, on June 26.
cricket ield yesterday, my Uber purpose and invoked our deep we do, we are a Third World coun-
His visit in 2014 was made easier by a strong Indo-U.S. driver told me, with a palpable sense of patriotic duty. try refrain. While the Left parties
relationship built steadily over the previous two dec- tinge of pride in his voice, the critique the Congress and the BJP,
ades, and grounded in Mr. Obamas personal commit- morning after the Indian cricket rather, it extends to imaginary glor- tential among the poor. The poor Operationalising achhe din they have been unable to sell their
ment to enhancing strategic ties. It also beneited from team won the ICC Champions ies of the past, revenge on the en- are the strength of this country. The BJPs well-choreographed and own alternative on a grand scale.
Mr. Modis willingness to let bygones be bygones, over Trophy match against Pakistan on emy, sacriices for collective good, There are three core styles of inely calibrated achhe din mes- Criticism, while important for the
the earlier denial to him of a visa to the U.S., in order to June 4. But Pakistan has beaten among others. Politicians and positive messaging that the BJP sage constructs a seductive meta- survival of a democracy, lacks pos-
India several times in the past, I political parties habitually use typically engages in, and thereby discourse about glory, achieve- itivity. Thanks to its historical bag-
build a new relationship, and his show of diaspora reminded the young man who kept symbols and images associated successfully connecting with the ments and revenge leading to the gage of family-centred politics and
strength in the U.S. Mr. Modi now goes to Washington as checking for WhatsApp messages with positivity to gather domestic masses on the ground, who could creation of an ecosystem of positiv- corrupt leaders, the Congress
a seasoned interlocutor, not the new kid on the world on his smartphone at every traic political support. Make America do with some positive news amidst ity. It functions like a well-designed party has stopped inspiring
leadership block he was in previous visits. But the situ- signal. Yeah, sometimes they (the great again and Bharat Mata ki all the anxieties of their daily lives. advertising campaign it sells you people.
ation in 2017 is diferent. In the ive months since his in- Indian team) let us down, he com- jai are two of the best examples of The language of greatness and the narrative and enlists you. Once Left liberals are also accused of
auguration, Mr. Trump has made it clear that no inter- plained, irritated. I imagine that positive messaging in our times. growth are the most prominent in you get enlisted, you become the being too cynical. A few days ago, I
would have been the response had the BJPs tool kit of political mes- campaigner, and even if you know received a WhatsApp message
national relationship can be taken for granted, and it
I spoken to him now about Indias Questions of pride saging. The promise of achhe din the product is faulty, you are likely rhetorically asking why left liberals
will be diicult to predict which American foreign defeat by Pakistan in the Trophy i- Having been in power for over (good days) galvanised the na- to stick with it, often vigorously de- are so negative/pessimistic about
policy principles will be adhered to in the new adminis- nal on Sunday. three years now, the Bharatiya tional imagination and brought Mr. fending it. Thats just normal hu- the country. The left liberal tend-
tration, and which will be dropped without ceremony. Notice the subject of the two ref- Janata Party (BJP) government has Modi to power in 2014. From A.B. man behaviour. Many initial sup- ency to focus exclusively on short-
On the partnership with India, few will be willing to haz- erences to the Indian cricket team: little to show for itself in terms of Vajpayees India Shining to porters of the BJP who were comings and inadequacies does
ard a guess on what Mr. Trump has in mind. As Presid- victory is associated with we and economic growth, employment Mera Desh Badal Raha Hai, Aage genuinely upbeat about Mr. Modis not seem to sit well with a country
ent he has spoken to Mr. Modi twice, and sent his Na- defeat is associated with they or generation or national security. Badh Raha Hai (my country is achhe din plank in 2014 today that needs positive airmation and
our team. The underlying point is And yet, Prime Minister Narendra changing, its moving ahead) to realise that this was after all a smart a sense of self-worth. Bearers of
tional Security Adviser to the region. But he has also
simple: we would like to associate Modis popularity has only spiked. calming, without any basis of election strategy, but they ind it bad news arent popular any more.
criticised India on a tough tarif regime, on immigration with feelings and messages of pos- What explains this? Part of the an- course, that plastic surgery has an- too diicult to come out of the ro- There is, of course, a limit to
and professional visas, and while withdrawing from the itivity, prosperity and good news. swer lies in their ability to master cient Indian roots, BJP leaders con- bustly constructed world of posit- how long positive messaging alone
Paris climate accord, accused India of taking billions And by extension, just as we would the ine art of positive messaging sistently emphasis Indias lost ivity and greatness, more hype can get people rooting for a polit-
and billions of U.S. aid to fund its commitments. India prefer bearing good news rather by efectively fusing national pride glory, and the need to restore that. than real, which they helped build ical party or ruling dispensation.
has not been the biggest priority on Mr. Trumps list of than bad news, we instinctively like with our ordinary selves and daily It strikes a chord with the average and propagate. Thats not all. The relected glory of imagined vic-
meetings with world leaders; the focus has been on those who give us positive mes- lives. Mr. Modis well-televised vis- Indian voter. Besides creating a self-perpetu- tories is bound to fade away even-
sages and promise acts of pride its to great power capitals, accom- The BJP also uses the language ating and hyped-up ecosystem of tually. How the BJPs earlier India
Americas closest alliances in Europe and Japan, and
and achievement. Several psycho- panied by an abundance of glam- of revenge for positive messaging. positivity, the BJP has managed to Shining campaign collapsed un-
problem areas such as China and Turkey. logists have reached these conclu- our and grandeur, are What makes the post-Uri surgical further fortify its achhe din nar- der its own weight in 2004 is a case
Given the changed circumstances, oicials in both sions using scientiic studies. choreographed to look like our strikes, giving an occasional muh rative with the discourse on anti- in point. At a certain point, (real)
India and the U.S. have reportedly set aside any formal Its basic psychology that we like own teleported visits there, and we tod jawab (solid response) to nationalism. If you are not taken in GDP igures, shrinking employ-
agenda for the meeting on Monday, placing the em- to hear good things about our feel that the land of snake charm- Pakistan, or engaging in a war of by the dominant narrative and cri- ment opportunities and rising liv-
phasis on how the one-on-one meeting between the country, religion, cricket team, ers has inally arrived on the world nerves with China attractive to the ticise the state of afairs in the ing costs will start to matter. But
two leaders goes. Both sides have also, appropriately, Olympic medals, etc. as, they stage. From invoking Gujarati as- public is not any novelty about country, you could be termed as until then, the opposition parties
are, to some extent, an extension mita when he was the Gujarat them, given that previous govern- anti-national. Its a political double might do well to take a leaf out of
toned down expectations of any big announcements.
of our own selves. When our team Chief Minister to invoking national ments have also done similar whammy for those opposing the the BJPs playbook.
There are indications of likely agreements to be an- wins a match, we are winning the pride today, Mr. Modis ability to things, but the way these develop- achhe din message even if you
nounced on counter-terror cooperation, maritime match. But when they lose, we in- give a positive twist to just about ments are packaged to project a are not persuaded by the positive
Happymon Jacob is Associate Professor of
traic facilitation and trade. However, it would be wise stinctively try to shift the burden of any situation is unparalleled. Con- strong India and a stronger Prime messaging, being castigated as Disarmament Studies, Centre for
to put of more substantive decisions, on military co- failure to the team. This desire and sider, for instance, how Mr. Modi Minister. anti-national stops you from criti- International Politics, Organization and
operation, large defence purchases, Afghanistan and imagery of positivity is not limited reframed the curse of poverty with Third, the BJP and Mr. Modi have cising it. Disarmament, School of International
ighting regional terror, and the long-pending opera- to present achievements alone; clever word play: I ind great po- managed to give a positive twist to While much of the achhe din Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University
tionalisation of the nuclear deal to the next bilateral

meeting, and focus instead on irming up the ground
rules of engagement. That will allow Mr. Modi to get a
true sense of what Mr. Trumps commitment to the rela-
Bringing GM to the table
tionship is, while India studies its options on how to
chart its course amid the new uncertainty in world
Promoters of GM food need to reach out to consumers in a transparent, engaging manner
politics. That he is getting a sense of the changed U.S. the then Environment Minister, as the basis for deciding whether for the GEAC to draw up a fresh
administration may be clear from the decision not to Jairam Ramesh, placed a morator- GM foods should be allowed. protocol for the speciic tests that
hold any large gatherings of the Indian-American com- ium after undertaking extensive will have to be conducted in order
munity this time, presumably in deference to the pre- public consultation. Proponents of Lack of transparency to generate public conidence.
vailing sentiment in Washington over immigration. GM crops, including Noble laur- The lack of transparency in the reg- The GM mustard case does not
eates, insist that opposition to GM ulatory process further ampliies provide much evidence that any-
crops is driven by irrational fears of apprehensions stemming from a thing has changed since the
rama mohana r. turaga
Macron once more harm to human health and having
an environmental impact and ac-
precautionary approach. All the
safety tests for regulatory ap-
moratorium on Bt brinjal.
If there is a genuine case to be
O
n May 11, 2017, the Genetic cuse opposing environmental provals are typically conducted by made to allow GM crops to improve
With a parliamentary majority, he is well Engineering Appraisal Com- groups of misrepresenting facts. the same party that applies for yields and address Indias food se-
placed to heal an ideological rift in Europe mittee (GEAC) the sci- Such arguments, however, are un- commercialisation of GM crops curity, GM supporters might want
entiic committee of the Ministry of likely to convince the opponents of whether it is Mahyco on Bt brinjal to start cultivating an environment
T
he large majority for his La Rpublique En Environment, Forests and Climate GM crops. While the debate is com- volution only adds credence to or Delhi University on GM mus- of openness and transparency to
Marche in the National Assembly elections in Change that regulates genetically plex, involving a wide range of sci- these concerns. While GM support- tard. This conlict of interest was allay genuine fears instead of dis-
France has cleared the path for President Em- modiied (GM) crops in India had entiic, socio-economic, and polit- ers claim that there is little sci- made worse by the refusal of GEAC missing GM opponents as being ir-
cleared GM mustard for commer- ical factors, it is important to entiic evidence of adverse impacts (in both cases) to publicly release rational. On its part, the govern-
manuel Macrons government to implement his ambi-
cial production. Anti-GM groups understand two related issues that so far, GM opponents cite the need the safety testing data submitted ment should adopt a participatory
tious, if sometimes contentious, policies. Along with its immediately opposed the decision are fundamental to the opposition: for longer term assessment of ad- for regulatory approval until GM approach to bring together all
Democratic Movement allies, the LREM has won 350 of and appealed to the Minister for invoking the precautionary prin- verse impacts and more concrete opponents iled a Right to Informa- stakeholders to develop regulatory
577 seats. While the majority is smaller than the land- Environment, who gives the inal ciple for regulatory decision-mak- evidence of no adverse efects. Im- tion petition. This tendency to op- protocols that restore trust in the
slide many had predicted, the LREMs performance clearance, not to accept the GEACs ing and a lack of trust in govern- plicitly, GM opponents are invok- erate in secrecy has not only cre- process. The burden of proof lies
continues to show that the old system is being crowded recommendation. ment and industry that promotes ing the precautionary principle, ated a serious distrust of the with the promoters of GM techno-
out, with the mainstream Socialist Party on the left and and beneits from GM which is a widely incorporated one government and the promoters of logy to persuade consumers, farm-
Issues at core of opposition technologies. in several international agree- GM crops but is also fuelling the ers and activists that among vari-
the Republicans on the right sufering severe setbacks.
The question of whether India One of the principal reasons for ments and treaties on the environ- conlict. Extensive research on ous alternatives available for
From running the previous government, the Socialists should allow commercial produc- opposition to GM crops is the po- ment. In the context of technolo- public acceptance of GM foods in sustainable food production e.g.,
have been relegated to a historically low position with tion of GM crops has been one of tential for serious, irreversible gies such as GM crops, where there the European context identiies organic farming, use of biopesti-
around 30 seats, and their leader, Jean-Christophe the more enduring public policy damage to human health and the is signiicant scientiic uncertainty trust in regulatory agencies and in- cides GM technology is at least a
Cambadlis, has resigned after losing his own seat. The debates over the last decade-and-a- environment. This is especially rel- over their safety, the precaution- dustry as being a critical factor in serious option that we should
Republicans and their allies have won 137 seats, down half. After the approval of Bt cotton evant in the context of crops such ary principle suggests that we wait public willingness to accept GM embrace.
from 199 seats in the previous Assembly. On the far left, in 2002, the attempt to bring Bt as Bt brinjal which involve direct until a broader scientiic consensus technology.
Brinjal into commercial produc- consumption by humans, unlike Bt is achieved. For example, regula- In a well-articulated decision let- Rama Mohana R. Turaga teaches public
the Insoumise have secured more than the 15 seats re- tion faced serious resistance in cotton. The widespread havoc that tions in Europe, where GM crops ter at the time of rejecting Bt brin- policy and sustainability at the Indian
quired to form a parliamentary group. This is less than 2010. After the GEAC approved Bt chemical pesticides and fertilizers face similar opposition, explicitly jal, the then Environment Minister, Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
what their charismatic leader Jean-Luc Mlenchon had brinjal for commercial production, have caused since the Green Re- invoke the precautionary principle Jairam Ramesh, outlined the need The views expressed are personal
hoped for, but he himself has retained his seat and the
Insoumise would be looking to develop as an opposi-
tion movement, especially in light of the attenuating So-
cialist Party. The far rights Front National, with its core The candidate The BJP has a clear edge in each passing day (Another June 20). If the core identity to each individual. left sorely disappointed. It is
xenophobic and nativist philosophy seen to be dam- In nominating Bihar numerical terms, further summer of discontent, argument that sharing the Can anyone cite an instance a tragedy that our national
aging not just to the Fifth Republic but to all of Europe, Governor Ram Nath Kovind, fortiied by naming its Dalit June 20). Though it is particulars of ones Aadhaar where the modality had game is projected in poor
has done better than projected but is still well short of and a Dalit, as its candidate. However, it is understandable that and PAN numbers with gone wrong? light and a shame that even
its goal of 15 seats. presidential candidate, the clear that the move is more Gorkhas want to preserve others violates ones right to V. Lakshmanan, the Tamil Nadu Premier
BJP has bowled a googly, about vote bank politics. their unique culture privacy leading to an Tirupur, Tamil Nadu League, for example, gets
Mr. Macrons economic policy proposals are a mix of
uprooting the leg stump of On its part, the Opposition identity, the demand for a infringement of better and wider coverage.
right and left. They include cutting government spend- the Opposition. The should have sensed the separate State is ambitious. fundamental rights is Its only cricket It leads to the perception
ing and jobs, while investing in strategic sectors and in- maximum the Opposition BJPs line of thinking and India is a country of myriads correct, it must also be Its sickening to see how that where money lows, the
creasing the scope of some welfare schemes. He has can do now is to either announced, perhaps, the of minorities, and a borne in mind that such a obsessed the media is with media follows.
also proposed making labour laws more lexible. The support Mr. Kovinds candidature of Meira Kumar separate State for each one situation can be deemed to cricket. Many of us G. Vijay,
candidature or nominate who is also a it candidate of them will only polarise have some rightly perceived expected front page Kayalpatnam, Tamil Nadu
argument that such a large majority for the LREM is
dangerous is valid insofar as a strong and sizeable op- another Dalit or someone given her Lok Sabha the cultural plurality and and ingrained exceptions. coverage of Indias win over more letters online:
else from a minority Speakership background unity of India. State There is no judicial Pakistan in hockey but were www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
position is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. But
community and appeal for a and as the daughter of governments should be direction that an individual
the neither left nor right criticism of Mr. Macrons no ball. Jagjivan Ram. The only more pragmatic and not must share such particulars corrections & clarifications:
policies suggests an openness in the LREMs ideology. Editing error: A front-page report headlined Splitting hairs on
S. Rajagopalan, sensible option left for the impose any language or with another but only with
GST ( June 20, 2017) had incorrectly expanded GST as General
Additionally, some three-quarters of the new legislators Chennai Opposition now is to culture on those in a the governmental Sales Tax. It should have been Goods and Services Tax.
did not hold a seat in 2012, and therefore they contrib- support Mr. Kovind as he minority at least for the sake authorities for the
In the graphic titled Powerful strides that was published
The BJPs announcement seems to be non- of peace. In the case of individuals credibility and
ute to a renewal of the Assembly. Mr. Macrons irst along with the report, Tangedco may post proit ( June 20, 2017,
piece of legislation on moralising politics, which seeks may or may not herald a controversial. The Darjeeling, it will be safety. some editions), the igures corresponding to total revenue receipts
new dawn for the Opposition can try to decorous if various political Take the case of ones and total revenue expenses for 2017-18 (budget estimates) got in-
to bring greater probity into public life, is also good
marginalised in India. We bargain for the vice- parties do not take driving licence, for terchanged.
reason for optimism. Yet, Mr. Macron would do well to have had a Dalit President presidents post by advantage of the mayhem example. If a driver is Number theory the graphic that accompanied the report,
remember his presidential victory speech at the Louvre before the sagacious K.R. proposing Ms. Kumars and work towards involved in a road accident, Low-proile Dalit leader tipped for the highest oice ( June 20,
a promise to reunite a deeply divided country and Narayanan and yet Dalits name. It would also cooperation in the State he is bound to disclose the 2017) had a panel element that said the electoral college (for
bring people back from the extremes. The need for this and Adivasis continue to brighten her prospects for (Editorial End the particulars of his driving electing the President of India) comprises all Lok Sabha and Rajya
labour under overwhelming elevation in the next violence, June 20). licence to the police and is Sabha MPs and all the members of the 31 Legislative Assemblies. It
has been brought home again by a record abstention is clariied that the electoral college comprises only elected mem-
rate for the second round of elections on Sunday, of disadvantages in our presidential election. Paul Jom, not expected to protest that bers of the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha and the 31 Legislative As-
Republic. The question is, V.N. Gopal, Chennai the particulars are
about 57%. If the month since the presidential election semblies.
will the next Dalit President Chennai extremely personal.
is any indication, Mr. Macron is well-placed to provide at least verbally defend the Policy and rights Disclosure or linking of It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
the strong leadership both Europe and the democratic pluralist ethos of the Unrest in the hills One may tend to agree with ones Aadhaar number to contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
world seem to need at the moment. This will have to Constitution? The Gorkhaland agitation in the writer only when the PAN is intended, inter alia, Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
start at home, where the way is now clear for him. Vasantha Surya, West Bengal appears to be piece is read leetingly to streamline monetary All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
Bengaluru gaining momentum with (Legislation and legality, transactions and to provide visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

THE WEDNESDAY INTERVIEW | ABDUL BASIT
We have to keep the door open for possibilities

Pakistans outgoing High Commissioner says the two countries need to continue engagement on terror and other issues
Suhasini Haidar dia has a different position. der house arrest, the law will jected, then he has the right
Abdul Basits tenure as Pakistans High Commissioner to India Now terrorism is also a big is- move against him. At the end to submit an application for
began in March 2014, a few months before the NDA government sue for us, and in Pakistan, of the day it is for the courts clemency to the Army chief,
assumed office. The last three years have seen many low points Commander [Kulbhushan] to decide. and if he denies it, then to
in bilateral ties from cancellation of Foreign Secretary-level Jadhavs conviction has the President. So there is
talks in August 2014 over Mr. Basits invitation to Hurriyat lead- proven our concerns. We The UNSC, the U.S. and room for a rethink there.
ers to a near-freeze in dialogue over terror attacks emanating arent shying away from is- many other countries
from Pakistani soil. However, Mr. Basit believes that agreement sues like terrorism. But even seem to agree that the Given that the ICJ has
between the two sides on a framework for comprehensive dia- when you look at the Mum- man is a terrorist. Now given dates for the process
logue in December 2015 is a silver lining. While reiterating bai or Pathankot attacks, if your government has also on Indias case up to
Pakistans position that talks and preconditions cannot go to- you want to conduct a agreed to that. The December 2017 at least,
gether, he is optimistic they will resume in the near future. As he proper trial, the two coun- question is, whether it is has Pakistan committed
ends his stint, he talks about the need for a structured initiative tries would need to cooper- Hafiz Saeed, or Masood that it will not carry out
on the front channel. He also calls for keeping the door open to ate with each other... Azhar, why is it so difficult the sentence until then,
all possibilities. Excerpts: Without talking, how can for Pakistan to take even if the process takes
you realistically expect these serious action? two-three years?
issues to come to a close? I
Congratulations on the wouldnt be spending too feel that now that we have a If we do have evidence Yes that is clear, that goes
Champions Cup cricket much time finalising the framework under which to maintainable in a court of without saying. We would
win, but given the sort of modalities for talks. In dip- resume talks, it is just a mat- law, and if India cooperates like this process to be over
rivalry, is it actually better lomacy... you have to keep ter of time by giving us hard evidence, quickly, but until [it is], we
for bilateral ties that the the door open for possibilit- that could help too. are committed.
two countries dont play ies. I am hopeful that Are you quite confident
each other until their Pakistan and India will talk that the framework The SAARC process is Is there a back channel in
V. SUDERSHAN
other bilateral problems to each other, but whether it agreed to when Sushma currently being held up place on this issue or on
are resolved? happens now or two years Swaraj travelled to by Indias concerns on the larger relationship?
down the road, I do not Pakistan in December terror. Is Pakistan hopeful
No, I dont think so. I think know. 2015 would be taken of being able to host the No there is no back chan-
we should play cricket and forward if and when talks summit this year, and if nel between our two coun-
<
> We
other sports too... If we put You were held responsible resume, as so much has do not see any until Pakistans elections mentioned that India necessary would you tries. We must first think of a
off all sporting ties until we for shutting one door changed since then? move on the part of in 2018 or Indias in 2019, brought up Balochistan; we consider moving the formal structured dialogue
solve our problems, that yourself, when you
New Delhi to reach there will be no raised (Indias support to) Ba- venue to another and then we can think of a
wouldnt be wise. These invited the Hurriyat The issues remain the movement? lochistan in 2009 at Sharm country? back channel.
events do help create a bet- leadership for meetings, same. No matter how much
out for a structured el-Sheikh.
ter environment and we in 2014, just before the you fiddle with this frame- dialogue with us This is the impression we In our view, the surgical I havent seen any move to Is there a need for one,
need that. Foreign Secretary was work, you will end up com- get, that there is no hope for strikes never took place, and hold the SAARC summit yet. since it would seem much
leaving for Pakistan. Do ing to the same issues. Obvi- the root cause of all our a breakthrough at present. it was Delhis decision to take This hasnt happened for the of the progress seen
You are completing your you think your timing was ously we dont expect problems. But that is not what we hope the Jadhav issue to an inter- first time, and SAARC has between India and
tenure after three years in wrong? overnight results, but our en- will happen. national court, lets see what been held up before. We Pakistan in the years
India. When you came, gagement must not be inter- Pakistan hasnt had much We do not see any move happens. All these new is- wouldnt like the process to 2000-2008 were a result
there was the promise of a No, Pakistan has been en- rupted. Only then can we success on the on the part of New Delhi to sues that you mention only suffer, as all the countries in of a quiet dialogue or
new bilateral relationship, gaging with the Hurriyat, and move beyond this environ- international front reach out for a structured complicate the path to ad- South Asia have invested a back channel in place?
Prime Minister Narendra we never thought it should ment of accusations. either... dialogue with us. dressing the root causes: ter- lot in it. There is no proposal
Modi had invited his be a problem, and still dont. rorism, Kashmir, Siachin, Sir under consideration to move Even at that time, the back
Pakistani counterpart It seems as if Pakistan is Well the UN Security Coun- Do you agree that the Creek and others. the venue, and Pakistan will channel was in parallel to a
Nawaz Sharif to India, the The government said you constantly looking for a cil did in its resolution 1172 of discourse, especially host the 19th SAARC summit, front-channel process, so
Foreign Secretaries were crossed a red line. third party. A few days June 1998 state that Pakistan since the Pathankot Lets speak of terrorism whenever that happens. that was a different phase in
due to meet. How do you ago, the Russian [and India] should resolve attack, has changed ties then. The Pakistan our relationship.
assess relations today? But since then too, we have government had to deny their bilateral disputes, in- irrevocably in 2016? For Interior Ministry has now In the Kulbhushan Jadhav
been meeting the Hurriyat the Pakistani contention cluding Jammu and Kashmir. example, India crossed said in court that Hafiz case, is there any rethink Is the four-step formula
We were very hopeful be- leadership and there has that President Vladimir So the international com- the LoC and spoke openly Saeed is a threat to peace or hope for a review in for Kashmir which
cause our PM took a very been no problem. Our meet- Putin had offered to munity is aware of the prob- of surgical strikes, the PM and security within Pakistan, given the lapses includes making borders
bold decision to travel to In- ings should be seen in a con- mediate... lem. In a recent interview to spoke of Balochistan in Pakistan, and has been pointed out by India on irrelevant by allowing
dia in May 2014, but after structive way, as it helps us The Hindu too, the Saudi Am- his Independence Day involved in terrorism. consular access and on cross-Kashmir movement
that the process got stuck. find a just and fair solution to Well, we have not seen bassador here showed an in- speech. India decided to Given that your federal the mercy petitions? still acceptable to
Notwithstanding all the the long-standing dispute much progress in the 40-plus terest in facilitating dialogue go to the International officials are now saying Pakistan?
problems, the two countries over Jammu and Kashmir. years since the Shimla agree- between India and Pakistan. Court of Justice (ICJ) over what India has held for There is a process that is
were able to agree on a ment (1972) on bilateral talks, the Jadhav case. These years, why is it still so ongoing, and if Jadhavs ap- As far as Islamabad is con-
framework to restart talks in What steps do you think on the core dispute. If there In October 2016, actions are radically difficult to take real peal were rejected [by the cerned, no solution is accept-
December 2015 and on the are needed to resume is no movement on the bilat- Pakistans Foreign Affairs different from those of the action, not some house court], that would be the able unless it is acceptable to
comprehensive bilateral dia- dialogue with India eral front, you cannot expect Advisor Sartaj Aziz said past. arrest type of detention, time for the Army chief or the people of Jammu and
logue, which was our biggest today? Pakistan not to even discuss that there was no hope against him? the President to reconsider Kashmir. Any other solution
achievement in the last three that with the rest of the for a breakthrough with But issues remain the the sentence against him. He will fall apart very quickly.
years. Now, whenever the We in Pakistan strongly world... Jammu and Kashmir India under Prime same. These are offshoots of No individual in Pakistan is has been tried, he has been
two sides agree to talk to feel that talks and precondi- is central to Pakistan-India Minister Modi. Is your the same problems we have above the law. It is not the convicted, and he has the For full interview, please visit our
each other, at least we tions do not go together. In- relations, and we feel that is assessment that at least been grappling with. You first time he has been put un- right to appeal. If that is re- website www.thehindu.com

The pre-GST grand sale Extremists active near Naxalbari

About 300 armed men looted on Sunday [ June 18] a house at
Why companies are scrambling to clear Nehalujote village within Naxalbari police station limits, ac-
cording to reports received here [Siliguri]. About 25 families
old stock ahead of GST implementation from Nehalujote village left their homes due to disturbances
and took shelter at Naxalbari Bazar. Local authorities distrib-
T.C.A. Sharad Raghavan uted wheat and cash to 10 displaced families already evacu-
Ever since the Goods and Ser- ated from disbursed areas. Meanwhile, two Deputy Magis-
vices Tax Council began releas- trates have been posted at Naxalbari and Kohoribari to deal
ing the rates on various items with law and order problems. Another Magistrate is likely to
in May, companies ranging be posted at Phansidwa soon. According to another report,
from e-commerce platforms two workers of a tea garden, 10 miles from here [Siliguri],
and car manufacturers to ap- were killed by unknown persons on Sunday night [ June 18].
parel retailers and phone man- Extremist elements at a secret meeting at Lohasing village in
ufacturers have been bom- Phansidwa thana on last Saturday night [ June 17] decided to
face the police if the police started any operation in the dis-
7428.NET
barding registered customers

and other recipients with mes- turbed areas after June 22, according to authoritative reports
sages, emails, and phone calls, received here [Siliguri]. Blowing off vital bridges, cutting of
ofering attractive discounts valid till June 30, a day before the telephone wires, damaging of road communications had been
GST kicks in. included in their plan, the reports said.
But why are they doing this? It surely cant be that they are
celebrating the roll-out of the new indirect tax regime. By all CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
accounts, most companies are quaking, fearing the huge in- German titles.
crease in compliance costs and paperwork that GST will bring. CONCEPTUAL NOTEBOOK
It is understood that Prince Battenberg will assume the title of
Multiple reasons Impossible Dateline Kathmandu Mount Batten. It is announced that Princess Victoria and Prin-
There are multiple reasons why companies are looking to get trinity cess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein will henceforth drop
rid of their stock before July 1, including expectations of
change in future prices, stringency of government laws, and
Economics Reporting trips tell a saga of diplomatic slips by India the Schleswig-Holstein. Moreover, the Royal Princess bearing
the title of Duchess of Saxony will relinquish it. There will ulti-
tax complexity. A theory that states that, in Josy Joseph Kathmandu was the city ive, engagement with mately be no princes or princesses other than the children
If companies, like luxury carmakers for example, feel that the long-run, a central The majestic Himalayan were many of us reporters Nepal. and grandchildren of the sovereign. The papers point out the
the prices of their products will go down in the new tax re- bank that hopes to con- range provided a stunning from Delhi would regularly Yet, the present level of radical character of the changes completing the divorce
gime, then they have two reasons to get rid of their current duct independent monet- backdrop to the tarmac of land up, as political up- Indian popularity, how- between British and German institutions, and emphasising the
stock. The irst reason is economic. ary policy must choose Tribhuvan International heavals, bloodbath, ru- ever, wouldnt surprise democratic character of the Monarchy, stopping the tendency
Theyll craft their discounts in such a way that even the dis- between maintaining a Airport. Passengers were mours and diplomatic dra- those who have been regu- for styles and titles with which absolute rulers like the Kaiser
counted price is higher than the likely price of the car post-July fixed foreign exchange rate waiting in the open for mas all turned the sleepy lars to this valley over the make sport to become rooted in British soil. It is expected that
1. Most experts feel that the cost of a luxury car to be taxed at and allowing the free their turn to climb a few town into one of the most years. In 2000, I had been the change will be cordially welcomed by the Empire as it is
28% plus a 15% cess will come down by about 1.5-4.5% under movement of capital. For steps up a ladder to be sub- happening datelines of the drenched in the rain when appreciated by the new peers whose incorporation in the Brit-
the GST. That works out to 75,000-2,25,000 on a 50 lakh instance, a central bank jected to a thorough final region. I was escorted into the of- ish mobility is recognition of good and loyal work.
car. that chooses to increase frisking before we boarded In the summer of 2001, fice of Jamim Shah, the CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
The other reason companies fearing a price reduction are the total money supply by the aircraft. when I landed in Kath- cable king of Nepal who
getting rid of their stock now is because they fear government adopting loose monetary
action against proiteering that is, beneiting from a reduc-
At the Kathmandu air- mandu to report on the was accused by Indian DATA POINT
policy cannot hope to port, the ladder with a mid- royal massacre, it was a agencies of being Dawood
tion in tax rates that have not been passed on to customers. maintain the foreign ex- way staging station is a city on edge. The duty-free Ibrahim and ISIs key man.
The penalties are strict, including a ine and a possible cancel- change value of its cur- sombre reminder of terror shop at the airport, where Indian agencies said Shah
lation of the companys registration. So, companies are doubly rency unless it resorts to and diplomatic acrimony bottles of Famous Grouse used his cable channel to
eager to avoid such a scenario. restricting the sale of do- in the wake of the hijack of whiskey, the brand that provoke anti-India riots.
Some companies may see the prices of their products go up. mestic currency in the cur- an Indian Airlines plane on Prince Dipendra drank be- Shah gave me a rare and
This, they expect, will bring its own share of problems. At a rency market. The idea is Christmas eve of 1999, to fore wiping out most of the dramatic interview
time when consumer demand is tepid at best, thanks to slow- derived from the academic be finally flown across to royal family, was promin- laughing, crying, angrily
ing economic growth, poor wage growth, and demonetisa- works of Canadian eco- Kandahar. The hijack is ently displayed in the wake dismissing allegations, and
tion, even a small increase in price is likely to encourage con- nomist Robert Mundell now a distant memory in of the massacre, today boasting about his Indian
sumers to defer their purchases. And so Flipkart, Amazon, and British economist Mar- Kathmandu. Instead, the seems to stock more connections. A senior In-
and all the other e-commerce companies are pushing huge discus Fleming. misery heaped on the Him- variety. dian official who heard the
counts to attract customers. alayan nation by nature Over the years, rumours taped interview told me
The stock clearance sale could also have been prompted by and India are recurring and anti-India sentiments that while I had indeed met
a lack of clarity on what will happen to the old stock products CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC themes in most conversa- have been key ingredients the real Shah, Indian agen-
that were bought before the GST but need to be sold after its tions today. The city is in in most developments in cies had over the years
MORE ON
3
implementation. Government rules make this a complex disarray potholed roads, Kathmandu. Except on been probably listening in
question the fate of their stock will depend on whether the
company was a registered taxpayer before the GST, and
THE WEB dilapidated buildings, a rare occasions, India has on the wrong guy. In Feb-
thick blanket of dust. Build- let the historical goodwill ruary 2010, Shah was shot
whether it is a irst-stage dealer, second-stage dealer, or im- Video: What caused the ings that came down after slip away to frightening dead. Speculation was that
porter. To avoid these hassles, companies are trying to get rid Portugal wildfire? the 2015 earthquake are levels by its mostly avuncu- Shah had been bumped off
of all their stock and face the GST with a clean slate. http://bit.ly/PortugalWildFire still being rebuilt. lar, and recently aggress- by Indian intelligence.
In the meantime, as a consumer, enjoy!
CM M ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
A moment for realism

The case for India-U.S. partnership has been always strong, but the romanticism accompanying it is on test
in China, but the Chinese market Previous administrations would
and manufacturing processes are be more guarded in expressing
essential for their global opera- such concerns with India, which
Jailing a judge tions. For the American state,
China, as a threat, comes in the cat-
may not be case with Mr. Trump.
Already, by ofering to negotiate
Justice Karnans imprisonment should have egory of important, but not ur- between India and Pakistan, the
gent. Moreover, China is a valuable U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Nikki
been avoided to keep the judiciarys dignity varghese k. george partner dealing with some more ur- Haley, has stirred up a hornets nest
gent questions. During the Obama in India.
T
he imprisonment of Justice C.S. Karnan, who re- hen Prime Minister Naren- years, they were climate change While it will take continuous en-
cently retired as a judge of the Calcutta High
W dra Modi and President and North Korea. Under Mr. gagement for India and the U.S. to
Court, for contempt is the culmination of a series Donald Trump shake Trump, the single-minded focus is explore their shared interests in
of unfortunate and unpleasant developments. It was a hands and perhaps embrace each on dealing with North Korea. Mr. Asia-Paciic and Af-Pak, any mis-
step that was best avoided in the interest of maintaining other next week, the mandatory Trump also hopes for Chinese co- alignment between the U.S. State
encomiums about India and U.S. operation in his plans for the Amer- Department and the Pentagon is no
the dignity of the judiciary. It is indeed true that Justice
being the worlds largest and oldest ica economy. His administration good news for India. Mr. Trump has
Karnans ofences in making wild and totally unsubstan- democracies, respectively, would has taken a benign view of Beijings cut the budget for the former while
tiated allegations against a number of fellow judges, and have a sombre undertone to them. Belt and Road Initiative while committing more money to de-
his tactics of intimidation against Chief Justices who Both these democracies are American companies are trying to fence, and the White House has de-
tried over the years to discipline him, were shocking passing through testing times. between the two countries may has been a shared interest between get as much business out of it as clared that the new administration
and completely unacceptable. However, a Supreme sound incongruous. India and the U.S in recent years, possible. believes in hard power, not soft.
Court that allowed him to enter the hallowed portals of Two nations in churning The other shared bond is of in- and the rising defence cooperation The Pentagon sees each bilateral
Powerful political forces are trying terests. America is deeply divided between the two countries is testi- Reining in Pakistan relationship from a military plan-
the higher judiciary would have done better had it ad-
to re-litigate principles that have on what its national interests are. It mony to that. But the American at- India has complained of American ning perspective while the State De-
opted a more pragmatic approach. Mr. Karnan was due held for decades in India, and have is unable to decide who are its titude to China, and the way it sees lack of sympathy for its concerns in partment places it in a broader stra-
to retire and it would have been suicient if he was al- evolved over centuries in America. friends and who are its enemies. In- India in that equation, is more nu- its policy towards Pakistan. There tegic calculation. Consequently,
lowed to do so under a dark cloud of dishonour, after This ongoing re-litigation involves, dian commentators have over the anced than the linear notion pre- has been increasing appreciation the U.S. Department of Defense has
spending his last days in oice stripped of judicial work. at the functional level, some funda- years admired America for its valent in India. In the order of among Washingtons strategic been a champion of enhancing co-
It is an extraordinarily low moment for the institution mental questions about citizen- single-minded pursuit of its stra- American threat perceptions, thinkers and policymakers of operation with India, and its initiat-
that a man who the Supreme Court felt needed his men- ship, individual and collective tegic culture, its ability and willing- China appears to be quite low at the Pakistans duplicity in the conlict ives often do not pass muster with
rights, particularly religious rights, ness to use military power to moment, with Russia climbing to in Afghanistan. That Pakistan ex- the Department of State. For in-
tal health evaluated should be sentenced for contempt
the terms of engagement between change the course of world politics. the top as a conventional threat ports terror to its neighbouring stance, the Pentagon supports the
of court, arrested and sent to jail. As for alternatives to the state and citizens, the balance But the Trump movement is based yet another point on which the se- countries has now been stated in sale of Guardian drones to India,
imprisonment, recommending his impeachment to of power between various on a public repudiation of this stra- curity establishment and the Pres- multiple government documents while the State Department has
Parliament was a possibility the Supreme Court may branches of the government, the tegic culture. The President has re- ident are not on the same page. Is- and Congressional hearings. How- raised the red lag that the techno-
have also done well to consider. There is no defence of role of the media, etc. At the con- peatedly called out the countrys lamism and the potential for ever, successive U.S. administra- logy has been given only to South
Justice Karnans disdainful refusal to answer the conceptual level, what is being debated war planners and strategic nuclear adventurism by North tions have viewed Indias attempts Korea, a treaty ally of the U.S., so far
tempt charge or going into hiding to avoid arrest for is the question of national identity thinkers. It is not that he is ofering Korea or Iran come much higher on to inluence Americas Pakistan in the region. Resolution of such in-
itself. As recurring incidents show any alternative thinking; in fact, his the list than China. policy with scepticism. While India tra-government disputes can only
nearly seven weeks actions that only served to rein- in both countries, this process is of- actions are contradicting his own wants the U.S. to rein in Pakistans be achieved by a strong-willed
force his waywardness and disregard for the law. tentimes violent, and not based on stated positions on so many fronts. Not a military threat sponsorship of terrorism, it does political leadership committed to
It is also time for some introspection within the judi- a commonly agreed set of facts. He believes that championing a China is not a military threat to the not want American opinion on ties with India.
ciary on the manner in which judges are chosen. That And facts are being invented and new era of military build-up is es- American mainland unlike Russia, Kashmir a position that American The India-U.S. partnership has
someone as ill-suited to judicial oice as Justice Karnan misrepresented, including in cases sential for making America great which has the capability even if not policymakers consider contradict- inherent reasons to survive. But the
entered the superior judiciary exposes the inadequa- where historical records and sci- again, though he has called Amer- the intent. Economic ties are no ory. While Americans increasingly romanticism that characterised the
entiic evidence do not leave any ican interventions in recent dec- guarantee against conlict, stra- appreciate the fact that India has hype of well-meaning advocates of
cies of the collegium system. The absence of a mechan-
such scope. This internal debate on ades stupid. It is unlikely that tegic commentators have argued been a victim of Pakistani aggres- a stronger partnership needs to be
ism to discipline recalcitrant judges is another glaring democracy is also testing the resili- Americas strategic behaviour citing pre-World War trade links sion, they also believe New Delhi tempered with a dose of realism.
lacuna in the existing system. With the Constitution ence of institutional checks and would change dramatically, but the among European countries. But could be more appreciative and The heady romance is taking a
prescribing impeachment by Parliament, a long-win- balances, the bedrock of both fact remains that it now has a Pres- U.S.-China economic links are of a supportive of American eforts to pause, but the companionship will
ded and cumbersome process, as the sole means to re- democracies. While both India and ident who believes that what Amer- diferent nature qualitatively. stabilise the region. Stabilising endure, loveless as it could be.
move a judge, Chief Justices of the High Courts are at the U.S are pondering over the val- ica has been pursuing all this while American companies fume about Pakistan and seeking a political
their wits end when it comes to dealing with refractory ues that deine them as nations, is not its national interest. unfair state interventions and IPR deal with the Taliban have been
talking of shared values the bond Resisting Chinese expansionism (intellectual property rights) losses part of that approach. varghese.g@thehindu.co.in
judges who are not amenable to any discipline or cap-
able of self-restraint. Non-allotment of judicial work
and transfer to another High Court are measures avail-
able for the purpose, but in Mr. Karnans case these
hardly had any chastening efect. Instead, he continued
The high cost of ageing
to make the self-serving claim that he was being victim-
ised because he was a Dalit. He now has the option of
Evidence shows that health systems must be recast to accommodate the needs of chronic disease prevention
moving the court to seek suspension of his sentence or Veena S. Kulkarni, Vani S. dia climbed from 37 years in 1950 and NCDs poses a higher risk of that of males in both groups and
appealing to the President for its remission. No one Kulkarni & Raghav Gaiha to 65 years in 2011, stemming from mortality. years. At the aggregate level too,
T
would really grudge Mr. Karnan an opportunity to se- he National Health Policy declines in infant mortality and disabilities grew in both groups, es-
cure his liberty, but one can only hope that in future he (NHP), 2017, is long on banal- survival at older ages due to public Assessing disability pecially in the group greater than
does not use his time in prison to play to the gallery and ities and short on speciics. In health improvements. The key Disability is the umbrella term for 4. Thus both prevalence and sever-
a somewhat glaring omission, little question is whether longer lives impairments, activity limitations ity of disabilities rose during 2005-
portray himself as a martyr in the cause of ighting cor-
has been said about the rapid rise have translated into healthier lives. and participation restrictions. An 2012.
ruption in the judiciary. in the share of the old i.e. 60 Our evidence raises serious assessment of functioning in activ- As observed earlier, it is the co-
years or more and associated doubts. ities of daily living (ADLs) is one occurrence of NCDs and disabilit-
morbidities, especially sharply method widely used to assess dis- ies that is more likely to be fatal. We
rising non-communicable diseases Evidence from IHDS survey ability in older persons. Disability ind that in most cases there was an
Kumbles farewell
GETTY IMAGES
(NCDs) and disabilities. In the con- Our analysis, based on the India is usually measured by a set of increase. Heart disease and disabil-
text of declining family support Human Development Survey items on self-reported limitations ities (1-4) rose 1.3 times. Blood pres-
and severely limited old-age in- (IHDS) 2015, the only nation-wide with severity of disability ranked sure and disabilities in this range
His graceful exit as coach shows the mirror come security, catastrophic con- panel survey covering the period by the number of positively rose 1.2 times, as also diabetes and
to the superstar culture of Indian cricket sequences for destitutes alicted 2005-2012, throws new light on answered items. Disabilities in ADL disabilities. Blood pressure and
with these conditions cant be these issues. A major advantage of shifted from the most aluent to show dependence of an individual heart disease and disabilities in-
A
ghastly issure ripped through Indian cricket as ruled out. Besides, continuing neg- the panel survey is that the same the least aluent over this period. on others, with need for assistance creased 1.4 times.
Anil Kumble quit as the national teams head lect and failure to anticipate these individuals are tracked over a In both the irst (least wealthy) and in daily life. In brief, that the curse of old age
coach on Tuesday. Kumbles exit had seemed in- demographic and epidemiological period of seven years. fourth (wealthiest) quartiles, the In select disabilities, there is a has become worse is undeniable.
evitable once the Board of Control for Cricket in India shifts from infectious diseases to The prevalence of high blood prevalence rose sharply in most sharp rise with age and over time. Along with expansion of old age
NCDs may result in enormously pressure among the old almost cases but in all the rises were faster Diiculty in walking was 1.7 times pension and health insurance, and
called for fresh applications for the post of head coach
costlier policy challenges. An es- doubled over the period 2005-12; among the least wealthy. The ratio greater in the age group 70-plus public spending on programmes
just as the Men in Blue lew to England for the now-con- timate provided for the 2014 World that of heart disease rose 1.7 times; of high blood pressure in the irst years relative to 60-69 years in targeted to the health care of the
cluded ICC Champions Trophy. Until that moment on Economic Forum suggests that the prevalence of cancer rose 1.2 quartile relative to the fourth rose 2012. Over the period 2005-2012, old, careful attention must be given
May 25, skipper Kohli and coach Kumble had seemed to NCDs may cost as much as $4.3 tril- times; that of diabetes more than from 0.36 in 2005 to 0.40 in 2012; overall prevalence rose 6.1 times. to reorient health systems to ac-
be a perfect match. The duo oversaw ive Test series vic- lion in productivity losses and doubled, as also that of asthma; that of heart disease rose from 0.31 Diiculty in using toilet facilities commodate the needs of chronic
tories against opponents as diverse as the West Indies health-care expenditure between other NCDs rose more rapidly (i.e. to 0.38; that of diabetes from 0.23 was 2.3 times higher among the disease prevention and control by
and Australia, besides winning one-day internationals 2012 and 2030, twice Indias an- by two and a half times). to 0.34; and that of blood pressure older group (70-plus years). Over- enhancing the skills of health-care
nual GDP. A related question is whether and heart disease rose from 0.11 to all prevalence was ive times higher providers and equipping health-
and Twenty20s. The lone blip was the loss to Pakistan Detailed projections of the old in multi-morbidity (i.e. co-occur- 0.58. As NCDs are associated with a in 2012. Diiculty in dressing was care facilities to provide services
in the Champions Trophy inal this Sunday. Speculation India by the United Nations Popu- rence of two or more NCDs) also large majority of deaths among the about 2.5 times higher in the older related to health promotion, risk
that something was amiss got stronger when leaks sur- lation Division (UN 2011) show that rose over this period. Often multi- old about 93% of the total deaths group. Overall prevalence jumped detection, and risk reduction.
faced about the alleged rift between Kohli and Kumble, Indias population, ages 60 and morbidities occur non-randomly among 70 years or more in 2013 about ive times between 2005-12.
a rumour that was initially denied by the captain but older, will climb from 8% in 2010 to or systematically. The prevalence they are now more vulnerable to Hearing diiculty was just under
19% in 2050. By mid-century, their of high blood pressure and heart mortality risk. In fact, the least twice as high among the older Veena S. Kulkarni is Associate Professor,
has become a fact following the coachs farewell state- Department of Criminology, Sociology, &
number is expected to be 323 mil- disease rose more than twice while wealthy have become more sus- group in 2012, while the overall
ment, in which he wrote: It was apparent that the part- Geography, Arkansas State University,
lion. that of high blood pressure and dia- ceptible to this risk. prevalence rose 4.7 times over this U.S.; Vani S. Kulkarni is Lecturer,
nership was untenable. That Kumble resigned despite Population dynamics and a rap- betes nearly doubled. By age 60, the major burdens of period. Department of Sociology, University of
the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sachin idly changing age structure relect Wealth quartiles were construc- disability and death arise from age- To assess severity of disabilities, Pennsylvania, U.S.; and Raghav Gaiha is
Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman endors- the combined impact of increasing ted to examine whether preval- related losses in hearing, seeing or these are classiied into counts of (Hon.) Professorial Fellow, Global
ing his extension is a relection of his inherent dignity. life expectancy and declining ference of NCDs varied across them moving, and NCDs (WHO, 2015). 1-4 and greater than 4. The propor- Development Institute, University of
He clearly did not want to be drawn into an unpleasant tility. Life expectancy at birth in In- and over time. The burden of NCDs Thus co-occurrence of disability tion of old women was larger than Manchester, England
battle with Kohli. It also followed the pattern of his

