Fazilka, December 16

Tributes were paid to 206 soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war in the Fazilka sector, at the Asfawala War Memorial, 7 km from Fazilka, as part of Vijay Diwas.On the occiasion, family members of the martyrs were honoured.Sandeep Gilhotra, president, Shaheedon Ki Samadhi Committee, said the Fazilka sector suffered the maximum casualties (206) against the total of 1,600 soldiers of the country in the war.Abohar: Punjabi Sabhyachar Manch and other NGOs honoured ex-serviceman Sharat Chander Sharma (74) and retd Major Surinder Prasad. — OC

Ex-servicemen, soldiers demand status of war fighters

Shimla: Ex-servicemen on Friday demanded war fighter status for all serving and ex-servicemen, who fought wars for the country. They raised the demand on occasion of Vijay Diwas. They said they should be given all benefits that the Ministry of Defence gave to the freedom fighters. “Time has come to recognise the contribution of these unsung war fighters of the nation to motivate young people to join the armed forces,” they asserted. “To give war medals to these ex-soldiers is nothing more than a lollipop,” says Capt (retd) Jagdish Verma, president, Honorary Commissioned Officers’ Welfare Association of Himachal Pradesh, which has been championing the cause of the serving and ex-soldiers in the state for many years. “We appreciate both state and Central governments for increasing the monetary and other benefits for war heroes and war widows,” said Lt (retd) BM Dogra, Indian Navy. Kuldeep Chauhan

Chinar Corps pays tributes to martyrs on Vijay Diwas

15 Corps GOC Lt Gen JS Sandhu pays homage to the martyrs in Srinagar on Friday. Tribune photo

Srinagar, December 16

The Srinagar-based 15 Corps of the Army, also known as the Chinar Corps, celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Army’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and commemorated the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives.Lt Gen JS Sandhu, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps, paid homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the war memorial here on behalf of the Army fraternity. A function was organised at the war memorial in the Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar, where rich tributes were paid to those who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pak war.The day is celebrated every year as ‘Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate the Army’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Chinar Corps had the responsibility of J&K during the war. The day was also celebrated at various Army formations and units across the Kashmir valley, an Army spokesman said. — TNS

Pak troops target Army posts in Poonch sector

Our Correspondent

Poonch, December 16

Pakistani troops today violated the truce agreement by targeting forward posts of the Indian Army and civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Balakote sector of Poonch district.“The firing from the Pakistani side started at 9.15 am and continued for about 75 minutes. Pakistan targeted several Indian positions in the Balakote sector and villages close to the LoC,” a defence source said.“The Pakistan army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars at 9.15 am on Indian Army posts along the Line of Control in the Poonch sector,” a defence spokesperson said today. “The Army retaliated strongly and effectively. The firing stopped around 10.30 am,” he added.Sources said the Pakistan army shelled posts with heavy mortars and opened fire with small arms and automatic weapons in the Sholla, Basooni, Dharati and Panjani areas of the Balakote sector.No loss of life or property was reported on the Indian side. Pakistan violated the ceasefire after a lull of almost three weeks.

Our Correspondent

Ambala, December 15

The Kharga Corps celebrated the 45th Vijay Divas at Vijay Smarak here today.A wreath was laid at the War Memorial by Lt-Gen MM Naravane, General Officer Commanding, to pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.Vijay Divas commemorates the victory of India in the 1971 Indo-Pak war which culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh.In one of the fastest and shortest campaigns of military history, a new nation was created.Also known as the ‘Lightening Campaign’, 93,000 prisoners of war surrendered to the Indian Army at the end of the operation.

Seminar on Indo-Pak conflict

Amritsar, December 15

Folklore Research Academy will hold a seminar on “Indo-Pak conflict: Let live the people” here on December 18.Prof Bawa Singh, former chairman, Minority Commission, Jammu and Kashmir’s former MP AR Shaheen, UP’s former MP Shahed Sidiqqi, Satnam Singh Manak, Assistant Editor of a Punjabi daily, Parmod Jamwal, Editor, Kashmir Times, PN Puniyal and Pushpindera Kulshreshtha, both senior journalists, will deliver talks on the subject.Elections for the executive of Folklore Research Academy will also be held on this occasion. — TNS

