Vol II, Issue III 01-15 May, 2017 Pages 10, Price Rs. 5/Faridabad (NCR)
Vol-1I, Issue-III, Published for the period 01-15 May, 2017. Printed & Published by Virender for and on behalf of Karamvir Kamal (Owner) from 2569, Street No. 2, Jawahar Colony, N.I.T, Faridabad, Haryana and printed at Joy Printers, 3G-142, N.I.T. Faridabad-121001, Haryana. Editor Karamvir Kamal* (responsible for selection of news under PRB Act 1867), RNI No. HARENG/2016/67803. Executive Office: 431, Saraswati Vihar, Gurugram -122004, Haryana. Contact +91 9212 46 0446, 9899 73 1532.
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THE RISE OF MIDDLE
CLASS MUSLIMS Sparsh Upadhyay
In order to understand the status of Indian Muslims in the country, a report prepared by ‘Sachar Committee’ headed by Rajinder Sachar which was submitted to Lok-Sabha on 30 November 2006 is helpful, this commission was appointed in 2005 by the then Prime Minister
inside
Manmohan Singh. The report focuses on the latest Social, Economic and Educational condition of the Muslim Community of India. The findings of 403 pages report had many findings and suggestions; it clearly said that they are facing a ‘development deficit’and that this com-
Does removing the red beacon means lights out for the VIP culture?
munity faces discrimination by the Government and the majority community. ‘They regularly have to prove their nationality and that they are purely nationalist, Muslims religious symbolism has also been in question, ‘burqha’ and ‘topis’ have not gained them anything other than suspicion. Women have been confined in the four walls and have been furthered suppressed by Muslim males, there has been a wide boycott of Muslims after every riot and that made them marginalized, and not only that, they have been made to feel as if they don’t constitute India. While the constitution did give them the right to manage instructional affairs but that guarantee could make no difference, and their education trend has been confined to the ‘Madarsas’ only’. The committee further presented some facts related to the social and economic condition of Muslims. The report did give a new way to requisition the policies and interrogate into the incapability of governance, it could very well be regarded as the guiding factor in the quest of ‘developmantalizing’, if taken seriously, it might open our eyes as well. The community which has had the scar of underdevelopment being inscribed in its fate’ The identity of a community is the most important assets which was promised to be secured by the constitution makers and it was believed that the promises would take an accurate shape, but the post ‘60s stories reveal how a Liberal Democracy remodeled itself, by way of Politicization and Poor Governance, forcing us to look at this religion which skepticism, it remains a religion which could be considered as one which exists, and at the same time doesn’t. It existence is realized just before the elections when and the next 5 years passes off with no substantial efforts to uplift them, leaving them in darkness. For Political Parties, they are just means (and not the ends) on the way to their own advancement. As the central government changed in 2014, and the news was out that Muslims in large number have voted for BJP (the so called
Education or Extortion
The months of March, April and May are the months of session beginning in schools. The beginning of the session is always followed by hue and cry of the parents. Parents raise voice against the revision of the fee structure which shows hike in fee.
‘Hindu Nationalist Party’ in India), speculation started as to why suddenly the same Muslims started supporting the person who once was blamed for killing 2000 Muslims in Gujarat? How it became possible for Muslims to change their view in 12 years? The answer lies in one simple understanding of the recent orientation of middle class Muslims. The middle class Muslim is raising and this emergence of them wants development, growth and peace, they want to breathe in the fresh air and which needs and overall revamping in a democratic country, destined to lead by secular deep seated set of values. In Modi, people expect such a leader, but for him it won’t be that easy as it might seem. He not only has to change the certain religiously held prejudices of Muslims but also has to show the practicality of the promises he made in his election Manifesto. Modi has to realize that it is the duty of the government to ensure that no ‘puppy comes and dies’ on the way to development, no matter who is driving the car. However the said statement was said to be false and not said by Mr. Modi; and such mentality doesn’t deserve to be promoted. I believe that the time has come when Muslims should start living the kind of life which they deserve to live or for that matter anyone who has been marginalized deserves and this could be ensured by us, the people along with the Governments, the effective policies taking in view their history would pave way for their development, this would also require a thorough inquiry of post-colonial treatment towards them. This Minority community needs our attention and it’s up to us as to how to respond to their call. At last I would like to remember a song from an Indian Movie…
“ÀUôÇU¸ô ·¤Ü ·¤è ÕæÌð´ ·¤Ü ·¤è ÕæÌ ÂéÚUæÙè Ù° ÎõÚU ×ð´ çܹð´»ð ç×Ü·¤ÚU ÙØè ·¤ãUæÙè ãU× çãU´ÎéSÌæÙè, ãU× çãU´ÎéSÌæÙè”
Liquor ban on highways
The directive principles of state policy in the Constitution of India (article 47) state that "...the State shall Endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health".
