Untitled - Congress Sandesh

Letter to Congress Workers 

Dear friends, 

This month we have once again seen the havoc and devastation caused by the monsoon in 

India. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra have been severely affected and we have 

even seen the loss of life due to floods in these areas. Natural disasters are a major 

concern in India and we must as a Government ensure that proper mechanisms to handle 

and predict natural disasters are put in place and effectively implemented. The UPA 

government has been instrumental in formulating a Disaster Management Bill that has 

been passed during the previous Parliamentary session. This is extremely important for a 

country like India that has great climatic and geographical variations. We suffer from draught, 

floods and other disasters that strike during any season. It is indeed time that a country 

like India, with its excellent scientific manpower and its organizational abilities, puts in place infrastructure and institutions that can 

effectively handle and minimize the damage caused to life and property due to natural disasters. In the meantime, State governments 

must ensure that all help is available to those who bear the brunt of such disasters and that rescue operations are promptly and 

effectively carried out with minimal delay. 

Here too, our grass root workers and our Frontal organizations, such as the Youth Congress, the Sewa Dal and our Women’s organization 

can play a vital role in organizing relief work and ensuring that those directly affected by natural disasters are provided immediate 

help and their sufferings minimized. The Congress Party and its workers must continue to adhere to their commitment to the 

Common Man. And this is something that has to be proven on the ground. This can only happen if our Party members are at the 

forefront of representing the genuine needs of the people. It can only occur if we are at the forefront in fighting for their rights and 

take the lead in alleviating their sufferings. 

We are a Party of the masses. Our ideology and our beliefs have never been partisan or limited to one group or one State. Our 

commitment is to the poor and the marginalized in our country irrespective of caste or creed. We must never forget that we are a 

national and broad-based Party that brings into its folds those with diverse opinions. Our only commitment is to honesty and probity 

in public life. And at this level we must not condone any compromise. Instead, we must lead by example. The hearts of the masses 

cannot be won by rhetoric alone. It is only hard work and genuine commitment to the welfare of the common man that can yield the 

fruit of loyalty and support for the Party from the people. Let us all endeavour to put this in practice. 

This month we also conclude our monsoon session of Parliament. Several important legislations were tabled in this session and the 

Congress has once again taken the lead in ensuring that the commitments it made in its election manifesto are implemented as soon 

as possible. However, it is indeed sad that the Opposition NDA has once again chosen the route of walking out of Parliament and 

forcing repeated adjournments of the House instead of actually discussing national issues that deserve debate and discussion in 

Parliament. We must ask ourselves why this is becoming a norm for the Opposition and what this means for the vibrancy of our 

Democracy if we refuse to respect our democratic institutions. Let us not forget that Democracy is a hard-won right and should not 

be taken lightly. Our MP’s, by attending Parliament regularly, can once again lead by example. 

Congress Sandesh, August, 2006 1

Letters to the Editor 

Nation is indebted to Sonia Gandhi 

On the request of the Congress Party, the Jessica Lal murder 

case was reopened. With the intervention of the Congress 

President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the Delhi Police filed an appeal in 

the Apex court. For this effort, the whole nation is indebted to 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi as she could as a women realized the feelings 

of the traumatized family. The court had acquitted all the accused 

in the Jessica Lal murder case. A special law should be enacted 

to deal with such cases. 

- Jaiprakash Chandrakar, 

Youth Congress, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 

Life Member 

I have been regularly reading 

Congress Sandesh. I request you 

to accept me as your life member. 

- Ansari Qayyum, 

Byculla, Mumbai 

Helping Farmers 

I think the Youth Congress should 

pay attention to the economic 

condition of the people, especially, 

those in rural areas and those living 

in semi-developed urban areas, like 

slums. In rural areas, farmers need 

help in choosing genuine seeds and 

marketing facilities. In most areas 

farmers are not aware what crop to 

opt for in their lands. They also very 

often are not sure if water is 

available in their lands and at what 

depth. Soil testing which helps to 

select the crop is also needed. 

Extending help to farmers in these critical areas will go a long 

way in winning their hearts. This, I think, is the best way to stop 

farmers’ suicide. 

- K.R.K. Murty, 

Nallakunta, Hyderabad (A.P.) 

Nation is Proud of Congress Party 

The nation is proud to have a party like Congress. The Congress 

party had leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, 

Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi who contributed in their own way 

towards the development and progress of our country. This 

tradition is being carried forward by our beloved leader Smt. Sonia 

Gandhi. 

May God give strength to Smt. Gandhi so that under her leadership 

our country makes greater progress and become an outstanding 

nation in the world. 

Well Done Sandesh! 

- Srichand Makhija 

Shalimar Garden, New Delhi 

I am a regular reader of the Congress Sandesh magazine. I feel 

refreshed by going through its 

articles and the speeches of the 

Congress President, Smt. Sonia 

Gandhi. The layout and photos used 

are extremely good. 

I also want to congratulate the staff 

members for bringing out ‘Sandesh’ 

which will be entering into the 9 th 

year of publication this 

Independence Day. I wish 

‘Sandesh’ sees many more years to 

keep us informed of party activities 

and party news. 

Be More Vigilant! 

- Vijay Arora, 

Agra 

Despite the grave threat to country’s 

security on Independence Day to the 

cities of Bombay and Delhi, the 

festivities of the Independence Day 

went off smoothly. But one should not think that the threat is 

over because the extremist strike when people are not cautious. 

Therefore, people should be more cautious and more vigilant 

against these forces which are bent upon disturbing the peace 

of our country. 

Our police force and security personnel should not feel happy 

about an incidence-free Independence Day but should act more 

cautiously and be more vigilant. 

- Sudhir Kumar, 

New Delhi 

2 Congress Sandesh, August, 2006

Contents 

Published in Hindi & English 

Vol. 8 No. 12, August, 2006 

Editorial Board 

Members 

Mani Shankar Aiyar 

Salman Khursheed 

Sarvjit Singh 

Poonam Sahi 

Editor 

Anil Shastri 

Managing Editor 

KVS Rama Sarma 

Associate Editor 

Dr. Ravni Thakur 

Congress Sandesh 

Editorial Team 

Ram Naresh Sinha 

Rattan Francis 

Bipin Sharma 

Manager (Admn. & Circulation) 

Kamal Shahu 

Design & Layout 

Benchmark Graphic (P) Ltd. & Kamal Shahu 

Computergraphics 

Mohan Singh Katyura 

Acknowledgements 

The Hindu, Hindustan Times, India Today. The 

Economics Times, The Indian Express, National 

Herald, The Times of India, R.K.Laxman, Press Trust 

of India, Photo Division. 

Editorial & Correspondence office 

Congress Sandesh, 

24 Akbar Road, New Delhi-110 011. 

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Printed at : Chaar Dishayen Printers, 

G-40, Sector - 3, NOIDA - 201301 

Edited by : KVS Rama Sarma 

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As several states were seriously affected 

by floods causing enormous loss of 

property and cost several lives, the 

Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, 

took time out to inspect the flood-hit 

areas personally to acquaint herself of 

the extent and damage caused by the 

floods. She visited relief camps in A.P, 

Gujarat and Maharashtra. The Centre 

has begun examining the level of 

damage in these states and is in the 

process of providing financial relief. The 

Centre is also seriously studying the 

question of evolving a scheme to meet 

natural disasters expeditiously and 

effectively. Since floods have become a 

regular annual feature in several states 

spanning the entire country, there is an 

urgent need to evolve a scheme which 

can channelise flood waters into 

seasonal rivers. Given the advanced 

technological prowess and skills of India, 

it should be possible to turn floods into 

an advantage by preserving the flood 

waters for agricultural and other 

purposes especially in dry land areas. 

Smt. Gandhi also took time to launch 

the party’s U.P. Assembly election 

campaign in Kanpur. Accompanied by 

Shri Rahul Gandhi she told a largely 

attended “Nav Nirman” rally in Kanpur 

that time had come to act in the spirit of 

“do or die” to throw out the Mulayam 

Singh government for neglecting the 

people and ignoring the development of 

Uttar Pradesh. 

CP’S VISIT 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi while addressing a 

massive rally in Kanpur urged people of U.P. 

to show Mulayam the door 5 

CPP MEET 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi while addressing the CPP 

in Parliament House, said that secularism 

was the strength of the party 7 

DEBATE IN RAJYA SABHA 

PM’s reply to discussions in Rajya Sabha on 

Indo-US nuclear deal 9 

TERRORISM 

G-8 unites against terrorist attack on Mumbai 

suburban trains as PM said “no cause is 

worthy enough to justify the killing of 

civilians” 17 

IYC CONFERENCE 

Speaking at a conference of District Congress 

presidents of Youth Congress, Smt. Sonia Gandhi 

said that “youth can play a vital role in the 

development of the party and the nation” 18 

FLOODS 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi was concerned about the 

flood situation in the country and made an 

aerial survey of AP and Gujarat 20 

COMMENT 

CWC Special Invitee, Shri Anil Shastri, 

dismisses as a crude joke the allegation of 

BJP leader, Shri Jaswant Singh that PMO had 

a ‘mole’ during the regime of Shri P.V. 

Narsimha Rao 21 

COVER STORY 

Strengthen the backbone’ writes the noted 

veteran industrialist K.K.Birla in his article. 22 

VIEWPOINT 

Put infrastructure in place and manage 

disasters, suggests Sarvjit Singh 27 

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT 

Praveen Davar writes about Rajiv Gandhi’s 

role in empowering women 29 

STATES WATCH 

Huge protest Rally in Chhattisgarh 31 

Website on Rajiv Gandhi 33 

Attestation Drive in Maharashtra 35 

MAHILA CONGRESS 37 

AICC DIARY 38 

PHOTOFILE 40 

To Our Readers / Subscribers 

In view of the increased cost of paper and printing we are compelled to raise the per copy price of 

Congress Sandesh to Rs. 10/- w.e.f. June 2002. Subscritpion charges for fresh subscirbers: for 

One Year Rs. 100/-, Two Years Rs. 175/-, Three Years Rs. 250/ Outstation cheques should include 

Rs. 20 towards realization charges. Cheques may be sent in favour of ‘Sandesh Trust’ 

Editor 


Editorial 

Combating Natural Disasters 

This month we have once again witnessed the fury of the monsoon and the toll that they can take of life and property. 

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat have been amongst the states most adversely hit with more than two hundred 

people losing their lives. Once again the Army had to be brought in to mount rescue operations to save lives and 

property. This is both tragic and unacceptable. India cannot hope to be a 21 st century country if we still have people 

who die because we do not have the mechanisms that can handle natural disasters. This is more so, not natural 

disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis that cannot be adequately predicted, but the damage caused by the monsoons 

that we face every year. 

The UPA government has been the first government to put in place an act of Parliament especially dealing with 

natural disasters. We have shown how will and commitment on the part of the State can function during the ravages 

caused by the Tsunami that devastated our coastal regions two years ago. We were able, not only to handle the 

needs of our people, but also provided aid to other neighbouring countries that suffered its impact. This must not be 

a one-time plan. It must be effective whenever and wherever a natural disaster strikes our country. India must also 

leverage its scientific and technical know-how to ensure that we have the right information regarding the severity of 

the monsoons and be able to predict disasters before they happen. 

The National Disaster Act envisages putting in place a proper department that oversees planning and logistics for the 

handling of all national disasters. This nodal agency would lead to coordinated efforts of all agencies that are 

involved in relief work and ensure that timely interventions are made to combat natural disaster. At the same time, 

India must also put in place infrastructure and plans that can prevent disasters from occurring in the first place. This 

is particularly important where damage caused by monsoon is concerned. 

Natural disasters are also closely related to the way we handle our environment. The floods in Bombay city, for 

example, prove that drains clogged by plastic waste was one of the main reasons that water did not drain out in 

Bombay. Similarly, industrial waste being dumped into our rivers and deforestation in our mountains are amongst the 

other major reasons why our rivers tend to break their boundaries. Devastation of our catchment areas and global 

warming in general have also contributed to increasing waters in our rivers. The Himalayan glaciers are melting 

today and unless the world takes united stand on this very important issue of global warming, no country will be safe 

from future devastation, especially if as predicted, our sea levels rise to unacceptable levels. Where industrial waste 

and its untreated effluents being dumped in our rivers is concerned, the government and the Supreme Court have 

already issued instructions to make industry more responsible. We have only to look at the Yamuna and its condition 

in Delhi to see how industrial effluents can lead to major health and natural disasters. Any attempt at disaster 

management must thus use a holistic approach that takes into account environmental issues. 

Modern urban planning is another must for us to guard our major cities. Surat and Mumbai are examples of our lack 

at this level. Unauthorised colonies and unauthorized factories in urban areas also contribute to the problems that 

arise in the face of natural disasters. Not just floods but fire is another hazard posed by rampant and unplanned 

construction. However, Laws alone are not enough. We need a strong civic movement to educate the people about 

the consequences of environmental degradation. It is indeed a matter of worry that most of our sources of water and 

land are getting polluted. We must jointly, as a nation, fight against this creeping menace and each one of us be a 

responsible citizen. It is only then that we can bequeath a strong and viable India to our future generations. ❖ 


CP’s Speech 

Show Mulayam the Door 

Sonia Gandhi 

Congress President’s Address at a Public meeting at 

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, August 8, 2006 

This historical ground of Phoolbagh is a witness of our freedom 

struggle. I welcome all of you here. 

On this day, 64 years ago, Mahatma 

Gandhi gave a slogan, “will do or die.” 

This determination ignited a fire of 

freedom in the hearts of our people 

so much that our country won the 

freedom within five years. The 

movement of 1942 was basically the 

movement of youths, of the youth who 

considered Jawaharlal Nehru as their 

leader. In that movement, thousands 

of youths of Kanpur and Uttar Pradesh 

took part whole-heartedly. In this very 

Kanpur, Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi 

sacrificed himself for the social and 

communal harmony. We are 

celebrating the birth centenary of 

martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad this 

year. His ancestors lived in Unnao. 

This land of Uttar Pradesh has given 

us martyrs like Ashfaq Ullal Khan. Today, we also draw inspiration 

from our ancestors and freedom fighters because they made a new 

history of India. They made big sacrifices and struggled a lot to give 

India a place of pride among comity of nations. 

The land on which we are standing has a long tradition. It has a 

tradition of values and decorum. But, where is this country heading 

for? Here it is politics of casteism and selfishness. Here again it is 

politics of destruction instead of development. Here is lawlessness, 

here is rampant crime and criminals have free-run. There is no 

intention of service, there is all-round greed of power. Is this 

socialism? How many industrial units have been shut down in 

Kanpur? How many of our brethren have been rendered unemployed? 

In whose rule has all this happened? Who is responsible for this? It 

is now very clear that non-Congress governments cannot do 

development of Uttar Pradesh. 

Today’s rally is named “Nav Nirman Rally” (New Development Rally). 

All of us join hands to play the bugle of social development in this 

state. Eliminate the politics of self-seeking. 

The government is not for an individual. The government is not for a 

political party. The government is for all of us, for everyone. It is 

very unfortunate that here it is politics of discrimination. Here is a 

practice to do whatever is possible for one-self – fill your pockets as 

much as possible after that if some thing is left to do, it is for their 

own, a few people. Now this cannot 

go on. A few people cannot fill their 

houses at the cost of the poor. After 

all, who will take care of the weak, 

the dalit, and the backward? Who 

will take care of the women and the 

youth? The leaders like Nehruji, 

Indiraji and Rajivji always struggled 

for the benefit of the countrymen 

without taking care of their lives. The 

Congress has to take forward this 

job. 

I want to tell you something more, 

India is moving forward on the path 

of development but some elements 

are feeling uncomfortable. Terrorist 

forces are trying to prevent it. There 

should not be any politics on the 

menace of terrorism. We are all 

against terrorism, the entire country 

is against terrorism. Stringent steps should be taken against 

terrorism. In the battle against terror, not an individual or a community 

should be held guilty unnecessarily on the basis of suspicion. To 

maintain secularism is everyone’s duty. 

I know everybody is worried about inflation. With all of you, I too was 

worried. Our Central Government has taken several steps to check 

inflation. The impact of the steps taken is visible. You also know, 

that the black-marketeers play a big role in raising prices. The 


CP’s Speech 

erstwhile NDA Government had made certain amendments in the 

rule that we are facing problem in booking black marketers. As far 

as the prices of diesel and petrol are concerned, you know whenever 

there is rise in prices of diesel and petrol in the global markets it 

affects the domestic prices. Inspite of all this, our Central Government 

did not increase the prices of kerosene and LPG. In the Congressruled 

states the diesel and petrol was reduced, they bore the loss 

but gave relief to the people. This could have happened in Uttar 

Pradesh but the Government of this state had not done so. 

The Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre has taken several 

steps for the welfare of the people and all sections of society. “The 

Centre has instituted for the first time a separate ministry for the 

minorities. The Prime Minister has announced a new 15-point 

programme for minorities. There is a proposal to give fiscal aid to 

weavers’ cooperative societies which have shut down so that they 

can start functioning again. All the 25 centres of weavers in the 

country are being given fiscal aid. There are four centers in Uttar 

Pradesh also. There is a proposal for weavers, like farmers to give 

concession in rates of interest on loan. Several steps have been 

taken to give power and irrigation facilities to farmers under the 

India Development Plan. Arrangements have been made to grant 

more bank loans to small and medium farmers. 

The government is taking steps to modernized tanneries so that the 

export of leather goods increases manifold. Similarly, steps are being 

taken to promote textile industry. Twenty-five textile Parks are being 

set-up in the country and six of them are in Uttar Pradesh. 

I am satisfied that several important works have been done during a 

short period of two years under the leadership of Dr. Manmohan 

Singh. The important programmes launched included National Rural 

Employment Guarantee Plan, National Rural-Health Mission, City 

Renewal Mission, it includes Kanpur also, Education to All campaign, 

Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Plan, special fund for the backward 

people, Right to Information law and India Development Programme. 