Brig HS Sodhi, who played an instrumental role in Bangladesh war, dies at 89

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 15

Brig Harinder Singh Sodhi (retd), who had commanded the fourth battalion of the 4th Gurkha Rifles at Sikkim in 1964 and a mountain brigade, which played an instrumental role in the Bangladesh war, was cremated here today. He was 89 and passed away on Wednesday, informed a family member.He is survived by his wife Harjit Sodhi, son Jasbir Singh, daughter-in-law Neelam Sodhi and daughters Nishi Coday and Kiran.Born on January 27, 1927, at Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), Brigadier Sodhi had received his initial education at a local school in Guru Har Sahai before moving to Aitchison College in Lahore. Later, he went to the RIMC in Dehradun. He joined the Indian Military Academy in 1946 and was commissioned into the 4th Gurkha Rifles on December 22, 1947.After commanding the fourth battalion of the 4th Gurkha Rifles at Sikkim in 1964, Brigadier Sodhi became commandant of the 14th Gurkha Training Centre in Subathu. Later, he moved on to command a mountain brigade, which played an instrumental role in the Bangladesh war. He went into the war with just a walking stick and refused to carry a weapon. Brigadier Sodhi was a prolific sportsman and keen swimmer and polo player.He took premature retirement in 1976 to be with his family and to peruse his passion for writing. He was a keen military historian and had written seven books about the Indian Army.

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 12

An Army truck collided with a car on Mall Road, which led to chaos in the area.The incident occurred in the afternoon when the truck, coming from the railway station side, collided with the car.While the car driver said his vehicle was hit from the rear side, the Army’s truck driver refuted the accusation and said the car was taken out from a parking area.The arguments between the Army man and the car driver led to traffic jam which extended to around a kilometre.Traffic police officials said the Army’s driver refused to shift his vehicle saying that his senior officers would come and take stock of the matter.The situation was brought under control after around two-and-a-half hours with much persuasion. No case has been registered in this regard by the police.Meanwhile, chaos was witnessed on the Barnala road near Rose Garden Chowk due to the widening of the road.Daily commuters said the ill planned way of widening the road caused inconvenience to.“The authorities concerned and the contractor involved in the widening of the road refused to listen to the grievances of the complainants,” said Ashok Kumar, a recent victim of a road accident on the stretch.

Charu Chhibber

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3

The first annual lecture of The Tribune National Security Forum delivered at the Golden Jubilee Hall of Panjab University here today was indeed an evening to remember. With the who’s who of the region in attendance, the 19th Chief of Army Staff General VP Malik (retd) delivered an enlightening lecture on ‘Defence at 70 – National Security, Yesterday and Tomorrow’ to a houseful of retired Army generals and brigadiers, educationists and eminent journalists.Prof Sardara Singh Johl, internationally acclaimed agriculture economist, policy adviser, Padma Bhushan awardee, and first Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB), presided over the lecture. Also present on the occasion were Dr Harish Khare, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune Group of Newspapers and Gurbachan Jagat, former Governor of Manipur, former Director General of Police and trustee of The Tribune Trust.Addressing the gathering, Gen Malik emphasised that everyone in the country must work together. “In any conflict, it is essential to achieve synergy through integration and jointness,” he opined.Reminiscing about his days when at the helm of affairs during the Kargil war and the role of media, Gen Malik said, “I was happy and satisfied during the Kargil war. I got immense support from the media. No matter what was written or said, I have no complaints to make whatsoever. There were mistakes made by the Army and media but I would not question that.” Gen Malik said, “Despite being the most dependable brand in the country, the military is no longer the prime choice of youngsters today.  The quality of soldiering, if we continue like this, is on its way out in India. It will affect the morale and fighting spirit of the forces. Our political leadership must introspect and correct this aspect sooner than later.” He exhorted the media to play a responsible and greater role in promoting thinking leadership. “Editors, please do not remain behind your desks. Open up. In our country, leaders are required at all levels. Only then we can progress. You can be the catalysts of that progress,” he insisted. Prof Johl, while addressing the gathering, recalled days from his early career. He spoke at length about his association with The Tribune since the early 1960s. He appreciated The Tribune’s efforts towards leading initiatives such as the lecture today and hoped that more would come along the way.Quoting the founder of The Tribune Group of Newspapers, Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, Dr Harish Khare said, “In matters of religion, we should maintain a strictly neutral position. On social topics, our sympathies will be with gentle and cautious course of reforms.”He added that 135 years after this was said, “I don’t think anybody has been able to improve upon it but it is in this spirit that we thought we should begin some kind of a public interaction.”Gurbachan Jagat walked down the memory lane, reminiscing about his days at J&K, where he met Gen Malik and got acquainted with the “human and professional in him.”The speeches and lecture was followed by an equally stimulating question and answer round, wherein members of the audience raised a number of questions with the panelists.

