New Delhi, Oct. 28: Defence minister A.K. Antony is always emphatic in his rejections. There were two from him today: one unqualified and categorical, the other with a but-and-an-if.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
1989 batch IAS to be JOINT SECYs
Review of 1989 batch IAS officials (already in GP of 10000 as SAG) for the post of Joint Secretary( =MAJ GEN) is on the cards. It would include about two dozen officials.
LOOK WHO IS TALKING
I WONDER :EK NE KAHI DUSRE NE MANI GURUNANAK KAHEN DONO GYANI !!!!!!
Bimal Julka is going to deliver a lecture on the "role of defence forces in security of the nation" at Bhopal based R.C.V.P.Noronha Academy of Administration on October 31,2009. The Academy's Director General (DG) is Dr. Sundeep Khanna who is a Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer of the 1972 batch. Bimal Julka who is also an MP cadre IAS officer of the 1979 batch had been in the Defence Ministry for a pretty long time. Presently he is Delhi based Resident Commissioner (RC) of the Madhya Pradesh government.
Pay revision for polytechnic colleges
On behalf of AIFPTO, General Secretary Shri N Chandra Shekhar,has led a delegation of Polytechnic teachers on Dt. 23-10-2009 and met Smt. Purandeswari, MOS HRD at her camp office in Visakhapatnam. AIFPTO Thanked her for taking initiative for submitting a note to Sri Kapil Sibal, HRM to consider review of MHRD recommendations for inclusion of PB4 for Polytechnic teachers. She assured us that a meeting with AIFPTO office bearers in the presence of Sri Kapil Sibal would be arranged after Nov. 1st to resolve the issue.
Shri N Chandra Shekhar advised polytechnic community to wait for better days to come and requested to give wide publicity of this news item among all polytechnic teaching community and local press.
Shri N Chandra Shekhar advised polytechnic community to wait for better days to come and requested to give wide publicity of this news item among all polytechnic teaching community and local press.
The copy of letter to MoS MHRD
=========================================================================To Dt. 23-10-09
Smt. D. Purandeswari
Hon’ble Union Minister of State for
Human Resource Development
Government of India
New Delhi.
Respected Madam,
Sub: AIFPTO - VI Pay Revision for teachers of Diploma level technical institutions – Notification not yet issued – Request for early Notification - Reg.
Ref: i) Various representations from AIFPTO
ii) Report of Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee
The Association would like to submit that the Polytechnic Faculty of India is the only left over category of teachers in the country who has not received the benefits of the 6th CPC.
The AIFPTO (All India Federation of Polytechnic Teachers’ Organisations) which is the body representing all the Polytechnic Teachers’ Associations/ Organisations in the country has submitted several representations to the Hon’ble Ministers and to the officials of MHRD and AICTE. In fact, the Federation has submitted its proposals to the Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee on Dt. 29-05-2009 at New Delhi. Later, the Committee has submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of HRD in July 2009.
In this regard, the Association would like to bring the following few points to the kind notice of the Hon’ble Union Minister for his information and favourable action.
i) Technical Education is instrumental in making remarkable contribution to the economic growth of the Developing Countries.
ii) The same pay structure has been prescribed for the Polytechnic and Engg college teachers in the previous IV & V Pay Commissions. (Ref: Annexure)
iii) The Ministry has notified the Prof. Chadha Committee Report (for UGC teachers) and Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee report (for CFTIs) in its website. But the Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee report for teachers working in Diploma level technical Institutions was not placed in the Ministry’s website till to date due to reasons unknown.
iv) In various discussions with the officials of MHRD, it has come to light that Pay Band IV is being denied to the Polytechnic teachers in the VI Pay Committee Recommendations. Whereas our counterparts in the Universities and Engg. Colleges have been recommended the Pay Band IV. Such a recommendation is contrary to the vision of the present Government (expansion plans of setting up 1000 Polytechnics in the country) which has launched an ambitious programme of ‘Sub-Mission on Polytechnics’ to the tune of nearly Rs. 7000 Cr. In the 11th and 12th Plan periods.
v) Such a move would force the competent and experienced faculty to leave the Diploma system and move on to Engg. colleges as the qualifications are similar but Pay structure would be different. Also the Govt.’s commitment to attract and retain qualified and talented teachers would take a back step. Further it is likely to lead to overall frustration among the Polytechnic teachers and possible agitation across the country.
vi) The delay in issuing the notification amounts to huge monetary loss to the incumbent teachers as the MHRD is not furnishing any financial grants to the respective State Govt.s and they are at liberty to implement the Revised Scales as per their convenience.