issue editorial Does removing the red beacon means lights out for the VIP culture? Whether it is the monitor of the class or the favourite neighbourhood kid or the goon in your colony feared by everyone, they all have one thing in common – their status. Their status reflects in their attitudes whether good or bad. But this is only as far as common people are concerned, who are part of our society and who are amongst us. What about political leaders who though rise from amongst us only but think they are exceptional and should be given special treatment as they are doing a big favour to the country by running it (It doesn’t really matter how). Whether it is a hotel suite, a hospital, an air flight or for that matter, the road itself, they are so extraordinary that rules and regulations do not apply to them because they are not common. They are above the law. A minister, a member of the parliament or a senior government official, the red beacon on their VIP car was their license to own the road and the traffic rules. But not any more! We all must applaud and appreciate the recent declaration from the PMO to eliminate the “Lal batti culture” which is yet another one of a kind decision by the Modi government. Political leadership and an influential status are two sides of the same coin. These two have walked hand in hand since decades. Governments came and went but neither they had the guts nor the inclination to eradicate the red beacon from the car tops of politicians because it would have lowered their status making them fall in the category of common people. It is the status only which makes people honourable and esteemed unfortunately not their deeds or their dedication in doing their job with honesty. Who doesn’t like a special treatment and especially in the case of politicians who want the entire traffic to come to halt so that their cavalcade can pass by smoothly without having to wait. The red beacon had been contributing majorly for all these past decades in upholding this status. Red beacon implies Important and important implies uncommon and above the law. After repeated annotation by the Supreme Court, the centre finally took the call to stop the use of the red beacon. This ground breaking decision by the central government has as if brewed up a storm in the entire Indian political fraternity. Watching this special privilege being snatched away from their hands, the Country’s politicians do not appear to be in the mood to take it sitting back quietly. It is unacceptable by the servants of the common man to travel on the road like a common man. Ministers from various states have their own reasons to argue against this historical decision. Someone has a problem with being stuck in heavy traffic, someone simply doesn’t want to accept this order and someone is calling the red beacon as a very important need for VIPs. Ministers of state who have never bothered to visit their constituencies after winning elections are giving the excuse that without a red beacon on their car they will be wasting precious time on toll booths and over crowded roads. Smitten with the power of the red beacon, politicians are not willing to give it up at any cost so they are looking for substitutes. Some of them are trying out sirens and some, are stating that they are not aware of the centre’s ruling on red beacons. A special mention of the subject in the Haryana’s Vidhan Sabha clearly indicates that BJP too wants to maintain the status of some exceptions. Some legislators also argued that if VIP culture is eradicated then there will be no difference between common and special. Some of them even suggested use of something like a sticker or some other indication to differentiate them from the rest. Whatever might be the solution to this problem but one thing is certain; VIP culture is here to stay.
Liquor ban on highways Faridabad (NCR) | 01-15 May, 2017 www.theasianchronicle.com
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States sidestepping SC order, renaming 'city roads' to ensure that the bars stay remain open. The directive principles of state policy in the Constitution of India (article 47) state that "....the State shall Endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health".
Prohibition in Conformity With Article 47 of Constitution ?
bills. The increasing consumption of alcohol will only fuel this dependence governments are increasingly relying on alcohol revenue to pay their bills. Roughly one-fifth of most State government budgets are funded by booze. And, that share is going up by the year.
Big contributor Saman Bilgrami
Major excise product, with liquor vends along the national and state highways slated to be closed from April 1 as per the directions of the Supreme Court (SC), Department of Excise and Taxation is expected to face the heat of revenue in the 201718 financial year, As per the information, excise department is expected to generate Rs 121. 30 crore revenue in 2017-18 through the allotment of 399 liquor vends against Rs 126.25 crore revenue in 2016-17.
SC orders ban on sale of liquor at shops within 500 metres of highways Following the apex court’s order, the department will shut down 30 liquor vend in the new financial year, which are located on state and national highways. Bidding reduction of liquor vends in the number of applications. According to the conformity of sources not only revenue but the department has received only ten applications till Saturday and collected Rs 5.50 lakh as fees visa versa in last financial year bidding application fees from 2,300 applicants was Rs 6.50 crore. Meanwhile, the department has also cut annual liquor quota for licensing units after considering complaints of vendors in past auctions. Assistant excise and taxation commissioner Paramjit Singh said, “Closure of liquor shops along the national and state highway will result in revenue loss. He added that closure of vendors on the highway has affected interest of the bidders. “However, this time we have only nine categories of bidders, which were 25 in 2016-17. This could also be a reason behind low number of applications.” The decision to close liquor vends along the highway was taken by the state government in February after SC banned all liquor shops within 500 meter alongside national and state highways across the country. The drive is aiming to reduce drunken driving and road mishap incidents that claim thousands of lives every year. In a bid to avoid closure of liquor vends in the city in the wake of the Supreme Court order, the administration has amended its earlier notification and declared the state highways as ‘major district roads’. We should welcome the Supreme Court’s ban on liquor shops on national and state highways annual deaths amount to nearly 1,50,000 are among the top 10 causes for death in India, according to Global Burden of Disease, 2015. Drunk driving is the most common cause for automobile accidents. The SC order will save thousands of lives and save insurance costs. A few questions, however, will be raised. Why
ban only liquor shops and exempt bars that serve wine, whisky, brandy, etc, which contain 15 to 50 per cent alcohol? Any alcohol, when drunk in sufficient quantity, blurs judgement and dulls reflexes. Hence, all opportunities for drinking must be removed from the highways.
Why Not A Complete Ban
If alcohol is harmful on the roads, is it safe elsewhere? Is alcohol an innocent drink? WHO attributes 200 types of diseases to alcohol with an estimated annual 3.3 million deaths globally, and a loss of a total of 140 million life-years. Alcohol kills more people than HIV.
Third Party Damage
Moreover, there is third party damage. Those around the abusers — wives, children, neighbours, those walking or driving on the streets, employers, colleagues, even recipients of the drunk’s serviceare at grievous risk.
Social Policy not Individual Freedom
The issue is not simply the freedom of choice of drinkers; it is also the freedom of life, safety and dignity, of family income and the productivity of other people. Hence, the issue is in the realm of social policy. Regarding prohibition, the obligation of the state is enshrined in the constitution of India. Alcohol consumption probably will never become zero. The right question to ask is not whether prohibition was successful or a failure, but if it reduced alcohol consumption. Moreover, as the Supreme Court judgement says, it is the government’s constitutional duty to make the policy work. The question about prohibition is not if, but how.
