Government snoops over common man's right to privacy
The foremost topic that was deliberated a lot on while the country stood on the threshold of welcoming Aadhar, was about the issues surrounding privacy of individuals. Many experts had expressed their apprehensions about how Aadhar may highly comprise an individual's right to privacy. There were allegations that government was introducing Aadhaar to invade or take control of people's private details and their lives. Now it is out in the open as to how information can be leaked through Aadhaar.
Till now the government would face arguments on the basis that Aadhar was fool proof as far as data is concerned. Now they have gone a step further. The government has now indirectly declared that people's personal information is the right to the government. Hence the government has issued a directive that any information stored on any computer shall be accessed by the government even without the permission of the owner of this information. Legal experts and cyber security professionals have been expressing great concerns about a directive such as this one. This directive empowers intelligence departments, narcotics control units, executive directorate, excise intelligence department, central investigation agency, national intelligence agency, cabinet committee, Jammu and Kashmir, north eastern states, secret code intelligence department in Assam, and Delhi police to monitor, and extract information from any computer whether personal or private. The right to privacy is under threat now. This will enable the government to misuse its powers now. And this will complicate people's lives even further. Defending the decision of the government, union minister Jaitley said this provision exists within the framework of IT act framed by the UPA government, and that the government wasn't misusing its powers in any manner. This way he is trying to absolve his government of any chances of having to shoulder the blame. If UPA government had done everything right, what was the need for the people to choose new government? If UPA had indeed made a mistake Modi government should not use it as defence but try to fix that error through the power and responsibility they have.
Even experts agree that IT Act does have a provision to empower the said agencies with snooping rights for the sake of national security. An act to monitor PCs was introduced in 2008 by the UPA government. Now by implementing it, the NDA government is trying to make this act effective and thus give it the sanctity that's required. Though this provision existed, no one had issued a special order to use it or empowered agencies to use the provisions. Though the IT act was amended in 2008 from the time it was framed in 2000, the rules to use this provision was publicised in 2009.
In a ruling in 2017, the Supreme Court upheld the right to privacy. Hence this directive by the government clashes directly with the Supreme Court's emphasis on privacy pertaining to constitutional rights. Starting from the CBI, the government is interfering with every investigating agency and its works. Instead of working for the welfare of the nation, allegations are aplenty that the agencies are serving the ruling dispensation.
Elements of Sangh Parivar have made a foray into these investigation agencies. Armed with information from private computers, the government and non governmental agencies too can use them against people and exploit them. Those in power may use them to silence their detractors. If the government can peep into your private space, that marks the end of constitution. This directive is an example of how the government is able to use the existing framework to push people around into delicate situations. This needs to be fought against, legally both inside and outside the courts. Or else everyone would lose their right to privacy and kneel before the higher powers. All those voices that could question the government would be silenced with this.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