Hence the Association requests the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for HRD to consider the plight of nearly 1200 Polytechnic teachers and see that
i) The Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee report is placed on the Ministry’s website.
ii) The Pay scales for Polytechnic teachers are notified immediately without any further delay.
iii) The Polytechnic faculty, like their UGC and Engg College counterparts is allowed to move from PB3 to PB4 (after 3 years of service as Lecturer (Selection Grade)/ Head of the Department).
iv) A white paper on the importance of the Polytechnic System be prepared by the Ministry and steps to galvanize the polytechnic system may be enumerated herein. The State Govts may use the same as Reference.
ii) Report of Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee
The Association would like to submit that the Polytechnic Faculty of India is the only left over category of teachers in the country who has not received the benefits of the 6th CPC.
The AIFPTO (All India Federation of Polytechnic Teachers’ Organisations) which is the body representing all the Polytechnic Teachers’ Associations/ Organisations in the country has submitted several representations to the Hon’ble Ministers and to the officials of MHRD and AICTE. In fact, the Federation has submitted its proposals to the Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee on Dt. 29-05-2009 at New Delhi. Later, the Committee has submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of HRD in July 2009.
In this regard, the Association would like to bring the following few points to the kind notice of the Hon’ble Union Minister for his information and favourable action.
i) Technical Education is instrumental in making remarkable contribution to the economic growth of the Developing Countries.
ii) The same pay structure has been prescribed for the Polytechnic and Engg college teachers in the previous IV & V Pay Commissions. (Ref: Annexure)
iii) The Ministry has notified the Prof. Chadha Committee Report (for UGC teachers) and Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee report (for CFTIs) in its website. But the Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee report for teachers working in Diploma level technical Institutions was not placed in the Ministry’s website till to date due to reasons unknown.
iv) In various discussions with the officials of MHRD, it has come to light that Pay Band IV is being denied to the Polytechnic teachers in the VI Pay Committee Recommendations. Whereas our counterparts in the Universities and Engg. Colleges have been recommended the Pay Band IV. Such a recommendation is contrary to the vision of the present Government (expansion plans of setting up 1000 Polytechnics in the country) which has launched an ambitious programme of ‘Sub-Mission on Polytechnics’ to the tune of nearly Rs. 7000 Cr. In the 11th and 12th Plan periods.
v) Such a move would force the competent and experienced faculty to leave the Diploma system and move on to Engg. colleges as the qualifications are similar but Pay structure would be different. Also the Govt.’s commitment to attract and retain qualified and talented teachers would take a back step. Further it is likely to lead to overall frustration among the Polytechnic teachers and possible agitation across the country.
vi) The delay in issuing the notification amounts to huge monetary loss to the incumbent teachers as the MHRD is not furnishing any financial grants to the respective State Govt.s and they are at liberty to implement the Revised Scales as per their convenience.
Hence the Association requests the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for HRD to consider the plight of nearly 1200 Polytechnic teachers and see that
i) The Prof. Goverdhan Mehta Committee report is placed on the Ministry’s website.
ii) The Pay scales for Polytechnic teachers are notified immediately without any further delay.
iii) The Polytechnic faculty, like their UGC and Engg College counterparts is allowed to move from PB3 to PB4 (after 3 years of service as Lecturer (Selection Grade)/ Head of the Department).
iv) A white paper on the importance of the Polytechnic System be prepared by the Ministry and steps to galvanize the polytechnic system may be enumerated herein. The State Govts may use the same as Reference.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
LTC : Clarification
F.No. 31011 / 3 /2009- Estt.(A)
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
New Delhi, the 28th October, 2009
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
New Delhi, the 28th October, 2009
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Use of own car / hired taxi on LTC journey on account of physical handicap.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. No. 3101114/2008-Estt(A)dated 23.9.2008 in which it was stipulated that LTC facility shall be admissible only in respect of journeys performed in vehicles operated by the Government or any corporation in the public sector run by the Central or State Government or a local body.