India's women go to war against alcohol abuse
Nandhini Anandan is anti-liquor-activist from India, who for past five years has been leading an anti-liquor movement across Tamil-nadu. She has been arrested 58-times on this issue, she does campaigns along with her father at public-places to raise awareness about ill-effects of liquor, thus helping build better world while addressing a gathering during a function of women's self-help group 'Jeevika', the chief minister exhorted women to destroy liquor manufacturing outlets for which the state government would provide all assistance. Kumar said prohibition has taken shape of a social revolution and pointed to the voice being raised against consumption of alcohol in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha, among other places. State governments are becoming more and more dependent on alcohol revenue to pay their
With the exception of Gujarat, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, where liquor is officially prohibited, alcohol revenue takes the second, third or fourth place in terms of contributions to a State’s coffers. Take, Tamil Nadu, for instance; in the last financial year, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac), the government-owned IMFL monopoly, alone paid a whopping Rs. 21,800 crore into the government kitty. In Kerala, where 22 per cent of the total government revenue came from the bottle, the total excise and commercial tax revenue from alcohol (IMFL and toddy) was close to Rs. 8,000 crore.
Rationing Rationale
Equity is a big issue in alcohol taxation, “Asking a daily-wage worker to pay 600 per cent tax on his drink is cruel. The government claim that by charging more for liquor, the poor will be dissuaded from drinking is absurd. “No matter what the price is, the habitual drinker will buy his drink. Only, the quantity of food on his children’s table will shrink.”
Drinking country
More than a fifth of alcohol produced in the world is consumed by Indians. The Lancet magazine points out that two-thirds of alcohol consumed in India is unrecorded, mainly illicit. Tribal, backward and working-class communities in most parts of the country consume arrack and palm toddy. However, since India’s economic liberalisation, the market for IMFL and imported liquors is growing fast. A study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India two years ago found that the liquor industry was expanding 30 per cent year-on-year. In 2015, liquor consumption is pegged to touch about 20 billion litres. The total value of spirits, wine and beer consumed in India is projected to be in the neighbourhood of Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in 2015. India is the largest whisky market in the world. And there is increasing demand for imported whisky and wine. Economic affluence, urbanisation, changing lifestyles and social mores are all persuading young people to take to drinking. Increasing urban population and rising disposable income anticipated to fuel the development of the India alcohol market The aforementioned statistics indicate that India is an ideal market for high revenue growth of alcohol owing to increasing consumption among the people. According to World Bank statistics, GDP per capita income of the country for the year 2014 was pegged at more than US$ 1,595.
To duck liquor ban, Chandigarh renames state highways as district roads
This comes just days after the Supreme Court recognized that a large proportion of road accidents in India took place because the driver involved had consumed alcohol. The court banned all liquor stores and bars within 500 meters of all highways. As discussed on social parameters is Supreme Court’s ban on liquor sale on highways is a barefaced breach of the basic constitutional principle of separation of powers.
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Ladies Night at
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Guest at Ladies Night
Guest at Ladies Night
DJ Rawl
DJ CHESHTA is a 24 year old Music Aficionado, a Clubbing Soul, a Hip-Hop Hustler, a Night Life Lover, a Die Hard Workaholic, a Junk Foodie, a Maniac Photographer, a Non Stop Chatter Box and Super Bling Crazy Freak from Delhi! The journey kicked off at a Private Event, where her hobby grew into a career, named changed from CHESHTA KHURANA to DJ CHESHTA KHURANA & she started spinning on & off at esteem nightclubs of DELHI for ‘Ladies Nights & Bollywood Nights’. Soon she took over the nation & the world with her passion for music, her unique DJ-ing skills, her interactive nature, her ability to spin for all sorts of crowd and yes, a million dollar smile?? DJ CHESHTA KHURANA is best known for her fast mixing, back to back hits in main stream music. She does an unbelievable Hip Hop set wherein she lives mixes about 80 tracks in 60 mixes! CHESHTA KHURANA is the finest and the most technically sound female DJ when it comes to Bollywood music in India and
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SATURDAY BOLLYWOOD NIGHT @BOOMBOX CAFE RELOADED
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Faridabad (NCR) | 01-15 May, 2017 www.theasianchronicle.com
As if autorickshaws and cabs were not enough to break traffic rules ...
haryana Deadly ambush attack in Sukma Sneha Pandey
By Dheeraj Kale Jumping traffic signals, over-speeding, rash and negligent driving, parking in ‘No Parking’ zones, taking a u-turn whenever and wherever they please, wrong lane driving are just a few of the several traffic rules which autorickshaws and cabbies flout the most on Gurgaon roads everyday in the absence of any strict implementation of traffic rules. The latest ones to join the gang of law breakers are the Baxi Two-wheeler riders who are giving a tough competition to autorickshaws in flouting norms. The finest example can be seen in this picture of Huda City Metro Station where Baxi riders parked on the wrong side right in the presence of the Police booth in the background shows the casual attitude of the traffic police.