To implement all these schemes, our UPA Government at the Centre 

sanctioned so much fund to Uttar Pradesh during the last two years, 

which Uttar Pradesh had never received before. But where has this 

fund gone? Where was it utilized? You should definitely ask this 

question. The public will never pardon people who do not work for 

the welfare of the public. They will have to vacate their chairs, and 

this will happen in Uttar Pradesh. 

Then all of us will repeat the pledge of Mahatma Gandhi – “do or 

die”, “save our state and develop our state.” This is the call of the 

time. This is the true religion of politics. 

Tomorrow is Raksha Bandhan. I convey my good wishes to all my 

brothers and sisters and all of you on this pious festival. With these 

words, I thank all of you for taking part in this meeting. 

Jai Hind. ❖ 


CPP Meet 

Secularism Our Strength 

Sonia Gandhi 

Speech of Congress President to Congress 

Parliamentary Party General Body Meeting held on 

1 st August, 2006 in Parliament House. 

Honourable Prime Minister, Pranabji, Members of the CPP 

Executive,Fellow MPs 

This being a relatively brief session, I thought it will be more 

useful to have just one CPP General Body Meeting instead of the 

usual two where I would be repeating myself within a short span 

of time. 

We are meeting against the 

background of the barbaric 

attack by terrorists in 

Mumbai. It is tribute to the 

remarkable spirit of its 

people, that hours after the 

tragedy, the city was back on 

its feet displaying its sense of 

enterprise and public 

spiritedness. 

But we cannot only depend on 

the fortitude and 

determination of the people. 

The Prime Minister has 

already spoken of the urgency to upgrade our entire intelligence 

system. While retaining its primary responsibility and ensuring 

coordination, the Central Government should also enable each 

state to have a fully-equipped, properly-trained and highlymotivated 

anti-terrorism force. 

Anti-social and anti-national elements will have to be clearly 

identified and dealt with firmly. Effective police action, free from 

any type of bias or political pressure, is essential. For such action 

to succeed local communities must be mobilized and reached 

out to. 

While we are one in recognizing that there can be no compromise 

on internal security, we must also take all steps to ensure that 

no community feels itself under siege or as automatic target of 

suspicion. Secularism has bound our country for centuries. It 

has been our strength, our defining characteristic. We must never 

ever forget that if communal harmony is disturbed our very future 

is in peril. Those who wish to weaken and damage our country 

will always seek to divide and polarize our society. Under no 

circumstances should we allow this to happen. We must nurture 

and enrich our secular ethos, just as we deal with terrorism in all 

its aspects. 

I also want to express our profound anguish at the killing of 

innocent tribal men, women and children in Chhatisgarh by 

Maoists. The Naxalite challenge is beyond the capacity of any 

one single state to deal with effectively. It requires a coordinated 

response with the Central 

Government playing a pivotal 

role. 

We cannot also forget the 

great hardships that 

innocent people have had to 

bear in Kashmir. Most 

recently, we have had 

attacks on tourists. These 

are acts of desperation, and 

our deepest sympathies go 

to those, whether Kashmiris 

or from other parts of the 

country, who have lost their 

lives in terrorist-sponsored 

violence. Amidst this, I am glad to say that our state government 

is maintaining the tempo of development works. 

Prices of essential commodities have been a matter of concern. 

This issue has also come up in both Houses in the past few days. 

The government took decisive action to import pulses which has 

had a beneficial effect on their prices. The government is also 

importing wheat because of the shortfall in both production and 

procurement and, of course, we are still dealing with the 

consequences of the most insensitive decision of the NDA 

Government to export over 14 million tonnes of wheat during its 

tenure. 

The Prime Minister and I had a meeting of our chief ministers. 

They were unanimous that “forward trading” in wheat particularly, 

has had adverse impacts and called for a more effective 

regulations are being considered by the standing committee. The 

states should be empowered to take tough and pre-emptive action 


CPP Meet 

against hoarders. What is generally not known is that the NDA 

government withdrew these powers in February 2002. 

Discussions in both Houses of Parliament have clearly shown 

that there is a wide consensus on both these areas. 

World oil prices have once against started to rise placing a heavy 

burden on us. The government has had to increase petrol and 

diesel prices but it has ensured that prices of kerosene and 

cooking gas have not gone up. I want to congratulate Congress 

state governments for reducing their taxes on petrol and diesel 

in order to soften the impact of the price rise on consumers. 

We had a convention of DCC Presidents of the 200 districts where 

the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is being 

implemented. Our party organization is taking keen interest. 

Many useful suggestions emerged from the convention and I am 

sure that the government is giving them due consideration. Our 

party workers in different states, not only want full information 

on our government’s major initiatives and programmes, they also 

want to be involved in a manner that enables them to participate 

effectively and ensure efficient implementation. All ministers must 

keep this in mind and involve the party organization in the 

schemes that their ministries have launched. 

The Prime Minister has recently paid a visit to Vidarbha in villages 

where there have been suicides by farmers. He has announced 

a series of measures to alleviate rural distress, expand the 

coverage of institutional credit and also provide livelihood security 

in vulnerable regions. At our next formal meeting of Congress 

Chief Minister later this month we will focus on agriculture. The 

Eleventh Five-Year Plan is also under preparation. It is abundantly 

clear that the over-riding priority is to bring about a radical 

transformation in agriculture so that the security of our farmers 

and their families is assured and their aspirations met. A few 

weeks back, the Prime Minister himself announced the elements 

of a major package for the revival of the handloom industry, 

thereby taking steps to fulfill a key pledge of our manifesto. 

We continue to have a substantive legislative agenda. The Joint 

Committee on the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) 

Bill, 2005 has submitted its report and a Group of Ministers is 

now taking a final view. As I mentioned earlier, the Forward 

Contracts (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2006 should also be taken 

up. I am particularly anxious that two laws relating to the welfare 

of children – the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) 

Amendment Bill, 2005 and the Prevention of Child Marriage Bill, 

2004 are also passed in this session. As decided in the UPA 

Coordination Meeting, Government is also working on a draft Bill 

for admission of OBC reservation in Central Educational 

Institutions. 

The monsoon is progressing but according to the information we 

have so far, the cumulative rainfall has been either scanty or 

significantly deficient in some parts of the country. We hope that 

the August rains will compensate for this shortfall. Meanwhile, 

parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat are reeling under severe floods. 

As in the past our party workers have geared themselves up to 

extend help to the affected people. 

The deteriorating situation in the middle-east and the tragedy of 

Lebanon caused by the disproportionate use of military force is 

a matter of grave concern. Our Government and the Congress 

party have unequivocally condemned the use of such force by 

Israel resulting in massive destruction in Lebanon and the tragic 

loss of innocent lives especially the women and children. Nothing 

can justify this reprehensible violence against a defenseless 

people. It has been and remains the position of the Congress 

Party that the only solution is a negotiated settlement and the 

creation of a State of Palestine to fulfill the legitimate aspirations 

of the Palestinian people. The international community must act 

urgently to ensure an immediate ceasefire so that the destruction 

of Lebanon is ended and humanitarian assistance reached to 

the affected. 

I wish you all the best and am confident that all of you will 

make your presence felt in more respects than one during 

this session. ❖ 

State OBC Department Chairmen 

NEW DELHI: The Congress President has on 19 July approved 

the following names for the appointment of Chairman of OBC 

Department at the State level, according to OBC Department 

chairman, Shri K.C. Lenka. 

1. Andhra Pradesh – Chittaranjan Das; 2. Arunachal Pradesh 

– Tingpong Wangham; 3. Orissa – Jagannath Rout; 4. 

Punjab – Gurinder Pal Singh ‘Billa’; 5. Tripura – Ratan Lal 

Ghosh; 6. Karnataka – Smt. Umashree; 7. Haryana – Rao 

Dharampal and 8. Jharkhand – Gopal Prasad. 


No Compromise on Nuclear Deal 

Excerpts from PM’s reply to discussion 

in Rajya Sabha on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation 

with the United States August 17, 2006, New Delhi␣ 

At the outset, I would like to convey my gratitude to all the 

Hon’ble Members who have participated in this debate. I am 

grateful for this opportunity to clarify some of the issues 

arising from the discussion. I will do so in a non partisan 

spirit and I have every reason to believe that after I have 

finished that I will be able to carry the whole House with me. 

Our Government has never shied away from a full discussion 

in Parliament on this important issue. On three previous 

occasions on July 29, 2005, February 27, 2006 and March 

7, 2006, I had made detailed statements and discussed this 

important subject in this august House. Once again, several 

issues have been raised during the current discussions and I 

wish to take this opportunity to respond to them. I also intend 

to cover developments since my last Suo Motu statement of 

March 7 this year. 

2. Two types of comments have been made during the discussion 

in the House. The first set of issues pertains to the basic 

orientation of our foreign policy. Some Hon’ble Members have 

observed that by engaging in discussions with, and allegedly 

acquiescing in the demands made by the United States, we have 

compromised the 

independent nature of our 

foreign policy. 

3. The second set of issues 

pertain to deviations from the 

July 18 Joint Statement and the March 2 Separation Plan. Many 

of the points raised by the Hon’ble Members have also been 

aired outside Parliament, notably also by some senior members 

of the scientific establishment. Overall, a listing of the important 

concerns include the following: that the India-US Nuclear initiative 

and more particularly the content of the proposed legislation in 

the US Congress, could undermine the autonomy of our decisionmaking; 

limit the options or compromise the integrity of our 

strategic programme; and adversely affect the future of our 

scientific research and development. To sum up, this would 

suggest that India’s strategic nuclear autonomy is being 

compromised and India is allowing itself to be pressurized into 

accepting new and unacceptable conditions that are deviations 

Nothing should be done that would 

undermine long standing policies that have a 

bearing on India’s vital national security interests. 

Debate in Rajya Sabha 

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh 

from the commitments made by me to Parliament in July 2005 

and in February and March this year. 

4. I recognize that many of these concerns are borne out of 

genuine conviction that nothing should be done that would 

undermine long standing policies that have a bearing on India’s 

vital national security 

interests. I fully share and 

subscribe to these 

sentiments. I would like to 

assure the Hon’ble Members 

that negotiations with the US 

regarding the civilian nuclear deal have not led to any change in 

the basic orientation of our policies, or affected our independent 

judgment of issues of national interest. Last year during my visit 

to the US, I addressed the National Press Club in the full glare of 

the media. A question was put to me regarding what I thought 

about the US intervention in Iraq. In the full public glare of the 

media I said that it was a mistake. I said the same to President 

Bush when he visited India. I said India does not find favour with 

regime change. 

5. The thrust of our foreign policy remains the promotion of our 

national interest. We are unswerving in our commitment to an 

independent foreign policy. We do recognize the complexities 



present in an increasingly inter-dependent and multi-polar world. 

While we recognize that the United States is a pre-eminent power 

and good relations with the U.S. are in our national interest, this 

has not in any way clouded 

our judgment. There are 

many areas of agreement 

with the United States, but at 

the same time there are a 

number of areas in which we 

have differences and we have 

not shied away from making 

these known to the US, as 

also expressing them in public. Currently, we are engaged not 

only with the US but other global powers like Russia, China, the 

EU, UK, France and Japan. We are also focusing on ASEAN, as 

well as countries in West Asia, Africa and Latin America. More 

importantly, we are devoting proportionately larger time and effort 

in building relations with countries in our immediate 

neighbourhood like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, 

Myanmar, and Pakistan. Our relations with all these countries 

are determined by the dictates of our enlightened national interest 

and we have not allowed any other country, including the United 

States, to influence our polices. This will not change as long as I 

am Prime Minister. 

6. I would, hence, again reiterate in view of the apprehensions 

expressed, that the proposed US legislation on nuclear 

cooperation with India will not 

be allowed to become an 

instrument to compromise 

India’s sovereignty. Our 

foreign policy is determined 

solely by our national 

interests. No legislation 

enacted in a foreign country can take away from us that sovereign 

right. Thus there is no question of India being bound by a law 

passed by a foreign legislature. Our sole guiding principle in 

regard to our foreign policy, whether it is on Iran or any other 

country, will be dictated entirely by our national interest. 

7. Let me now turn to some of the concerns that have been 

expressed on the second set of issues regarding possible 

deviations from assurances given by me in this august House on 

the July 18, 2005 Joint Statement and the March 2, 2006 

Separation Plan. I would like to state categorically that there have 

neither been nor will there be any compromises on this score 

and the Government will not allow such compromises to occur in 

the future. 

We do recognize the complexities present in an 

increasingly inter-dependent and multi-polar 

world. While we recognize that the United States 

is a pre-eminent power and good relations with 

the U.S. are in our national interest, this has not 

in any way clouded our judgment. 

This Separation Plan had identified the nuclear 

facilities that India was willing to offer, in a phased 

manner, for IAEA safeguards, contingent on reciprocal 

actions taken by the United States 

8. Hon’ble Members will recall that during President Bush’s visit 

to India in March this year, 

agreement was reached 

between India and the United 

States on a Separation Plan 

in implementation of the 

India-United States Joint 

Statement of July 18, 2005. 

This Separation Plan had 

identified the nuclear 

facilities that India was 

willing to offer, in a phased manner, for IAEA safeguards, 

contingent on reciprocal actions taken by the United States. For 

its part, the United States Administration was required to approach 

the US Congress for amending its laws and the Nuclear Suppliers’ 

Group for adapting its Guidelines to enable full civilian nuclear 

cooperation between India and the international community. 

9. The US Administration had thereafter approached the US 

Congress to amend certain provisions of the United States 

Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which currently prohibit civil 

nuclear cooperation with India. The US House of 

Representatives International Relations Committee passed a 

Bill on the subject on 27th June 2006. The House of 

Representatives passed the Bill as approved by its 

International Relations Committee on July 27. 

10. The Senate Foreign 

Relations Committee passed 

its version of the Bill on June 

29, 2006. The US Senate is 

now expected to vote on this 

version of the Bill some time 

in September. We have concerns over both the House and Senate 

versions of the Bill. Since the two Bills are somewhat different in 

content, according to US practice they will need to be reconciled 

to produce a single piece of legislation. After adoption by both 

the House and the Senate, this would become law when the US 

President accords his approval. The final shape of the legislation 

would, therefore, be apparent only when the House and the Senate 

complete the second stage of assent/adoption. 

11. Meanwhile, the US Government has approached the Nuclear 

Suppliers’ Group to adapt its guidelines to enable full civil nuclear 

cooperation between India and the International community. In 

March this year, the NSG at its plenary meeting in Brazil held a 


preliminary discussion on this issue. The matter will be further 

discussed by the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group later this year. On our 

part, we have separately raised this issue with several countries 

and urged them to lift the 

commitment. When we put forward the Separation Plan, we again 

made it clear to the United States that India could not be expected 

to take on obligations such as placing its nuclear facilities under 

safeguards in anticipation of 

existing restrictions on 

nuclear supplies to India. I 

We seek the removal of restrictions on all aspects of 

cooperation and technology transfers pertaining to civil 

future lifting of restrictions. 

India and the United States 

nuclear energy - ranging from nuclear fuel, nuclear 

myself have raised this issue 

with the Heads of State or 

Government of Russia, 

France, UK, Japan, Germany, 

Brazil, Norway, Iceland and 

Cyprus, among others. 

12. In view of the concerns voiced by the Hon’ble Members, I 

shall try to address each of these concerns in some detail. I shall, 

however, begin by affirming that our approach is guided by the 

understandings contained in the July 2005 Joint Statement and 

the March 2006 Separation Plan. What we can agree with the 

United States to enable nuclear cooperation must be strictly within 

these parameters. 

13. The key provisions to which references have been made in 

Parliament and outside are the following: 

(i) Full Civil Nuclear Cooperation : The central imperative in our 

discussions with the United State on Civil Nuclear Cooperation is 

to ensure the complete and irreversible removal of existing 

restrictions imposed on India through iniquitous restrictive trading 

regimes over the years. We 

seek the removal of 

restrictions on all aspects of 

cooperation and technology 

transfers pertaining to civil 

nuclear energy - ranging from 

nuclear fuel, nuclear reactors, 

to re-processing spent fuel, 

i.e. all aspects of a complete nuclear fuel cycle. 

This will be the surest guarantee of India’s acceptance as a full 

and equal partner of the international nuclear community, even 

while preserving the integrity of our three stage nuclear 

programme and protecting the autonomy of our scientific research 

and development. We will not agree to any dilution that would 

prevent us from securing the benefits of full civil nuclear 

cooperation as amplified above. 

(ii) Principle of Reciprocity : I had earlier assured the House that 

reciprocity is the key to the implementation of our understanding 

contained in the July 2005 Statement. I stand by that 

reactors, to re-processing spent fuel, i.e. all aspects of 

a complete nuclear fuel cycle. 

India would not attract full-scope safeguards such as 

those applied to Non-Nuclear Weapon States that are 

signatories to the NPT and there would be no curbs on 

continuation of India’s nuclear weapon related 

activities 


have held one round of 

discussions on a proposed 

bilateral cooperation 

agreement. India and the 

IAEA have held technical 

discussions regarding an India-specific Safeguards agreement. 

Further discussions are required on both these documents. While 

these parallel efforts are underway, our position is that we will 

accept only IAEA safeguards on the nuclear facilities, in a phased 

manner, and as identified for that purpose in the Separation Plan 

only when all nuclear restrictions on India have been lifted. On 

July 29 last year, I had stated that before voluntarily placing our 

civil nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, we will ensure that 

all restrictions on India have been lifted. There has been no shift 

in our position on this point. 

(iii) Certification : The draft Senate Bill requires the US President 

to make an annual report to the Congress that includes 

certification that India is in full compliance of its non-proliferation 

and other commitments. We have made it clear to the United 

States our opposition to these provisions, even if they are 

projected as non-binding on 

India, as being contrary to 

the letter and spirit of the 

July Statement. We have told 

the US Administration that 

the effect of such 

certification will be to 

diminish a permanent waiver 

authority into an annual one. We have also indicated that this 

would introduce an element of uncertainty regarding future 

cooperation and is, not acceptable to us. 

