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Budget session resumes today, farmers’ agitation to resonate

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Budget session resumes today, farmers’ agitation to resonate

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi rides a tractor to attend a kisan mahapanchayat in Meerut on Sunday. PTI

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 7

The remaining half of the Budget session of Parliament will commence here on Monday with the finance bill listed as the top priority along with the passage of the demand for grants for various ministries.

Although the primary business through the session would be financial, the Opposition led by Congress is gearing up to attack the BJP-led Centre for the failure to resolve the ongoing farmers’ agitation, rising prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas and the LAC issue.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Sunday chaired a strategy meeting with parliament leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and asked party MPs to continue to back the cause of farmers.

The meeting was held on a day when AICC general secretary Priyanka Vadra attended another farmers’ mahapanchayat at Meerut.

Sonia had earlier written to PM Narendra Modi asking the government to pass on the benefits of lowering global crude oil prices to consumers.

She reiterated in the meeting that the government was profiteering from common people by refusing to lower taxes on petrol and diesel.

The Congress is also expected to continue its attack on the farmers’ issue as the farmers’ protests have completed 100 days and the unions have pledged intensification of the agitation across India over the coming days.

The government has said they are willing to suspend the laws for 18 months and discuss the irritants with the stakeholders. “The offer stands,” Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar said.

Among important bills listed for consideration in the current session are the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Amendment Bill, 2021, and the Cryptocurrency Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill.https://fb21e14dcc7bd5f9bf3499605844a62f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said this week that the government was in dialogue with the RBI on the issue of digital currency after the apex court left the matter to the executive.

Meanwhile with the elections already declared in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, several political parties have urged the presiding officers of both Houses to consider cutting the session short as they would be required to canvass in the respective areas.

It is learnt that nearly all MPs and parliament staffers returning negative RTPCR reports, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaish Naidu could discuss the possibility of resuming the normal functioning of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, which are sitting separately in two time slots during the day.

rties urge officers to consider poll schedule


Farmers’ agitation: Samyukta Kisan Morcha to reveal agenda on March 11; plans to expand movement to more states

Movement to expand to West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha

Farmers’ agitation: Samyukta Kisan Morcha to reveal agenda on March 11; plans to expand movement to more states

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 7

Farmer unions on Sunday said that they will not be returning from Delhi borders till their demand that the new farm laws be repealed are met.

Unions will unveil the next agenda and programme for the coming days on March 11, Jagmohan Singh Patiala, general secretary of BKU (Dakaunada) said.

Also read: Farmers’ agitation to continue till rollback of three farm laws: Tikait

The aim is to expand the movement to other parts of the country, including poll-bound West Bengal and, states like Madhya Pradesh Karnataka and Odisha, added BKU general secretary Yudhvir Singh.

Senior leaders say despite “many hurdles posed by the government and its agencies”, “the movement is going strong and is set to become bigger”.

However, they continue to insist that their movement was apolitical.

Also read: Hisar farmer ends life by hanging from tree at Tikri border, blames three farm laws

Jagmohan Singh said the organisations will coordinate with BJP’s rivals to make this clear to them.

“We are apolitical, we want to make it clear to the Opposition parties as well,” he said

Unions are also planning meetings, panchayats and mahapanchayats in other states.

Yudhvir Singh said the movement has got tremendous support from across the country and it is now time that farmers in other states like Odisha and Karnataka to register it physically.

“For 100 days farmers have been camping at the Delhi borders in the bitter cold, many have also died. But the government’s attitude has not just been disappointing but also shameful. We have no other option but to take the movement to other states and ensure our physical presence there. We will do whatever it takes to show our ‘nararzgi’ (anger),” he said.

Yudhvir Singh said the movement has got a very good response from Rajasthan and they are considering a panchayat in Jaipur on the birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

“We will hold meetings/panchayats in Bengal on March 12, 13, and 14, Madhya Pradesh on March 14 and 15, Odisha on March 19, and Karnataka on March 20, 21, and 22. The movement is no longer limited to dharnas. If we want, we can collect a huge crowd on Delhi borders in one hour, but that is not the only aim now,” he said.


Punjab Assembly passes resolution seeking unconditional withdrawal of farm laws

The resolution seeks to continue with the existing system of MSP-based government procurement of food grains.

Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh in Patiala

Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh in Patiala | ANI File PhotoText Size: A- A+

Chandigarh: Punjab Assembly on Friday passed a resolution seeking unconditional withdrawal of the three contentious farm laws by the Centre.