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EXPRESSIONSThe first annual lecture of The Tribune National Security Forum was delivered at the Golden Jubilee Hall of Panjab University in Chandigarh on Saturday with the who’s who of the region in attendance. Tribune reporter Charu Chhibber spoke to a cross-section of the audience that comprised highly decorated retired Army generals and brigadiers, educationists and eminent journalists.It is a great initiative by The Tribune through which we came to know about the weaknesses of the defence and administrative structure. I would love to be a part of more such lectures and interactions.—Ishwar Singh Duhan, former dig, itbpIt was a good lecture. I need to thank Dr Harish Khare for taking the initiative of raising the security issue, which has always been a sore arm. A very good point was raised that farmers along the border areas, who always help the forces, if they are not satisfied, can greatly impact national security.—Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (retd), signals officer-in-chief at army headquartersIt was a very lucid talk delivered by Gen Malik. He covered most issues faced by India on the security front. He raised a very important point that there is lack of interface between the armed forced and the political class. Dr Johl said there is a clash of interests between the armed forces and economy, and I totally agree with him. We need to balance that out. —Lt Gen RS Sujlana (retd), former commandant, ima & chairman, punjab public service commissionIt was an excellent interactive session today. It was a great pleasure listening to one of the most knowledgeable soldiers of the country, Gen Malik. I hope other media houses, especially newspapers, take up this sort of an initiative and create a dialogue between the forces and politicians.— Mandeep Bajwa, columnistThe discussion at The Tribune National Security Forum was about sensitising the general public about national security. Rather than delegating the concern just to the Army, we were encouraged to talk about the situation and ask for long-term solutions. Also, making policies around a long-term vision rather than piecemeal solutions was highlighted as the need of the hour. General Malik held fort like a true soldier and tackled the topic well. A great initiative by The Tribune and looking forward to many more.—Vandana Saxena, principal, tribune model schoolIt was fascinating to get an insight into the state of the country’s national security from one of the country’s most distinguished Army Chiefs who has successfully fought a war. It is a good initiative taken by The Tribune.—Atul Khanna, director, strawberry fields high school

The Supreme Court rules that the national anthem will mandatorily play before any show in cinema halls. So, is it the right move to instil a feeling of nationalism among people? Well,opinions vary

Mona

Our national anthem has made it to national news the second time around this year. First when Amitabh Bachchan was taken to task for not singing it correctly ahead of India versus Pakistan ICC World Twenty20 match this March and now with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which has again brought Tagore’s creation into focus. So is making the national anthem a must in cinemas before the show starts a push towards nationalism?Good moveSays Kamalpreet Singh, B Com student, “We as a country seriously lack national pride, so it is a step in a right direction.” “Unlike many other nations, in India elders preach self before anyone else. Nation isn’t even on the radar,” adds Kamalpreet.Agrees Ojaswee Sharma, a filmmaker from the city, “In the hullaballoo of life, don’t many of us just forget to recognise our nation as integral part of our identity? Sparing a minute is hardly a demand that cannot to conceded.” Bhupesh Rana, just out of a film show, rather enjoys it, “In our highly fragmented society, this is a great move?”Priya Krishnan, biotechnology student from UIET, labels it as a good move, but feels it would cut no ice. “While I am all for the current government and its decisions, there is so much more to be done starting right from our education system. There is a huge need to open up as a society before we make India realise its true potential and feel proud as Indians.”Flip side“Though I have not read the judgement, yet in my personal opinion it is not a correct decision,” shares Harish Mehla, advocate, High Court, and founder Chandigarh Creative Cinema Circle. “No one can be prosecuted for not doing fundamental duties,” he points out. He feels that such a decision might lead to disrespect on the contrary. “You cannot infuse patriotism by forcing anyone to stand for the national anthem,” he fears, duly clarifying that singing or not singing the anthem is no parameter to judge his love for the country.Here’s what Bollywood celebs have to sayKABIR BEDI Verified account ?@iKabirBedi Cinemas are great places to enjoy the #national anthem, in Dolby sound; our flag fluttering vibrantly, in Panavision. Good decision! Anupam Kher Retweeted

Sonam Mahajan ?@AsYouNotWish

When SC remains open at 3 am to hear a terrorist’s mercy plea, it’s justice.When SC directs you to sing #NationalAnthem, it’s fascism.arvind swami ?@thearvindswami

With all due respects, Why should the national anthem be played before the start of a movie? Can anyone explain …. ??Shirish Kunder Verified account

#NationalAnthem ruling is a good initiative towards patriotism. The movie Border should also be compulsory before every movie screening.Ram Gopal Varma Verified account Like lead actor giving anti tobacco msg shouldn’t lead character of every film compulsorily sing #NationalAnthem  twice b4 nd aftr interval?rahul dholakia ?@rahuldholakia