(iv) India as a State possessing Advanced Nuclear Technology : 

Hon’ble Members may recall that the July Statement, had 

acknowledged that India should be regarded as a State with 

advanced nuclear technology enjoying the same advantages and 

benefits as other states with advanced nuclear technology, such 

as the US. The July Statement did not refer to India as a Nuclear 

Weapons State because that has a particular connotation in the 

NPT but it explicitly acknowledged the existence of India’s military 



nuclear facilities. It also meant that India would not attract 

full-scope safeguards such as those applied to Non-Nuclear 

Weapon States that are signatories to the NPT and there would 

be no curbs on continuation 

of India’s nuclear weapon 

of decision-making and future scientific research and 

development: In my statement of March 7, 2006, I had assured 

Parliament that the Separation Plan would not adversely affect 

our strategic programme. I 

reiterate that commitment 

related activities. In these 

important respects, India 

The integrity of our 3-Stage nuclear programme will not today. The Separation Plan 

would be very much on par 

with the five Nuclear Weapon 

States who are signatories to 

the NPT. Similarly, the 

Separation Plan provided for 

an India-specific safeguards agreement with the IAEA with 

assurances of uninterrupted supply of fuel to reactors together 

with India’s right to take corrective measures in the event fuel 

supplies are interrupted. We have made clear to the US that India’s 

strategic programme is totally outside the purview of the July 

Statement, and we oppose any legislative provisions that Mandate 

scrutiny of either our nuclear weapons programme or our 

unsafeguarded nuclear facilities. 

(v) Safeguards Agreement and Fuel Assurances : In this respect 

too, it is worth emphasizing that the March 2006 Separation Plan 

provides for an India-Specific Safeguards Agreement with the 

IAEA, with assurances of uninterrupted supply of fuel to reactors 

that would be placed under IAEA safeguards together with India’s 

right to take corrective measures in the event fuel supplies are 

interrupted. We, of course, have the sovereign right to take all 

appropriate measures to fully safeguard our interests. An 

important assurance is the commitment of support for India’s 

right to build up strategic reserves of nuclear fuel over the lifetime 

of India’s reactors. We have initiated technical discussions at the 

expert level with the IAEA on an India-Specific Safeguards 

Agreement. Both the Bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreement 

with the United States and the India-Specific Safeguards 

Agreement with the IAEA would be only within the parameters of 

the July Statement and the March Separation Plan. There is no 

question of India signing either a Safeguards Agreement with 

the IAEA or an Additional Protocol of a type concluded by 

Non-Nuclear Weapons States who have signed the NPT. We will 

not accept any verification measures regarding our safeguarded 

nuclear facilities beyond those contained in an India-Specific 

Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. Therefore there is no 

question of allowing American inspectors to roam around our 

nuclear facilities. 

(vi) Integrity and reliability of our strategic programme – autonomy 

be affected. The autonomy of our Research and 

Development activity, including development of our fast 

breeder reactors and the thorium programme, in the 

nuclear field will remain unaffected 

has been so designed as to 

ensure adequacy of fissile 

material and other inputs for 

our strategic programme, 

based on our current and 

assessed future needs. The 

integrity of our 3-Stage nuclear programme will not be affected. 

The autonomy of our Research and Development activity, including 

development of our fast breeder reactors and the thorium 

programme, in the nuclear field will remain unaffected. We will 

not accept interference by other countries vis-à-vis the 

development of our strategic programme. We will not allow 

external scrutiny of our strategic programme in any manner, much 

less allow it to be a condition for future nuclear cooperation 

between India and the international community. 

(vii) Moratorium on production of fissile material: Our position on 

this matter is unambiguous. We are not willing to accept a 

moratorium on the production of fissile material. We are only 

committed to negotiate a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty in the 

Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, a commitment which 

was given by the previous government. India is willing to join 

only a non-discriminatory, multilaterally negotiated and 

internationally verifiable FMCT, as and when it is concluded in 

the Conference on Disarmament, again provided our security 

interests are fully addressed. 

(viii) Non-discriminatory Global Nuclear Disarmament: Our 

commitment towards non-discriminatory global nuclear 

disarmament remains unwavering, in line with the Rajiv Gandhi 

Action Plan. There is no dilution on this count. We do not accept 

proposals put forward from time to time for regional 

non-proliferation or regional disarmament. Pending global nuclear 

disarmament, there is no question of India joining the NPT as a 

non-nuclear weapon state, or accepting full-scope safeguards 

as a requirement for nuclear supplies to India, now or in the 

future. 

(ix) Cessation of Future Cooperation : There is provision in the 

proposed US law that were India to detonate a nuclear explosive 

device, the US will have the right to cease further cooperation. 

Our position on this is unambiguous. The US has been intimated 


that reference to nuclear detonation in the India-US Bilateral 

Nuclear Cooperation Agreement as a condition for future 

cooperation is not acceptable to us. We are not prepared to go 

beyond a unilateral voluntary 

moratorium on nuclear 

testing as indicated in the 

July Statement. The same is 

true of other intrusive 

non-proliferation benchmarks 

that are mentioned in the 

proposed US legislation. 

India’s possession and development of nuclear weapons is an 

integral part of our national security. This will remain so. 

14. Hon’ble Members will appreciate the fact that an international 

negotiation on nuclear energy cooperation particularly when it 

involves dismantling restrictive regimes that have lasted for over 

three decades is a complex and sensitive exercise. What we are 

attempting today is to put in place new international arrangements 

that would overturn three decades of iniquitous restrictions. It is 

inevitable, therefore, that there would be some contradictory pulls 

and pressures. This does not mean that India will succumb to 

pressures or accept conditionalities that are contrary to its 

national interests. 

15. I had personally spoken to President Bush in St. Petersburg 

last month on this issue, and conveyed to him that the proposed 

US legislation must conform strictly to the parameters of the July 

18, 2005 Statement and the March 2, 2006 Separation Plan. 

This alone would be an acceptable basis for nuclear cooperation 

between India and the United States. India cannot, and is not 

prepared to, take on additional commitments outside this agreed 

framework or allow any extraneous issues to be introduced. I 

have received an assurance from the US President that it was 

not his intention to shift goalposts, and that the parameters of 

the scope of cooperation would be those contained in the July 

2005 Joint Statement and the March 2006 Separation Plan. A 

White House Statement of Administration Policy of July 26, 2006 

recognizes some, though not all, of India’s concerns, and 

conveyed that the Administration has voiced them with the 

Congress. 

What we are attempting today is to put in place 

new international arrangements that would 

overturn three decades of iniquitous restrictions 


I must be honest and frank that I cannot predict with certainty 

the final form of the US legislation or the outcome of this process 

with the NSG, which consists of 45 countries with divergent views. 

We are hopeful that this will 

lead in a direction wherein 

our interests are fully 

protected and that there is a 

complete lifting of 

restrictions on India that 

have existed for three 

decades. Such an outcome 

if it materializes will contribute to our long-term energy security 

by enabling a rapid increase in nuclear power. It would lead to 

the dismantling of the technology denial regimes that have 

hampered our development particularly in hi-tech sectors. I will 

have wide consultations including with the members of the Atomic 

Energy Commission, the nuclear and scientific communities and 

others to develop a broad based national consensus on this 

important matter. I wish to inform members of the House that I 

have invited members of the Atomic Energy Commission on the 

26th August for a meeting. That same day I have also invited the 

group of distinguished scientists who have expressed concerns 

to meet me. 

17. Finally, I would only like to state that in keeping with our 

commitments to Parliament and the nation, we will not accept 

any conditions that go beyond the parameters of the July 18, 

2005 Joint Statement and the March 2, 2006 Separation Plan, 

agreed to between India and the United States. If in their final 

form the US legislation or the adapted NSG Guidelines impose 

extraneous conditions on India, the Government will draw the 

necessary conclusions, consistent with the commitments I have 

made to Parliament. 

Prime Minister also gave 

the following responses to points 

raised by the Left parties 

1. Whether the deal will give “full” civilian nuclear 

technology and lift all existing sanctions on dual use 

technology imposed on India for not signing the NPT. 

16. I can assure you that there is no ambiguity in our position in 

so far as it has been conveyed to the US. The US is aware of our 

position that the only way forward is strict adherence to July 

Statement and March Separation Plan. I am hopeful that the 

bilateral India-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement when 

concluded will take into account the issues raised here. However, 

Response: The objective of full civil nuclear cooperation is 

enshrined in the July Statement. This objective can be realized 

when current restrictions on nuclear trade with India are fully 

lifted. In accordance with the July Statement, US has initiated 

steps to amend its legislation and to approach the NSG to adapt 

its guidelines. We seek the removal of restrictions on all aspects 



of cooperation and technology transfers pertaining to civil nuclear 

energy – ranging from supply of nuclear fuel, nuclear reactors, 

reprocessing spent fuel, i.e., all aspects of complete nuclear fuel 

supply. Only such cooperation 

would be in keeping with the 

July Joint Statement. 

2. Cannot accept 

restrictions on Indian 

foreign policy to be 

imposed such as on Iran, irrespective of whether it is in 

the policy section or in the sense of the House section of 

the legislation. 

Response: Government is clear that our commitments are only 

those that are contained in the July Joint Statement and in the 

Separation Plan. We cannot accept introduction of extraneous 

issues on foreign policy. Any prescriptive suggestions in this 

regard are not acceptable to us. 

Our foreign policy is and will be solely determined by our national 

interests. No legislation enacted in a foreign country can take 

away from us this sovereign right. 

3. Signing of IAEA safeguards in perpetuity for the civilian 

programme to take place after the US Congress had 

approved a “123 Nuclear Cooperation Agreement”. All 

restrictions on India to be lifted before we sign the IAEA 

safeguards. 

Response: I had conveyed to 

Parliament on July 29, 2005 

on my return from 

Washington that before 

placing any of our nuclear 

facilities under IAEA 

safeguards, we will ensure all 

restrictions on India have 

been lifted. Under the Separation Plan agreed to with the United 

States, India has offered to place under IAEA safeguards 14 of 

its reactors presently operating or under constructions between 

2006 and 2014. The nuclear facilities listed in the Separation 

Plan will be offered for safeguards only after all nuclear 

restrictions have been lifted on India. This would include suitable 

amendments to the US legislation to allow for such cooperation, 

the passing of the bilateral agreement with India and the adaption 

of the NSG guidelines. It is clear that India cannot be expected to 

take safeguards obligations on its nuclear facilities in anticipation 

of future lifting of restrictions. 

We seek the removal of restrictions on all aspects 

of cooperation and technology transfers pertaining 

to civil nuclear energy 

The nuclear facilities listed in the Separation 

Plan will be offered for safeguards only after all 

nuclear restrictions have been lifted on India 

4. Guarantees on fuel as agreed in the March 2006 

statement. 

In case the US reneges 

on supply of fuel, they 

will ensure continuity 

through other members 

of the Nuclear Suppliers 

Group (NSG). 

Response: Separation Plan 

includes elaborate fuel supply assurances given by the United 

States. Understandings in the Separation Plan also provide for 

contingency of disruption of fuel supplies to India. In such a case, 

the United States and India would jointly convene a group of 

friendly supplier countries (Russia, France and United Kingdom) 

aimed at restoring fuel supplies to India. An important assurance 

is the commitment of support for India’s right to build strategic 

reserves of fuel over the life time of its nuclear reactors. In the 

event of disruption of fuel supplies despite the assurances, India 

will have a right to take corrective measure to ensure the operation 

of its nuclear reactors. 

5. India will work for an FMCT and for nuclear 

disarmament with all nuclear weapon states, in line with 

the Rajiv Gandhi Plan or Delhi Declaration in tandem. 

Response: Our support for global nuclear disarmament remains 

unwaivering. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had put forward an 

Action Plan in the 1988 UNGA Special Session on Disarmament. 

We remain committed to the 

central goal of this Action 

Plan, i.e., complete 

elimination of nuclear 

weapons leading to global 

nuclear disarmament in a 

time-bound framework. India 

has agreed to negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament in 

Geneva for a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. There has been no 

change in our position on this matter. 

6. In the original deal, there is no provision for US 

inspectors, only provision for IAEA inspectors. The draft 

US Bills contains such provisions. 

Response: In the Separation Plan, we have agreed to offer for 

IAEA safeguards nuclear facilities specified in the Separation Plan 

for that purpose. The nature of safeguards will be determined by 

an India specific safeguards agreement with the IAEA. This will 


e applied to the safeguarded nuclear facilities in India. Therefore, Vanik Amendment was binding on the Administration and cannot 

there is no question of accepting other verification measures or be cited as a precedent for non-binding references in the current 

third country inspectors to visit our nuclear facilities, outside the bills. A more accurate example than the Jackson-Vanik 

framework of the India specific safeguards agreement. Amendment is the set of provisions accompanying the renewal 

of MFN status to China, that included references to China’s human 

7. An India-specific 

rights, China’s political and 

protocol and not an 

religious prisoners, 

Additional Protocol as per we have agreed to conclude an India specific 

protection of Tibetan heritage 

IAEA Standard Modified safeguards agreement with the IAEA. The question of 

and freedom of political 

Protocol. 

an Additional Protocol will arise only after the India 

Response: In the Separation 

Plan, we have agreed to 

conclude an India specific 

safeguards agreement with the IAEA. The question of an Additional 

Protocol will arise only after the India specific safeguards 

agreement is in place. As a country with nuclear weapons, there 

is no question of India agreeing to a Safeguards agreement or 

an Additional Protocol applicable to non-nuclear weapon states 

of the NPT. 

8. References to Iran in the House Bill. 

Response: We reject the linkage of any extraneous issue to the 

nuclear understanding. India’s foreign policy will be decided on 

the basis of Indian national interests only. 

9. Reference to Proliferation Security Initiative in the 

House and Senate Bills. 

Response: The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is an 

extraneous issue as it is outside the framework of the July 18 

Joint Statement. Therefore, we cannot accept it as a condition 

for implementing the July Statement. Separately, the Government 

has examined the PSI. 

We have certain concerns regarding its legal implications and its 

linkages with the NPT. We also have concerns with amendments 

to the suppression of Unlawful Activities at Sea Treaty under the 

International Maritime Organisation. 

10. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment linking the granting 

of MFN status to USSR to Jewish emigration is an 

example relevant to the current debate. 

Response: We have studied the proposed US legislation very 

carefully, including the so-called binding and non-binding 

provisions. The non-binding provisions do not require mandatory 

action, but at the same time, have a certain weight in the 

implementation of the legislation as a whole. We have conveyed 

our concerns to the US Administration in this respect. Jackson- 

specific safeguards agreement is in place 


expression. 

11. Role of Parliament in 

approving foreign policy. 

Response: India follows a Parliamentary model, as specified in 

our Constitution, wherein treaty making powers rest with the 

Executive. However, we have kept Parliament fully in the picture 

regarding various stages of our negotiations with the United 

States. Broad based domestic consensus cutting across all 

sections in Parliament and outside will be necessary. We will 

work towards that objective by addressing various concerns as 

fully as possible. 

Prime Minister also gave the following 

responses to points raised by the group 

of nuclear scientists 

1. “India should continue to be able to hold on to her nuclear 

option as a strategic requirement in the real world that that we 

live in, and in the ever-changing complexity of the international 

political system. This means that we cannot accede to any 

restraint in perpetuity on our freedom of action. We have not 

done this for the last 40 years after the Non-Proliferation Treaty 

came into being, and there is no reason why we should succumb 

to this now. Universal nuclear disarmament must be our ultimate 

aim, and until we see the light at the end of the tunnel on this 

important issue, we cannot accept any agreement in perpetuity.” 

Response: We are very firm in our determination that agreement 

with United States on Civil Nuclear Energy in no way affects the 

requirements of our strategic programme. We are fully conscious 

of the changing complexity of the international political system. 

Nuclear weapons are an integral part of our national security 

and will remain so, pending the global elimination of all nuclear 

weapons and universal non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament. 

Our freedom of action with regard to our strategic programmes 

remains unrestricted. The nuclear agreement will not be allowed 

to be used as a backdoor method of introducing NPT type 

restrictions on India. Our offer to put nuclear facilities under 



safeguards in perpetuity is conditional upon these facilities 

securing fuel from international sources for their life time. If the 

fuel supply assurances as enumerated in Separation Plan are 

disrupted, then India will have 

the right to take corrective 

Nothing in the Separation Plan infringes on our sovereign right 

to conduct research and technology development concerning our 

national defence and energy self-sufficiency. Government is 

committed to preserve the 

integrity of the three stage 

measures to ensure the 

continued operation of these 

reactors. 

Broad based domestic consensus cutting across all 

sections in Parliament and outside will be necessary. 

We will work towards that objective by addressing 

nuclear power programme, 

including utilization of our 

vast thorium resources. 

2. ‘After 1974, when the 

major powers discontinued 

cooperation with us, we have 

built up our capability in many sensitive technological areas, which 

need not and should not now be subjected to external control. 

Safeguards are understandable where external assistance for 

nuclear materials or technologies are involved. We have agreed 

to this before, and we can continue to agree to this in the future 

too, but strictly restricted to those facilities and materials imported 

from external sources.’ 

Response: Sensitive nuclear technology facilities have not been 

covered in the Separation Plan. Therefore, there is no question 

of putting them under safeguards or under external controls. Even 

with regard to nuclear facilities that have been included in 

Separation Plan, safeguards will be applied in phases between 

2006 and 2014. These safeguarded facilities will be eligible for 

and will receive fuel materials and technology from international 

sources. If such supplies cease, then India will be free to protect 

its interests through corrective measures. That will be spelt out 

clearly in the India specific 

safeguards agreement. 

3. ‘We find that the Indo-US 

deal, in the form approved by 

the US House of 

Representatives, infringes on 

our Independence for carrying out indigenous research and 

development in nuclear science and technology. Our R&D should 

not be hampered by external supervision or control, or by the 

need to satisfy any international body. Research and technology 

development are the Sovereign rights of any nation. This is 

especially true when they concern strategic national defence and 

energy self-sufficiency.’ 