Elevated highway of over 5 kms on Gurugram-Alwar highway Gurugram: The Haryana Minister for Public Works (Building & Roads) Rao Narbir Singh said that an elevated highway of more than 5 km length will be constructed on Gurugram-Alwar Highway, which will initiate from Subhash Chowk and go upto beyond village Badshahpur on this highway. This will enable the commuters hassle free ride on this stretch of GurugramAlwar National Highway Number 248 A. Rao Narbir Singh was interacting with media persons at outskirts of a function for ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ of JMV Hyundai Showroom in village Alipur. It is on Rao Narbir Singh’s persuasion and request the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Gadkari has approved this project, the tenders of which has al-
ready been floated. According to Rao Narbir Singh, the cost of this project is Rs 1385 crore and the foundation of this elevated highway across village Badshahpur is likely to be laid by Mr Gadkari anytime during next month. Rao Narbir Singh has requested him to give time for initiating this work. He said that earlier, the elevated road was to start from Vatika Chowk but now on his request, the Union Minister Mr Nitin Gadkari has agreed to start the elevated road from Subhash Chowk instead of Vatika chowk and it will go upto beyond village Badshahpur. This means that the elevated road has been extended by a kilometer or so, which will benefit the commuters going to Sohna or Nuh, Palwal or Alwar, who now have to face heavy traffic jam on this
stretch during peak hours, consequently, increasing this travelling time. With construction of elevated highway on this stretch of more than 5 kilometers, the travelling time will be considerably reduced and the commuters will be able to reach their destination much before than they reach now. Rao Narbir Singh said that the elevated road will be on single poles, meaning thereby that the present six lanes would also be available for traffic movement, beneath the elevated highway. Not only this, proper cuts will be provided in the central verge on the ground level road for commuters desiring to go to village Teekli and other villages situated on arterial roads connecting Gurugram-Alwar highway.
India court upholds 2012 Delhi gang rapists' death penalty
India's Supreme Court has upheld the death sentences of four men convicted of the gang rape and murder of a student in Delhi. Akshay Thakur, Vinay Sharma, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh were given the death penalty by a court in 2013. Rejecting their appeal, Justice R Banumathi said the men committed "a barbaric crime" that had "shaken society's conscience". The brutal gang rape led to nationwide outrage and and new anti-rape laws. The 23-year-old physiotherapy student was attacked on a bus that she had boarded with her male friend as they returned home from watching a film in December 2012. Her friend was also beaten up. Jyoti Singh - whose name was publicly revealed by her mother only in 2015 - died from injuries in a hospital 13 days later. Media reports said relatives of Ms Singh applauded as the judgement was read out in court. "This is a historic message to all the people, the criminal mindset who wrong women, who inflict
violence on women, to know that if you do something like this you will be also paying for it by the severest punishment that exists in our laws of the land," Ranjana Kumari, a women's rights activist, told news channel NDTV. Legal experts say it could still be months or even years before the sentences are carried out. The four men still have the right to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. Their last hope lies with a plea for clemency to the president. Six men were arrested over the attack on Ms Singh. One suspect, Ram Singh, was found dead in jail in March 2013, having apparently taken his own life. Another, who was aged 17 at the time, was released in 2015 after serving three years in a reform facility - the maximum term possible for a juvenile in India. Convicting the four men in 2013, Judge Yogesh Khanna said the case fell into the "rarest of rare category" which justifies capital punishment in India. Courtesy:BBC
25 CRPF jawans of 74 battalion were killed in an ambush attack by the naxalites on 24th april at kala pathar near Chintagufa in Sukma,Chattigarh. The team of 99 CRPF jawans were carrying out a sanitisation exercise for an under construction road when a group of around 300 naxals attacked the personnels. According to an injured jawan, they were loaded with heavy weapons like ak-47 and other automated weapons and also rocket launcher. The Naxals looted all the arms and ammunition of the CRPF jawans after a gun battle of about an hour. An injured CRPF jawan Sher Mohammad Khan has allegedly
The Naxals looted all the arms and ammunition of the CRPF jawans after a gun battle of about an hour. said "I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home minister Rajnath Singh to grant us the Power Act (AFSPA) in this area to deal with the Naxal menace,". He also added that there were also women dressed in black with the naxalites. They first sent the villagers followed by a group all dressed in black to check the location of the
jawans and no firing was done from the part of jawans first. The injured jawans were evacuated and the CoBRA teams of CRPF were sent for search operation. The union minister has allegedly said that the kin of the martyr CRPF jawans would be compensated with almost 1 crore of rupees. TN CM K. Palaniswami announced a compensation of 20 lakh each to the families of 4 jawans from TN. UP govt has announced 30 lakh to the kin of 2 jawans from UP. Meanwhile Punjab, Bihar and Haryana govt announced 5 lakhs to the martyrs from their respective states. WB CM Mamata banerjee announced a compensation of 5 lakhs as well as govt job to the families of the 2 CRPF martyrs.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Video Conference with Heads of Government from South Asian Nations, to mark the launch of the South Asia Satellite, in New Delhi on May 05, 2017.