2. Instances have come to notice where Government servants on account of physical handicap/disability of self or dependant family members are unable to perform the LTC journey by the authorized modes of transport and are compelled to undertake the journey by own car or private taxi. Representations are being received to allow reimbursement in such cases. Matter has been examined in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure and it has been decided in relaxation of LTC Rules to authorize the Head of Department to allow use of own/hired taxi for LTCjourney on account of disability of the Government servant or dependent family member after obtaining following papers/conditions to avoid misuse of such relaxation:-
(i) Medical Certificate from competent authority.
(ii) Undertaking from Government servant that journey in authorized mode is not feasible and he actually travelled by own car/hired taxi.
(iii) such claim should not be more than journey performed by the entitled class by rail/air by the shortest route.
Chinese intrusions errors: Krishna
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna today said there was nothing alarming about border incursions by the Chinese military.
In a ‘meet-the-press’ programme at the Press Club here today, Krishna said border between India and China was not clearly delineated and this gave rise to the problem.
“It is nothing to be alarmed about,” Krishna said and added that a mechanism was being worked out to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
“Indo-China border is most peaceful. There may be incursion by the Chinese without them even being aware of it. Relations between the two countries are warm,” Krishna, who held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart here yesterday, said. He added that efforts were underway to take the relationship between the two nations to the next level, which would be one of “partnership”.
The Minister said National Security Adviser MK Narayanan had been assigned to hold negotiations with the Chinese on the boundary questions and the two sides had already held meetings on the issue. He, however, added that resolution of the disputes would be a time-consuming process and would require a “lot of patience” on the part of those who were keen to see an end to the boundary problems.
Regarding the proposed visit of Dalai Lama’s to Arunachal Pradesh, Krishna reiterated that the Tibetan spiritual leader was an “honoured guest of India” and was free to go to any part of the country that he would wish to visit.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091029/nation.htm#6
In a ‘meet-the-press’ programme at the Press Club here today, Krishna said border between India and China was not clearly delineated and this gave rise to the problem.
“It is nothing to be alarmed about,” Krishna said and added that a mechanism was being worked out to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
“Indo-China border is most peaceful. There may be incursion by the Chinese without them even being aware of it. Relations between the two countries are warm,” Krishna, who held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart here yesterday, said. He added that efforts were underway to take the relationship between the two nations to the next level, which would be one of “partnership”.
The Minister said National Security Adviser MK Narayanan had been assigned to hold negotiations with the Chinese on the boundary questions and the two sides had already held meetings on the issue. He, however, added that resolution of the disputes would be a time-consuming process and would require a “lot of patience” on the part of those who were keen to see an end to the boundary problems.
Regarding the proposed visit of Dalai Lama’s to Arunachal Pradesh, Krishna reiterated that the Tibetan spiritual leader was an “honoured guest of India” and was free to go to any part of the country that he would wish to visit.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091029/nation.htm#6
After Russia, US to produce fighter aircraft in India
The US has decided to allow production of its front-line fighter aircraft, F-18 super-hornet, in India if the Indian Air Force selects the same for use.
President of the Boeing Military Aircraft systems Chris Chadwick made it clear today that F-18, produced by Boeing, “will be for licensed production in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)”. If the IAF selects F-18, first 18 aircraft will be imported and the rest will be made in India. Chadwick was replying to a question if Boeing was comfortable with producing its frontline aircraft in India like the Russian products are made here.
Notably, Russian fighter Sukhoi-30, rated as one of the best in the world, and the T-90 tanks, both are produced in India as part of an agreement between India and Russia.
His colleague Mike Reitz, director of the F-18 project made it clear: “The US government has approved of the technology transfer. We will be building the plane here itself and not be just assembling parts ”. The F-18 is part of the six global contenders of the medium range multi-role aircraft (MMRCA) project that India in buying. At $10 billion, it is one of the biggest ongoing deals in the world. The F-18 has finished its two-stage Indian leg of the trails conducted across Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh.
As part of its commitment to Indian market, Boeing has signed agreements with a total of 38 Indian defence public sector companies and private companies for supplying equipment.
