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| Dr Chhetri addressing the meeting. |
KalimNews: In a surprise appearance, Dr. H. B. Chhetri, MLA, Kalimpong gave attendance to a regularly held monthly literary programme Basibiyalo today. After being elected public representative in the state assembly from Kalimpong segment and his involvement in the active politics since the last three years, Dr. Chhetri had not been able to spare adequate time to such literary functions that he prefers to attend.
While speaking in the informal programme Dr. Chhetri expressed his inability to attend Basibiyalo due to political obligations despite his desire. He, however, assured all out helps to the forthcoming event of Basibiyalo slated to be held in November this year at national level. Remembering the infant stages of this popular programme Basibiyalo, Dr. Chhetri equated this forum as lungs of the tiny himalayan town Kalimpong as it used to ventilate the emotions and feelings of the constructive writers and artists during that time. He was referring to the situation prevailing during the time of the GNLF when the constructive artists and literary figures were directly or indirectly not allowed to organise such functions due to unknown reasons.
It may be recalled that Bhanu Lama, the then councillor of Lopchu-Peshok constituency had not allowed to hold special episode of Basibiyalo at the confluence of Teesta and Rangeet rivers during his tenure. Dr. Chhetri, also suggested the Basibiyalo to present a blue print before him for construction of a cultural centre mainly to make it a meeting point of the creative artists and literary figures.
While speaking in the informal programme Dr. Chhetri expressed his inability to attend Basibiyalo due to political obligations despite his desire. He, however, assured all out helps to the forthcoming event of Basibiyalo slated to be held in November this year at national level. Remembering the infant stages of this popular programme Basibiyalo, Dr. Chhetri equated this forum as lungs of the tiny himalayan town Kalimpong as it used to ventilate the emotions and feelings of the constructive writers and artists during that time. He was referring to the situation prevailing during the time of the GNLF when the constructive artists and literary figures were directly or indirectly not allowed to organise such functions due to unknown reasons.
It may be recalled that Bhanu Lama, the then councillor of Lopchu-Peshok constituency had not allowed to hold special episode of Basibiyalo at the confluence of Teesta and Rangeet rivers during his tenure. Dr. Chhetri, also suggested the Basibiyalo to present a blue print before him for construction of a cultural centre mainly to make it a meeting point of the creative artists and literary figures.
Earlier Hira Chhetri narrated his recent visit to Shantiniketan and Kolkata to represent the Nepali language on the occasion of celebration of 150th birth anniversary of poet Rabindra Nath Tagore. He also thanked and honoured young translators Mukesh Thakur and Anup Moktan who had translated Chhetri's short story into Hindi and English respectively.
Other prominent personalities present during today's programme were educationist B.R. Chhetri, Prof. Sanjay Bista, Journalist Rudra Karki and others.
चुनाउपछि पहिलोपल्ट साहित्यिक कार्यक्रममा विधायक - बसिबियॉंलो कालेबुङको फोक्सो हो - डा. हर्क
कालेबुङ, 27 अगस्त: बसिबियॉंलो -ले कालेबुङका सर्जकहरूलाई कठिन समयमा पनि सास फेर्ने मौका दिएको छ। यो कालेबुङको निम्ति फोक्सो हो। दुइजना मान्छे भेला हुँदा पनि वक्रदृष्टिले हेरिने समयमा, सिर्जना र कलाको सम्मान नभएको समयमा पनि यो मञ्चले स्थानीय साहित्यिक र कलाकारहरूलाई उन्मुक्त स्थान दिएर आफ्नो मनको भँड़ास पोख्ने अवसर दिने गरेको थियो।
बसिबियॉंलो -लाई केवल समयकटनीको रुपमा होइन तर गम्भीर रुपमा समाजले ग्रहण गर्नुपर्ने समय आएको छ। बसिबियॉंलो -मा आज आउने सिकारुहरूले तिख्रिँदै गएर भोलिको दिनमा सम्पूर्ण नेपालीभाषी संसारको प्रतिनिधिको रुपमा उभिन सक्ने क्षमता विकास गर्न सक्छन्। मान्छे मरेर गएपछि उसको सम्पत्तीको गन्ती हुँदैन तर उसले के काम गरेर गयो त्यसको सम्झना हुन्छ। कुनै पनि स्थान, समाज र जातिको सभ्यताको नापजोख गर्ने काम त्यहॉंको साहित्य र सिर्जना हेरेर गरिन्छ। यसैले बसिबियॉंलो -ले आज कुनै मान्यताबिना, कुनै सरकारी सहयोग बिना, कुनै पञ्जीकरण बिना साहित्य र सिर्जनाको क्षेत्रमा जुन काम गरेर गइरहेको छ त्यो अन्य साहित्यिक सङ्गठनहरूका निम्ति अनुकरणीय रहेको छ।
कालेबुङ विधानसभा समष्टिबाट चुनिएपछि प्रथमपल्ट यहॉंको साहित्यिक कार्यक्रममा आफ्नो उपस्थिति दिँदै स्थानीय विधायक डा. हर्कबहादुर छेत्रीले उक्त मन्तव्य पोखे। स्वयम् पनि समालोचक र कवि रहेका विधायक डा. छेत्रीले नेपाली साहित्यका कृतिहरूको अनुवाद अन्य भाषामा हुनुपर्ने विषयमा चलेको चर्चामाथि आफ्नो मन्तव्य पोख्दै अनुवादकहरूमा लक्ष्यित भाषाको आवश्यक ज्ञान हुनुपर्ने वाञ्छनीयतामाथि बल दिए अनि नेपाली साहित्यको स्तरीय रचनालाई मात्रै अनुवाद गर्ने प्रयास गरिनुपर्ने उनले बताए। यसो हुँदा अन्य भाषामा नेपाली भाषाको सर्वोत्कृष्ट कृतिहरू रुपान्तरित हुने अनि त्यसले सम्पूर्ण नेपाली साहित्यको असरदार छवि अन्य अनेपाली समाजमा प्रस्तुत गर्ने उनले बताए। हालमा आफू राजनैतिक कार्यकर्ताको रुपमा व्यस्त रहेको कारण यस प्रकारका कार्यक्रममा उपस्थित हुन नसकिरहेकोमा खेद प्रकट गर्दै उनले बसिबियॉंलो -मा भने मौका मिलेको खण्डमा समय दिने गरेको उनले बताए अनि यस कार्यक्रमको सामाजिक महत्ताबारे प्रकाश पारे।
आगामी नोभेम्बर महिनामा सम्पन्न हुने दुइ दिनव्यापी राष्ट्रिय स्तरको बसिबियॉंलो कार्यक्रममा आफूले यथासक्य सहयोग पुर्याउने प्रतिश्रुति दिँदै विधायक छेत्रीले कालेबुङमा एउटा सांस्कृतिक केन्द्रको आवश्यकता रहेको अनुभव पोखे। यस दिशामा बसिबियॉंलो परिवारलाई आवश्यक प्रस्ताव प्रस्तुत गर्ने सुझाउ राख्दै डा. छेत्रीले कुनै पनि सभ्य अनि शिक्षित ठाउँमा एउटा सांस्कृतिक केन्द्रको स्थापना हुने गरेको बताए। उनले कालेबुङमा पनि साहित्यप्रेमी, कलाकार, सर्जकहरूलाई दैनन्दिनीको अस्तव्यस्ततादेखि आराम र विश्राम लिनका लागि अनि मनमिल्नेहरूसित बसेर बातचित गर्नका लागि एउटा भेटघाटको थलो हुनुपर्ने आवश्यकता अनुभव गर्दै डा. छेत्रीले यस कार्यका लागि उनले आफ्नो तर्फबाट विधायकको नातामा सहयोग पुर्याउने वचनबद्धता दोहोर्याए।
