Yamini Aiyar steps down as Centre for Policy Research Chief after criticizing PM Modi's governance
New Delhi: Policy scholar Yamini Aiyar has resigned as the President and Chief Executive of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) following her recent article critiquing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance, which was published in The Economist.
In her article titled "Yamini Aiyar laments the damage done to Indian democracy under Narendra Modi," Aiyar expressed concern about what she described as "creeping authoritarianism" in India as it prepares for its 18th general election. She criticized Modi's governance style, characterizing it as marked by aggressive centralization, a cult of personality, and an exclusionary Hindu-nationalist ideology, which she argued is eroding India's democracy.
Acknowledging that Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to win a third term in power, Aiyar wrote that "the space for the political opposition, media, academia, and civil society to freely express their views is fast shrinking."
Following the publication of her article, CPR announced Aiyar's resignation, stating that she would step down from her role as of March 31, 2024, to focus more on her research interests. Dr. Srinivas Chokkakula, Senior Fellow at CPR and Ministry of Jal Shakti Research Chair, has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive, effective April 1, 2024.
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