Agreements have been signed with Indian companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Boeing India head Vivek Lall said.
As per the Defence Procurement Procedure, for any deal worth over Rs 300 crore, the selected manufacturer has to reinvest a minimum of 30 per cent of the deal’s worth in Indian defence industry.
The F-18 has been modified for Indian conditions, said Reitz as he challenged the other five contenders saying “we challenge anybody to fly a plane like us”. A new radar, that allows tracking of multiple targets on land, air and sea, is fitted onto the plane. The US Government has also approved this for technology transfer to India.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091029/nation.htm#6
President of the Boeing Military Aircraft systems Chris Chadwick made it clear today that F-18, produced by Boeing, “will be for licensed production in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)”. If the IAF selects F-18, first 18 aircraft will be imported and the rest will be made in India. Chadwick was replying to a question if Boeing was comfortable with producing its frontline aircraft in India like the Russian products are made here.
Notably, Russian fighter Sukhoi-30, rated as one of the best in the world, and the T-90 tanks, both are produced in India as part of an agreement between India and Russia.
His colleague Mike Reitz, director of the F-18 project made it clear: “The US government has approved of the technology transfer. We will be building the plane here itself and not be just assembling parts ”. The F-18 is part of the six global contenders of the medium range multi-role aircraft (MMRCA) project that India in buying. At $10 billion, it is one of the biggest ongoing deals in the world. The F-18 has finished its two-stage Indian leg of the trails conducted across Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh.
As part of its commitment to Indian market, Boeing has signed agreements with a total of 38 Indian defence public sector companies and private companies for supplying equipment.
Agreements have been signed with Indian companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Boeing India head Vivek Lall said.
As per the Defence Procurement Procedure, for any deal worth over Rs 300 crore, the selected manufacturer has to reinvest a minimum of 30 per cent of the deal’s worth in Indian defence industry.
The F-18 has been modified for Indian conditions, said Reitz as he challenged the other five contenders saying “we challenge anybody to fly a plane like us”. A new radar, that allows tracking of multiple targets on land, air and sea, is fitted onto the plane. The US Government has also approved this for technology transfer to India.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091029/nation.htm#6
Ready for talks if Pak curbs terror: PM
Wanpoh (Anantnag), October 28
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today reached out to Pakistan for carrying forward the ties of friendship, but at the same time made it clear that the neighbouring nation would first have to curb the activities of elements targeting India.
Addressing a largely attended gathering while inaugurating the 19-km Anantnag-Qazigund railway section in south Kashmir, Singh also made an appeal to the state youth to join in the building of a new Kashmir.
And in an opaque reference to the proposed talks with separatists, the Prime Minister expressed willingness to talk to anyone “who had any meaningful ideas for promoting peace and development in Kashmir”. “We want to carry all sections of the society along in resolving the political and economic problems of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Prime Minister said.
Also present on the occasion were UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of State Prithivi Raj Chavan, Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Notably, Singh had flagged off the first ever train in Kashmir from Srinagar on October 11 last. And with today’s inauguration, the 119-km-long railway link has got completed.
Asserting that terrorism only led to death and destruction, the PM said: “The perpetrators of the acts of terror must pay the heaviest penalty for their barbaric crimes against humanity.” He held that the “real face of terrorism was clear for the people of Pakistan to see with their own eyes”. Singh hoped that Islamabad showed sincerity in acting against the perpetrators of terrorism.
Between 2004 and 2007, said Singh, his government was always ready to discuss all issues with Pakistan. And during this period when militancy and violence were on the decline, he said, the “most fruitful” and “productive” discussions ever were held with the Government of Pakistan.
His government, said the Prime Minister, was committed to having unconditional dialogue with anyone who abjured violence. “We had discussions with different groups. We had a number of ‘Roundtable Conferences’. All issues were discussed. We tried to give voice to the demands of all sections of the people. We have implemented a number of initiatives as a result of this process,” he said.
CM Omar Abdullah, too, reiterated the importance of Centre-state internal dialogue to resolve various issues. The economic packages have their own significance in the development process but political issues require political dealing and dialogue was the only medium for it, he said.