आज यहॉंको महकुमा पुस्तकालयमा आगामी बसिबियॉंलो-को शतकीय प्रकरणको प्रारुप तयार गर्नका लागि डाकिएको महत्त्वपूर्ण सभामा वरिष्ठ शिक्षाविद् बी. आर. छेत्रीले आफ्नो मन्तव्य पोख्दै नेपाली भाषाको व्यावहारिक परिस्थितिमाथि चर्चा गरे। यसरी नै पत्रकार रुद्र कार्की, प्राध्यापक सञ्जय विष्ट, हर्क परियार, शिबु छेत्री आदिले पनि अनुवाद साहित्यमाथि आफ्नो विचार प्रकट गरे।
कार्यक्रमको पहिलो चरणमा बसिबियॉंलो -का सदस्य तथा युवा साहित्यकार हीरा छेत्रीले भर्खरै शान्तिनिकेतन अनि कलकत्तामा आफूले सहभागिता जनाएको विश्वकवि रवीन्द्रनाथ ठाकुरको जन्मोत्सवको कार्यक्रमका अनुभवहरू पोखे। उनले आफूलाई उक्त कार्यक्रममा प्रस्तुत गर्ने रचनाका अनुवादकद्वय हिन्दीका मुकेश ठाकुर अनि अङ्ग्रेजीका अनुप मोक्तानप्रति कृतज्ञता प्रकट गर्दै सम्मान जनाए।
आजको कार्यक्रममा वरिष्ठ साहित्यकार श्रीमती सानुमती राई, ज्ञान सुतार, टी. एन. सुवेदी आदि लयागत युवा साहित्यकारहरूको विशेष उपस्थिति रहेको थियो।
उल्लेखनीय छ, लगातार आयोजना भएर आइरहेको मासिक वैचारिक गोष्ठी बसिबियॉंलो -ले कालेबुङमा 100 -औं प्रकरण पूर्ण गरिसकेको छ। यसै उपलक्ष्यमा आगामी 5 अनि 6 नोभेम्बरका दिन राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा बसिबियॉंलो कार्यक्रम सञ्चालन गर्नका लागि एउटा समितिको गठन गरिएको छ। बहुभाषीय रूपमा सम्पन्न हुने तय गरिएको उक्त दुइ दिवसीय कार्यक्रममा भारतका अन्य भाषाका लेखक-कविहरूलाई पनि निमन्त्रणा गरेर नेपाली साहित्यसित परिचित गराइने मूल ध्येय राखिएको जानकारी शतकीय प्रकरणका मूल संयोजक शमसेर अलीले दिएका छन्।
Bhaichung in United Sikkim FC
TT, GANGTOK, August 27: Having served with distinction for the Indian national football team for sixteen long years, a now-retired Bhaichung Bhutia is devoting his full time to his United Sikkim FC aiming to make the Gangtok based club the finest in the country.
“I am still involved with football. I am still in ground playing with my club. I am devoting myself to United Sikkim FC and my immediate top aim to qualify the club in the I-League. I am engrossed with my club”, said Bhaichung who co-owns the club launched earlier this year.
“The club has a completely new squad for this season and has progressed well in the past two months. Everybody has worked hard and doing their best. The team has huge potential to qualify in the I-League”, said Bhaichung keenly watching today’s practice session of United Sikkim at Paljor Staduim.
“For the past seven months I have been too busy with United Sikkim though I was not playing much with the club. There were lots of meetings to attend and fulfill different commitments for the club like running around to sign players and settle them here in Sikkim. More or less the club with its 35 players are settling here in Sikkim”, said Bhaichung.
Regarding the question whether he is a player or an administrator for United Sikkim, Bhaichung asserted: “I am still a player and I will play for United Sikkim but yes I do have other responsibilities for the club. I am enjoying both the responsibilities, playing and keeping the players settled and happy in United Sikkim”.
Bhaichung is still recovering from a calf injury and hamstring. “It is very difficult to say how soon I can play for my club. If things go well, I could play in the second round of the Federation Cup”, he said.
The Federation Cup qualifiers being from the second week of September at Kolkata and United Sikkim has been clubbed with Southern Samity, Royal Wahingdoh and ONGC in Group B.
United Sikkim’s star midfielder Renedy Singh is expected to join the club soon from the national team camp at New Delhi.
Bhaichung in United Sikkim FC
TT, GANGTOK, August 27: Having served with distinction for the Indian national football team for sixteen long years, a now-retired Bhaichung Bhutia is devoting his full time to his United Sikkim FC aiming to make the Gangtok based club the finest in the country.
“I am still involved with football. I am still in ground playing with my club. I am devoting myself to United Sikkim FC and my immediate top aim to qualify the club in the I-League. I am engrossed with my club”, said Bhaichung who co-owns the club launched earlier this year.
“The club has a completely new squad for this season and has progressed well in the past two months. Everybody has worked hard and doing their best. The team has huge potential to qualify in the I-League”, said Bhaichung keenly watching today’s practice session of United Sikkim at Paljor Staduim.
“For the past seven months I have been too busy with United Sikkim though I was not playing much with the club. There were lots of meetings to attend and fulfill different commitments for the club like running around to sign players and settle them here in Sikkim. More or less the club with its 35 players are settling here in Sikkim”, said Bhaichung.
Regarding the question whether he is a player or an administrator for United Sikkim, Bhaichung asserted: “I am still a player and I will play for United Sikkim but yes I do have other responsibilities for the club. I am enjoying both the responsibilities, playing and keeping the players settled and happy in United Sikkim”.
Bhaichung is still recovering from a calf injury and hamstring. “It is very difficult to say how soon I can play for my club. If things go well, I could play in the second round of the Federation Cup”, he said.
The Federation Cup qualifiers being from the second week of September at Kolkata and United Sikkim has been clubbed with Southern Samity, Royal Wahingdoh and ONGC in Group B.