Happiness as measurement index of development in a country Gurugram: The Haryana Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu said that the parameters of development have changed and world over, ‘Happiness Index’ is being talked about as the real parameter of development of any country because happiness is considered to be proper measure of social progress and goal of public policy. Capt Abhimanyu was speaking on the concluding day of two day program on the subject ‘Spiritual Wisdom for Businessmen & Industrialists in the Changing Times’ organised at Om Shanti Retreat Center of Brahmkumaris in village Bhora Kalan of district Gurugram. He was accompanied by Astha TV Channel Fame motivational speaker of ‘Awakening with Brahmkumaris’ program B K Shivani, who told the participants about how to concentrate their mind through ‘Rajyog
Meditation’ which will help them in getting a sound sleep and bring happiness in their life. While sharing his views with the participants, Capt Abhimanyu said that a few years back the parameters for development were Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Mother Mortality Rate (MMR) etc but now for last 3-4 years, these parameters have changed and people have started talking about the happiness index as the parameter to measure development of any country. Now the growth narrative is to put people’s well being at the center of government’s efforts. He said that the key variables used to explain happiness differences among countries are- per capita income, healthy life expectations, having someone to count on in times of trouble, generosity, freedom and trust, with the latter measured by the
absence of corruption in business and government. The BJP Government in India under leadership of Prime Minister Mr Narender Modi is working in this direction to uproot corruption from business and government, so that happiness comes to every household. A number of welfare schemes have been implemented by the government to improve the lot of the downtrodden and poor sections of the society. People live happily in the societies where there is less inequality of happiness, Capt Abhimanyu added. He said that the leaders in society like the business community or the Industrialists can contribute in making the lives of more number of people happier by providing employment to every hand. This will improve the ‘happiness index’ in our country and bring prosperity in the lives of everyone.
issue
Education or Extortion
Dr. Kavita Vikas
Kavitavikas28@gmail.com
The months of March, April and May are the months of session beginning in schools. The beginning of the session is always followed by hue and cry of the parents. Parents raise voice against the revision of the fee structure which shows hike in fee. The school authority says that it is necessary to revise the fee as the cost of basic infrastructure has increased. The infrastructure necessary to run a school requires maintenance which incurs great expenditure which they meet through fee. The fee structure is designed to take annual charges of library, computer, welfare and many other facilities that they provide. So far, so good but people argue that there are many other hidden costs which are not so important to add on. The private schools of Delhi rather all over India were in news recently on the point that private schools are making money from hard earned money of parents. People complained that these schools frequently change the uniform which is not at all needed. Similarly, parents are compelled to buy books and stationery from a few selected shops only. They are adviced by NCERT to use CBSE syllabus which consists of low priced books and note books.
However this is not followed in many private schools. Publishers tied up with certain schools pay heavy commission to these schools and they want those books to introduce which are not even prescribed by CBSE. These books are not important from the point of view of competitions. As these books are not available everywhere, parents are bound to buy from school counters at a heavy price where these special shopkeepers or vendors are tied up. It is true that most of the parents want their wards to get admitted in private schools because of better facilities, environment, discipline and teaching staff. But most often they are unable to meet the cost of stationery and admission. They pressurize the authority to cut cost a little, so that they can meet the expenses, but the authority fails to do so. Three decades ago, the situation was not so vulnerable. With a rapid growth of Private sector intruding into the education system, the scenario has changed. Earlier the Government schools used to provide cheap and best education but now it has become a centre of corruption and ignorance. Earning money through tuition and drawing a time bound salary have become their motto only. Government teachers, though, avail more monetary benefits than the private ones yet they lose interest of teaching, seeing the inflow of mostly incapable students. Most often they are sent to carry on other government pro-
grammes like distribution of identity card during election, awareness programme for polio drops , bringing rationed grains for mid day meals , counting of plates and utensils etc. After the introduction of mid day meals the level of corruption has sharply shooted up. It was started with a noble cause but it has become the first and foremost mission instead of teaching. It is true that private schools are costly but parents do not resist sending their wards there. The private authority knows the nerves of the society and so grab the unjustified ways of exploiting the parents. Nowadays people want a meaningful education which requires a fair and uniform structure without corruption. A uniform education policy for both the sectors are required which provides a value based education, which is a combination of ethics and traditions with modern science and discovery. It should give due regards to religions and should teach secularism. The education system can achieve its target only when a uniform system with a uniform syllabus is introduced. There may be a scope for regional language also but there should not be wide discrimination on any issue. The Government servants hardly send their wards in Government schools, so they are unable to see inside story. Once the Government schools are strengthened, the monopolistic attitude of Private schools will automatically lessen. The time has come to adopt strong policies for Government schools and to implement them quickly so to cover the gap between the structures of both. The Government teachers should not be engaged anywhere else other than studies. At the same time Private schools need to be tightened on same basic point of fee hike. Incurring hidden cost ought to be avoided from fee structure. It should not be the parameter to meet their expenses. There must be some aids or grants from the government which can be given once in a year to such schools. Project schools get some annual aids on behalf of the project concerned but non project schools have no such facility. It is the time to see the alternatives and adopt the corrective measures to lessen the burden of expenses on parents.
Triple Talaq-A Curse for Muslim Women Shivali Gola
Can anyone even picture this that a relationship as strong and as sacred as marriage can be torn apart by simply uttering three words ‘Talaq…Talaq…Talaq’? These three words are triumph over sentiments, feelings and love between two souls and have power to damage the happiness of a family. This is what exactly Muslim women are facing since the past era. Triple ‘Talaq’ is the biggest threat for muslim women and the easiest way for men for an out-of-court divorce. According to a survey conducted by an NGO revealed some shocking facts that 95 percent of divorced women do not receive any monetary help account of maintenance from their husbands. And due to lack of education and other skill many of women could not switch easily to become a breadwinner of the house to manage their kids. In a recent case a pregnant woman being
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divorced and thrown out of the house for not getting an abortion, her husband gave her triple talaq and left her on the road, woman had two daughters, so her husband has feared that if she again delivers a girl child. In the age of digitization men are participating triple ‘Talaq’ via various social platforms like Facebook and whatsapp also.