Why single out cinema halls for #NationalAnthem ? Why not play it in planes, trains, malls, every public platform ?? Shekhar Gupta Verified account ?@ShekharGupta  How will SC enforce its #NationalAnthem order? By ordering a cop in every show, or simply crowd-sourcing it to self-appointed vigilantes?mona@tribunemail.com

Saluting the Flag

Apex court over-reaches itself

It seems the Age of Firmans is firmly upon us. One day one constitutional authority issues a firman to demonetise currency notes, and, then keeps on issuing firman after firman, amending the original firman. Now the Supreme Court has joined in the fun. A two-judge bench has decreed that national anthem must be played in cinema halls before a feature film starts and all those present inside the hall would be obliged to stand up as a mark of respect. No one should have a reason to quibble with the sentiment behind the hon’ble court’s order. Their Lordships, though, have left it rather vague as to what happens to anyone who may seem to be in less than total compliance with the judicial firman. Their Lordships have made it clear that they expect all the Chief Secretaries to enforce the judicial order. Suddenly, one more minatory layer stands imposed on the citizens. All nation-states are artificial constructs. Consequently, all societies find themselves having to devise collective symbols of veneration and respect; and, all societies expect their citizens to observe the rites of outward obeisance to national symbols, flags, anthems. The society and its institutions like schools take it upon themselves to inculcate among the young a sense of collective solidarity, a bond of belonging. We have also exquisitely crafted republican rites like the Republic Day Parade and the Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort. Like other nations, we have our own rituals and ceremonies to reaffirm and restate our collective existence.   Yet there is something less than reassuring in this essay in judicial populism.  It is neither the role nor the place of the judiciary to insist on instilling “a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism.” That is a task best left to social reformers, political demagogues and cultural taste-makers. Nationalism is a noble sentiment; its spiritual luminosity is sufficient in itself of extracting a coherence of belief, loyalty and instant respect from the citizen. An enforced nationalism can only be a shallow, and perhaps, a shabby bond. Even without the benefit of a judicial firman, India and its people are perfectly capable of producing a joyful celebration of our collective destiny and dreams. Jai Hind!

New Delhi, November 27

More BSF personnel have died of heart attack and other illnesses than in action on the borders and anti-Naxal operations in the past two years, according to official data.While men and women of the country’s largest border guarding force BSF face enemy bullets and mortars amid recent hostilities with Pakistan, data reveals that only 25 of total 774 deaths in the period between January 2015 and September 2016 were battle casualties.Data showed that while a total of 25 personnel were killed in action, 316 died due to a variety of diseases and illnesses and 117 suffered fatal cardiac arrest.While the cases of deaths due to HIV/AIDS and malaria have gone down in the paramilitary force during the period, fatal casualties of personnel in rail, road and bike accidents continue. Officials said these remained a “cause of worry”.Among other causes of death in the force during the period are: 192 deaths took place due to road or railway accidents; 18 lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS; 38 due to cancer and five owing to malaria.“The force lost 774 personnel during the period, of whom only 25 were battle casualties. This is a cause of worry and these numbers need to be brought down. A number of initiatives are being taken to ensure a healthy lifestyle and safe driving habits among the personnel,” a senior official said.Last year, former BSF Director General DK Pathak had said that about 2.5-lakh personnel strong force was witnessing a worrying trend in its ranks, as it was losing four times more troops in off-duty bike accidents, than at the borders or other conflict theatres in the hinterland in the recent past. — PTI

Fatal count

• 774 deaths from Jan 2015 to Sept 2016
• 25 due to operations with enemy at border
• 316 of a variety of diseases
• 117 suffered fatal cardiac arrest
• 192 due to road or railway accidents
• 18 lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS
• 38 died of cancer and five owing to malaria

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 24

The Rajya Sabha today saw the debate on demonetisation resume, but for a brief period. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opened the debate in the House on behalf of the Congress, calling the government decision “monumental management failure.” He accused the government of ignoring the plight  of the poor and the aam aadmi and said the decision was in fact “a case of organised loot, legalised plunder of the common people.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House when Dr Manmohan spoke. The former PM warned the government that the decision will harm the country’s economy. “The GDP of the country will decline by about 2 per cent by what has been done. And this is an underestimate and not an overestimate,” he said. The Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha have been demanding that the PM be present in the House when the debate on demonetisation takes place.  The PM today came to the House during question hour and for that one hour, the debate was resumed. Dr Manmohan’s speech was short, but highly critical of the government’s November 8 decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. “The PM has said wait 50 days, it is a short period. But for the poor and the deprived, even 50 days can bring about disastrous effects,” he said, referring to a speech made by Modi recently where he asked for 50 days to complete the crackdown on black money.After Dr Manmohan, it was the turn of Naresh Agrawal of the Samajwadi Party who in light banter also took a dig at the timing of the demonetisation announcement, linking it to the upcoming poll in Uttar Pradesh. He alleged the decision was “not taken in the national interest, but considering UP elections.” Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool Congrss (TMC) countered several arguments put forth by the government on the “benefits” of demonetisation. “If only 2 per cent people hold black money, then why are the rest of 98 per cent people being made to suffer due to demonetisation,” he asked the government.The House was then adjourned for lunch. When it re-assembled at 2 pm, the Opposition members refused to carry forward the debate in the absence of the PM. An agitated Finance Minister Arun Jaitley accused the Opposition of devising ways to avoid the debate.