earlier departures, be it his injury-induced Test retire-
ment in 2008 or his resignation as chairman of the Na- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
tional Cricket Academy in 2011. Those decisions were
swift, the reasons were delivered with surgical preci- Positive messaging While it is refreshing that unbecoming of a judge. His questioned the credentials proved that our cash-rich is it going to be the last for
sion, and he left with grace. Prime Minister Narendra the writer has counselled arrest inally sends out a of Kapil Dev as coach. Had cricket board is spineless the board to humiliate
Modi has understood our the Opposition to also try strong message to other Kumble soft-pedalled, one and wants only a yes-man in cricketers who have served
A diference of opinion between two strong individu-
feelings accurately and and be positive about India, judges that however feels that he could have every department. the country honourably.
als causing a discord is not new to Indian cricket. There captured our imagination he appears to be biased. He aggrieved one may be, one continued. Thankfully, they havent N. Mahadevan,
is a precedent in the spat between Ganguly and Greg with his eloquent appeals to has omitted mentioning the must abide by the laws of A.V. Narayanan, blamed the coach for the Chennai
Chappell, but there are diferences between that tussle our nationalism, patriotism positive deeds this the land to uphold the Tiruchi debacle at the Oval. This is more letters online:
and what transpired between Kohli and Kumble. The and sense of identity. A government has achieved dignity of the judiciary at neither the irst instance nor www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
Ganguly-Chappell feud became obvious during Indias succession of scams stymied such as the anti-corruption any cost. Anyone trying to The only fault of Anil
tour of Zimbabwe in September 2005. Subsequently, governance in the United drive, Swachh Bharat, dispense his/her brand of Kumble, a proven match- corrections & clarifications:
Progressive Alliances 10- reworking the LPG gas justice may have to face the winner and a highly In the report headlined Defence readiness under scanner
Ganguly lost his captaincy and place in the team, even-
year rule and it is idle to subsidy, inculcating consequences sooner rather successful coach of the ( June 21, 2017), Admiral Arun Prakash was erroneously referred to
tually returned to the team, and Chappell inally expect Mr. Modi to pull a discipline in the than later as per the laws in Indian team, may be that he as Navy Chief. It should have been former Navy Chief.
resigned in April 2007 following Indias disastrous rabbit out of his hat and ind bureaucracy and ixing force (C.S. Karnan held tried to bring in much more The Hindu dated June 18, 2017, (Section 1) had an article head-
World Cup in the West Indies. Chappell had a longer an answer to every problem accountability. An unkind near Coimbatore, June 21). professionalism, discipline lined We must subject the canon to criticism which stated that
stint despite a rebellion in the ranks, and had his say for in his governments three- note is his trying to predict K.R. Srinivasan, and commitment to the the American Constitution has 7,762 words. In Easy like Sunday
year rule. doom for the ruling Secunderabad team. If the captains say is Morning, the Magazine supplement quiz on the same day, the
a large part of that time. For Kumble, the period of un- third question was about the country United States of America
certainty lasted just four weeks after the BCCI sought Mr. Modis administration is dispensation. There should so decisive in the selection
whose Constitution has 4,400 words. A reader had sought a clari-
scam-free and seems well be an equitable presentation Kumbles exit of coaches and team
ication on the actual number of words in the American
applications for the post. The latest development also poised to deliver on its of merits and demerits. Finally, the grapevine in the members, what and where
highlights the superstar culture undermining Indian Constitution.
promise of acche din in the S. Kannan, social media turned out to is the need for and role of Berty Ashley, the quiz setter, clariied: The Constitution of the
cricket, a point earlier made by the former member of remainder of its term or Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu be correct about Anil selectors? After all, captains United States of America in its original unaltered state as envi-
the Committee of Administrators, Ramachandra Guha. next. Kumbles exit as coach too come and go. It is no sioned by the founding fathers had 4,543 words, including the sig-
If Kohli can be a prima donna and demand pliable However, if Mr. Modi is going The Karnan saga (Sport Apparent the surprise that Kumble, a man natures spreading over four sheets. The quiz question was tak-
to be long on rhetoric and The fact that Calcutta High partnership was of dignity and scruples, ing into consideration the Constitution as it was written in its
coaches, it will set a wrong example. The BCCI should original form. (Thats why in Question10, I have speciied 101
short on delivery, the Court judge Justice C.S. untenable, June 21). Team called a spade a spade and
ensure that a coach with the right credentials is picked amendments in the Indian Constitution).
campaign could backire like Karnan retired as a fugitive India has had a long history decided to move on. The University of Chicago Law Review, Vol. 81, No.4, Fall 2014,
and given a contract that lasts till the 2019 World Cup in India Shining (The art of rather than retiring of unacceptability of native C.G. Kuriakose, said: In its current form, the U.S. Constitution comprises 7,762
England. Kumble got a raw one-year deal. It is a position positive messaging, June gracefully makes one sad. It coaches. John Wright Kothamangalam, Kerala
words contained in seven original articles and 27 amendments.
that demands an extended tenure on the strength of 21). is unfortunate that a person brought in work ethic but
It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. The Readers
results, not one that can be curtailed by bad blood. Kangayam R. Narasimhan, of the stature of Mr. Karnan Kumble cannot! How odd! Kumbles untimely Editors office can be contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300; E-mail:
Chennai could act in a manner Tendulkar, in his book, resignation has once again readerseditor@thehindu.co.in
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

Where are the commons? Mental health and

From land to creative spaces, our commons are being fenced by encroachers and even the state
no development can be permitted in
the water-spread area which covers
the university
about 8,000 acres. But already there
are thermal plants, oil companies The education system must treat mental health as a
and other such constructions on
1,090 acres of the 8,000 acres which
valuable public good in its own right
are protected as per the Wetlands cluster of knowledge systems. Furthermore,
prabha sridevan (Conservation and Management) an undergrad course is designed with the
Rules, 2010. And helplessly we ask premise that its clientele are straight from the
The tension between ownership to like Juvenal, Quis custodiet ipsos cus- school, and are in formative stages of life.
tangible and intangible property and todes? (Who guards the guard?) The Naturally, tertiary classroom is an ideal place
the enjoyment of the commons by all rules begin with a preamble about to test the scope, depth, and the reception of
is not a new phenomenon. Fences how wetlands are a vital part of the any field of knowledge. A mental health-
could not have been there when land hydrological cycle, how they are seri- hemachandran karah aware teaching plan may potentially
came into existence. Fences came ously threatened by landfills, and strengthen such disciplinary manoeuvrings
later, encumbrances came later and overexploitation, and how it is neces- The Mental Healthcare Act was approved re- from the foundations up.
so did title deeds and patta. Kutham- sary to maintain and conserve the cently by Parliament. From now on, stigmat-
bai, one of the ancient learned wetlands and aim for ecological bal- ising a mentally ill person, and denying him Opening up young minds
Siddhars, sang songs seemingly ance consistent with the Ramsar Con- or her the wherewithal for treatment will be Take a literature class, for example. College
simple but layered with philosophical vention (an international treaty on illegal. As a teacher, I am interested in a spe- teachers may make use of a supreme role of
and metaphysical subtexts. One goes wetlands signed in 1971). Oh yes. cial provision in the Act where public institu- literature such as an advocacy function. Dur-
like this: Vetta veli thannil meyyenri- Our beaches in Chennai are open tions such as universities are urged to treat ing an advocacy adventure, teachers and stu-
rupporkku pattayam edukkadi? to the public, we think. But last year mental health as a valuable public good in its dents gain a rare freedom to explore some-
(What would the one who has real- we read that the Chennai Corpora- own right. thing as ghastly as disability discrimination
ised Infinite Space do with certific- tion refused permission to underpriv- Parents send their sons and daughters to caused by an ill social organisation. Towards
S.R. RAGHUNATHAN
ates of ownership?) He was of ileged children who wanted to play a university. On graduation, they expect the this end, they may examine a circulation of a
course singing about a different soccer tournament. This was no per- latter to chase the Indian dream. What goes malicious stereotype, and much more, in fa-
space, not about tangible property manent construction or encroach- unnoticed in this pursuit of dreams is the un- vour of a disability-enabled literary criticism.
like land. ment, just few hours of robust and due strain on well-being or inner resourceful- All the same, to introduce the three-dimen-
Even after man felt that there was joyous play, for children who had ness which experts call mental health. Be- sionality of a discriminatory environment, I
need for fences and certificates of been practising for it. The reason philosophy of openness and sharing cessible. This too is becoming a lux- cause it seems intangible and yet will prompt students to imagine situations
ownership, he still recognised that given for refusal was that Olive Ridley and not on monetising strategies and ury not freely accessible, and that is ever-yielding, we tend to treat mental health where one is pushed against the wall, har-
some lands must be kept in common turtles would be disturbed by this restrictive fences. As SpicyIP, a re- not compatible with the Idea of as a kind of black box, tucking it away until it assed, and, for that matter, offered an unex-
for use by all or for the sake of all. In activity. The tournament was sched- pository on Indian intellectual prop- Democracy. becomes absolutely essential to retrace an- pected healing touch. Such a narrative ima-
medieval England they were called uled in September. It was scrapped. erty law, commented in its blog, the I will end with the story of a wise omalies that precipitate a crash. Surely, uni- gination, I contend, may enable students to
commons, a resource to be enjoyed Experts said that Olive Ridleys would entire exercise of this endeavour is woman of Tamil Nadu as I began with versities cannot afford this. open up. Further, it may help them appreci-
by all. These lands and the non-ar- be thousands of miles away in to place a book in the hands of every a wise man. This woman is barely ate something as fundamental as emotional
able lands were classified in Tamil as September, so the alleged disturb- child. In like manner, the soccer into her teens. She lives in a small tri- Pressure to perform fulfilment, and factors such as discrimination
poramboke. The protest song ance was plainly illusory. Let us now tournament in Marina and Besant bal village close to Bandipur. I owe In the higher education scenario, sidelining that can potentially wreck it from inside.
Porambokku enakku illai read Article 39(f ) of the Constitution Nagar was intended to place a ball of this story to Spicy IP founder Prof. mental health may still happen amid a belief Likewise, teachers may encourage students
porambokku unakku illai which directs the state to ensure that joy in the hands of the child. Shamnad Basheer. She had created a that the latter is anathema to rigour. Mental to consider how their respective disciplines
porambokku oorukku porambokku children are given opportunities and The 2006 WHO Report on Intellec- new step in her dance. This is an ex- health takes a back seat even within some- add value to human well being. A teacher of
bhoomikku is about this commons facilities to develop in a healthy man- tual Property Rights, Innovation and tract of the dialogue between Prof. thing as significant as a doctoral programme. computer science, for example, may offer a
and how the commons are diminish- ner. But those children, who are Public Health found that increasing Basheer and her. For one thing, PhDs demand long-standing module on the impact of robotics and the di-
ing. The words mandai veli and stuck in spirit-sapping residences, IP enforcement does not necessarily Do you know that it is something cerebral commitment on the part of the stu- gital revolution on human emotion. In a sim-
maattuthaavani are poignant who want to spend their energy in a increase innovation especially in de- new you have created? dents and their beloved. Over five-plus years, ilar vein, a civil engineering teacher may in-
echoes to a time when cattle had ac- space that is common to all, were veloping countries where the techno- Yes. students learn to grapple with hypotheses, troduce a module on the close link between
cess to grazing grounds. Not now, frustrated in their attempt. Then we logy expertise has still not reached Do you want to be known as the narrative frameworks, and research meth- habitat, architectures, and human resource-
those areas are covered by concrete have reports of growing juvenile de- the optimum level. On the other one who created the step? ods. Can a protracted doctoral training in fulness. The possibilities are endless! It all de-
structures. If we could divine the linquency, blind to the reality that a hand, it is positively detrimental be- It is ok. (She does not care either methodological prowess render graduate stu- pends on the will of the teachers who are in
thoughts of our cattle, we would childhood spent without the freedom cause it restricts access to its con- way.) dents feel wanting from within? Yes, it can. In some sense unacknowledged pillars of the
know they are wondering why their of playing in open spaces could warp sumers, the majority of whom are If your classmate passes it off as fact, it may potentially undermine their much-talked-about knowledge revolution.
lives are protected with such violence the young minds. Where are the com- poor. The price stranglehold, which her innovation, would you mind? wherewithal to weigh real-life challenges Guru Brahma, guru Vishnu, guru dhevo
and vehemence when all they want is mons for our children who do not is the equivalent of fencing and refus- No. such as a shaky knowledge of English, atten- maheshvaraha. I will not hesitate for a mo-
grass. hold a patta, where are the ing permission to play soccer, causes Would you fight with her? tion deficit, competing gender demands, ment to ignore the mythical import of this
poramboke areas open to all in the rippling harm. Why should I? knowledge accessibility, and ups and downs Sanskrit dictum. However, I cannot afford to
Encroachment all around world? Now I come to another space If she had created a new step, of an unforgiving employment market. They discount the special role of a teacher in the
Shifting gear to bring the Siddhars where diminishing commons are pos- would you pass it off as yours? may even be prompted to ignore at their peril creation, preservation, and destruction of
query to lands on hand, how can A creative commons itively harmful: access to justice. Sec- Why should I? a structural evil such as caste discrimination. knowledge. Great teacher and student bond-
patta be granted to the commons? In the other-worldly world of intellec- tion 327 of the Criminal Procedure She obviously had a strong ethical Conversely, graduate students may slowly being facilitates a creation of priceless ideas,
But commons are being fenced with tual property too, shrinking open Code says, The place in which any core and possessed the wisdom to come self-serving, or be wrongly perceived as the preservation of human goodness, and a
grim determination not just by spaces harm the public well-being. Criminal Court is held for the pur- understand that some spaces must be such. In like manner, a million instances of war against bigotry. It is for this reason we
private encroachers but even by the Creative Commons is a concept pose of inquiring into or trying any common to all and unfenced Vetta social regression may affect doctoral candid- should reinstate mental health as a binding
state with its irresistible might. The which enables and facilitates sharing offence shall be deemed to be an veli thannil meyyenrirupporkku pat- ates during a student tenure and beyond. principle and an everyday reminder of hu-
poramboke song is really a protest of knowledge and creativity to build a open Court, to which the public gen- tayam edukkadi. We are losing this Doctorate is a specialist training. It aims to man dignity in a university setting.
against the encroachment by state in more equitable, accessible, and in- erally may have access, so far as the Truth. prepare someone as a full-fledged profes-
the Ennore creek which must be kept novative world within the framework same can conveniently contain sional researcher in a given field. An under- Hemachandran Karah is with the Department of
in the commons. The approved of law. The use of Creative Commons them. The place of justice is meant Prabha Sridevan is a former judge of the grad programme, on the other hand, aims to Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras. The views
coastal map of the creek shows that licence for copyright is based on a to be common to all and easily ac- Madras High Court offer a generalist training in one or a selected expressed are personal

Too much proit? India to stick to nuclear policy
The GSTs anti-proiteering clause The Defence Minister, Mr. Swaran Singh, to-day [ June 21, New
Delhi] condemned, in a statement before the two Houses of
makes no economic sense Parliament, the Chinese explosion of hydrogen bomb as fur-
ther evidence of Chinas callous indifference to the opinion of
Prashanth Perumal J.
the rest of the world. He said the Government viewed this de-
Businesses that receive the be- velopment with grave concern. Mr. Swaran Singh took the oc-
neit of paying lower taxes un- casion to explain Indias nuclear policy. He made it clear that
der the new goods and services the Government would continue to give its most careful atten-
tax (GST) regime cant keep it tion to Indias security in the context of Chinas nuclear policy.
with them. Instead, according The Defence Minister assured Parliament that all practicable
to the GST Act, they must pass ways and means of ensuring our security are constantly under
it on to consumers by reducing examination. At the same time, he said, India would stead-
the price of the products they fastly adhere to the policy of developing nuclear energy for
sell. Any reduction in rate of peaceful purposes and added the effect of this policy on our
tax on any supply of goods or security is also kept under constant review.
services or the beneit of input
tax credit, the Act reads, A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 22, 1917
shall be passed on to the re- Madras Internments. Protest in Madras.
cipient by way of commensur-
ate reduction in prices. If any business fails to comply with CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC A crowded public meeting was held last evening in the
this rule, authorities from the National Anti-Proiteering Au- Gokhale Hall, Armenian Street [Madras], to protest against the
thority (NAPA) will use the anti-proiteering clause of the Act CONCEPTUAL FAQ orders of internment passed against Mrs. Besant, Mr. G.S. Ar-
to take action against them by ordering a reduction of prices, undale and Mr. B.P. Wadia and to support the appeal for funds
imposing penalties, or even cancelling a companys registra-
Hubris A tif within Sri Lankas Tamil polity on behalf of Mrs. Besant made by the revered patriot and
tion. The supposed intent of the clause is to prevent price rise syndrome leader, Dr. Sir S. Subramania Iyer.
induced by the imposition of the new national tax. In order to Psychology On the turbulence in the Northern Provincial Council The Honble Rao Bahadur B.N. Sarma, Member, Imperial
Legislative Council, presided. The Gokhale Hall was filled to its
ofset the higher taxes imposed on certain goods, the govern-
ment wants to make sure consumers receive the beneits of A condition where the be- Meera Srinivasan two to go on leave to facil- polls. On the recent con- utmost capacity. The main entrance had to be closed at 5 p.m.
lower taxes on other goods. haviour of politicians, What was the recent crisis itate another inquiry. A troversy in the Council, for want of room inside the Hall. Hundreds of people were
The only problem is that the anti-proiteering clause makes business leaders, and in Sri Lankas Northern large bloc of members three TNA constituents ini- standing in the street without opportunity to get in. So early as
no economic sense. It assumes that lowering the tax rate on other people in power, Provincial Council in found the response unfair. tially appeared to back the 4 p.m. the hall had been filled and the number of persons
businesses will improve their proit margin, so they should not changes for the worse as Jaffna? As many as 21 of CM but later mediated a present was between two to three thousand. Students were
complain about lowering prices. While it is true that a reduced they come to enjoy in- the 38 members of the Why did this put the TNAs compromise between him warned, by means of poster on the outside wall, not to attend
tax rate can improve proit margins, it does not follow auto- creasing power and influ- Provincial Council in Sri unity at risk? The TNA is and the TNA leader. the meeting.
matically that prices need to fall. This is because pricing de- ence. The syndrome Lankas Tamil-majority an amalgam of four polit-
cisions are based solely on consumer demand for a product, causes certain changes to north said that they had ical parties with different How did the controversy CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
not the cost of production. Businessmen do not sell their the brains of these leaders no confidence in C.V. political histories and posi- end? After negotiations
products at a higher or lower price because their cost of pro- tions during the civil war. between Mr. Sampanthan
DATA POINT
which in turn makes them Wigneswaran, their Chief
duction has changed after a change in the tax rate. In fact, it is suffer from a number of Minister. The members Some of the constituent and Mr. Wigneswaran, the
the likely price that consumers will pay for a product that de- undesirable qualities; in- move not only threatened party leaders differ with latter agreed to reverse his
termines what businessmen will pay for its inputs. This is why cluding losing touch with his office briefly, but also ITAK veteran and TNA decision on the two minis-
the NAPA has been empowered to muscle businesses into reality, taking excessive signalled a possible split in leader R. Sampanthan on ters who had not been
lowering prices. pride in their actions, dis- the Tamil National Alli- some issues, and accuse found guilty. Soon, Mr.
playing lesser empathy to- ance (TNA) that runs the him of being very close Sampanthan announced
Aggressive stance wards other people, and Council. The TNA is also to the Colombo govern- that ITAK members would
The government has also been aggressive in its rhetoric taking arrogant decisions Sri Lankas main opposi- ment. Mr. Sampanthan has withdraw their motion of
against businesses hoping to proit from lower taxes. We ex- or actions without suffi- tion party. been engaging the no confidence. The CM
pect companies to cooperate. We hope we dont have to use cient thought. The term Colombo leadership on urged the ministers not to
the weapon, said Hasmukh Adhia, the Union Revenue Secret- was coined by former Brit- Why did the Council constitutional reform interfere in an impending
ary, in a veiled threat. Simply put, the NAPA will soon be for- ish Foreign Secretary members withdraw which he sees as a crucial legal inquiry.
cing businesses it targets to sell products at lower prices. Con- David Owen, who has support? They were step in achieving an ac-
trary to the intention of the anti-proiteering clause, this will studied behavioural protesting the Chief Minis- ceptable political solution What are the challenges
not beneit consumers. Shortages are likely to follow as prices changes in various world ters action on a recent re- to the national question. ahead? Mr. Sampanthan
fall without a commensurate increase in supply. This is be- leaders, in his 2007 book port that inquired into al- The Chief Minister has ad- has the task of pushing the
cause proit-capping will distort business returns, thus dis- by the same name. legations of corruption opted a relatively con- Colombo government to
couraging new investment that could help ramp up produc- and maladministration fa- frontational approach with take steps towards an ac-
tion. In contrast, when the tax rate is reduced without a cap on cing the four ministers in the Centre. He also co- ceptable political solution,
proits, it usually leads to a similar fall in prices, but without CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC the Council. The report chairs the Tamil Peoples even as the Constitution-
shortages. This is because higher proit margins due to lower found two ministers guilty Council, an organisation making process drags. The
MORE ON
3
taxes attract new investment and increase supply. and pointed to insufficient that includes critics of the NPC faces the mounting
Another fallout will be corruption and ineiciency as the THE WEB evidence to prove charges TNA such as the hard-line challenge of reviving the
government begins implementation of the clause. Bureaucrats facing the other two. party Tamil National economy and peoples
with the power to interfere in the market will likely increase International Yoga Day: In While the CM asked the Peoples Front that the CM livelihoods in the north,
the burden on businesses than improve consumer welfare. pictures two guilty ministers to backed in Sri Lankas Au- even as it addresses key
This does not portend well for doing business in India. http://bit.ly/yogadayinpics resign, he urged the other gust 2015 parliamentary post-war challenges.
CM A ND-ND
YK

Keeping the Sixth Republic on track

Emmanuel Macrons objective is to expand the centrist turf as a uniting force and secure the pro-Europe platform
for recognition as a parliamentary Twitter to Make Our Planet Great
group. Again.
The clean-up begins Even though it is a handsome
majority for President Macrons 14-
A week later with Russian Pres-
ident Vladimir Putin, he was forth-
But will the RBIs move for insolvency month-old party, the LREM, which right in his criticism of Russian
has won 308 seats, it is less than the state-owned media and its at-
proceedings against borrowers succeed? earlier projections that varied tempts in election meddling. In
Rakesh Sood
A
rmed with the powers, a little over a month ago, between 380 and 440! The resigna- May, the night before campaigning
to get lenders and defaulting borrowers to sit tion of MoDem partners Justice ended, his election team had dis-
ven though President Em-
E
Minister Francois Bayrou and Mari- closed a hacking, resulting in 9GB
down and address the messy task of cleaning up
manuel Macron won a re- elle de Sarnez, junior minister for of data from his campaign site,
toxic bad debts, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has de- spectable majority in the European Affairs, on Wednesday mixed with fake documents, being
cided to crack the whip. The central banks decision to French parliamentary elections has been a political setback. De- circulated on Web-based chat
act on the advice of its Internal Advisory Committee held last week with 350 seats (to- fence Minister Sylvie Goulard, also rooms. He also took a firm line on
and direct lenders to initiate insolvency proceedings gether with coalition partner Mo- a MoDem ally, had stepped down a Syria, particularly with regard to
against 12 corporate borrowers each owing in excess Dem) in the 577-member assembly, day earlier, amid reports that Mo- use of chemical weapons.
of 5,000 crore has come not a day too soon. With his honeymoon period is proving Dem has been placed under invest- Even with the low turnout, the
to be rather short-lived. The low igation for misuse of European Wednesday, Mr. Macron has ingness to reach out and draw in presidential and the parliamentary
gross non-performing assets (NPAs) at about 7 lakh
turnout of 42.6% on June 18 has Union parliamentary funds (she is brought in Florence Parly, a former talent. elections show that Macron has
crore, a regulatory intervention was imperative not raised eyebrows, particularly a former member of the European budget official, as the Defence Min- Mr. Macron has promised clearly captured the sentiment of
only to safeguard the health of the banking system but when compared to the 75% turnout Parliament). The MoDem resigna- ister and Nicole Belloubet, a legal budget savings of 60 billion euros the people. His objective is to keep
also to ward off any wider impact on the economy. RBI on May 7, when the 39-year-old tions follow the resignation of expert, as the Justice Minister. over the next five years even as he expanding the centrist turf as a
Governor Urjit Patel underscored the importance of Macron was swept into the Elysee, Richard Ferrand, Minister for Ter- Nathalie Loiseau, a former diplo- reduces the government payroll by uniting force and remain pro-poor
tackling the bad loans problem as recently as during the riding a political wave of change ritorial Cohesion and a close ally of mat, has been inducted to look 120,000. Corporate taxes are to be and pro-business at the same time.
June 6-7 meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee that had not been seen since the the president, following an expose after European affairs. In the 29- brought down from 33% to 25%. He has campaigned on a pro-
founding of the fifth republic in about his earlier financial impro- strong cabinet, Mr. Macron now There are no plans to tinker with Europe platform and, if Chancellor
when he said: The quiescent investment cycle remains
1958. priety in Le Canard Enchaine. has 14 women, in keeping with his the 35-hour week but he has an- Angela Merkel wins in Germany in
a key macroeconomic concern. It is, therefore, imperat- It is a harsh lesson because one campaign promise of maintaining nounced his intention to bring in September, he will have an ally
ive to ensure resolution of stressed assets of banks and Parliamentary win of Mr. Macrons first promises was gender parity. greater flexibility into the labour with whom he has established a
timely recapitalisation [of public sector lenders]. Nevertheless, it is abundantly clear to clean up political corruption for Mr. Macrons challenge will be to market. The biggest challenge will good relationship. The pro-Europe
While the RBI has not divulged the names of the default- that the French Assembly reflects which Justice Minister Bayrou had keep his liberal, pro-Europe and be tackling unemployment, run- future has to be reconciled with a
ing dozen, reports suggest they are largely made up of change. As President Macron had introduced legislation in early pro-reform agenda intact while re- ning at over 10% and as high as 25% reassertion of French identity by
steelmakers and infrastructure companies. That steel promised, half of his La Repub- June. The proposed reforms in- maining committed to fiscal among the youth. To generate jobs, reviving a sense of optimism about
lique en Marches (LREMs) elected clude removing the Special Courts prudence, in face of a vocal opposi- Mr. Macron has promised public French economy, based on techno-
companies were among the worst-hit in the wake of the members are newcomers to elec- and subjecting MPs and civil ser- tion led by Marine Le Pen on the far investment of 50 billion euros logy, education and innovation.
global downturn in commodity prices and depressed ted public office. They represent vants to normal judicial proceed- right and Jean-Luc Melenchon on which includes substantial outlays None of these are easy chal-
demand in recent years is widely known; to that extent diverse backgrounds academics, ings; limiting the number of elect- the far left. Traditionally, social for job training. While promoting lenges, but then, it is the first time
the sectors presence in the list comes as no surprise. business, social activism, entre- ive offices that a French politician and cultural liberalism has been a closer ties with EU, he has talked of since the establishment of the fifth
The onus now shifts to the lender consortiums to ex- preneurship, etc. Other LREM can hold at a time; and doing away preserve of the left-of-centre higher tariffs for non-EU goods and republic in 1958 that the French
pedite the insolvency process under the new Insolv- members are the centrist moder- with the practice of hiring family parties while right-of-centre creation of an EU border force for people have elected a president
ates from the traditional Socialist members from public funds, a dis- groups tend to support liberal eco- dealing with the growing challenge and given him such a strong major-
ency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). The enabling archi-
and Republican parties who closure that torpedoed Republican nomic policies. By puncturing the of immigration. ity. Four of the five republics since
tecture is now in place to speedily bring a defaulting switched platforms. The new As- candidate Francois Fillons presid- balloon of populism that both sides the French revolution in 1789
borrowers operations under the purview of an insolv- sembly has 223 women members, ential bid. were taking recourse to and expos- Macrons real challenge emerged out of wars in Europe; the
ency professional, once the National Company Law the highest number ever, with the These proposals are bound to ing it as nothing more than politics In the past six weeks that he has fifth in 1958 took shape because of
Tribunal has accepted the creditors application for ini- majority from the LREM which had face opposition from the tradition- as usual, Mr. Macron has success- been in his job, Mr. Macron has also the liberation movement in Al-
tiating insolvency proceedings against the debtor. But fielded 50% women candidates. alist Socialists and Republicans in fully recreated the liberal prag- displayed confidence on the inter- geria. Many believe that the 1992
the actual timeframe in which the resolution is going to Republicans and their allies are the Assembly. In addition, proced- matic centre, drawing in the mod- national stage that has added to his Maastricht Treaty and the intro-
down from 229 to 136 seats while ures regarding donations and con- erates from both left and right and reputation. The six-second, white- duction of the euro in 2002 began a
occur remains to be seen, given that the IBC is still in its
the Socialists and their allies have tributions to political parties are to infusing it with new blood. By con- knuckled handshake with U.S. peaceful transition to the sixth
infancy. While the code has been drafted to bring under been reduced from 284 to a mere be tightened and made more trans- stituting a cabinet that has Repub- President Donald Trump last French republic. The real chal-
its ambit existing laws related to insolvency and bank- 44 seats! The far-left Le France In- parent. MoDems departure from licans (Prime Minister Edouard month has already been the sub- lenge for Mr. Macron is to keep this
ruptcy, thereby curtailing the options available to a bor- soumise led by Jean-Luc Melen- the cabinet affects Mr. Macron Philippe and Finance Minister ject of considerable analysis on so- transition on track.
rower who wishes to mount a legal challenge, the proof chon has done well by winning 17 politically but does not impact his Bruno Le Maire), and Socialists cial media and YouTube. He ex-
of the pudding as always will be in the eating. The fate of seats while the far-right National legislative agenda as the LREM (Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le pressed disappointment with the
Rakesh Sood is a former Ambassador to
this long-overdue attempt at resolving the banking sec- Front has improved its standing with 308 seats has a comfortable Drian and Interior Minister Gerard U.S. decision to pull out of the Paris France and currently Distinguished
from two seats to eight, well short majority on its own. Collomb), he has also demon- Accord and tweaked Trumps slo- Fellow at Observer Research Foundation.
tors NPA crisis will ultimately be determined by how
of the mandated 15 seats needed In his reshuffle announced on strated his political skill and will- gan Make America Great Again on Email: rakeshsood2001@yahoo.com
quickly the lender consortia are able to initiate the im-
plementation of a resolution plan that retains the de-
faulting company as a going concern there are, after
all, thousands of direct and indirect jobs at stake here.
Or, in the absence of approval for such a plan, start tak-
ing steps to liquidate assets. Debunking myths about the cattle rules
The new rules governing cattle markets only attempt to prevent cruelty
Game of thrones to note some salient aspects. These
rules have been enacted under the
2017 inviting objections and sug-
gestions within 30 days. Thirteen
mented and caparisoned ele-
phants. So, in the light of all this,
Mohammed bin Salmans elevation as Crown power to make rules under the representations were received re- what great communal bias is dis-
Prince could herald a more hawkish Saudi line PCA; second, they do not ban garding the rules, duly examined cernible in these rules? And how
slaughter of cows or cattle; and and incorporated wherever found valid is the charge that the PCA has
T
he rapid rise of Mohammed bin Salman, from one these rules do not prevent anyone suitable. The rules were finally no- been used as a convenient instru-
among many princes in the al-Saud royal family to from eating beef. So what exactly tified on May 23, 2017. ment to further this sinister plot?
N.L. Rajah
the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia within a span of do the rules do? They seek, inter Therefore the purpose of these This is not to say that the rules are
alia, to regulate the sale and rules was not some sinister plot to perfect. They may be otherwise de-
two years, is an unprecedented development in the his-
T
he cow and all the hoopla slaughter of cattle and certain push through a communal agenda ficient but that really is for courts to
tory of the Kingdom. Little-known outside the palace around it political and oth- other animals. But what has that but merely to comply with direc- decide.
until January 2015 when his father, Salman bin Ab- erwise provide periodic got to do with the PCA? Therein lies tions of the Supreme Court in letter We must remember that the har-
dulaziz, became the monarch, Prince Mohammed has bouts of consternation to the na- a tale. and spirit. mony of our polity is a very fragile
since been the face of Saudi Arabia overseas and of re- tion. This time, the provocation are Further, as a matter of fact it was one. Never in the history of the hu-
forms at home. Appointed Deputy Crown Prince by his the provisions of The Prevention of How the rules came about found that it is in the market that man race have people with such
father, Prince Mohammed often overshadowed the Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of In a case before the Supreme Court Nepal. It also constituted a com- cruel practices like hot branding, mind-boggling diversity of caste,
Livestock Market) Rules, 2017. of India, i.e. W.P. (Civil) No.881 of mittee to suggest solutions to stop cold branding, shearing, bishop- creed, language, customs and cul-
then powerful Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Nayef. He
These rules are sought to be lam- 2014 filed by one Gauri Maulekhi vs. these cruelties from being perpet- ing of horses, ear cutting in buffa- ture agreed to come together as a
was directly in charge of the Kingdoms foreign policy pooned on two main grounds. Union of India and others, the apex rated on animals. The court then loes, sealing teats of udder with ad- nation and agreed to be bound by
and rolled out an ambitious economic reform agenda First, that they are the product of a court passed an order dated July 12, directed the suggestions of the hesives, etc. actually happen. the promises offered by a secular
last year. Throughout, he had the support of the octo- government with a divisive agenda 2015 to frame guidelines to prevent committee to be taken into ac- It is plain that the attempt was and egalitarian Constitution. If
genarian King, even as the Crown Prince, reportedly that is trying to push the creed and animals from being smuggled out count and that rules with regard to only to prevent these atrocities. In there be attempts to disturb this
upset with his cousin sidestepping him, kept a low pro- beliefs of the majority down the of India to places like Nepal where livestock markets and connected fact, without going into all the harmony, stern retaliation is in or-
file. On Wednesday, King Salman put an end to all spec- throats of certain communities and large-scale animal sacrifices take issues be also notified. On July 12, above lengthy explanations, just a der. However, in burdening every
classes. place during the Gadhimai Fest- 2016, the Supreme Court by the perusal of Rule 14(h) is enough to official act with the murk of com-
ulation on the succession by ousting Prince Nayef, his
Second, that the provisions of ival. The allegation was that buffa- way of a final order directed the debunk the myth of a communal munal bias, the alarmists will only
nephew, and appointing his son the new Crown Prince. the Prevention of Cruelty to Anim- loes (buffaloes mind you, not Union government to frame rules bias in the rules. This rule prohibits be reducing themselves to the
This has practically removed all hurdles for the 31-year- als Act, 1960 (PCA) have been used cows) were purchased in markets under Section 38 of the PCA. putting ornaments or decorative status of the boy who cried wolf.
old to ascend the throne once his father retires or dies. as a convenient peg to hang this de- kept there in unhygienic condi- The Animal Welfare Board of In- materials on animals. One won- When the wolf does arrive (one
With King Salman largely confined to the Palace owing vious attempt on. Since not only tions and were transported in ap- dia prepared the draft rules incor- ders whether rules allegedly hopes it never does), we may have
to health reasons and Prince Nayef forcibly retired, the the devil but also clarity lies in de- pallingly abominable conditions to porating all the suggestions made framed with a communal bias will lost our collective capacity to
new Crown Prince has already become the de facto tails, let us examine these charges Nepal where they were by the Supreme Court in the above- bung a spanner in the works of sev- react.
objectively. slaughtered in large numbers. mentioned case. Thereafter, the eral Hindu festivals. One cannot
ruler of Saudi Arabia.
As for the first allegation of com- The Supreme Court granted a draft of the presently impugned even imagine a Thrissur Pooram N.L. Rajah is a Senior Advocate at the
Many regard him as a reformer. He has repeatedly munal bias, it may be worthwhile stay of such transportation to rules was notified on January 16, festival without the brightly orna- Madras High Court
talked about ending Saudi Arabias addiction to oil.
The Vision 2030 plan launched by the Prince last year
seeks to end the countrys dependence on oil, reform LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
its finances and encourage private enterprise. He has
also talked about womens rights. At the same time, In defence of dignity the law, pleading for amends. It was undignified supposed to be a post of (American voyage, June between the captain and
many others perceive him as a reckless, impulsive royal Did not what Justice C.S. leniency on the grounds of on the part of an errant apolitical nature. 21). Prime Minister the coach could easily have
Karnan do till his retirement the person being a part of judge to seek refuge in a law D. Mukhopadhyay, Narendra Modis upcoming been resolved had there had
whose unrealistic ambitions and quest for power could Kolkata
tarnish the dignity of the the judiciary is against the which was created to visit may clear the mist. been a functioning cricket
endanger not just the Kingdom but the entire Gulf re- post he was holding? He was spirit of the Constitution. safeguard the interest of the Issues like restrictions on administration. Kumble
gion. A look at Saudi Arabias foreign policy under King able to carry on with his I sincerely hope that the oppressed people. It was a Appointing a Dalit to the H-1B visas to Indian could have fought it out, but
Salman lends credence to this criticism. Prince Mo- tirades and still continue as collegium bears these clear-cut case of an accused highest office as a symbolic professionals, withdrawal of probably looked at the
hammed was the architect of Riyadhs bombing cam- a judge only because of the incidents in mind while playing the role of an measure without providing the U.S. from Paris Accord, bigger picture and quit. A
paign in Yemen in the name of fighting Shia Houthi difficult impeachment rules selecting judges in the accuser! the community equal surge in hate crimes against coach cannot be a
rebels. The Saudi version is that the Houthis are Irans (Jailing a judge, editorial, future. Also, the Tilak Subramanian V., opportunities to rise from Indians need to be raised. cheerleader of the team. He
June 22). Had he been in any government should Udupi their backwardness is going However, there also need to cannot agree with the
proxies, and letting them consolidate themselves in the
other government service, consider granting some sort to do it no good in the long be talks on cooperation as captain in whatever he says.
Kingdoms backyard will hurt its interests. For over two he would have been of administrative powers to A symbolic gesture? run. The government regards nuclear energy, There should be healthy
years Saudi Arabia has been bombing Yemen with im- removed. Had the judiciary the Supreme Court to deal The selection of Ram Nath should learn from BSPs maritime security and discussion between players
punity, triggering a humanitarian crisis in one of the requested Parliament to with recalcitrant judges. Kovind as the presidential defeat in the U.P. State counterterrorism. The meet and the coach for the
poorest countries in the Arab world, but without attain- initiate impeachment B.C. Unnikrishnan Nair, candidate by the ruling BJP elections that mere rhetoric could be instrumental in betterment of the team. The
proceedings, it might have Kuthiathode has taken the Opposition and symbolism cant be a shaping the course of class of Kumble cant be
ing the stated objective of defeating the Houthis. The
Houthis are still in Sana, Yemens capital. Riyadh has fallen on deaf ears, parties by surprise (Nitish permanent tactic to gain Indias future U.S. policy. questioned. We cannot
considering that the former The Honourable Supreme backs Kovind, RJD votes. This takes the caste Vedant Mishra, forget his brave act during
also taken a tougher anti-Tehran line in recent years Unnao
has overruled some Court took a very correct unhappy, June 22). They system forward and the the Antigua Test against the
with Prince Mohammed determined to make sure that decisions of the government and logical step in cannot vociferously oppose society backwards. The West Indies in 2002 when,
the battle is for them in Iran. This aggressive foreign in the selection of High convicting a serving judge. I his nomination, for the fear government should find Kumble bows out despite having a broken jaw,
policy line was evident in Riyadhs decision to impose a Court judges. The only do not understand how the of being seen as anti-Dalit; ways to end the caste The unceremonious he came forward to bowl
blockade on Qatar as well. Prince Mohammeds do- available option for the dignity of the highest court hence, they had to mull the system and not promote it. manner in which Anil and picked up the wicket of
mestic reform credentials are also yet to be established, Supreme Court was in the country was lowered selection of another Dalit Gaurav Bhatia, Kumble had to step down Brian Lara. Indian cricket
initiation of contempt by the judgment. It has, in leader. With due respect to Faridabad despite showing his interest stands to lose due to his
as his plans to reorganise the oil economy remain on pa-
proceedings. Just because fact, increased our faith in the highest chair, the in taking the Indian cricket resignation.
per, while social reforms are nowhere near the govern-
he was a sitting judge, why the judicial system. As President generally never Trumps India policy forward shows that all was J. Akshay,
ments agenda. Against such a background, the Princes should there have been mentioned in the judgment frames the rules. Hence, the The stance of the Trump not well between him and Bengaluru
elevation will only prompt Saudi Arabia to turn more leniency in awarding against Justice Karnan, the ruling partys move gives an administration on various captain Virat Kohli
hawkish on regional policy, while reforms take a back punishment? When we say judges gave him enough impression that they are issues concerning India is (Kumbles farewell, June more letters online:
everybody is equal before opportunities to make politicising what is not clearly known 22). The differences www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
seat. This is bad news for an already volatile region.
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE
Is prohibition the answer?