United Sikkim’s star midfielder Renedy Singh is expected to join the club soon from the national team camp at New Delhi.
तीन स्तरमा क्रामाकपाले आन्दोलन गर्ने - राज्यलाई हजार सय करोड दिएर 6 सय करोड ल्याउनु जीटीएको उपलब्धी होइन-राई
मनोज वोगटी, कालिमन्युज, कालेबुङ, 27 अगस्त। सद्भावना र समप्रितिको निम्ति निकालेको पथयात्रालाई सिलगढीमा अवरोध गर्नु राज्य सरकारले साम्प्रादायिक शक्तिलाई बङ्गालमा स्थापित गर्नु रहेको क्रामाकपाले जनाएको छ। क्रामाकपा महासचिव तारामणि राईले बङ्गालबाट मुक्ति नभई गोर्खाहरूको चिन्हारीको समस्याको समाधान नहुने अनि भारतवर्षभरिका गोर्खाहरूको राजनैतिक सुरक्षा नहुने बताउँदै गोर्खा जनमुक्ति मोर्चाले हस्ताक्षर गरेको अनि लागू हुन नसकेको जीटीएले चिन्हारी र राजनैतिक सुरक्षा दुवै नदिने बताए। राईले भने, आमरा बाङ्गाली, बङ्गला भाषा बचाओ समिति, शिव सेना जस्ता साम्प्रादायिक सङ्गठनहरूलाई पालेर क्रामाकपाको गणतान्त्रिक पहललाई दबाउनु, यस पहलमा पुलिस बल नै लगाउनुबाट स्पष्ट हुन्छ कि राज्य सरकारको दृष्टिकोणमा कुनै परिवर्तन छैन।
तिनले गोर्खाहरुले दिल्लीमा कुनै पनि गणतान्त्रिक कार्यक्रम गर्न अनुमति पाउँछ, आफ्नै राज्यमा किन पाउँदैन? आफ्नै आँगनमा किन पाउँदैन?भन्ने प्रश्न उठाउँदै अझ भने, बङ्गाल दुइवटा छ, एउटा पोलिटिकल एउटा इन्टलेक्चुवल। हामी दुवै बङ्गाललाई गोर्खाहरूको आन्दोलन साम्प्रादायिक होइन भनेर बुझाउन चहान्छौं तर राज्य सरकारले यो पहलमा बाधा उत्पन्न गर्छ। यसको सोझो अर्थ निस्कन्छ कि बङ्गाल जाति विभेदको पक्षमा छ।
घरि क्रामाकपाले जीटीएको विरोध गर्छ घरि पक्षमा रहेको जस्तो दोधारे कुरा किन गर्छ भन्ने प्रश्न गर्दा तिनले भने, क्रामाकपा बिकासको विरोधमा छैन, जीटीएले विकास गर्छ भने हाम्रो विरोध छैन तर मोर्चाले जीटीएले नै चिन्हारीको पचास प्रतिसत समस्या समाधान गर्छ भनेर जुन भ्रम उत्पन्न गर्दैछ त्यसको भने विरोध गर्छ। क्रामाकपा स्पष्ट छ, कि जीटीएले मोर्चा भन्ने राजनैतिक दलको समस्या समाधान गर्ला तर गोर्खाहरूको गर्दैन। मोर्चा भनेको देशभरिको गोर्खा होइन तर आन्दोलन भनेको देशभरिका गोर्खा हो। देशभरिका गोर्खाहरूको चिह्नारी र राजनैतिक सुरक्षाको सवालमा नै छुट्टैराज्यको दाबी गरिएको हो। राज्यले मात्र देशभरिका गोर्खाहरूको चिह्नारी र राजनैतिक सुरक्षा हुन्छ जो जीटीएले हुँदैन। हाम्रो भनाइ स्पष्ट छ कि हामीले तीनवटा महकुमाका गोर्खाहरूको कुरा गरेका होइनौं, देशभरिका गोर्खाहरूको कुरा गरेका हौं। हामीलाई थाहा छ कि गार्खाल्याण्ड राज्य हुन गाह्रो छ तर असम्भव छैन। तिनले क्रामाकपाले मोर्चा सरकारबीचको तालमेल र सम्झौतालाई वास्ता नराख्ने तर आन्दोलनको नाममा भइरहेको धोका बारे भने जनतालाई अवगत गराउँदै आफ्नो आन्दोलनलाई राज्य केन्द्रित नगरेर राष्ट्रिय बनाउने बताए।
तिनले भने, आन्दोलनको रूपरेखा तीनस्तरमा बनाइएको छ। एउटा हो क्षेत्रीयस्तरमा गणतान्त्रिकरूपले गरिनुपर्ने सबैप्रकारका कार्यक्रम, दोस्रो हो राष्ट्रभरिका अन्य जातिलाई गोर्खाहरूको अधिकारको औचित्य बुझाउने अनि तेस्रो हो संसदीय क्षेत्रमा सहमति बनाउने। अहिले भइरहेका कार्यक्रमहरू टोकन कार्यक्रम मात्र हुन्। तिनले जीटीएको विरोध नगरेपनि जीटीए आफैले उत्पन्न गरेका अन्तर विरोधहरूले अनि क्रामाकपाका कार्यक्रमहरूले नै जनतामा वास्तविकता र गद्दारी चिन्ने वातावरण तयार पार्ने बताउँदै भने, जीटीए उनीहरूको कुरा हो। छुट्टैराज्यको निम्ति गरिरहेको आन्दोलन विकाससित साट्छ अनि आन्दोलनलाई बाधा हुँदैन भनेर लेख्दै आन्दोलन गर्न नसक्ने परिस्थिति बनाउँछ, त्यसमा हाम्रो दोष छैन।
तर मोर्चाले आफूहरूले आन्दोलन नगरेपनि हाम्रो आन्दोलनलाई बाधा उत्पन्न गर्नेछैन। तिनले जीटीएको आर्थिक क्षमताको कुरामा निरुपणीय दृष्टि राख्दै भने, जीटीएले 6 सय करोड पाउने रहेछ। तर हामी बिजुली मात्र बेच्यौं भनेर हजार करोड पाउँछौं। बन्यसम्पद छ, गाडीको रेभिन्यु मात्र वर्षमा 20 करोड हुन्छ। चियाबाट मात्र ज्योतिबसुको पालोमा 10 हजार करोड आम्दानी गर्थ्यो। यस्ता आर्थिक सम्भाव्यताका हजारौं आधारहरू छन्। क्रामाकपाले यसको पुस्तक नै पनि प्रकाशित गरिसकेको छ। हजार सय करोड रेभिन्यु राज्य सरकारलाई दिएर 6 सय करोड पाउनु गोर्खाहरूको उपलब्धी होइन। जनताले यी कुराहरू बुझ्नेछन्। जनताले असली आन्दोलनकारी दललाई नचिनेसम्म, आफै समीक्षा गरेर आन्दोलन नचिनेसम्म छुट्टैराज्य पाउनसक्ने परिस्थिति निर्माण हुन सक्दैन। क्रामाकपा तर प्रयासरत छ।
यता मोर्चाले गोर्खाल्याण्डको निम्ति सीमाङ्कनको कुरामा जोर दिइरहेको छ भने अर्कोतिर सुवास घिसिङले छोडेको दार्जीलिङको सिलगढी महकुमालाईलाई यसपल्ट पनि हात काटेर नै छोडिरहेको छ। भागोपको टास्क फोर्सका अध्यक्ष आर मोक्तानले बताए अनुसार आखिरमा गोरामुमोले जस्तै गोजमुमोले पनि सिलगढी छोडिरहेको छ। 70 को दशकमा दार्जीलिङमा स्थापित जिल्ला परिषद चारवटा महकुमालाई लिएर सञ्चालित हुनेगर्थ्यो तर सुवास घिसिङले गोर्खाल्याण्डको कुरा गर्दै दागोपाप थापेपछि सिलगढीलाई छोडेका थिए। दागोपापबाट बाहिर रहेको सिलगढीमा महकुमा परिषद सञ्चालन भइरहेको छ। दागोपाप खारेज भएपछि दार्जीलिङ जिल्लाले आफ्नो पुरानो स्वरूप पाउनुपर्ने हो तर दागोपापको साटोमा गोजमुमोले ल्याएको जीटीएमा पनि सिलगढी नपस्ने भयो। मोक्तान अनुसार जीटीएमा त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायतको अधिकार दिइएको छ। तर त्रिस्तरीय पञ्चायत दागोपापको तीन महकुमा नै सञ्चालन हुने स्पष्ट छ। किन भने सम्झौतापत्रमा जीटीए क्षेत्रमा मात्र त्रिस्तरीय पञ्चायतको चुनाउ हुने उल्लेख गरिएको छ।