Response: Our independence for carrying out independent 

research and development in nuclear science and technology 

will remain unaffected. There will be no external supervision of 

our R&D since none of the sensitive R&D facilities which handle 

nuclear material have been included in the Separation Plan. 

various concerns as fully as possible 

As these facilities will not handle nuclear material, 

there is no question of safeguards being applied to 

them. We expect these centers to participate as full 

partners in international collaboration project 

Certain nuclear facilities 

including centers such as 

TIFR, Variable Energy 

Cyclotron Centre, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics etc., have 

been designated as civilian in the Separation Plan. As these 

facilities will not handle nuclear material, there is no question of 

safeguards being applied to them. We expect these centers to 

participate as full partners in international collaboration project. 

4. ‘While the sequence of actions to implement the cooperation 

could be left for discussion between the two governments, the 

basic principles on which such actions will rest is the right of 

Parliament and the people to decide. The Prime Minister has 

already taken up with President George Bush the issue of the 

new clauses recommended by the US House of Representatives. 

If the US Congress, in its wisdom, passes the bill in its present 

form, the ‘product’ will become unacceptable to India, and 

diplomatically, it will be very difficult to change it later. Hence, it 

is important for our Parliament to work out, and insist on, the 

ground rules for the nuclear deal, at this stage itself.’ 

Response: I had taken up 

with President Bush our 

concerns regarding 

provisions in the two bills. It 

is clear that if the final 

product is in its current form, 

India will have grave 

difficulties in accepting the bills. US has been left in no doubt as 

to our position. The ground rules for our discussions are clear. 

These are the parameters of the July Statement and the March 

Separation Plan and commitments given by me to Parliament in 

the three Suo Moto Statements and my reply to today’s 

discussions will be the guiding principles of our position. 

Parliament has been kept fully informed at every stage of the 

discussions. In their final form, if US legislation or the NSG 

guidelines impose extraneous conditions on India, the Government 

will draw the necessary conclusions consistent with my 

commitments to Parliament. ❖ 

Courtesy: PIB 


PM’s Visit 

G-8 Unites Against Mumbai Attacks 

ST. PETERSBURG (Russia): “A very strong message should go 

out from this session against terrorism,” PM Manmohan Singh 

said at the G8 Summit, arguing “no cause is worthy enough 

to justify the killing of civilians”. He also received support 

from US president George Bush, who, while expressing solidarity 

with India, backed its case from a strong statement. 

India, the foreign secretary indicated, was pleased with its 

unambiguous tone. Judged “strongly worded” by observers here, 

the statement marks the turning of denunciations by individual 

nations in the immediate wake of the Mumbai massacre into a 

chorus of condemnation. It also assumes significance because 

the signatories did not limit themselves to merely the perpetrators, 

but also implicated the sponsors. This is important from New 

Delhi’s point of view given that it has made no bones of its 

conviction about Pakistan being the mastermind of the continuing 

acts of anti-India terrorism. 

Besides, the statement marked a setback to the renewed attempt 

by Pakistan to distinguish terrorism in other settings from the 

one aimed against India on the ground that the latter was a 

product of frustrations over the denial of right to selfdetermination 

or, lately, religious persecution, and, therefore, 

worthy of indulgence. 

The signatories to the statement of solidarity with Mumbai and 

J&K included President Bush, President Putin of Russia, President 

Hu Jintao of China, Japanese premier Junichiro Koizumi, German 

Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Jacques Chirac of France, 

British PM Tony Blair, Italian PM Romano Prodi, Canadian PM 

Stephen Harper, Finland PM and EU president Matti Taneli 

Vanhanen, President of Kazakhstan and Chairman of CIS states 

Nursultan Nazarbaev, South African President Thabo Mbeki, 

President of Congo and Chairman of the African Union Denis 

Sassou Nguesso, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and UN 

Secretary General Kofi Annan. The leaders stressed: “We are 

united with India in our resolve to intensify efforts to fight 

terrorism, which constitutes a threat to each of our countries.” 

Terrorism was the focus of the interaction Singh had with 

President Bush. Bush said terrorism must be fought wherever it 

occurs. German chancellor Merkel and Japanese premier Koizumi 

also spoke strongly against terrorism which was identified among 

the areas of common concern at the first trilateral summit of 

India, Russia and China. 

Indian officials felt the attack on Mumbai was clearly the trigger 

for the toughening of the stance which marked a rebuff to Pakistan 

foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri’s audacious attempt on innocent 

train commuters to “unresolved issues.” ❖ 


IYC Conference 

Youth Has A Vital Role in Nation Building 

Sonia Gandhi 

Excerpts of Congress President’s address at the 

Conference of District Presidents of the 

Youth Congress “Conversation – 2006” (24–26 July), 

Gandhi Samriti and Darshan Samiti – 

New Delhi, July 26, 2006 

Today is the last day of your three-day conference. As it is clear 

from its title, you have had an opportunity to inter-act, talk and 

discuss with each other. This is a great thing. Due to mutual 

introduction, mutual inter-action and mutual understanding, the 

organization’s strength is enhanced 

and courage and self-confidence is 

generated to move ahead unitedly. 

As far as the training camp is 

concerned, I am of the opinion, it 

should have been at least for five days 

and the beginning should be made 

from the grassroot. First, the camp 

should begin at the block and district 

level, and then at the national level. 

But the question arises who will 

educated (instruct) the workers at the 

camp? For this, you have to prepare 

instructors. You have to instruct them. 

You have to discover and choose 

those boys and girls who have 

knowledge of our country and 

traditions of the society and after that 

you have to impart them training as to how to instruct the Youth 

Congress workers. This is the initial step and only after that 

proper training programme will start. 

But, there is no time to waste on pondering. Events are taking 

place at a fast pace in politics of the country and the world. In 

our country, there is a new political set up. For the first time, 

Congress has a coalition government at the Centre. There are 

challenges before us in several states. The narrow-mindedness 

of communal and casteist elements have thrown several questions 

before the society. We have to find solutions to these questions. 

We have to do a lot of work to improve the lot of farmers and 

conditions of villages. There is a problem of terrorism before us. 

This is a challenge posed before the entire country. I know that 

you all are courageous and are ready to face this challenge. 

Terrorists attacked a Youth Congress rally at Srinagar on May 

21, 2006. Our three brave soldiers lost their lives. We are proud 

of them. Such sacrifice will not go waste. The Congress, being 

the largest and oldest party of the country, knows its responsibility. 

Whenever, our country faces a big challenge, the new generation 

stoutly faces it. As history of India grows older, the more young 

and fresh it is in regard to its age. The number of youth is largest 

among the countrymen. Thus, I want to say that not only the 

future is yours, but I would say that the present too is yours. The 

new and the old generations must 

realize this. The duty of the new 

generation is to move forward with 

responsibility and strength and the 

duty of the old generation is give an 

opportunity to the new generation to 

prove its ability and make their 

passage easier. To achieve this target, 

the training is not only essential but 

becomes necessary. I believe you will 

seriously think about it. 

As far as the Congress Party is 

concerned, our UPA government at the 

Centre and our party governments in 

the states are working as per the 

party’s policies, programmes and 

manifestos. The Common Minimum 

Programme, formulated by our allies 

at the Centre, is being implemented speedily. You will feel happy 

that the issues and promises made in the Common Minimum 

Programme are part of our manifesto. We are setting an example 

by our deeds in the history of the coalition government. This is 

the reason which hurts the Opposition and who are trying to create 

hurdles at every step. Creating obstacles in the proceedings of 

the Parliament is also a part of their strategy. This is our pledge 

that we will continue to tread on our path, we have to take steps 

in the interest of the country and face all difficulties. He, who 

has love for his country and the society, does not retreat. 

I know the youth are basically idealist. Thus, I hope you will not 

get involved in trivial matters and pay attention to your idealism 

and target. We have to serve the people we have to eliminate 

discrimination, in justice and oppression and support the poor, 


IYC Conference 

the weak, the dalit, the tribal, the backward and the minority. 

There is no work sacred than helping the poor and the weak. 

Recently, the Central Government constituted the National Rural 

Employment Guarantee Act, the Right to Information Act and 

formed programmes like India Development, which are historical 

steps in themselves. We had promised that every year we will 

submit a report about our work to the people. After completion 

of two years, our second report has been brought out. I want you 

that a copy of this report reaches every unit and give proper 

information to the people. 

Not a single youth organization will get proper strength and become 

an ideal organization until it takes the shape of a movement. You 

should know that throughout the world, generally, all big revolutionary 

changes took place through the youth movement. We would not 

have easily achieved the freedom had there not been the 1942 

movement. It was basically a movement by the youth and their 

leader was Jawaharlal Nehru and others. I take pride in telling you 

that Indiraji in her tenure gave maximum encouragement to youth 

leadership after independence. Rajivji was a leader of the youth. I, 

today myself feel that the new generation should get maximum 

opportunity to move ahead. Therefore, I want you to get yourself 

ready to accept this new challenge. 

There is a major shortcoming in our political parties. We only do 

political work and implement a political programme. A political 

organization must also do social and constructive work. Without 

this you cannot win people’s goodwill and cooperation. One also 

gets satisfaction by doing a social and constructive work and 

self-confidence is enhanced. There are several evils in our 

society. We have to make the people aware about these evils, 

which include killing of female foetus, dowry, corruption, HIV and 

AIDS. Water conservation and plantation of trees are social 

welfare work, which we have to do. The youth can play a vital 

role in the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and 

education to all programme. To make these programmes effective 

the Right to Information Act can prove useful tool. I am hopeful 

that you will utilize this rule after getting its full information. For 

this, we have to inculcate the habit of hard working. We have to 

work with full dedication and determination. 

There is no shortage of energy and willingness for the youth but 

it only needs dedication and pledge. You have to generate it 

yourself. I know that you are not lacking ability and willingness, 

it only needs an opportunity to blossom. We will make an attempt 

to give you this opportunity but you have to continue your struggle. 

I am confident that we will be successful together. A new history 

will be created for the Congress and the country. ❖ 

Congress Concern over Lebanon 

New Delhi: The Indian National Congress expressed its 

concern over the aggravation of the situation in Lebanon in 

the wake of the Israeli invasion. The consequent destruction 

of infrastructure and the mounting humanitarian crisis warrants 

the urgent attention of the UN Security Council and the 

intervention of the international community. 

We urge Israel and other parties to put in place urgent 

measures to end hostilities in the larger interest of the region 

and the innocent people who become unfortunate victims in a 

conflict situation, said AICC General Secretary, Shri Janardan 

Dwivedi on 20 th July. 

Congress Condemns Israeli Bombings 

Later, on 31 July, AICC Spokesman, Shri Abhishek Singhvi, 

strongly condemned the “outrageous killings of civilians” in 

Lebanon in the indiscriminate Israeli bombings. The deaths 

of innocent women and children caused by air strikes is 

shocking and reprehensible. This callous and irresponsible 

act underscores the tragedy of Lebanon. In a statement, he 

said: “AICC also deplores the Israeli attacks on UN 

Peacekeeping troops on the Israeli-Lebanon border in which 

Indian armed forces personnel have been injured. 

AICC notes with serious concern the continued suffering of 

the Lebanese and Palestinian people. The disproportionate 

and excessive use of armed forces by Israel has led to massive 

destruction and loss of life. It has displaced hundreds of 

thousands of civilians, destroyed civilian infrastructure and 

created acute shortages of essential commodities leading to 

a major humanitarian crisis. 

AICC strongly feels that mere expression of regret are no longer 

adequate. The time has come for the international community 

and the United Nations to urgently intervene and actively work 

towards cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace 

in order to prevent further escalation of this crisis.” ❖ 


Flood Situation 

Sonia Gandhi Surveys Flood-ravaged AP, Gujarat 

victims at two places. 

After landing at Gannavaram airport, Smt. Gandhi visited 

Amalapuram and saw how picturesque Konaseema, in East 

Godavari district had been devastated by nature’s fury. She visited 

a relief camp in Amalapuram and interacted with victims, most 

of whom sought permanent houses. 

After studying the situation in East Godavari, West Godavari and 

Adilabad districts, Smt. Gandhi visited Khammam, one of the 

worst-hit districts in the state. In more village in Burgampad 

mandal, she spoke to the people. At both places she saw photo 

exhibitions of the flood fury and inquired from the Collectors about 

relief operations. She did not speak to the media during her visit. 

Meanwhile, speaking to the media after seeing off Smt. Gandhi 

NEW DELHI: The Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi made 

an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged areas of Andhra Pradesh 

and Gujarat to take first-hand view of the disaster caused by 

rains and flood. 

Smt. Gandhi, accompanied by the Union Home Minister, Shri 

Shivraj Patil first toured the areas of Andhra Pradesh on 9 August. 

She visited Gujarat on 10 August accompanied by Defence 

Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. 

UPA Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi on 9 August announced the 

Centre would release Rs. 200 crore from the Calamity Relief Fund 

to meet immediate relief needs in Andhra Pradesh. 

Shri Patil asked the Andhra Pradesh Government to chalk out a 

detailed plan for permanent rehabilitation of victims and sent it 

to the Centre so it could be examined by the Planning Commission 

and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to 

assess the funding required. 

and Shri Patil at Hyderabad airport, Dr. Reddy said very soon a 

Central Team would visit flood-affected areas in the state. 

Describing Smt. Gandhi’s visit as a morale boost, he said they 

had asked the Centre to liberally help the state. “Today we have 

submitted a memorandum to the Centre asking for interim relief. 

We will assess the loss in the state and finally prepare a report 

and submit it to the Central Team that would visit the state shortly. 

Appreciating the proposal of Chief Minister, Shri Y.S. Rajasekhara 

Reddy to repair and strengthen river bunds to prevent recurrence 

of such disasters, the Union Minister advised him to send a 

detailed report for examination. The NDMA would examine it and 

make suggestions. He appreciated the state’s relief and rescue 

operations. 

Dr. Reddy said they had told the Centre they were serious about 

Smt. Gandhi, accompanied by Shri Patil, Chief Minister Dr. Reddy, 

Union Ministers, Smt. Renuka Chaudhary, Dasari Narayana Rao, 

Pallam Raju, AICC General Secretary incharge of Andhra Pradesh, 

Shri Digvijay Singh and PCC chief, Shri K. Keshava Rao had a 

look at the damage from the helicopter. They interacted with the 


Flood Situation 

completing repair work within a year to 480 km of bunds on the 

Godavari river. He said after 1986, the state had witnessed such 

furious floods for the first time. The Centre had assured help for 

the repairs on Godavari bunds, he added. 

He said repairs were necessary for Krishna and Vamshadara 

rivers, then such floods could be averted in the state, he stressed. 

Meanwhile the death toll in Maharashtra due to flood has reached 

119 with 79 people still missing. 

Later, Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Defence 

Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 10 August drove in Army 

truck in Surat, where many have been marooned for the past 

few days because of floods. 

On their return to Vadodara airport, Shri Mukherjee announced 

an assistance of Rs. 150 crore for flood-hit Gujarat after an aerial 

survey of Surat and surrounding areas with Smt. Sonia Gandhi 

and her political secretary, Shri Ahmed Patel, Shri Mukherjee 

blamed the Gujarat government for the sudden release of water 

from Ukai dam, which he said has caused massive flooding of 

Surat. 

At Surat, they were briefed by principal secretary (health) Shri 

SR Rao on behalf of Modi government They sat on a bench behind 

the truck’s cabin as it drove the 13 kms between the airport and 

Surat and then took them round some areas for over 90 minutes. 

The visit sans the regular security and convoys shocked people 

who realized the Smt. Sonia Gandhi was visiting only after the 

truck trundled past pot-holed roads. 

Also missing were milling crowds seen during Sonia Gandhi’s 

earlier visits. “People do not expect Smt. Gandhi to travel in a 

truck,” a Congress leader said. She visited areas of Bhimrad 

and Bhatar cross-roads. “They wanted to go further, but the 

Army personnel advised against it, for security reasons,” said 

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president, Shri Bharatsinh 

Solanki. People in Surat are already angry with the establishment 

for failing to provide succour. Smt. Gandhi and Shri Mukherjee 

were briefed on relief and rescue operations by the Army and Air 

Force. 

He said 24 boats have been dispatched for evacuating stranded 

people and 32 boats were already assisting in evacuating over 

4,000 people. ❖ 

OMEM DEORI APPOINTED 

ARUNACHAL PCC CHIEF 

New Delhi : Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, has on 

17 th August, 2006 appointed Smt. Omem Moyong Deori, ex 

M.P. as President of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee 

with immediate effect, according to Shri Oscar Fernandes, 

MP, Member, CWC-Incharge North-East States and Frontal 

Organizations. ❖ 

JASWANT’S CLAIM, A JOKE. 

NEW DELHI: What a joke! Shri 

Jaswant Singh in his book has named 

a mole in the Prime Minister’s office 

but later failed to name him. This 

clearly shows how non-serious the 

BJP leaders are. I think if Jaswant 

Singh had such an information then 

he should truly have informed the 

then Prime Minister, Shri P.V. 

- Anil K. Shastri 

Narasimha Rao. If he could not, he 

should at least have told about it to Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee. 

Shri Jaswant Singh was himself the External Affairs minister 

at that time. Being a responsible citizen and a minister in the 

government it was his duty to have informed about it. He is 

now telling about it through his book and the media. When 

Dr. Manmohan Singh asked him to reveal the name, he asked 

for an interview with the prime minister. In my opinion the 

Prime Minister has rightly said that when he has said 

everything through the media, then he should also reveal the 

name of the mole through the media. But he is not willing to 

tell the name of that mole. This clearly shows that he is caught 

in his own web. Jaswant Singh has been the External Affairs 

Minister. He is the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. 