Omar assured his government’s help in making the situation conducive for resumption of state-Centre talks so that issues were politically addressed and resolved amicably, and, thereby, the state relieved from the shadow of gun. “It is very important for us that an effective dialogue process takes place to deal with the political aspect of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi were accorded a warm welcome at the airport by Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his deputy Tara Chand, other cabinet colleagues and senior officials.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091029/main1.htm
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today reached out to Pakistan for carrying forward the ties of friendship, but at the same time made it clear that the neighbouring nation would first have to curb the activities of elements targeting India.
Addressing a largely attended gathering while inaugurating the 19-km Anantnag-Qazigund railway section in south Kashmir, Singh also made an appeal to the state youth to join in the building of a new Kashmir.
And in an opaque reference to the proposed talks with separatists, the Prime Minister expressed willingness to talk to anyone “who had any meaningful ideas for promoting peace and development in Kashmir”. “We want to carry all sections of the society along in resolving the political and economic problems of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Prime Minister said.
Also present on the occasion were UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of State Prithivi Raj Chavan, Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Notably, Singh had flagged off the first ever train in Kashmir from Srinagar on October 11 last. And with today’s inauguration, the 119-km-long railway link has got completed.
Asserting that terrorism only led to death and destruction, the PM said: “The perpetrators of the acts of terror must pay the heaviest penalty for their barbaric crimes against humanity.” He held that the “real face of terrorism was clear for the people of Pakistan to see with their own eyes”. Singh hoped that Islamabad showed sincerity in acting against the perpetrators of terrorism.
Between 2004 and 2007, said Singh, his government was always ready to discuss all issues with Pakistan. And during this period when militancy and violence were on the decline, he said, the “most fruitful” and “productive” discussions ever were held with the Government of Pakistan.
His government, said the Prime Minister, was committed to having unconditional dialogue with anyone who abjured violence. “We had discussions with different groups. We had a number of ‘Roundtable Conferences’. All issues were discussed. We tried to give voice to the demands of all sections of the people. We have implemented a number of initiatives as a result of this process,” he said.
CM Omar Abdullah, too, reiterated the importance of Centre-state internal dialogue to resolve various issues. The economic packages have their own significance in the development process but political issues require political dealing and dialogue was the only medium for it, he said.
Omar assured his government’s help in making the situation conducive for resumption of state-Centre talks so that issues were politically addressed and resolved amicably, and, thereby, the state relieved from the shadow of gun. “It is very important for us that an effective dialogue process takes place to deal with the political aspect of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi were accorded a warm welcome at the airport by Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his deputy Tara Chand, other cabinet colleagues and senior officials.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091029/main1.htm
China wants good ties with India: Krishna
| “No dam is being built by China on Brahmaputra” |
S.M. Krishna
BANGALORE: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Wednesday acknowledged that China had never allowed its territory to be used by forces hostile to India.
“China wants to have good ties and I have often said India would like to have very friendly relations with China. Our effort is to take this relationship to the level of partnership. Hence there is goodwill on both sides and it augurs well,” he said.
Mr. Krishna was replying to questions on the outcome of his two-day meeting with his Russian and Chinese counterparts at a “meet-the-press” organised by the Press Club of Bangalore.
He said organisations based in Pakistan were “breeding terror” against India, and termed “ridiculous” the allegation by the Pakistan Foreign Minister that India was supporting terror attacks in several parts of that country.
On the boundary issue with China, he noted that the Special Representatives appointed by both countries had met 13 times, and suggested that its resolution would be a “time consuming process” because of the long boundary.
“We have to have lots of patience. I would like to assert that the India-China border is one of the most peaceful and tranquil one though it is not delineated. Because of this, if there are incursions, there is a mechanism and things are sorted out at the field level.”
Mr. Krishna said the Dalai Lama, as a guest of India, was free to go wherever he wants. “The only restriction on the Dalai Lama is that he should not indulge in politics or boundary related questions.”
On reports of construction of a dam by China across the Brahmaputra, he said “It was conveyed to us by our own experts that no such thing is happening there.”
About the issuance of visa to Indians from Jammu and Kashmir by China on a separate slip, instead of on the passport, Mr. Krishna said he told his Chinese counterpart that it should be uniform for all Indians.