Jaitley objects to speech

• New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley objected to Dr Manmohan Singh’s speech saying: “If there is no debate on demonetisation, nobody from the Opposition will be allowed to speak.”

Breach of privilege notice

• New Delhi: Congress RS MP from Goa Shantaram Naik filed a breach of privilege notice against PM Modi for making statements on note ban outside Parliament, even when both Houses were in session. PTI

LS adjourned amid din

• The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Thursday after the Opposition continued its protest demanding discussion on the demonetisation issue under an adjournment motion.

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Jaitley kept in dark: SP“There are those who say the PM did not take even (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley into confidence (about note ban). If Arunji had known, he would have whispered about it in my ears. He knows me”.—Naresh Agrawal, SPIt will kill economy: TMC“Anyone who opposes you, Mr PM, is not anti-national or in favour of black money. Why are you giving us this lecture on black money? We are opposing you since we believe this will kill the economy” —Derek O’Brien, TMCTreat it as calamity: Tata“It may be worthwhile to consider special relief measures similar to those employed at times of national calamities to serve the poorer segment of the population for their daily needs.” ——Ratan Tata, TATA Sons chairman

Demonetisation: Manmohan Singh’s full speech in Rajya Sabha

Calling it a ‘monumental mismanagement’, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said that the demonetisation of high value currency notes has caused great distress to the common man of the country. He remarked that the GDP of the country could shrink by 2 percentage-points due to the way it has been implemented.

I rise to highlight some of the problems that have risen after the decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes.

Prime Minister has been arguing that this is the way to curb black money, to prevent growth of forfeiture currency notes and also to help in control of terrorist finance activities. I do not disagree with these objectives. But I do want to point out this that in the process of demonetisation monumental mismanagement has been undertaken about which today there is no two opinions in the country as a whole. Even those who say that this measure will do harm or cause distress in the short term but be in the interests of the country in the long run should be reminded of what John Keynes said once,” In the long run all of us are dead.”

And therefore, it is important to take note of grievances of the ordinary people who have suffered as a result of this imposition on the country overnight by the Prime Minister. And I say so with all responsibilities, that we do not know what will be the final outcome.

Prime Minister has said that we should wait for 50 days. Well 50 days is a short period. But for those who are poor and from the deprived sections of the society even 50 days torture can bring about disastrous effects. And that’s why about 60 to 65 people have lost their lives, maybe more. And what has been done can weaken and erode our people’s confidence in the currency system and in the banking system.

I would like to know from the Prime Minister the name of any country he may think of where people have deposited their money in the banks but they are not allowed to withdraw their money. This alone,I think, is enough to condemn what has been done in the name of greater good of the people of the country.

And Sir, I would further like to point out that in my opinion that the way the scheme has been implemented will hurt agricultural growth in our country, will hurt small industry, will hurt all those people who are in the informal sector of the economy. And my own feeling is that the national income, that is the GDP, can decline by about 2 per cent as a result of what has been done. This is an underestimate, not an overestimate. Therefore, I feel that the Prime Minister must come up with some constructive proposal on how we can implement this scheme and at the same time prevent this distress that has been caused to the common people.

It is no good that everyday the banking system comes with modification of the rules, the conditions under which the people can withdraw money. That reflects very poorly on the Prime Minister’s office, on the Finance Minister’s office and on the Reserve Bank of India. I am very sorry that the Reserve Bank of India has been exposed to this sort of criticism which I think is fully justified.

I, therefore, would not like to say much more than this. I urge upon the Prime Minister to find practical, pragmatic ways and means to relieve the distress of the people who happen to be a great majority. After all, 90 per cent of our people work in the informal sector, 55 per cent of our workers in agriculture are reeling in distress. The cooperative banking system which serves large number of people in the rural areas is non-functional and has been prevented from handling cash. So, in all these measures convince me that the way this scheme has been implemented is a monumental management failure, and in fact, it is a case of organised loot, legalised plunder of the common people.

