Landmark Legislations Diluted by Modi Regime

It was during Singh’s tenure that the landmark legislation, the Right to Information was enacted and implemented. It is tragic that just a few days before his demise, the Election Rules of 1961 have been amended by the Narendra Modi regime severely restricting people’s access to crucial information and several documents, including CCTV footage and other electronic data concerning conduct of elections.

Manmohan Singh is also deservedly credited for MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) mandating a minimum of 100 days of guaranteed wage employment every year to every rural household. It was to be put in practice by the participation of adult members willing to take up the task of unskilled manual work.

Modi Ridiculed MGNREGA

In 2015, a year after he became Prime Minister Narendra Modi ridiculed the Manmohan Singh government’s MGNREGA in the Lok Sabha, terming it a “living monument” of the Congress’ failures. When he was applauded by BJP MPs for those derisive remarks, he went on to disdainfully add, “After 60 years in power, all that you were able to deliver for the poor is to dig ditches a few days every month. Main gaaje-baaje ke saath iss smarak ka dhol peethata rahoonga (I’ll keep playing the orchestra around this monument)…. My political instinct tells me that MGNREGA should not be discontinued….”

Modi did not “play the orchestra”, but throttled it by taking many measures by cutting off funding to it and giving inadequate wage rates. When COVID hit the country and people left urban areas and fled to the villages, the wages they earned by working under MGNREGA schemes helped them to survive.

Manmohan Singh’s government stood vindicated in enacting such a legislation often hailed as the largest employment guarantee programme in the world.

During his regime (United Progressive Alliance-I) several other legislations were enacted. Some of these are Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, National Food Security Act, 2013 and Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2012. All these testify to the caring dimensions of his governance, which apart from witnessing record growth of GDP beyond 7% stressed on inclusivity.

Saving India From Global Financial Crisis

It was during Singh’s first tenure that the global financial crisis originating in the US engulfed the developed countries and crippled their economies. India was saved from those devastating effects primarily due to the economic and monetary policies followed by Singh’s government.

It is worth noting that in January 2012, Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel prize winner economist, in his lecture delivered in the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata, praised the Indian economy’s performance under the leadership of Singh by saying that the country had been doing a good job when institutions in the US and several other countries faltered. He flagged the point that a government needed to play an important role in any economy correcting pervasive market failures.

Manmohan Singh was the author of the economic reforms that resulted in the withdrawal of the State from many key areas of governance and gave centrality to the private sector in our economy.  But later, as Prime Minister, he said in many of his speeches that India was greatly saved from the global financial crisis not because of the private sector but due to the resilience of public sector enterprises and public sector banks, as the latter was never subjected to deregulation, as was done in the US.

Manmohan Singh’s leadership made him an admirable economist-statesman whose views were sought in crucial global fora to deal with recurring challenges confronted by developed countries.

Manmohan Singh Upheld Ambedkar’s Legacy

The manner in which Singh set a high benchmark of public discourse spoke volumes about his towering stature and standing as a leader. While serving as Director in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), I suggested that Prime Minister Singh, in his first address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15, 2004, should use a quote of B R Ambedkar that people who became victims of caste discrimination might give up material benefits but not their right to education. My suggestion was eventually accepted and when those words of Ambedkar were used by Singh in his first address to the nation, Prabhu Chawla, a prominent mediaperson, in a TV debate, wondered how Ambedkar was ever considered as an educationist and why Prime Minister Singh chose to quote him.

Amit Shah’s ‘Insulting’ Remarks on Ambedkar

How Manmohan Singh was unfairly targeted for invoking Ambedkar’s name in his first address to the nation should be seen in the context of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent ‘derogatory’ remark that it had become “a fashion to take the name of Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar and Ambedkar and instead if the name of God is taken then it would pave the way for heavens for seven births.” Shah, to flag the point that BJP has done more to honour Ambedkar, referred in a denunciatory manner to Jawaharlal Nehru and Congress which, he claimed, had “heaped insults” on Ambedkar. Prime Minister Modi also defended Shah by blaming Nehru and Congress.

Manmohan Singh’s Statesmanship

In contrast, Singh, to uphold the legacy of Ambedkar, never blamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindu Mahasabha or Jan Sangh for their proven record of bitterly attacking him. All these three organisations had rejected the Constitution, burnt effigies of Ambedkar and even took out his funeral procession when he piloted the Hindu Code Bill.

What Singh said while unveiling the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Ambedkar in the precincts of Kerala Assembly on September 3, 2005 testified to his statesmanship. He quoted President of India, late K R Narayanan, who while synthesising their vision had said, “If Mahatma Gandhi gave to the nationalist movement a mass dimension and a moral purpose and Jawaharlal Nehru an economic and socialist dimension, Dr Ambedkar gave it a profound social content and a challenging social-democratic vision.”