He is a senior leader. Such a person should not make 

irresponsible statement. We presume that by not informing 

Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee about the mole, he has betrayed the 

nation. Secondly, the way he has spoken about the PMO is in 

itself a serious matter because the PMO is not just an office 

but is a prominent part of democracy. Therefore, this case 

calls for privilege motion against Shri Jaswant Singh because 

he has misguided the nation. ❖ 

(Author is a CWC Special Invitee) 


Cover Story 

Strengthen the Backbone 

KK Birla 

Infrastructure is a very wide term. It means basic, physical and 

organisational structures needed for the operation of a society 

or enterprise. The requirements of infrastructure that cover the 

main requirements of the nation are water resources, power, 

telecommunications, roads, railways, ports, civil aviation and 

urban infrastructure. 

The massive development for infrastructural facilities will require 

a minimum investment of $ 150 billion to be incurred over the 

next decade if India is to attain 8 per cent GDP growth per year. 

The setback to the development of infrastructure was caused by 

the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956. Infrastructure was 

reserved exclusively for the public sector. The government took 

on its shoulders the responsibility for the development of 

infrastructure. It did not realise the heavy burden that it would 

have to bear to keep a sizeable growth in the GDP. This sector 

should have been opened to both public and private sectors. 

The years following the opening up of the economy to the private 

sector in 1991 have been important. As industrial production 

started improving, the central and state governments realised 

that the infrastructure was woefully behind the requirements. 

Many top foreign companies wanting to start industrial units in 

India got a rude shock when they found that our infrastructure 

was in a pitiable condition. 

Towards the improvement of infrastructure, China and other 

countries with emerging economies, such as South Korea, 

Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, have taken the lead.␣ Roads, 

water supplies and power availability and quality are fully 

comparable in these countries to those in the developed world. 

Take the example of ports. The turnaround time for ships in India 

was 8.5 days. With modernisation, this has come down to 3.5 

days. In Singapore, it is only eight hours. Not only that. It is 

disgusting to find that even in Delhi, the capital of the nation, 

there are constant shortages of power and water supply almost 

60 years after Independence. 

Considering that massive investments are required, it is clear 

that infrastructure can’t develop speedily unless the private sector 

is fully involved. Against this background, here are my comments 

on some important segments of infrastructure: 

Water Resources: Most␣ countries are facing great hardships 

in water supply. As the demand for water increases, the problem 

becomes increasingly grave. Hence countries are making plans 

on how to meet the water requirement. 

Here, we have a lot to learn from Israel and the UAE. There is no 

big lake or river in either of the two countries. Rainfall is very 

meagre. But they have installed huge equipment to desalinise 

sea water into potable water. It is a costly process. But when 

there is a problem, one has to face it head on. Today Israel and 

the UAE have no water shortage. 

Tamil Nadu is an Indian state facing acute shortage of drinking 

water. In the 2004 Budget, the Finance Minister stated that “it 

was proposed to install the first large desalination plant near 

Chennai in the state sector and more such plants will be installed 

along the Coromandel coast”. Issues relating to selecting the 

appropriate technology, funding, agency to manage the plant, 

etc. are still under discussion. Progress has been slow. Once 

these teething problems are sorted out, such plants can be 

replicated in states along the coastal lines facing a shortage. 

It is a matter of serious concern that water availability is dropping 

very sharply. During Independence, the available water was 5,000 

cubic metre (CM) per capita. This has now come down to 2,000 

CM. India has 16 per cent of the world’s population, but our water 

resources amount to only 4 per cent of global fresh water 

resources. Unless we take drastic steps, water scarcity will 

become acute by 2020. 

The quality of water, too, has considerably deteriorated. The 

government is taking several steps towards preventing the 

pollution of rivers, lakes, etc. While industries have now become 

fully conscious of their responsibilities of keeping water and the 

air pollution-free, this spirit has yet to reach the general public. 

Take the case of keeping the Ganga and Yamuna pollution-free. 

The government under Rajiv Gandhi took note of the problem 

and sanctioned a vast sum of money to clean the Ganga. Steps 

were taken, but there was no visible improvement whatsoever. In 

some cities the polluted water was treated before it flowed into 

the Ganga. But crores of people who live in villages along the 

Ganga were callous about their public responsibilities. Thus, 

pollution took place all along the river, barring industrial areas. 

In respect of the Yamuna, the Supreme Court went to the extent 

of ordering all the polluting factories to shift outside Delhi. Even 

then, the situation remains as bad as ever. Only with the 


Cover Story 

cooperation of the general public can the lakes and rivers be 

made and kept pollution-free. 

Agriculture, a means of subsistence for over 70 per cent of our 

people, is a gift of the monsoons. Unfortunately, we don’t make 

proper use of the monsoon water. On an average, 4,000 billion 

cubic metre (BCM) rainfall takes place in India, of which only 17 

per cent is utilised. Irrigation projects provide about 200 BCM of 

water. The total potential is of 384 BCM and needs to be exploited 

as fast as possible to liberate agriculture from the vagaries of 

the monsoons. 

The demand for water was estimated at 634 BCM in 2000. This 

will increase to 813 BCM for 2010 and 1,093 BCM in 2025. The 

total water potential is 1,132 BCM. Hence, efforts have to be 

made to achieve this target. Side by side, every effort has to be 

made to discourage wasteful use of water and every Indian should 

be taught the benefits of water harvesting. 

The government should also study the possibility of encouraging 

recycling of used water, and simultaneously initiate steps for water 

quality management. The water tables in various parts of the 

country have fallen alarmingly. This problem again can be handled 

only with the full co-operation of the people. By harvesting water, 

the water level increases. By constructing ‘anicuts’ to small dams, 

water supply improves. In villages, by digging ponds in several 

areas, the water table improves. What is required is the will to 

preserve water. 

The National Water Policy 2002 encourages private participation, 

giving top priority to drinking water. However, not much success 

has been achieved in this direction. Karnataka has taken the 

initiative to hand over the operation and management of water 

and waste network in small towns to the private sector. Various 

schemes have been implemented and various others are under 

consideration. But these will succeed only when the Centre and 

the states work in harmony. In all such matters whole-hearted 

cooperation of the public is essential, for which the public has to 

be properly educated. 

Some time ago, it was suggested that the rivers of the north and 

the south be joined to provide the country with a huge potential 

for water resources and to prevent flooding. The government and 

the Planning Commission should study this innovative scheme 

from all angles. Foreign consultants, too, should be appointed 

for the purpose. This revolutionary project will require 20-25 years 

for completion. But once completed, it will change the face of 

India. In fact, one might say a new nation will be born. 

Power Development: In this sector, development is pathetically 

behind schedule. Generally, 1 per cent increase in GDP 

necessitates 1.5 per cent increase in power generation. In the 

last 15 years, the GDP has increased at the rate of 6.4 per cent 

per year on an average, while power generation has gone up by 

only 4.1 per cent a year. Had power development been at least 

as per the norms, the situation would have been better. 

The Ninth Plan had targeted an additional generating capacity of 

40,245 MW. Only 19,013 MW (47.21 per cent of the target) was 

achieved. The task of the Planning Commission is not only to 

make plans but to goad states to see that they are implemented. 

To achieve the target, there should be constant dialogues between 

the Planning Commission, the Centre and the states. This 

production shortfall has been responsible for the power deficit of 

40 billion KWH. There are various reasons for the existing shortfall: 

a) Constant delays in the implementation of the projects. 

b) Existing capacity of production not being fully utilised, the power 

factor being less than 70 per cent. 

c) The absence of adequate inter-regional transmission lines, 

leading to a surplus in some areas and a deficit in others. 

d) Huge transmission losses due to an inefficient and antiquated 

transmission and distribution network. 

e) Subsidised prices in rural areas. In some states, free supply to 

farmers has resulted in havoc while the wasteful use of electricity 

has made the State Electricity Boards bankrupt. 

Realising that power development was beyond its capacity, the 

government allowed the private sector to get involved in this 

sector. The Tenth Plan envisages the following expansion plans 

in hydro, thermal and nuclear sectors : 

a) Hydro: 14,393 MW 

b) Thermal: 25,416 MW 

c) Nuclear: 1,300 MW 

Total: 41,000 MW (approx) 

The Plan targets and the achievements of the 10th Plan: 

Targets 

Achievement 

[including␣ non-Plan Projects] 

Centre 22,832 17,097 

States/UT 11,157 11,103 

Private 7,121 3,090 

Total 41,110 31,290 

The private sector’s performance was very unsatisfactory. Private 


Cover Story 

sector projects were delayed as SEBs␣ were bankrupt. Besides, 

investments in power generation, transmission and distribution 

should be made more attractive. 

In the coal sector, not much has been achieved qualitatively. Indian 

coal has a very high ash content. Hence additional investments 

have to be made to lower the ash content. In view of the rising oil 

prices, many countries have started looking to other sources of 

energy. Some options: 

Nuclear Power: Development of nuclear power constitutes over 

16 per cent of global energy generation. Despite its high capital 

cost, it has become economical and, if power plants are properly 

commissioned, is pollution-free. Apart from the capital cost, a 

nuclear plant involves additional expenditure in respect of waste 

disposal, commissioning, etc. However, under the Kyoto Protocol, 

subsidised finance for clean development would be available, 

reducing nuclear plant costs substantially. 

There are certain risks implicit in nuclear generation. Sweden, 

Germany and Belgium have passed laws to abandon nuclear 

energy. However, France, which produces 79 per cent of its energy 

requirements through nuclear power, and other countries like 

Japan (29 per cent), Britain (20 per cent), the US (19 per cent) 

have no plans of abandoning it. What is necessary is that, first, 

high priority be given to ensure that the design and engineering 

of nuclear power plants are of top quality; second, ample care 

be taken to make sure that the nuclear plants function smoothly. 

Non-Conventional Energy: India is endowed with a large 

sustainable resource base that can generate considerable amount 

of non-conventional energy like wind energy, solar energy, both 

thermal and photovoltaic, bio-mass, etc. So far, development has 

not been promising and non-conventional energy contributes less 

than 750 MW to total energy generation. 

Progress has been made in Tamil Nadu, which accounts for nearly 

half of the total installed capacity for wind power. In the ten years, 

2002-12, the investment requirement is Rs 1 million crore in 

power generation, transmission and distribution. The private 

sector can do wonders provided their genuine problems are 

attended to. 

Power development is capital intensive. The government has laid 

down two targets for this sector␣ - power availability for all by 

2012; and electrification of all villages by 2007. Of the total 

investment in infrastructure, nearly half will be in the power 

sector.␣ If conditions are created so that foreign investment is 

encouraged and their genuine grievances redressed, development 

in the power sector␣ - perhaps the most abused sector␣ - can take 

place rapidly. 

The Road Ahead 

In the last 10 years, telecommunication has made fabulous 

progress in India. After the new telecom policy in 1999, the 

industry witnessed a virtual transformation of this sector. The 

advent of mobile telephony also caused a veritable revolution. 

The entry of the private sector in mobile services in 1992 and in 

basic services in 1994 provided a tremendous boost. Telecom 

reforms also greatly supported the phenomenal growth of the IT 

sector. The number of phones shot up from 22.8 million four-five 

years ago to 105.2 million in 2004. Teledensity improved from 

2.3 per cent to nearly 10 per cent. The progress in mobile 

telephony, in particular, has been brisk. The growth in the year 

ending August 2005 was 52.7 per cent. The telecom sector has 

also entered rural areas in a big way. 

Despite this progress, India’s telephone density is much lower 

than in China or Brazil. These two-year-old figures give an idea: 

Teledensity (Dec 2003) 

Australia 126 

Brazil 42 

China 42 

Sri Lanka 9.6 

Britain 143 

US 116 

India 10 

The telecom industry attracted considerable foreign investment 

because of the emerging demand and the liberalised policy that 

made investment possible and profitable. Between 2001 and 

2004, the total FDI in telecom has been Rs 5,763 crore. From 

July this year, telephone rates have again been revised, making 

the rates in India the lowest in the world. Even after charging 

such low rates, the industry has proved to be remarkably 

profitable. It’s␣ satisfying that some of the largest industrial houses 

in the country — the Tatas, the Birlas (Aditya Birla Group), the 

Ambanis and the Mittals — have entered this field along with 

foreign majors. Public sector majors like BSNL and MTNL are 

also expanding their activities very fast. 

ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Good smooth roads where cars and 

trucks can be driven effortlessly are essential for the country’s 

economy.␣ Today, 85 per cent of passenger traffic and 70 per 

cent of goods traffic flows on roads. However, the quality of roads 

is very poor and there is considerable scope for their upgradation. 


Cover Story 

Our road network is made up of 3.3 million km, the second largest 

road network in the world. This network consists of national 

highways (65,569 km), state highways and district roads 

(598,000 km) and rural roads (2,650,000 km). Although highways 

make up only about 2 per cent of the total road network, they 

carry about 40 per cent of the total road traffic. The poor quality 

of the roads, however, makes fast traffic impossible. 

The government has initiated measures to facilitate road 

construction. It provides a capital grant equal to 40 per cent of 

the project cost, duty free imports of modern equipment, etc. 

Even so, progress is slow mainly because of delays in land 

acquisition, law and order problems, and the poor performance 

of some contractors. Under Phase III of the National Highway 

Development Project (NHDP), covering 14,279 km of highways, 

about 10,000 km of roads are to be widened from two- to fourlane 

roads with paved shoulders at an estimated cost of Rs 

60,000 crore on BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) basis. This will 

provide connectivity to all state capitals. 

The project, funded from fuel tax and tolls, consists of the Golden 

Quadrilateral (5,846 km), the North-South and East-West Corridor 

(7,300 km) and the Port Connectivity (1,133 km). The different 

projects, when completed, will provide excellent connectivity 

within the country. What is crucial is that the projects are 

completed in time. The Golden Quadrilateral will connect the four 

metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and is 

expected to be completed by early 2007. The North-South and 

East-West corridors connecting Srinagar to Kanyakumari and 

Silchar to Porbandar respectively␣ will be completed by end-2006. 

The bulk of the roads in India are rural roads. These are in pitiable 

conditions. Primarily, it is the responsibility of the state 

governments to improve rural roads. In the last three years, some 

progress has been made in some states. Bihar, unfortunately, is 

the worst state in this sector. With the change of government in 

Patna, it is expected that rapid progress will be made towards 

the construction of rural roads in Bihar. 

In road construction work, several foreign companies from 

Thailand, Korea, Malaysia and Japan have shown interest. Roads 

and highways in all these countries are of very high quality. These 

companies come with rich experience, many of them having 

already succeeded in undertaking projects floated by the National 

Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and road construction projects 

floated by state governments. 

In the 2006-07 Budget, a provision of Rs 600 billion (from diesel 

cess) under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna has been made 

to connect villages with a population of over 500 people to main 

roads (numbering about 1.7 lakh habitations). Around 62 per cent 

of the work has been completed. This figure would have been 

even higher but for the completion rate being less than 50 per 

cent in 10 states. Work is more than 70 per cent complete in five 

states, with Andhra Pradesh already having completed 95 per 

cent of the work. The earlier deadline of 2007 has now been 

shifted to 2011. It is good to find that cities like Delhi, Mumbai, 

Kolkata and Bangalore are constructing flyover networks for a 

smoother flow of heavy traffic. 

RAILWAYS MODERNISATION: The development of roads has 

to go hand in hand with the modernisation of railways. Our railway 

network is one of the largest in the world, covering 63,221 route 

km. This is made up of␣ broad gauge (45,622 route km), metre 

gauge (14,354 route km) and narrow gauge (3,136 route km). 

About 26 per cent of the railway network is electrified. Railways 

purchase power directly from the producers. The passenger 

reservation system, the largest in the world, is accessible through 

internet and connects 2,500 terminals. The computerised Freight 

Operation Information System enables online information of cargo. 

Road and rail systems are complementary. The cost of carrying 

goods over long distances by rail is one-fourth the cost of carrying 

goods by road. However, with the modernisation and upgradation 

of roads, the cost disparities is expected to be greatly reduced. 

Nevertheless, for bulk commodities like coal, cement, steel, etc, 

the railways will remain the most economical mode of 

transportation. There is, however, a lot of scope for improvement 

in economising the railways. All sections of the railways are heavily 

over-staffed. This is an unnecessary waste of money. We should 

study the Japanese railway working system and try to modernise 

our rail system on those lines. 

The railways have to lay new lines, convert metre gauge into 

broad gauge, electrify most of the system, institute safety devices 

to avoid accidents and keep up with the latest technologies in 

convenience and speed. Lalu Prasad Yadav has done a remarkable 

job as the Railway Minister. He has been one of the best Rail 

Ministers in recent times. 

PORT FACILITIES: India has over 7,000 km of natural peninsular 

coastal lines. There are 13 major ports and 185 minor ports. The 

major ports are under the control of the Centre and the minor 


Cover Story 

ports under the states, the latter handling about 25 per cent of 

the total business. 

Of the total external trade, maritime transport accounts for 95 

per cent in volume and 70 per cent in value. The total cargo 

handled in 2003-04 was 389.5 MMT. Traffic at major ports is 

increasing at a rate of more than 10 per cent annually. 

With the mechanisation of ports, the average turnaround of ships 

has come down from 5.7 days in 1999 to 3.5 days in 2004. The 

government has sold the right to operate some of the ports and 

terminals to the private sector. Private ports and terminals now 

handle about a third of the country’s cargo. The turnaround has 

been of only 12 hours. Hence privatisation of port operations 

must be carried on more speedily. Foreign trade is increasing at 

the rate of 30 per cent per year (in value terms). So it’s necessary 

that port facilities increase fast to catch up with the volume of 

goods to be moved. Private ports and joint ventures should be 

sponsored and facilitated. The government should also corporatise 

the major ports currently managed by port trusts. 

The government has announced a series of measures to 

encourage foreign investment in this sector. One hundred per 

cent foreign investment is permitted for construction and 

maintenance of ports and harbours. The government is offering 

incentives to private investors (10 years’ tax holiday in port 

development, operation and maintenance, etc). 

Permission has also been granted to private parties to set up 

import-purpose minor ports. The private sector has responded 

to these incentives, and its participation is increasing in major 

and minor ports. 