Some Facts:
India is world’s third largest country of Muslim population which governed according to Sharia or Islamic Jurisprudence. 90 million Muslim women in India feeling insecure by the law and living every day in fear of this sudden threat which can comes their way at any time. There was several code of practice in ancient India which was not suited as the country were growing in the modern age, so such practice was terminated for the betterment of the society and moreover sack
of human beings. Talaq-ul-bidat or Triple Talaq is a Sharia law practice which gives power only to men to end the marriage by a simple uttering the word ‘Talaq’ to their wives three times. This is a high time to a woman established and treated like another human beings and Sharia Law needs strong amendments which can give freedom to the Muslim women in the society. Right to accept or refuse the ‘Talaq’ should also be given to women same as at the time of marriage / nikah.
Many Islamic countries like has banned this practice a long time ago:
mBangladesh and Pakistan banned this in 1961 mTunisia doesn’t recognize divorce outside the courts. mIn Algeria divorced can only be established by the court. mMalaysia requires Qazi or Courts to immediate reconciliation before divorce.
Art & Culture
Art Exhibition: WITHIN REACH
New Delhi: Gallerie Nvya presents “WITHIN REACH”8th Edition exhibiting an eclectic mix of affordable artworks by some of India’s Young and emerging artists. The art works are in varied genres and mediums i.e., Paintings and Sculptures. A special preview was held at the gallery to announce the commencement of the exhibition. Hosted by Tripat Kalra, Founder-Director, Gallerie Nvya and Curated by Meher Kalra, Executive Director, Gallerie Nvya, the preview was attended by well known names from Delhi’s art circle. Seen at the occasion were participating artists Sandeep Jigdung, Aditi Saigal, Lal Bahadur Singh, Niraja Bhuwal, Bhuwal Prasad and Sanchit Raj.
Beauty is only skin deep By Ruchika Dhingra
(Ruchika Dhingra is the winner of the Face of the Year 2017 beauty pageant. Despite of being a housewife and a mother of two, Ruchika has found her niche in a host of fields including beauty & fashion, writing articles and cooking.) Someone has very rightly said that Beauty is only skin deep. What actually makes you beautiful is what lies beneath. After marriage and kids, women try out several odd means to look young and beautiful. They spend hours and hours in the beauty parlour or sweat it out in the gym to get back into shape. But what they forget is with age everything becomes worn out. We need proper nourishment and care to look beautiful and young again. One has to keep in mind that the power & strength to attain beauty and a flawless body lies within yourself only. You cannot become beautiful overnight by sitting in a beauty saloon. One has to feel it from inside. You have to literally fall in love with yourself as a first step towards gaining beauty and charm. Care for your body and health instead of torturing it. One of the most important things we need to keep in mind is what we eat reflects on our outer self. If we eat a healthy and nutritious diet it will surely reflect on our skin and body. Apart from our diet intake, a little bit of yoga in the morning or a morning walk in a lush green garden can completely change how you look. You will realize these changes when you will start receiving compliments from others.
Mumbai’s Key Office Real Estate Trends Leading up to 2020 9
Faridabad (NCR) | 01-15 May, 2017 www.theasianchronicle.com
business
Karan Singh Sodi, Managing Director Mumbai, JLL India
On the back of declining interest in the traditional central business district (CBD) of Mumbai, some corporations are establishing their front-office functions in the secondary business districts (SBDs) and moving back-office activities to the suburban markets. Leading up to 2020, domestic corporations are expected to move up the value chain and look to give their staff more attractive working environments. This will further fuel the relocation from CBD to alternate business districts. The SBDs have newer and better-quality buildings and look attractive but there is also a large and growing scarcity of carparks in SBD Central and SBD North, which is yet to be resolved. The
government plans to support development of peripheral areas of Mumbai, with the objective of improving efficiency of labour by locating businesses closer to suburban residential clusters. This could help ease the peak hour traffic congestion and overcrowded transit infrastructure. The city’s office market is also seeing more mixed-use projects in recent years, with retail components such as F&B outlets and supermarkets. Occupiers setting up offices are particularly drawn to developers with a multi-city presence, and those with private equity funding, in view of greater scalability, reliability and service levels. IT companies demand large land parcels, and are also gravitating towards subur-
Southeast Asian member activists call to drop coal and act on climate change Kates Allas
ban locations due to lack of available space in built-up areas. How Mumbai’s micro-markets would evolve by 2020: • The CBD has seen its vacancy rise up to 9% in 2016 from 2% in 2007. However, established Indian corporates and public sector companies are likely to remain major occupiers here. Tenants will be able to upgrade to better buildings at competitive rentals on the back of relocations out of the CBD. However, a few months ago, DBS Bank moved its office from one building to another within the CBD. Moreover, the government has conceptualized a rejuvenation plan that will drive the redevelopment of old buildings as well as new infra-
structure projects, which will improve CBD’s connectivity with rest of the city. The total office stock is ~6 mn sft. • SBD BKC is the de-facto CBD and its biggest strengths are its well-planned development, central location and presence of high-profile occupiers. Continued government investment in infrastructure, in and around SBD BKC, provides a strong case for this location moving towards 2020. The total office stock is ~15 mn sft. • SBD North is home to Mumbai’s international airport and phase-I of the Mumbai metro. This office district is attractive due to its cost effectiveness and east-west as well as north-south connectivity. However, car park scarcity woes remain an issue, as with SBD Central. The total stock is ~20 mn sft, the most office space that any sub-market houses and with many flexible small office space options. • SBD Central: The erstwhile ‘mill district’ is witness to defunct mills getting refurbished or converted into grade-A office developments and plush residential towers. The rents are 2/3rd of those in CBD and the total stock of office space is ~13.5 mn sft. • Western suburbs: The submarket exhibits a perfect blend of residential and retail develop-
MANILA: Hundreds of the Southeast Asian member activists from civil society and organizations rallied today to the site of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, to petition their leaders to end all coal projects and commit to renewable energy. Anti-coal communities, survivors of climate impacts, environmentalists, human rights groups and other advocates collected at Plaza Miranda headed to the Philippine International Convention Center gathered with placards and giant hands with “no to coal” written, but were blocked by anti-riot police at Rizal Memorial Stadium, a meters away from the venue. Last year, the ASEAN released a joint statement recognizing the region’s susceptibility to climate change but also the need to increase commitments to decrease emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. Southeast Asia remains a worldwide coal hotspot, however, despite these and the severe reduction in renewable energy charges.