Whether or not people can drink is a debate fuelled by over 21 could drink beer ant Dhoble, holier than Nagaland, dry since 1989, depends keys given as presents by his many
and toddy with less than even the Pope, tried to on neighbouring Assam for its flow admirers. At his wake part of the
upper-caste hypocrisy, a mix of religious guilt and bigotry 5% alcohol without a per- implement the letter of of liquor. In Bihar, the saviours are Goan Catholic way of life we
mit while the minimum the law before he was Nepal, Jharkhand, West Bengal and opened every single bottle and saw
My late father, Peter, with a bottle. Stubborn, unwilling age lowered to over-30s for put to pasture. Uttar Pradesh. them to the end.
would have spat derision to visit a fabled Goan auntie in those needing stronger As has happened and An editorial in this paper (April
on this debate. When Bandra, he went the official route potions. continues to happen, if 20, 2016) hit the nail on the head: Threat remains
LEFT Prime Minister Morarji for a permit to bonded supply. But Maharashtra was forced the state wants to get Banning the sale and consumption And yet, a real threat remains.
Desai visited Goa to he also needed a medical certificate to change in 1972 after you, the state will. of alcohol, wrote The Hindu, has Whether one quaffs a good single
Hartman de Souza
trumpet the virtues of prohibition, admitting he was a confirmed more than 100 people died con- Moreover, where is the evidence in this countrys experience, not malt first savoured in 1876, or some
is a theatre person,
Peter wanted to welcome him at the drunkard. Peter never forgave the suming rotgut. While it became that imposing prohibition helped? been an effective check against its excellent Mahua wine around pos-
journalist and author
airport, greeting him with a garland prohibitionists. progressively easier to buy liquor, use. It has only criminalised the sibly a few centuries before that
of Eat Dust Mining
of chamber pots. He was pipped by With Morarji at the helm of cru- few Mumbai-ites know that, med- Driving it underground activity, with disastrous con- leaving the safe English-speaking
and Greed in Goa
organisations loyal to coconut and sades between 1949 and 1962, pro- ical drunkenness apart, they still Mizoram junked prohibition after 18 sequences for individual health, the world we inhabit the discussion
cashew feni lining the road carrying hibition ruled. A paltry amount of need a permit offering proof they years. Haryana imposed it, lifting it economy and administration whether people ought to drink or
those same artefacts. foreign liquor was officially al- drink in spite of the Bombay Pro- like Andhra Pradesh. In Tamil Nadu these include bootlegging, liquor not is fuelled by upper-caste hypo-
lowed; the economics of liquor hibition Act of 1949. Legally, a res- since the 1940s, it comes awake mafias, spurious liquor, and a com- crisy, a complex mix of religious
The Morarji era sidelined. Peters drunkenness taurant must have a segregated area during elections and is then quickly plicit police. guilt and bigotry.
Peters ire surfaced earlier. In 1968 was saved by a law in 1963 allowing a permit room where licensed forgotten. When Peter passed away, we Its not that different from
he discovered you couldnt walk permits for over-40s, doctors en- drunkards can be served. In 2012, In Gujarat, dry since 1960, you found in his wardrobe, behind his whether one can legally eat beef or
into a Mumbai store and walk out dorsing their need. In 1968, those let us not forget, Mumbais ACP Vas- just need an app for home delivery. suits, a treasure trove of rare whis- not.
The agenda of prohibition is indeed a rational choice for that serious, but it is an the plethora of adminis- ciety depends on the surplus it gen- That is why pietistic and temper-
important social agenda trative problems, the erates. Most of the developed West- ance movements supported pro-
India, with its extreme poverty and infant capitalism for a State like Bihar. contrarian elite opin- ern countries, in their initial phase hibition, which facilitated capitalist
More recently, the issue ion, even if small, also of capitalist transformation, were accumulation and the industrial re-
The number of liquor household, especially children and of prohibition has reached plays an important role mindful about productive invest- volution. Even though the Amer-
addicts worldwide is women. Alcohol is a State subject the national stage. Even as a disincentive for pro- ment. In North America and ican Civil War was fought on the
staggering, approxim- and each State government has the Prime Minister Narendra hibition or an ideological Europe, the impetus for prohibition agenda of slave labour, both its
RIGHT ately eral
two billion. Sev-
studies have
right to decide whether to go for
prohibition or not. Total prohibi-
Modi had to acknowledge
the contribution of Chief
lubricant for legal sanc-
tion and ultimate en-
was driven more under the rubric
of pietistic and temperance
protagonist and antagonist were
united on the question of prohibi-
Shaibal Gupta
found that high alcohol intake in- tion was introduced earlier in Gu- Minister Nitish Kumar in the realm forcement. In this scenario, it be- movement. The former represen- tion. It symbolised both the aspira-
is member secretary,
creases blood pressure and en- jarat and later in Bihar. of prohibition during Prakash Utsav comes immaterial what Mahatma ted moralistic ethos and the latter tions of modern capitalism and
Asian Development
hances the risk of stroke and liver in Patna. If the prohibition were Gandhi or the Directive Principles gastronomical options and both diabolic form of buccaneering accu-
Research Institute,
cirrhosis. In developing countries, Ruining households pan-national, it would have been an of State Policy have opined on pro- were essentially extensions of the mulation. Both had an identical be-
Patna
those who drink tend to do so heav- In poorer States like Bihar, the justi- easier proposition; to enforce prohibition. After 70 years of Inde- Protestant ethic which, as German lief that prohibition helps accumu-
ily. fication for prohibition is even hibition in a State is a Herculean pendence, one has to revisit many sociologist Max Weber explained, lation and it was in force in the U.S.
For them, alcohol addiction has stronger as alcoholism among men task, with issues like porous bor- foundational issues of nation-build- laid the foundation of capitalism. till the Great Depression. From this
both adverse health and social con- from the economically vulnerable ders with neighbouring States and ing. It is against this backdrop that The Protestant ethic essentially development perspective, the
sequences, as diverting the re- sections is even more harmful, the proactive agenda of liquor one has to calibrate the justification revolved around frugal spending agenda of prohibition is indeed a ra-
source away from basic necessities leading to economic ruin of their traders. for prohibition in a poor State like and saving, which lead to product- tional choice for India, with its ex-
such as food and shelter affects the families. Thus the enforcement of Thus, prohibition creates a huge Bihar. ive investment. That was the bed- treme poverty and infant
welfare of other members of the prohibition in Gujarat may not be enforcement challenge. Apart from The stage of development of a so- rock on which capitalism was built. capitalism.
Banning food and beverages is neither desirable nor liquor outlets and bars quor ban. Moreover, as new policy recognises the dangers for corporate getaways, meetings
taken by the then UDF observed by a Delhi- inherent in the excessive consump- and seminars.
feasible. It puts unnecessary fetters on freedoms government had more to based senior Congress tion of alcohol. It proposes a vigor- While conscientious objections
do with inner-party rivalry leader from Kerala, with ous campaign against alcoholism of prohibitionist lobbies and reli-
Banning food and 1920, finally lifted it finding it to be within the ruling Congress the closure of bars, a lot and to set up de-addiction centres gious organisations are understand-
beverages is neither impractical and interfering. For than any well-thought-out of homes turned into in every district. able, the hue and cry being raised
desirable nor feasible this, the 18th amendment, by which scheme for social bars, disturbing do- The policy, which takes into ac- by the Opposition parties is politic-
CENTRE in a civilised society. It
would interfere with
prohibition was introduced, was re-
pealed, the only time that a part of
engineering. mestic peace and amity.
The new Left Demo-
count the restrictions imposed by
the Supreme Court on highway
ally motivated. Catholic catechism
does not directly ban alcohol con-
M.A. Baby
social and customary practices, reli- the U.S. Constitution has been re- Policy moderation cratic Front (LDF) policy has been bars, also provides for reviving the sumption. It only advocates tem-
is a Polit Bureau
gious rites and rituals and put un- voked. The indirect ban on meat Apart from crippling the tourism in- announced after carefully assessing toddy trade by permitting its sale in perance, advising Catholics to avoid
member of the
necessary fetters on individual consumption being imposed by the dustry with its adverse impact on the impact of the closure of bars, upmarket hotels. Liquor would now every kind of excess. There are reli-
Communist Party
freedoms. In most of countries in Central government and the at- the States finances and employ- the recommendations of the Uday- be available in upmarket hotels and gious orders like the Trappists
of India (Marxist)
the world and in Indian States like tempt of the erstwhile United ment opportunities, it led to an un- abhanu Commission and the exper- domestic lounges of airports. The which have become justly famous
Gujarat and Nagaland where con- Democratic Front (UDF) govern- precedented increase in crimes re- iences of liquor ban in different government will scrap the former for their beer breweries. In compar-
sumption of liquor is banned either ment in Kerala to introduce prohibi- lating to drug abuse and parts of the world. The new excise UDF regimes policy of closing ison, the policies of communist
totally or partially, breaches in law tion of liquor belong to the category bootlegging. As against 974 cases policy is in tune with the LDF elec- down 10% of liquor outlets every parties including the CPI(M), which
are more common than their of draconian steps that interfere registered in Kerala in 2013, the tion manifesto, which proposed vol- year. We hope the new policy will enjoin their cadres to practise ab-
observance. with individual and social State police registered 1,836 drug untary abstinence in place of pro- help the State retain its prime posi- stinence and strictly prohibit
The U.S., which experimented freedoms. cases in the first six months of 2016 hibition. In a State that has high per tion in the tourism map of the drunkenness among their leaders,
with prohibition for 13 years from The hasty decision on the ban of after the introduction of partial li- capita alcohol consumption, the country as a favourite destination are more stringent.
Its not sedition FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 23, 1967
Size of Nizams wealth remains a riddle

SC has ruled that sedition only applies The riddle of the size of the wealth of the late Nizam, rated at
when there is incitement to violence one time to be the richest man in the world, came up during a
question-answer interlude in the Lok Sabha to-day [ June 22,
Karan Thapar New Delhi] but remained unsolved. Mr. K.C. Pant, Minister of
Ive long suspected we lack the facil- State for Finance, who replied to a question on this subject,
ity to strike the right balance in said the Wealth Tax returns of the Nizam in 1957-58 showed
tricky situations. When discretion his wealth as Rs. 3,29,26,912. However it was subsequently
and judgment are required, we have found that a part of his wealth had escaped assessment and
a knack of ending up in extreme po- ultimately his wealth was estimated at Rs. 10,05,76,365. Ex-
sitions. To put it bluntly, we often plaining the divergence between the two assessments Mr.
get difficult calls wrong. Pant in reply to Mr. S.M. Banerjee said that there were certain
This was glaringly obvious in the trusts founded by the late Nizam and he had disputed the in-
response to Muslims who celeb- clusion of these trusts in the Wealth Tax assessment.
rated Pakistans victory over the In-
PIXABAY

dian cricket team in the Champions
Trophy. Fifteen men who shouted
pro-Pakistan slogans and let off fire-
Club for sick and wounded.
crackers in Madhya Pradesh and five more in Rajasthan were
Her Excellency Lady Willingdon this evening opened the new
charged with sedition. Eventually charges were dropped
club for the sick and wounded British soldiers in the magnifi-
against the Madhya Pradesh 15, but continue for the Rajasthan
cent pile of buildings known as Moto Mansions situated on
five. Meanwhile in Mussoorie, Kashmiri traders, some of whom CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC the Koregaon Road (Poona). The building is at present the
have lived there for 50 years, have been ordered by the traders
CONCEPTUAL ACT ONE property of Sir Shapurji Broacha who has lent the place to
association to leave because their children chanted Pakistan
military authorities for the purposes of a club until such time
Zindabad.
Celebrating your countrys defeat may be distasteful and Kuznets curve Inclusion in the Backward Classes list as other premises can be secured. Major General Fowler, in
Economics asking Lady Willingdon to declare the club open, said when
even offensive but its not a crime. More importantly, its defin-
the idea of a club was first mooted, there was no suitable
itely not sedition. Its in no way different to the behaviour of In-
dian-origin citizens of Britain who, at the Oval or Lords, celeb-
A curve used to demon- The select committees report on the 123rd Amendment building in which it could be housed and so they had recourse
strate the hypothesis that
rate the Indian teams victory over what is their national side. economic growth initially is expected in the monsoon session to Lady Willingdon who asked Sir Shapurji Broacha to lend
them this building, which with his usual generosity he
We, in India, rather like that. Then what moral right do we have leads to greater inequality, promptly did.
to criticise when our own citizens applaud a Pakistani victory? followed later by the reduc- K. Venkataramanan body to a constitutional E.V. Chinnaiah vs. Andhra
And anyway, isnt that what sportsmanship is about? The sens- tion of inequality. The idea A widely welcomed move one, on a par with the Na- Pradesh, ruled in 2004 that
ible thing would be to ignore such slogans and celebrations be- was first proposed by to grant constitutional tional Commissions for the President alone has the CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
cause, quite clearly, theyre seeking a response. If thats too dif- American economist Simon status to the National Com- Scheduled Castes and power to notify Scheduled
ficult, the next best would be to admonish them. However, Kuznets. As economic mission for Backward Scheduled Tribes. Castes/Tribes, and when it DATA POINT
there are no grounds for the state or civil society to punish. growth comes from the cre- Classes (NCBC) has also A clause in the 123rd comes to varying the lists,
ation of better products, it brought with it a whiff of Amendment says the Pres- the State legislatures do not
Deliberate misuse of sedition usually boosts the income controversy over whether it ident may by public notific- have legislative compet-
Let me now focus on the deliberate misuse of sedition. The Su- of workers and investors amounts to encroaching on ation specify the socially ence. Applying the same
preme Court has repeatedly ruled that sedition only applies who participate in the first the domain of the States. and educationally back- yardstick to Backward
when there is clear and immediate incitement to violence, wave of innovation. The in- The Lok Sabha passed the ward classes in relation to a Classes may mean that the
which is certainly not the case if you applaud, burst firecrack- dustrialisation of an Constitution (123rd Amend- State or a Union Territory. President alone may notify
ers or shout Pakistan Zindabad. The Supreme Court first made agrarian economy is a comment) Bill, 2017, in April. In In respect of States, it will the list of BCs for every
this clear in 1962 in the Kedar Nath Singh judgment when it mon example. This in- the Rajya Sabha, the Bill be done after consultation State, and that it cannot be
read down Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, which is the equality, however, tends to was referred to a select with the Governor. This varied except by a law en-
sedition clause. In 1995, in the Balwant Singh case, when it be temporary as workers committee, whose report is clause has given rise to acted by Parliament.
ruled that Khalistan Zindabad is not seditious, it upheld the and investors who were ini- expected in the monsoon fears that the Centre is tak- Several Opposition
1962 ruling. More recently, in September 2016, the Supreme tially left behind soon catch session. The Supreme ing over the function of in- parties, which in general
Court explicitly reaffirmed this position. So why do our police up by helping offer either Court, in its final verdict in clusion and exclusion of welcome the grant of con-
continue to misuse the sedition law? More critically, why do the same or better the Indira Sawhney (Man- communities from the stitutional status to the BC
our elected governments permit and condone it? products. This improves dal Commission) case, had Backward Classes list. Commission, have said the
Sadly, there are even occasions when some of our most their incomes. directed the establishment Bill, if enacted, would un-
learned and sophisticated politicians get it wrong. In a speech of the NCBC as a statutory The Bills language dermine federalism, as it
earlier this year in London, Arun Jaitley said: Free speech body. Based on this, a law One reason for the appre- amounts to usurping the
does not permit you to assault the sovereignty of the country. was passed in 1993 to set up hension is that the lan- power of State govern-
Hes wrong. As long as that assault is verbal and not physical CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC the commission. The NCBC guage of the newly intro- ments to prepare their own
and, therefore, violent it is fully covered by Article 19 (1), has been examining cases duced sections, pertaining BC lists. The Centre has
MORE ON
3
which guarantees free speech. Furthermore, what most politi- for inclusion in the BC lists to specifying Backward sought to allay these fears,
cians forget is that whilst Article 19 (2) permits restrictions on THE WEB for the Central government Classes, is exactly the same saying the powers of the
freedom of speech on the grounds of sovereignty, its an en- since then. as that used in Articles 341 States would remain unaf-
abling provision and not the law itself. After the law of sedition Presidential election 2017: The idea behind the pro- and 342 in respect of fected. In any case, the list
was read down, such a law no longer exists. Meira Kumar vs Ram Nath posed amendment is to el- Scheduled Castes and for every State will be pre-
Kovind evate the status of the panel Scheduled Tribes. A Consti- pared only in consultation
Karan Thapar is a broadcast journalist http://bit.ly/MeiravsKovind from that of a statutory tution Bench judgment, in with the State government.
CM A ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
Mandsaur, the farmers story

Information has not graduated to storytelling to dent the regimes idea of agricultural policy
Threatening an indeinite fast management, diversity, questions
against what he dubbed incendiary of food processing. The current
activities, he expectedly cut it scandal has to be located within the
A foregone conclusion short, quickly accepting the pro-
verbial glass of lemon juice and an-
overall crisis of agriculture. Instead
of seeing agriculture as problem-
The BJP has managed to set the tone nouncing a whole slew of policies. atic and crisis-ridden, I wish the re-
shiv visvanathan The farmers were not impressed, gime would see agriculture as a way
and agenda for the presidential race invoking the all but forgotten re- of life. Instead of fetishising agricul-
remember years ago the Delhi commendations of the Swam- ture into a false gau rakshak eco-
I
t may have the trappings of an ideological battle, but
the 2017 presidential election has become a platform
for political messaging. With the Bharatiya Janata
I School of Economics had many
great scholars visit the campus.
They talked passionately and
inathan Report that the support
subsidy should cover half the pro-
duction costs of a crop.
nomy, one wishes the government
would open up the debate on agri-
culture.
Party ielding an old party hand from the Dalit com- knowledgeably not just about the A meeting of farmers associ-
munity, the opposition parties led by the Congress felt subject but about knowledge as a ations condemned this as a Light at the end of the tunnel?
constrained to follow suit. While the candidature of Bi- vocation. One of the most memor- enough. Information has not deaths. Behind the drab comedy, nautanki. To the crudity of the I wish Mr. Chouhan and Mr. Singh
able of these performances was by graduated to storytelling or even there is a poignant point. We might Chief Ministers response, one has had visited the National Seed Di-
har Governor Ram Nath Kovind on behalf of the ruling
Teodor Shanin, the economic his- knowledge to dent the regimes be an agricultural country, but our to add the silence of Prime Minister versity Festival at Anna University,
party was a surprise, the response from the opposition torian who also edited Peasants and idea of agricultural policy. Some- rulers lack a sense of political eco- Narendra Modi. But since Mr. Chennai, held earlier this month. It
in naming former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar was Peasant Societies. He talked quietly thing like what Buddhist monks nomy or sociology of agriculture. Chouhan has been in power for was a scientiic mela in the true
anything but that. This lent the unfortunate impression about his love for his subject and dub a touch of wholeness. Some- over a decade, it is his policies we sense of the term, with the Indian
that the Congress and other parties had no clear choice confessed, I have been studying how the narratives of agriculture The security paradigm need to examine, and policy is al- farmer elaborating his knowledge
of their own, and were only waiting to react. They may the peasantry when it was out of have never possessed that sense. One has sensed this watching most ironic in its consequences. about diversity, especially when a
have hoped that the BJP would ield someone from its fashion, I am in it now when it is One misses an Indian Shanin, who Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Ethnographies at the ground society can talk of the nearly
fashionable, and I will be there long can weave theory and practice, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister level in villages around Mandsaur 40,000 varieties of rice. It was liter-
old guard, in order to set the stage for a contest between
after it has become out of fashion storytelling and policy together. Shivraj Singh Chouhan respond to reveal four disastrous decisions. ally a festival of agriculture, not an
a candidate swathed in safron and one with a secular again. I recollected his passion as I The governments reaction, bor- the protests at Mandsaur. There has First, the procurement price of the attempt to enact out agriculture as
report card. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi read sadly about farmers protests dering between illiteracy and indif- been no sense of an agricultural crop. The prices have plunged so a dismal science as policy groups
and BJP president Amit Shah chose someone less across India, particularly in Mand- ference, has often made social sci- crisis in their language. The BJP, in disastrously that the farmer is not often do. Second, one also wishes
known but from a disadvantaged community, with the saur in Madhya Pradesh. entists cynical. They retreat into its paranoid way, converts every able to recover the mere cost of in- that civil society activists proicient
clear intent of garnering the support of those outside It was not the nature of the re- the realm of jokes, of slapstick or protest into a problem of law and vestment. Second, adding salt to in policy were consulted in policy-
the fold of the National Democratic Alliance, who can- ports that was distressing. It was concentration camp humour. The order, into an internal security the procurement injury, is the de- making. They would go beyond
more the way the regime was react- jokes might sound silly but they hit threat, imagining the forces of in- monetisation policy of the regime cost-beneit to a sense of sufering
not aford to be seen to be opposing a Dalit. As it
ing to it. It was a kind of repeat of its home, conveying the despair of the surgency behind it. It creates a cor- which has devastated the economy. of a people. The governments hys-
happened, the Bahujan Samaj Party leader, Mayawati, response to the farmers complain- spectator and witness. I remember don sanitaire around the area, pre- For instance, farmers receive terical attempt to introduce genet-
felt obliged to extend her support to Mr. Kovind, until ing about the long drought in Tamil two in particular. venting activists and Congress cheques which were not cashable ically modiied (GM) mustard might
the Congress and its allies came up with the name of Ms. Nadu. Watching the protest and its A former member of the now dis- leaders from reaching the area. The for over a month. They remained meet with more thoughtful and
Kumar, daughter of the late leader of the depressed drama, one sensed the regime did banded Planning Commission asks suicides of more than a dozen farm- literally promissory notes that ethical responses in this group.
classes, Babu Jagjivan Ram. It is clear that the opposi- not care. The protest was dismissed his class at the Delhi School of Eco- ers create no sense of connectivity could not be redeemed. Third, the Third, the question of farmers
tions tactic of waiting for the ruling party to name its as a colourful spectacle. The peas- nomics, What is the diference with similar happenings else- government does not allow the ex- agency must be emphasised. Some-
ant as victim was dismissed as a fu- between the Congress and the where. port of many crops. And fourth, the times, agriculture as a form of vic-
candidate did not exactly help its cause. It only gave an
tile clown, a failed trickster. BJP? Answer: the Congress knows Muting protest without articulat- farm holdings in many cases are so timology loses the sense of farming
opportunity to the BJP leadership to set the tone and economics but not agriculture. The ing debate corrodes the texture of small that survival is diicult. The as creative and competent. What I
agenda for the contest. Weaving the narrative BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is illit- democracy. The BJP fails to under- changes in cost as crops follow the want to emphasise is the necessity
The election result is a foregone conclusion. On the One must emphasise that this was erate about both. stand any problem sociologically. cash crop economy has created its to see agriculture holistically, not in
strength of its majority in the Lok Sabha and several le- not due to the callousness of media The second comment comes Behind every protest it sees an in- own strains. What democracy terms of the silos of the mind. If the
gislatures, especially its huge presence in the Uttar Pra- reporting. Over the last month, from the tragedy, the continuous surgent or a terrorist. As a result, needs is an answer to this, but the protests at Mandsaur can trigger
desh Assembly, the BJPs nominee is well ahead. His po- journalists have captured the epidemic of agricultural suicides the suferings of citizens go un- responses cannot be palliative. that one thought, maybe all the
protests of the farmers in Maha- that have haunted India for over a heeded. Their sense of the hidden Policy does not seek problem-solv- hardship will have a meaning some
sition is bolstered by the support of a clutch of regional
rashtra, Tamil Nadu and Madhya decade. The question is why John or invisible hand lies in security ing. We are groping from crisis to day.
parties in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Pradesh. They have emphasised Maynard Keynes is not applicable threats or terror, not in the forces of crisis as even a bumper crop be-
Tamil Nadu, but the most important coup that the BJP that what is rocking India is not to India. This joke remembers Key- economics. Policy hardly responds comes a prelude to a disaster. Ques-
has pulled of by ielding the Bihar Governor is the back- only the battle of caste groups or ness observation that in the long to the sufering on the ground. tions of sustainability and liveli- Shiv Visvanathan is Professor, Jindal
ing of Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minis- worker struggles but the huge run, we are all dead. In India, we Worse, Mr. Chouhan added his hood need debate. One has to Global Law School and Director, Centre
ter Nitish Kumar. The only political point of interest in range of farmer protests across the are dead in the short run too if one own obscenity by starting a rethink the axiomatics of agricul- for the Study of Knowledge Systems, O.P.
the current election lies in the possibility that it may res- country. Yet, one senses news is not looks at suicide and starvation counter-fast against the violence. ture beyond price to water, soil Jindal Global University
ult in a realignment in Bihar. Mr. Kumar may be weigh-

ing the fallout of being seen in the company of the
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader, Lalu Prasad, whose family
is now embroiled in allegations of benami property
Limits of exclusivism
transactions. There also appears to be a competition The recent crisis in Sri Lankas Northern Provincial Council has more to it than a ight against corruption
among regional parties such as the Telugu Desam Party,
Wigneswaran, along with politi- leaders for its military project seek- Mr. Wigneswarans politics have
the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, the YSR Congress and cians within and outside the NPC, ing a separate state, its opportun- been a disaster. He has severed rela-
the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam fac- irmly held his exclusivist, if not istic and talking-head avatars pose tions with the south and is the sub-
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK
tions to support the Narendra Modi regime. The nor- separatist, line. a political threat to what remains of ject of ridicule by international act-
mally restive Shiv Sena too has chosen to back Mr. In the parliamentary election of progressive Tamil society and its ors whom he claims to lobby.
Kovind. Even with 17 parties in the opposition ranks, August 2015, these issures became institutions. However, the faith placed by many
there may be only a symbolic contest. pronounced with Mr. Wigneswaran in Mr. Sampanthan as a senior
ahilan kadirgamar supporting the hard-line Tamil Na- Downward spiral leader who can inally deliver a
tional Peoples Front (TNPF) which The next year, ahead of NPC elec- solution is also waning, thanks to
T
he recent no-conidence mo- sufered a thumping defeat. The sion, often with anti-Muslim senti- tions, is likely to be wasted with a his political indecisiveness and fail-
tion in Sri Lankas Northern TNAs landslide victory seemed a ments. They glorify martyrdom lame duck Council, with possibly ure to engage and mobilise the
Engaging Pyongyang Provincial Council (NPC) in
Jafna, moved by a section of the
timely moment for the Chief Minis-
ters removal, but Mr.
and victimhood, blame all ills on
the south, and claim to be devoted
more extreme nationalist theatrics
to keep the Tamil population at
Tamil population.
In this context, Tamil nationalist
Council members against Chief Sampanthans indecisiveness let nationalists who can lobby the boiling point. In this context, early politics that has centred on exclus-
The latest U.S.-North Korean tensions could Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, has the status quo be. West for deliverance. elections following its dissolution is ivism culminating in separatism, or
be turned into a diplomatic opportunity brought the deep divide in Tamil It is true that substantive devolu- one possibility. Alternatively, the demands towards constitutional
nationalist politics to the fore. Political culture tion is yet to be realised in the coun- electorate may demand changes in change without political rap-
T
he tragic death of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old The turbulence lasted a week, The recent developments in the try, but Mr. Wigneswaran actively provincial governance through prochement requires a rethink. It
American student who was imprisoned and later after he called on two ministers to NPC also relect worrying trends in blocks development projects alloc- local struggles. The Centre also ag- has never sought to genuinely en-
released while in a state of coma by North Korea, resign on corruption charges and Tamil political culture. The Libera- ated from Colombo. gravates the dire state of the Tamil gage the other minorities and pro-
is a huge setback to hopes for dialling down tensions two others to go on compulsory tion Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) The pro-Wigneswaran mobilisa- community with a terribly lawed gressive Sinhalese, or consider
leave, until Tamil National Alliance and later the Rajapaksa regime had tions culminated in attacks on the reconstruction programme, with ways of achieving devolution of
between Washington and Pyongyang. The Korean crisis
(TNA) leader R. Sampanthan engin- curtailed peoples struggles for dominant sections of the TNA, with no meaningful investment in the power in tandem with broader
has worsened since President Donald Trump took of- eered a compromise that let Mr. decades. However, with demo- the labelling of politicians as trait- local economy or job creation. The democratisation and economic
ice early this year. North Korea test-ired a number of Wigneswaran continue in power. cratic space opening after 2015, ors, reminiscent of the LTTEs promised constitutional reforms to justice. Worse, it has failed to ad-
missiles in deiance of international pressure, while the The controversy was essentially protests around land, ishing politics of character assassination. expand devolution of power have dress the contradictions within its
United States issued repeated warnings. Mr. Trump had a manifestation of a simmering rights, wartime disappearances Meanwhile, sections of the local been virtually put on hold as the co- fold of caste, gender, class and re-
put pressure on Beijing to rein Pyongyang in, and even political conlict within the Tamil and militarisation mounted. Tamil media project Mr. alition government wobbles, with gion, and instead depended on an
praised it for its eforts. But the pressure does not seem polity. Tension had been brewing Through these agitations, the war- Wigneswarans populist appeal unchecked Sinhala-Buddhist chau- elite consensus within its narrow,
within the NPC since the regime afected people voiced their grow- through religious and cultural im- vinist forces surging. Having Jafna-centred base. The down-
to be working, with North Korea continuing with its
change in January 2015. The Tamil ing frustration as their livelihoods agery betraying an emergent Hindu wasted two and a half years in ward spiral of Tamil nationalist
nuclear missile programme. This was the backdrop to nationalists preferred discourse of remained precarious. But the gov- nationalism in Jafna. power, the President and the Prime political competition in recent
the release of Warmbier. He was arrested in Pyongyang victimhood and the need for inter- ernment in Colombo was comfort- The Tamil chauvinist forces do Minister ofer little conidence to years signals a destructive path for
in January 2016 while visiting as part of a tour group and national intervention during the ably indiferent. not pose any threat to the state for the war-torn population by way of a an already debilitated, war-torn so-
later sentenced to 15 years of hard labour for the hos- authoritarian Rajapaksa regime The lack of solutions through the Tamil community cannot stom- solution. As for Tamil nationalist ciety. It is only a generational polit-
tile act of trying to steal a propaganda poster. Within a suddenly confronted the geopolit- meaningful leadership in the TNA ach another insurrection. How- politics, whether it is the TNA lead- ical shift breaking away from Tamil
few days of his release he died. The fallout in the U.S. is ical agenda of the West and India, and the Colombo government has ever, they can further undermine ership or its rivals, little is likely to nationalism that can redeem Tamil
which moved close to the new gov- left the ield open for the crass the Tamil community by prevent- change. There isnt even relection society from its tragic predica-
predictably charged. The Trump administration has
ernment in Colombo. The TNA politics of nationalists aligned with ing moves to rebuild its social, eco- and introspection about how the ment.
layed the North Korean regime for Warmbiers death, leadership in Parliament shifted its Mr. Wigneswaran. Their cam- nomic and political institutions. LTTE and, for that matter, the cur-
but stopped short of calling for more sanctions or issu- approach towards engaging paigns are essentially repackaging While the LTTE mowed down com- rent leadership have brought about Ahilan Kadirgamar is a political
ing new threats. This may be because three other Amer- Colombo. However, Mr. the LTTEs politics of ethnic exclu- mitted social and political Tamil this abject situation. economist based in Jafna
icans are still imprisoned in North Korea, and Washing-
tons priority for now is to secure their release.
On the face of it, this may not seem like the ideal time
to advocate diplomacy. But it is worthwhile for Wash- Politics here too election is to ensure that the consensus from the NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind Privatising Air India tends to compromise proit
ington to ask whether its hostile policy towards North In what is a clear case of ruling partys candidate and its allies. This could may have a clear edge in the There are media reports that for achieving overall
Korea has produced any positive result. The sanctions- competitive caste politics in does not get elected have resulted in a healthy race, but the Opposition has say the Tata group may welfare. However, one is
only approach has not helped change Pyongyangs be- the presidential election, unopposed. consensus and perception proved a point or two by regain control of a sick Air quite sanguine that Air
haviour. In fact, the longstanding hostility and Wash- the Opposition has chosen C.G. Kuriakose, that our lawmakers sought making sure that the BJP India. Privatisation and India, under the Tatas,
former Lok Sabha Speaker Kothamangalam, Kerala out a worthy and doesnt have its way all the nationalisation are needed would soon shine
ingtons repeated threats have turned the Kim dynastic
Meira Kumar as its meritorious person. The time. in India which follows the (Business Centre to rejig
regime so paranoid that it doesnt spare even American candidate against the NDAs In nominating Meira Opposition has missed an J. Anantha Padmanabhan, economic system of a mixed Air Indias debt, June 23).
tourists visiting North Korea. Attempts to put pressure Ram Nath Kovind (Meira Kumar, the Opposition has opportunity to have the Tiruchi economy. One feels that the S. Ramakrishnasayee,
on Pyongyang through Beijing have also failed either Kumar to contest against played a master stroke and right person in the highest Indian state need not run Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
because China is not completely on board or it is simply Kovind, June 22). It all boils also shown that it can stand post. Ms. Kumars ight will Cattle rules commercial enterprises for more letters online:
reluctant to use its leverage over North Korea. Using down to the fact that we do up to the BJP and right-wing be a symbolic one and she is There are two laws in the the simple reason that it www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
force or attempting a regime change, a strategy that has not have genuine secular forces. Ms. Kumar is well bound to be defeated. The arguments advanced in the
parties as all of them subtly known, experienced, and is Left and the Right should try article, Debunking myths
not worked for the U.S. elsewhere, will be far more dan- corrections & clarifications:
play the identity card and a Dalit with an impressive to be at the centre on about the cattle rules ( June A clariication: In the graphic that accompanied PSLV will lock
gerous in the Korean Peninsula given that the North is shamelessly indulge in political background. The matters involving national 23). The Prevention of heavy weight Cartosat-2 into orbit today ( June 23, 2017), the ig-
an unpredictable nuclear power. This situation leaves vote-bank politics for numbers may be stacked interest and avoid scoring Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 ure Height 505 km refers to the altitude (of the polar sun syn-
Mr. Trump with only one viable option: to take the lead electoral gains. Ms. Kumar against the Opposition, but brownie points. was enacted to prevent chronous orbit) to which the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
in a new diplomatic ofensive with both carrots and may have an impressive Ms. Kumars selection does B. Sundar Raman, cruelty to all animals; C-38 along with the satellites will be lifted; and Weight 955 kg
CV but Mr. Kovind poses a queer the pitch for a Coimbatore cruelty to poultry and goats refers to the weight of 31 satellites carried on board. The actual di-
sticks. Oicials from Washington and Pyongyang had mensions of the launch vehicle are: height: 44.4 m; lift-of mass:
already established low-level contact for the release of challenge as his is a simple government that is no less severe than that to 320 tonnes; total weight of 31 satellites carried on board: 955 kg;
life, [with] lofty ideals. His masterminded the social In projecting Ms. Kumar, cows and bufaloes. Second, weight of Cartosat: 712 kg; orbit height: 505 km.
Warmbier and the other three Americans who are still
service to the marginalised campaign, Beti Bachao, the Opposition has regulations to prevent cruel Portugal shares 400-year-old archival material with India
in North Korean custody. Mr. Trump could use the crisis cannot be ignored. We are Beti Padhao. shattered the myth that it is practices in the market are would have been the appropriate headline for a back page report
as an opportunity to expand the engagement, get the yet to hear of Ms. Kumars Jennifer Duraisingam, weak and incapable of welcome. But abolishing the ( June 23, 2017) about Portugal handing over a collection of docu-
Americans freed and then gradually start discussing role and contribution in this London taking on the government. market itself for sale of cattle ments known as monsoon correspondence to India. In the print
more complex issues. The new South Korean President, respect. It is another matter The government cannot for slaughter undoubtedly editions, the report had been erroneously headlined Goa re-
Moon Jae-in, is an advocate of talks and has vowed to that the Opposition playing The choice of Meira Kumar blame the Opposition for interferes with the right of ceives archival material from Portugal.
the Bihar card is not going by the Congress and allies having forced a contest as it citizens to earn their In the report titled My name was enough if I had to send a two-
roll back the hostile foreign policy of his predecessor. If
to make any impression on has merit. Perhaps the known that there is a livelihood in a legal manner line CV, says Sehwag ( June 18, 2017) there was an erroneous refer-
China also backs such an efort wholeheartedly, Mr. ence to NC News blogger Padampati Sharma, who conducted the
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Opposition ought to have marked reluctance by the known to them and/or to
Kim would have to unequivocally demonstrate whether Kumar. The Oppositions taken the irst step and BJP to opt for consensus on have food of their choice.
interview with Virender Sehwag. It should have been UCWeb.
he is interested in peace or not. only intention in the announced Ms. Kumar as its any issue that also concerns S.P. Asokan, The Readers Editors office can be contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300;
ensuing presidential nominee and then sought the Opposition. The NDAs Chennai E-mail: readerseditor@thehindu.co.in
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

Kashmir stoned: From conversations with doctors, police oicers and patients, it emerges that cannabis is a popular mood-altering substance being abused by Kashmiri youth thanks to the copious amounts being grown locally in Anantnag and Pulwama districts. File
picture shows cannabis plants being destroyed in Awantipora. NISSAR AHMAD *
The anonymous addicts