AIRPORTS: More and more people are taking to air travel in 

preference to road or rail travel. Our airports, however, are far 

below world standards. Airport buildings, facilities, runways, all 

need complete rejuvenation. It is shocking to see that for internal 

flights, aerobridge facilities are not available even in Delhi and 

Mumbai. December and January flights are often disturbed owing 

to fog. In developed countries such delays don’t occur as there 

are arrangements for instrument landing. The government has 

been assuring the public that necessary steps are being taken to 

introduce instrument landing in all the major cities. But instrument 

landing is being inexplicably delayed year after year. For 

instrument landing, the pilots will be required to undergo special 

training. That is not difficult. The government has to proceed with 

dedicated determination. 

India has 125 airports handling 4 million passengers of which 

11 are international, 86 domestic and 28 civil enclaves. Delhi 

and Mumbai account for around half of the total traffic. Passenger 

and cargo traffic in the last decade has grown at an average rate 

of 9 per cent. Currently, more than 40 per cent of India’s export 

and import cargo by value is carried by air. 

The sector is growing at the rate of about 20 per cent a year and 

this rate of increase will continue for another 4-5 years. Current 

policy reforms allow private equity participation in development 

of the airport infrastructure. Foreign equity participation of up to 

49 per cent has been permitted for the privatisation of Delhi and 

Mumbai airports. The government has realised that private sector 

participation is a major thrust area in the civil aviation sector. 

For green-field airports, private sector participation is proposed 

for Bangalore and Hyderabad. Private sector participation up to 

74 per cent in joint ventures has been approved. The remaining 

26 per cent is being shared by the state government and the 

Airports Authority. 

Upgradation and modernisation of Mumbai and Delhi airports will 

cost around Rs 15,000 crore. The government has taken the 

right decision in privatising Delhi and Mumbai airports. It should 

move fast and try to privatise other airports too. The government 

has made plans to restructure the Kolkata and Chennai airports. 

For Kolkata airport, the AAI has already announced a 

modernisation programme costing Rs 130 crore. The setting up 

of a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been proposed as an 

independent regulator. 

Indian private airlines have benefited from the permission granted 

by the government allowing them to fly to all Saarc countries. 

Some airlines like Jet, Air Sahara and Air Deccan have started 

operating on some of these routes. A decision has also been 

taken to allow the private sector to fly to the Gulf region. 

This sector is growing rapidly and there is a vast potential. The 

number of domestic passengers is likely to increase from 12 

million in 1996-97 to 53.3 million in 2016-17. The number of 

international passengers is likely to increase from 10.9 to 33 

million. The requirements of funds will be between $ 20 and 30 

billion in the next 5-10 years. ❖ 

(to be continued in next issue) 

The writer is a former Rajya Sabha member & a Veteran Industrialist 

Courtesy: Hindustan Times 


Viewpoint 

Put Infrastructure in Place 

Sarvjit Singh 

Natural disasters often strike without notice and even when there 

are predictions its magnitude cannot be measured before the 

event passes by. Man has always been a small element before 

nature. Time and again it has been proved that when nature 

unleashes its fury, the helplessness of human can be experienced. 

Yet, there is a great lesson one can draw when natural disasters 

strike and attempt to put in places systems that first minimize 

the impact and also see an opportunity in the adversity. This 

would require a long-term plan on part of policy makers and 

integrate the available 

technology and expertise with 

some innovative and costeffective 

solution. 

Let us take the question of 

floods. This is an annual 

seasonal occurrence but 

consider the cost both in term 

of loss of human lives, cattle 

heads and property including 

public utilities. 

One question that has always 

bothered me is that, why a country of the size of India has not 

been able to come up a solution to the perennial problems of 

floods and drought. Year after year, we come across reports that 

some part or the other in the country is severely affected by 

drought and even as the Governments set into motion 

mechanisms to deal with the situation in a country where rains 

are still the primary source of irrigation, comes the news that 

floods have affected some other parts. 

For instance, a classic example that even the National Disaster 

Management Authority of India quotes is that of Bihar where the 

northern parts would be reeling under floods around the same 

time the southern parts are affected by drought. Is it not 

paradoxical? 

Now consider this, according to official figures from 1953 to 1995 

the estimated loss due to floods is almost Rs.10,000 million. 

The annual average loss is estimated to be 7000 million hectares 

of land affecting over 40 million people. Crop area affected is 

over 3,700 acres losing crops valuing 

around Rs.1100 crores each year. Total 

loss is estimated to be around Rs.2700 

crores including over Rs. 1100 crores of 

public utilities. Imagine, this huge 

amount is what the country is losing 

every year. Which in affect means 

whatever infrastructure is created in 

terms of public utilities is either lost wholly or partially. It is as 

they call — literally washed away. 

In India, 75 percent of the 

annual rainfall is during the 

Monsoon season starting from 

June till end of September. It 

is during this period rivers carry 

heavy discharge and it is 

common knowledge that 

inadequate storing capacity 

results in most of the water 

flowing waste into the sea. 

Besides causing loss of lives 

and property and disrupting the 

way people live, floods leave a telltale marks both in the form of 

damage and fear of outbreak of diseases that a large population 

of poor with negligible health facilities can do without. Of the 40 

million hectares of land that is vulnerable to floods, around 8 

million hectares is affected each year. 

If one were to sit down and compile the amount of money 

Governments spend each year for relief and rehabilitation for 

flood victims, perhaps the sum total would be staggering. 

Preventive measures undertaken on a long-term basis would have 

been less expensive. 

It is only now, that it is very sparsely, that we hear Governments 

talking of the need to do rainwater harvesting or the need to 

increase the number of steps to prevent cyclical occurrence in 

some part or the other. 

Another project that needs a fresh look is the question of inter- 


Viewpoint 

linking of rivers. Many water management experts have expressed 

opinion that such a measure would go a long way in tackling this 

ironical situation of the country having to tackle both floods and 

drought in a short span of time. 

The country’s policy makers accorded less priority to the task, 

which I feel, could have done easier before the country began to 

urbanise at a faster rate. This would not only have checked the 

problem of migration and urbanization, it would also have attacked 

this grave problem of one part of the country having water in 

plenty rather excess and the other struggling to find even a drop 

of water — at times around the same period. 

This also brings us to the issue of how as a Nation we are prepared 

for disaster management. Yes, we have an Authority which is 

spreading its apparatus to States and ultimately it has to travel 

right down to the block level. The progress is painfully slow. Yes, 

a country like India has to look into resource constraints but surely 

as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh told a gathering of 

our administrators. The challenge is to how to manage it. Utilise 

the scarce resources in a manner that we can make maximum 

and quality advantage is the key. That is where innovation is 

required. If all the money we require is available, then where is 

the scope for human creativity? Creative solutions and innovating 

thinking catering to local needs is necessary. 

Here I would like to recall how our late and beloved Rajivji brought 

fresh thinking. He studied the problems of the country and created 

technology mission including one for oilseeds. These missions 

are still regarded as one of the most visionary moves ever made 

in Independent India. The idea of making the country self-reliant 

was felt in the past and we have just experienced the ill effects 

of abandoning it by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National 

Democratic Alliance Government. 

I also wish to make a suggestion. The Disaster Management 

Authority should not be left to bureaucrats. That is not to suggest 

that they are not efficient or up to the task, I feel there is a great 

role for experts who should be drafted in for such management 

and also pay heed to local and native knowledge. For instance, a 

man in the hills knows better how to handle emergency during 

landslides just as reports told us that tribes in the Andaman and 

Nicobar Islands survived as they went by earthy logic. A healthy 

blend of bottom-up and top-down solutions would go a long way 

in preparing a detailed drill in challenging situations. ❖ 

(The author is Member, Editorial Board, Sandesh) 

Photofile 

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh chairing the first meeting of the National 

Committee on ‘Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the First War of 

Independence-1857’, in New Delhi on July 13, 2006. Also seen are former 

Prime Minister Shri. I.K. Gujral, UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi. 

The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, 

Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunsi greeting the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh 

on his arrival at the Parliament House on the First day of the Monsoon 

Session, in New Delhi on July 

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with a victim of recent bomb blasts 

at the Lokmanya Tilak Hospital, in Mumbai on July 14, 2006. The Chief 

Minister of Maharashtra Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh looks on. 

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh meets flood-affected people at one of 

relief camps by the Government in Nanded of Maharashtra on August 11, 2006. 

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh is also seen. 


Women Empowerment 

Rajiv: The Passionate Crusader 

Praveen Davar 

When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru gave the historic call for complete 

independence from the banks of Ravi in 1929, he could have 

had hardly imagined that it would be his illustrious grandson, 60 

years later, who will take a gigantic leap towards establishing 

Purna swaraj in every hamlet of India. 

It was in 1989, the birth centenary year of Pandit Nehru, that the 

late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi introduced the Panchayati Raj 

and the Nagarpalika bills, to strengthen and secure the 

foundations of Parliamentary democracy gifted to the nation by 

Panditji. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort 

on 15 th August 1989, Independence Day, Rajiv Gandhi declared: 

Panditji very much wanted to fulfill the dream of Gandhiji’s 

Gram swaraj. To achieve it he started Panchayati Raj. But 

we could not complete the task. We could not accomplish 

this mission because of the infiltration of power brokers 

who did not allow it to succeed. They ensured that real 

power did not slip off their 

hands to the hands of people 

and Bharat. After introducing 

Panchayati Raj Panditji did 

not live long enough to fight 

the power brokers to ensure 

that power that Gandhiji had 

wrested from the Britishers 

reached the people --- Indira 

Gandhi dedicated her entire 

life to the poor people and the 

weaker sections of India — 

she invested funds to 

alleviate poverty and also for 

the welfare and upliftment of 

the poor. For the first time, 

the 20-Point Programme of 

Indiraji succeeded in 

reducing poverty in India. 

The author with Shri Rajiv Gandhi, April 1982 

Four years earlier Rajiv Gandhi had delivered his historic Congress 

centenary address at Mumbai where he spelt out his vision of 

Build India Movement: 

The country needs a politics of service to the poor. The 

country needs a politics based on ideology and 

programmes. To bring this about we must break the nexus 

between political parties and vested interests ---. The 

power to shape their own lives must 

lie with the people not with 

bureaucrats and experts — vibrant 

village panchayats must discuss, 

deliberate and decide the choices to 

be made. 

Rajivji realized that no programme of rural 

development can ever be truly 

implemented without active participation of the local people. He made 

a conscious endeavour to strengthen democracy at the grassroots 

level by introducing the Panchayati Raj Bill and the Nagarpalika bills. 

These bills envisaged devolution of power directly to the people 

alongwith resources and authority to utilise them in a manner they 

thought the best. This revolutionary measure was obstructed by 

members of the combined unprincipled Opposition in the Rajya Sabha 

after it was passed by the Lok Sabha. However, the bills were passed 

when the Congress returned to 

power following Rajivji’s 

martyrdom. 

The most significant part of the 

bills (73 rd and 74 th amendments) 

was the clause relating to 

reservation of 30 percent seats 

for women. Today, almost a 

decade and a half later, there are 

2,50,000 elected bodies, 32 lakh 

elected representatives of which 

nearly 12 lakh are women. This 

perhaps is the greatest 

contribution of Rajiv Gandhi 

which has no parallel in the 

world. If Jawaharlal Nehru gave 

us parliamentary democracy, 

Rajiv Gandhi maximised 

democracy vesting lakhs of women with political, social and 

economic power. This was the highest tribute one could pay to 

the Gandhi-Nehru philosophy of ushering in gram swaraj to which 

Rajivji had committed four years earlier. 

Rajiviji considered women as the largest disadvantaged class in 

the country: “Much is said about backward classes and scheduled 

castes and tribes, but if we put everything together ultimately it 

is women who need the most help.” Explaining his reasons for 


Women Empowerment 

doing so Rajiv Gandhi while introducing the bill in the Lok Sabha 

on 15 th May, 1989 said: 

We propose the reservation in Panchayats at all levels of 

30 percent of seats for women. There are three major 

reasons for which we believe this Constitutional innovation 

to be necessary. First, women constitute half the 

population and are involved in rather more than half the 

economic life of rural India. However, to our shame, their 

share of assets and income is much less than their share 

of population but the toil and sweat imposed upon them 

is rather more than half. Second, the sound finance of 

the household has traditionally been the responsibility of 

the women. Financial discipline and fiscal responsibility 

are ingrained in the habits and outlook of the women of 

rural India. These are qualities badly needed in Panchayati 

Raj institutions. We believe the presence of women in 

large numbers will also make them more efficient, honest, 

disciplined and more responsible. Third, it is the women 

of India, in their role as grandmothers and mothers, who 

have been the repository of India’s ancient culture and 

traditions. It is to them that is entrusted the responsibility 

of transmitting to the next generation the quintessential 

values, standards and ideals, which have enabled our 

civilization to survive and flourish without a break despite 

vicissitudes of many kinds. It is that strength of moral 

character, which women will bring to the Panchayats. 

Rajivji considered women as the key indicators of economic 

growth and women’s education as its key indicator. At a meeting 

of voluntary organisations on women welfare he stated: 

In education, one of the key factors will be in keeping 

girls in schools. There are too many dropouts. They go to 

school but not have the sustenance to carry on. And we 

have to see how we can do better in the area. And, of 

course, we will have to see why they don’t stay in school 

and get to the root of that. And again it brings us back to 

our basic social problems – problems of our societies. 

Rajiv Gandhi laid stress on vocational training for women and 

encouraging more women to join the teaching profession: “vocational 

training can be very helpful for the family, for her own standing in 

the family and, if necessary, for her own independence. Teaching is 

something that women are good at and we are very short of. But of 

course, unless they are educated, we will not be able to end 

glorification of sati — strengthened the legal provision in respect of 

offence relating to dowry and amended the CRPC to place the onus 

for proving innocence on the bridegroom and his family in cases of 

suspected dowry deaths.” 

Rajiv Gandhi considered women’s education the most crucial 

element in FP programmes: “we have come to a stage where the 

only thing that is really going to make a dent in women’s education 

— women welfare is very crucial past of FP programme. The 

status of women must be raised in our society -— we must see 

politics has only one object in matter of population, that of 

reducing it — it is a national challenge.” 

As an outstanding world statesman Rajiv Gandhi concern for 

women empowerment extended to the third world. Women were 

encouraged to raise their voice for world peace and be the 

custodians of our traditions and values. At the NAM summit in 

Harare in 1986 the young Indian Prime Minister was the most 

passionate crusader for women empowerment. He called for a 

full and meaningful participation of women in social, political, 

economic and cultural life. 

Dr. Katheen Healy, an American admirer and biographer of Rajiv 

Gandhi in her book Rajiv Gandhi: The years of Power (published 

1989) says: 

To simply review the polices by which Rajiv Gandhi has 

attacked injustices practiced against women is to observe 

in action perhaps the brightest and most compassionate side 

of his character. In their cumulative effect, these actions 

cannot fail to elicit a rare admiration for Rajiv’s basic 

humanity. Gandhi‘s response to injustices toward women 

goes far beyond seeking remedies for specific evils. He has 

high admiration for the qualities of women and seek to 

empower them to use these qualities to the utmost for their 

development and the development of India. 

Rajivji encouraged women to take to public life. He was firm in 

his belief that programmes for women would be run in a better 

way and more efficiently. Yet he wanted to see women in more 

challenging and ‘male – dominated’ professions. Way back, in 

1985, he asked: “ It is nice to see a women in women’s welfare 

and in health care but why not in defence or some thing else?” 

Yes, Rajivji your dream has been realised. Women today are 

piloting aeroplanes and are commissioned officers in the Indian 

Army ready to take on combat roles in the near future. 

Yet, unless reservation for women in Parliament and state 

legislatures becomes a constitutional reality, can we say that we 

have substantially fulfilled the vision of Rajiv Gandhi. This is a 

challenge before Congress MPs-both women and men. ❖ 

(The author is a Secretary, AICC) 


ANDHRA PRADESH 

Tributes to ‘Babuji’ 

HYDERABAD: The 20 th death anniversary 

of late Babu Jagjivan Ram, former Deputy 

Prime Minister and former AICC president, 

was observed at the Gandhi Bhawan here 

on 6 July by the Andhra Pradesh Congress 

Committee Linguistic Minority Cell. 

Chairman of the Cell, Shri Ashok Singh 

paid rich floral tributes and recalled his 

services to the nation by garlanding the 

portrait of late Shri Jagjivan Ram. Later, 

the Congressmen also garlanded the 

statue of the great leader opposite Nizam 

College, Barsheerbagh, Hyderabad. 

Others who paid tributes included Shri N.K. 

Singh, Shri Alok Kumar Jha, Shri Tulja Ram 

Choudhary, Shri Ashok Kumar Tiwari, Shri 

Sunil Jaiswal, Shri A.K. Kaul, Ms. S. 

Padmaja, Smt. S. Rajni Mohite and Shri 

Prem Lal. 

CHHATTISGARH 

Huge Protest Rally 

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh 

Congress Committee organized a huge 

protest rally by ghearoing the Vidhan 

Sabha here on 1 st August against the BJP 

Government of the state for their anti- 

people policies. 

It was a historic rally as around 35,213 

Congress workers, from blocks to pradesh 

level, participated in this rally. The rally 

was led by Chhattisgarh PCC president, 

Shri Charan Das Mahant and Leader of the 

Opposition, Shri Mahandra Karma. 

Also present were former PCC president, 

Shri Ajit Jogi, CWC member of the AICC, 

Smt. Mohsina Kidwai and AICC Secretary 

incharge, Shri Mirza Irshad Baig. 

6. Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee Handicap 

Cell distributed Jaipur Foot to the needy during a camp 

in Raipur on 11 July. 

DELHI 

Youth Congress Training Camp 

NEW DELHI: The Indian Youth Congress 

organized, ‘Samvad’, a three-day national 

level District Presidents’ Training Camp at 

Gandhi Smriti Darshan, Rajghat between 

24 and 26 July, 2006 at which Smt Gandhi 

addressed the youth. This training camp 

provided an opportunity for district 

presidents from across the country to meet 

on a common platform and interact with 

each other. The aim of the training camp 

was to discuss various policies and 

programmes of the UPA government, 

alongwith organizational behaviour and 

States Watch 

discipline, the role of the media and media 

management today, eradication of social 

evils such as drug addiction, dowry, female 

foeticide and HIV/AIDS awareness. 