ments, hotels, grade-A offices and exhibition centres. The projects here offer ample car parking and wide floor plates. Rents in the sub-market are only a third of those in the CBD. The total stock is ~15.5 mn sft. A clear uptrend in rents has been observed over recent quarters. • Eastern suburbs: The submarket houses build-to-suit buildings, business parks and an IT SEZ. It was the first to introduce a concept of ‘walk to work’. The strategic location, availability of land, upcoming residential developments and metro rail infrastructure projects are likely to boost the demand for office space as well as financial indicators. The total stock is ~14.5 mn sft. • Navi Mumbai is slated to become Mumbai’s IT and FinTech corridor, and its largest grade-A office market by 2020. The area is expected to benefit significantly from the completion of the second airport (estimated to be operational by 2019) located nearby, as well as the Navi Mumbai metro system (estimated to be completed by 2020). However, the district is grappling with problems arising from rapid urbanization and haphazard developments. The stock here is ~17.5 mn sft. • Thane: These suburban locations have evolved from BPO and industrial markets into established back-office districts due to clustered talent pools and availability of grade-A developments. They have also attracted some front-office consolidations
“Coal is projected to have the highest share in Southeast Asia’s energy mix by 2040, with the share of coal in power generation rising from 32% to 50%, contrary to the trend seen in most other parts of the world,” the marchers said in a statement, citing figures from the International Energy Agency. They said it was contradictory to the commitments of the ASEAN governments through the Paris Agreement to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
RECALLING ASEAN Joint Statements on Climate Change and ASEAN
The Leaders’ Statements on Climate Change to the UNFCCC, one noted which on; The Implementing the ASEAN Community Roadmap 2009-2015 including ASEAN Action Plan on Joint Response to Climate Change (AAP-JRCC), the ASEAN Forging Ahead Together 2025, and developing the ASEAN Post 2015 Strategic Plan on Environ-
in recent years. Sustained affordability and quality infrastructure will ensure these markets’ longterm relevance. The stock here is ~6 mn sft. Overall, rental appreciation is expected around 2020 in the SBDs due to falling vacancy levels, and in the suburban markets due to a low base effect. On the other hand, CBD will see continued decline in rents – barring grade-A properties – due to scarcity of both large floor plates and modern amenities. ‘Strategy 2020’ For Occupiers: Occupiers can plan their future space requirements and consolidate multiple offices at a single site with good connectivity to achieve operational efficiencies, reduce costs and address growth. Offices in well-located upcoming prime assets in Mumbai are likely to get pre-committed quickly; hence, awareness is crucial. Occupiers need to commit early to gain first-mover advantage in new buildings. They are advised to invest in occupancy planning and move management to ensure optimal office relocations for their organization. For Investors and Developers: It will also be crucial for these stakeholders to anticipate tenants’ needs – with regards to office location, specifications and quality. The current grade-A office vacancy rate stands around 18%, with most of the vacancy being in stock that fails to meet the requirements of end-users. The vacancy in superior gradeA stock, however, is 9.5% only.
ment (ASPEN), and ASEAN-UN Action Plan on Environment and Climate Change 20162020; under that; The promotions of sustainable management of forest that will contribute to reducing forest degradation and deforestation, and also the enhancement of carbon sink capacity through own capacity, bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The marchers concern are the 120 million Southeast Asians have no access to power, and would call for more investments in solar, wind, and other renewable sources of energy which are cleaner and occupation to more people. While this summit, stated most of the speeches that the ASEAN is gravely concerned about the impacts of climate change throughout the ASEAN region, pushing the way of the Intergovernmental Panel to tackle on Climate Change (IPCC) in areas such; as extreme climate event, food, water and energy security, livelihoods, health, land use and biodiversity including disproportionate impacts on women and children.