Women in Kashmir are inally seeking help for drug abuse in a society that is still struggling to acknowledge the problem. Vidya Krishnan and Peerzada Ashiq
report on de-addiction initiatives in the Valley
Sometime in the summer of 2010, a de- that of male respondents. structure saying, SMHS Community counselling sessions with her to con- found that there are up to 70,000 drug
cision was taking to add a wing to Srin- The data sample was admittedly Centre. vince her to take the opioid substitution addicts in Kashmir, out of which 4,000
agars SMHS Hospital, formally known small, collected as it was from 250 re- The ground floor has a mental health therapy (OST). Eventually, she agreed were women. The survey also revealed
as the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hos- spondents in Srinagar, Anantnag, Bara- OPD (Out Patient Department), the floor but told us she wont give her original that nearly 70% of the student com-
pital. Spread over 10 acres of green, it is mullah, Pulwama and Budgam, but with above has wards for men and women name, says Dr. Hasan. munity in Kashmir abuses drugs, includ-
one of the biggest government hospitals few community studies and lack of reli- who are admitted on account of either It was November 2015 when Nida ing 26% of the female students.
in the heart of the city and a city doctor able data, the findings are indicative of mental health problems or drug use. started seeking care as someone who ac- At SMHS Hospital, 291 patients were
had just managed to convince the the unacknowledged problem facing The top floor has a rehabilitation centre, companies her brother to the hospital, treated for drug addiction in the hospit-
powers that be of the need to integrate Kashmiri society. To the last question, with a table tennis table lying unused, but she is not the only patient with an als OPD in 2014; 119 were in-patients.
mental health services within a general Do girls also take drugs?, 70% of the an eight-seater dining table with a televi- assumed identity. The SMHS Hospital The next year, numbers rose to 490 in
hospital setting. He wanted to take the women surveyed and 50% of the men sion across the room. It is for when the treated nine female patients between the OPD & 226 in the in-patient depart-
stigma away from seeking care of mental said yes. The author concluded his study patient stays for long. These things help April 2016 and March 2017 each had a ment (IPD). In 2016, 535 patients came
health and drug abuse, both ever in- reiterating the shocking finding that normalise the days spent in hospital, unique complication that had to be dealt to the OPD and 224 in the IPD, and this
creasing in a city coping with conflict 72.36% male and 57.14% female re- says Mir Mohsin Rasool, a medical of- with discretion by the hospital year has already seen 584 OPD patients
and human rights abuse. The lime-col- spondents revealed that girls also take ficer at the hospital. administration. and 191 admissions for opioid substitu-
oured building got a new additional drugs; so far hardly any study had been I ask if women staying at the hospital Nida was introduced to Tramadol in- tion therapy. Currently, 70 are under
wing in white. done about female and their addictive for de-addiction ended up at the dining jection because of a painful kidney stone treatment and nine of these are women.
Then one day, the city doctor decided abuse. The patients kept coming approach (sic). table, watching television with the rest episode. Before she knew it, she was There are currently two operating de-
to stop by to have a look at the four- sometimes he knew the person from of the patients. Dr. Rasool smiles and shooting six-seven injections every day addiction centres in Srinagar one is
storey white structure taking shape. He school, sometimes they were friends he The girl with the fake name shakes his head. The next stop was the and still writhing in pain. run by the Police Control Room at
walked in to each floor, inspected the played cricket with, sometimes he was For close to two years, doctors at SMHS female ward. There was one patient, un- Initially my family thought it is just a Batamaloo and the other is at SMHS Hos-
wards and then the toilets still under related to the person. It was every- have been treating a girl for Tramadol der treatment for depression. No drug painkiller. Then we realised there was a pital. The police centre was created as
construction to realise there were just where I looked. And nearly 90% of fe- addiction, another painkiller. No one in abuse cases. bigger problem. an initiative to bridge the mistrust
urinals. When he asked the architect male patients were not reaching the hos- the hospital knows her real name. They In a room with three doctors, a male Why did you give them a fake name? between the community and the police
why there wasnt a facility for women, pitals due to fear of stigma and shame, call her Nida. patient, one must weigh the words care- I did not trust the doctors. in 2008. Muzaffar Khan, in-charge of the
the architect asked with a confused he says. To get her to come to the hospital for fully before asking how the hospital Then why did you come in? PCR De-addiction Centre, likes telling
look, But you said this will be a de-ad- A 2012 study by M. Mudasir Naqsh- treatment was the kind of health out- claims to be treating female patients, I heard nice things about them. My the story as to how this centre came
diction centre. Female bhi aayengi bandi, a School of Social Work student reach that makes people think of medi- when there are none to be found. Imme- brother assured me ki baat bahar nahin about. In 2008, the police got repeated
yahan? (Will women come too?) The of Indira Gandhi National Open Univer- cine as a truly noble profession. Now in diately, the air tenses up, the doctors ex- jayegi (word wont go out). But the doc- calls from Anantnag about someone de-
question posed by the architect reflec- sity, titled Drug addiction and youth of its seventh year, the SMHS Hospitals de- change glances and Yasir Hasan, con- tors still had to earn my trust I am not secrating the Koran to stoke communal
ted the concern of the society struggling Kashmir revealed a staggering data that addiction centre still does not carry a sultant at the SMHS psychiatry scared to come here anymore. I come tensions. One day we caught him. He
to acknowledge the incidence of drug 75% women in the age group of 26 to 30 board announcing what it is. A simple department, says there is a girl, they over, collect my medicines and my was not trying to create any communal
abuse, considered haram in Islam. knew what gateway drugs are. Gateway board hangs outside the two-storey dont know her real name though. brothers but Kashmiri society is tension. He was on drugs. We decided to
drugs, in common medical parlance, are Shes agreed to talk to you, on the different. hold a three-day camp in the district and
Addiction and stigma substances that supposedly lead the phone. How? realised the magnitude of the problem,
Here in Srinagar, you cannot have a con- user on to more addictive or dangerous The doctors tell me that Nidas I am very bold. But these things can says Dr. Khan. We realised that the soci-
versation about mental health and drug
abuse without being told, in every con-
drugs. Cannabis is considered a gateway
drug. The percentage of men in the cor-
<
> ItAnd
was everywhere I looked.
nearly 90% of female
brother, also a user, was their patient.
During his counselling sessions, they
ruin your future in Kashmir. Chehre pe
daag ho toh future bigad jata hai yahan
ety was in deep denial about level of
drug addition among young Kashmiris.
versation, about the work done by Dr. responding age group with the same in- patients were not reaching the found out that his sister was abusing (A blemish on your face can can ruin We decided to set up a centre with Dr.
Arshid Hussain. The 40-year-old is the formation was just 22.22%. The study hospitals due to fear of stigma painkillers. It took three more sessions your future). [Arshid] Hussain as a consultant with
kind of person who can fill a reporters concluded that overall female respond- and shame. to convince him to bring her in. She Eventually, the conversation turned us, he adds. The centre, however, re-
notebook in the first 20 minutes of the ents from all age groups have better Dr. Arshid Hussain, eventually came as her brothers attend- to the pervasive gender bias in accessing fused to share details of female patients
meeting, leaving you reeling under the knowledge about gateway drugs than Srinagar ant and met us. It then took a few more health care and Nida said, I pray for the currently seeking treatment at the
onslaught of information about the mag- women using substances and not being centre.
nitude of drug abuse and mental health able to get care. I know so many women According to data released by the
plaguing Kashmiri youth. who are suffering alone. Because they State Home Department, between Octo-
As a medical student interested in are scared, for themselves, their families ber 2014- 2016, 3,864 patients were
mental health, Dr. Hussain was over- and most of all, from eternal damnation treated for de-addiction in Jammu, Srin-
whelmed by the sheer volume of pa- for this being haram. agar, Anantnag and Baramulla. The
tients coming in seeking de-addiction highest number of cases came from
services. In a freewheeling conversation The epidemic of pain Srinagar (2,260), followed by Jammu
in his office, Dr. Hussain speaks about Besides Nida, the doctors are seeing a (610), Anantnag (603) and Baramulla
his first brush with female drug-using teenage student who is addicted to can- (391) districts.
patients. It was the graveyard shift and nabis. That was a classic case of peer The statistics as seen in police re-
I was sleeping at my desk. I suddenly felt pressure. The patient came for a few ses- cords and hospitals OPDs dont tell the
someone lift my hand, which was on top sions and then she stopped coming, full story of drug abuse, Dr. Hussain
of a medicine box, he says over tea, jug- says Dr. Yasir. adds. After three days of meetings, as
gling three conversations at the same From conversations with doctors, po- the conversations started winding up,
time with a staff member who was lice officers and patients, it emerges that he spoke about a teenage patient he
done for the day, a patient wanting to as- cannabis is a popular mood-altering could not save. The patient was abusing
sure him that some politician will bear substance being abused by Kashmiri drugs and his parents would routinely
his expenses, and a journalist who youth thanks to the copious amounts be- call the doctor. The boy eventually died
wanted his undivided attention. The ing grown locally in villages in Anantnag from drug overdose. At the funeral, the
patient had been admitted after and Pulwama districts; other favourites parents grief was measured everyone
seizures. She was stealing pentothal in- include solvents such as fluids, inhalants had been told that the teenage boy had a
jections from the pharmacy. From right and nail polish. Women, however, tend cardiac arrest and could not be saved.
under my nose. Pentothal is an opioid to have iatrogenic addiction drug de- As the doctor began to leave, the par-
analgesic, a common painkiller. pendency due to a medical treatment, ents asked him one more time, How
Doctors in Srinagar feel a majority of usually of drugs prescribed to relieve did he die? Dr. Hussain assured them it
the women who use drugs in Kashmir pain. was a cardiac arrest and left. Dying
tend to get addicted to painkillers. She Data regarding drug abuse among wo- from an OD (overdose) can get you
was the first patient I scientifically de- men in Kashmir are scarce. The most de- eternal damnation while a cardiac arrest
toxed. It took five days, says Dr. Hus- tailed study done so far was way back in can comfort the grieving parents that
sain. Soon, he saw another girl, a class- 2008 when a United Nations Interna- their son is in Jannat (heaven), is Dr.
mate, also a case of medicinal opioid An anti-drug use campaign in which schoolchildren took part, in Srinagar in 2007. tional Drug Control Programme survey Hussains parting shot.
CM A ND-ND
YK

NOIDA/DELHI

THE HINDU
When Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al ity. For Sheikh Tamim, it was his first chose the latter, paving the way for pro- ganising the 2022 Fifa World Cup. terests elsewhere in the region, Sheikh
WHO
Pp q
Q Thani decided to abdicate the throne
for his 33-year-old son Sheikh Tamim
major foreign policy crisis. tracted tensions with his bigger neigh-
bour which eventually led to Riyadh What is his politics?
Tamim retained good diplomatic ties
with Iran, Saudi Arabias main regional
bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013, Saudi Ara- Why was Egypts coup bad news? and its allies cutting ties with Qatar From the early days of his rule, it was rival.
bia and the United Arab Emirates were His father had heavily invested, both earlier this month. evident that Sheikh Tamim wanted to
Emir of quick to congratulate the young Emir.

We are confident that you will con-
tinue the journey of your father, the
politically and economically, in the Arab
Spring protests to expand Qatars influ-
ence across the region. It was in Qatars
What are his roots?
Sheikh Tamim, born in Doha in 1980 as
raise Qatars profile in an unstable re-
gion. He competed with the Saudis in
bankrolling anti-regime militias in Syria.
Whats the way forward?
Within a year of his rule, Saudi Arabia,
the UAE and Bahrain temporarily sus-
Qatar, at late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaz-

eez said. Sheikh Tamim did continue
the journey of his father, who, in the 18
interests to prevent the coup that took
place in the background of largescale
anti-Morsi protests in Cairo and other
the fourth son of Sheikh Hamad, be-
came the Emirates heir apparent at
23 when his older brother
He backed one of the rival governments
in Libya. Al Jazeera, the royal family-
funded television station, con-
pended diplomatic ties with Qatar over
Dohas support for the Muslim Brother-
hood. But Sheikh Tamim stayed the
the centre years of his rule, transformed Qatar, a

tiny energy-rich country in the Gulf that
shares a land border only with Saudi Ar-
parts of Egypt. I became the Emir just
three or four days before what
happened in Egypt on June 30 [when
Jasim renounced his claim to
the throne. Since then, the
al-Thani royal family had
tinued its sympathetic cover-
age of the Muslim Brother-
hood. When the political
course on foreign policy. Things started
changing after King Salman took power
in Saudi Arabia and his young son, Mo-
of the storm abia, into a wealthy regional power with
a relatively independent foreign policy.
the protests broke out], Sheikh Tamim
later said in a conversation with Geor-
been grooming him to take
over from his father. He
leadership of Hamas, the
Palestinian militant group
hammed bin Salman, was appointed
Defence Minister. The new Saudi rulers
getown University president John J. De- was a Second Lieutenant in that rules Gaza, fled took a tougher line towards Qatar. The
What was his first crisis? Gioia. I had to deal with the situation the Qatari army and be- crisis-hit Damascus, Saudi attempt to isolate the emirate is
Sheikh Hamad announced his abdica- to find a solution in Egypt. It was very came the deputy com- Qatar offered them certainly the biggest foreign policy
tion decision on June 25, 2013. Within a difficult. I tried my best, but unfortu- mander-in-chief in 2009. refuge. Moreover, crisis. For now, Iran and Turkey have
week, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian nately, you know, I wasnt successful, He has served in several despite con- offered him support, including food
General, seized power by toppling the he said. other key positions such flicting in- supplies. But the question is how long
countrys first elected President Mo- as the president of THE will he be able to resist pressure from
hamed Morsi, who had the backing of Why the rift with Saudi Arabia? Qatar National Qatars giant neighbour at a time when
Qatar. Saudi Arabia and the UAE offered After the coup, Sheikh Tamim had two Olympic Committee the cold war between Iran and Saudi Ar-
help to Gen. Sisi because they saw Pres- options: either toe the Saudi line by wel- and the chairman of abia is hotting up.
ident Morsis Muslim Brotherhood coming Egypts new ruler or continue to the committee or-
movement as a threat to regional stabil- support the Muslim Brotherhood. He STANLY JOHNY
storm in the U.S. with its announcement get, lost $31 billion combined in market WHY DOES IT Therefore, the ques- tomer advantage is desirable, Amazons
WHAT
Pp q
Q on June 16 to buy premier grocery store
chain Whole Foods for $13.7 billion.
cap in the same period. MATTER tion that animates pun-
dits of all hues is what
business model is based on controver-
sial labour management practices. The
Whole Foods has 450 stores, physical, HOW DID IT The decision to buy next. Amazon could use these stores as most interesting tension in this deal lies
brick and mortar, across America, COME ABOUT Whole Foods is, in contact points for its online customers in the comparison of Amazons obsess-
The lowdown where people can see, smell or feel

items ranging from organic beef to
chemical-free lip balm.
some ways, merely yet
another step in the march of Amazon
that started as an online bookstore in
for all products, for one. It can also use
the Whole Foods experience in dealing
with perishable items to ramp up its
ively customer-centric culture with
Whole Foods notions of Conscious Cap-
italism, an approach to a more balanced
on Amazons That is where Americans who look

for and can afford the boutique gro-
cery shopping experience go. Quite the
1996 and has now grown to raking in
above $135 billion in annual revenue.
Mr. Bezos motto is to sell everything
food sales. There is an increasing appet-
ite for less processed food, but the
premium that Whole Foods charges for
set of commitments to customers, em-
ployees, communities, and investors.
The management of these differing ap-
takeover of opposite of Amazon. The unusual union

has triggered a lot of plausible explana-
tions about the objective behind the
to everyone, and food is a key compon-
ent in the success of that strategy.
Amazons existing distribution strategy
that is unaffordable for most people. If
Amazon could use technology and
other management processes to take
proaches will represent one of the earli-
est challenges for all the parties in this
deal to address, Len Schlesinger, Pro-
Whole Foods deal. But the immediate outcome was
that just the announcement made
is not the right fit for expanding the sale
of perishable food items. Whole Foods,
that food to a larger number of people
in a more cost effective way, that could
fessor at Harvard Business School,
wrote in Forbes.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos richer by a on the other hand, has gained for itself be a huge advantage to the company
couple of billion dollars, making him an image of providing fresh, safe and and its customers. WHAT NEXT By taking over a phys-
the second richest person in the world. dependable food, but its business But there could be challenges. Market ical store chain, Amazon
Amazon stock prices are rising and Mr. model has run into a crisis. rivals beaten in valuation after the an- is experimenting with the new frontier
Bezos personal fortune has grown by While its steep prices were not a de- nouncement of the deal could try to of retail. The way it plays could impact
more than $10 billion in the last two terrent to a loyal customer base, its at- stop the deal. Reports suggest that Wal- not only the way people eat but also the
months. tempts to expand the number of stores mart is trying to push back Amazon, by way they relate to each other. Disrup-
WHAT IS IT Amazon, the worlds According to Business Insider, just the turned out to be a risky decision. Be- contemplating a counter offer to Whole tion is not an event. It is a process, and
biggest online retail plat- past week, Amazons market cap has cause high quality, high priced grocery Foods on the one hand and pressuring who better to show it than Mr. Bezos?
form that sells everything from contra- grown by $18 billion. Competing retail by definition is not expandable beyond its technology vendors to quit Amazons
ceptives to coffins, stirred a market companies, such as Walmart and Tar- a point. cloud and other IT services. While cus- VARGHESE K GEORGE
What happened on June 18? What is the backstory? verish Sunday at the Oval could be the Khans, the rewards could be incre-
Pp WHY Q
q * Pakistan reiterated a clich that
cricket is a game of glorious uncertain-
* The squad led by Sarfraz Ahmed has
gifted hope to a country that was seem-
magic potion that the squad desperately
needed.
mental. Sarfraz seems to be a captain
bolstered with patience and an under-
ties by causing an upset in the ICC ingly resigned to see its cricketers flicker standing of the games changing tides.
Champions Trophy final at the Oval in and fade. Pakistans tryst with the wil- Can it meld flair with consistency? An upswing in fortunes with consist-
is Pakistans London. At the receiving end of

Pakistans mercurial brilliance was India
as the former cruised to a huge 180-run
low game has always been an explosive
affair replete with gritty batsmen, spin-
ning wizards and most importantly sul-
* In his book that chronicles Pakistans
cricketing history, The Unquiet Ones,
sports scribe Osman Samiuddin writes
ency as the cornerstone seems to be in
order.
Champions victory. The climax belied all predic-

tions that backed Virat Kohlis talented
men.
tans of speed. However, the stirring
tales of Imran Khan and Javed Miandad
seemed distant as over two decades,
these eloquent lines: Pakistan soar,
Pakistan plummet. Pakistan and life
move on, as it is, as it was; death would
Whats the path ahead?
* Pakistan has never been short of tal-
ent. Fast bowlers busy playing tape-ball
Trophy win The Men in Blue had an off-day and

Pakistan played with the zest reminis-
cent of the 1990s when it constantly
spot-fixing allegations, a divided dress-
ing room and a waning chutzpah undid
the team. Even Amir, one of the heroes
it be for Pakistan to go quiet. Samiud-
din is spot-on; Pakistans cricket has al-
ways been a tale of rousing highs and
cricket in its urban streets have often
been handpicked and fast-tracked onto
the big stage. Some showed they be-
signiicant? humbled its neighbour, especially at
Sharjah, though the tale was different in
of the Champions Trophy final, was
once caught for spot-fixing.
soul-sapping lows but somehow the
game has thrived, be it in the lanes of
longed, some got distracted but there is
no denying the rich vein of cricketing
ICC tournaments where India domin- The terrorist attack on a Sri Lankan Karachi or in the refugee camps in the excellence that runs through the coun-
ated. First up, Fakhar Zamans counter- team bus in Lahore in 2009 was a fur- North West Frontier Province. Out on try. Yet, if the security apparatus
attacking 114 off 106 deliveries helped ther blow to Pakistan as it lost its cer- the field, Sarfrazs men showed they doesnt breed confidence for leading na-
Pakistan post 338 for four and when In- tainty of being a safe host and had to ac- have the talent, that the oriental flair is tions to visit and play in Pakistan and
dia pursued, left-arm speedster Mo- cept Sharjah and Dubai as proxy homes intact and even proved that their pas- home matches stay rooted in Sharjah
hammad Amir scalped Rohit Sharma, while playing other teams. Recently, sion to give it all is a primordial instinct and Dubai, it can affect player morale.
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan to de- two of its long-serving batsmen of re- which can be tapped into. Pakistan re- For now, Pakistan has shown that it is
rail the chase. India was bowled out for pute, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, mains a team very much in the rebuild- not a spent force, an adjective that sadly
158 and Pakistan cherished a win, which retired. Juxtaposed with this grim con- ing phase but if the selectors persist sticks to the West Indies.
was as significant as its 1992 World Cup text, Pakistan needed a global title to with the Azhar Alis, the Fakhar Zamans,
victory in Australia. stay afloat and what transpired on a fe- the Mohammad Amirs and the Shadab K.C. VIJAYA KUMAR
Disappearing act: British actor Daniel

WHEN
Pp q
Q Day-Lewis, the only male actor to have
won three Best Actor Oscars, announced
his retirement from acting on Tuesday.
His agent Leslee Dart put out a statement
20
that the 60-year-old will no longer be
working as an actor. He won his irst
Oscar in 1990 for playing an Irish writer
and painter with cerebral palsy in My Left
June 2017 Foot. He bagged his second Oscar for his
role in Paul Thomas Anderson's oil drama
There Will be Blood in 2008. Then, in
2013, for essaying the part of Abraham
Lincoln in Steven Spielbergs Lincoln, he
got his third Oscar. He will always be
called one of the best method actors of
his generation he was known to be in
character while on set; for instance, while
ilming Jim Sheridans My Left Foot, he
was on a wheelchair the whole time.
Day-Lewis, who has a home in Ireland, is
married to Rebecca Miller, daughter of
playwright Arthur Miller, and has three
children. AFP, REUTERS
*
marked structures across the globe, en- Taj Palace exteriors. without consent. It the hotel. The story goes that Tata
WHERE
Pp q
Q hancing its stature in the international
hospitality industry.
also concedes that as far as the Indian
government is concerned, the Taj
groups founder, Jamsetji Tata, decided
to set up the hotel after he was refused
Palace is the most identifiable commer- entry into Watson Hotel, which only al-
Why is the trademark so important? cial building in India, since there are lowed whites. The Taj was the countrys
The idea of applying for a trademark many other buildings Parliament first luxury hotel built by an Indian and
In Mumbai, originated a year ago, during the tenure

of former Indian Hotels (IHCL) MD and
CEO Rakesh Sarna. A hospitality vet-
House or Rashtrapati Bhavan to name
just two that are more widely recog-
nised. Not to speak of historically im-
Bombays first luxury hotel.
At the time of its inauguration, it was
the only hotel in India with electricity. It
Taj Palace eran, Mr. Sarna had brought several

changes to the Taj Group, including the
introduction of the brand architecture
portant monuments, like the Qutb
Minar or India Gate. Or the Gateway of
India (20 years younger) in front of the
was also the first to have an elevator, a
licensed bar, an all-day restaurant and a
discotheque. It has played host to lead-
gets a that the chain calls Tajness. It took

seven months to get the trademark.
Usually, trademarks are only assigned to
hotel. Or, for that matter, that famous
mausoleum in Agra after which the
hotel is named.
ers of the Indian Freedom movement
such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sarojini
Naidu and many others. Lord Mountbat-
trademark company logos and brands, entities that
make goods or services that are bought What does this mean for Taj Palace?
ten, the British Rajs last viceroy of In-
dia, announced the countrys independ-
and sold or the goods or services them- This enhances the Taj Palaces place in ence from its steps in 1947.
selves. This is to protect these commer- the world: among the other well-known In a sadder vein, the dome wreathed
cial entities from other commercial en- or reproductions of it is so recognis- structures around the world with trade- in flames and smoke became, arguably,
Indias Trade Mark Registry has as- tities that may seek to use their goodwill able that anyone attempting to replicate marks are the Empire State Building in the most lingering image of the terror
signed an image trademark to Mumbais and brand recognition. Taj Hotels or use it for any commercial reason is New York City, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, attacks in Mumbai in 2008. When the
Taj Mahal Palace hotel. This makes it Palaces Resorts Safaris (which is owned trying to cash in on its brand, and it and Sydneys Opera House. Taj Palace reopened a year later, it be-
the first structure in India to get such a by Indian Hotels, the hospitality arm of therefore needs to be protected. At its came another symbol for Mumbaikars
trademark registration one of many the Tata Group) by applying for the most basic level, the trademark means Is the Taj Palace all that special? it stood for the spirit of the city.
firsts of this landmark of the city and trademark, demonstrates that it be- that no one or no organisation can Getting a trademark assigned is just one
takes it into an elite group of trade- lieves that the very look of the building make commercial use of images of the more first in the 114-year-long journey of LALATENDU MISHRA
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

-- 15
Us versus them: the burden of association

Human diference is not the same as superiority diference assumes human equivalence
such readers are capable of a nuanced vinced that he is superior to blacks gun on a Muslim or, unable to distin- against them, in the same way as white
understanding. My point was not that and coloureds, including Obama, a guish, a Sikh or Hindu in the U.S. Who superiority, militant Christian evangel-
religious Muslims (or Hindus or Christi- man of distinguished thinking, much can reasonably claim that the most ism, casteist superiority, and colonial
ans) are to blame; it was that unequal erudition and remarkable capacity for peace-loving of American evangelists civilisational hubris do?
us-them binarisms create a situation in hard work. who shares this belief in the superiority Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwe-
which the equivalent humanity of oth- One can argue that a vague feeling of of his Christian faith does not also share gian terrorist who killed 77 people in
ers can be ignored, or erased. Not all re- white superiority exists among many a part of the blame? 2011, was both a Christian fundamental-
ligious people, but religious people with white Americans and Europeans. Most ist and a white nationalist. He was also,
such binarisms which can be avoided of them, being decent people, do not Mistreatment of the other as the media highlighted, a lone wolf .
Tabish Khair
without losing faith need to think act on it. But its existence enables the In my last column, I had already written So was the perpetrator of the van attack
is an Indian novelist and academic who
teaches in Denmark again. This applies to some Muslims just more angry or brutal or confused white about how some casteist Hindus mal- on a London mosque last week. But
as much as it applies to some Zionists, person to take a gun and shoot down treat Dalits because some caste Hindus that, to my mind, does not reduce the
The gist of my last column, aimed par- etc. coloured people. One cannot totally ab- believe themselves to be born superior. complicity of peaceful Christian evan-
ticularly but not exclusively at religious solve those who believe in some soft I had also written about how the sup- gelicals or decent white nationalists,
Muslims, was this: To think that you are Superiority complex rendition of white superiority from a posedly civilised or even rational val- who believe that they are a superior or
so special (as to inherit earth or heaven) Or let us take the intense hatred that share in the guilt of the white terrorist ues of European colonisers led to feel- chosen people, in sustaining the condi-
can very easily turn into a dismissal of many white supremacists felt and feel who shoots down coloured people. ings of cultural (and racial) superiority, tions and rationale for the eruption of a
the equivalent humanity of others, as for Barack Obama, the former President American evangelicals have a similar which often enabled the massacre or lone wolf . I do not see what makes a
casteist Hindus do with Dalits and as co- of the U.S. Much of this has to do with version of Christian superiority, rooted maltreatment of non-Europeans. Do I similar culpability vanish in the case of
lonial Europeans did with the colonised the colour of Obamas skin in short, genetic variance within any particular in their history of the creation of U.S. as even need to repeat these matters? Are all those decent, peaceful religious
at times. racism. race for instance, Caucasoid is a new Jerusalem. Most of them do not they not evident enough to anyone who Muslims who feel that they are a chosen
I knew that some would disagree. But What is racism in this context? Ra- greater than the mean genetic variance go about shooting non-Christians. Most is willing to pause and reason? people, intended for special privileges
what surprised me was the tendency to cism is a belief that ones race is super- between individuals of different races. of them would be shocked if you ac- If that is so, what is so different about here or in the hereafter.
simplify the argument. When that tend- ior to other races, and that it needs to And, of course, it does not matter that cused them of the intention, though the unfortunately common religious The fact remains that human differ-
ency was displayed in some cerebral be privileged in any case. It does not the main features of racial differenti- some probably because they (erro- Muslim position that only Muslims ac- ence is not the same as superiority.
circles too for instance, an Indian ed- matter that the construct of race can ation, such as skin colour, account for neously, I hope) believe that the U.S. tually, only Muslims of a certain observ- Difference assumes human equivalence.
itor-novelist tweeted that my article ba- be shown to be flimsy and irrelevant. It almost nothing of our common genetic Army is there to do so. ance will go to heaven? Doesnt it Once superiority of any sort, revealed
sically blamed religious Muslims for mil- does not matter that, at most, race is a inheritance. But every once in a while, some dis- posit an us-them category which can or natural, is assumed, what one gets
itancy I wondered whether I had been taxonomic category, not a biological or All this does not matter to the white turbed American (brought up on the drive the more disturbed among our isnt difference but its eventual
too cryptic in my writing, for surely cultural one. It does not matter that the supremacist in the U.S.: he is still con- myth of Christian superiority) turns his youth to justify (or commit) violence eradication.
An antidote to joblessness Life and death in Burhanpur

GST, Aadhaar, and the cow are part of a strategy A Mughal-era town that is curiously not on the travellers trail
G. Sampath
Rana Safvi
is Social Afairs Editor, The Hindu
is a historian, author and blogger
documenting Indias syncretic culture

Last Sunday was Fathers Day. As a du-
tiful son, I wanted to call my father Once a thriving Mughal city known as
and wish him but could not get the Gateway to the Deccan, it is now a
through. sleepy town, which to me looks stuck
On most days it is impossible to get in a time warp. Unlike most other
him on the phone. Not because he walled cities, the city walls of Burhan-
hates cell phones but because he likes pur, Madhya Pradesh, are still intact,
RANA SAFVI
them rather too much. He owns four as are the gateways.

handsets, all with double SIM. He has all the paperwork from application he said. I dont have all the time in the I drove through the Shanwara Gate,
anywhere between four to eight num- forms to admission forms, examina- world. Start-up? What start-up? Itwara Gate and Shikarpura Gate.
bers, which he uses the way hockey tion forms, bank challans, and assor- He then told me, a bit sheepishly, Other gateways are named Lohar
teams use rolling substitution. ted certificates. that he, along with twenty other re- Mandi Gate, Dilli Gate, Sindhipura monument, one that is currently in a ates from it; we see a young boy sitting
At any given moment, only one You could say I am lucky to be tired men, had founded a start-up that Gate, Silampura gate and Rajpura ruinous state. I was told it is called in a corner, immersed in his studies.
number would be active. The other blessed with a father who finds mean- offered GST and Aadhaar-related con- Gate. Paandan Mahal because it is shaped From here, we intend see the tombs
numbers would either be switched off ing in the pursuit of multiple, self-at- sultancy services. Apparently, its a Beautiful wooden houses coexist like a paandan. I visit it to find an un- of the Farooqi rulers. But since the
or out of coverage area. The first eight tested photocopies. It is because he thriving business that is set to with cement ones, though lack of her- known broken grave and brick walls route to them is not smooth, we give
contacts on my phone are my father finds joy in filing returns, booking skyrocket after July 1. They had also se- itage management is proving tough on with remnants of beautiful niches, them a miss and instead go to the
Appa1, Appa2, Appa New, Appa Old, tatkal tickets, and berating purpose- cured Series G funding to start a GST the former. Tongas still ply as a regular their surface getting peeled off. Per- nearby dargahs of Chup Shah and
Appa Latest, Appa Chennai, Appa fully idiotic call centre executives that Law School that would offer an MBA in means of transport. haps these were once painted? They Shah Bhikhari.
Delhi, and Appa Enough. even as an adult, I have outsourced all Paperwork Management. Many Mughal princes were posted arent deep enough to hold candles or The dargah of Shah Bhikhari dates
The other day I had forgotten my banking, ticketing, bill payment, and Only then did it dawn on me: things here as Governors, and the various lamps. back to the reign of Farooqi ruler Adil
phone at the Kerala Store and when I tax-related work to him. like GST, Aadhaar, and cow were all monuments scattered all over the city Shah Jahan was married to Khan II in the 15th century. Just like
went back to get it, the man at the part of our governments brilliant are a testimony to that. Shahnawaz Khans daughter. The other dargahs, this is the resting place
counter one of those middle-aged Maximum red tape strategy to eliminate joblessness. The I came here in search of Mumtaz Paandan Mahals proximity to his of many people. But the unique aspect
Malayalee gents who think they are Now, thanks to our governments man- plan is to generate so much paperwork Mahals original grave but was spell- mausoleum leads me to wonder: of this dargah is that sits on the river-
very witty asked me how many fath- tra of maximum government, max- that not only the employed but even bound by the numerous other graves Could she be resting inside it? Or does bed of the Utawali river. More than a
ers I have. But of late, my father has imum red tape, his post-retirement the unemployed, including people that dot the landscape. it belong to some other family mem- lakh devotees offer namaz on Barawa-
been strangely unavailable even when days are more adventurous than my who (to borrow my fathers phraseo- The tomb of Shahnawaz Khan, son ber? Its a hauntingly attractive monu- fat the Prophets birthday and also
we accidentally find ourselves at op- pre-retirement ones. While I return ex- logy) have one leg in the grave, are of Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khana, is ment but in the danger of falling down the day of Shah Bhikharis urs.
posite ends of the same phone call. hausted after a day spent staring at a kept fully occupied. All the same, I was called Kala Taj Mahal or Black Taj any time soon. The heritage of Burhan- Early in the morning, we set off for a
Generally its me who first starts saying screen, he befriends bank managers, annoyed that he was de-prioritising his Mahal by the locals. Its a beautiful pur doesnt seem to be on anyones village, some 10 km away from
okay, bye. But yesterday, he was the offers marriage counselling to RTO own sons paperwork. monument, shaped like the Taj though priority list. Burhanpur, where the chhatri (ceno-
one in a hurry to hang up. clerks, and comes home with a bagful When will you... I began, but he built on a much smaller scale. And From there, I go to another stun- taph) of Raja Jai Singh, the great Rajput
What are you up to? I asked him. of stories. To top it all, he loves cut me off, asking me to hold, as one of though it owes its name to the local ning mausoleum, the grave of Bilqis general who was the commander of
Suddenly so busy? queues, where he gets to strike up con- his other phones rang. black stones used for its construction, Begum wife of Shah Shuja, son of the Mughal forces in the Deccan, is loc-
Its GST, he said. Im helping versations with woebegone strangers. I I could hear him clearly. File it has also been blackened by age. Shah Jahan. Coincidently, she too died ated. He died at Burhanpur, reportedly
some people. had to quickly import him from Chen- GSTR-4 on the quarterly return for during childbirth, like Mumtaz Mahal. while returning from the Deccan, and
WHAT! nai to Delhi to help us survive demon- compounding the taxable goods by the Painted niches, frescoed walls It is very small but gorgeously beau- Aurangzeb built a chhatri in commem-
I was shocked. Are you telling me etisation. 18th of the month succeeding the pre- Square in shape with a central dome, it tiful, like the twelve-leaved, lotus- oration, keeping with the custom
youve started doing GST work for Dont shout-da, he said. Do you ceding quarter. has hexagonal minarets on the four shaped platform it sits on. Its dome among the Rajputs.
other people when you still havent fin- know some poor fellows have to file Can I... corners with arched verandas running and walls are fluted which also gives it It is a rarely visited monument and I
ished linking my PAN to Aadhaar and three returns a month and 37 returns a No, no, Mr. Singaravelu, which ras- all round it. However, it is when one another name: Kharbooza Mahal, or am not surprised since the road lead-
my Aadhaar to bank account? I had year to be GST-compliant? cal told you to fill GSTR-8? Stick to enters inside that you gasp at how Kharbooze ka Gumbad. ing to it, which goes through villages,
also tasked him with extracting the PF You must be so happy, I said. GSTR-3, with the monthly return on beautiful it once must have been. Rem- It is kept locked and just as well is rough and not metalled. The chhatri
money due from my ex-ex-ex-em- Isnt this what you always wanted? the basis of outward supplies and in- nants of the painted niches and fres- should be, for when the watchman itself is of black stone and looks quite
ployer, which too was pending. Forms to fill, documents to collect, ward supplies along with the tax on coed walls and ceilings give an inkling opens it for us, the bright colours and grand, standing all alone amongst the
Before you accuse me of exploiting and all the time in the world to figure your revenue at 18% by the 20th of the of how profusely decorated the tomb the state of preservation of the paint- plantain fields.
my father in his old age, let me assure out who is exempted from what rule following month. would have been in those days. It ing inside stun us. Except the ceiling, Burhanpur is a treasure house for
you that this is a purely symbiotic ar- according to which sub-section under Appa, belated Happy Fathers stands in a well-maintained garden which is darkened, the walls and those who love architecture, history
rangement. All through my student what conditions. Day! I yelled, but I dont think he with green grass and colourful shrubs. niches glow like fireflies in the natur- and heritage. But in its current state of
years, it was my father who managed You know how it is with start-ups, heard. Next to it is an interestingly shaped ally dark tomb. A sense of peace eman- preservation, I fear for it.
Are minority rights a good idea?