Shri Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister and 

CWC Member incharge of Frontal 

Organizations, inaugurated the 

programme. In his inaugural speech, Shri 

Fernandes asked the delegates to 

remember the values of Gandhi Smriti 

Darshan and imbibe the values of 

Mahatma Gandhi over the three days. He 

also instructed all the delegates to visit 

the samadhis of Rajivji, Indiraji and Nehruji 

during the course of the training camp and 

remember their contributions towards 

building of modern India. All the District 

Presidents were asked to give a write-up 

on Mahatma Gandhi and it was announced 

that the best contributions would be 

awarded prizes. 

The District Presidents from across the 

country participated seriously in these 

discussions and questioned the senior 

leaders and policy makers of the country. 

Congress President addressed the 

delegates at the valedictory function. 

Many other senior leaders addressed the 

camp over the three days on different 

issues including Union Ministers, Shri 

Shivraj Patil, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Shri 

Arjun Singh, Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunshi, 

Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, Shri Sriprakash 

Jaiswal, Shri Suresh Pachauri, Shri Pawan 

Bansal and AICC General Secretaries Smt. 

Margaret Alva, Shri B.K. Hariprasad, Shri 

Narainswamy and CWC Member Shri 

Veerappa Moily. Academicians and social 

activists working with NGO’s such as Prof. 

Mridula Mukherjee, Prof. Pusshottam 

Agarwal, Dr. Savita Singh, Dr. Harish 

Bhalla, Dr. Vishwanath Karad addressed 

the delegates on issues ranging from the 

history of the Congress, the youth 

movement in India, disaster management, 


States Watch 

the implementation of the Right to 

Information, etc. 

A book titled ‘Samvad’ was also published 

and released on the occasion. 

Maj Ved Prakash addressing a meeting highlighting 

contributions made by Delhi State Mahila Congress in 

elections of Delhi University Students Union. 

‘Quit India Movement’ 

NEW DELHI: Delhi Pradesh Congress 

Committee (DPCC) president, Dr. Ram 

Babu Sharma, on August 9 exhorted the 

party workers to take the inspiration from 

the freedom fighters who had sacrificed 

their lives to get the country freedom and 

the young a free and spirited India. 

Addressing a large gathering of freedom 

fighters on the occasion of the 64 th 

anniversary of the Quit India Movement, 

Shri Sharma said the emerging India 

needed to learn much from the experience 

of the great freedom fighters as but for 

their sacrifices, determination and 

boldness to face adversity, India would not 

have been freed from the yokes of foreign 

rule. 

The DPCC president honoured the veteran 

fighter Shri Mohan Singh Bhammi by 

drapping them with shawl and garland. 

The function was moderated by Shri Vijay 

Mohan. 

Besides Shri Ram Babu Sharma others 

present were AICC secretary, Shri 

Dheerender Tyagi, DPC office-bearers, Shri 

Abijit Singh Gulati, Smt. Anjana Kanwar, 

Shri Rajender Sharma, Shri Sunil Bajaj, 

Shri Lal Ramlal, Smt. Dolly Swami, District 

presidents, Shri Jagjivan Sharma, Shri 

Lakhbir Singh Chadha. 

Shri Ram Babu Sharma said the Quit India 

Movement, started at the exhortation of 

Mahatma Gandhi on August 9, 1942 was 

the beginning of the end of the British rule 

as the andolan eventually led to India’s 

freedom in 1947. He said the 121-yearold 

history of the Congress Party was full 

of sacrifices and self-denial by the brave 

foot soldiers of the party which forced the 

British hands to quit India for good. He 

said the youth of the country needed to 

take inspiration from such acts of 

resilience and commitment from the 

freedom fighters to fight adversities and 

take the nation forward on the path of 

progress and development. 

Shri Ram Babu Sharma said the time has 

come for the fight against casteism, 

communalism, terrorism, sectarianism and 

corruption to defeat the designs of the 

disruptive forces and work for the allround 

development of the country. 

Popularising Babuji’s Vision 

NEW DELHI: To give a new momentum to 

Dalit agenda of development in the light 

of Babu Jagjivan Ram’s Vision of India, the 

Centenary Committee has decided to 

organize country-wide programmes 

consisting of seminars, conferences, essay 

competitions, etc., in the run-up to the 

birth centenary celebrations of Babu 

Jagjivan Ram. This was decided at the 

2 nd meeting of the Birth Centenary 

Celebrations Committee held under the 

Chairmanship of the Defence Minister, Shri 

Pranab Mukherjee here on July 14. Two 

states – Uttar Pradesh and Punjab will pay 

special attention in this regard. 

Shri Mukherjee said that local level 

committees will be established soon to 

sensitize the people about the life and 

works of Babu Jagjivan Ram. In Uttar 

Pradesh the committees will be set up in 

areas such as Meerut, Kanpur, Allahabad, 

Banaras and Gorakhpur. The Uttar Pradesh 

Congress Committee President, Shri 

Salman Khurshid will also be consulted in 

the formation of state-level committees in 

the State. 

Two UGC Chairs are being established in 

Banaras Hindu University and Calcutta 

University where Babuji studied for his 

intermediate and Bachelor in Science 

degrees respectively. The modalities of 

the Chair will be worked out by the 

Calcutta University in consultation with the 

Babu Jagjivan Ram Educational 

Foundation. UGC has also decided to 

establish ten fellowships for Ph.D and forty 

more at the Post Graduate level for girl 

students. Proposals for creation of two 

more chairs – one at Kurukshetra 

University and the other at Guru 

Jambeshwar University – are under 

process. The committee also authorized 

Shri Oscar Fernandes to take up the 

proposal to set up Babu Jagjivan Ram 

Foundation. The meeting was attended 

among others by Prof. A.R. Kidwai, Dr. 

Nitish Sen Gupta, Shri Oscar Fernandes, 

Prof. Kishore Gandhi and Shri B.S. Hooda. 

Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhawana Award 

NEW DELHI: The Advisory Committee of 

the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana 

Award in its meeting held on 21 st July 

decided that the 14 th Rajiv Gandhi 

Sadbhawana Award, 2006 be given to 

Kumari Nirmala Deshpande for her 

outstanding humanitarian services, 

according to Member Secretary, Shri 

Motilal Vora. 

The Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana 

Award is given on the birthday of Shri Rajvi 

Gandhi on August 20 every year. It was 

instituted to commemorate the lasting 

contribution made by him to promote 

peace, communal harmony and fight 


against violence. The Award carries a 

citation and cash award of Rs. 2.50 lakhs. 

Former recipients of the Rajiv Gandhi 

National Sadbhavana Award include 

Mother Teresa, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Shri 

Mohd. Yunus, Shri Hiteswar Sikia & Smt. 

Subhadra Joshi (jointly), Ms. Lata 

Mangeshkar, Shri Sunil Dutt, Shri Jagan 

Nath Kaul, Shri Dilip Kumar, Dr. (Smt.) 

Kapila Vatsyayan, Ms. Teesta Setalvad and 

Shri Harsh Mander (jointly), Shri S.N. 

Subbarao, Swami Agnivesh and Shri 

Madari Moideen (jointly) and Shri K.R. 

Narayanan. 

This Award will be presented to Miss 

Nirmala Deshpande at a special ceremony 

on Sunday the 20 th August, 2006. 

Website on Rajiv Gandhi 

NEW DELHI: A website highlighting the 

humane facet of late Prime Minister, Shri 

Rajiv Gandhi was launched at the India 

International Centre on 25 July by Union 

Minister, Shri Oscar Fernandes. Also 

present were former Governor of Tamil 

Nadu, Shri Bishma Narain Singh, former 

Election Commissioner, Shri GVG 

Krishnamurthy, AICC member and Trustee, 

New Mangalore Port Trust Shri 

Raghavendra S.E. and Shri Harish 

Chandra, the main person behind this 

project. The address of the website is 

www.rememberingrajivgandhi.com. 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Oscar 

Fernandes fondly remembered the 

humane qualities of Shri Rajiv Gandhi. Shri 

Raghavendra said that Rajiv Gandhi was 

renowed international leader who cared for 

the weaker and down-trodden sections of 

the society. He said that Rajiv Gandhi 

should be imbibed by political person 

cutting across party lines and added that 

it was Rajiv Gandhi who initiated the IT 

technology in the country by which millions 

of our countrymen are earning their 

livelihood and the country on the other 

hand should not forget him and for the 

supreme sacrifice made by Shri Rajiv 

Gandhi. 

Shri Bhishma Narain Singh and Shri GVG 

Krishnamurthy also spoke about Rajiv 

Gandhi. A two-minute silence was 

observed as a mark of respect in honour 

of late Shri Rajiv Gandhi. 

Legacy of the Great Epoch 

NEW DELHI: The Indo-Russia Friendship 

Society organized a seminar-cumpresentation 

of “Legacy of the Great 

Epoch” dedicated to the 40 th anniversary 

of Indian Prime Minister, Smt. Indira 

Gandhi’s first visit to Russia. 

The function was held at the Russian 

Centre for Science and Culture on 14 July. 

Shri Jai Prakash Aggarwal, MP, was the 

guest of honour. Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, 

acting director of the Russian Centre, said 

that Smt. Indira Gandhi is a popular figure 

among the people of Russia because 

during her first official visit to Russia her 

talks with Soviet leaders underlined the 

areas of agreement that existed between 

the two countries. 

States Watch 

Also present were Dr. R.B. Singh, 

Secretary, India-Russia Friendship Society 

and Maj. Ved Prakash, Secretary, AICC. 

Sports Governing Body Meet 

NEW DELHI: The first meeting of newly 

constituted Governing Body of Indira 

Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and 

Sports Science, (University of Delhi), B- 

Block, Vikaspuri, New Delhi was held on 

28 July. Shri Umesh Kumar, earlier 

Treasurer, was unanimously elected as 

Chairman of the Governing Body. Mr. 

Jagdish Yadav was appointed as Treasurer 

of the Governing Body. The other members 

of the Governing Body include Shri Nathu 

Singh, IAS Officer (Retd.), Prof. Rajesh 

Kochhar, Former Director and Sr. Scientist, 

NISTADS, Govt. of India, Ms. Sunanda Roy, 

Dr. (Ms.) Minakshi Sinha, Shri Avinash 

Chander, Shri Syed Aamir Ahmed, Prof. 

A.N. Kaul, Dr. Samar Basu, Prof. N. 

Mukherjee, (Univesity Representative), 

Prof. Anand Prakash (University 

Representative), Dr. J.P. Sharma (Teacher 

Representative), Dr. (Ms.) Rita Jain 

(Teacher Representative) and Dr. D.K. 

Kansal (Member Secretary). 

Suman Lata Trophy for Hans Club 

NEW DELHI: Agile goal keeper A. 

Bandhopadhyay helped last year runnersup 

Indian Air Force beat Indian National 

6-5 via tie-breaker to win the Second 

Uttaranchal Cup Football Tournament here 

at the Ambedkar Stadium. 

Similarly, in the women’s section, Hans 

Club defeated Girls United 3-2, also in the 


States Watch 

tie-breaker to lift the Suman Lata Bhadola 

Football Cup instituted after the death of 

Smt. Suman Lata, mother of Shri Dhirendra 

Pratap. 

Uttaranchal Pradesh Congress Committee 

president, Shri Harish Rawat, MP, 

presented the trophy to the winners while 

Shri K.C. Singh Baba, MP, gave the Suman 

Lata Trophy to the women’s winning team. 

Uttaranchal PCC general secretary, Shri 

Dhirendra Pratap gave away the Fair Play 

Trophy. 

Chaddar for Chisti 

NEW DELHI: The Congress President, 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi handed over the 

‘chaddar’ to Congress representatives at 

her residence here on 28 July. The 

‘chaddar’ to be placed over the grave of 

Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti during the 

‘Urs’ at Ajmer, was received by Shri Ahmad 

Patel, Shri Mukul Wasnik, Shri Ashok 

Gehlot, Shri Digvijay Singh, Smt. Ambika 

Soni, Shri Sisram Ola, Shri Saifuddin Soz, 

Smt. Noor Bano, Shri Shakeel Ahmad, Shri 

Namonarayan Meena, Shri K.B. 

Krishnamurthy, Shri B.D. Kalla, Smt. 

Ramnarain Chaudhary, Shri Ameddudin 

Ahmad, Shri Mumtaz Mashi, Dr. Prabha 

Thakur, MP, Shri Juber Khan, Shri Mahir 

Azad, Smt. Tajdar babbar and Md. Naiem. 

The ‘chaddar’ was placed at the shrine of 

Moinuddin Chisti on 29 July. 

JHARKHAND 

Dalit Convention 

PALAMU: Under the auspices of the 

Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee, 

a one-day convention for dalits, backward 

and minorities was held at the Town Hall 

here on 23 July. CWC member and 

incharge of Jharkhand affairs, Begum Noor 

Bano was the chief guest and Jharkhand 

PCC president, Shri Pradip Kumar 

Balmuchu presided over the function. 

During the conference, resolutions were 

passed on political, educational and 

National Rural Employment Guarantee 

Scheme. 

Addressing the conference, Begum Noor 

Bano said that Congress Party protects the 

rights of the dalits, backward class and 

minorities and is just like a family for them. 

She said that the NDA Government was 

responsible for growing unemployment in 

the state and it has almost doubled in the 

last few years. She urged the 

Congressmen to make the commonman 

aware of the achievements of the UPA 

Government. 

Smt. Noor Bano said that people take to 

extreme steps only when they go hungry 

and without a livelihood. The UPA had 

sanctioned huge amount of money to the 

Jharkhand government for development 

and for the basic necessities of the people 

but the corrupt people in the Jharkhand 

government have used the money to fill 

their own coffers. 

Others who spoke included Pradesh 

Congress President, Shri Pradeep 

Balmuchu and others. The meeting was 

presided over by former MP, Shri Tilakdhari 

Singh. Others present were JPCC general 

secretary, Shri Rajesh Shukla, Shri Satish 

Kedia, Shri K.N. Jha, Shri Naval Kishore 

Singh, Shri Surendra Singh, Shri Shakel 

Ahmed, Shri Ansari, Shri Upendra Singh, 

Shri Ravindra Prasad Singh, Shri Ruma 

Singh, Shri Rana, Shri Shabban Khan and 

others. 

KARNATAKA 

Siddaramiah Joins Congress 

BANGALORE: The Congress Party in 

Karnataka received a tremendous boost 

when JD(S) leader and former Deputy 

Chief Minister Siddaramiah joined the 

Congress Party after meeting Congress 

President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi. 

The meeting was followed by a press 

conference at the AICC where Shri 

Siddaramiah gave reasons for quitting the 

JD(S) which he accused of corruption, 

nepotism and opportunism. 

Capt. Praveen Davar, Secretary, AICC, 

visited Bangalore and Northern Karnataka 

from 24 to 28 July 2006 and addressed 

DCC workers meetings in five districts – 

Hubli-Dharwad, Dharwad (rural), Gadag, 

Bagalkot and Bijapur. Earlier, he reviewed 

the progress of NREG programme of 

another 5 districts of Karnataka at the PCC 

office. Capt. Davar advised the DCC 

presidents and PCC office-bearers 

incharge of NREG districts to put in more 

efforts and visit the project sites at regular 

intervals. 

While addressing the largely attended DCC 

worker meetings, Capt. Davar lashed out 

at former Prime Minister Deve Gowda for 

betraying secularism by joining hands with 

the BJP. He also took the Chief Minister 

H.D. Kumarswamy to task for his inability 

to reply to the charge of Rs. 150 crores 

bribery levelled against him by an MLC 

belonging to the BJP, the coalition partner 

of JD(S). While replying to questions in a 

press conference on security, Capt. Davar 

stated that maximum terrorist activity took 

place during the six years of NDA misrule. 

He also ridiculed the former Foreign 

Minister Jaswant Singh for escorting 

dreading terrorist to Kandhahar, an act 


which brought the country disgrace and 

dishonour. Capt. Davar also gave instances 

to prove that Atal Behari Vajpayee was the 

weakest Prime Minister since 

independence. 

Meanwhile, Leaders of some major 

communities of the state met the Congress 

President, Shri A.K. Antony, Member 

Congress Working Committee I/C Karnataka 

and senior leaders from Karnataka at the 

AICC office for greater representation in the 

Party and other grievances. 

MADHYA PRADESH 

Protest Rally 

SHAHDOL: Congressmen, led by district 

Congress Committee president, Shri 

Rakesh Katera, held protest rally in front 

of Collector’s office here on 14 June. The 

Congressmen showed their protest against 

the Madhya Pradesh government for not 

bringing down taxes on petrol and diesel 

prices as has been done by other states. 

The Congress delegation later handed over 

a memorandum to the District Collector. 

Similarly, on 24 June, the Congressmen 

of the district also protested against the 

state government for removing chapters 

on Nehruji from text books for primary and 

middle classes. A memorandum, 

addressed to the Governor, was handed 

over to the District Collector. 

Sonia Gandhi opens Indira Bhawan 

BHOPAL: The Congress President, Smt. 

Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the renovated 

Congress Party office ‘Indira Bhawan’ here 

on 3 July. The resolution to build a new 

and modern party office was taken in 

1998. The old building was demolished 

and a new four-storied building was 

erected. Smt. Gandhi also planted a palm 

tree sapling in front of the main entrance 

of the Indira Bhawan. 

Others present on the occasion were 

Madhya Pradesh PCC president, Shri 

Subhash Yadav, Union Ministers, Shri Arjun 

Singh, Shri Kamal Nath, Shri Suresh 

Pachauri, Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria, former 

chief minister and AICC general secretary, 

Shri Digvijay Singh, Pradesh incharge and 

general secretary, Shri V. Narayansamy, 

former MPCC president, Smt. Urmila Singh 

and Shri Radhakishan Malviya. 