With these words, sir, I conclude. It is not my intention to pick holes in what one side does or another side does. But I sincerely hope that the Prime Minister will view that this late hour will help us to find practical, pragmatic ways and means to provide relief to the suffering of the people of this country. Thank you.

Dr. Manmohan Singh speech on demonetization failure at Rajya Sabha 24th Nov, 2016

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It’s a slam-dunk for the moment

Modi is riding high now but if things don’t improve fast, the triumphalism over demonetisation could become a self­goal

For those still surprised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s audacious demonetisation gamble, the past maybe a useful guide. In 2007, just ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections, Modi kickstarted power reforms in the state as chief minister, including a hike in rates and police action against farmers involved in power theft. When an angry RSS-backed farmers’ delegation met the chief minister, Modi’s response was reportedly defiant: “I will step down as chief minister but not back down. You can always replace me if you wish.” In the elections that followed, Modi won the day and silenced his critics.

PTIIf the queues don’t shorten because of a creaking banking system, if the cash crunch extends beyond the 50­day mark…then public support can easily turn into rage at being taken for granted by the leadership

In a sense, the 2007 power reform battle in Gujarat, much like today’s demonetisation challenge, is typical Modi: He is a leader whose self-belief, bordering on narcissism, leads him to short circuit political systems and reject sectional interests in the confidence that he has the answers to all likely pitfalls. It is both a strength and weakness: The lack of self-doubt makes him a consummate risk-taker, but also someone who can at times act impulsively without due consultation.

Is Gujarat a mini-India then, and will Modi triumph yet again? When almost the entire Opposition protests against you within and outside Parliament, there is reason to believe that demonetisation has provided fresh impetus to a potential grand anti-Modi alliance. When even your own allies, like the Shiv Sena, speak out and BJP MPs express reservations, then the disquiet has to be taken on board.

When rising anger in queues outside banks over a cash crunch can no longer be masked as temporary inconvenience, the political leadership should be worried. Nor can the growing concerns of leading economists and global research groups warning of an economic slowdown and job losses be wished away. Indeed, on the face of it, it appears that the prime minister who has chosen to even stay away from a Parliament debate on the issue is being pushed on the defensive: What else explains the rather bizarre app-based poll conducted by the PMO — a classic self-simulation exercise designed to sway public opinion.

The truth though is that the prime minister has already won round one of the demonetisation battle. First, he has successfully pitched his political opposition as a “coalition of the corrupt’’. A number of his political opponents are tainted by sleaze: Can a Mulayam Singh or a Mayawati, both of whom have faced disproportionate assets cases, take the moral high ground on corruption? Can Mamata Banerjee completely erase the blot of the Saradha chit fund scam or the Congress of the 2G and coal muddles? The fact that no corruption scandal has yet stuck to Modi gives him the moral edge in his battle with the Opposition.

Second, Modi has mastered the art of shaping the media narrative to his advantage through populist nationalism. By positioning demonetisation as a sharp weapon in the “war” on black money and terror funding, he has created a post-truth dialogue where even an intelligent argument as to why demonetisation will have limited impact on the black economy is lost in the cacophony of treating any dissent as “anti-national”. Any criticism of the prime minister’s move is instantly identified with being an apologist for corrupt forces, thereby preventing any sane debate on the issue.

Third, the prime minister has successfully projected himself as an “agent of change”, someone who wants to wipe away decades of sloth and dishonesty in the political system. The spectacular Modi victory in 2014 was predicated on the promise of “achhe din”, of dramatic change that would end the Congress era of slow-moving governance once and for all. By taking a tough decision, Modi has cemented his image as a strong leader with a self-proclaimed “chhappan inch ki chhati” (56-inch chest).

Finally, Modi has without doubt built a personal connect with millions of Indians who are inclined to trust him. The “jumla” tag may have been used by his critics to brand him as a leader who promises more than he delivers, but on the ground he still enjoys enormous goodwill, especially among youth and the urban middle class. For them, Modi still symbolises an aspirational India, one that wants to break free of the status quo. Which is why even amidst mounting public anger over restrictions on withdrawing your own hardearned money, there is a willingness to give the prime minister the benefit of the doubt.

The key question is, of course, for how long will Modi ride on individual charisma without ushering in greater legal and institutional reform? If the queues don’t shorten because of a creaking banking system, if the cash crunch extends beyond the 50-day mark, if small and medium enterprises begin to lay off employees, if farmers struggle with rural credit, if a tax bureaucracy becomes oppressive, then public support can easily turn into rage at being taken for granted by the leadership. Which is why the chestthumping Modi cheerleaders need to be careful in projecting demonetisation as a magic bullet that will make their leader invincible. In the short run, it is highly likely that Modi has scored a political slam-dunk over his rivals ahead of crucial assembly elections but if an economic slowdown begins to hurt the aam aadmi, then today’s triumphalism may become tomorrow’s self-goal.