In diverse, egalitarian societies, it is always good to have them. They are not at the majoritys expense
The majoritys loss is the minoritys lish and administer educational institu- wont; it is beneath their dignity. Here, a no law to prevent them from teaching in
gain. This, it is felt, is unfair because it tions of their choice (Article 30); (b) to special entrance protects a privilege their mother tongue. Once they have
creates a blatant inequality between the conserve their distinct language, script denied to all others. this right, all Marathi speakers have a
two. How then can an equality-loving or culture (Article 29); and, especially On the other hand, disadvantaged legal duty not to interfere in its exercise.
Constitution tolerate minority rights? for religious groups, (c) to manage their persons wont take the common en- In possessing such a right, the Tamils
Rights are legally recognised special own affairs in the strictly religious do- trance because they cant afford to; the are not taking anything away from the
interests of a person that put others un- main and to establish and maintain in- risks are too high. By providing access Marathi speakers. They are only secur-
der a duty not to interfere with them. If stitutions for this purpose (Article 26). to a benefit that others already have and ing for themselves what the majority
I have a right to religious freedom, then But why are these rights available only procure routinely, the special entrance already has. Similarly, by possessing
others must not interfere in the choice to minorities? Why this special, priv- here fulfils an urgent need. Egalitarian rights to their religious practices,
Rajeev Bhargava
and practice of my religion. Some of ileged treatment of minorities? societies cannot tolerate the first ar- Muslims and Christians secure for them-
is a political theorist with the Centre for the
Study of Developing Societies, New Delhi these rights are given to groups rather rangement, and cannot do without the selves what the majority Hindus already
than to each individual because only Two different arrangements second. have, the free exercise of their religion.
It is part of middle class common sense groups individuals taken together Consider the following two arrange- Granting rights to linguistic and reli- Just as ordinary, able-bodied persons
that something is deeply flawed with can perform certain activities. For ex- ments. In the first, a separate entrance gious minorities is not a privilege akin to do not require a separate entrance, just
minority rights in India. If how a society ample, a language can be spoken, a reli- to a hall is designed to let in only certain what the maharajas get in hierarchical so socially and politically powerful ma-
treats its minorities tests its civility, then gious practice performed and a tradi- Very Important Persons, the new maha- societies but an egalitarian response to jorities dont need special rights. And
minority rights could be a source of tion sustained only by a group, not by rajas and maharanis, so that they are a potential disadvantage. For example, just as persons with physical disadvant-
pride. But for most people they have be- an individual in isolation. Thus, lin- not forced to rub shoulders with ordin- aged in one way or another: old per- in Maharashtra, Marathi-speaking age need a special entrance to be able to
gun to signify an irritating weakness guistic and religious rights are granted ary folks. They are treated differently sons, pregnant women, parents with people do not need a right to their own do what ordinary persons do routinely,
caving in to a tantrum-throwing smaller only to groups, empowering them, it because they are believed to be superior very small children, people with broken language. Plainly, they have the power just so numerically smaller and less
group, demonstrating the majoritys must be stressed, not to restrict their to the commoners, to possess some or irreparable damage to their legs. By to legislate that their language be the powerful groups need separate cultural,
failure to exercise absolute control over own members but rather against the unique qualities that others lack. By be- preventing an existing disadvantage medium of instruction in all schools. linguistic and religious rights. This gain
society. threat of interference from other stowing privilege to a few, this arrange- from begetting another disadvantage, This puts, say, Tamil-speaking residents for the minority is not at the expense of
Every right granted to the minority, groups. ment reinforces existing hierarchies. the second arrangement strengthens in Maharashtra at a potential disadvant- the majority. The minority gains what
they claim, is a privilege unavailable to So what rights do linguistic and reli- The purpose of the second arrange- equality, helps society to treat everyone age because their children may never be the majority already has. There is noth-
the majority. First, a minority is set gious groups have? Only three, none of ment is entirely different. Here, a separ- as equals. able to properly learn their own mother ing wrong then in minority rights. In di-
apart from the rest, and then it is given them socio-economic or political, exist ate entrance is required to meet specific These rajas and ranis could easily tongue. However, they can demand that verse and egalitarian societies, it is al-
what is taken away from the majority. for them in India: the right (a) to estab- needs of persons who are disadvant- take the common entrance but they in schools run wholly by them, there is ways good to have them.
CM M ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
New colours of the White House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have an opportunity to shape President Trumps basic views on Pakistan
aged to dramatically moderate Mr. the second. By contrast, the U.S.s
Trumps hostility and buy a period allies in Europe and Japan have
of calm. Another, even more stark, struggled to craft a similar
Whose privilege? example comes from West Asia. In
recent weeks, Saudi Arabia and the
narrative.
Legislatures must not invoke power United Arab Emirates have per- The South Asian matrix
shashank joshi suaded Mr. Trump to enthusiastic- Third, more important than what
to punish for breach of privilege ally tweet his support for their eco- President Trump does for India
s Prime Minister Narendra nomic and diplomatic assault on may be what he does not do. The
T
he Karnataka Assemblys resolution imposing a
one-year prison sentence and 10,000 ine on the
A Modi prepares to meet Pres-
ident Donald Trump for the
Qatar, a country which hosts more
than 10,000 American troops and
Qatar crisis has shown that he
cares little for shibboleths such as
GETTY IMAGES
editors of two tabloids is indefensible and de- irst time, today in Washington, the forward headquarters of Cent- regional stability, mutual restraint,
serving of unsparing criticism. The Constitution con- there is a sense that the favourable ral Command, over its policies to- and dispute resolution. He re-
fers certain privileges on legislative institutions with the winds that carried the India-U.S. wards the Muslim Brotherhood spects power and those who wield
idea of protecting freedom of speech and expression in relationship over the past 10 to 15 and Iran. Mr. Trump was per- it, oftentimes regardless of the end
the House and ensuring that undue inluence, pressure years may be changing. In its irst areas such as trade, immigration, carrier technology, which involves suaded of this despite the State De- result. For better or worse, this
or coercion is not brought on the legislature in the six months, the Trump administra- and climate change more prag- much more far-reaching techno- partments urging that the dispute may open up new space for Indias
tions radical and nationalistic ap- matic cabinet ministers are not logy transfer, will be an important be settled quickly and amicably, posture towards Pakistan, which
course of its functioning. Unfortunately, breach of priv-
proach to international afairs has without inluence. Most signiicant test of this over the medium term. and the risk to disruption of U.S.- has over the past year evolved in a
ilege is invoked for the ostensible reason of protecting already touched India in important here is the so-called Axis of Adults, led military operations against the signiicantly more coercive and
the image of the House on the whole or its individual areas, from visas for skilled work- comprising Secretary of State Rex The record so far Islamic State at a crucial time in the risk-acceptant direction. The
members; too often, it is a thinly disguised mechanism ers, to climate change, to Iran Tillerson, Secretary of Defence Second, there is now a template for battle. Obama administrations sympath-
to insulate elected representatives from criticism. policy. After an era in which suc- James Mattis, and National Secur- how foreign leaders can manipu- These two cases have a few etic approach to last years so-
Without a law codifying the legislative privileges, there cessive American Presidents were ity Advisor H.R. McMaster. late Mr. Trump to their own ends. things in common. For one thing, called surgical strikes showed that
is little merit in subjecting anyone, leave alone a journ- persuaded to forego short-term While this trio has been under- We have two useful illustrations of they involve foreign leaders per- U.S. policy was anyway shifting in
pay-ofs for longer-term economic cut more than once sometimes this: China and Saudi Arabia. sonally cultivating Mr. Trump. the direction of giving greater latit-
alist, to penal action for allegedly breaching a legislat-
and diplomatic investment in In- quite brutally, as when Mr. Trump China, criticised in vituperative After listening for 10 minutes, Mr. ude to New Delhi. As the ceaseire
ors privilege, unless there is a move or attempt to ob- dia, we now have an incumbent removed a crucial reference to the terms by Mr. Trump on the cam- Trump declared following his April on the Line of Control collapses
struct the functioning of either the House or its whose foreign policy imperative is North Atlantic Treaty Organisa- paign trail, persuaded the Presid- meeting with Chinese President Xi and the Kulbhushan Jadhav crisis
members. The articles concerned were published in to secure a pound of lesh and to tions collective defence clause ent not only to swallow the bowd- Jinping on North Korea, I realised festers, the prospect of a militar-
Hi Bangalore and Yelahanka Voice and were referred to do so in the here and now. The from a major speech they con- lerised history that Korea used to that its not so easy. Mr. Xi ised Indian response to another
the Privileges Committee in 2014. Whether what Ravi world is not a global com- tinue to exercise power over their be a part of China, but also that achieved the best of both worlds: terrorist attack rises.
Belagere and Anil Raj, the editors of the two tabloids, munity, noted two of Trumps ad- own domains, on issues that do not Beijing was making every efort to persuading Mr. Trump that Its by no means certain that Mr.
visers in a Wall Street Journal oped necessarily rise to presidential at- address North Koreas nuclear pro- Chinese inluence was limited, Trump will take a hands-of stance
published was fair comment or unfair criticism is not
this month, summarising the Pres- tention. This is especially true of gramme. In doing so, it induced thereby insulating China from the in such a scenario. After all, Israeli
germane in this case. What matters is that by no stretch idents worldview, declaring that the Pentagon, which is vested with Mr. Trump to soft-pedal on the consequences of failure, but also leaders have been unpleasantly
of the imagination could the articles have impeded the they embraced this elemental considerable executive authority, South China Sea the administra- securing Mr. Trumps goodwill for surprised by the interest that he
independent functioning of the three legislators who nature of international afairs. but also of weaker departments. tion blocked at least three requests his eforts. Mr. Trumps meetings has taken in the Israel-Palestine
had complained against them. If the members felt de- This undoubtedly throws up new The State Departments decision to by the U.S. militarys Paciic Com- with Saudi Arabias King Salman, dispute, despite his broadly pro-Is-
famed, they could have opted to pursue an appropriate challenges for India. Yet there are authorise the $2 billion sale of mand to conduct freedom of navig- and now Crown Prince Mo- rael stance. But Mr. Modi will have
judicial remedy in their individual capacity. three important things to keep in nearly two dozen predator drones ation operations, before the irst hammed bin Salman in Riyadh in an opportunity to shape Mr.
mind when looking at the path to India, signiicantly augmenting one was allowed to go ahead in late May were also likely to have been Trumps basic views on Pakistan,
The legislature must use the power to punish for con-
ahead. the Indian Navys unmanned aerial May and delay arms sales to important in winning his sub- and at a formative moment for his
tempt or breach of privilege sparingly, invoking it capability, is an important signal in Taiwan. On June 20, the President sequent backing for the campaign administrations Afghan policy.
mainly to protect the independence of the House and Three indications this regard. Such a sensitive plat- declared that this policy of relying against Qatar. This may well be where Mr. Modi
not to take away the liberty of critics. Legislators are in a First, the India-U.S. relationship form might have been used as on China has not worked out, Mr. Trump is credulous, impres- chooses to focus his eforts, leaving
position to clarify facts and refute misconceived criti- has its own mass and momentum. leverage to secure Indian conces- but expressed gratitude to Beijing sionable, and narcissistic. China thornier subjects for the coming
cism. There is no reason for them to seek imprisonment While the grand gestures of the sions in areas where the adminis- for trying. Its too early to conclude and Saudi Arabia succeeded in years.
for contempt. There are many unsettled questions past decade may be more diicult tration was seeking a change in In- that the Chinese approach to Mr. framing their behaviour as being,
to achieve, the relationship is likely dias behaviour say, Iran but the Trump has entirely succeeded, be- irst and foremost, an efort to ad-
about the very nature of legislative privileges. The ab-
to remain robust. While the whims positive trend in defence sales cause a sixth North Korean nuclear dress one of the Presidents per- Shashank Joshi is a Senior Research
sence of codiication gives the House the freedom to de- of the President and his most rad- looks set to continue. Progress in test could clearly upend this sonal priorities North Korea in Fellow of the Royal United Services
cide when and how breach of privilege occurs. Even if it ical advisers will bufet particular the joint working group in aircraft dtente. However, China has man- the irst instance, and terrorism in Institute in London
is conceded that the House has such a right, a moot
question is whether the legislature, through its Com-
mittee of Privileges, should be a judge in its own cause.
Whether the legislatures power to punish for breach of
privilege extends to handing down a prison term is still
Last wicket stand
an open question. The time has come for the legislature
to codify privileges and for the higher judiciary to lay
The failure to make a visible impact on how cricket is governed in India is extremely worrying
down the limits of penal action for breach of privilege. The CoAs challenges, and at crickets overhaul. The Supreme Central Information Commission
The Karnataka government must consider the public times helplessness, have been ex- Court is already mulling a petition now asking the CoA for transpar-
odium it would attract if it acted on the resolution. If the acerbated by the initially stolid de- across numerous sports, asking for ency in the BCCIs afairs.
fence of the State bodies, now re- the Lodha Committee reforms to Instead, the bickering over the
Chief Minister and the Speaker take the lead in getting
placed by open deiance. A case in be adopted across federations. It acceptable reforms continues
the Assembly to rescind the resolution, that would bet- point is the presence of none other has sent a notice to the Central gov- with the State associations as if a
ter safeguard the dignity of the august House. than N. Srinivasan at the special ernment on the basis of the peti- negotiation is actually possible
desh gaurav sekhri general meeting of the Board of tion. But there will be reform else- within the reforms. Another hear-
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) where only on the basis of this ing before the Supreme Court on
Being smart
T
he Supreme Courts move to on June 26 on behalf of the Tamil precedent. If the CoA fails, then so July 14 may set aside any further
appoint a committee of ad- Nadu Cricket Association, with the may any future reform in any In- legal recourse for the State associ-
Any attempt to improve our cities depends ministrators (CoA) in January CoA having said that it is not man- dian sport. Endless delays and inef- ations. Perhaps the CoA can then
this year to govern and reform dated to decide on anyones eligib- fectiveness will also stall the mo- lex its muscles more efectively.
on how data are compiled and shared cricket was expected to salvage a ility to attend meetings. With one mentum of an imminent, revised But for now, the only casualty in
sport, which despite its national administrator, Mr. Guha, already ally, by the BCCI and the State asso- national sports code and a vital na- the hotly debated move to reform
T
he Centre would like us to believe that the Smart
Cities Mission will transform urban life in the ag- teams on-ield success, has de- out, and another, Vikram Limaye, ciations. There is also the prickly tional sports law. If a direct man- the BCCI and set a pattern for eth-
volved into a mess one where due to leave shortly, Indian cricket issue, and one referred to in the date from the Supreme Court put- ical governance across sports in In-
glomerations that enter the elite club. With the
there are conlicts of interest and now faces a crisis of leadership and resignation letter by Mr. Guha, of ting the CoA in charge of the BCCI dia is the hope of actual reform. In-
latest inclusions, there are 90 cities in the list, each of lapses in ethics. Now, six months conidence. And the real work has the CoA deciding not to increase is unable to make any headway to- stead of ambiguity about its
which proposes to turn smart, utilising core funding later, it is the CoA that is making not even begun. the overall remuneration percent- wards better governance and mandate and role, the CoA needs
from the Centre and other resources. By all accounts, news for the wrong reasons, com- age for domestic cricketers from player representation, then the clarity of thought and resolve, and
the provision of basic services in urban India has been pounded by the controversy Lost purpose? 26% of the BCCIs revenue. The code or statute will be even further must focus on its prime objectives
worsening, and this is clearly relected in the winning between the coach and the cap- The superstar culture aside, the hovering conlict of interest, ambi- away from implementation. the universal adoption of the
city proposals: 81 of the selected plans seek funds for af- tain, and the explosive resignation priority category of individuals for guity and insinuations that led to Lodha Committees recommenda-
of one of its administrators, whom the Lodha Committee re- the controversy of a superstar cul- Diicult stretch ahead tions, making cricket transparent
fordable housing, new schools and hospitals, and re-
Ramachandra Guha, earlier this forms were set into motion the ture, also dragging in the duality The Lodha Committee recom- and protected from potentially
design of roads. This is at best a partial list, and there are month. Whats most disturbing players and former players iron- of roles with the Indian Premier mendations became the beacon harmful conlicts, and restoring
many more aspects to achieving inclusivity. There is a about the spate of recent contro- ically may be worse of. The long- League as mentors, havent helped for reform across sports in India, cricket to its players and fans. With
high-visibility campaign around the Smart Cities Mis- versies is that the objective of the awaited, and staunchly resisted by matters either. championing the cause of a inite speciied tenure and man-
sion, but there is little evidence to suggest that State and Justice R.M. Lodha Committees re- the BCCI, players association is ex- sportspersons, transparency, and date, and a clear path to eligible
local governments have either the ine-grained data or commendations the basis on pected to come into being shortly, A domino efect ethics. The failure to make a visible elections, much can be salvaged.
the capability to analyse them in order to understand which the Supreme Court had but logistics and its actual purpose There is a much larger impact that impact on how cricket is governed, Its vital, because a lot hangs in the
made its historic ruling to tackle will be far more complicated than the CoAs success or failure can and instead inding itself in a balance of the outcome.
the evolving needs of their communities. The Centre
the breakdown in ethics caused by merely putting the construct into have than just on cricket. The fu- myriad controversies stemming
has apparently decided to skirt such a fundamental potentially compromising con- place. There is also the issue of ture of reform in sports gov- from how little has been achieved
problem by adopting a managed urbanisation ap- licts of interest, remains unad- whether or not it will be suppor- ernance and administration in In- is extremely worrying. The pres- Desh Gaurav Sekhri is a sports attorney
proach in the chosen cities, with the powers of muni- dressed. ted, both inancially and practic- dia is dependent on the outcome of sure is already increasing, with the and author
cipal councils delegated to a Special Purpose Vehicle
(SPV), under the Companies Act, that will act in its own
wisdom. Given that this is the model adopted by the LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
two-year-old Mission, the Centre must present a status
report on what the SPVs have achieved so far. Rapid descent abatement as the mistrust The waiver of agricultural concentrating on stopping harried workforce have be back in the black in no
The lynching of Mohammed between the public and the farm loans does not make the smuggling of items such been largely muted. Air time. The experts for
Any serious attempt at improving the quality of life in
Ayub Pandith highlights the State is widening with every any inancial sense. We do as one kilogram of salt, India is gaining a number of whom privatisation is the
cities would depend on how governments approach dangers that the police in passing day. There seems to not seem to be diagnosing establishes a primary school new passengers with its panacea that solves all
data. It would be smart, for instance, to use sensors to Kashmir face today, whether be no concrete action plan the issue as well. What is it and a basic health centre for convenient West-bound public ills ought to look at
estimate the low of vehicles and pedestrians, and cre- from gun-wielding militants as claimed by the Home that is making these farmers each group of villages on the lights and on account of the mismanagement of
ate smartphone applications for the public to report on or locals disgruntled with Minister umpteen times. sufer and resulting in them border. It must ensure that recent problems alicting British Rail after being
a variety of parameters. Making such data open would the Indian state (Killing of Managing the Kashmir being unable to repay the Indian education is Western and Gulf-based privatised or how British
enable citizens groups to themselves come up with oicer a sign of things to Valley should not be loan? Does it have to do with imparted to these children carriers. Second, if the Airways and Lufthansa are
come in Kashmir, June 25). construed as the the unscrupulous and the medical needs of the experts are asking the not exactly covering
analyses to help city administrators make decisions,
That policemen should be responsibility of one middleman consuming the border population taken government to structure the themselves with glory even
boost transparency and make oicials accountable. the targets of terrorists is a government or party alone. farmers fair and rightful care of. This will earn the deal so that the investor after a brief spell of post-
There are several international examples now, such as well-known strategy but It is a national problem and share of his proit? The BSF the respect and the gets the plum portions and privatisation growth.
the Array of Things sensors being installed on Chicago people joining in the the BJP government needs government needs to step in goodwill of these villagers the government holds the I. Sinha,
lynching of someone, on to call for an all-party and encourage farmers to and ensure that the local debt, why not indeed ofer Philadelphia, U.S.
streets, which let people download the raw data on air
quality, transport, pedestrian movement and standing one of the holiest days in the meeting to chalk out a work for their rightful share people cooperate with the the same package to the more letters online:
water. Although Indias Smart Cities Mission has identi- Islamic calendar, is self- strategy. of proit and their daily security forces in times of airline? If that is done, it will www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
speaking evidence of how V. Subramanian, bread by mercilessly need.
ied more than 20 priority areas, interventions by the Chennai
far the dehumanisation of removing all middlemen K. Chandramouli,
corrections & clarifications:
respective agencies are weak. Access to special funding Kashmir has proceeded. In from the system. Agriculture Hyderabad
A report about medical counselling in Tamil Nadu ( June 25,
should make it mandatory for all public transport pro- the past three decades, A wave of waivers needs to be recast in a 2017, some editions) erroneously said in the headline that the
viders city bus corporations, Metro Rail and suburban more than 1,600 police The agrarian crisis has radical way. Planned privatisation counselling was to start on July 27. It should have been July 17.
trains to provide real-time passenger information in personnel have sacriiced reached its zenith largely K.S. Ramachandran, One is bemused if somewhat The headline, Revoke DMK MLAs suspension (front page,
their lives in Jammu and due to climatic change and Chennai dismayed at the veritable some editions, June 24, 2017), should have read: TN Assembly
the form of open data, an inexpensive global standard
Kashmir. Isnt it the time for economic factors. The wave glee with which most of Speaker recommends against suspension of 7 DMK MLAs.
that raises both access and eiciency through smart-
all conscience-keepers of of crop loan waivers are not Border crossings the media have greeted the Errors in the report Spurt in dengue cases cause for concern
phone applications. Making street-level waste manage- Kashmir, particularly a permanent solution. It is appalling to know that news of Air Indias proposed ( June 24, 2017): The reference to the National Health Policy Feb-
ment data public would lead to a heat map of the worst separatist leaders and Several structural measures children in the border privatisation. Nearly all the ruary 2016 announced to eliminate malaria by 2010. It should have
sites, compelling managers to solve the problem. clerics, to stem this rot such as attention to pricing, villages on the Indian side go talking-head policymakers been by 2030. There was a quote that said: Dengue virus bites
during day time. It should be dengue mosquito and not virus.
Clearly, there is a lot of low-hanging fruit on the road to which threatens to tear procurement and public to schools in Bangladesh and economists are
apart an already distribution are called for. and study books prescribed cheering the government on The second deck headline of a Business page report, Software
smartness, and a nimble policy approach can tap this export growth set to slow: Nasscom ( June 23, 2017), erroneously
quickly. More importantly, the ideology that guides the overstrained social culture Money has to come from by the National Curriculum to expedite the matter. said the domestic market may touch $26.5 million in iscal
of tolerance? somewhere and in the long and Textbook Board of All this should seem, in the year-2018 . It should have read $26.5 billion.
plan should recognise that the vibrant life of cities de-
K.S. Jayatheertha, term, loan write-ofs will Bangladesh (Magazine eyes of an informed and
pends on variety and enabling environments, rather Bengaluru come to bite all of us in one Villages without borders, sensible citizen, far too It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
than a mere technology-led vision. Pollution-free com- way or the other in the form June 25). It would do illogical and opportunistic. contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
mons, walkability and easy mobility, with a base of reli- The turbulent situation in of unpredictable costs. immense good for the First, amid the din to egg the Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
able civic services, is the smart way to go. the Kashmir Valley is Kiranpal Singh, country if the Border government on to sell the All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
showing no signs of Khurdan, Nawanshahr, Punjab Security Force, instead of airline, the voices of its visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

Restricting protests, stiling dissent

FROM THE READERS EDITOR
A combination of coercive and non-coercive means is being used to silence criticism

Rancour is no substitute
cept an illegal order denying them
the right to protest. for due diligence
Times have changed
But the same lofty principle doesnt Editorial judgment tells whether a story is worth publishing
seem to apply to protests organised
against the current dispensation
while due diligence is used to scan it for journalistic rigour
Zoya Hasan where citizens are compelled to ab- the story does not prove or disprove any of
dicate the right to protest because the arguments of the 2015 study on R1a hap-
Opposition by major political parties the state arbitrarily decides to throw logroup. A close reading of Mr. Suris article
against the Bharatiya Janata Partys the anti-nationalist label at anyone does not throw up a single specific objection
plans to establish its total dominance who questions the government and of Dr. Chaubey either to the study of which
of the electoral landscape is still protesters are regularly accused of he is a part, or to the extensive interview
quite feeble. But public protests have disturbing peace to stop them from with Peter Underhill that was cited in Mr.
A.S. Panneerselvan
surfaced to challenge its social and reaching protest sites. Josephs article.
political agenda and the attempt to The police in Haryana recently Mr. Joseph was prudent to go through the
impose an exclusionary Hindu iden- booked 15 Dalit protesters on sedi- When I referred to the article How genetics chronological order of the ongoing research
tity. More importantly, the economy havent already done so. This is sim- government justified its harsh action charges in Karnal; they had de- is settling the Aryan migration debate ( June in genetics to map the human migration and
is in distress. There is hardly any job ilar to the way in which the Jawa- tions by branding everyone who pro- manded the release of four Dalits ar- 17, 2017) by Tony Joseph in my column Sting stick to only respected, peer-reviewed journ-
creation for the 12 million people harlal Nehru University and the Film tested as anti-nationals or Naxal- rested for a murder committed journalism is not investigative journalism, I als. He takes care to mention that most of the
who enter the workforce annually. and Television Institute of India were ites when actually such branding during a clash between castes at a vil- had no inkling that the article would become significant papers, prior to 2010, did not
This would surely be a source of dis- targeted earlier with the express pur- can be termed as a diversion from lage in Ambala three months ago. a subject of debate. All criticisms against the have the same findings. The focus of his art-
quiet for the middle classes who pose of eradicating important sites of the social and economic disentitle- These men had met the Haryana article flow from a rejoinder written by Anil icle is about the avalanche of new data that
form the core support base of Prime dissent. Each of these institutions is ments occurring in reality. Chief Minister on April 24 to demand Kumar Suri, a materials scientist. compelled many scientists to change their
Minister Narendra Modi. Even sup- perceived as a threat to the ideolo- Curbs on protest are not new, but a fair probe into inter-caste clashes. These reproaches are akin to what the ed- opinions. This includes Dr. Underhill
porters have begun to complain that gical agenda of the regime, raising in- there is a sense in which these negat- In effect, by charging them with sedi- itors of the literary magazine Granta said himself.
despite the government loudly trum- convenient questions that the regime ive trends have accentuated or tion the police action has declared about the state of the British literature in the The crux of Mr. Josephs argument lies in
peting its achievements, key policies feels needed to be silenced. sharpened over the past three years, that it is now illegal to criticise the 1970s, which was neither remarkable nor Dr. Underhills assertion that there is no
have simply not delivered acche din. Recent experience shows a con- marking an unprecedented attack on government or gather people for a remarkably interesting and had a steady, comparison between the kind of data avail-
certed effort by the government to the politics of opposition. The previ- protest. uninspired sameness, a predictable, even if able in 2010 and now. Then, it was like look-
In the air dampen anti-regime protests either ous government too made things dif- At this point, when uncritical na- articulate prattling of predictable ing into a darkened room from the outside
Discontent is in the air, it is palpable by remaining in denial and dismiss- ficult for protest movements. The In- tionalist fever is running high in the predicaments. through a keyhole with a little torch in hand;
in the growing protests and the ap- ing protests, or more often by using dia Against Corruption movement is country, such arbitrariness will make I use two tools, which are related to each you could see some corners but not all, and
pearance of non-sectarian mass police powers to discourage people known to have had difficulties in get- it more difficult to exercise the right other but also remain independent, to evalu- not the whole picture. With whole genome
movements in different parts of the from protesting. Three protests in ting permission for centrally located to protest which is an integral part of ate criticisms against this newspaper: editor- sequencing, we can now see nearly the en-
country. Farmer protests have the past few months exemplify this places to organise their anti-corrup- constitutional guarantees. ial judgment and due diligence. Editorial tire room, in clearer light, was the direct
broken out in several States; Dalits trend. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh tion protest. The midnight arrest of So, where does this leave the issue judgment informs a newspaper whether quote from Dr. Underhills interview to Mr.
are a disenchanted lot and have began protests over low prices for Baba Ramdev by the Delhi Police at of democracy? This is precisely the something is worth publishing. Editors try to Joseph.
taken to active protests, from Una to their crops on June 1. Mandsaur be- Ramlila Maidan in June 2011 when he space in which dissent and demo- get an affirmative answer to a set of ques- Mr. Josephs interview with Priya Moorjani
Saharanpur, despite the systematic came the nerve centre of the protest, was carrying out a protest against the cracy make their connection. Free- tions. Does it have a public interest compon- of the Harvard Medical School holds another
attempt to woo them; the ongoing resulting in five deaths in police fir- United Progressive Alliance (UPA) dom of expression and its concomit- ent? Is it relevant? Is it pushing the boundar- key to understand the evolving nature of this
student protests in universities high- ing. After that, demonstrations and governments inaction on the black ant, the concept of dissent, are ies of our understanding? Once an idea discipline, and the breakthroughs that have
light the continuing resistance rallies were not allowed under Sec- money issue is a clear case of govern- essential for democracy. It is a crosses the editorial judgment threshold, ed- happened over the last few years. It is im-
against assaults on the autonomy to tion 144 of the Criminal Procedure ment overreach. concept that contains within it the itors commission the story. They then de- portant to remember this section of Mr.
think and the right to engage with Code, and these restrictions re- The Supreme Court had pulled up democratic right to object, oppose, ploy due diligence to scan the copy for journ- Josephs article: She [Priya Moorjani] also
ideas the ruling dispensation disap- mained in force for several days. the UPA government and Delhi Police protest and even resist. In the end, alistic rigour before it is put out in the public said the authors of the new study had access
proves of. Even though these Likewise, in Saharanpur, the po- for the crackdown. It said the right to keeping dissent alive is to practise domain. The public interest component of to ancient West Eurasian samples that were
protests are not pervasive and do not lice and administration imposed Sec- protest or join a protest is an essen- what Edward Said called speaking Mr. Josephs article is self-evident and, not available when we published in 2013,
pose a serious challenge to the BJPs tion 144 to restrict assembly after a tial part of free speech, and upheld truth to power in his penultimate hence, my inquiry is going to be only about and that these samples had provided them
winning spree in elections, they have man was killed in a clash between the right to assemble. Additionally, it 1993 Reith Lectures. Or as he put it, due diligence. additional information about the sources of
nonetheless invited the wrath of the the Dalit and the Thakur communit- argued that it is an obligation of the No one can speak up all the time on ANI ancestry in South Asia.
government. ies. Here too, Opposition leaders state to make this effective and not all the issues. But, I believe, there is a Objections to Tony Josephs article I am not going into the apparent contra-
At a broader level, dissent has were denied entry and the police restrict it by imposing restrictions on special duty to address the consti- Let us look at some of the key elements of diction of the critics, who accepted the initial
been curbed through a combination prevented people from reaching assembly. Not surprisingly, Arun Jait- tuted and authorised powers of ones Mr. Suris counterargument. One, its explor- deductions that could not prove the migra-
of coercive and non-coercive means. protest sites or using them for organ- ley, then Leader of the Opposition in own society, which are accountable ation starts from the premise that Gyanesh- tion into South Asia, and now question the
These include reducing the remit of ising protests. the Rajya Sabha, welcomed the land- to its citizenry, particularly when wer Chaubey, among the 32 authors of the very idea of this scientific endeavour. How-
Right to Information (RTI), curbs on In the third case, the police arres- mark order, but criticised the charge those powers are exercised in a study which Mr. Joseph cites in his article, ever, I have no reservation is saying that one
foreign-funded NGOs, criminalisa- ted a handful of Lucknow University of contributory negligence (an ob- manifestly disproportionate and im- was shocked by the drift of the article that cannot cite earlier papers, when the discip-
tion of dissent through sedition pro- students earlier this month for block- ligation on the protesters to obey moral war, or in a deliberate pro- appeared eventually, and was extremely dis- line was at its formative phase, to disprove
visions of the penal code, and the ing the convoy of Uttar Pradesh Chief every lawful order which in this case gramme of discrimination, repres- appointed at the spin Joseph had placed on the contemporary findings when the discip-
hounding of human rights activists Minister Adityanath and showing is Section 144) against Baba Ramdev, sion, and collective cruelty. his work, and that his opinions seemed to line has become robust with substantial
and civil society groups. One can add black flags to him when he was on which he argued amounts to a sur- have been selectively omitted by Joseph. amount of additional data and analytical
to this list the recent CBI raids on his way to attend a programme in the render of the right to protest. In Zoya Hasan is professor emerita, Jawaharlal However, there is not a single direct quote tools. This repudiates the basic rules that
NDTV which many people have university. Students arrested for other words, if protesters are within Nehru University and distinguished from Dr. Chaubey in Mr. Suris article to val- govern science and knowledge production.
rightly read as a message to the me- breaching security of the Chief Minis- their right to protest, they are professor, Council for Social Development, idate his disapproval of the study. Further,
dia in general to fall in line, if they ter were later denied bail. The State equally within their right not to ac- New Delhi the idea of not being happy with the drift of readerseditor@thehindu.co.in

JUNE 26, 1967
Madness in his method FIFTY YEARS AGO
West Bengal CM warns Naxalbari extremists

The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr. Ajoy Mukherjee, described
Daniel Day-Lewis will be remembered the trouble makers in the Naxalbari area as a few men with
for his relentless pursuit of characters swollen heads , who wanted to create a free zone within In-
dia. Mr. Mukherjee told newsmen before leaving for Calcutta
Sudipta Datta last evening [ June 24, New Delhi] that the State police would
The story goes that when enter the five pockets, which were the strongholds of the
Daniel Day-Lewis, who an- trouble makers, if they did not surrender in a short time. The
nounced his retirement from police had been asked to patrol the area and take action includ-
acting last week, was preparing firing where necessary, if any arson, looting or murder
ing for the role of Abraham were being committed. If the trouble makers surrendered, the
Lincoln in Steven Spielbergs Government would not object to their being released on bail
Lincoln, he started living in except in a few serious cases. Asked whether any further time
character long before the irst limit was set for surrender, he replied in the negative.
day on set. He sent messages to A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 26, 1917
his co-star Sally Field, who
played his wife Mary Todd in Compulsory education.
the ilm, signing of with Yours
A. As Jessica Winter wrote in At the December meeting of the Bombay Legislative Council
Time magazine, in 2012, Day- the Honble Mr. V.J. Patel moved a resolution urging that an
NYT
Lewis changed his sonorous early beginning should be made in the direction of making ele-
voice to a gentle tenor, reedy CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC mentary education free and compulsory at least within the lim-
and slightly cracked... Plenty of performers can change their CONCEPTUAL its of municipal districts. Most of the non-official members of
SHELF HELP the Council spoke in favour of it, but the resolution being put
accent, posture or waistline to suit the part. Day-Lewis alone
seems capable of remoulding his larynx and vocal chords.
The part earned him his third Best Actor Oscar, the most any
IKEA effect Unpredictable brilliance to vote was lost by 25 votes against 20. His Excellency the Gov-
ernor remarked that it would be unfortunate if the Council en-
Psychology
male actor has ever won. This relentless pursuit of character deavoured to pass a resolution which went straight in the face
has marked every role he has played. A cognitive bias that A short guide to the history of cricket in Pakistan of the confirmed and decided opinion of the Government of In-
causes people to assign dia. Two months after this defeat Mr. Patel gave notice to the
Giving everything to the craft greater value to goods that Hari Narayan for more than a decade. Parvez and Shuja-ud-Din; Secretary, Legislative Council, of his intention to move for
His father, poet laureate Cecil Day-Lewis, who was editorial they have created on their The 25th of March this year However, this ran parallel and Cricket after Midnight leave to introduce a Bill to empower district municipalities to
director at publishing house Chatto & Windus, wrote a poem, own either partially or marked 25 years since the to its progress on the crick- by Sultan Mahmud. introduce compulsion in the system of elementary education.
Newborn, to announce his birth: We time-worn folk renew/ from scratch. It was completion of the 1992 eting front, where the Osman Samiuddin writes
Ourselves at your enchanted spring,/As though mankinds be- named after the Swedish World Cup. Nearly three foundations began to be in his book, The Unquiet
gun/Again in you./ self-assembly furniture months later, the tourna- laid immediately. Its three Ones, that Javed Miandads CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
For Day-Lewis, every part he acted seemed to give the craft goods manufacturer IKEA, ments victor, Pakistan, key architects here were a pursuit of success was
by a group of American re-
DATA POINT
an enchanted spring. His turn as Irish writer and painter stunned the international Muslim, a Parsi and a rooted in his quest to
Christy Brown, an artist with cerebral palsy who could only searchers, including beha- cricketing community by Christian Khan Iftikhar achieve izzat esteem and
move his left foot, earned him his irst Oscar in 1989. Day-Lewis vioural psychologist Dan winning the Champions Hussain, the Nawab of approval from the self and
has been famously diicult to pursue for a role, but once he Ariely. One of the reasons Trophy. The same day, a 15- Mamdot; K.R. Collector; the world. The same can be
was convinced, there was no stopping him. Remember the cited for this bias towards year-old Pakistani became and Justice A.R. Cornelius. said about the struggles
irst scene in My Left Foot? Christy takes out a record from its self-made products is that the victim of celebratory and conquests of Pakistani
cover, puts it on the turntable, then picks up the needle and people obtain greater gunfire. Initial Test wins cricket team.
puts it down again, all with the left foot. It took him many pleasure in using a Unpredictable cricket- In 1954, punching much In its 410 Tests, Pakistan
weeks to perfect that, and hours spent with cerebral palsy pa- product when they have ing excellence on the field, above its weight, Pakistan has had a win rate of 32%.
tients. For the entire duration of the shoot of this Jim Sheridan invested their own labour predictable violence on the went on to draw its first This has included 59 away
ilm, he stayed on a wheelchair. Much like Al Pacino for Scent of in creating it. Another streets these two factors Test series outside the sub- wins (26%). It may also be
a Woman, where, playing a blind man, he refused to blink reason could be that have dominated the continent, versus England. added that this struggle has
when he fell down in a thorny bush, and was injured. people like to justify the ef- Weltanschauung of the By 1958, when Ayub Khan sometimes coincided with
forts that they have inves- Pakistani nation state. And staged a coup, it had won match-fixing scandals.
American characters ted in a product, so they nearly 70 years since its in- six Test matches against It is this pursuit of self-
Day-Lewis has played many American characters, directed by tend to like it more. dependence, its cricketing five teams the West In- hood that has defined its
the best American directors from Martin Scorsese (Newland prowess continues to indies, Australia and New approach to the game since
Archer in The Age of Innocence and Bill the Butcher in Gangs of spire appreciation and awe Zealand, apart from India March 2009, when a terror
New York, for which he learnt to throw knives sometimes in the minds of an average and England. By contrast, attack in Lahore made
between takes) to Michael Mann (Hawkeye in The Last of the cricket fan. in the same period, 1947- Pakistani territory a no-go
Mohicans) and Spielberg. Peter Obornes Wounded 58, India achieved five Test zone for other teams. Out
He bagged his second Oscar for Paul Thomas Andersons Tiger is an excellent primer wins and 15 losses. of its 73 Tests played since
historical drama There Will be Blood (2007) and his last appear- to the cricketing history of Obornes book gives an then, it has won 29. Its win
ance will be in the directors next, Phantom Thread, which is CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC Indias conjoined twin to exhaustive list of refer- rate, at nearly 40%, has ex-
based on the fashion world of 1950s London and will release MORE ON the west. Pakistan, whose ences through which ceeded its overall average.
this Christmas. The actor, who quit the stage in 1989, mid-per-
formance while playing Hamlet, has taken time-outs after
every ilm including by being a shoemaking apprentice in
THE WEB 3 creation was premised on
the purported need for a
separate homeland for Brit-
Pakistan cricket can be
studied in its entirety.
These include Pride and
As the country got increas-
ingly isolated on the inter-
national stage, its search
Bangalore Metros new ish Indias Muslims, was Passion by Omar Noman; for identity was taken in a
Italy in the late 90s. So may we hope against hope that there
Green Line without a foundational The Chequered History of positive direction by its ex-
isnt a sense of inality in his agents statement when he says:
http://bit.ly/BloreMetro
Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor? document a Constitution Pakistan Cricket by Salim ploits on the cricket field.
CM A ND-ND
YK

A controversial inheritance
P.N. Bhagwati was Indias most inluential judge its time his legacy is revisited
hibition, or prohibiting cow creating another dangerous
slaughter, or introducing uniform precedent.
civil code, or pursuing socialism Justice Bhagwati is also famous
Mending the rift would be immune to judicial chal-
lenge for violating the rights to
for his judicial improvisations.
Based on the idea that arbitrari-
The international community must push equality and freedom. If this ness is the antithesis of inequality,
sounds rather familiar, it is because he introduced a new test to exam-
for a resolution of the Qatar crisis anuj bhuwania the Indian judiciary has implicitly ine violations of Right to Equality.
followed the logic of Justice Bhag- This test is however completely il-
T
he fact that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the
ustice P.N. Bhagwati, who died watis dissenting opinion in recent logical, as constitutional scholar
United Arab Emirates have handed over a list of
demands to the Qatari regime should, on the face J recently, at 95, is perhaps the
most inluential judge inde-
years. In the Judges Transfer case,
he went on to explicitly support
H.M. Seervai demonstrated. Even
more famous is his pioneering
GETTY IMAGES
of it, indicate some progress in the impasse created pendent India has had. What In- the appointment of judges based right to life jurisprudence in the
after they cut ties with Qatar. The list has not been oi- dira Gandhi is to Indian politics, on their ideological predilections, Maneka Gandhi case. A negative
cially released, but is reported to include demands that Justice Bhagwati is to the Indian ju- i.e., court packing for a committed right against the states illegal
Qatar snap all but trade ties with Iran, end military co- diciary: their legacies have en- judiciary. When the constitution- deprivation of any individuals life
operation with Turkey and shut down the Al Jazeera dured, having engineered a popu- had recently been delivered, in intermediate level and Public In- ality of the National Security Act, or personal liberty has since been
list democratisation based on which the Supreme Court had terest Litigation (PIL) at the highest 1980, Mrs Gandhis successor stat- interpreted as a positive right to
news network. It may be that many of the demands are
radical rhetoric, but at very heavy dared to stand up to Mrs Gandhi level of the judiciary. For the part ute to MISA, was challenged, he got life, making it a receptacle for all
only meant to be bargaining counters even U.S. Sec- costs to the institutions them- and had declared the Constitu- they played in this process, Pro- another chance to somewhat undo manner of socio-economic rights.
retary of State Rex Tillerson, who has been running the selves. tions basic structure as un-amend- fessor Upendra Baxi later wrote the notoriety of the Habeas Corpus The only right it now seems to ex-
backroom negotiation along with the Emir of Kuwait, One can see strong resonances able even by her brute parliament- that the two judges remain vul- case, but he upheld this law as well. clude is the literal mandate of Art-
said they are very diicult for Qatar to meet. In any of Mrs Gandhis style in the Modi ary majority. In the aftermath of nerable to the charge of acts as le- In spite of such an appalling record icle 21. Another instance of care-
case, such demands on the list may be more under- governments mode of functioning this judgment she superseded the gitimators of the emergency on civil liberties and such open less improvisation is his
standable if these countries complied with them as in their all or nothing friend or en- three senior-most majority judges regime. servility to regimes in power, how unnecessary innovation of abso-
emy view of politics, with com- leading to their resignations, and did Justice Bhagwati acquire such a lute liability as a principle of liabil-
well. For example, in asking Qatar to disown ties with al- plete disregard for the autonomy appointed Bhagwati and Krishna Moving to extremes heroic reputation? ity in cases of injury caused by in-
Qaeda and the Islamic State, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and of institutions. Similarly, with con- Iyer to the Supreme Court. Justice Bhagwati soon proved his herently hazardous industries.
the UAE cannot ignore their own role in building up temporary standards of judicial be- Two key points deployed in Mrs loyalty to the Emergency regime Behind the PIL Needlessly trying to remove the
Sunni extremist groups across West Asia, sometimes in haviour, pronouncements pander- Gandhis mid-1970s attack on the much more directly: as part of the Much of Justice Bhagwatis fame few exceptions that the time-hon-
partnership with Qatar. The UAE has a thriving business ing to the lowest common judiciary were the inaccessibility majority in ADM Jabalpur vs rests on his role in pioneering the oured principle of strict liability al-
relationship with Iran. And while the Saudi-led bloc denominator calling for the cow of the legal system and its alien Shivkant Shukla, which upheld the PIL. In fact, PIL letter petitions lowed, once again Justice Bhagwati
to be declared the national animal, British form. The responses were constitutionality of the draconian would initially be personally ad- was set on winning the tournament
may object to negative narratives and the platform
imposing the national anthem on also twofold: the expansion of legal Maintenance of Internal Security dressed to him, rather than the of competitive radicalism that his
given to their dissidents on Al Jazeera and the other cinema-goers and imposing aid and the injection of indigeneity Act (MISA), and declared that even court. This enabled him to sidestep vision of judgeship entailed, re-
news outlets named, it is unlikely that they will lean too thoughtless prohibition near na- in legal institutions, respectively. the right to habeas corpus would the then Chief Justices role in al- gardless of institutional costs. This
much on the internationally recognised news networks tional highways while simultan- Legal aid was even declared part of not survive during the Emergency. locating cases, also leading to alleg- has been his most enduring legacy
to close shop. The bulk of the demands, however, fo- eously displaying pusillanimity in the Emergencys lagship Twenty Justice Bhagwati was justly tar- ations of soliciting petitions. More as a role model for future judges: to
cusses on asking Qatar to enforce its own commitments institutionally vital cases against Point Programme. The two recent geted for his role during the Emer- enduringly, instead of grounding think of their judicial role instru-
from the 2014 Riyadh declaration of the Gulf Coopera- the Central government such as judicial appointees, Justices gency after the 1977 elections. He the PIL in rules and principles, his mentally as social activists and not
Aadhaar, the Money Bill and the Krishna Iyer and Bhagwati, enthu- soon moved to the other extreme, view of legal procedure as the en- mere jurists. A certain looseness of
tion Council (GCC) on ceasing support to extremist and
Delhi government cases. The very siastically responded and penned and proved his loyalty to the Janata emy of justice meant that all as- legal language entered Indian ap-
terrorist groups. This indicates that a path is being condition of possibility of such successive reports proposing government by upholding its use of pects of procedure in PIL cases pellate judgments and radical rhet-
cleared for a resolution to the current crisis. The next playing fast and loose with the law nyaya panchayats as the silver Article 356 against Congress-led were diluted, removing all checks oric became the path to power for
few days will be crucial in ensuring the outcome. are Justice Bhagwatis landmark in- bullet solution to both the prob- Legislative Assemblies, a decision on judicial arbitrariness and mak- Indian judges. The value of careful
There are implications of this crisis that India and the terventions. lems. The challenge of democrat- with disastrous consequences for ing it a juggernaut annihilating all judicial prose declined as idelity to
international community cannot aford to ignore. ising access to courts could have Indian federalism. He did another procedure. The dilution of locus law no longer mattered, what
While the action against Qatar is mainly political and Charting a way to power been met through an expansion of somersault after Mrs Gandhi re- standi could have been grounded mattered was the show of ideolo-
Just as nationalism has now legal aid. Instead the solution was turned to power in 1980. He was in some notion of representation gical commitment.
nowhere close to the Saudi-led action on Yemen, where
emerged as the currency of con- seen as creating parallel informal the only judge in the Minerva Mills standing. In its absence, most PILs Justice Bhagwatis legacy lives
more than 10,000 people have already been killed, in temporary judicial populism, so- institutions, diluting judicial pro- case to uphold her Emergency era are iled by citizens unconnected on. But it is high time we revisit it.
both cases the muscle power of the regional bullies has cialist rhetoric was his path to cedure by short-circuiting basic amendment immunising any stat- to any issue. In the Bandhua Mukti
been allowed to prevail over a weaker nation. The treat- power. He was appointed to the Su- principles of adjudication. These ute implementing a directive prin- Morcha case, he diluted eviden-
Anuj Bhuwania is a lawyer and an
ment of Qatar could well become the playbook for fu- preme Court in 1973 at the height of visions of paternalistic deprofes- ciple from judicial review for viol- tiary standards in PIL cases to an anthropologist and the author of
ture diplomacy, which would lead to a further weaken- Mrs Gandhis ideological onslaught sionalised indigenous justice ating Articles 14 and 19, thus giving extent that proved catastrophic in Courting the People: Public Interest
ing of the international order, the rule of law and the UN on the judiciary, with her call for a provided the basis for future devel- primacy to directive principles the long run. He also was the irst Litigation in post-Emergency India.
committed judiciary. The opments such as Lok Adalats at the over fundamental rights. Accord- judge to openly legislate in a PIL re- He teaches at South Asian University,
system of conlict resolution. There are also signs that New Delhi
Kesavananda Bharati judgment lowest level, tribunalisation at the ingly, a statute implementing pro- lating to inter-country adoptions,
this may be the precursor to a larger conlict with Iran.
This is a troubling scenario for the world, and for India
in particular with its commitment to build connectivity
and shore up oil reserves. The impact of any conlict in
the Gulf cannot be over-estimated, given Indias de-
Whos afraid of neutrinos?
pendence on oil supplies and remittances from some The India-based Neutrino Observatory would greatly advance scientiic research
eight million Indians based there. For New Delhi to con-
tinue to be as sanguine about the Qatar crisis as it ap- heavy objects such as black holes serve muon neutrinos that are con- causes radioactivity and have com-
peared to be a few weeks ago, when External Afairs collide. Gravitational waves were tinuously produced in the pared it with the dangers of having
Minister Sushma Swaraj called it an internal matter of irst detected in September 2015 by atmosphere when cosmic rays a nuclear power plant or radioact-
the Laser Interferometer Gravita- strike the earth. Since every type of ive material in the neighbourhood.
the GCC, is no longer an option.
tional-Wave Observatory (LIGO). As matter particle has an anti-matter This cannot be true since the neut-
the waves passed, LIGO measured partner particle associated with it, rinos, whether they are naturally
Ravi Kuchimanchi that they expanded and contracted there are also anti-neutrinos that occurring in the atmosphere or
the earth a tiny bit for a fraction of a the INO can observe. Anti-neutri- from the sun, or are emitted by far
In another court second. The measurement told us nos also come in three lavours and away man made nuclear reactors
W
hich one of us would not that the colliding black holes were can oscillate from one to the other. and sent in beams of neutrinos with
have applauded Galileo in 30 times the mass of the sun, 1.3 bil- biggest revolutions in our know- An important question in the mys- few GeV energy, are very feeble and
K. Srikanth, Sai Praneeth and H.S. Prannoy January of 1610 when he lion light years away, and during ledge of the laws of physics that gov- tery of trying to piece together the weakly interacting particles that we
have transformed mens badminton in India trained his telescope for the irst the collision, the mass of three suns ern the universe. Raymond Davis laws of physics is: do anti-neutrinos cant even see or feel without the
time on Jupiter and observed four just vanished to produce the en- and John Bahcall detected that only oscillate or lip their lavours at ex- help of an observatory. Beams of
K
. Srikanth brought joy in two equal helpings. The dots alongside it? Within days he ergy of the gravity wave that spread half the neutrinos that the sun was actly the same rate as neutrinos do, neutrinos are being sent to the
24-year-old won back-to-back badminton titles in noticed that the dots seemed to be across the universe. However, LIGO emitting towards the earth were ac- or are there slight diferences in NOvA neutrino detector in the U.S.
going around Jupiter... they were its did not produce the waves that it tually reaching us. their rates? In other words, do laws and to the T2K neutrino detector in
the space of eight days, on Sunday adding the
four largest moons! observed. The reason? As they travelled the of physics treat matter and anti- Japan every day. Moreover, being
Australian Open title to the higher-rated Indonesia Today, very large telescopes They were produced by cataclys- distance from the sun to the earth, matter exactly the same way as far the lightest matter particles, the
Open he had clinched on June 18. Success is not new to send us iconic images of distant mic events, and we wouldnt want the neutrinos were changing from as the neutrinos are concerned or neutrinos do not decay into any
Srikanth, and in Sydney his domination of an elite ield galaxies and of faint remnants of to be anywhere near them, but ob- electron-neutrino type that the sun do they treat them diferently? other particles, as everything else
could be gauged from the fact that he dropped just one the light produced by the Big Bang. serving them through LIGO is like was emitting to muon-neutrino While the INO will not by itself is heavier so they are not like
game in ive matches. Even more heartening, he is part The light from the moons of Jupiter receiving a postcard from that col- type, and thus escaping detection. provide an answer to this question, uranium which decays radioact-
of a cohort in Indian mens badminton, with the likes of was always falling on earth. It took a lapsing, tragic part of the universe All the laws and forces of nature its measurements will by determ- ively into smaller atoms. All the INO
telescope to detect it because it was that even light cannot escape from. that we know of, other than gravita- ining the order of the neutrino would do is to provide the lens to
B. Sai Praneeth and H.S. Prannoy, who have been beat-
so feeble and could not be seen The only other particles that can tion, are described by what physi- masses and thereby help other observe neutrinos as they are too
ing elite players this season. For instance, Srikanth has with the naked eye. Interesting zip through the universe at speeds cists call the Standard Model. It pre- neutrino experiments that are feeble or faint to be detected by the
upstaged the current World No. 1, Koreas Son Wan Ho, things, telescopes. They observe very close to that of light are called dicted that neutrinos, which come already under way or being built in naked eye. It does not create a radi-
twice in two weeks and raced past the reigning World something that is already there. neutrinos. The biggest nuclear re- under three types or lavours tau- other parts of the world. The INO, ation hazard or put us in harms
and Olympic champion, Chen Long, in Sundays inal at They do not produce what they actor that most life on earth derives neutrino, electron-neutrino and by observing the rates at which way. While we should ensure that
Sydney. He will be back in the worlds top 10 ranking observe. energy from is the sun. Like all nuc- muon-neutrino would not oscil- neutrinos and anti-neutrinos oscil- the tunnel is dug with proper envir-
this week, having also beaten World No. 4 and the top- lear reactors, in addition to giving late from one lavour to another. late, will make a substantial contri- onmental safeguards and the pro-
Just like light out energy (heat and light), the sun The discovery that they do meant bution to the quest to unravel the ject has various clearances, raising
most Chinese, Shi Yuqi, twice this year. In fact, Srik-
There are two other things that, also emits neutrinos. We have all that the Standard Model or the ba- secrets of the ultimate laws of phys- the spectacle of radiation hazards
anth, who had overcome a bout of brain fever in July like light, can travel great distances seen sunlight. Can we also observe sic laws of physics had to be further ics. and comparing it with nuclear or
2014 to become World No. 3 a year later, has beaten all in the universe, and therefore can the billions of neutrinos the sun modiied. Thus, through the neut- thermal power plants is spreading
the leading Chinese players. Praneeth, winner of the be usefully observed. The irst of emits every second? rino detectors we are actually ob- Nothing to fear false fears and is unscientiic.
Singapore Open and the Thailand Open, is inally real- these are gravitational waves. Pre- In the mid-1960s, when solar serving the fundamental laws of Unfortunately, some activists and
ising his potential. Interestingly, Praneeth holds a 5-2 dicted by Einsteins famous theory, neutrinos were observed through physics at the cutting edge. political parties in Tamil Nadu have Ravi Kuchimanchi is the founder of the
head-to-head record against Srikanth, and the latters these waves travel at the speed of the irst neutrino telescopes, it The proposed India-based Neut- made baseless allegations that the non-proit Association for Indias
light and are produced when very quietly unleashed one of the rino Observatory (INO) aims to ob- INO, which is just like a telescope, Development (AID)
dream run is bound to increase his conidence of also
beating the best in the world. Prannoy, unbeaten in this
years Premier Badminton League and conqueror of the
legendary Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long in successive
matches in the Indonesia Open this month, will also ex-

