Amidst chances of contest for Deputy Chairman's post, government nominates four to Rajya Sabha
New Delhi, July 14 : Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, the government on Saturday nominated four personalities including classical dancer Sonal Mansingh and RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha, to the Rajya Sabha.
The other two are eminent sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra and Dalit activist and former MP Ram Shakal.
Rakesh Sinha, who represents the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) point of view in TV debates, is the Founder and Director of the Delhi-based think-tank ‘India Policy Foundation'. He is an Associate Professor in Motilal Nehru College, Delhi University. Sinha is also currently a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research.
Mansingh is among India's foremost exponents of the Bharat Natyam and Odissi dance forms. She is also a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator and social activist.
Mohapatra is an internationally renowned authority on stone carving. He has contributed to the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments, and has worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri.
His famous works include a six feet high statue of the Sun God carved in grey sandstone in the Central Hall of Parliament; and the Wooden Buddha, Buddha Temple, Paris.
Shakal, a three-time MP and farmer leader from Uttar Pradesh, is known widely respected for championing the cause of labourers, migrants and the Dalit community.
The Rajya Sabha is set to elect its Deputy Chairman in the coming session and there are chances of a contest between the opposition and government candidates. The post fell vacant vacant after the retirement of P.J. Kurien on July 1.
While on the one hand the government has been trying to avoid a contest, it is also making behind the curtain preparations for a possible contest.
The vacancies for the Rajya Sabha seats arose following the retirement of actress Rekha and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar among others.
Under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that the President can nominate to the Rajya Sabha 12 persons with special knowledge, or practical experience in respect of literature, science, art and social service. There were currently eight nominated members in the Rajya Sabha.
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Human-wildlife conflict: Karnataka minister calls for sterilisation of select species
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday said that rising human-wildlife conflict has created a need to consider sterilising specific species, and that the issue should be publicly debated.
He clarified that no decision has been made so far and that discussions will be held with officials and stakeholders.
"There is an increase in the number of select wildlife. In my opinion, putting some curbs on their numbers is necessary due to increased conflicts, loss of lives, and urbanisation. So there is a proposal to conduct sterilisation surgery or vaccination on select wildlife," Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment said.
Speaking to reporters, he added that no list has been prepared yet and that he plans to hold discussions on the matter with senior officials.
Noting that a related issue is pending before the Supreme Court, the minister said there are plans to submit a proposal after due deliberation.
"We intend to protect wildlife while ensuring that human lives are not lost. No decision has been made yet; it is still under consideration. In areas with a high number of wildlife, we are thinking about controlling it for a year or two. Other states are considering similar measures. There is a need for public debate on this," he added.
Khandre also said the government is seriously considering the voluntary relocation of forest dwellers who wish to move out of the forest. He has asked officials to prepare a list of those willing to relocate.
"Once the list is ready, I will discuss the required funding with the chief minister (Siddaramaiah), who also serves as Finance Minister, and the government will make a decision. Relocating forest dwellers will expand wildlife habitats and integrate those living without basic facilities into mainstream society," he said.
Expressing grief over the death of a coffee grower in Kodagu district due to a wild elephant attack on Wednesday, the minister said the government and the department are making every effort to prevent human-elephant conflict and assured that the government stands with the bereaved family in this difficult time.
"The government had planned to build a sanctuary to address the problem of elephants. There are some difficulties in obtaining permission from the central government. Once this is resolved, action will be taken to establish the sanctuary," he added.