According to a press statement, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh introduced a resolution calling for the repeal of the farm laws, declaring that these laws cannot be accepted and allowed to remain on the statute book to the detriment of the farmers, as not only are they against the principles of cooperative federalism but their objectives are apparently preposterous. The resolution was later passed unanimously by those present in the House. It demanded the unconditional withdrawal of the Farm Laws in the interest of the farmers and the State, and to continue with the existing system of Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based government procurement of food grains.

“The House resolves to once again urge upon the Government of India to withdraw these laws unconditionally in the larger interest of the farmers, and the State and continue with the existing system of MSP-based government procurement of food grains,” the resolution stated.

Captain Amarinder also appealed to the Central government to withdraw all cases and notices against the agitating farmers to build a congenial environment for an amicable solution and introduced a resolution calling for the repeal of the farm laws by the Centre.

The Punjab CM also questioned who benefits from unregulated private mandis and cess, taxes imposed on those markets. He also questioned the benefits of several other issues, including debarring Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers, deregulation of mandi fees, debarring farmers from approaching courts and stock limits on storage of food grains..

He also lamented that the three Bills passed unanimously by the Punjab Assembly to counter the ill-effects of the farm laws had still not been granted Presidential assent.

“Though nobody dares speak out loud, the response to these questions is clear”, said the Chief Minister after putting up the questions in the Assembly, adding that his government was fully conscious that the Centre has no choice but to withdraw these legislations and ensure socio-economic security of the farmers and farm workers, the release read.


Also read: Akali Dal MLAs suspended from Punjab Assembly for disrupting proceedings


Inspiring instance of soldier’s creed

In honour of a Sepoy Muleteer and his devotion to duty — a trademark of so many like him

Inspiring instance of soldier’s creed

photo for representational purpose only

Lt Gen Raj Kadiyan (Retd)

Napolean had said, ‘An army marches on its stomach.’ It underscores the importance of logistics. And for the Indian Army, deployed in remote, undeveloped areas, mules have been providing the crucial last-mile logistics. Historically, animals have been an inseparable part of the Indian Army. The mule corps played an important role in various theatres during World War I such as France, Gallipoli, Egypt and Basra. With mechanisation, mules may be phased out, but that is the march of time.

In 1976, our battalion moved from Jalandhar to the high altitudes in the central sector. Our Commanding Officer could not accompany and being next in line, I moved the battalion. The Brigade Commander scheduled an operational discussion a week after our induction. Ignoring the mandated acclimatisation, I decided to visit all the forward posts before that event.

I was on way to Lapthal post. A section of men and a detachment of mules carrying miscellaneous lumber were in accompaniment. The track to the nearly 14,000 feet high post ran alongside a steeply sloped mountain.

Sepoy Muleteer Girdhari Lal was in charge of two animals. Walking behind the rear mule, he was holding on to its tail. This gave him support in climbing, but more importantly, gave confidence and a personal touch to the animal. Walking just behind, I noticed Girdhari was constantly talking to the mule. This monologue was as if he was telling the loaded animal a story. I have no idea whether the animal understood, but Girdhari knew.

The second mule that was ahead of Girdhari was relatively new and had yet to master the art of mountain walking. At one sharp bend, there was a sudden gust of headwind. The rookie mule lost balance and fell down the slope. Instantly, Girdhari, uncaring of his own safety, jumped down.

The mountainside had small pebbles strewn when the rock was blasted to make the track. After two side-rolls, the animal miraculously found footing and stood up. Girdhari, taking a tumble himself, instantly reached the shaken animal, held his reins and patted him soothingly on the neck. Since there was almost a 6-foot-high retaining wall, they could not climb back. The other muleteer immediately brought an older mule to walk along the track in parallel while Girdhari walked the rookie animal on the lower side till they found a suitable gap in the retaining wall where Girdhari could climb up along with the animal.

On reaching the post, the entire party was taken into a heated tent and served hot tea and ‘pakoras’. But Girdhari got busy unloading the animals, watering them, giving them feed, and covering them with a warm blanket after a grooming massage. Only thereafter did he think of himself.

Girdhari’s act in jumping down was extraordinary. Being on the spot, I had seen an example of extreme bravery and dedication. Those days, the system of awards for gallantry as well as meritorious service was not as liberal as it is today. The spurt came only after we started counter-terrorism operations in the Valley in full view of cameras and the Army’s actions became widely visible.

