Women’s safety is hardly any priority
The Nirbhaya incident shook the country like a thousand thunders would. It brought focus on the issues of safety of women in the country. It was even responsible for starting many pertinent discussions that brought focus on framing laws to ensure safety of women. Though the incident happened in Delhi, the outrage was not restricted to that city alone but the whole country responded to it with anger and frustration.
This incident caused major embarrassment to the UPA government which went on to establish the ‘Nirbhaya Fund’ from the subsequent budget. The government created this fund to create an ecosystem to increase the security and safety of women in 2013. The allegations of this fund being misused were being heard from the very days of its initiation. Now the parliamentary affairs committee reveals that this fund that should have been for the victims of crimes has been used for construction of buildings. This mocks the very purpose for which the fund was established in the first place.
Reports suggest that crimes against women are increasing under Modi government. This government that speaks often about women, culture, respect, pride etc should have actually added more financial resources to this fund. Instead, the government has proved its priorities by using that fund for other purposes. This misuse of funds is not restricted to Nirbhaya fund alone. A Dalit leader has expressed his concern about social welfare fund reserved for empowerment of SC/STs being returned to the government and the money reserved for Dalit empowerment being used for other purposes.
The reason for returning the money that is reserved for Dalits could be the vested interests of officers. They have utter dislike towards using money for the progress of Dalits. The reason for this could be presence of mostly upper caste officers in higher levels of the government. Modi government imposed tax on people for Swachata Andolan but the result of this cess is not known. A big part of this is being used for advertisements. After this, it would be spent on meetings and some comic acts by the politicians. Rest of it would finally fill the pockets of the officers. What is the use of this fund to those who really take part in the ‘Swachata’ of this country?
Our labourers are the ones who directly take part in the process of cleaning up cities. Even now the governments are not able to give modern equipment to those Pourakarmikas who get themselves dirtied to keep our cities clean. We only see reports of ‘modern equipment’ being given to the labourers, but they never reach those who work. That money is used by someone powerful in the large scheme of things.
Prime Minister Modi who keeps talking about cleanliness has never spoken on the welfare of Pourakarmikas and their progress. The number of Dalits who die getting down to clear clogged manholes hasn’t come down at all. If the government had given at least Rs 20 lakh to the family of the person who died like this, the tax collected for Swachata Andolan would have served its purpose. But even one percent of the money collected isn’t reaching the Pourakarmikas. The money reserved to improve the conditions of the poverty stricken isn’t any different either. Now with Ayush being introduced, government hospitals have been weakened.
Earlier, government hospitals followed Allopathy. But now with the introduction of Homeopathy and Unani which are supported with government funds, the impactful medicines distributed to the poor through government hospitals has been reduced. The poor still depend on Allopathy for most of their illnesses. The choice of Unani and Homeopathy or Ayurveda must be left to the patients. Only those with faith on such methods of medicine should be allowed to choose. Instead, the poor shouldn’t be pushed towards Ayush. Because this method does not have medicines for many illnesses.
Ayush falls silent in front of delivery, TB, AIDS, Cancer etc. Not just that, most medicines are not even known to be impactful. Many people have lost their financial resources in dairy farming. The Gau Rakshaks are using up the money reserved for cow safety. The gau rakshaks are making money by stopping the sale of cows. Farmers are suffering owing to unscientific Goshalas being opened which are using up the resources reserved for the farmers. Fake Gau Rakshaks are usurping all the money for this purpose. On the other hand, politicians and industrialists are looting farmers’ money in the name of organic farming too. Just setting up funds for women and the weaker sections does not absolve the government of its responsibility. Only when the system ensures this is spent for the right purpose, does the society limp towards any improvement.
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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.”