Power to punish freedom of expression. The Madhya Pradesh How smart? not be fully correct (Last combined efort with no
pect to strike it rich going ahead. In sum, Srikanth, Pra-
The privileges in legislative legislature has enormous (Restricting protests, The editorial, Being wicket stand, June 26). superstar ego.
neeth and Prannoy are on track for a potential podium institutions to protect the powers, but these should stiling descent, June 26). smart, and the Magazine That the Augean stables of Balasubramaniam Pavani,
inish in the World Championship in Glasgow in August. freedoms of speech and not be at the expense of the While police iring is article, A less concrete the cricketing body need Secunderabad
With Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu maintaining their expression in the House and liberty of critics. Criticism condemnable, she should solution? (both June 25) cleaning has been taken
formidable challenge in the womens game, Indian bad- in ensuring that undue must be taken by our have criticised the violent should be eye-openers to cognisance of and is under A shuttler to watch
minton now has a strong nucleus of the worlds best. inluence, pressure or representatives in the right incidents which led to many the oicials concerned. One the supervision of the Kidambi Srikanth has
The biggest gain of late has been the consistency with coercion are not brought on spirit, who must try and see police personnel being only wishes that some of the Supreme Court. There may undoubtedly been in
the legislature in the course whether any of those injured. She also tries to ideas, such as using raw data be a few setbacks to Indian devastating form of late,
which the male shuttlers are delivering, with each be-
of its functioning were levelled are right. justify the visits of on pedestrian movement cricket in the form of scalping many a famous
lieving he has the game to outdo the other. This healthy constituted in the good old Constructive criticism is the Opposition political leaders and ensuring a base of Ramachandra Guha and name in the badminton
competitiveness, coupled with the maturity and pa- days when sessions were backbone of any democracy to protest sites. reliable civic services, are Anil Kumble stepping down circuit (Sport Srikanths
tience shown on the court of late, is paying dividends. conducted in the right spirit. (Editorial Whose These are only for political ensured in the smart city but this does not mean its cup of joy overlows, June
Srikanth has wisely refrained from being in attack mode But what is the situation privilege? June 26) gains. Has Ms. Hasan project. I am deeply the end. 26). His feats have given
at will. Known for his powerful smashes, his current use now? In Parliament and our T.S.N. Rao, forgotten how people were concerned about the lack of The silver lining is the way sports lovers plenty to cheer
Assemblies, crores are spent Bheemavaram, Andhra Pradesh injured in police action in encroachment-free the Indian cricket team is about. Credit must also be
of soft strokes and deft touches is proving very efective,
on unproductive sessions, Darjeeling only because it is footpaths for pedestrians to progressing. We produce given to his mentor, Gopi
complementing the deep clearances from the back-
which defeat the very Dissent vs. violence happens to be an walk on safely, comfortably, great batsmen but always Chand, for the tough
hand corner. Pullela Gopi Chands role in the success of purpose of those privileges. Zoya Hasan conveniently Opposition-ruled State? and with dignity. The vision seem to struggle to groom grooming his academy
these players is well-known; Indonesian coach Mulyo Under these circumstances, forgets to mention the Freedom of expression, for smart cities needs to be fast bowlers and quality gives. Consequently, players
Handoyo too has clearly made an impact, especially in if our legislators had felt that violence resorted to by dissent and the right to done in consultation with spinners. As far as match such as Srikanth and
rallying the players to think clearly in the heat of a they were being defamed, unscrupulous elements protest are essential in a those who live in these results are concerned, let us Prannoy are now hitting the
match. As a result, Indian shuttlers are no longer chok- they could have sought posing as farmers by democracy but people areas. be mature enough not to headlines as much as Saina
ing against more illustrious rivals. Signiicantly, all the judicial remedy in their burning private properties taking the law into their B.R. Sant, link failures to Board Nehwal and Sindhu are.
individual capacity. This and stoning buses with hands and subjecting Hyderabad politics. A word about Indian badminton is on the
leading overseas players today have lost to an Indian at
appears to be the era of passengers, but instead innocent people to womens cricket. Indian ascendance.
least once. On current form, at least a medal each from imposing a heavy condemns the governments hardships should be Reforms in sport women have begun well in Vijai Pant,
the mens and womens singles in this years World punishment for small action in imposing Section severely dealt with. To say that there has been a their World Cup campaign Hempur, Uttarakhand
Championship is now a realistic expectation. mistakes in the guise of 144 of the CrPC and other M. Amarender Reddy, total failure in the by beating England a more letters online:
mis-utilisation of the restrictions in Mandsaur, Secunderabad functioning of the BCCI may classic case of it being a www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

The pathology of lynching An old new tax

There is blood at the root of the Hindutva movement whenever it refuses to see The new GST regime is a work in progress, it must be ixed urgently
Muslims and other minorities as fully Indian
Puja Mehra
Tabish Khair Sixteen years in the making, India is fi-

nally set to roll out the Goods and Ser-
I first heard the famous Billie Holiday vices Tax (GST) from July 1. Prime Min-
version of the song Strange fruit (1939) ister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the
quite late, as I had grown up in a small new indirect tax at the stroke of mid-
town of Bihar, where the choice of mu- night in Parliament, taking a leaf out of
sic was rather limited. I must have been Jawaharlal Nehrus book. A moment
in junior college then. By then I had comes, which comes but rarely in his-
read of the song, and the tragic history tory, when we step out from the old to
behind it; I still recall the tingling feeling new, Nehru had said while ringing in
as Billie Holidays powerful rendition lit- Indias independence. The two events
erally made my hair stand on end: are obviously not comparable non-
Southern trees bear a strange fruit, etheless, the GSTs introduction could
blood on the leaves and blood at the Battling the vigilantes: A protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, in October 2015 against have been a rare transition, but is not.
root, the Dadri lynching SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA *
The GST, to be collected on
Black bodies swinging in the south- everything from matchboxes to gold,
ern breeze, of the country in the name of justice; other; the state is there to break the will touch everyone. A modern tax sys-
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar the mob has already condemned the endless cycles of personal, family and tem should be fair, uncomplicated,
trees. guilty because of who they are and group revenge that have been at the transparent and easy to administer. It soaps and washing soaps, but at 28% on vised the GST. The GST Council, made
Described by record producer Ahmet how they look; the authorities look the root of violence in all traditional societ- must yield revenues sufficient to cover detergents. Some moviegoers will pay up of Ministers from State and Central
Ertegun as the beginning of the civil other way, and later describe it as ies. That way lies chaos! Any govern- the cost of government services and 18% GST and, others, on the same governments, scrambled elements
rights movement, this powerful song simply a law and order breakdown. (It ment that fails to see this does India the public goods. Indias GST does not pass movie, 28%, depending on the price of from the current indirect taxation sys-
was written as a poem by Abel Meero- was just an argument over a train seat, greatest disservice possible, for it en- these tests convincingly. It is too com- cinema ticket not exactly the prom- tem into the GST, tinging the new with
pol, and first performed in public by his we were told after the recent lynching ables the hollowing out of governance plex. We must collect it at fewer and ised One nation, one tax. the old, guided by old habits, not
wife (a singer) in 1937. of a 17-year-old boy in Haryana.) in India, and hence the rise of anarchy. lower rates, and on more items. healthy appetite for reform.
Meeropol was writing about more There is no attempt to look at the lar- The GST has been fixed for more Status quo wins Status quo has strong appeal in real
than 1,500 African Americans (Black ger disease of hatred and prejudice be- A strange and bitter crop than 1,200 categories of goods and ser- The GST, as its being rolled out, is an life, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
bodies) lynched by white American hind such incidents. Because, of Meeropols poem, as sung by Billie Holi- vices consumed in the country at outcome of a political process in which had said of the resistance to 1991s eco-
mobs around the turn of the 20th cen- course, as the first stanza of the song day (and, later, by singers like Sting, Di- 0.25%, 3%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%, along 29 States and seven Union Territories nomic reforms. Chief Economic Ad-
tury. In particular, he was reacting to a tells us, for there to be blood on the ana Ross and Annie Lennox), ends with with cesses to be imposed additionally agreed to give up their right to impose visor Arvind Subramanians summation
photo taken by Lawrence Beitler of the leaves, there also has to be blood at a memorable line: Here is a strange in some cases. The present taxation sys- sales tax on goods (VAT) and the Centre of the process that delivered the GST
lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abram the root. and bitter crop. tem has not been given the boot yet. gave up its right to impose excise and suggests that decades later, attitudes
Smith on August 7, 1930: these two There is blood at the root of the This image alludes to the longer con- Electricity, real estate and alcohol will services taxes. In the amended federal have not changed: On the GST, the
African Americans were accused, Hindutva movement whenever it re- sequences of such acts of vigilante remain in it, exempt from the GST. Pet- arrangement, they will each receive a political pressures from the States to
without any evidence, of murdering a fuses to see Muslims and other minorit- justice: it is not just the tragic break- roleum products will be in both sys- share of the GST collected nationally. keep rates low and simple were min-
white man and raping his companion, ies as fully Indian. In this sense, to lynch down of law in that particular instant; it tems, old and new, but with zero-rate Instead of every State imposing a tax, imal. The general desire is for the struc-
and they were lynched by a crowd of ra- a man on the suspicion (or, for that mat- is also the sowing of a bitter crop that GST. Over half the items will be taxed at they will sit together and decide what ture to mimic the complicated status
cists in front of the local police. ter, even the evidence) of eating beef is will return again and again. I shudder to 18% or 28% GST, the steepest rates in that tax rate should be. Individually, quo. There was insufficient concern for
the logical outcome of statements like think of the consequences of the bitter- the multi-rate structure. This skew viol- States see this as an erosion of their fin- the implied consequences for efficiency
Violence by vigilante groups those dismissing the Taj Mahal as not an ness of a minority population of 180 ates the basic principle of revenue col- ancial autonomy, even if Union Finance and simplification.
You can see the connections to the kind Indian building. There is no point pre- million people in India, more so as the lection: the lower the taxation rate, the Minister Arun Jaitley, the chief architect The lingering imperfections, and dis-
of murders of Muslims that have taken tending otherwise. And I suspect that it laws for which such lynchings are tak- higher the compliance. An opportunity of the consensus, described it as, the regard for economic principles, will
place recently in North India violence is not the so-called Hindutva loony ing place do not even represent the be- is lost to collect more tax revenues, states and Centre pooling their powers limit the GSTs transformational poten-
that, actually, also connects to a longer fringe that pretends otherwise; it is all liefs of the majority of Hindus. while at the same time, taking a little and sovereignty. tial. Small firms, unlike industry cham-
history of the murder of Dalits and ab- the others who refuse to countenance But that is the silver lining in our dark load off the consumers pocket. The constitutional guarantee that the bers and lobbies, are not vocal, and
origines by mobs of casteist Hindus. the true nature of the fruits hanging cloud, just as it was the silver lining in More than sound economic, or polit- Centre will fully reimburse the trans- therefore not easily heard. They are
Yes, I allude specifically to such viol- from our beautiful and historical Indian the tumultuous clouds of lynching in ical, logic, the GST seems driven by the itional losses did not fully address the concerned about the number of man
ence. The lynching of a (Muslim) police trees. the American south a century ago: Abel deciding authorities discretion. The States insecurities. The States insisted hours the new reporting requirements
officer by (Muslim) separatists in Srin- The problem with such blindness is Meeropol, the writer of Strange Fruit, GST rate for gold, a luxury good, is on keeping the GSTs rate structure as will extort. These should be taken on
agar is by definition a criminal act, and that it can end up hollowing out the rule was not an African American. He was lower than that for matchboxes. The close as possible to the old system. A board. The GST Council must show
its perpetrators will be prosecuted by of law and order. The Indian govern- Jewish and a socialist who believed in tax incidence is the same in the GST on GST regime resembling the old tax sys- sensitivity to transitional challenges. A
the government as required. But viol- ment has to act decisively and visibly order, equality and justice. He was environment-friendly hybrid vehicles tem cannot be a low, single-rate GST. hotline among its members, as an in-
ence by vigilante groups in the name of against lynching and mob violence be- moved not because he was Black, but and fossil fuel-guzzling SUVs. In the ex- The options narrowing to a delayed or stantaneous problem-solving mechan-
the law is another matter because it cause, if it fails to do so, it fails to gov- because he was human and humane. I tant system, the effective rate for guzz- an imperfect GST, the Centre chose to ism, may smoothen the transition. In-
seeks not just to attack the state but also ern. And if it fails to govern long believe that India contains many mil- lers is significantly higher than that for defer to the States collective opinion. creasing simplicity and reducing the
to circuitously involve it in its own de- enough, there might not be much left to lions of Abel Meeropols, and that they hybrids. This carbon tax on SUVs, The result: far from simple or neat, the complexities remains a promise made,
mise. govern. will make their voices heard. popular with politicians, is being with- new indirect tax is a multitude of rates, not kept.
These are the elements: rumour and Law and order are there to stop cit- drawn. cesses and exemptions.
hearsay lead to a mob breaking the law izens from inflicting justice on each Tabish Khairs latest novel is Jihadi Jane The GST will be imposed at 18% on So, politicians, not tax experts, de- Puja Mehra is a Delhi-based journalist
An antidote to hate FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 27, 1967
When a dictionary has to be ignored

Potter provides an escape into a world Mr. Swaran Singh, Minister for External Affairs, advised agit-
that is full of wizards, and yet so human ated members of the Lok Sabha to-day [ June 26, New Delhi] to
ignore the etymology of Pakistan as given by the Oxford
Radhika Santhanam Dictionary. The Minister, who was answering a barrage of
Two decades later, the magic questions from Mr. A.B. Vajpayee and others, confirmed that
lingers on. On the 20th an- the dictionary had given the etymology of Pakistan as P
niversary of the release of standing for Punjab, A for the Afghan frontier, K for Kashmir
Harry Potter and the Philosoph- and istan for parts of Baluchisan where Muslims predomin-
ers Stone, social media is ated. Mr. Swaran Singh characterised the etymology as amaz-
awash with nostalgia. While ing and ridiculous on the face of it. We should brush it
adults reminisce about how aside and not devote too much attention to it, he said. Mr.
they acquired their irst Potter Swaran Singh said: We know Pakistan is a Persian word
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
book, children trot to parties which means land of Pak., that is, The land of the pure. The
in long black robes and roun- way in which the Oxford Dictionary has given the etymology is
ded glasses. The Gryindor amazing. Earlier, Mr. Vajpayee asked whether the dictionary
versus Slytherin war has tran- had defined Pakistan as a country which included Kashmir
scended Hogwarts and and whether the publishers had done it under pressure from
entered cyberspace. But what the Pakistan Government.
explains this need not just for
children but also the most intelligent-sounding adults to utter A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 27, 1917
gibberish, try on droopy Sorting Hats, and wave around wands CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
that unleash no magic?
The last mails.
It is not as though the prose is classic. Descriptive in the CONCEPTUAL ABSTRACT The postal authorities [in Bombay] have recovered sixteen
most pedestrian way is how one writer put it. Neither is the Conditionality mail bags of the S.S. Mongolia [on June 26]. Of these six were
genre of fantasy iction new: from Catherine Fisher to Philip
Pullman and C.S. Lewis, bookshelves over the centuries have
Economics Good news on the Zika front picked up at Alibag, six on the Bunder, one out at sea, one at
Colaba and two were recovered by the Naval authorities. It is
been illed with tomes on witchcraft and wizardry. But under The imposition of strict expected that some more would be found. All mail bags of the
what genre can we clump the Potter series? School stories? conditions on borrowing People with a history of dengue infection may not steamer were on deck at the time of accident and as the vessel
Horror? Childrens iction? Adult iction? Romance? Mytho- countries by international necessarily be at a greater risk of Zika infection went down some of the bags which were light floated on sea
logy? lenders like the Interna- and were picked up or washed ashore. The contents of sixteen
Then theres Harry himself, a wimpy protagonist with tional Monetary Fund and R. Prasad may suggest that pregnant bags with the exception of newspaper packets which have
glasses and a scar, with no extraordinary powers (discounting the World Bank. Condi- Dengue has four virus women with previous ex- been reduced to rolls of pulp are in fairly good condition. After
the virtue of gallantry exhibited with the help of his friends, tionality is aimed at en- types (serotypes) that posure to dengue virus they have been dried at the Post Office they will be delivered
and what he inherited at birth). Harry Potter is not your typical couraging borrowing show distinct variation may have limited Zika to the addresses in due course.
macho hero: neither is he strikingly handsome like Malfoy nor countries to implement within themselves. While viremia [amount of virus]
remarkably intelligent like Hermione nor steadfastly loyal and serious structural reforms infection by one serotype and less tendency to have
unpredictable like Snape. Few rate him as their favourite that can improve their eco- results in a lifelong im- invasion of the central CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
character. nomy as well as their cred- munity against it, infec- nervous system, the au-
And yet here we are in the 21st century with a new literary itworthiness. Since inter- tion by a different one res- thors conclude. DATA POINT
idol: an unlikely hero who is as popular as was Sherlock national lending is tied to ults in an increased However, when the tests Results of another
Holmes or Hercule Poirot. fulfilling predetermined infectivity and more were carried out directly study carried out among
What works is perhaps precisely what critics think doesnt. conditions, it is believed severe clinical manifesta- on the macaques, they Zika-infected patients with
The Potter series may be a pastiche of styles, but that pastiche that conditionality can be tions. This kind of aggrav- produced completely dif- pre-existing dengue infec-
is delectable for most. Theres something for everyone: for the used as an effective tool to ation is called antibody- ferent results. tion also did not show in-
owl or elf-lovers, for the nerds, for the lovers of action, ro- enforce tough economic dependent enhancement Compared with creased infectivity or an
mance, and syrupy endings. The series contains all the ele- reforms. Critics have ar- (ADE). macaques that were not enhanced severity of Zika.
ments of stories that humans have ever told and cherished. gued that the conditions However, in the case of already infected with The results, published in
Unremarkable Harry could be any of us and that makes him re- for borrowing imposed on the Zika virus, people in- dengue, the four did not the journal Clinical Infec-
latable. Not to forget how well Rowling knows her characters countries are influenced fected with any of the four either show any increase tious Diseases, were based
and how well she makes us believe in a world that doesnt ex- primarily by politics, dengue serotypes are said in the amount of Zika on 65 patients with acute
ist. rather than any genuine to be at an increased risk virus. Neither did the dis- febrile illness (45 patients
Rowling also incorporates modern-day themes in her craft: intent to improve the bor- of infectivity and clinical ease worsen in them. positive for Zika and 20
racism, feminism, diversity. I remember a quiz that was popu- rowers economic manifestations due to patients positive for
lar once on Facebook: are you as feminist as Hermione? At a condition. ADE. Increased immunity dengue type-2) between
time when prejudice and hate are at their peak, for many Two studies published On the contrary, their pre- January and June 2016.
people, comfort comes from loating into a world that is full of recently have shown that vious exposure led to a re- The researchers found
wizards and yet so human, a world that is so alien and yet so CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC this is not true. The first duction in the amount of no difference in Zika viral
close to our hearts. The Potter series may not galvanise minds, one, published in Nature Zika virus and faster clear- load between those with
MORE ON
3
it might not make us literary experts. It might even be surpris- Communications, found ance. There were changes previous dengue infection
ing that many crave magic and fantasy in a world that is striv- THE WEB an enhancement of Zika in the immune systems and those without it. All
ing to be more secular, rational, and scientiic. Yet, the story of when tests were carried response but that did not Zika-infected patients re-
the boy who lived lives on and we can only guess why. When International crickets out on cells taken from lead to an increased covered after receiving re-
good triumphs over evil, we are all overjoyed, for thats ulti- latest rule explained four rhesus macaques infectivity. commended supportive
mately our hope for the world. http://bit.ly/CricICC with dengue immunity. Results from our work therapy.
CM A ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
Counting the strides

Without a religious and economic challenge, any emancipation of Pakistani women will be, at best, partial
Status of Women, and many more. engagement (even with men)
The Benazir Income Support Pro- which did not exist a few years ago.
gramme, an unconditional cash The emergence of women as role-
Warm in Washington transfer scheme to poorer women,
has also helped provide some in-
models depicted on urban bill-
boards and in social media from
PM Modi and President Trump exceed ancial relief to over 5.4 million wo- cricketers, to scientists, academics,
men. While there has been much writers of iction, mountaineers,
the muted expectations for their irst meeting s. akbar zaidi justiiable criticism of many of pilots even of ighter jets, an Oscar-
these interventions by feminists winning ilm-maker, to a young girl
A
head of Prime Minister Narendra Modis irst
o one would deny that and womens groups since they do receiving the Nobel Peace Prize
meeting with President Donald Trump, concern Pakistan is a particularly not go far enough and are not al- help in breaking the older stereo-
had grown about the future course of the bilat- misogynistic country, where ways implementable, one cannot types of women being relegated to
eral relationship, particularly whether Mr. Trump patriarchal relations and attitudes deny the fact that some changes domesticity.
would maintain his predecessors commitment to its discriminate heavily against wo- have been made. The fact that cler-
strengthening. These worries rested on Mr. Trumps re- men. Killings in the name of some ics and large sections of the male Absence of left politics
writing the equation with Europe, reversing the Amer- medieval notion of honour meant public have protested vehemently While there is much to celebrate in
mainly to control womens sexual- against many of these laws, sug- how women are moving into public
ican stand on China and in West Asia. They were also
ity and choices in terms of mar- gests that they do provide a pos- spaces and confronting and over-
fuelled by his harsh words on trade tarifs, immigrants riage, supposedly archaic tribal changing their condition, and rede- sity level had increased by 258% sible opportunity to address, if not coming the huge male conservative
and climate change, an issue on which he speciically customs of exclusion from public ining social sensibilities. over this decade, but for girls the in- alter, some of the huge structural backlash, these are as yet unin-
targeted India. Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump have put many assembly, participation and repres- Two facts from the data are sur- crease in these ten years had been and attitudinal biases against ished and hard fought struggles.
fears to rest, their meeting marked by personal bon- entation, fatwas against womens prising. One, that in some key cat- 432%! Girls were 42% of total uni- Pakistani women. Many of these developments have
homie. This was relected in Mr. Modis attempt to en- deportment and behaviour, or egories women perform unexpec- versity enrolment in 2003-04 in Other initiatives, such as the taken place due to the process of
gage Mr. Trumps family, perceived to be an important even against their constitutional tedly better than men. And two, 2014-15, it is estimated that there Women on Wheels (women riding unstoppable modernity, bringing
right to vote as citizens, are all fre- that the rate of change in womens are more girls enrolled in Pakistans scooters provided by the Punjab in its own new and diferent contra-
power centre in the White House. He invited his daugh-
quent episodes in the life of the improvement is faster/higher than universities than boys, 52% com- Government at heavily subsidised dictions, while some, such as the
ter Ivanka Trump to an entrepreneurship summit in In- Pakistani woman. that it is for men that is, women pared to 48%. In fact, by 2011-12, rates), women taxi drivers, wo- secular struggle for fair compensa-
dia. Her husband Jared Kushner was a part of the deleg- Not surprisingly then, that are improving their situation faster there were more girls enrolled in mens marathons, are perhaps tion by lady health workers, have
ation-level talks. Importantly, the India-U.S. joint Pakistan has been ranked very low than are men. Data from girls and universities than boys. more symbolic and afect a small relied on collective action, a rare
statement has exceeded expectations, with an emin the Gender Gap Index, with only boys enrolment also show that section of women, but the fact that phenomenon in our age. Agentive
phasis on the need for Pakistan to stop attacks on India Yemen being worse of. These facts girls enrolment at the primary Political inclusion they have been actively supported forces have played a critical role in
launched from its soil, and for China to forge its Belt and about the position of women in school level, while still less than it is In 2001 and 2005, in an earlier by provincial governments despite key battles. However, with the
Pakistan are often related to social for boys, is rising faster than it is for model of elected local government considerable male conservative op- middle classes now dominating
Road Initiative taking into account Indias concerns on
and cultural norms, where Islam boys. Girls enrolment at the under the then President, General position, are also trends which sug- Pakistans political and social
territorial and sovereignty issues. Equally important is said to blame for womens back- primary school level increased by Parvez Musharraf, 35,000 and gest some small attitudinal shifts. spaces, their focus and agenda re-
has been the continuity in the India-U.S. strategic part- wardness, or the fact that the 34% between 2002-03 and 2011-12, 25,000 women, respectively, were Feminist scholar Aiya Shehrbano mains issues which matter to such
nership goals, albeit with a softening of the tone on Chi- Saudisation of Pakistan over the while in the same period, it in- elected and nominated to Zia has argued that such interven- groups governance, corruption,
nas actions in the South China Sea. Mentioning North last few decades has meant that the creased only 13.5% for boys. What is Pakistans third tier of government tions have challenged the religious revivalism, electoral re-
Korea, West Asia and Afghanistan, the statement talks hijab or the abaya worn in parts of even more surprising is that this local bodies even from so- gendered social order and femin- form. And with the absence of any
of a growing strategic convergence between the two Islamic West Asia by women have pattern is reinforced even for called remote regions, giving wo- ised the landscape of public spaces sort of left politics in Pakistan, must
become the sartorial choice of middle level education, where men a public and political status in unexpected and secular ways. any meaningful and substantive
countries and a shared vision on world afairs. That many women in Pakistan. Such es- there has been an increase of as and identity for the irst time ever There are other changes taking gender equality be left to inevitable
neither side brought up the phrase shared values or sentialising its in well with the ste- much of girls education by 54%, in such large numbers. place as well, and concern the capitalist development? Clearly,
took questions from the media may be seen as a depar- reotypes which abound about a compared to that for boys by 26%. Moreover, numerous laws aimed growing mobility of women to without challenging the con-
ture from past meetings, but it is not a divergence from supposedly Talibanised Pakistan. At the secondary level, again unex- at protecting Pakistani women enter public spaces as employed sequences of a despotic capitalism
the views and preferences of both leaders. It may even pectedly, girls participation has in- have been passed in Parliament working women, to be activists, to and religiously-construed social
indicate further convergence between them. Transformation despite odds creased 53% over the decade, over the last ive years, perhaps leave their patriarchal homes for and gendered identity, any sort of
Yet despite such images and hap- about the same as it has for boys. most surprisingly in the sup- some hours to face diferent types emancipation for working people,
However, while the two leaders were able to estab-
penings, much has changed in the At higher levels of education, at posedly conservative province of of challenges and social con- and for women in particular, will
lish a common understanding of global issues, the joint social, cultural and demographic universities and at professional col- the Punjab. These include laws straints. The electronic media and remain, at best, partial.
statement indicates that many bilateral issues are yet to position, and lives, of women in leges too, the increase in the parti- such as the Protection of Women access to mobile phones and com-
be resolved. The insertion of an entire section titled In- Pakistan over the last two decades. cipation rates for boys far exceeds Against Violence Act, laws against munication, has also cut across
creasing Free and Fair Trade is a veiled attempt at put- Despite patriarchy, institutional that for girls. A quite astonishing harassment, the provision of safe gendered and class barriers, al- S. Akbar Zaidi is a political economist
ting the Trump administrations concerns on bilateral and state prejudices and restric- igure is for university education houses for women, raising the mar- though still highly gendered and in- based in Karachi. He teaches at Columbia
trade on the front burner for example, with refer- tions, even something called cul- enrolment between 2003-04 and riage age for girls, the setting up of equitable, they allow girls and wo- University in New York, and at the IBA
ture and religion, women are 2014-15. Boys enrolment at univer- provincial Commissions on the men access to means of social in Karachi
ences to balancing the trade deicit, protecting in-
novation, and increasing market access in areas
Pieces of a complex solution

where American industry has been most critical of In-
dian policy. While these bilateral issues were articu-
lated, others were not brought up, including Indias
concerns on the immigration process and H1B visa
curbs, and Mr. Trumps withdrawal from the Paris cli- The success of the bankruptcy law will depend on the jurisprudence that develops under the IBC
mate accord, which will leave Indias climate change
stressed accounts, totalling about ors. It becomes critical that pro- from their technical capabilities, it
inancing handicapped. It is to be hoped that these will
25% of the current gross NPAs and moters should agree to and be in- will be crucial to ensure that the IPs
be raised in the near future. All things considered, a referring them to the IBC immedi- volved in any resolution process. are truly independent and do not
good beginning appears to have been made during Mr. ately. Prior to that, the government However, the RBI does not regulate allow promoters or other key stake-
Modis maiden meeting with Mr. Trump. It is now for had cleared an ordinance to amend promoters and other shareholders, holders to manipulate the resolu-
them to tackle the more substantive bilateral issues. the Banking Regulation Act, giving and hence cannot force resolutions tion process in any unfair manner.
the RBI more powers to direct on to them. Promoters understand India has a mixed track record of
reshmi khurana banks to resolve bad loans. this conundrum and have used it to regulating professional services,
their advantage in the past. and the quality and independence
O
ver the last year, barely a A tough task of the IPs is critical to the successful
The Marawi siege week has gone by without a
regulator announcing new
These measures, particularly the
RBIs direct involvement in refer-
How ready is the framework?
Then there is the question of
implementation of the IBA.
The various regulatory changes
Manila will have to use military force and ofer measures to help resolve Indias ring cases to the IBC, do well to add whether the institutional frame- implemented over the last a few
problem of large and mounting attention and urgency to the NPA work within which the NPAs will months are steps, albeit small, in
talks to stop IS advances in the Philippines non-performing loans/assets, or resolution eforts. However, they commercial lexibility and the have to be resolved is ready to the right direction. However, the
NPAs. These announcements are do not address some of the under- autonomy to sell distressed assets. handle this complex task. This success of the bankruptcy law in In-
T
he city of Marawi in the south of the Philippines usually accompanied by endorse- lying characteristics of the Indian framework includes the National dia will depend on the jurispru-
has been engulfed by a deadly, ongoing siege ments from the government, as de- economy and the banking sector Promoters can be a hurdle Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), dence that develops under the IBC
since late May, when government forces began to termined reminders that the resol- that make NPA resolution a Sis- Another issue not addressed by the the adjudicating authority for cor- over the next few months. We have
take on heavily armed militants linked to the Islamic ution of the NPA problem is on the yphean task in India. recent regulatory changes is what porate insolvency cases under Sec- to wait and watch how the various
State. Local media estimate the death toll to be above top of the governments mind. Take, for example, the fact that role promoters play in delaying tion 60 of the IBC. It also refers to players, including bankers, pro-
300. Over 200,000 residents have led what has efect- Then why does Indias war on NPAs Indian banks need to accept signi- NPA resolution. The majority of the network of insolvency profes- moters, the government, IPs, audit-
seem intractable? And why have In- icant haircuts to resolve the NPA businesses in India remain under sionals (IPs), a special class of pro- ors, lawyers, valuers and liquidat-
ively become an urban battleield. While Philippine
dian regulators not yet resolved a cases as several of them are in sec- the control of their founding professionals, who will be appointed ors, behave in the next few cases.
President Rodrigo Duterte quickly declared martial law case that can be showcased as an tors where market conditions are in moters. A quick glance at the 12 by the NCLT and in charge of man- The hope is that institutional capa-
across the island for 60 days, some say the blame rests example of what the recent regulat- a slump, such as steel, power and cases mentioned earlier that have aging the debtor company, whilst city will strengthen; there will be
with the political leadership for ignoring the rise of the ory measures can achieve? textiles. In this environment, it is been selected for resolution by the being accountable to the commit- greater alignment in the interests of
IS, and especially Mr. Dutertes decision last year to re- The latest announcement came diicult for banks to ind suitable RBI conirms that this rings true for tee of creditors and the NCLT. The the promoters, creditors and buy-
ject a ceaseire ofer from the Maute group. Now this from the Securities and Exchange buyers of distressed assets at de- these cases as well. In India, busi- severe capacity constraints of the ers of distressed assets; and, inally,
group is on the front lines in the ight against the Philip- Board of India which said that com- sired valuations. ness continuity and turnaround of NCLT in handling the present and the government and banks will
panies that are pursuing acquisi- The government will require im- distressed assets require the ongo- past backlog of cases is well recog- show a strong political will to settle
pine military in Marawi. Marawi is on Mindanao, the
tions as part of resolution plans ap- mense political will to allow ing involvement of promoters, nised. It is also unclear how long it a few cases quickly and transpar-
countrys second largest island, rocked by armed insur- proved under the Insolvency and bankers to take the necessary hair- which makes them a key stake- will take the NCLT judges to ramp ently. Only then can the value of the
gency for years. At the heart of the conlict is Mr. Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) cuts (which will impact proitabil- holder in any NPA resolution. Un- up their understanding of the com- distressed assets be maximised and
Dutertes mission to capture or kill Isnilon Hapilon, the would be exempted from open of- ity negatively), without bankers like more developed markets, in In- plex bankruptcy environment to al- capital and other productive re-
leader of the Abu Sayyaf Islamist group who was named fer obligations typically applied un- fearing that their decisions will be dia, bankers cannot make low them to handle the cases in an sources get redeployed eiciently.
emir of the Caliphate in Southeast Asia by IS boss Abu der Indian takeover regulations. questioned or investigated in the signiicant management changes in expedient and fair way. Regarding
Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2016. The situation in Marawi does This came on the heels of another future. distressed companies as promoters IPs, it is critical for the Insolvency Reshmi Khurana is Managing Director
announcement earlier this month The tight resolution timelines closely control key aspects of a and Bankruptcy Board of India to and Head, South Asia, for Kroll, a risk
not inspire conidence: rebels still control key areas,
by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), envisaged under the IBC cannot be business such as relationships with quickly develop a robust way to se- consulting irm. The views expressed are
they have set up checkpoints on bridges and their stating its decision to focus on 12 achieved if bankers do not have the suppliers, customers and regulat- lect the most qualiied IPs. Apart personal
snipers have occupied local minarets. When the army
ires mortars or RPGs, battle-hardened militants, re-
portedly including foreign ighters from Indonesia and LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
Malaysia, are responding with similar armaments.
Worse still, many civilians remain in the area, complic- Paying the price Sinking by graft Qatar isolated to step up defence sales? By ranked CBSE student could way it regulates darshans.
ating the calculus of any planned government assault. It should be said that Justice It is unfortunate that Tamil The act by Saudi Arabia, pitting each of these nations be left by the wayside. This T.V. Sreekumar,
P.N. Bhagwatis legacy is Nadu, once a leading State Egypt, Bahrain and the against the other, which in is violative of Articles 14 and Puducherry
While the siege of Marawi will draw Mr. Dutertes at-
simply one of the many in India on many fronts, U.A.E. to sever economic turn could afect Central 15 of the Constitution. Many
tention beyond the brutal drug war that his government by-products of Indira now inds prominence in and diplomatic ties with Asia including Iran, the hope the order will be Out for obstruction
has waged, its political signiicance has echoed Gandhis opportunistic the news for all the wrong Qatar for a number of biggest gainer could be the overturned. Englands Jason Roy given
throughout the region and beyond. IS jihadist publica- ideological onslaughts, reasons (Exclusive report reasons needs to looked at U.S. which could only be S. Pushpavanam, out Obstructing the ield,
which culminated in the I-T raid unearths huge objectively (Editorial waiting to unroll its Right to Tiruchi invoking Law 37, in the
tions and videos have painted Singapore as a target,
with two attacks against the city-state reportedly foiled. imposition of Emergency bribes paid for gutkha sale Mending the rift, June 27). Protect model on the lines match against South Africa
Similarly, Malaysia faced its irst IS attack last June when (A controversial in Tamil Nadu, June 27). One is sure that Saudi Arabia of the Iraq iasco. Darshan at Tirupati is only the eighth of its kind
inheritance, June 27). India The scandals and money and its friends cannot stay Shreyansh Jain, The report, TTD to pay in international cricket. Len
a grenade injured eight people at a nightclub near Kuala Chandigarh
is still paying dearly and trails related to bribery and away from Qatar for long. compensation as assaulted Hutton, Mohinder
Lumpur. As the worlds largest Muslim-majority coun- heavily for her abject corruption appear to have The honey of Qatars pilgrim dies ( June 27), Amarnath, Rameez Raja,
try, Indonesia is concerned that IS members could eas- authoritarian and trickled down into a prospering economy is too Whither merit leaves one at a loss for Inzamam-ul-Haq,
ily traverse the poorly policed waters between itself and undemocratic acts. network involving the lucrative to be ignored. Also, It is shocking that the Tamil words. Mohammad Haiz, Anwar
the southern Philippines. While the U.S. no longer has She mercilessly ran political class, the Saudi Arabia gets much of its Nadu government should A few years ago I was Ali and Ben Stokes are the
military bases in the Philippines, its military advisers roughshod over the roots of bureaucracy and clout from the tiny country pass an order reserving 85% witness to an elderly others who have got out this
and intelligence analysts have been deployed to aid the democratic principles and unscrupulous elements with on account of it being a large of seats in medical colleges gentleman ahead of me in a way. While Hutton was
practices for her personal commercial interests. military base. The anti-Qatar for State Board students queue being pushed around dismissed so in a Test match
eforts of Mr. Duterte, notwithstanding his anti-Amer- gain, showing an I am the Though all arms of the alliance also has its own though they would be by the security personnel and Roy in a T20
ican jibes. U.S. President Donald Trump may have state attitude. media are doing painstaking backyard to clean irst chosen on the basis of the just when he was about to International, the other six
found common cause with Mr. Duterte in ighting Is- Before we revisit Justice investigation, this scam is before implicating Qatar. NEET merit list. This have a darshan after have been given out in ODIs.
lamic extremism, yet the nature of the beast is quite dif- Bhagwatis legacy, we must bound to be buried while Breaking up with Qatar amounts to punishing CBSE waiting for hours. His The other rare mode of
ferent in the two countries. For Mr. Duterte the priority attend to Indira Gandhis public anger slowly izzles questions their own students; it is grossly traumatised expression and getting out Timed out (Law
is to bring the battle to a quick, decisive end, and if ne- troubling legacy. A huge out. Unfortunately, one credibility. discriminatory and robs his pleading eyes ixed on 31) if a batsman fails to
population of India is below doesnt have hope either But why was such a drastic them of a well-earned seat. the cruel faces of those who take guard within three
cessary, to resume negotiations with some groups that
35 and has no recollection of with the tortuous legal measure undertaken in the A quick calculation will troubled him still disturb minutes has not been used
had earlier held out the promise of ending hostilities. the Emergency and its procedures and long- irst place? Was it a move by show that there is a strong me. until now in cricket.
Tackling the humanitarian crisis created by this conlict events. They must be winded justice delivery the Saudis to manufacture a possibility of, for example, a The Tirumala Tirupati A.V. Narayanan,
depends as much on these negotiations and on relief ef- honestly told all about it. system. problem in the wake of 2,300th ranked State Board Devasthanams needs to Tiruchi
forts as it does on ending the long neglect of Mindanao. C.G. Kuriakose, R. Krishnamachary, declining oil prices or was it student getting into medical think about imparting a more letters online:
Kothamangalam, Kerala Chennai a backdoor move by the U.S. college while a 200th more humane touch to the www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

THE WEDNESDAY INTERVIEW SITARAM YECHURY
The presidential election is a political contest