That legacy of Singh assumes added significance when attempts are being made to uphold the universal respect shown to Ambedkar and his legacy in the face of Amit Shah’s disdainful remarks.

When the nation is mourning the sad demise of Singh, it is of crucial importance to remain tuned to his high sense of civility, humility and courtesy associated with his tenure as Prime Minister (for 10 years) and leader in public life and urge the powers that be to learn lessons from his rich, instructive and enduring legacy.

The writer served as Director in the Prime Minister’s Office during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2009. The views are personal.

Courtesy: Newsclick

The post Manmohan Singh’s Legacy Has Lessons for Democratic Governance, Statesmanship appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to focus on the percentage of people vaccinated rather than absolute numbers, Dr. Manmohan Singh on April 18, 2021 suggested ramping up the vaccination effort.

Former Prime Minister Singh wrote to the current bearer of that office, in wake of rising panic among people waiting for life to return to normalcy. In an effort to address this fear, Dr. Singh recommended that the central government publicise the place-and-accepted orders for doses over the next six months. Further, the government should also announce how the supply will be distributed across states.

“The Centre could retain 10 percent for distribution based on emergency needs, but other than that, states should have a clear signal of likely availability so that they can plan their roll out,” suggested Dr. Singh.

Regarding states, Dr. Singh suggested that respective governments be allowed to define frontline workers who can be vaccinated even if they are under 45 years of age. He also recommended that the government proactively support vaccine producers to expand their manufacturing facilities by providing funds and other concessions. For this, compulsory license provisions can be invoked so that various companies can produce the vaccine under a license.

“I have read that Israel has already invoked the compulsory licensing provision and there is an overwhelming case for India to do so as well quickly,” said Singh.

In light of limited domestic supplies, Singh also suggested import sans domestic bridging trials of any vaccine that has been cleared for use by credible authorities such as the European Medical Agency or the USFDA.

“I understand experts are of the view that this relaxation is justified in an emergency. It could be for a limited period during which the bridging trials could be completed in India. All consumers of such vaccines could be duly cautioned that these vaccines are being allowed for use based on the approval granted by the relevant authority abroad,” said Singh.

The detailed letter can be seen below:

Related:

BJP has no authority to hoard Remdesivir during shortage: AAP
State is heading towards a health emergency: Jharkhand HC
Gujarat HC directs State to be honest about Covid data
Covid-19: Centre fast tracks emergency approvals for foreign produced vaccines

The post Manmohan Singh offers advice to PM Modi on how to fight Covid-19 appeared first on SabrangIndia.

India observes ‘National Voters’ Day’ once again on January 25. Thanks to the stewardship of the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union Cabinet of the UPA Government in 2011 decided that 25 January, which is the anniversary of the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the eve of Republic Day, would be designated as a special day for the voters of India.
 
The main objective of the day is to encourage more young voters to take part in the political process and it is also an opportunity to make people aware that voting is both a right and a duty. The hallmark of a vibrant democracy is the power and the ability of the people to exercise their franchise freely and fearlessly. An analysis of past elections in India provides a fairly good picture of the number of people who cast their votes. In most cases, it was between 55% to 65%. However, in the last General Elections of 2014, a record-breaking 66.38% had exercised their franchise. Experts say that this too is not enough, we need to reach at least 80%.
 
These percentages only reflect the people who are on the electoral rolls. There are millions in our country whose names are not registered to vote. Several are just lazy or apathetic about ensuring that their names are registered. Many are disenfranchised. These include the poor, homeless, displaced/refugees, migrant workers, minorities, those in prison, the disabled and more. One of the subtlest ways in which a registered voter is denied to exercise their franchise on the day of elections is because their name has ‘mysteriously’ disappeared from the electoral rolls. The polling officers say that they cannot do anything about it. Denying several legitimate voters their right to vote has often changed the result of specific constituencies in the past.
 
In many countries, the ‘right to vote’ is a fundamental right, but in India, it is just a legal right. All should, however, regard that exercising one’s franchise is a sacred duty.
 
In a few days from now, the ECI is expected to announce the dates of the General Elections 2019. These are expected to take place in different phases between mid-April and mid-May.
 
Whilst voting cannot and should never be made compulsory, here are some guidelines, which could be helpful for all:
 

1. It is the RIGHT and DUTY of every citizen of India, above the age of 18 years to exercise their vote.

 

1. Immediately visit the website of the Election Commission of India (https://eci.gov.in/) or their National Voters’ Services Portal http://www.nvsp.in.