Post-script: A senior minister in the Modi government claimed in Parliament’s central hall that the pain of demonetisation will last for only two quarters. Now, 180 days may seem a short span in the life of a nation, but for millions dependent on a cash-driven informal sector, six months can seem an eternity. As a cash-strapped fisherman living by Goa’s River Mandovi told me, “In this country, the big fish get away, the small are always trapped.”

Use old Rs 500 notes by Dec 15

Rs 1,000 notes withdrawn, over-the-counter exchange ends

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 24

The government tonight extended the last date for use of the scrapped Rs 500 notes till December 15 while withdrawing Rs 1,000 notes and doing away with the over-the-counter exchange of cash with immediate effect.A notification by the Ministry of Finance said that Rs 1,000 notes would no longer be allowed for exemptions announced earlier. These notes, however, could be deposited in bank accounts.“It has been observed that over-the-counter exchange of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination has shown a decline. It has further been felt that people may be encouraged and facilitated to deposit their old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in their bank accounts,” the statement read.“This will encourage people who are unbanked to open bank accounts. Consequently, there will be no over-the-counter exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes after the November 24 midnight,” it added. The government had earlier permitted exemptions for certain transactions wherein payment could be made through scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, which included purchase of fuel from petrol stations.

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On exemption list

• Transactions under all exempted categories but only through old Rs 500 notes
• School fee up to Rs 2,000 in govt schools; fee in central or state govt colleges
• Pre-paid mobile top-up up to Rs 500
• Purchase from consumer co-op stores up to Rs 5,000
• Payment of utilities, limited to water, electricity bills
• Toll at plazas through old Rs 500 notes till Dec 15
• Exchange by foreign citizens up to Rs 5,000/week

Nepal bans new Rs 500, Rs 2,000 notes

 Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank on Thursday banned the use of India’s new currency of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination, terming them “unauthorised and illegal”. An NRB spokesperson said these would be legal in Nepal only if India issued a FEMA notification under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. PTI Rupee in freefall, hits all-time lowMumbai: The rupee went into a freefall on Thursday, hitting an all-time low of 68.86 against the dollar as the demonetisation after-effect played out and concerns grew about a possible Fed rate hike in the near term. report on page 18BJP ally Sena sings a different tuneMumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has asked the BJP to take former PM Manmohan Singh’s words on demonetisation affects seriously. “We won’t hesitate taking a critical stand in the way demonetisation is being implemented,” said Thackeray. PTI

 

Note ban a monumental management failure: Manmohan Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 24
Pointing out the extent of hardship that demonetisation has caused the common man and small businesses, and the likely hit of 2 per cent on the GDP, former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said this had been coupled with “monumental” mismanagement in implementation, and a case of “organised loot and legalised plunder”.Manmohan said the demonetisation move of the BJP government could not prevent black money and terror funding.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said the GDP would take 2 per cent hit due to demonetisation.”These measures convinced me that the way the scheme had been implemented, it’s a monumental management failure. And in fact, it is a case of organised loot and legalised plunder. It is not my intention to pick holes what this side or other side does. But I sincerely hope that the PM even in this late hour will help find us pragmatic ways to provide relief to the suffering people,” he said as the debate on the issue resumed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to the House.“I want to ask the PM if he can name a country where people have deposited their money but are not able to withdraw it,” he said.He said those who said demonetisation is good in the long run should recall the quote, “In the long run we are all dead”, Manmohan said.The cooperative banking sector, which was serving a large number of people in the rural sector, was not operational, he said.”The Prime Minister asked people to wait for 50 days, but for the poor section these days can be detrimental,” the Congress leader said.He said: “Sixty to 65 people have lost their lives, what has been done can weaken our people’s confidence in the currency and banking system.” With Agencies

Toll suspension on national highways extended till Dec 2

Rs 500 notes to be accepted at toll plazas from Dec 2-15

Sufficient swipe machines would also be installed at toll plazas with help from SBI and other banks. File photo

New Delhi, November 24

The government on Thursday extended suspension of toll collection on National Highways till December 2 midnight.The government also announced that scrapped Rs 500 notes would be accepted at toll plazas on National Highways from December 2 midnight to December 15.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)Sufficient swipe machines would also be installed at toll plazas with help from SBI and other banks.The government had earlier extend the deadline three times.A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to tackle corruption and black money, government had on November 9 said that no toll fee would be collected on National Highways till November 11 midnight.The deadline was again extended till November 14 midnight and then till November 18 midnight.The government had earlier decided to accept the withdrawn notes at toll plazas till November 11 midnight but that led to chaos in the absence of adequate change, causing massive traffic jams.— PTI

PUNJAB GOVT WILL CHARGE ON STATE OWNED TOLL PLAZA::sukhbir badal 

The bankrupsy of Punjab Govt has forced to charge on Stae owned Plazas against the notification of the Central Govt.