The CPI(M) general secretary says the Opposition cannot accept a presidential candidate put up by the RSS-BJP combine
Smita Gupta volved. Personally, we dis- peoples movements... carry- What about the BJP
Sitaram Yechury, the flamboyant 64-year-old general secretary cussed the matter many ing the red flag, my taking factor? In the Kanthi
of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has an easy manner times, the last occasion being out a padayatra and saying Dakshin bypoll earlier
that has won him friends across party lines, playing a coalition- when we attended Karunan- that the CPI(M) is intervening this year you came third
building role akin to that played in the 80s and 90s by Hark- idhis birthday in Chennai. cant be effective unless we after the Trinamool and
ishan Singh Surjeet, a figure he reveres. At the CPI(M) headquar- We had a very detailed dis- bring all those organisations the BJP.
ters, Mr. Yechury never smokes in the general secretarys office cussion and, subsequently, together.
but steps out to do so out of deference to Surjeet, the first occu- he called me before the BJP Thats what we are doing The capacity of the Trin-
pant of the room. In a wide-ranging interview, he speaks on, announced its candidate to on the Dalit issue, too: amool to resist the BJP in the
among other things, the state of the Left and the nation, the say that we should move on earlier, when did you see the State is undermined by the
forthcoming presidential election and his disappointment with the basis of the discussion in general secretaries of the BJPs carrot-and-stick policy
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar choosing to back the BJPs Chennai. Communist parties sharing a with the Trinamool.
candidate. Excerpts: platform with Prakash Whenever they want to
So what made him change Ambedkar, Paul Diwakar, tighten the screws, one more
The rise of the Right has understand the nature of his mind? Bezwada Wilson and Jignesh of their Ministers is arrested,
seen a collapse of the Left, Indian society which is Mewani, along with Rohith Narada, Sarada, all these
democratic and socialist caste-based? He says it was the Vemulas mother? This is scams... More than that,
forces in India. Why is candidate happening now in all major what worries us in the Left is
Its not that the Indian Left State capitals. The Left is the that the politics being played
there no effective counter
to the BJP? did not understand it But he could have waited main catalyst in building this by Mamata Banerjee in try-
till the Opposition larger coalition. ing to appease Muslim funda-
A right-ward shift in polit- Or did not address it meeting on June 22 and mentalism is creating a back-
ics globally always happens stated his case there... So the Opposition unity lash of Hindu fundamentalist
SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
when there is an intense Capitalism is still growing you are talking of falls consolidation.
crisis of capitalism. In India in India and classes are still I wish hed done that. The short of electoral That is exactly what
today, the discontent among being formed in a society candidate in a presidential alliances? happened in this election.
the people is growing be- already divided by caste election is not the factor on There was a sharpened po-
cause of neoliberal reforms. stratification. The caste-class which a decision on whether That we will see in 2019 larisation that squeezed the
Simultaneously, a process of overlap is the Indian reality. to contest takes place. Ex- how it will work out. In India Left out. The BJP and the
depoliticisation among the What follows from this is that cept for one occasion in the various things have TMC feed on each other...
youth is taking place. Neolib- the advance of the revolu- aftermath of the upsurge happened in the past communal polarisation in
eral reforms promote indi-
vidual careerism. Such de-
tionary Left has to be on
both economic issues and so-
against Emergency, when
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy be-
Nitish Kumar was being
considered for the 2019 elec-
<
> Nitish Kumar was
being considered for
leader is the convenor of the
Joint Action Committee.
There was a time when we
had National Front-Left
Bengal is going to be a very
serious issue not just for
politicisation only favours a cial oppression. came President, never was tions as the potential candid- the 2019 elections as The coalition that was Front Opposition unity Bengal, but for the country
shift to the Right. That is the course correc- the President elected ate to lead the non-Congress the potential built up by our Kisan Sabha There is no question of any as a whole.
tion we have been trying to without a contest. Its not the Opposition. Now theres a candidate to lead the is called the Bhoomi Adhikar electoral alliance with the
But surely the growing do for the last 20 years. At individual merits of candid- question mark on that, it is Andolan... the NAPM [Na- Congress, but the main focus What did you learn from
non-Congress
inequalities provide very our last party congress, we ates; it is the politics of who almost closed. If the Ma- tional Alliance of Peoples is anti-BJP. the generation before
fertile ground for the left? did it emphatically: now, the is putting up whom. The last hagathbandhan in Bihar, on Opposition. Now Movements], the social yours E.M.S.
Left movement is much three years have seen a the basis of which he was ar- theres a question movements and the NGOs The Left has shrunk in Namboodiripad,
The objective situation is more proactive on issues of brazen pushing of the guing there should be one mark on that and our Kisan Sabha are all recent years: You are Harkishan Singh Surjeet,
there for the advance of the social oppression. For the Hindutva agenda, the com- across the country if that is working together. They had a losing workers not just to Jyoti Basu?
Left. But, in addition to the last year and a half, for the plete undermining of our going to be broken by this, Rashtra. They are also im- huge padayatra (march) the CPI as you did
things we discussed, the so- first time, there have been Constitution and an open at- he will have no option but to plementing these neoliberal across the country. In the recently in Kerala, but to Once BTR (B.T. Ranadive)
cial composition of our coun- slogans like Jai Bhim, Lal tack by private armies of the take the BJPs support in Bi- reforms with a greater ag- preparation for all the kisan the Trinamool Congress told me jokingly, Sitaram,
try also stops what we are Salaam. RSS-BJP against the Dalits har. Its very unfortunate. gressiveness that is widening movements, of reaching out (TMC) and the BJP unfortunately, you are born
seeking... Hindutva is dis- and the minorities. the economic inequalities to the people, what is hap- elsewhere. in a generation which will
rupting this struggle for How much has the Janata In such an atmosphere, What was the trigger? much faster than what the pening in Madhya Pradesh, not have the opportunity to
unity through its ideological Dal (United)s exit from we find it impossible to ac- Bihar 2015 was like a Congress did. At the same Tamil Nadu... the Left organ- To understand West spend long years in jail. Only
and organisational work; the 17-party grouping cept a candidate put up by beacon for the time, there is no question of isations are a very important Bengal, you have to go bey- then can you do proper work
casteism is dividing people. damaged the image of such elements, irrespective Opposition... any electoral alliance with element of all this. ond the superficial statistics: and write. Look at Gandhi,
The advance of the Left Opposition unity? of the candidates merit. the Congress. at the ground level, there is a Nehru they all wrote their
Only he can answer that.
would only be possible by When someone like A.P.J. The Left has not taken degree of politics of terror major works in jail. But real
uniting all these sections It has definitely damaged Abdul Kalam was fielded, we The CPI(M) has always The real opposition to the credit and violence that is pervas- politics will keep you so busy
who are suffering because of the image of Opposition had nothing against him, but talked of equidistance government is coming ive. A lot of the unions for that you wont have that
economic reforms, growing unity but it was not wholly we fielded Captain Lakshmi between the Congress and from social movements These movements are not sheer survival find it im- period of study and reflec-
poverty, unemployment, de- unexpected. One of the earli- Sahgal because Abdul Kalam the BJP. But now... whether of Dalits or for the sake of projecting a possible to continue to option! What we learnt from
cline in living standards. This est persons who talked about was fielded by the then BJP- farmers. Why are political party. They should pose the TMC. them is to think on your feet,
unity is constantly being dis- a united opposition to the led NDA government. It is a At the last CPI(M) con- mainstream political bring in larger mobilisation keeping your head on your
rupted by communalism to BJP in the presidential elec- political contest. gress, we said the main parties not so effective? of the people into struggles But thats exactly what the shoulders and your ear to
a much larger extent and tions was the Bihar Chief thrust of the CPI(M) is against because, in the final analysis, Left used to be accused of. the ground... See, we were
by caste-based political Minister [Nitish Kumar]. At the recent iftar party the communal ideology of The peasant movement there has to be an alternat- one day late, and we lost
mobilisation. The earliest exchanges hosted by Lalu Prasad, this government and the RSS sustaining unity and fighting ive, political narrative to the If the CPI(M) had done Nitish.
took place between us, and Nitish Kumar lambasted blueprint of converting our against the betrayal in Maha- current Modi narrative. That that, then the Trinamool
Do you think that the its only on that basis that the him publicly. What do you secular, democratic republic rashtra has been our Kisan alternate narrative can come Congress would not be in For the full interview, please visit
Indian Left failed to Congress president got in- read in that outburst? into their idea of a Hindu Sabha. Our Kisan Sabha only through popular government today. our website www.thehindu.com
A meek reform FIFTY YEARS AGO
Anti-Chinese riots rock Rangoon

JUNE 28, 1967
Piecemeal reforms like Vision 2030 Shots were fired when Burmese demonstrators attacked the
gates of the Chinese Embassy here [Rangoon] last night [ June
will not save Saudi Arabia 26] at the height of anti-Chinese rioting. Six shots were fired,
Prashanth Perumal
and demonstrators said they came from the Embassy, but they
did not know who fired them. No one was reported hurt by
The ascent of Saudi Arabias 31- the shooting, but 17 people, six of them Chinese, were taken to
year-old Crown Prince Mo- hospital after violence elsewhere in the city. The riot began
hammed bin Salman has outside a Chinese school and spread to the Embassy and other
raised hopes of radical reform. sections of the city where crowds burned three buildings and
Last year, the prince vowed to 13 cars and destroyed another 28 vehicles. About 200 demon-
roll back government and un- strators attacked the Embassy gates and tore down a Chinese
leash market forces. But thats emblem. Authorities sealed off the China Town section of the
easier said than done, given city and police toured the streets dispersing groups of people
the size of the Saudi state. standing at street corners.
The Saudi government has
typically extracted about 80-
REUTERS
90% of its revenues from oil,

but falling oil prices have Madras Protest Meeting.
forced a search for other
sources of revenue. One of them is the plan to tax foreign resid- Inspector S.T. Rhenius Pillay of the B. Division applied to His
ents who constitute well over half the economys total work- Worship for the issue of summons [on June 27] against Mr. C.S.
force. About 70% of Saudi nationals work in the unproductive CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC Govindaraja Mudaliar, High Court Vakil and Secretary,
public sector, while 9 out of 10 foreign workers are in the pro- Gokhale Hall, under Section 76 of Act III of 1888 for allowing
ductive private sector. Yet, jobs in the public sector pay about
CONCEPTUAL NOTEBOOK more than 1,000 persons into the Gokhale Hall at the protest
meeting held on 21st instant contrary to the provisions of the
70% more than those in the private sector. This is because pub- Import Soldiers on a literacy mission license granted to him as Secretary. His worship granted issue
lic sector jobs exist mostly for the Kingdom to channel oil rev-
enues to Saudis.
substitution of summons, made returnable on the 4th proximo. Section 76
Economics Getting to know more about the Bhim Armys schools of the City Police Act referred to runs as follows: For any
breach of any of the conditions of a license granted under this
Diversiication of economy
Vision 2030 shows few signs of reforming this perverse The policy of encouraging Mohammad Ali find even a single detailed being accused of organ- Act the offender shall be liable on conviction to fine not ex-
model. As oil revenues have dried up, a $2 trillion public in- domestic production by Reporting on the Bhim report which talks about ising violent protests. . ceeding one hundred rupees, and such fine may be recovered
vestment fund is the new hope to sustain welfare spending. raising barriers against the Army is tricky. Winning what we do... The caste We just wanted to from the person licensed notwithstanding that such breach
Even by 2030, the government is expected to contribute about import of goods from for- the trust of the rank and clashes in Saharanpur be- protest peacefully on May may have been owing to the default or carelessness of his ser-
40% of total national spending. The prince wants to diversify eign economies. It is usu- file of the organisation of came an occasion for the 9 after Dalit households vant or agent in charge of the shop or place.
the economy from oil and promote sectors in which, he ally recommended by mostly Dalit youngsters is media and the ruling es- were burnt in Shabbipur. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
thinks, Saudi Arabia possesses a comparative advantage. some economists as a way crucial. tablishment to brand us as The police did not allow
But if the price of oil were to rise again, where would the King- to encourage self-suffi- When I approached Naxals and possibly ban us. That led to scattered DATA POINT
doms comparative advantage lie? ciency, and also to aid the Lokendra, a local member us, Satish Gautam, who incidents where police
These are decisions best left to markets, under the right in- development of local in- of the group, early this takes care of rural Saha- vehicles were burnt. No
stitutions. Saudi Arabias institutions, though, are abysmal. dustries. It was most popu- month, for a possible ranpur for the group, member of the Bhim
The World Bank ranks it 105th in the world (in 2017) for enfor- lar in Latin America in the write-up, he was sur- pointed out to me as he Army attacked any other
cing contracts as creditors are unlikely to recover their 20th century, and India prised. showed the Nishulk Paath- person, Shivam, a young
money through a formal legal process. too adopted it prior to the After a quick check of shalas (free schools) run Dalit man, told me.
The larger agenda of the reform plan is the development of a liberalisation of its eco- my credentials as a re- by the organisation.
private, non-oil economy that can create 4,50,000 jobs for nomy in 1991. Critics have porter, he met me on the The first such school Agitate and organise
Saudi nationals by 2020. If that doesnt happen, the plan argued that protectionist outskirts of Saharanpur, was started by Demonisation by the me-
makes space for labour quotas compelling private companies measures like import sub- before taking me to the in- Chandrashekhar Azad and dia and the local adminis-
to hire Saudi nationals over foreigners. This suggests that Vis- stitution make consumers teriors, where he intro- his friend Vinay in July tration has led to most
ion 2030 envisions a protectionist, state-led economy. To poorer in the long run, by duced me to his seniors. 2015, immediately after Dalits in Saharanpur
bring about serious change though, the prince should recog- preventing them from en- they finished college. either coming in support
nise that dependence on oil is not necessarily a curse. Chile, joying the benefits of free Demonised by media Funded initially by of the group or becoming
Norway, Botswana and Canada are resource-rich economies trade. Also, given the re- On our way to small financial contribu- members.
that have prospered using their resources. They are also mar- strictions imposed on for- Buddhakera Pundir vil- tions from Dalits, it soon Babasaheb Ambedkar
ket economies that respect property rights, which has allowed eign trade, it can lead to lage, he told me why he became the biggest initiat- said, first you have to edu-
them to quickly overcome economic shocks. bureaucratic corruption. exercised caution before ive in western Uttar Pra- cate yourself, then get or-
Oil will likely remain Saudi Arabias main asset, so the focus meeting me. The Hindi desh as community mem- ganised, and then struggle
should be on making its use more eicient by ending state con- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC media had declared them bers in more than 200 for your rights. That is
trol. Removing market barriers and building reliable institu- Naxals and a bunch of villages in Saharanpur what we are doing... It
MORE ON
tions will also help. The policy of setting job quotas in the
private sector for Saudis must go. Booms and busts, common
in resource-rich economies, need to be accepted as part of life.
THE WEB 3 violent thugs without any
evidence, he told me.
Hindi newspapers
came forward to offer as-
sistance.
As I talked to Dalit kids
wont stop at any cost,
even when the media con-
tinues demonising us and
A free labour market, along with a free private sector, will help Top 10 takeaways from have two editions, one in village after village, it the BJP government keeps
the economy become nimble and might even lead to a diverse Modis U.S. visit each for Saharanpur rural turned out that Bhim troubling us, says one of
Saudi economy. http://bit.ly/ModiInUSA and urban. But you wont Army has only grown after them.
CM A ND-ND
YK

THE HINDU
Promises in the Rose Garden

In a well-calibrated programme, Prime Minister Modis U.S. visit reairmed an indispensable partnership
rity, the rule of law, and the envir- eign Secretary and found mention
onment. That is a good screen in Mr. Modis remarks and the joint
grab of Indian concerns about Chi- statement. This is an omnibus term
Pay to publish nas strategic overreach and sug-
gests that the U.S. has no funda-
that can encompass many mean-
ings including innovation, tech-
An M.P. Ministers disqualiication underlines mental disagreement with this nology lows, as well as the give and
assessment. take of knowledge in the cyber sec-
need to make paid news an electoral ofence nirupama rao The defence and security part- tor (and its human-resource, pro-
nership (of interest was the Foreign fessional component). The H-1B
T
he Election Commissions order disqualifying
rime Minister Narendra Secretarys designation of de- visa issue did not come up for spe-
Madhya Pradesh Minister Narottam Mishra for
three years is an important step in curbing paid
news in the electoral arena. It is not the irst such order.
P Modis much anticipated visit
to Washington has come and
gone. The chemistry was positive,
fence, security and connectivity
as key concerns), and counter-ter-
rorism remain central to the rela-
ciic mention in these public state-
ments, but obviously remains on
the agenda.
An Uttar Pradesh MLA, Umlesh Yadav, was disqualiied and the physics (that is, the struc- tionship. The naming of Hizbul Mu- Finding creative ways to en-
in 2011 on the same ground, of suppressing expenditure tural content and equilibrium) and jahideens Syed Salahuddin by the hance bilateral trade and increased
the geometry (the angles and align- U.S. State Department as a Spe- market access including in agricul-
AFP
incurred in the publication of paid news. The EC has
ments along which the visit was cially Designated Global Terrorist ture (a particular U.S. concern) and
called paid news, a term that refers to propaganda in fa-
pitched) well-calibrated. Mr. hance military cooperation, with U.S. The two leaders have set aside as well as the launch of a new con- information technology (of Indian
vour of a candidate masquerading as news reports or Modis ifth visit to the U.S. as mention of the forthcoming the hesitations of history, it sultative mechanism on domestic interest), as mentioned in the joint
articles, a grave electoral malpractice on the part of Prime Minister concluded on a Malabar naval exercise involving would seem. and international terrorist listing statement, will be monitored care-
candidates to circumvent expenditure limits. In a typ- note of reassuring airmation the Indian, American and Japanese proposals was a deinite boost. The fully. The energy partnership has
ical inquiry into the paid news phenomenon, the news- about relations between the navies. He had a good word for In- Close watch on Afghanistan call on Pakistan to expeditiously survived the visit, contrary to ap-
paper or publication concerned denies that it was paid worlds most important and largest dian eforts to help Afghanistan Interestingly, on Afghanistan, Mr. bring to justice the perpetrators prehensions, and besides U.S. nat-
for publishing the material and insists that it was part of democracies. and for Indias joining in sanctions Modi spoke of maintaining close of the Mumbai and Pathankot ter- ural gas (read shale), there was
President Donald Trump is a against the North Korean regime consultation and communication ror attacks was reiterated. The ref- mention of clean coal and renew-
its normal election coverage. The candidate denies au- man of many moods and hu- a regime that was causing tre- with the U.S. to enhance coordina- erence to these attacks being per- able resources and technologies
thorising the publication and takes the plea that he or mours, a personiication of im- mendous problems and which tion between our two nations, petrated by Pakistan-based groups for India in order to promote
she could not possibly account for something that was pulse and impetuousness. The fact had to be dealt with, and probably and terrorism in that country be- is to be noted. The expansion of in- universal access to afordable and
not paid for. Mr. Mishra was no exception. He, in fact, that the two leaders struck a good dealt with rapidly. This last aside, ing one of our common con- telligence-sharing and operational- reliable energy.
argued that his rivals could be behind the 42 reports rapport, marked by mutual re- where Mr. Trump departed from cerns. This space must be level counterterrorism coopera- Civil nuclear energy coopera-
that the ECs National Level Committee on Paid News spect and friendship, despite the prepared remarks, should get East watched to determine the contours tion signals greater mutual conid- tion merited a brief mention, but
diference in their personalities, Asia analysts and experts ready of future cooperation. So too, the ence about working to eliminate just that. The resolve to sealing the
found to be nothing but election advertisements,
augurs well. with their dissection tools to un- reference to the increasing con- terrorist threats. It remains to be contractual agreements between
without any disclaimer. However, the EC did not buy his In Mr. Trumps own words, he derstand what looked like a sultations on West Asia in the joint seen whether the airmation of the inancially stressed Westing-
arguments, mainly because it was diicult to believe had tremendous success in his clenched warning to Pyongyang. statement, in accord with Indias U.S. support for a UN Comprehens- house Electric Company and the
that he had not seen reports that appeared in his Datia meeting with Mr. Modi. Progress in Mr. Modi, as an astute student of Think West policy lags an issue of ive Convention on International Nuclear Power Corporation of In-
constituency during the campaign for the 2008 As- bilateral relations over the last few human psychology, was efusive in important ramiications, requiring Terrorism will translate into a dia Ltd. and related project inan-
sembly elections, often with his picture and the Bhar- years received the imprimatur of both body language (the three more elaboration. The triangula- more coordinated India-U.S. ap- cing over the next few months of-
atiya Janata Partys symbol. Many of these reports car- endorsement of the new Presid- diplohugs directed towards what tions involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar proach. fers hope without the promise of
ent, and there were no missed some call a germophobic Presid- and Iran are extremely complex Deepening security and defence inality. On another front, U.S. sup-
ried identical words, and in some there was a direct
heartbeats or gut-wrenching mo- ent!) and words of warm appreci- today, and common India-U.S. per- cooperation between India and the port for Indias permanent mem-
appeal for votes on his behalf. ments. ation for the First Lady and Mr. spectives (apart from eradicating U.S. has marked this bilateral rela- bership of the UN Security Council,
Paid news is not an electoral ofence yet, but there is Trump. He invited Ivanka Trump Islamic radicalism) await more spe- tionship for some years now. Inter- Indian membership of the Nuclear
a case to make it one. The EC has recommended to the Arc of cooperation to India, and she has accepted. His ciic identiication. operability, given the growing pro- Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar
government that the Representation of the People Act, Besides claiming that both leaders key words were mutual trust and The delineation of shared in- portion of U.S.-bought equipment Arrangement, and the Australia
1951, be amended to make the publishing, or abetting were world leaders in social me- convergence to describe his terests as democratic stalwarts with the Indian armed forces, is a Group has been reiterated.
the publishing, of paid news to further a candidates dia, Mr. Trumps Rose Garden meeting with Mr. Trump, as he re- and responsible stewards in the concrete possibility. The ofer of There is a inal footnote to the
statement spoke of both countries ferred to the common priorities, joint statement (Prosperity sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned visit. And it involves President Ab-
prospects or prejudicially afect anothers an electoral
working together to create jobs and the robust strategic partner- Through Partnership) on the Aerial Systems to India was con- raham Lincoln. There are some in
ofence. Until this is done, contestants who use paid and grow their economies (a ship that unites the two countries. Indo-Paciic (a formulation more irmed and this will provide for an India who regard Mr. Modi as sim-
news can only be hauled up for failing to include the ex- foundational ideology for Mr. He called the U.S. the primary India-inclusive than earlier ones) is enhancement of Indian capabilit- ilar to the 16th U.S. President, as
penses involved in their campaign accounts. In Mr. Trump which is not antithetical to partner for Indias transforma- to be noted. There is clear mes- ies in maritime defence and de- unusual as this may seem. The fact
Mishras case, the EC has taken the view that even if it priorities in Mr. Modis India) and tion, stressing convergence saging to China in the call for re- terrence. Indias ofer of support that Mr. Modi chose to give Mr.
were true that he made no payment, he ought to have ensuring a trading relationship between his vision for a new India specting sovereignty and interna- for U.S. observer status in the In- Trump a commemorative stamp is-
included a notional amount in his accounts. Also, can- that is fair and reciprocal. Mr. and Mr. Trumps vision of making tional law, with a distinct echo of dian Ocean Naval Symposium was sued by India in 1965 to mark the
Trump announced that the U.S. America great again. the Indian position on Chinas Belt lagged. The organisation has a 100th anniversary of the death of
didates cannot simply claim that these reports were not
will sign major contracts with India Striking a high note, Mr. Modi and Road Initiative, when the state- membership of 22, including Iran Abraham Lincoln should ofer in-
authorised by them. As long as the intention to boost for the sale of natural gas, although spoke of Mr. Trumps successful ex- ment called for bolstering re- and four observers, including teresting and intriguing insights
someones prospects was clear, and there was no objec- he was trying to get the price up a perience in the business world as gional economic connectivity China and Japan. Levels of activity about our Prime Minister.
tion from the candidate, the EC can rule that there was little bit. lending an aggressive and for- through the transparent develop- have not been high in recent years.
implied authorisation. Mr. Mishras case pertains to On the security front, he ex- ward-looking agenda to our rela- ment of infrastructure and the use
the 2008 election, and by the time the Commission has pressed the joint determination of tions. For his part, he said, he of responsible debt inancing prac- Uninished agenda Nirupama Rao is a former Foreign
given its verdict he is into his next term, having been re- both countries to destroy radical would remain a driven, determ- tices, while ensuring respect for Digital partnership was a concept Secretary and was Ambassador of India
Islamic terrorism as also to en- ined and decisive partner of the sovereignty and territorial integ- projected in the brieing by the For- to the U.S.
elected in 2013. It is diicult not to notice that the
enormous delay in adjudicating such questions is often
created by candidates approaching the courts to stall in-
quiries. A legal framework in which electoral issues are
expeditiously adjudicated must also be put in place if
election law is to be enforced in both letter and spirit.
Fighting an old battle
The disabled have been afected by the high GST rates on essential aids and appliances
adapted for the physically disabled aids and appliances are made avail- later, when Jaswant Singh became
are not really a luxury item but an able at an afordable cost. Instead, the Finance Minister, he brought
New tech, old values absolute necessity. the Finance Ministry has decided down the taxes to a 5% slab. Again,
Since 2006, these items were to ruthlessly tax its disabled cit- in 2006, the then Finance Minister,
The ECs massive ine on Google points not taxed! So, even 5% GST, let izens! In the irst round, Braille P. Chidambaram, brought down
alone 12% or 18%, will make life that typewriters were taxed at 18% GST the tax from 5% to 0%. It has been
to the changing role of regulators much more diicult for persons and Braille watches at 12% GST. It is like this for the last 10 years. Now it
javed abidi with disabilities. It is already ex- only after the disability sector was seems that all that hard work will
T
he long arm of the European Commission has
tremely diicult for the average up in arms that these two and some once again go down the drain and
once again struck the technology world with the
T
here are just a few days left. disabled person in India with ac- other items have been brought we will be back to the 2002-2004
imposition of a 2.42 billion ($2.7 billion) ine on On June 30, at the midnight cessibility issues and additional down to 5% GST. This happened in position.
Google for the companys abuse of its market position. hour, when the new Goods costs of living. Now with the GST, ment shall develop schemes pro- the June 11 meeting of the GST
The Commission found that Google abused its domin- and Services Tax (GST) regime things of daily use/necessity which grammes to promote the personal Council. When we found out a few Investing in the disabled
ance in the Internet search market to give itself an un- kicks in, almost all aids and appli- are already beyond their reach, mobility of persons with disabilit- days later, we could have pro- India must invest in its disabled
fair advantage in another market comparison shop- ances that disabled people use will become even more expensive. ies at afordable cost to provide claimed victory and had a celebra- population there are 70 million
ping services. Googles comparison shopping service such as a wheelchair, or a Braille It is not clear why the GST Coun- for, (a) incentives and conces- tion, but we chose not to. We are of us. If the disabled are able to step
typewriter or a hearing aid will be- cil is taxing disabled citizens of In- sions; (b) retroitting of vehicles; very clearly demanding a complete out of their homes; go to schools
disadvantaged competitors by placing them lower in its
come at least 5% more expensive. dia. While items such as kajal are and (c) personal mobility rollback. We are asking the govern- and colleges; get jobs on merit; and
search results, systematically giving Googles own ser- And, if the confusion over Chapter being taxed at 0% and rough pre- assistance. ment for a zero-tax regime as was go to their workplaces and per-
vices higher placement and greater visibility, leading to 90:9 in the GST Bill is not resolved cious and semi-precious stones are the case in the last decade, from form, they will obviously contrib-
more clicks. Google, which is required to pay the ine between now and then, then some being taxed at a mere 0.25%, most Precedent for zero tax 2006 onwards. ute to the nations growth and its
within 90 days, may appeal the decision. While the ine orthopaedic appliances such as disability goods are being charged It has been six months since we I have the misfortune of working economic progress. Good quality
itself is unlikely to pose inancial problems for Google, crutches and surgical belts will get at 5% the same as kites (patang) passed the new disability law. By on this issue for the second time. It and afordable aids and appliances
whose parent company, Alphabet, posted a proit of 12% more expensive. and agarbattis and cashew nuts. now, the Ministry of Finance and is like going back in a time capsule are an essential prerequisite to this
This decision of the Council the Department of Empowerment to the 1990s when wheelchairs dream story of the disability sector
over $55 billion in 2016, the impact on how Google does Making matters worse blatantly violates the provisions of of Persons with Disabilities should were taxed at 30% and crutches at thought leaders like me.
business is likely to be signiicant; the Commission has Even small cars in India are treated the newly passed Rights of Persons have at least set up a committee or 25%! I remember taking up this is-
said, and rightly, that it would leave it to Google to rem- as some type of a luxury item; the with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. a working group to seriously look sue, for the irst time, in 2001 when Javed Abidi helped set up the National
edy the situation. The European Unions Competition GST Council has levied a whopping Chapter 8 Duties and Respons- into the mandate imposed by Yashwant Sinha was Indias Fin- Centre for Promotion of Employment for
Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, also said the ruling 18% tax. It is another matter that in ibilities of Appropriate Govern- Chapter 8, i.e. to develop incentive ance Minister. At the meeting, he Disabled People (NCPEDP). He is also the
could guide future decisions on complaints around the absence of accessible buses or ments of the RPWD Act clearly schemes and concessional pro- heard us out patiently and decided Global Chair of Disabled Peoples
even taxis, modiied cars specially states: The appropriate Govern- grammes to ensure that disability not to do anything. A few years International
Google favouring its own products and services via its
search engine. The verdict is the latest in a long list of ac-
tions the EU has taken against tech companies from LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
across the Atlantic. From a ine earlier on Microsoft for
bundling its browser and operating system together, to Bonhomie in the U.S. membership to the United fails to develop a counter- livestock have rendered the diesel have increased and the conservation of
a record 13 billion tax bill slapped on Apple last year There was nothing Nations Security Council narrative with an alternative second one unreliable. transportation costs, which elephants needs to be
for back taxes owed to Ireland, Brussels has signalled in spectacular in the Narendra and the Nuclear Suppliers model. The absence of a This distress situation is not constitute the single largest revived on a war footing
no uncertain terms that it is determined to take on large Modi-Donald Trump meet; Group. It is quite obvious proper national economic one of the farmers making component of the end (Four elephants
the handshakes and bear that Mr. Modis visit was agenda or a wish list if alone. Along with the consumer price of many electrocuted in Kodagu
tech companies, some of which have become gargan- hugs dont mean much. aimed at fostering goodwill elected to power is what vagaries of the weather, farm products. and In Kerala, 14 have died
tuan transnational entities, in the interest of its citizens. Whether branding Hizbul with Mr. Trump. Unlike eludes the national Left. It governments past and To facilitate a remunerative in captivity this year, both
The old idea that market power cannot be used to Mujahideen chief Syed Barack Obama, a has been successful in its present too must share price to the farmers and June 28).
stymie competition, a result of which is a lowering of Salahuddin who is now a spontaneous charmer, our stronghold States only the blame. The major share contain inlation, taxes on States can implement
consumer choice and welfare, is good even when the spent force as a global leader may need more because of its presentation of the farming cost, mostly diesel, and on a whole set of initiatives to strengthen
market is new and changing rapidly, as happens at the terrorist would have any one-on-one deliberations of an alternative to the raised through loans, goes vehicles primarily meant for Centrally-driven wildlife
bearing on terror emanating with Mr. Trump to carry people. to the government much the transport of peoples conservation programmes
technological frontier. Attempts to cast Googles run-in
from Pakistani soil is forward what was achieved Jithin Varghese, before the farmer earns a goods need full exemption. and work with
with the Commission as a game of trans-Atlantic domin- anybodys guess. On China, in the maiden meeting Ernakulam, Kerala rupee. Movement of peoples establishments in
ance have quietened down, partly relecting the wari- the aversion by both leaders (Editorial Warm in Therefore, the irst thing a goods must be completely formulating steps to address
ness with which the current White House views tech gi- to antagonising Beijing was Washington, June 28). Agrarian distress government can do and exempted from road tolls, problems such as
ants, many of whom spoke vociferously against Donald obvious by the way in which Ganapathi Bhat, Small and marginal farmers without any corruption and and all direct and indirect electrocution. Without the
there was an indirect Akola, Maharashtra toil right through the day to discrimination is to do Central, State and local participation of local
Trumps travel ban. In contrast to criticism from the
U.S. government when the Google complaint was irst commitment to maritime eke out a living by selling away with all direct and taxes. Herein lies a long- residents in and around
lodged and for the Apple tax bill of 2016, the White
cooperation. On the Left whatever little they produce indirect taxes on term economic solution to forest areas, such issues
It is very unlikely that a It is clear that Sitaram their primary lifeline. agricultural inputs such as the problem but it calls for cannot be resolved.
House refrained from getting involved after the EU country such as China Yechury is reluctant to Their second lifeline is fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, strong political will to Protecting primary species
ined Google. The fault lines between tech giants, which would be rattled by a acknowledge the way the livestock which they can agricultural tools and implement it. will ensure overall
often act as supra-national entities, and national and routine meeting between Right has ascended to count on as a dependable implements, electricity, Jose Augustine, protection of the
the two global leaders. That power using the democratic liquid asset. Two recent packing materials, and local New Delhi ecosystem. States should
multinational governmental bodies, are changing fast
as the relationship between citizens, their govern- Mr. Modi shied away from institutions of the country, government steps have taxes. Such a drastic but uphold Article 48A of the
ments, media and technology is transformed. In the raising issues such as the which are open to any aggravated their sense of direct intervention will help Saving the elephant Constitution on the
contentious H-1B visa was political force in India despondency. While the farmer grow his Distressing reports of large- environment, forests and
years to come we can expect new lines to be drawn as
disappointing. One is also in including the Left (The demonetisation and its slow produce at a lower cost, scale elephant deaths show wildlife.
technological frontiers are crossed. While technology is the dark about the Wednesday interview replacement have snapped reduce his need for that the Project Elephant Archana Venkata Madhva Raj,
constantly changing, valuing choice, competition and possibility of the two Sitaram Yechury, June 28). their irst lifeline, confusion borrowings and bring down programme started in 1992 Thoothukkudi, Tamil Nadu
consumer welfare never gets outdated or obsolete. leaders having discussed The Left often takes and uncertainty rural indebtedness. to address various issues more letters online:
Indias bid for a permanent recourse to agitations but surrounding the trade of Exorbitantly high taxes on such as man-animal conlict www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
CM A ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

The problematics of genetics and the Aryan issue

To brandish genetic studies as the clincher to the Aryan
debate is hasty, if not misplaced
<
> Migrations
simplifications, which out of
means there are no true an- India are not
cestral populations of India, factored in,
barring the original immigra-
tion from Africa some
although there are
70,000 years ago. clear
A second flaw is therefore archaeological
Michel Danino circularity. ANI is likely to trails present
have resulted from multiple
Tony Josephs article (How migrations, cautions Tony though, in the Bronze Age,
genetics is settling the Aryan Joseph, possibly including there are clear archaeolo-
migration debate, June 17) the migration of Indo- gical trails for a Harappan
heavily leans on two recent European language speak- presence in central Asia, the
studies (which I will refer to ers, while Silva et al.s paper Persian Gulf and
after their first author: Silva refers to multiple dispersals Mesopotamia.
et al. and Reich et al.) but into the Subcontinent. If so,
conceals important method- what criteria allow us to as- Complexified picture
ological issues. sociate one of them with Sustained interactions also
Indeed, most genetic stud- the presumed Indo-Aryan occurred along trade net-
ies suffer from shortcomings immigration? works and are bound to have
and flaws, and the larger As Nicole Boivin, an ar- complexified the genetic pic-
public should be all the more chaeologist from Oxford Uni- ture.
aware of this problematics as versity with wide experience Why not investigate such
they come to us in a scientific of the Subcontinent, ob- trails in the R1a debate, in-
garb; actually, they are sci- served, In reading the ge- stead of positing, as Silva et ILLUSTRATION: DEEPAK HARICHANDAN
entific only in part. netics literature on South al. do, that the Y-chromo-
Asia... perhaps the single some haplogroup R1a... dias population structure anything but frozen, and been migrations at the time, settled, but we are still far
Holes aplenty most serious problem con- spread with pastoralism and some 1,500 years ago. Ms. genetic studies reconstruct- there is no question of re- <
> The Aryan debate
has involved thorny from that, especially in the ab-
Silva et al.s study mainly re- cerns the assumption, which the Indo-European lan- Boivin noted the problem- ing a past picture on the peopling, since substantial sence of ancient DNA from
linguistic, textual,
visited older samples with many studies actually start guages into South Asia? atic assumption... that caste basis of todays castes are li- Palaeolithic populations the Subcontinent.
new techniques; though it with as a basic premise... Why should this spread be is unchanging, and there is able to err. thrived in many parts of the archaeological issues Besides, the Aryan debate
stressed Indias remarkable that the Indo-Aryan inva- wholly unidirectional? indeed sound historical evid- Silva et al. speak of the Subcontinent. which need to be has involved thorny linguistic,
genetic diversity and very sions are a well-established Another pitfall is illus- ence of some amount of re-peopling [of South Asia] The study also naively cor- addressed textual, archaeological, bio-
complex history, its data set (pre)historical reality. trated by Silva et al.s en- caste mobility; endogamy after the Last Glacial Max- relates the spread of agricul- anthropological, archae-
of some 2,400 samples, Besides, migrations out of dorsement of another study was also not always strict. In- imum (about 18,000 years ture with a few hap- results are interpreted ac- oastronomical issues: the
which left out thousands of India are not factored in, al- regarding the freezing of In- dias population has been ago); even if there must have logroups, suggesting that cordingly. Anthropologically, Indo-European problem will
communities, was inad- agriculture came into the pastoral migrations that be laid to rest only when a
equate. Subcontinent through migra- leave their womenfolk be- theory effectively answers all
Such was also the case of tions, but good evidence ex- hind make no sense; a those disciplines.
Reich et al.s construct of An- Tony Joseph responds: cast precisely at a time faulty! A case of wanting to through a peer-reviewed ists for the indigenous spread male-dominated arrival of Mr. Joseph is right in stating
cestral North Indians (ANI) when it has started using have it both ways, one article in a well-regarded of agriculture not only in the Indo-Aryan speakers from that We are all migrants. As
and Ancestral South Indians Michel Daninos response better techniques such as would think. journal. That he quotes not Northwest but independ- Central Asia is conceivable regards his conclusion that
(ASI); the study had no suffers from multiple whole genome sequencing Prof. Danino asks what a single study to back his ently in the Ganges valley. only in the context of an ag- We are a multi-source civil-
samples from eight major In- deficiencies, the first of to arrive at clearer answers criteria allow us to associate conviction is informative. Silva et al. attribute the gressive military campaign, isation, not a single-source
dian States, while another which is that he fails to is noteworthy. one of the dispersals with The sections dealing with spread of Dravidian lan- invasion and conquest one, drawing its cultural im-
eight were represented by a recognise that my piece Prof. Danino questions the the Indo-Aryans. caste are irrelevant to my guages to those first farm- (which archaeology has em- pulses, its tradition and prac-
single population! rests heavily on five studies methodology of these The answer lies in the piece, which doesnt ers, while recent studies phatically ruled out), not tices from a variety of lineages
With such a skewed distri- (not two). Four of these studies, but the proper way phylogenetic and anywhere link the caste from genetics and agro-lin- with waves of pastoral and migration histories, I
bution, the ANI/ASI con- were published between to question commonly- geographic structure of system to the arrival of guistics have tended to show immigrations. only partly agree: Indian civil-
struct lacked scientific valid- 2013 and 2017 and one in accepted methodology in a haplogroups which allow migrants. that those languages origin- isation is something more
ity and was simply expected 2009. This is important scientific field might be to scientists to associate Lastly, that Prof. Danino ated in south India. No definitive answers yet than a khichri of ethnicons,
to conform to predetermined because in a field making get a peer-reviewed article migrations with regions. doesnt like khichri seems Finally, the study opines To brandish this study as the even if they all did enrich it:
results. rapid advances, it is published in a well-regarded The answer also lies in the to suggest a discomfort with that genetic influx from final solution to the Indo- culturally, it has been more a
Mr. Joseph found that the misleading to depend on journal. discovery of R1a in ancient diversity. As citizens of a Central Asia in the Bronze European problem while ig- creator and a giver than a re-
study proved that most older studies. An intriguing aspect of Prof. DNA across Europe and great civilisation, we take Age was strongly male- noring many others that cipient, as most Indologists
groups in India today can be Second, the doubt that Prof. Daninos response is his Central Asia (especially in delight in having a driven, consistent with the reached vastly different con- recognised long ago.
approximated as a mixture of Danino tries to throw over opposition to the ANI-ASI Sintashta, Andronovo and multitude of things in patriarchal, patrilocal and clusions reflects a personal
these two populations, population genetics is framework. From 2009 Srubnaya remains). common and comfort patrilineal social structure at- choice.
while it only proved how peculiar because until onwards, this framework Prof. Danino next moves on with diversity is one of tributed to the inferred pas- In fact, divergences Michel Danino is a guest professor at
good scientists are apt to recently, this science was was used to argue against to suggest that Out-of-India them. toralist early Indo-European among geneticists are a use- IIT Gandhinagar and a member of
bungle when their theoret- being used to argue that the migration. is a reasonable theory, and society. ful reminder that the discip- the Indian Council of Historical
migration theory had been Now when it is shown that not a far-out hypothesis. Research
ical framework remains ama- Tony Joseph is a writer and Again, a patriarchal social line still has much room for
teurish. Reich et al. them- disproved! That doubts the study actually supports Again, the best way to former editor of BusinessWorld. structure is attributed to subjective interpretations. A longer version of the article
selves were careful to warn about the science are being it, he says the framework is demonstrate this might be Twitter: @tjoseph0010 an inferred pastoralist Twenty years hence, most of and the response can be found
that their models were over- Indo-European society, and the grey areas may be at http://bit.ly/AryansDebate