जीटीए भनेको दगोपाप को क्षेत्रमा स्थापित अर्को व्यवस्था हो। संविधान अनुसार दागोपाप क्षेत्रमा त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायत सम्भव छैन, दागोपाप भनेको केवल तीनवटा महकुमा हो अनि त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायतको निम्ति चारवटा महकुमा सिलगढी, दार्जीलिङ, कालेबुङ अनि खरसाङ रहेको पुरै जिल्ला चाहिन्छ। मोक्तानले भने, त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायत भने जिल्ला परिषदको कुरा हो। जिल्ला परिषदको गठन केवल तीनवटा महकुमालाई लिएर गठन गरिँदैन। यसको निम्ति दार्जीलिङ पूर्ण जिल्ला हुनुपर्छ। सिलगढी पनि दार्जीलिङको महकुमा हो। दार्जीलिङ भनेको पार्सियल्ली एक्सक्लुडेड एरिया हो। 13 अप्रेल 1954 मा एब्जर्ब एरिया एक्ट ल्याएर पश्चिम बङ्गालमा दार्जीलिङ जिल्लालाई एब्जर्ब गरिएको हो मर्ज गरिएको होइन। एब्जर्ब र मर्ज भिन्ना भिन्नै कुरा हो। यसकारण छुट्टैराज्य गठन गर्नको निम्ति पूर्ण दार्जीलिङ जिल्लाको आवश्यकता पर्छ। छुट्टैराज्यको सवालले बङ्गाल विभाजनलाई इङ्गित गर्दैन। बङ्गालबाट मुक्तिको कुरा गर्छ। बङ्गालबाट दार्जीलिङ जिल्लालाई डिएब्जर्ब गरिनुपर्छ।
तिनले यसो नभई अनि अघिबाट नै गोर्खाल्याण्डको मानचित्रबाट सिलगढीलाई बाहिर राखिएको हुँदा हुँदै पनि जुन जीटीएको हस्ताक्षर भयो यो यसकारण ऐतिहासिक भूल बनेको पनि स्पष्ट पारे। तिनले भने, यसो त अघिबाट नै दार्जीलिङ-जलपाईगुडी डेभलोपमेन्ट कर्पोरेशन गठन गर्नुपर्ने तर सिलगढी- जलपाईगुढी डेभलोपमेन्ट कर्पोरेशन गठन गरिएको छ। अघिबाट नै सिलगढी ज महकुमासित जिल्ला जोडेर कर्पोरेशन गठन गर्नु अनि दार्जीलिङ जिल्लालाई छोड्नु सिलगडी अघोषित जिल्ला हो भनेक सन्देश दिनु रहेको अनि यस्तो अवस्थामा पनि मोर्चाले सिलगडीलाई अनदेखा गर्दै अनि राज्य सरकारले पनि कानून समेतलाई अनदेखा गरेर तीनवटा महकुमामा त्रिस्तरीय चुनाउको कुरामा हस्ताक्षर गर्नु गोर्खाल्याण्डको सवालमा ठूलो षडयन्त्र हो। जीटीएबाट पनि सिलगढीलाई छोड्नु भनेको गोर्खाल्याण्डको निम्ति गलत कदम चलाउनु रहेको भन्दै तिनले चार महकुमामा नै त्रिस्तरीय पञ्चायतको कुरा हुनुपर्ने कुरामा जोड दिएका छन्।
डुवर्स त टाडाको कुरा जीटीएले सिलगढी पनि जानीजानी छोड्दैछ-मोक्तान
मनोज वोगटी, कालिमन्युज, कालेबुङ, 27 अगस्त। केन्द्र सरकार, राज्य सरकार अनि मोर्चाबीच हस्ताक्षर गरिएको गोर्खाल्याण्ड टेरिटोरी एड्मिनिष्ट्रेशन यसपल्टको ग्रीष्मकालीन सत्रमा बीलकोरूपमा नआएकोले मोर्चाको टाउको दुखाई भइरहेको छ। अर्कोतिर सत्रको अन्तिम घडीमा यो बील आउन सक्ने लख पनि मोर्चा शिविरबाट काटिएको छ। गोर्खाल्याण्डको मागलाई नपन्साई विकासको निम्ति हस्ताक्षर गरिएको जीटीएमा सीमाङ्कनको कुरा धेरै विवादमा आएको थियो। यसको निम्ति केन्द्र, राज्य, मोर्चा अनि डुवर्सका प्रतिनिधिहरू रहेको उच्चक्षमतासीन कमिटीको पनि गठन भइसकेको छ तर काम भने गरेको छैन।यता मोर्चाले गोर्खाल्याण्डको निम्ति सीमाङ्कनको कुरामा जोर दिइरहेको छ भने अर्कोतिर सुवास घिसिङले छोडेको दार्जीलिङको सिलगढी महकुमालाईलाई यसपल्ट पनि हात काटेर नै छोडिरहेको छ। भागोपको टास्क फोर्सका अध्यक्ष आर मोक्तानले बताए अनुसार आखिरमा गोरामुमोले जस्तै गोजमुमोले पनि सिलगढी छोडिरहेको छ। 70 को दशकमा दार्जीलिङमा स्थापित जिल्ला परिषद चारवटा महकुमालाई लिएर सञ्चालित हुनेगर्थ्यो तर सुवास घिसिङले गोर्खाल्याण्डको कुरा गर्दै दागोपाप थापेपछि सिलगढीलाई छोडेका थिए। दागोपापबाट बाहिर रहेको सिलगढीमा महकुमा परिषद सञ्चालन भइरहेको छ। दागोपाप खारेज भएपछि दार्जीलिङ जिल्लाले आफ्नो पुरानो स्वरूप पाउनुपर्ने हो तर दागोपापको साटोमा गोजमुमोले ल्याएको जीटीएमा पनि सिलगढी नपस्ने भयो। मोक्तान अनुसार जीटीएमा त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायतको अधिकार दिइएको छ। तर त्रिस्तरीय पञ्चायत दागोपापको तीन महकुमा नै सञ्चालन हुने स्पष्ट छ। किन भने सम्झौतापत्रमा जीटीए क्षेत्रमा मात्र त्रिस्तरीय पञ्चायतको चुनाउ हुने उल्लेख गरिएको छ।
जीटीए भनेको दगोपाप को क्षेत्रमा स्थापित अर्को व्यवस्था हो। संविधान अनुसार दागोपाप क्षेत्रमा त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायत सम्भव छैन, दागोपाप भनेको केवल तीनवटा महकुमा हो अनि त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायतको निम्ति चारवटा महकुमा सिलगढी, दार्जीलिङ, कालेबुङ अनि खरसाङ रहेको पुरै जिल्ला चाहिन्छ। मोक्तानले भने, त्रिस्तरीय ग्राम पञ्चायत भने जिल्ला परिषदको कुरा हो। जिल्ला परिषदको गठन केवल तीनवटा महकुमालाई लिएर गठन गरिँदैन। यसको निम्ति दार्जीलिङ पूर्ण जिल्ला हुनुपर्छ। सिलगढी पनि दार्जीलिङको महकुमा हो। दार्जीलिङ भनेको पार्सियल्ली एक्सक्लुडेड एरिया हो। 13 अप्रेल 1954 मा एब्जर्ब एरिया एक्ट ल्याएर पश्चिम बङ्गालमा दार्जीलिङ जिल्लालाई एब्जर्ब गरिएको हो मर्ज गरिएको होइन। एब्जर्ब र मर्ज भिन्ना भिन्नै कुरा हो। यसकारण छुट्टैराज्य गठन गर्नको निम्ति पूर्ण दार्जीलिङ जिल्लाको आवश्यकता पर्छ। छुट्टैराज्यको सवालले बङ्गाल विभाजनलाई इङ्गित गर्दैन। बङ्गालबाट मुक्तिको कुरा गर्छ। बङ्गालबाट दार्जीलिङ जिल्लालाई डिएब्जर्ब गरिनुपर्छ।