But Girdhari’s act merited recognition. On return to the base location, I held a Sainik Sammelan. Being an eyewitness, I gave a graphic description of Girdhari’s daring action. I then announced a cash award of Rs500 to him from the regimental funds. The men broke into a loud applause. When Girdhari came up to receive his award, the Subedar Major asked him to say a few words. Not being an orator, Girdhari spoke only a few words shyly: ‘Maine jo kiya woh to mera farz tha sahib.’

In those brief words, Sepoy Girdhari Lal summed up a soldier’s creed. Soldiers do what they do out of a sense of duty.


Challenges to internal security

eakening of federal structure, increasing economic inequalities and the rise of communalism are creating fissures in society, and pose a real threat to the country. The question is, do we choose the path of repression or reconciliation? Take the people along on the path of development and secularism; only a united India will ensure a secure India

Challenges to internal security

Photo for representational purpose only

Gurbachan Jagat

At a time when we, as a nation, are concerned about external threats from countries inimical to our security, what worries me equally, if not more, is the growing discontent within the country. In fact, the two go together hand in hand and a peaceful, united country can face external threats with great confidence and efficiency. The weakening of our federal structure, increasing economic inequalities and rise of communalism are some of the issues facing us. Each leads to fissures in society, creating a ready body of manpower and resources which can be easily manipulated and used by external agencies to create serious internal security threats.

One of the gravest challenges facing us is the weakening of the federal structure. This is not a development which has taken place overnight, but the process has now snowballed and is visible to all. In recent years, the Centre has abrogated to itself many of the financial powers of the states and in other matters also, like agriculture. Ever since the implementation of GST, the states (especially those ruled by Opposition parties) have lost a large part of their financial independence and are dependent on the Centre for even their dues, forget any largesse. According to a written statement in Parliament in February, a massive Rs2 lakh crore in GST dues was owed by the Centre to the states by November 2020. As per media reports, Maharashtra is owed almost Rs30,000 crore, Bengal claims Rs77,000 crore. The economists and accountants amongst us might want to comment on this sovereign default. Furthermore, the states were forced to borrow funds to meet their dues, thereby increasing their debt load and keeping the Centre’s books cleaner. The financial crunch facing the states is such that they cannot carry on normal development activities without the help of the Centre. In emergencies like floods, droughts, earthquakes, etc, they are utterly helpless and dependent upon the Centre. The Centre follows a carrot and stick policy, which leads to further increase in tensions that exist. This is also a part of the weakening of the federal structure, with the states left holding the bag. This will lead to antagonism and alienation.

The weakening of the federal structure can further be seen in the enactment of laws regarding agriculture, which is a state subject. This has led to one of the biggest and longest agitations in recent history. Farmers across the length and breadth of the country have come together in a face-off with not only the Government of India, but also the mighty industrial honchos whom they suspect to be behind these laws. We are entering uncharted territory with these new laws, where large sections of the peasantry are being alienated. This has led to tensions between urban and rural India and does not augur well for our security. Added to this is the fact that most of our officers and men in the police, paramilitary forces and armed forces come from rural areas and are sons of farmers. They form the backbone of our security forces. The role played by some sections of the media in heightening this divide is highly biased and suspect. Foreign agencies will not be sleeping on these new self-made fissures and will use people both inside and outside the country to create further problems. Evidently, large funds have already been sent by dubious organisations — this will all add fuel to the existing discontent. Many parts of the country have been embroiled in internal conflicts (Kashmir, Punjab, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland are all a case in point), are we not again amplifying the voices of dissent and alienating sections of our society?

The next serious threat is the open proliferation of communalism in most parts of the country. It was always present below the surface and used as vote banks during elections. There were periodic clashes between the two communities and rioting also took place. At some point, the strong criminal underground owing allegiance to both the communities started playing a major part in the clashes. This was witnessed in the Bombay riots, as also in other states. Recent developments have pushed secularism further into the background and differences have begun to surface more openly and a sharp polarisation is taking place. Issues like CAA and NRC have increased the polarisation of society and further heightened the insecurities of the minority communities. The minorities fear that their Indian citizenship itself is in danger and that it may lead to large-scale disenfranchising of a community. These laws are still hanging fire and when acted upon have the potential to aggravate the security situation. Added to these have been other incidences to keep the pot boiling regarding suspect cow slaughter and ‘love jihad’ laws, which again target Muslim youth. Laws have been enacted in BJP-led states and cases are being registered and the accused arrested.

This total polarisation of communities is not a good thing for our internal and external security. The minorities are in sizable numbers and if misled, can pose a threat to our internal security. Unlike Pakistan, Myanmar or Afghanistan, who have primarily chosen the path of repression against minorities, we had so far walked the path of secularism and tolerance. This has been our strength not only by creating a vibrant democracy and a growing economy, but also globally it gave us a voice in democratic forums. The foreign media today is increasingly describing India as a state which no longer tolerates dissent and is bracketing us with countries which have throttled freedom.

