Anti-defection law has failed to achieve intended goals: Ex-Speaker Ramesh Kumar
Bengaluru, Jul 29: Defending his decision to disqualify 17 rebel MLAs, K R Ramesh Kumar, who quit as Assembly Speaker Monday, rued that the 10th Schedule of the Constitution dealing with the anti-defection law failed to achieve the intended goals and stressed for a relook into it .
Kumar, whose tenure as Speaker spanned for 14 months and four days, said electoral reforms were the need of the hour.
"The root cause of corruption in public life in the country is electoral system. There is a need for electoral reforms.
Speaking about eradicating corruption without electoral reforms will only be a hollow intellectual talk without any commitment," Kumar said.
He delivered his final speech in the assembly as Speaker after the three-day old BJP government headed by B S Yediyurappa proved its majority in the truncated state Assembly winning the confidence motion by a voice vote.
He announced his resignation, amid reports that the BJP was mulling moving a no-confidence motion against him.
Kumar insisted that the House should pressure the Centre to initiate measures for electoral reforms.
He requested assemblies of all state governments to pass resolutions and build pressure on the Centre to strengthen the anti-defection law.
His appeal came against the backdrop of 17 MLAs of the ruling coalition of Congress and the JD(S) tendering their resignation, leading to political turmoil and culminating in its collapse.
Treating their conduct questionable,Kumar disqualified them ahead of the trust vote sought by Yediyurappa.
On the occasion, he urged political parties to behave in a manner that democratic values are not diminished.
In this regard, he asked politicians to never advance their personal and family interest and destroy the political parties they belong to.
Kumar cautioned Yediyurappa to be careful with people surrounding him and reminded him that he got the second chance for a reason which he should use to leave an indelible mark on the people of the state.
He also sought a relook at the Representation of the People Act and the Lokayukta Act.
On the Lokayukta Act, Kumar wondered why there was no clause to explain what would happen if a public servant refused to provide details of assets and liabilities.
Further he sought to know why the election commission never orders an inquiry when someone declares massive assets to find out where the money came from.
"Once the affidavit is filed, it should be sent to the Enforcement Directorate and an inquiry should happen.
Every detail should be laid bare before the people.
Then only the democracy will survive in this country. Then only, it will give relief to the citizens of this country," Kumar said.
Seventeen rebel MLAs (Congress-14 and JDS-3) had skipped the Assembly session during the trust vote proceedings on July 23, bringing down the Kumaraswamy government which lost the confidence motion with 99 members voting in favour and 105 against it.
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Delhi schools suspend outdoor activities, plan early steps to shield students from heat
New Delhi (PTI): To shield students from heat-related ailments amid soaring temperatures and harsh afternoon sun, schools across Delhi have begun taking precautionary measures by suspending outdoor activities, shifting assemblies indoors, with some even considering early closure for junior classes.
From indoor games and hydration breaks to ORS consumption and modified dispersal timings, schools are tightening measures as the city braces for prolonged heatwave conditions.
Sudha Acharya, principal at ITL Public School in Dwarka, said all outdoor activities, including morning assembly and games, have been shifted to the school's multipurpose hall.
“We have issued an advisory to all parents to take precautionary measures before sending their children to school. We are also planning to close the school from classes 1 to 8 from May 14 onward if the weather conditions worsen," she said.
Mallika Preman, principal at Tagore International School in East of Kailash, said students have been advised to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours and keep themselves hydrated.
“We have suspended all outdoor activities, and students now play indoor games like carrom and chess. We have also modified the dispersal system so that students are not brought out until their parents arrive at their designated collection areas,” Preman said.
“This reduces their exposure to heat in the afternoon. Students have also been advised to wear caps or use umbrellas during dispersal,” she added.
Ritu Sharma, principal at Sovereign Public School in Rohini, said that teachers have been asked to closely monitor students for signs of heat exhaustion.
“Our priority is to ensure that children remain safe and comfortable during school hours. We are encouraging them to carry water bottles, avoid direct sun exposure and immediately report any discomfort. We have also arranged shaded rest areas and indoor engagement activities to reduce heat exposure,” she said.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has launched a ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative for government, government-aided and private unaided recognised schools in Delhi in view of the heatwave conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The initiative follows the Heat Wave Action Plan issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and aims to protect students from heat-related illnesses while promoting hydration, environmental awareness and care for animals and birds.
Under the initiative, schools have been directed to ring a 'hydration bell' daily in the penultimate period, during which every student will consume oral rehydration solution (ORS). Teachers will also briefly explain the importance of staying hydrated.
Schools have also been encouraged to create 'cool corners' with earthen water pots, promote a ‘one child-one plant’ green mission and appoint student volunteers as 'Jal Mitras' to place and refill water bowls for birds and stray animals, the advisory said.
According to the DoE, the other measures include ensuring safe drinking water stations, spreading awareness on heat stroke prevention, training teachers to identify symptoms of heat stress, and prominently displaying emergency helpline numbers across campuses.
The heads of schools have been asked to submit an action taken report on the implementation of the measures to their respective district offices by April 28, it said.