तिनले यसो नभई अनि अघिबाट नै गोर्खाल्याण्डको मानचित्रबाट सिलगढीलाई बाहिर राखिएको हुँदा हुँदै पनि जुन जीटीएको हस्ताक्षर भयो यो यसकारण ऐतिहासिक भूल बनेको पनि स्पष्ट पारे। तिनले भने, यसो त अघिबाट नै दार्जीलिङ-जलपाईगुडी डेभलोपमेन्ट कर्पोरेशन गठन गर्नुपर्ने तर सिलगढी- जलपाईगुढी डेभलोपमेन्ट कर्पोरेशन गठन गरिएको छ। अघिबाट नै सिलगढी ज महकुमासित जिल्ला जोडेर कर्पोरेशन गठन गर्नु अनि दार्जीलिङ जिल्लालाई छोड्नु सिलगडी अघोषित जिल्ला हो भनेक सन्देश दिनु रहेको अनि यस्तो अवस्थामा पनि मोर्चाले सिलगडीलाई अनदेखा गर्दै अनि राज्य सरकारले पनि कानून समेतलाई अनदेखा गरेर तीनवटा महकुमामा त्रिस्तरीय चुनाउको कुरामा हस्ताक्षर गर्नु गोर्खाल्याण्डको सवालमा ठूलो षडयन्त्र हो। जीटीएबाट पनि सिलगढीलाई छोड्नु भनेको गोर्खाल्याण्डको निम्ति गलत कदम चलाउनु रहेको भन्दै तिनले चार महकुमामा नै त्रिस्तरीय पञ्चायतको कुरा हुनुपर्ने कुरामा जोड दिएका छन्।
आगनबाडी कर्मी सभा सम्पन्न
मनोज वोगटी, कालिमन्युज, कालेबुङ, 27 अगस्त। स्थानीय मानेलाखा गुम्बामा आज जनमुक्ति आगनबाड़ी कर्मी-सहकर्मीको तेस्रो वार्षिक सभा सम्पन्न भयो। आसीडीएस यूनिट 1 को आयोजनामा सम्पन्न सभामा आइडीएस यूनिट एक अनि दुइका कर्मी सहकर्मीहरूको उपस्थिति रहेको थियो। सभामा मुख्य अतिथिको रूपमा जनमुक्ति कर्मचारी सङ्गठन महकुमा सिमितिका सभापती खड्क विक्रम सुब्बा उपस्थित रहेका थिए भने विशिष्ट अतिथिको रूपमा कर्मचारी सङ्गनका पदाधीकारीहरू अनुप लामा अनि हेमचन्द्र सुब्बा रहेका थिए। आजको सभा चम्पा प्रधानको सभानेत्रीत्वमा सम्पन्न भएको थियो। सभामा जनमुक्ति आगनवाड़ी कर्मी सहकर्मीहरूको वार्षिक हरहिसाब अनि कार्यप्रणालीबारे छलफल गरियो। सभामा पुरानो समिति विघटन गरी नयॉं समिति बनाउने योजना रहेको भएपनि सो आज नभएर पुरानै समिति यथावत रहेको छ।
25 वष अधि विद्यालयबाट पढ़ाइ सिध्याएर निस्केका भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थीहरूको रजत जयन्तीको अवसरमा भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थी दिवसको रूपमा आज विद्यालयले पालन गर्यो। कार्यक्रमको पहिलो चरणमा आज सिलगड़ी अनि कालेबुङमा रहेका भूतपूर्व विदार्थीहरूबीच मैत्री लात्तेभकुण्डो प्रतियोगिता सम्पन्न भयो। लात्ते भकुण्डोपछि विद्यालयकै प्रेक्षागृहमा एक कार्यक्रम पनि आयोजना गरिएको थियो। कार्यक्रममा भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थी उत्तर बङ्गाल क्षेत्रका डिपुटी कमिश्नर श्री अञ्जु शेर्पा मुख्य अतिथिको रूपमा उपस्थित रहेका थिए। कार्यक्रममा मुख्य अतिथि लगायत विद्यालयका रेभ. फादर लरेन्स मोन्टोरियोको बाहुलीबाट भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थीहरूलाई सम्बर्धना जनाइयो। विद्यार्थीहरूले आज गीत, नृत्य, नाटक आदि प्रस्तुत गरेका थिए भने विद्यार्थी लगायत शिक्षक शिक्षिकागणको कार्यक्रममा व्यापक उपस्थिति रहेको थियो। भोलि विद्यालयको वार्षिक समारोहको अन्तिम दिन अविभावकहरूलाई लिएर कार्यक्रम गरिने भएको छ।
अगस्टिन विद्यालयमा वार्षिक उत्सव
मनोज वोगटी, कालिमन्युज, कालेबुङ, 27 अगस्त। 86 सालमा यहॉंको सन्त अगस्टिन विद्यालयबाट उत्तिर्ण भइ हाल विभिन्न पेशामा कार्यरत विद्यार्थीहरू आज पुनः विद्यालयमा भेला भए। सन्त अगस्टिन विद्यालयले शुक्रवारदेखिनै तीनदिने वार्षिक उत्सव पालन गरिरहेको छ। शुक्रवार भएको पहिलो दिनको कार्यक्रम विद्यालयकै विद्यार्थीहरू लिएर सम्पन्न भएको थियो। आजको कार्यक्रम सन्त अगस्टिन विद्यालयबाट उत्तिर्ण हुने 86 को व्याचका विद्यार्थीहरूलाई लिएर गरिएको थियो। 25 वष अधि विद्यालयबाट पढ़ाइ सिध्याएर निस्केका भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थीहरूको रजत जयन्तीको अवसरमा भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थी दिवसको रूपमा आज विद्यालयले पालन गर्यो। कार्यक्रमको पहिलो चरणमा आज सिलगड़ी अनि कालेबुङमा रहेका भूतपूर्व विदार्थीहरूबीच मैत्री लात्तेभकुण्डो प्रतियोगिता सम्पन्न भयो। लात्ते भकुण्डोपछि विद्यालयकै प्रेक्षागृहमा एक कार्यक्रम पनि आयोजना गरिएको थियो। कार्यक्रममा भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थी उत्तर बङ्गाल क्षेत्रका डिपुटी कमिश्नर श्री अञ्जु शेर्पा मुख्य अतिथिको रूपमा उपस्थित रहेका थिए। कार्यक्रममा मुख्य अतिथि लगायत विद्यालयका रेभ. फादर लरेन्स मोन्टोरियोको बाहुलीबाट भूतपूर्व विद्यार्थीहरूलाई सम्बर्धना जनाइयो। विद्यार्थीहरूले आज गीत, नृत्य, नाटक आदि प्रस्तुत गरेका थिए भने विद्यार्थी लगायत शिक्षक शिक्षिकागणको कार्यक्रममा व्यापक उपस्थिति रहेको थियो। भोलि विद्यालयको वार्षिक समारोहको अन्तिम दिन अविभावकहरूलाई लिएर कार्यक्रम गरिने भएको छ।
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| Upside down |
Behind the scenes