The tall promises claimed by S.Prakash Singh Badal seems to be false and can be termed as Lip Services as far as concessions for the Ex-Servicemen are concerned.

An Ex-servicemen was charged Rs 62/- on one of the Toll Plaza located along the  canal from Neelo Bridge to doraha

The Road is incomplete and Braidge at Railway Crossing near Doraha is far from Completed. The Commuters are facing difficulties once the railway Xing Gates are closed due to heavy traffice.

ATLANTA ROPAR TOLLWAY GOVT OF PUNJAB (PWD)

ROPAR -CHAMKAUR-NEELON-DORAHA KUBBE TOLL PLAZA(KM 46.5)

DOING GREAT business under the direct orders of S.Sukhbir Singh Badal as intimated by the employees of the Plaza

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chandigarh, November 23

The Grand Lodge of India (GLI), a fraternal association of eminent persons from all walks of life, will honour personnel of the armed forces and paramilitary forces who have laid down their lives recently while defending the country’s borders by giving five residential flats free of cost to the widows of martyrs.Widows of Army and paramilitary staff who have been killed in action undertaken after the September 2016 terrorist attack in Uri and those who have children would be eligible for getting the flat.The GLI has earmarked Rs 1.5 crore for the project from funds raised through donations from its members and other donors all over the country. The flats will be constructed in association with the President’s Gallantry Awardees Association of India.Association president SK Madan said the first such flat, a ready-to-move two-bedroom unit, is being given to the family of Havildar Satnam Singh of the Sikh Regiment, who was killed in Pakistan firing on the Line of Control earlier this month.Other recipients for the flats, which would be at a location of the beneficiaries’ choosing and preferably close to a military station, are being shortlisted. The flats would be registered jointly in the name of the widow and children and would be non-transferable till the youngest child attains the age of 21. — TNS

Mumbai, November 21

Marking the completion of the crucial Project 15A of the Indian Navy, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar commissioned the newest indigenously-built destroyer INS Chennai into the force here on Monday.“This is a historic day for the Indian Navy,” Parrikar said, lauding the indigenously designed and constructed, Kolkata-class guided missile destroyer built by Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai.Present on the occasion was Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, as also top officers of Western Naval Command and other dignitaries.While INS Kolkata was the first ship in this class commissioned on August 16, 2014, the second, INS Kochi, was commissioned on September 30, 2015.After the commissioning, INS Chennai will be under the operational and administrative control of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.The INS Chennai will undergo certain additional sea trials of the ship-borne systems before she will be assigned to the Western Fleet and based in Mumbai. IANS

 

THE brightly-lit earthern Diwali lamps cast merry shadows as I walked my 90-year-old grandfather to the porch. The light glimmered in his eyes as his face lighted up on seeing his grandchildren together, after a long time.Holding his frail hand, I asked him to get well soon and promised to visit again the next day, knowing little that it was the last time I was seeing those kind eyes, for in a few hours, he would leave for his heavenly abode.A retired Colonel, he had spent his early days in the dusty lanes of a village in Amritsar. Born in a rural household, his future had already been decided by society, which was to lead a life in the company of cattle and fields. But he had changed the course of destiny by sheer hardwork and grit. From getting a degree in graduation to getting enrolled, and then going on to retire as a Colonel, he had travelled a long and tumultous way. He had led the way and his four sons had followed in his footsteps.Nehru’s Discovery of India had been his constant companion, read often and Glimpses of World History had been registered in his memory so well that he knew the book by heart. He had often narrated anecdotes from his school days when he would sit on the floor in the biting cold of January solving maths problems while his teacher and other students slept nearby. At the age of 85, he had especially ordered The History of Sikhs by Khushwant Singh and spent months pouring over the pages with a pen, marking the couplets and lines he liked best.My grandfather’s love of reading skipped a generation and has passed down to me, increased manifold in intensity.Far ahead of his times, for him, his granddaughters had always come first. His sons may be orthodox, but not him. He had changed with the changing times, all the while retaining his goodness of heart.In a state of deep pain a few days before his death, he had breathed through his barely audible words, blessing me and my brother and assuring others that we would do well in life. Such had been our grandfather’s love.

Selfless, encouraging, pure.

The man who had risen from nowhere to reach the pinnacles of success, thus shaping the future of all his generations to come. I remember him as a valiant soldier, a disciplinarian father and a doting great grandfather.