MAHARASHTRA 

Attestation Drive 

MUMBAI: The Youth Congress of Mumbai 

conducted a two-day ‘attestation drive’ in 

Mulund on 27 and 28 June. Special 

Executive Officers were appointed by the 

government to attest the certificates of 

children who need them in getting 

admission in colleges. All the schools were 

pre-informed about the drive and more 

States Watch 

than 2000 attestations were done during 

the drive, according to Mumbai Pradesh 

Youth Congress secretary, Shri Hemant A. 

Bapat. 

RAJASTHAN 

Protest Against Excise Policy 

JAISALMER: The District Youth Congress 

held protest demonstration against the 

state government’s Excise policy here on 

15 July. Youth Congress workers and NSUI 

office-bearers, led by District Youth 

Congress president, Shri Umed Singh 

Tanwar, showed their anger by shouting 

slogans against the chief minister of 

Rajasthan. They also burnt the effigy of 

the chief minister in front of the District 

Collector’s office. They then handed over 

a memorandum, addressed to the State 

Governor, to the District Collector. 

The memorandum, among other things, 

criticized the Excise policy of the Rajasthan 

government and which was not in favour 

of the public. It said that because of this 

the youth were going wayward, the social 

system was being eroded, the cultural and 

traditional values were being harmed and 

respect for religious places was being lost. 

To stop this, the memorandum asked that 

the new Excise policy be taken back as 

due to it liquor shops were being opened 

in the vicinity of religious places because 

of which there was little respect shown to 

religious places by hoodlums and 

drunkards. 


States Watch 

TAMIL NADU 

Kamaraj Birthday Celebrated 

NANGUNERI (T.N): The 104 th birthday of 

late Shri K. Kamaraj was celebrated at 

Villioor with great pomp and gaiety here 

on 15 July. The function was organized 

under the leadership of Shri H. 

Vasanthakumar, MLA. Others who took 

part in the celebrations included AICC 

General Secretary incharge of Tamil Nadu, 

Shri B.K. Hariprasad and Shri S.M. Abdul 

Majid, who was a minister in Shri 

Kamaraj’s cabinet. 

Shri Vasanthakumar distributed sweets 

after garlanding the portrait of Shri 

Kamaraj. He also distributed tricycles to 

handicapped, bicycles, iron boxes, sewing 

machines to deserving people under 

welfare schemes. 

UTTAR PRADESH 

People Want Change in UP 

AGRA: The people of Uttar Pradesh are 

fed-up with the rising crime rate and allround 

corruption in the administration of 

the Samajwadi Party UP government. The 

people, at large, therefore, want to get rid 

of the ‘Gunda Raj’ of the SP and want a 

change of government in the state, 

according to Rajiv Gandhi Panch 

Parmeshwar Mahashakti Sangathan 

president, Shri Khazan Singh. 

Shri Khazan Singh was addressing a 

seminar on 19 July in a series of such 

seminars held during the month of June, 

the month of Rahul Gandhi’s birthday. Shri 

Singh, a senior Congress leader from 

Haryana, said that it is time the Congress 

party should cultivate and motivate party 

cadre at the grass-root level, booth level, 

district and mandal level so that they are 

ready and prepared for the coming 

assembly elections in UP. 

The seminar also stressed for creating 

“Brij Pradesh” of 200 assembly segments 

from Saharanpur to Etawa and Jhansi 

districts. And to also create Division Bench 

of High Court in Mathura and at Meerut. 

Shri Singh suggested that in view of a large 

state population and overloaded judicial 

system, it was eminent that High Court be 

set in Mathura and Meerut. 

Foundation Stone Laid 

BANDA (U.P): Uttar Pradesh Congress 

Committee President, Shri Salman 

Khurshid laid the foundation stone of the 

approach road to Harijan Basti to make 

National Rural Employment Guarantee 

Scheme a success in village Gureh by the 

efforts of Shri Avdesh Kumar Singh, 

general secretary, District Congress 

Committee here on 28 July. 

Also present on the occasion were Uttar 

Pradesh CLP leader, Shri Pramod Tiwari, 

Shri Gangacharan Rajput, former MP, Shri 

Yuvraj Singh Bhadoria and Shri Ashok 

Bajpayee, according to Banda City 

Congress Committee. 

UTTARANCHAL 

Camp Office to Help People 

DEHRADUN: To give details about the 

people’s welfare programmes of the UPA 

Government, the City Congress 

Committee, Dehradun set-up a camp 

office at the Atma Ram Dharmashala. A 

free health camp was also organized to 

conduct free check-ups and medicines. 

The camp office was inaugurated by City 

Congress president and State Khadi Gram 

Board vice-president, Shri Lal Chand 

Sharma. Shri Sharma said that through 

this camp office, people would come to 

know about the welfare schemes being run 

by the government. Revenue Department 

officials would also sit in camp office to 

attest documents, to help the 

handicapped, widows and elders about 

their day-to-day problems. 


Mahila Congress 

Report 

Mahila Congress activities were largely 

related to AIMC office-bearers touring the 

states. The highlight of the month of July 

was a convention hosted by the Punjab 

State Mahila Congress in Jalandhar on 23 

July. 

The largely-attended convention was 

addressed by AIMC President, Dr. Rita 

Bahuguna Joshi. Also present were AICC 

secretary incharge, Maj. Ved Prakash, 

Punjab PCC Chief, Deputy Chief Minister 

of Punjab, several ministers of Punjab 

government and AIMC secretary and 

incharge of Punjab, Smt. Nusrat Rizvi. 

Dr. Prabha Taviad, vice-president, was in 

Kota on 8 th August where she called a 

meeting of Mahila Congress Block 

Presidents of 4 districts. Smt. Vijay 

Lakshmi Sahoo was in Ranchi, Jharkhand 

on 10 th August, 2006. Ms. Shikha Kapoor 

and Smt. Saria Khan both general 

secretaries and incharge of central and 

eastern Uttar Pradesh went to Kanpur to 

attend Congress President’s rally on 8 th 

August 2006. Smt. Sudha Rai, president 

Uttar Pradesh Mahila Congress and AIMC 

incharge of UP, Ms. Shikha Kapoor and 

Smt. Saria Khan held about 50 meetings, 

padayatras and door-to-door contact in 

Kanpur and neighbouring districts to 

motivate women to join the rally on 8 th 

August, 2006. 

Smt. Mahajabeen Khan, general secretary, 

attended a meeting of Mahila Congress 

leaders and workers in Patna on 7 th July 

2006. The meeting was organized by 

newly appointed Mahila Congress state 

president, Smt. Sunita Devi Singh, MLA, 

where it was decided to organize public 

meetings and seminars at the block and 

district level to create an awareness about 

the initiatives of the UPA Govt. 

Dr. Shobhana Shah covered Bhopal 

division (Bhopal, Rajgarh, Sehore, Vidisha, 

Raisen, Hoshangabad and Betul districts) 

from 28 th July to 1 st August 2006 in 

Madhya Pradesh. Inspite of very heavy 

rains, most of the meetings were attended 

by more than 500 Mahila Congress 

workers including block presidents from 

remote areas. Madhya Pradesh Mahila 

Congress has decided to organize 

“Haqeeqat Batao Padyatras” at block 

levels followed by public meeting to impart 

correct information about friendly 

initiatives of the UPA Govt. and the misuse 

of funds and non-percolation of the 

benefits of these schemes due to apathetic 

attitude of the BJP Government in some 

districts like Betul. 

Mrs. Simmy Rosebel John, Secretary 

visited two islands, Kavaratti and Agathi 

in Lakshadeep from 13 to 17 July, 2006 

and attended meetings of Mahila Congress 

office-bearers and workers. She also 

attended a meeting of State Mahila officebearers 

and district presidents in Goa. 

Smt. Sushil Gupta visited Jwalamukhi in 

district Kangada on 17 th July. The issue 

of female foeticide and 33% reservation 

for women were discussed in the meeting. 

Smt. Indu Pawar, Secretary attended 

meetings at different blocks of Balasor, 

Cuttack and Bhuvaneshwar from 22 – 30 

July 2006. Smt. Manjula Naidu, secretary 

was in Trivendrum on 9 – 10 August, 

2006. 

The NGO- co-ordination Cell of AIMC 

organized two specialized lectures on 

“Congress & Minorities” and “OBC 

Reservation” delivered by Shri Imran 

Kidwai, Chairperson Minority Cell and 

Shri Veerappa Moily, Chairperson, 

Overview Committee on Reservation on 

21 and 22 July 2006 respectively. Both 

the lectures were informative and 

thought provoking. ❖ 

-Dr. Shobhana Shah 


Diary 

AICC 

UNWARRANTED ACT 

7.07.2006: Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan 

addressed the media. 

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that the 

opposition parties, particularly the BJP, has 

since yesterday launched official, personal 

attack on the Prime Minister and the 

Congress Party. The Indian National 

Congress would like to strongly condemn 

the kind of language and the imputation 

and the references to the Prime Minister 

that has been made by the BJP which are 

totally unjustified, unwarranted and 

uncalled for. To call the prime minister 

weak, ineffective is completely unjustified 

since the Prime Minister, the UPA coalition 

is doing a magnificent job of reflecting the 

concerns of the most disadvantaged 

sections of our society, the aam aadmi, of 

translating the most basic and important 

goals and priority that has been set out in 

our Common Minimum Programme and is 

achieving the goal of inclusive growth for 

every Indian. The BJP has tried to point 

out that the decision by the Prime Minister 

to put on hold as the failure of decision 

making and of being a reversal of our 

stated policy goals, the reform agenda and 

our economic objective of inclusive growth. 

The Congress party would like to state that 

the party remains firmly committed to our 

goals of inclusive growth, the welfare of 

the most disadvantaged sections of society 

and to the agenda of reform as laid out in 

the common minimum programme. 

TOTALLY DEPRESSED 

10.07.2006: Shri Satyavrat 

Chaturvedi addressed the media. 

Shri Satyavrat Chaturvedi while speaking 

in Hindi said that I 

expected the BJP 

which had remained 

in power and now in 

Opposition after Lok Sabha election 

defeat, would act as a responsible 

Opposition party. We think that in a 

democracy the role of opposition is as 

much important as of the ruling party for 

a smooth function of a democracy. But 

unfortunately the infighting in BJP and its 

disintegration, the BJP today is a totally 

depressed, frustrated and bewildered 

party. For quite sometime the BJP has 

adopted an old method of spreading 

rumours with all their might. In a clean 

and healthy democracy this is a dangerous 

trend. Stories like Prime Minister is taking 

decisions under pressure and I have heard 

that one newspaper broke all limits and 

narrated a running commentary as if it was 

witness to the happenings even said that 

the Prime Minister has resigned. This 

newspaper is published from Calcutta and 

I would avoid taking its name. 

INHUMAN ATTACK 

12.07.2006: Smt. Jayanthi Natrajan 

briefed the press. 

Indian National Congress strongly 

condemns the dastardly, shameful and 

cowardly terrorist attack upon innocent 

citizen in Mumbai and Srinagar yesterday. 

We extend our sincere condolences to the 

families of those who lost their loved one’s 

in this terrible attack. This inhuman attack 

upon innocent and unsuspecting citizens 

is an attempt to strike fear and confusion 

into the hearts of all Indians and to spread 

terror in our country. The people of India 

will never succumb to the machinations 

of terrorist and howsoever great the attack, 

our courage and spirit will remain 

unbeaten. India will never allow the evil 

designs of terrorist to succeed but will face 

the challenge squarely and will not rest 

until terrorism is rooted out from our soil. 

The people of India will stand firm against 

all the challenges to our peace and 

security whether such challenges are 

internal or external. Indians will also close 

ranks and collectively isolate these divisive 

elements from our society. 

ISRAEL MOVE CONDEMNED 

14.07.2006: Shri Abhishek Singhvi 


Shri Abhishek Singhvi said that the Indian 

National Congress expresses its serious 

concern about the escalating tensions in 

West Asia as the result of recent 

developments in Gaza in the West Bank 

and the Israeli Lebanese border. We 

strongly condemn the indiscriminate and 

disproportionate use of military force by 

Israel that has imposed enormous 

hardships and sufferings upon innocent 

Palestinians with women and children 

paying a particularly heavy price. We also 

condemn the targeting of civilian 

infrastructure including the Beirut Airport. 

While we further condemn the kidnapping 

of Israeli soldiers and call for their 


Diary 

immediate release. The escalation of 

tensions could have adverse implications 

for the already fragile and volatile situation 

in the region. This grave state of affair 

demands urgent attention of the 

international community and of the United 

Nations. 

REAPING BENEFITS 

19.07.2006: Smt. Jayanthi Natrajan 


Smt. Jayanthi Natrajan said that yesterday 

the Rashtrapatiji Dr. A.P.J Kalam led the 

nation in paying homage to the victims of 

7/11 bomb blast in Mumbai. Our people 

stood in silence for a few minutes at 

6.24pm in silent commemoration of the 

moment when tragedy struck the lives of 

so many people. 

While the entire nation came together as 

one to pay homage to our collective loss, 

one party and one man started the ugly 

business of trying to reap political benefit 

out of grief and sorrow and suffering. Just 

like he did in Gujarat, where Shri Narendra 

Modi came to power by shamelessly 

exploiting the dead bodies and Godhara 

tragedy. He is now trying to ignite, 

communal passions so that his party can 

gain some benefit in the forthcoming 

Mumbai municipal corporation election. 

The BJP sees this as a golden opportunity 

to try and fight its way out of the 

deterioration and oblivion into which it has 

sunk. While sober citizens are trying to 

heal and unite the country, the BJP and 

Shri Modi are trying to light a fire that will 

polarize citizens on communal lines. 

JASWANT TURNS AUTHOR 



Shri Abhishek Singhvi said that Mr. 

Jaswant Singh appears to have turned 

author to cover-up for his failures and the 

failures of the BJP-NDA’ years of misrule. 

Mr. Jaswant Singh has specialized in 

selective disclosures without revealing 

damning details or inculpatory 

circumstances. After writing all these 

pages and wasting lakhs of words he did 

not answer one simple question. Why was 

it necessary for India’s foreign minister to 

go to Kandhahar escorting dreaded 

terrorists. Mr. Jaswant Singh’s explanation 

that he wanted to be personally present 

to take care of any exigency is too flippant 

to deserve attention. Obviously, that is 

because Mr. Jaswant Singh does not 

believe in listening to his conscience but 

instead believes in self-serving political 

disclosures of a selective kind to conceal 

the massive blunders of the NDA Govt. 

DISCLOSURE OF MOLE 

Fourthly, it appears that the reaction time 

of the BJP-NDA to make disclosures is 

more than 10-15 years. Mr. Jaswant 

Singh’s interesting allegation of a 

supposed mole in the Narsimha Rao’s 

Cabinet is a revelation made approximately 

12-15 years late. It has also made many 

years after Mr. Narsimha Rao’s demise, so 

that he hopes that there can be no 

controversy of his allegation. But I have a 

simple question to ask of BJP, of NDA, of 

Mr. Jaswant Singh. Mr. Jaswant Singh 

says that this so-called mole is a senior 

functionary present even today. Well then 

what did Mr. Jaswant Singh, what did the 

BJP, what did the NDA, from 1998 for five 

or six long years till 2004 and from 2004 

till now, to unmask, to expose this socalled 

mole. And if they accuse this person 

of being a spy and treacherous to India or 

revealing secrets, then by knowing of him 

and not revealing his identity are they not 

themselves or Mr. Jaswant Singh not 

himself an abettor to the crime. 

FALSEHOOD OF ADVANI 



Shri Singhvi said that we believe what Shri 

Jaswant Singh says as the truth, 

howsoever, partial regarding Kandahar is 

struggling to come out. So also the truth 

about Mr. Advani, about Ayodhaya is 

struggling to be born. This truth exposes 

the falsehood of Mr. Advani and the 

duplicity of his Party. There is a very 

serious charge that Mr. Advani has lied 

with utter falsehood in an affidavit filed by 

him before the Lebrahan Commission 

where he explicitly says that he never 

addressed any meeting or gave speech on 

that fateful day in 1992. Mr. B.D. Rai, who 

is a former Member of Parliament of the 

BJP and at that relevant time was, infact, 

the SSP of Faizabad, has categorically 

stated in writing that Mr. Advani is lying 

and speaking falsely when he makes this 

assertion solemnly on affidavit before the 

Lebrahan Commission. Mr. Rai has gone 

further and said that to his knowledge both 

the BJP and the VHP were consciously not 

interested to any solution to the problem 

since they saw it entirely as an occasion 

of excuse to keep the pot boiling for 

political reasons. This amounts to a very 

serious act of lying by Mr. Advani. 

- Tom Vadakkan 

Media Secretary, 


Photofile 

1 2 

3 4 

5 6 

7 

1. Shri Anil Shastri, Special Invitee, CWC and Shri Ashok Chavan, Minister of Industries, 

Govt of Maharashtra, speaking at the 87th Birth Anniversary of Shri S.B. Chavan, 

former Union Home Minister in Nanded, Maharashtra. 

2. Mumbai Regional Congress Committee president, Shri Gurudas Kamat, MP gave away 

free note books to poor and needy children at a function in Mumbai on 16 July. 

3. Mahila Congress President, Dr. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, 

Smt. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, AICC Secretary incharge, Maj. Ved Prakash and AIMC 

secretary incharge of Punjab, Smt. Nusrat Rizvi at the state Mahila Congress Convention 

in Jalandhar on 23 July. 

4. A view of the Mahila Congress Convention. 

5. Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi with a group of ex-servicemen who called on 

her at her residence. 

6. CWC Member and incharge of Jharkhand, Begum Noor Bano being greeted on her 

arrival in Bokaro to attend an Extended Committee Meeting of JPCC on 9 July. 

7. Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee Linguistic Minority Cell office-bearers celebrating 

the Congress victory in the state Panchayat elections on 4 July.

Untitled - Congress Sandesh

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