TT: A spectacle far grander than the real Ramlila has arrived in New Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan this year, several weeks ahead of the religious festival. But nobody, except for those pent up in the faraway Parliament House, is complaining. Every day, there is high-pitched drama on the stage in Ramlila Maidan, with Bollywood stars, members of civil society, corporate personalities and people from other walks of life performing and entertaining the crowds for free. As evening descends, the Muslims break their daylong fast or roza. Some Anna Hazare enthusiasts, who are reputedly fasting in solidarity with their beloved leader, move away from the venue. Cars serve as makeshift bars. A tricolour keeps nosy cops away. Even those on two-wheelers zip in and out, without helmets, with their newfound slogan of patriotism — “I am Anna” — writ large on their caps or chests. In the neighbouring G.B. Road that houses the capital’s biggest red-light area, business has shot up tenfold. Apparently, guests from all over the country are going there for a bit of fun after chipping in their bit for the crusade. Everybody seems to be in love with the man in the Gandhi cap — that is, as long as he does not call off his fast.
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Food for thought
In this charged atmosphere, when the nation’s politicians are overwhelmed with demands for reform, the Union railways minister, Dinesh Trivedi, is trying to push some of his own. Recently, the Trinamul Congress minister had walked into the Parliament House canteen, run by his ministry, only to discover that the parliamentarians and other visitors were not being served luchi, alur dum, chholar dal and kanchagolla. The minister was flabbergasted and immediately ordered the inclusion of these items on the menu. It is being said that soon these will be available at the Parliament House for less than ten rupees.
Hasty retreat
To return to the theatrics and shady dealings around the jan lok pal bill. The grapevine tells us that while Anna and his team were busy negotiating the terms and conditions of the bill with the Centre, the ‘spiritual leader’, Sri Sri Ravishankar, met senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Lal Krishna Advani, at his residence. Apparently, the guru was asked to return to the same venue a few days later to meet other members of the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance. It is further said that Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Sharad Yadav and several others had reached Advani’s place at 3pm on the appointed day, only to find that the media had preceded them. Their idea was to join Ravishankar, who had reached earlier, with other members of Team Anna. But with the media waiting outside, the plan got jeopardized, and after a quick meeting, Ravishankar had to beat a hasty retreat through the back door in order to avoid the media.< Prison magic Thanks to Anna Hazare, supercop Kiran Bedi got a chance to revisit Tihar Jail, where she was in charge more than a decade ago. During her tenure, Bedi had instituted a number of reforms in the management of the prison, including several measures to turn it into a real ashram. With Anna being arrested recently and held in Tihar, Bedi was able to review the present situation in the jail. But Anna had his own magic to work on the inmates. During his stay, he must have had a major impact on the prisoners. For the jail authorities noticed that soon after Anna left the premises, the inmates were busy following him and his movement on television news channels. It is said that some of them had even gone on a fast in support of the ‘leader’ of the masses.
Good taste
Team Anna, it seems, has good taste. Not just for the higher things in life but also for good food. The Union law minister, Salman Khurshid, was less than amused recently when a prominent member of Team Anna added a new item to their agenda: the demand for ‘soup, coffee and cake’. Apparently, before Anna decided to go on a fast, his team had met Khurshid, and was treated to delicious soup, coffee and cake. But now that Anna has gone without food for over a week, his sacrifice does not seem to be having much effect on his followers. So when Khurshid was once again in touch with Team Anna, a request for the above-mentioned food items was made. The minister obliged, but presumably, not before a few thoughts crossed his mind.