In case of hostilities, we would have to look over our shoulders while facing the enemy. The recent occurrences in Ladakh are a case in point. We have had trouble at the LAC and LoC because China and Pakistan have never really accepted the border lines. Now some kind of temporary détente seems to have been worked out, but can we repose trust in it? Last year, the ceasefire violations were the highest in recent times. China has never accepted the unilateral change in the status of J&K after the abrogation of Article 370, and the resulting tension on the border has a direct correlation. The entire erstwhile state of J&K was under lockdown for a full year, hundreds of additional companies of PMFs have been deployed since then, crores have been lost in revenue. Politicians chest-thumping on Aksai Chin and PoK rarely have any personal stake in the battles which follow. Only a greenhorn would say that the Kashmir issue is dead. It reminds one more of the lull before the storm.

Unemployment and economic disparity are ever increasing. The disparity between the rich and poor is reaching mind-boggling levels. These are creating ripples in society across the board and we may soon be faced with a tsunami of protests creating further law and order situations. This inequality of income and unemployment levels are ticking time bombs perhaps posing a greater threat to our internal security than the enemies across the border. The Maoist and Naxalite movements have had large-scale consequences spread through numerous states — Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Maharashtra have all suffered extensively. The root of these movements lay in the perceived disparity and exploitation felt by the cadres who joined.

It would be in the national interest if we could settle some of these and reduce the tensions. The question is, do we choose the path of repression or reconciliation? We must remember that these are our people and our country. We have to make a choice, our leadership has to make a choice, for we stand at the crossroads of history. All my life, wherever I have gone in the country, the common man has wanted peace and education and health for his children. It is the leadership with its vested interests which advocates divisiveness and is an obstacle to peace. Take the people along on the path of development and secularism to form a united and secure India free from fissiparous digressions.

— The writer is ex-chairman of UPSC, former Manipur Governor and served as J&K DGP


At Gujarat meet, Modi bats for indigenous doctrine for forces

New Delhi, March 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for a holistic approach focused on breaking down civil-military silos and expediting the speed of decision-making.

Lauds forces for diligence

  • PM Narendra Modi called upon the forces to optimise manpower planning in military and civilian parts of the national security architecture.
  • The forces were appreciated for the resolute dedication shown in context of the Covid pandemic and challenging situation on the northern borders.

Modi advised the services to rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that had outlived their utility and relevance. Doctrines, procedures and customs practided in the armed forces needed to be indigenous, the PM suggested. He was addressing the valedictory session of the Combined Commanders Conference at Kevadia, Gujarat. Taking note of the rapidly changing technological landscape, the PM highlighted the need to develop the Indian military into a ‘future force’.

Maritime command – a giant leap

  • India will set up an overarching maritime command. It will have warships, fighter jets, helicopters, submarines, aircraft carriers and special amphibious brigades of the Army.
  • The maritime theatre commander will be responsible for securing the sea lanes of communications and maritime security along the 7,500-km coastline.

The PM was briefed by the Chief of Defence Staff about the discussions during this year’s conference. This included setting up of theatre commands which would mean all forces operating under a single commander in a demarcated area. — TNS


SEMINAR :13 SEP Ex-SERVICEMEN* *IN SUPPORT* *OF THE FARMERS*.

Ex-SERVICEMEN* *IN SUPPORT* *OF THE FARMERS*. 
 A seminar is being organised  in support of Farmers agitation to support their demand to legalise MSP and withdrawn of the three unconstitutional, undemocratic, and interfering of central govt in the State jurisdiction to frame laws on agriculture   All Ex-Sevicemen of tri- city to attend the seminar with the Moto of *Jai Jawan Jai Kissan*

as under 
*LOCATION*- KALA BHAWAN, SECTOR 16,CHANDIGARH (CLOSE TO THE ROSE GARDEN).*DATE*- 13 MARCH. *TIME*- 10.30 AM.  To be seated by 10:15 A.M
Ladies welcome and those who wants to speak May fwd their names 
*MAXIMUM* attendance is *REQUESTED*
 Any ESM wants to speak kindly fwd your name 
Regards, Col Charanjit Singh998826645
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Listening to the problems of Ex servicemen at Village Kanwa::Pathankot

Brig Prahald SIngh Veterans ,chairman Sanjha Morcha and GOG Distt Head Pathankot was in chair along with other sr officers