Quantifying outrage New canal for K.R. Sagar

The Public Works Minister, Mr. Veerendra Patil, informed the
Bookkeeping cannot be the response to Mysore Assembly to-day [ June 28] that the Government pro-
posed to open a right bank high level canal for Krishnarajas-
gratuitous mob violence agar at a cost of about Rs. 136 lakhs to irrigate about 24,000
acres. The scheme contemplated utilisation of the waters of
Vaishna Roy the Kabini river for the command area under the Kabini pro-
How much is too much? How ject and the surplus through the K.R. Sagar, he said. Mr. Patil,
do you measure out in cofee who was replying to Mr. G. Made Gowda (Cong.) stated that
spoons the amount of sorrow the proposed scheme would not adversely affect the already
you are allowed to display? In developed atchkat under Krishnarajasagar. When the member
surreal fashion, that is what insisted that an expert committee be constituted to go into the
the debate focusses on today feasibility of the scheme, the Public Works Minister said it was
after a 15-year-old is lynched. a suggestion for action. To supplementaries the Minister said
Not the event, but whether and that the Kabini project was a set-off against the Bhavanisagar
how much it is being blown and Amravathi projects of Madras State.
up. When a boy is beaten to
death over a seat dispute, how A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 29, 1917
much worse can you make it
sound than what it is already? Soldier stabbing case.
There are inlection points Mr. P.T. Bowring, District Magistrate and Justice of the Peace,
in history when one event trig- was engaged to-day in hearing a case in which Private I. Scott
gers of a cascade of events. CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
of Motor Transport section, Army Service Corps, is charged
These points arent necessarily under Section 304 I.P.C., with alleged causing death of an In-
unique. When the whole coun-
CONCEPTUAL FAQ
dian domestic servant, with a knife. It was alleged that on the
try erupted in protest over Beta Held to ransomware 21st of last month at about 2 P.M. Private Scott was seen talking
Nirbhaya, it wasnt as if horriic rapes hadnt happened before Finance to the deceased on Whitefield road and subsequently stabbed
or didnt happen after, but Nirbhaya spoke to our core in a way him and as a result of the injuries the man died. Superintend-
that made us cry out loud, louder than we had before. It isnt as A measure of volatility of a Another attack adds to global cybersecurity woes ent Hayes of the Mysore Police made enquiries and as the mil-
if Dalits hadnt been driven to suicide before Rohith Vemula, stock, or any other finan-
itary authorities handed over Private Scott to the civil authorit-
but he spoke to us in death in a way that smote our conscience. cial security, based on the What is NotPetya/Petya? What is a ransomware What can be done to
ies for trial the police charged him under Section 304 I.P.C.
And we responded. magnitude of change in its attack? contain NotPetya/Petya?
It is the latest cyberattack Mr. Hayes was the first witness examined. He deposed regard-
price compared to the
to have hit organisations It is a malicious software Cyber-criminals behind the ing the investigation in the case. He stated that on information
The violence has edged closer market as a whole. In
worldwide on Tuesday. that blocks access to com- attack are demanding $300 he proceeded to the scene of occurrence where he saw the
Commentators who point out anomalies in the medias or the mainstream finance,
While Ukraine and Russia puters and data until a sum in bitcoins be paid to re- corpse of the deceased and near that the soldier was standing
chatteratis responses are not wrong. They hold up a mirror stocks with high beta are
are believed to be the worst of money is paid. NotPetya cover encrypted files. The and behaving in a strange and demented manner.
and if what we see in it makes us linch, then so be it. If we generally considered to be
failed to be angry enough earlier, we live today with mobs that riskier than stocks with hit by the attacks, compan- is the second major global message flashed across the
have edged closer to our doors. low beta. Stocks with high ies across U.S., U.K. and In- ransomware since Wan- screen reads: If you see CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Every Dalit village we saw being burnt down and every up- beta, since they are riskier, dia have been impacted. naCry, which had infected this text, then your files are
per caste family we allowed to escape with impunity, every are also considered to be Most security organisations about 3,00,000 computers no longer accessible, be- DATA POINT
one of those incidents was the ink with which Vemula wrote better investments for in- believe this to be a variant across 200 countries in cause they are encrypted.
his inal note. vestors seeking higher re- of Petya ransomware that May. Similar to WannaCry, Perhaps you are busy look-
Showing up the chattering classs hypocrisy or calling the turns. Others, primarily has been in existence since one of the means by which ing for a way to recover
media to account is an important task and must continue. It value investors, have dis- 2016. But preliminary find- Petya spread was by ex- your files, but dont waste
must be encouraged. But let us recognise that it is a process, puted this claim saying ings by Russian cybersecur- ploiting the MS12-010 vul- your time. Nobody can re-
not a response. Bookkeeping cannot be the response to the that risk has nothing to do ity firm Kaspersky suggest nerability, also known as cover your files without our
events unfolding around us today and certainly not a response with the degree of volatil- that this is ransomware not EternalBlue. Microsoft had decryption service.
to gratuitous mob violence. ity in the price of a stock, seen before. issued a security patch to As of Wednesday after-
When a boy is lynched, being human doesnt allow us to pa- but instead linked to the fix it in March. noon, more that $9,262
tiently draw out a pipette and measure out outrage in milli- fundamental strength of Where did the attack The Petya ransomware from 40 payments had
litres to be jotted down in registers against incidents that came the underlying business. originate? not only encrypts files, but been collected in the Bit-
before. That is not who we are. This nationalism we tout so of- While the origin is still un- also overwrites and en- coin wallet tied to the Petya
ten now, if it means anything it possibly means recognising clear, it is believed to have crypts the master boot re- ransomware attack, accord-
that we are not ledger-toting clerks but a people who can be started from an update by a cord. It shuts down the sys- ing to @petya_payments
moved to tears by a boys murder. third-party Ukrainian soft- tem about an hour after the Twitter account which is
When Mahatma Gandhi went on a ive-day fast and called ware called MeDoc, which infection and asks for tracking these payments.
of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, it was to protest
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC is used by many govern- ransom on rebooting. Users However, the Indian gov-
the outbreak of violence in Chauri Chaura that saw 23 police- ment organisations in the will not be able to access ernments cybersecurity
MORE ON
3
men burnt to death. He had the courage to call of a movement country. the system till the infection arm CERT-In (Indian Com-
that epitomised the revolt against colonialism to express out- THE WEB Kaspersky says over 60% is removed. The PC might puter Emergency Response
rage at mob violence against policemen who represented the of attacks took place in be protected from the mal- Team) in its advisory has
same regime. He would do this over and over again in the How to link your Aadhaar Ukraine, and Russia is ware in case the user is able urged against paying
course of his career. That is the legacy of protest we have inher- with PAN second on the list with to disrupt the system ransom as it does not guar-
ited. Lets not substitute it with mere accountancy. http://bit.ly/AadhaarPan 30%. reboot. antee files being released.
CM A ND-ND
YK

The task before the sentinel

It is time the Chief Justice of India set up the larger Bench to examine privacy challenges to Aadhaar
However, the UIDAI database cious and inalienable right under
has today ceased to be only a neut- Article 21. If the observations made
ral identiier of a persons identity. in M.P. Sharma (supra) and Kharak
A welcome sale In the Information Age, where data

is the new oil, the temptation to
Singh (supra) are to be read literally
and accepted as the law of this
maximise the use of an all-encom- country, the fundamental rights
The Centre should sell its entire stake in passing database is simply too guaranteed under the Constitution
Sanjay Hegde
Air India, even if in stages strong. More and more service proof India and more particularly
viders sought linkages to the data right to liberty under Article 21
W
ith the Union Cabinets in-principle approval he expansion of Aadhaar con- and the government ramped up would be denuded of vigour and vi-
for the sale of Air India and ive of its subsidi-
aries, a long-standing demand on the reform
checklist has been ticked. The rationale for the govern-
T tinues. The efort is now em-
boldened by a Supreme Court
judgment that has stuck a band-aid
the number of government and
other organisations that could in-
sist on an Aadhaar-based identity
tality. At the same time, we are also
of the opinion that the institutional
integrity and judicial discipline re-
on a gaping wound, which re- alone as a sine qua non for dealing quire that pronouncement made
ment to shovel in huge sums of money to keep the loss-
quired stitches if not surgery. Indi- with the user. Shortly after the Su- by larger Benches of this Court can-
making airline aloat was weakening by the year. Today, vidual holdouts against Aadhaar preme Courts recent judgment of not be ignored by the smaller
such life support, as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley re- have been recognised and June 9, 2017, the government publi- cess government services has quiry committee, spanning various Benches without appropriately ex-
cently noted, was being given when competing private grudgingly protected by the judg- cised a prior notiication of June 1, turned into a prison lock of indi- ministries, should be used to rein plaining the reasons for not follow-
airlines already cater to well over 85% of the air travel ment. There is, however, no broad 2017, under the Prevention of vidual liberties. An all-powerful in the systems worst excesses. ing the pronouncements made by
demand in the country. Government money that keeps declaration against an overpower- Money Laundering Act (PMLA). state seems today to seek One Every new administrative measure such larger Benches.
Air India from going bankrupt would be much better ing states propensity to stretch out The notiication makes it mandat- Ring to rule them all, One Ring to designed to be Aadhaar-reliant
to every sphere to compel indi- ory for bank account holders to ind them, One Ring to bring them should seek prior approval from The nine judges
used to fund important social and infrastructure pro- vidual surrender of little remnants produce an Aadhaar number. all, and in the darkness bind this parliamentary committee. Getting together nine judges to
grammes that are starved of precious capital each year. of liberty. The architecture of en- The government has also delib- them. It has been almost 700 days hear at length a constitutional mat-
Air India has been surviving on a 30,000-crore bailout forced surveillance has been left erately misconstrued an earlier Su- since the Supreme Court on August ter of these proportions is an ad-
package put together by the United Progressive Alliance intact. preme Court order in order to pres- Everyone is afected 11, 2015, referred the privacy chal- ministrative nightmare for any
government in 2012 to help its turnaround, and the surise telecom operators to make How then is this darkness to be dis- lenges to Aadhaar to a larger Bench Chief Justice. But failure to do so in
debt relief provided by public sector banks. The airline As good as its use Aadhaar a requirement for all mo- pelled? How are the Lords of the of possibly nine judges. The court time permits the state to set up an
Aadhaar is a classic case of techno- bile phone users. Even education Rings to be brought back to demo- needs to rule on whether the right architecture of surveillance that
has a debt load of over 50,000 crore on its books, and
logy being amoral. The splitting of and health services have been used cratic governance? The processes to privacy is an established part of cannot be undone later.
it is estimated that even a well-executed asset sale may the atom gave us nuclear energy. It to broaden the Aadhaar net and have to be both political and legal. the fundamental right to life and
not fully cover its present liabilities. So in the event of a Chief Justice Patanjali Sastri in
also gave us weapons with the ca- draw in more people into the drag- The Mahatma as a leader was born liberty in this country. This is be- the early years of the Supreme
sale, taxpayers may have to foot at least some part of the pacity to destroy civilisation. Simil- net. Schools insist on newly admit- in 1907 when an Indian barrister in cause, at a hearing before three Court had written: If, then, the
loss either directly in case the government pays of the arly, the Unique Identiication Au- ted children having Aadhaar num- Transvaal refused to register him- judges, Attorney General Mukul courts in this country face up to
airlines creditors, or indirectly if the public sector thority of India (UIDAI) began only bers, which are not given until the self as a lesser inhabitant of South Rohatgi had contended that be- such important and none too easy
banks write of their loans to the airline. However, it is with the mandate to conirm a cit- parents too submit to Aadhaar re- Africa. It is time for all political cause of judgments of the Court in task, it is not out of any desire to tilt
izens unique identity. A stand- gistration. parties, including the Bharatiya M.P. Sharma & Others v. Satish at legislative authority in a cru-
more likely that the government may divest its three
alone authority, with biometric in- There are reports that the Civil Janata Party, to take a relook at the Chandra & Others, AIR 1954 SC 300 saders spirit, but in discharge of a
proit-making subsidiaries separately, with the pro- formation and ingerprints, which Aviation Ministry wants to make extent of control that Aadhaar and Kharak Singh v. State of U.P. & duty plainly laid upon them by the
ceeds going to Air India to help deal with its liabilities. could, in cases of doubt, identify Aadhaar identiication mandatory gives to governments against the Others, AIR 1963 SC 1295 (decided Constitution. This is especially true
It is not yet clear whether the airline will be fully with certainty any claimant of gov- for access to commercial lights. citizen. Todays government is to- by Eight and Six Judges, respect- as regards the Fundamental
privatised or how its eventual sale will be executed. A ernment subsidies or special ser- The government has decided to morrows opposition, and vice ively), the legal position regarding rights, as to which this Court has
ministerial panel under Mr. Jaitley is expected to begin vices. Aadhaars claim was to weed make the cost of holding out un- versa. Every party must seriously the existence of the fundamental been assigned the role of a sentinel
working on the details soon. But having taken the polit- out duplicates and forgeries, thus bearable to the non-compliant and ponder the possibility that its right to privacy is doubtful. He on the qui vive. While the Court
ensuring targeted distribution by present courts with a fait accompli. worst opponents may one day use therefore contended that the naturally attaches great weight to
ically courageous decision to privatise Air India, the
administrations. Fundamental freedoms of the this technology against it. right to privacy deemed to be ac- the legislative judgment, it cannot
government would do well to go for the sale of its entire Aadhaars sole purpose was as a individual are being routinely sac- The Congress, which fathered cepted by subsequent smaller desert its own duty to determine i-
stake, even if it is done in a gradual manner. Eventually, benign guarantor of identity in riiced at the altar of administrative the scheme, is now coming to the Benches resulted in a jurispru- nally the constitutionality of an im-
the aim of the sale should be to get the best price for the cases of doubt. Any attempt by gov- expediency and the forced sacri- slow realisation of the surveillance dentially impermissible diver- pugned statute.
airline. One good way to achieve this would be to allow ernment departments to over- ice is justiied as being necessary possibilities that it has handed over gence of judicial opinions.
If the sentinel deserts duty and
both domestic and foreign buyers to bid freely for reach this mandate was resisted by for the greater common good. Not to its successor. Sitaram Yechury of The court further records its
the citizens rights die uncherished,
stakes. For this, the government will have to re-tune its the authority. In fact, when a court since the forced sterilisations dur- the Communist Party of India opinion that the cases on hand
the Republic too cannot long en-
ordered access to the database for ing the Emergency has a govern- (Marxist) has also raised concerns raise far reaching questions of im-
FDI policy to allow foreign investors to buy a stake in Air dure.
a police investigation in a criminal ment been so invested in an admin- during the parliamentary debates portance involving interpretation
India. The Civil Aviation Ministry has made a case for matter, the Aadhaar authority istrative goal that it has abandoned held after the Aadhaar legislation of the Constitution. What is at stake
the sale of non-core assets irst to pay of existing credit- challenged the order in the Su- the requirement to seek the con- was rushed through as a money is the amplitude of the funda- Sanjay Hegde is a senior advocate of the
ors, so that the airline becomes more attractive to preme Court. sent of the governed. A key to ac- bill. A sustained parliamentary in- mental rights including that pre- Supreme Court
private buyers. But this assumes that private buyers
would not otherwise see the value in Air Indias assets.
IndiGo has already expressed interest in buying a stake
in Air India, with other domestic airlines reported to be
serious about making a bid too. Finding a way to deal
with Air Indias debt load will be the main challenge for
Mr. Jaitleys panel. How this process goes will be vital
Making the House rules
not just for Air India. If it goes relatively smoothly, that Parliament must codify the legislatures privileges to prevent misuse of power
would make the task of moving forward on the disin-
vestment of other public sector units that much easier. tion and standing orders of the route through courts. A further isation of privileges. In the Constitu-
House; (b) give immunity for all sue is whether the House should ent Assembly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad
speeches and votes in Parliament have the power to sentence a per- said, Parliament will deine the
from judicial scrutiny; and (c) al- son to a jail term. While the British powers and privileges, but until
low Parliament (and State legis- Parliament continues to have such Parliament has undertaken the le-
latures) to codify the privileges, powers, it has not used it since gislation and passes it, the priv-
The plains truth
and until then, have the same priv- 1880. ileges and powers of the House of
M.R. Madhavan ileges as the British Parliament had An even more fundamental Commons will apply. So, it is only a
Nepals Madhesis are seeking both grassroots in 1950. Till now, Parliament and question is: what are the priv- temporary afair. Of course, Parlia-
T
he Karnataka Legislative As- State legislatures have not passed ileges? In the absence of a code, ment may never legislate on that
democracy and state restructuring sembly has found two journ- any law to codify their privileges. how does one know whether an ac- point and it is therefore for the
alists guilty of breach of its The power of privilege has been tion is a breach of privilege or not? members to be vigilant.
T
wo months after the irst phase of local elections,
privilege and sentenced them to used against journalists in several Therefore, it is important to codify Parliament has examined the is-
Nepal has completed the second, and more
jail. This followed certain articles instances. For example, in 2003, them. sue of codiication. In 2008, the
tricky, phase. This weeks polling in provinces in written by the journalists which the Tamil Nadu Legislative As- In this context, it may be pertin- Committee of Privileges of Lok
the Terai plains and in the far-eastern and far-western were alleged to defame some legis- sembly sentenced the publisher, the Supreme Court. ent to note that Australia passed Sabha felt that there was no need
parts completed the irst elections to local bodies in two lators. This case once again raises editor, executive editor and two Given this history, there are sev- the Parliamentary Privileges Act in for codiication. It noted that the
decades. In the irst phase, the Communist Party of the question of what should consti- senior journalists of The Hindu and eral issues that need resolution. 1987. That Act states that words or House had recommended punish-
Nepal (Uniied Marxist-Leninist) was in the lead, win- tute privilege of the legislative the editor of Murasoli to 15 days First, what should be the privileges acts shall not be taken as an ofence ment only ive times since the irst
ning the highest number of councils and wards, with bodies. imprisonment for contempt. The that protect the members of legis- against a House by reason only that Lok Sabha, and that allegations of
The idea of privilege emerged in action against The Hindu was taken latures and the House? How does those words or acts are defamatory misuse of its powers were due to a
the Nepali Congress coming a distant second. The UML
England as Parliament started to for three articles that described the the privilege power sit with funda- or critical of Parliament, a House, a lack of understanding of its pro-
had steadfastly opposed any change to the Constitution protect itself from excesses by the Chief Ministers speeches and used mental rights of expression and committee or a member. How- cedures.
inalised in 2015, speciically amendments that would monarch. It established several words such as diatribe and personal liberty? It is clear that ever, this protection does not ap- Given the number of such cases,
allow a redrawing of the provinces, as demanded by the rights and privileges including the high-pitched tone, and an editor- members of legislatures should be ply for words spoken or acts done Parliament and Legislative Assem-
plains-dwellers, the Madhesis. This approach helped it freedom of members of Parliament ial. able to perform their legislative du- in the presence of a House or a blies should pass laws to codify
strengthen its nationalist image in the hills. The to freely speak and vote in Parlia- Interestingly, the editorial com- ties without any obstruction, and committee. privilege. It may also be time for
second phase has been a more diicult proposition for ment (including its committees). mented on the privilege motion should be free to speak and vote The Act also prescribes a max- the courts to revisit the earlier
against the articles and argued that without fear of legal repercussions. imum punishment of one-year im- judgments and ind the right bal-
the UML. Voter turnout in this phase was close to 70.5%,
The question of privilege privilege must be invoked only Should the privilege extend to prisonment and a ine of A$5,000. ance between fundamental rights
while it was 74% in the irst phase. The high turnout, The Indian Constitution speciies rarely when there is real obstruc- comments on the individual ac- In 1999, a joint committee of the of citizens and privilege of the le-
despite incidents of violence in areas that went to the the powers and privileges of Parlia- tion to its functioning, and not in a tions of members? British Parliament recommended gislature. The recent case in
polls on Wednesday, indicates a grassroots yearning for ment in Article 105 and those of way that sets legislators above or- Perhaps, it is better to restrict codiication but this recommenda- Karnataka gives another opportun-
inclusion and the deepening of democratic institutions. State legislatures in Article 194. In dinary comment and criticism. the use of privilege to proceedings tion was overturned by another ity to examine the issue.
Among the Madhesi parties, the newly formed brief, they (a) provide freedom of The journalists obtained a stay on of the legislature. Any member committee in 2013.
Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal boycotted the polls as its speech in Parliament subject to the arrest and the matter was re- who is falsely accused of any im- It is evident that the framers of M.R. Madhavan is the president and
other provisions of the Constitu- ferred to the Constitution Bench of propriety can use the defamation our Constitution envisaged codiic- co-founder of PRS Legislative Research
demand for amendments to be made to the Constitu-
tion before the polls was not met. But sensing the public
mood for participation, it ielded independent candid-
ates in order to consolidate support. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
The state restructuring demand had been articulated
during the jan andolans (popular struggles) of 2006. Brakes on mob violence not blood, say protesters, Freeing the Maharajah Paid news malaise Unwelcome comments well turn the pages of tennis
The demand for federalisation was repeated in the agit- Prime Minister Narendra June 29). The fact that the The Union Cabinets nod for Paid news misleads the Tennis great and former records to know that
Modi has inally spoken on protest was not driven by privatisation of debt-ridden electorate, harms the world No.1 John McEnroes women tennis players in the
ations in the Terai in 2015, which had led to an eco-
the killing of innocent political parties but drew Air India and its ive prospects of genuine recent comment on Serena past had indeed defeated
nomic blockade of the valley by the plains-dwellers. But Indians by cow vigilantes support from students, subsidiaries is a bold move candidates with modest Williams, saying if she men.
despite these agitations, the issue remains unresolved while addressing a function academics, artists and (Govt. to shed stake in inancial resources, thus played the mens circuit she Two of such battle-of-sexes
as strident opposition by the UML has prevented any at the Sabarmati Ashram in journalists enhanced its loss-making AI, June 29). culminating in unfair would be like 700 in the matches were: Billie Jean
consensus over amendments that would realign the Gujarat. While his long- appeal. Coming as a follow- The once high-lying competition, and world ranking, is totally King trouncing Bobby Riggs
provinces so that the Madhesis are in a majority in more pending statement is indeed up to two similar, extremely Maharajah was brought contributes to unwarranted, and sounds in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 three-setter
provinces than those delineated in 2015. For the Mad- welcome, actions speak well-attended protests held down to earth by mounting discriminatory public very embarrassing. in 1973 and Helen Wills
louder than words. He at the same venue against losses and huge debts, policy decisions in the long (Serena asks McEnroe for Moody toppling her doubles
hesis, federalisation is a desperate demand for recogni-
needs to ensure that Chief caste-based discrimination, inviting the scorn of all run, causing criminalisation respect, June 28). partner Phil Neer in straight
tion and inclusion, as the hill elite dominates the vari- Ministers in all States the display of solidarity stakeholders. of politics (Pay to publish, Williamss list of sets 6-3, 6-4 in an exhibition
ous layers of the government, the bureaucracy and the apprehend those involved comes as good news for With the bankers and the June 29). This turns the accomplishments, which match in 1933.
security forces. The threat of an electoral boycott was in such violence. He should democracy. The investigating agencies so-called public includes 23 Grand Slam R. Sivakumar,
also understand that when a unequivocal condemnation turning the heat on Vijay representatives into a maia, titles, and still counting, Chennai
meant to be a pressure tactic to get the Central govern-
ment led by the Nepali Congress and the Communist member of his Council of by Union Minister M. Mallyas ailing Kingisher sustained on money and doesnt actually need wins
Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) to live up to the promises Ministers pays last tributes Venkaiah Naidu of Junaid Airlines, it was only obvious muscle power. There is a over male players to justify more letters online:
to a person accused of Khans killing came as a that ugly questions began to way out: amend the its greatness. McEnroe may www.hindu.com/opinion/letters/
of pushing for the requisite amendments in Parliament.
lynching Mohammad much-awaited response be raised on Air India Representative of the
But as the local elections were widely welcomed by the Akhlaq in Dadri, his from a Central government leading a charmed People Act (1951), categorise
electorate, including the plains-dwellers, this was a self- corrections & clarifications:
governments intentions representative. It is only by existence. paid news as a criminal >>A Sports page story This is signiicant for Ramkumar:
defeating step. This is why two other Madhesi forces seriously come under a taking action against Though the ine print for ofence and seriously Krishnan ( June 29, 2017) erroneously said that Ramesh Krish-
the Federal Socialist Forum and the Madhesi Janadhi- cloud of doubt. elements behind such mob the airlines strategic sale is consider the Indrajit Gupta nan beat Mats Wilander in the second round of Wimbledon in 1989.
kar Forum Loktantrik decided to participate in the K.B. Dessai, violence and ensuring yet to be worked out, it will Committees suggestion of It was the Australian Open.
Fatorda, Goa justice to its victims that the certainly be a tall order for state funding of elections to
elections. However, the three big parties the UML, the It is the policy of The Hindu to correct signiicant errors as soon as possible. Please specify
government can claim to any buyer to turn around curb undervalued the edition (place of publication), date and page. The Readers Editors office can be
Congress and the Maoists should not misread the high It was encouraging to see have fulilled its the airline and make it ly information on assets and contacted by Telephone: +91-44-28418297/28576300 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
participation level as marking a change in outlook in the the peoples non-violent constitutional duty. high again. liabilities by candidates.
Friday); Fax: +91-44-28552963; E-mail:readerseditor@thehindu.co.in; Mail: Readers
plains on state restructuring. Madhesi faith in demo- response in the face of hate Firoz Ahmad, N.J. Ravi Chander, Aijaz Hussain Malik, All communication must carry the full postal address and telephone number. No personal
cracy must be secured with the promised amendments. and violence (Shed hate, Delhi Bengaluru Baramulla visits. The Terms of Reference for the Readers Editor are on www.thehindu.com
CM M ND-ND
YK
THE HINDU
NOIDA/DELHI

LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE
Should the sedition law be scrapped?

It is not in rates of conviction but in the criminalisation ated into the Indian Penal vasis of Jharkhand, create an eerie culture of veneer to the regimes persecution
Code (IPC) in 1870 as fears resisting displacement, compliance. of voices and movements against
of dissent that the expediency of sedition law rests of a possible uprising topped the list of those oppression by casting them as
plagued the colonial au- slapped with sedition in Ask no questions anti-national.
Dissent is the lifeblood of harlal Nehru University ( JNU), the thorities. Most of this 2014. Most of these cases For example, the invocation of the Last week, 15 Muslim men were
democracy. But today police have been unable to even file penal code was retained dont end in conviction. Army in just about any political de- arrested from Burhanpur, Madhya
when the stench of fas- a charge sheet in the case for almost intact after 1947. Despite But when the legal pro- bate, and its projection as the ideal Pradesh, on sedition charges by the
LEFT cism looms large, exer- 17 months now. To assume, how- demands to scrap it, the cess itself becomes the to which every citizen should aspire police. They were alleged to have
cising this constitutional ever, that the slapping of sedition law of sedition remains punishment, the slap- towards, is also an attempt to regi- cheered for Pakistan in the recent
Umar Khalid
right can get one branded as an charges was to ensure our legal con- enshrined in our statute book till ping of sedition charges is an at- ment the citizenry on the same Champions Trophy match. Just a
is a PhD student at
anti-national, thrown behind bars viction would be to miss the wood today. In the last one decade, along tempt to browbeat the protesters hierarchical lines. Those on the few days later, however, the police
Jawaharlal Nehru
or a lynch mob waiting outside to for the trees. Figures of the National with many other draconian laws of into submission. lower rungs of the society will fol- dropped the sedition charges as its
University
teach you a lesson. A law that has Crime Records Bureau reveal that colonial vintage, it has become ex- It cant even be said that the law low the command of those at the main witnesses stated they had
especially come in handy for the in the two years preceding the JNU tremely popular with our rulers. is being misused, for such has been top and ask no questions. Asking been forced to give false witness.
self-proclaimed nationalists of our case, there were a total of 77 sedi- Beyond the high-profile urban the very use the law has been put to questions is anti-national, anti- The need for scrapping the sedition
times to suppress dissent is the ar- tion cases, of which only one resul- cases, the reach of Section 124-A since its inception. The urge state, anti-Army, anti-India or as law could never have been more
chaic colonial-era sedition law. ted in conviction. It is not in rates of has extended even to faraway amongst our present-day rulers is Union Minister Kiren Rijiju com- urgent.
conviction but in the criminalisa- places. An entire village in akin to the urge of the colonial ad- mented last year, part of a bad
A tool to muzzle tion of dissent that the expediency Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu had sedi- ministrators total domination culture. The writer was taken into custody in
For the entire hullabaloo about of sedition law rests. tion cases slapped against it for res- over its citizens. Draconian laws such as the Sec- February 2016 after anti-national slogans
anti-national sloganeers of Jawa- The sedition law was incorpor- isting a nuclear power project. Adi- In fact, there is also an attempt to tion 124-A only serve to give a legal were allegedly raised in the JNU campus
Denunciating it for rampant misuse concedes ground lic Tranquility. tion and not the or vigorous words in writing, the bowling of a young Mohammad
The impact on public section. against the government, is outside Amir? Or the blitzkrieg of a four
that there exist instances where its use may be needed tranquility is but one of Section 124-A is cir- the purview of the concerned Sec- matches old Fakhar Zaman? Or are
the consequences of any cumscribed by Explana- tion. However, in the same breath, they tacitly identifying themselves
India is facing an un- pelled and its perpetrators seditious activity. How- tion 2 and Explanation 3, the court also edified that while it with a Pakistan that is killing Indian
precedented level of punished. ever, far more alarming which protect construct- had a duty to protect its citizens soldiers everyday, a Pakistan that is
threat from a count- potentialities include calls ive criticism of govern- from an oppressive law affecting attempting to sever an entire Indian
Why we need it
RIGHT less variety of ad-
versaries many of A denunciation against the law of
for violent revolutions
seeking to overthrow the
ment measures made
without any attempt to
free speech, this speech cannot be-
come a licence for vilification of the
State? Will such words or represent-
ations that expose the Indian state
Meenakshi Lekhi
whom act under the veil of being sedition is that its misuse is government, appeals for a separate excite hatred, contempt or disaffec- government, which incites violence to such contempt, hatred or dis-
is a BJP MP and
social activists, NGO conveners or rampant and thus must be done Khalistan or Kashmir and other at- tion towards the government. or has the tendency to create public affection qualify as sedition? As per
a Supreme Court
just student leaders. away with. This argument has two rocity propaganda, which does not Therefore the sedition law is not an- disorder. Following this position, Kedar Nath Singh, these actions cer-
advocate
The law of sedition emanating fallacies. First, it concedes ground qualify as protected speech and has tithetical to free speech and the im- the High Courts of Andhra Pradesh tainly possess a tendency to create
from Section 124-A of the IPC, rests that there exist instances where its the ability to denude the legitimacy portance of free speech is high- and Punjab have rightly held poems public disorder. Surprisingly, all
in Chapter VI which also codifies use may be warranted and neces- of a democratically elected govern- lighted in the Section itself. Even in and articles commending the prin- those self-proclaimed liberals who
other Offences Against the State. sary. The effect of any individual ment. Second, the Supreme Court the case of Kedar Nath Singh v. State ciples of Naxalism and cries for se- spare no stone unturned to speak
The need for this chapter is under- seditious activity is far-reaching, has repeatedly observed that the of Bihar (1962), which happens to cession of Khalistan to be seditious, against India, remain impressively
scored by the fact that actions which is why the offence is categor- mere possibility of misuse of a probe the locus classicus on the law of respectively. disciplined when they visit the U.S.
which threaten the security of a ised in Offences Against the State vision does not per se invalidate the sedition in India, a Bench of five When Indians shout Pakistan and rarely speak against its territ-
government, tasked to represent and not in Chapter XIII of the IPC legislation. In such cases, the vul- judges of the Supreme Court held Zindabad after a Pakistan win in a orial integrity because they know
the people who elected it, are re- pertaining to Offences Against Pub- nerability extends only to the ac- that a person using strong speech cricket match, are they celebrating the consequences.
Praising Pakistan or waving its lag isnt sedition; asking the Indian Parliament, as from or dismemberment be considered only in the unlikely in Bengaluru trains on the imposi-
ones poster boy to advoc- of India. One would feel context of a demand of separation. tion of Hindi in Karnataka a No
for Indias dismemberment should attract the charge ate Bharat Ki Barbadi that this is too high a bar Waving Pakistans flag in the course Hindi Day was observed. Is that
(with implication of separ- set by the Supreme Court of a match, or praising Pakistan, dissenting note a seditious act?
The sedition law was sue of sedition would come into ation of Kashmir) is sedi- subsequent events in cannot be sedition the recent acts Surely not. Again, in another con-
part of the original play only if the territorial integrity tion. The most recent Eid India, including the signi- of some State governments to slap text, the Naga agitation essentially
IPC, which has, in gen- of India as well as the sovereignty of procession in Srinagar led ficant spread of Naxal- the charge of sedition on people are did not even recognise the sover-
excessive. Thats not the same as
CENTRE eral, stood the test of
time in Indian condi-
the country are questioned by an
individual or a group. In other
by a group flaunting slain
Hizbul-Mujahideen com-
ism, the movement in
Punjab, the earlier de- seeking azaadi (freedom) from In-
eignty of India. Even though it qual-
ified as sedition, the government
T.S.R. Subramanian
tions. Section 124-A was indeed words, sedition is relevant only in mander Burhan Wanis picture mand for a Tamil Eelam, surely dia, or asking that the territory of did not invoke this clause due to
is a former
amended for technical reasons after the context of a demand for seces- along with that of Lashkar-e-Taiba have had sedition somewhere in India be dismembered. sensible political reasons.
Cabinet Secretary
Independence but remains substan- sion. Waging war with India or chief Hafiz Saeed, asking for a sep- their composition; perhaps the very The word sedition is thus ex-
tially the same though very rarely other inimical acts against the arate Kashmir, also smacks of stringent Supreme Court conditions The need for nuance tremely nuanced, and needs to be
used, as is to be expected. country will be met by other legal sedition. need to be revisited. Zakir Naik, whom India is trying to applied with caution. It is like a can-
provisions but cannot replace 124-A It would be recalled that in Kedar I say this in the backdrop of the extradite, claims he is a religious non that ought not be used to shoot
Revisiting the sedition law if a situation arises. Nath Singh v. State of Bihar, a Divi- Gorkhaland agitation, and similar preacher and has neither advocated a mouse; but the arsenal also de-
Mere criticism of the government, Advocating or raising slogans sion Bench had laid down the cri- problems elsewhere. So long as the the break-up of India nor exhorted mands possession of cannons,
or of governance, indeed of the in- about breaking up India, to my terion stressing that a necessary demand is for a separate State, it young men to join the Islamic State. mostly as a deterrent, and on occa-
stitutions of governance, however mind, constitutes sedition. Using component of sedition involves re- surely is constitutional, subject to But his words are insidious and pos- sion for shooting.
harsh, will not qualify as sedition. Afzal Guru, who carried out an at- bellion or use of arms, in conjunc- other laws in the method of expres- sibly attract the sedition charge.
From a laymans perspective, the is- tack on the high seat of democracy, tion with demand for separation sion; the issue of sedition needs to Very recently, there was a protest as told to Anuradha Raman
Preserving the NLSs FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 30, 1967
Abolition of privy purses under study

national character The Union Government has instituted a study by its legal ex-
perts on the constitutional implications of the resolution ad-
The just-approved domicile-based opted by the All-India Congress Committee giving a mandate
quota will dilute student experience to the Government to abolish privy purses and privileges of
erstwhile rulers of Indian States, it is learnt. The constitu-
Simi George tional provisions which deal with these matters are Articles
The Karnataka legislature has 291 and 362. Article 291 guarantees payment of privy purse
passed a bill proposing that from the Consolidated Fund of India in accordance with cov-
50% of seats at the National enants or agreements entered into with rulers of Indian States
Law School of India University before the commencement of the Constitution and also ex-
(NLS), Bengaluru, be reserved empts these sums from income-tax. The other Article guaran-
for students domiciled in tees the rights and privileges of the ex-rulers. The AICCs man-
Karnataka. If implemented, date, according to legal experts, cannot be carried out
this will destroy the NLSs de- without abrogating these two Articles. Such abrogation will
ining national character. require two-thirds majority of the Lok Sabha. As the Congress
The NLS gave me my irst Party does not have such strength, the Government is repor-
education in diversity. When I joined in 2003, I was assigned to ted to be banking on the support of some of the Opposition
a dormitory with an Odia, a Kannadiga, a Bihari, and two U.P.- parties, notably the two C.P.I. groups, the Samyukta Socialist
ites. I learnt to mimic a Bihari accent, heard endless tales Party and the Praja Socialist Party.
about growing up in small-town U.P., and discovered the Odia
word for stupid, which came in handy more often than you
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC A HUNDRED YEARS AGO JUNE 30, 1917
might think. We used to return from vacations to regional di- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
versity of the edible variety shami kebabs, plum cakes, Dhar-
CONCEPTUAL ACT ONE Government Control of Gold Imports.
wad pedhas, and besan laddoos. I made friends from Allahabad
and Jaipur, from Hyderabad and Lucknow, and from Kottayam Under an Ordinance issued to-day, the Government of India
and Shillong. Classmates from Bengaluru made the city feel
Regulatory Cutting tribunals to size are taking powers to acquire all imports of gold whether coin
like home. capture or bullion in the case of current sovereigns at Rs. 15, 1, or in
On my irst visit to Mumbai, I stayed with a Maharashtrian Economics The rationalisation of tribunals has raised questions the case of other coin or bullion at Rs. 17,53,344, grains troy of
classmates family, and saw the city through the eyes of her fine gold, this being equivalent to standard price for gold,
parents, witnesses to its many transformations. When I visited A phenomenon where gov- about their independence namely pound 3-17-10.5 per standard ounce. These are rates
Chennai last year, eight years after graduation, my husband ernment regulatory agen- K. Venkataramanan tions about the independ- says, has given the go-by to laid down in the Indian Paper Currency Act as those at which
and I were graciously invited home by a Tamilian classmates cies are influenced more The controversy over the ence of these adjudicatory several salutary principles gold may be held in paper currency reserve against the issue
parents. We spent a wonderful afternoon talking about by the economic interests Finance Bill, 2017, being bodies. This is because, laid down by the Supreme of currency notes. Gold coins other than current sovereigns
Mylapore, Chennais heat and its history. of special interest groups, passed as a money bill may henceforth, the qualifica- Court in 2014 to secure the will be paid for on the basis of their recognised legal finances
I have a photo from Ethnic Day, which was observed at the rather than those of the have died down, but questions, tenure, conditions of independence of tribunals. in accordance with the general custom followed at the larger
NLS every year. Im wearing a Kerala saree. There are a few general public. Regulatory tions about the legality of service, removal and A similar petition has been mints of the world-refined bars of recognised assay, 95%, on
classmates in mundus, some in kurta-pyjamas. Theres one in a capture is a form of gov- the merger of several emoluments of the chair- filed in Gujarat High Court. delivery and the balance after the Government of Indias own
ghaghra, another sporting a parandi and yet another in tradi- ernment failure, where tribunals remain alive. The persons and members of It is interesting that after assay and raw gold after assay. Notification has also been is-
tional Mizo gear. It is one of my many fond memories from the government agencies fail Bill included amendments these tribunals will all be the Finance Bill was passed, sued to-day prohibiting the import of gold except under li-
NLS. My time at the NLS remains one of the most signiicant to perform their duties. In- to legislation on multiple under the control of the an earlier 2014 Bill that cense.
foundational experiences of my life. My peers and I learnt that stead, they act against the subjects, in an attempt to Centre, thanks to an omni- sought to bring uniformity
although diferent, we are also the same in so many ways. More very interests of the gen- rationalise the functioning bus provision under Sec- in the service conditions of CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
than ever, our students need that understanding today. eral public that they are of multiple tribunals. tion 184 of the Finance Act, the presiding officers and
The NLS was not without laws. If anything, it needs more di- mandated to protect. The As a result, what used to 2017. members of various DATA POINT
versity, not less. Many of us represented a thin sliver of India idea is widely used in the be 26 tribunals are now The Madras Bar Associ- tribunals and authorities
English-speaking, urban, upper class. Even more troublingly, study of the economics of down to 19. For instance, ation has challenged in the was given up.
in a class of 80, there was not one Muslim. regulation to explain the the Competition Appellate Madras High Court the The Madras Bar Associ-
The NLS owes its genesis to visionaries from Karnataka who limits of government regu- Tribunal will be merged validity of these amend- ation has successfully chal-
acknowledged the need for a national institution dedicated to lation as a solution to mar- with the National Company ments contending that the lenged some provisions re-
excellence in legal education. At least during my time at the ket failure. It was made Law Tribunal, while Tele- independence of these lating to the National
NLS, I dont believe the student body gave enough of its time popular by George Stigler, com Dispute Appellate tribunals, before which the Company Law Tribunal as
and energies to the local community. This must be addressed, a member of the Chicago Tribunal will also do the Centre is an interested well as the National Taxa-
but not at the expense of what lies at the very core of the insti- School of Economics. work of the Cyber Law Ap- party in most matters, is tion Tribunal Act in the
tution. As you might expect, my fellow alumni are up in arms pellate Tribunal and the severely undermined. Be- past. The reconstitution of
on social media. I hope this debate sparks a broader conversa- Airports Economic Regulat- sides questioning how adju- the tribunals will be de-
tion around domicile-based quotas, particularly in the context CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC ory Authority Appellate dicatory bodies under dif- termined by the outcome of
of institutions deined by their national character. MORE ON Tribunal. Similarly, the ferent laws can be the legal challenge. The es-
There are critically important, unresolved questions relat-
ing to the new quota. What is clear is that it will irredeemably
dilute the student experience at the NLS, to the detriment of
THE WEB 3 tribunal relating to the Em-
ployees Provident Fund
will be subsumed in the In-
abolished by a money bill,
the petition also assails the
Centre taking over the en-
sential question is whether
the doctrine of separation
of powers has been violated
precisely those whom it seeks to serve. GST implementation: dustrial Tribunal. tire process of removing the and the independence of ju-
Whos in, whos not This rationalisation, presiding officers. In partic- dicial bodies compromised
http://bit.ly/GSTLaunch
Simi George is a lawyer and public policy professional however, has raised ques- ular, the government, it by the Finance Act.
CM M ND-ND
YK

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8 EDITORIAL For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017

Cow slaughter and the Constitution

For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- OPED 9

Pride in prejudice In good faith?

SINGLE FILE FROM ARCHIVES

Vying for political space Panel to study working of licensing system

Front supporters led by senior

8 EDITORIAL For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI THE HINDU

How to share intelligence

For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- OPED 9

LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE

Are we a nation of hyper-nationalists?

SINGLE FILE FROM ARCHIVES

March towards FIFTY YEARS AGO JUNE 2, 1967

Iraq warns Britain and U.S.

On June 15, 2016, just off a train ride

botched rollout. Systemic coercion had

Toiling for a toilet

Opening the door to coercion

10 NEWS For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI THE HINDU

FROM PAGE ONE

Political ties may sufer, EVM Challenge today

CPI(M) suspends MP India issues visas to ailing Indias protocol on

Singhvi stressed that the fig- A senior Home Ministry of-

Valley unrest takes a toll on Pandits festival

12 WHO WHAT WHYFor Daily Newspapers

SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2017

Jeremy ing the contribution of World War ser-

Corbyn anti-conflict views already had many of

Socialist as he laid a wreath at the ceremony. It

The lowdown Zika spread to French Polynesia, where

on the people had severe neurological symp-

What next? A year after the

Zika virus system attacks the nervous system,

...has Djokovic Slam singles titles at the same time. He

lost his Tennis, even during Roger Federer's

winning Djokovic lost his form. Such has been

touch? tournaments he has played, crashing

Bridge of the future: Prime Minister

In a T.N. out in the State, preferred to stay away.

market, trade in cows, buffaloes and bulls.

anxiety over finer details of the notification under

For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.comCOLUMNWIDTH

The modern-day no stroll zones

air conditioners. pavements, the other factor is the pollu-

When a peasant revolts Pushing the boundaries

Cryptocurrency: An idea whose time has come

8 EDITORIAL For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI THE HINDU

The economy in the time of Narendra Modi

European variation puja mehra

For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- OPED 9

Accounting for three good years FROM THE READERS EDITOR

Silencing the media is

tion cases, physical threats and the use of le-

SINGLE FILE FROM ARCHIVES

Mind the diversity President urges Bihar to look ahead

the right to assert a personal Wanted: binoculars.

8 EDITORIAL For Daily Newspapers -- Visit www.1ias.com -- NOIDA/DELHI THE HINDU

The case for a rate cut

Diplomatic mayhem growth were recovering, it would

ployment and Labour Underutil- the resolution. They will focus on

Maharashtras farmers have caught the attention of the