 

1. Download the VOTER HELPLINE app from the Playstore.

 

1. Join the campaign to allow Indians on the Move to vote from their current location in 2019 Elections #LostVotes (https://www.change.org/p/election-commission-of-india-make-it-possible-for-every-indian-to-vote)

 
Some guidelines:
 
I.               THE ELECTORAL ROLL:
 
•          if you are above 18 years of age (on January 1st) and a citizen of India, you must have your name on the Electoral Rolls (ER).
•          It is a basic and important identity for every adult citizen of India.
•          Immediately check whether your name is on the ER (by visiting  http://www.nvsp.in) or your State CEO website/ Taluka Office/ Collector’s Office.
•          All changes/updates can be made online (the current deadline is 30 January).
•          Fill Form 6 to include your name in the ER.
•          Fill Form 7 for any objection or inclusion of name/s.
•          Fill Form 8 for correction of entries in ER.
•          Write your complaints to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of your State and to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Delhi.
•          Always retain copies of your application/letters, signed by the receiving Officer, for further reference.
•          Ensure that you have the Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC.) (Remember that having an EPIC does NOT mean that your name is on the ER – check if your name is registered on the ER.)
•          Check periodical advertisements in National/Regional newspapers regarding the updating of the ER of your state; adhere to their deadlines.
•          Help the poor, vulnerable, differently-abled have their names included on the ER.
 
II.              POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT:
 
•          Get involved in mainstream politics.
•          Encourage/ support political parties which focus on governance and issues related to transparency, human rights, justice and peace and the safeguarding of the Constitutional rights of all.
•          Check out the candidates/the parties you wish to promote for a particular seat.
•          Even if a candidate is ‘good’ we must be cautious of the party/ideology they represent.
•          Don’t be swayed by ‘empty’ promises
•          Organize public debates/ dialogue with them and assess their views/opinions/ promises/ track-records.
•          Study their ‘Election Manifesto’ of the previous elections and based on the new manifesto see whether the ruling party/ sitting candidate has fulfilled the promises made.
•          Assess their views on the poor and on discriminated/ vulnerable communities like the tribals, Dalits, women, children, minorities, differently abled and oriented persons and also on critical subjects like human rights, water, education, RTI, demonetization, food security, ecology, employment, agriculture, health, displacement, nuclearization, military warfare, governance and globalization.
•          Download (from 30 January) the HATE HATAO app from the Playstore.
•          think of the FUTURE of the Country; don’t be myopic and/or selfish or exclusive.
 
III.            ON VOTING DAY:
 
•          Cast your vote FEARLESSLY
•          Encourage all others to cast their votes freely.
•          Vote for a candidate (or the party that is being represented) that is NOT corrupt, criminal, communal and/or casteist, fundamentalist, fascist or fanatic.
•          If you notice any bogus voting, rigging or booth capturing, bring it to the notice of the police / Election Officers immediately and preferably in writing.
•          Make sure that the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) you use – works correctly (there is plenty of controversy/debate regarding the possibility of EVMs being hacked.)
•          You have the right to exercise your franchise as “None of the Above” (NOTA) under Rule 49 – O
 
IV.            AFTER ELECTIONS:
 
•          Find out the complete details of your elected representative (name, address, telephone/fax nos., email id, website/blog, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and other social media accounts.)
•          Arrange meetings with organizations, villages/ groups to invite the representative to share his/ her views about the area for the next five years.
•          Ensure that you keep in touch with him/ her constantly, make them accountable.
•          Remember that they have budgetary allocations for their constituency; find out for what programmes this money is being utilized for.
•          Insist that your views/ concerns are voiced in the assembly/ parliament.
•          Ensure that they do NOT endorse any draconian or anti-people legislation.
•          Remind the representative that as a voter, you have a right to ask for his/ her resignation for non-performance (we do not have the power ‘to recall’ in India.)
•          Don’t be taken up by their freebies or their ‘bribes’.
 
V.             REGARDING CONCERNS / COMPLAINTS:
 
•          Any concern/complaint in the context of the Electoral Rolls must be sent in writing (registered post/ courier) immediately to your State CEO/the CEC.
•          Serious concerns like the disenfranchisement of a whole community, a village must be brought to the notice of:  
The Chief Election Commissioner of India, 
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110 001. https://ecicitizenservices.eci.nic.in/default.aspx
email: complaints@eci.gov.in 
Control Room: 23052220, 23052221.

•          The above may also be informed about any irregularities regarding the elections.
 
VI.            OTHER INFORMATION:
 
•          Visit/read the section on “Systematic Voter’s Education & Electoral Participation (SVEEP)” posted on the ECI website for detailed information.
•          Use “The Right to Information” – to obtain essential information of a political party/ candidate / elected representative.
 
National Voters Day should be celebrated in India every January 25.
 
It is said that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Exercising one’s right to vote is the first step towards this.

Share, circulate, publish, post this article, information with as many as possible, translate it into vernacular languages, etc.

We all know that the coming General Elections will be critical for the future of the country. Preparing oneself adequately, exercising our Constitutional right to vote and realizing that it is also a sacred duty- is the least we can do as responsible citizens of our beloved India.

Fr Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights activist. Contact cedricprakash@gmail.com.

The post A short guide on your voting rights and duties ahead of 2019 polls appeared first on SabrangIndia.