Hasty retreat
To return to the theatrics and shady dealings around the jan lok pal bill. The grapevine tells us that while Anna and his team were busy negotiating the terms and conditions of the bill with the Centre, the ‘spiritual leader’, Sri Sri Ravishankar, met senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Lal Krishna Advani, at his residence. Apparently, the guru was asked to return to the same venue a few days later to meet other members of the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance. It is further said that Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Sharad Yadav and several others had reached Advani’s place at 3pm on the appointed day, only to find that the media had preceded them. Their idea was to join Ravishankar, who had reached earlier, with other members of Team Anna. But with the media waiting outside, the plan got jeopardized, and after a quick meeting, Ravishankar had to beat a hasty retreat through the back door in order to avoid the media.< Prison magic Thanks to Anna Hazare, supercop Kiran Bedi got a chance to revisit Tihar Jail, where she was in charge more than a decade ago. During her tenure, Bedi had instituted a number of reforms in the management of the prison, including several measures to turn it into a real ashram. With Anna being arrested recently and held in Tihar, Bedi was able to review the present situation in the jail. But Anna had his own magic to work on the inmates. During his stay, he must have had a major impact on the prisoners. For the jail authorities noticed that soon after Anna left the premises, the inmates were busy following him and his movement on television news channels. It is said that some of them had even gone on a fast in support of the ‘leader’ of the masses.
Good taste
Team Anna, it seems, has good taste. Not just for the higher things in life but also for good food. The Union law minister, Salman Khurshid, was less than amused recently when a prominent member of Team Anna added a new item to their agenda: the demand for ‘soup, coffee and cake’. Apparently, before Anna decided to go on a fast, his team had met Khurshid, and was treated to delicious soup, coffee and cake. But now that Anna has gone without food for over a week, his sacrifice does not seem to be having much effect on his followers. So when Khurshid was once again in touch with Team Anna, a request for the above-mentioned food items was made. The minister obliged, but presumably, not before a few thoughts crossed his mind.
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Home away from home
It is no secret that the actress, Katrina Kaif, is obsessed with ‘Khan-daan’.However, after years of proximity with none other than Salman Khan and his extended family, Kaif seems to have shifted her allegiances somewhat. But her fondness for the Khans remains undiminished, as she has merely moved on to two other Khans — namely, Farah and Kabir. Katrina now seems to consider the choreographer and the filmmaker as her ‘family’ in India.
So recently, when she was invited to a chat show on a television channel, Katrina requested Farah and Kabir to be there with her, as her parents live in the United Kingdom. Needless to say, Farah and Kabir were both profoundly touched, while Salman and his clan remained, understandably,mum.
Pranab makes strong defence of govt in LS
SNS,NEW DELHI, 27 AUG: Ending days of suspense and bringing an end to hours of fierce negotiations between Team Anna and a beleaguered government, the Lok Sabha today adopted a ‘sense of the House’ on three key issues raised by Anna Hazare on the much talked about Lokpal Bill and paved the way to end his 12-day fast.
As the finance minister and the Leader of the House, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, read out the last lines of a ‘sense of the House’ there were thumping of desks, which was interpreted as a unanimous vote of the House. The House in principle seemed to be in agreement with Mr Hazare’s demand on the Lokpal Bill as it conveyed the united ‘sense’ in conceding to the three principle demands and decided to recommend that the proposed Lokpal Bill will have essential ingredients like citizens’ charter, cover lower bureaucracy and appoint Lokayuktas in the states.
At the end of an almost nine-hour debate, the Leader of the House said the sense of the House and the transcript of today’s deliberations would be sent to the standing committee for its consideration and incorporation of the new suggestions in the final Bill. In a spirited reply to the debate wherein members cutting across party lines underlined on the need to preserve the supremacy of parliament while legislating a strong anti-corruption law, the Congress veteran said Parliament “does not necessarily follow the conventional” way of lawmaking. The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, senior ministers and leaders of various parties were present in the House.
Mr Mukherjee said while it is the responsibility of the Parliament and the government to abide by the Constitution, it is equally important that there is “no conflict between our masters, the people and the parliament.”
Making a robust defence of the government decision to engage with the civil society members led by Anna Hazare in April, he said in a “functional democracy like India” it was not prudent to always depend on a “straitjacket formula”.
Therefore, by engaging with Team Anna, he said, the government tried “something different”. “We tried our best... there was substantial agreement, but some differences remained”.
Reiterating the oft-repeated Congress line and virtually endorsing Rahul Gandhi’s speech yesterday, the finance minister said one solitary legislation cannot eradicate corruption. He said there is need for systematic changes in various modes of administration and pointed out how things are being changed in his ministry with regard to taxation.
Mr Mukherjee said the creation of Unique Identity Number (UIN) for citizens would also help in fighting corruption at the individual level. “To say that the government Bill should be withdrawn and to burn it in public... This is not democratic behaviour. There is a distinction between democracy and mobocracy,” he said, alluding to the deadlines set by Hazare and his associates for passing their version of the Jan Lokpal bill.
In the morning shortly after the House met, Mr Mukherjee said the country was at a cross roads and emphasised the need to have a strong anti-corruption law. He urged Parliament to discuss “dispassionately” the Lokpal Bill issue keeping in mind its “constitutionality, practicability and implementability”.
The leader of the Opposition, Mrs Sushma Swaraj, said Mr Hazare’s anti-graft campaign had brought the issue of Lokpal to the people as people were “fed up” of increasing corruption. She said people’s emotions have reached a peak as there were several scams in last two years and most of these charges were based on CAG reports and not mere allegations.
Senior members like Mr Revati Raman Singh (SP), Mr Lalu Prasad (RJD), Mr Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI), Mr Basudeb Acharia (CPI-M) and Mr Sudip Bandyopadhyaya (TMC) also spoke. Besides Mr Sandeep Dikshit, Congress fielded two ministers Mr Anand Sharma and Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia to defend the government. Both Mr Sharma and Mr Scindia took exceptions to Mrs Swaraj’s criticism of Mr Rahul Gandhi’s speech during zero hour yesterday.
Mr Sharad Yadav and Mr Lalu Prasad were critical of Team Anna members for their unwarranted remarks on the functioning of the political class.
‘Bharat Mata ki Jai, people’s power won!’
PTI,NEW DELHI, 27 AUG: Ramlila Maidan erupted into celebrations as Anna Hazare roared Bharat Mata ki Jai and announced his wish to end his fast after 12 days tomorrow. Chants of Vande Mataram and Annaji Zindabad rented the air and people waved the tricolour and hugged each other expressing their joy over their ‘victory’.