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world
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ASEAN Summit begins, a more resilient and ready to do business By Winston Mwale The Philippines hosts the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, as the latter marks the 50th year of its founding, it will be a yearlong festivities, conferences for the ASEAN Summit.This week unlocks the 30th ASEAN Summitwith a theme of “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”, where the leaders of the 10 member-countries will meet at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC). President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will chair this year's 30th ASEAN Summit on April 29 involving the Heads of States/Governments of 10 ASEAN Member States, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Preparatory meetings, involving ASEAN Ministers and Senior Officials, will take place from April 26 to 28. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, despite the challenges, he showed the valour to lead ASEAN Economic Connectivity and promote unity with and among ASEAN member states and its global partners, this from his own words “… Make no mistake, our ASEAN today is much changed from the Southeast Asia in 1967. Our ASEAN today presents many real opportunities for investments to grow, for investors within and outside of our region.ASEAN needs to sustain its momentum towards inclusive growth, ensure that businesses and industries continue to thrive and secure a policy environment that supports meaningful economic change and reform.Under the Philippines’ chairmanship, ASEAN will continue on this road towards greater progress and prosperity.We’ll work tirelessly to ensure that ASEAN’s economic integration as an object and instrument of policy are fully harnessed.We will work together with ASEAN member states and partners to ensure that the trajectory of inclusive growth remains always on the upswing.To do this, the Philippines will focus on the following: First, particular attention to be paid to the micro, small, and medium industries that form the backbone of the ASEAN’s collective economy.The objective is to build the capacities of MSMEs to make them active and competitive players in the national, regional, and global economies.” In his statement at theRizal Hall, Malacañan Palace, 24 January 2017 The 30th ASEAN Summit is the first of two leaders-level meetings that the Philippines will convene this year as Chair of ASEAN. The second one, the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, will be held in November and will be participated in by the ASEAN's Dialogue Partners, such as Australia,
China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States. The ASEAN is becoming aremarkablestarting point for venture, being the fourth-largest exporting region in the world;the combined population of all ASEAN members’ counts as the biggest force in similar group of nations,with its 630-million-strong and biggest among all geopolitical blocs represents economic powerhouse, the combined worth of ASEAN member states is now at $2.5 trillion in GDP, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). During that same period, and has a GDP per capita across the region increased by 76 percent. In 2016 the combined GDP of the 10-nation bloc was worth $2.5 trillion, almost double the $1.3 trillion measured in 2010. Infrastructures and other projects under ASEAN would become third largest within Asia, and the seventh in the world. With the officialjump of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, the member states — however, diverse in bodily standards — have underway reaping from craft deals carefully started in 2007 and concluded by 2013 with most of the world’s biggest economies, i.e., China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand. The AEC is aimed to upsurge trade within ASEAN nations as well as with the biggest trading economies in the world with which entered covenants to facilitate the free flow of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labour between country members in the hopes that this would make stronger the overall growth of the region to ensure equal economic development and further integration into the global economy.Such growthwill be achieved in spiteimmensemixture in religion, race and legal tradition. Three of the world’s major religions—Christianity, Islam and Hinduism—are practiced in the region and, at times, right next to each
other. The Philippines will stress on the following items: First, particular on the micro, small, and medium industries that form the strength of the ASEAN’s collective economy. The objective is to build the capacities of MSMEs to make them active and competitive players in the national, regional, and global economies.These include the ASEAN MSMEs mentors’ conference and ASEAN creative business forum and exhibit. Sub-regional economic cooperation such as the BIMP-EAGA, which
the Philippines will chair this year, will likewise be crucial in pursuing development initiative at the grassroots.This ASEAN Summit the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Duterte urge all business leaders and enterprises, to take an active part in the vital programs developed to support initiatives under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship.
ASEAN SUMMIT Main Activities; Under the theme “Partnering for
Change, Engaging the World,” the Leaders will discuss progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Vision 2025 and the way forward as well as ASEAN’s external relations and ASEAN’s future direction.They will also exchange views on pressing regional and international issues. The Leaders will also interface with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and the Youth Representatives. The ASEAN Secretary-General will also attend the Summit.Two sub-regional meetings will also be held in Manila; these are the Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).President Rodrigo R. Duterte will chair the 30th ASEAN Summit Plenary and Retreat as well as the BIMP-EAGA Summit on April 29. He will host a Gala Dinner for the Leaders and delegates on the same day.
About ASEAN The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967, when Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand signed the Bangkok Declaration. Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia followed in that order in the intervening years.
Malawi President Upbeat Fibre Backbone Project to Deal with Ghost Workers
Kates Allas
Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika is upbeat the Malawi National Fibre Backbone Project is a timely solution in cleaning up the civil service which is infested with ghost workers. Speaking in the capital Lilongwe on 26th April, 2017, while commissioning the long-awaited connectivity project, Mutharika said for decades the country has been battling with the influx of fake government workers who kept on draining public resources. The Malawi leader said this will,however, be a thing of the past as the project will among others connect the country's human resource systems which will keep up to date data for genuine government employees. “Malawi will have improved delivery of services as various government offices will now be connected to an information super highway. With the fibre backbone project, we expect transformation in sectors such as national identity programme, education, health and the finance,” Mutharika said.
The President further said, “Apart from flushing out ghost workers, Malawians will have easy access to information through the fast internet and that payments of salaries for civil servants will no longer be delayed as everything will be done with speed.” The Malawi National Fibre Backbone Project mainly seeks to integrate government operating systems and improve quality of service delivery. There are high expectations that the project once finished will also strengthen the Integrated Financial Management Systems (IFMIS) which was a loophole for civil servants who pilfer government funds. Furthermore, Malawians will have a chance to transact business and make payments by using the mobile phones. Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Wang Shi Ting commended Malawi for joining the global world in as far as information connectivity is concerned. He said once completed, Malawi will have fast speed internet, reduce internet cost and vibrant information access by all Malawians. “I believe that this project will bring more business to Malawi and offer nu-
merous benefits. Soon we should be able see the introduction of E-learning, E-commerce and E-economy. “Malawi will have improved access to the internet, increased speed of internet and an enhanced connection between Malawi and the outside world,” said Wang. Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Nicholas Dausi said the ministry will try its level best to ensure that the project progresses. Dausi also said it will be the role of the ministry to educate Malawians about the importance of the project. “As directed by the President, we will go to every part of the country and conduct awareness programme on usage of internet and the significance of this project,” he said. Malawi becomes the third country in Africa to be connected to the global world. The Malawi National Fibre Backbone Project will be implemented by the Huawei technologies company of China and will connect to all the 28 districts of the country.