Hazare’s supporters were heard singing the Lokpal song which has become a sort of anthem for the movement against corruption. People shouted slogans and hailed Hazare as a second Gandhi and many said they would stay at Ramlila grounds for the night to witness the historic event of the 74-year-old breaking his fast.
The Lokpal song had its lyrics changed tonight after the Parliament agreed in principle to the three issues raised by Team Hazare. “Pass karo Jan Lokpal became pass ho gaya Lokpal,” they sang. Media barricading was swamped by supporters who danced to the beating of drums in front of TV cameras. Fireworks started at the ground soon after Hazare's announcement.
Following is the English translation of the letter Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrote in Hindi to Anna Hazare on Saturday after a Sense of the House on Lokpal issue was adopted by Parliament.
Dear Shri Anna Hazareji,
Thank you for your letter dated August 26.
As you know, Parliament today (August 27) discussed the Lokpal related issues. You will be happy to know that both Houses of Parliament have passed a resolution on the three points raised by you in the letter.
According to this resolution, Parliament has in principle agreed on the three points:
(1) citizen's charter
(2) lower bureaucracy to be under Lokpal through an appropriate mechanism
(3) establishment of Lok Ayuktas in the states
Parliament has also resolved to send today's proceedings the Department related Standing Committee for its perusal while formulating its recommendations.
I hope that in view of the Parliament resolution, you will end your fast without any delay and will get back to good health. We all wish you a good health.
With best wishes.
Yours,
Manmohan Singh
Pranab makes strong defence of govt in LS
SNS,NEW DELHI, 27 AUG: Ending days of suspense and bringing an end to hours of fierce negotiations between Team Anna and a beleaguered government, the Lok Sabha today adopted a ‘sense of the House’ on three key issues raised by Anna Hazare on the much talked about Lokpal Bill and paved the way to end his 12-day fast.
As the finance minister and the Leader of the House, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, read out the last lines of a ‘sense of the House’ there were thumping of desks, which was interpreted as a unanimous vote of the House. The House in principle seemed to be in agreement with Mr Hazare’s demand on the Lokpal Bill as it conveyed the united ‘sense’ in conceding to the three principle demands and decided to recommend that the proposed Lokpal Bill will have essential ingredients like citizens’ charter, cover lower bureaucracy and appoint Lokayuktas in the states.
At the end of an almost nine-hour debate, the Leader of the House said the sense of the House and the transcript of today’s deliberations would be sent to the standing committee for its consideration and incorporation of the new suggestions in the final Bill. In a spirited reply to the debate wherein members cutting across party lines underlined on the need to preserve the supremacy of parliament while legislating a strong anti-corruption law, the Congress veteran said Parliament “does not necessarily follow the conventional” way of lawmaking. The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, senior ministers and leaders of various parties were present in the House.
Mr Mukherjee said while it is the responsibility of the Parliament and the government to abide by the Constitution, it is equally important that there is “no conflict between our masters, the people and the parliament.”
Making a robust defence of the government decision to engage with the civil society members led by Anna Hazare in April, he said in a “functional democracy like India” it was not prudent to always depend on a “straitjacket formula”.
Therefore, by engaging with Team Anna, he said, the government tried “something different”. “We tried our best... there was substantial agreement, but some differences remained”.
Reiterating the oft-repeated Congress line and virtually endorsing Rahul Gandhi’s speech yesterday, the finance minister said one solitary legislation cannot eradicate corruption. He said there is need for systematic changes in various modes of administration and pointed out how things are being changed in his ministry with regard to taxation.
Mr Mukherjee said the creation of Unique Identity Number (UIN) for citizens would also help in fighting corruption at the individual level. “To say that the government Bill should be withdrawn and to burn it in public... This is not democratic behaviour. There is a distinction between democracy and mobocracy,” he said, alluding to the deadlines set by Hazare and his associates for passing their version of the Jan Lokpal bill.
In the morning shortly after the House met, Mr Mukherjee said the country was at a cross roads and emphasised the need to have a strong anti-corruption law. He urged Parliament to discuss “dispassionately” the Lokpal Bill issue keeping in mind its “constitutionality, practicability and implementability”.
The leader of the Opposition, Mrs Sushma Swaraj, said Mr Hazare’s anti-graft campaign had brought the issue of Lokpal to the people as people were “fed up” of increasing corruption. She said people’s emotions have reached a peak as there were several scams in last two years and most of these charges were based on CAG reports and not mere allegations.
Senior members like Mr Revati Raman Singh (SP), Mr Lalu Prasad (RJD), Mr Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI), Mr Basudeb Acharia (CPI-M) and Mr Sudip Bandyopadhyaya (TMC) also spoke. Besides Mr Sandeep Dikshit, Congress fielded two ministers Mr Anand Sharma and Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia to defend the government. Both Mr Sharma and Mr Scindia took exceptions to Mrs Swaraj’s criticism of Mr Rahul Gandhi’s speech during zero hour yesterday.
Mr Sharad Yadav and Mr Lalu Prasad were critical of Team Anna members for their unwarranted remarks on the functioning of the political class.
‘Bharat Mata ki Jai, people’s power won!’
PTI,NEW DELHI, 27 AUG: Ramlila Maidan erupted into celebrations as Anna Hazare roared Bharat Mata ki Jai and announced his wish to end his fast after 12 days tomorrow. Chants of Vande Mataram and Annaji Zindabad rented the air and people waved the tricolour and hugged each other expressing their joy over their ‘victory’.
Hazare’s supporters were heard singing the Lokpal song which has become a sort of anthem for the movement against corruption. People shouted slogans and hailed Hazare as a second Gandhi and many said they would stay at Ramlila grounds for the night to witness the historic event of the 74-year-old breaking his fast.
The Lokpal song had its lyrics changed tonight after the Parliament agreed in principle to the three issues raised by Team Hazare. “Pass karo Jan Lokpal became pass ho gaya Lokpal,” they sang. Media barricading was swamped by supporters who danced to the beating of drums in front of TV cameras. Fireworks started at the ground soon after Hazare's announcement.
Following is the English translation of the letter Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrote in Hindi to Anna Hazare on Saturday after a Sense of the House on Lokpal issue was adopted by Parliament.
Dear Shri Anna Hazareji,
Thank you for your letter dated August 26.
As you know, Parliament today (August 27) discussed the Lokpal related issues. You will be happy to know that both Houses of Parliament have passed a resolution on the three points raised by you in the letter.
According to this resolution, Parliament has in principle agreed on the three points:
(1) citizen's charter
(2) lower bureaucracy to be under Lokpal through an appropriate mechanism
(3) establishment of Lok Ayuktas in the states
Parliament has also resolved to send today's proceedings the Department related Standing Committee for its perusal while formulating its recommendations.
I hope that in view of the Parliament resolution, you will end your fast without any delay and will get back to good health. We all wish you a good health.
With best wishes.
Yours,
Manmohan Singh
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