Preliminary reports on the two attacks on the Indian Embassy in Kabul suggested that the perpetrators were “outsiders and not those who live in Afghanistan.”
On the Mumbai attacks, Mr. Krishna said India had provided six dossiers to Pakistan on the involvement of its nationals and Islamabad should now pursue the leads and bring them to justice.
No military involvement in Afghanistan: Antony
NEW DELHI: Indian and American armed forces may be conducting a flurry of joint war games to build `interoperability' in tune with their growing strategic ties but India remains firm that there is no question of it joining the US-led military operations either in Afghanistan or Iraq.
"I am saying categorically that there is no question of Indian military involvement in Afghanistan. I do not foresee such a situation, not now or in the future," defence minister A K Antony said on Wednesday.
India is helping Afghanistan only with humanitarian aid, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, and it will be limited to that, he added.
This comes in the backdrop of India holding its largest-ever ground combat exercise with US at Babina, near Jhansi, earlier this month. The 15-day exercise, interestingly, was codenamed `Yudh Abhyas' (preparation for war) and revolved around the use of mechanised infantry, with its combat vehicles, for counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism in semi-urban terrain.
During the exercise, on being asked whether US would like to have Indian troops helping it in Afghanistan, a top American military commander had said his troops would be comfortable operating with their Indian counterparts anywhere and anytime in the future.
The US, anxious to grab a major chunk of the lucrative Indian arms market, had undertaken `live-fire ops' of its high-tech weaponry like the Stryker infantry armoured vehicles and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) during the wargames.
Incidentally, it was the largest overseas deployment of the Strykers after Iraq and Afghanistan, with the US Army coming with 17 of the eight-wheeled armoured combat vehicles for the war games.
"I am saying categorically that there is no question of Indian military involvement in Afghanistan. I do not foresee such a situation, not now or in the future," defence minister A K Antony said on Wednesday.
India is helping Afghanistan only with humanitarian aid, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, and it will be limited to that, he added.
This comes in the backdrop of India holding its largest-ever ground combat exercise with US at Babina, near Jhansi, earlier this month. The 15-day exercise, interestingly, was codenamed `Yudh Abhyas' (preparation for war) and revolved around the use of mechanised infantry, with its combat vehicles, for counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism in semi-urban terrain.
During the exercise, on being asked whether US would like to have Indian troops helping it in Afghanistan, a top American military commander had said his troops would be comfortable operating with their Indian counterparts anywhere and anytime in the future.
The US, anxious to grab a major chunk of the lucrative Indian arms market, had undertaken `live-fire ops' of its high-tech weaponry like the Stryker infantry armoured vehicles and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) during the wargames.
Incidentally, it was the largest overseas deployment of the Strykers after Iraq and Afghanistan, with the US Army coming with 17 of the eight-wheeled armoured combat vehicles for the war games.
Post-Mumbai: 3,000 new posts for Coast Guard
Defence Minister A.K. Anthony Wednesday announced 3,000 additional posts for the Coast Guard to beef up maritime surveillance and security.
Antony said that the concept of security was changing in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack. The government would fill up vacancies on a priority basis.
'The modern day dynamics of security and geopolitics mean that the Coast Guard cannot rest on past laurels and can ill-afford to be complacent. The responsibilities on the Coast Guard have been increasing. The terror attacks on Mumbai have resulted in a bigger role for the Coast Guard,' the minister told reporters here.
The Coast Guard is in the process of acquiring 20 fast patrol vehicles (FPVs), 41 interceptor boats, 12 coastal surveillance aircraft (Dorniers) and seven off-shore patrol vehicles (OPVs).
'Work is in progress to put in place a chain of 46 coastal radars spanning nine coastal stations across the country. Also, nine new Coast Guard stations have been approved. These need to be established early,' Antony said.
He said that presently 50 ships were being constructed at various Indian shipyards, to be acquired by the various military agencies.
In the aftermath of the Mumbai attack of November 2008, the Indian Navy was made the nodal agency for the coastal security of the country's 7,516 km long shore line.
India is on the verge of implosion from within
Soon after the independence on 15 August 1947, Brahman ruled India started gobbling princely states. 365 states were made part of Indian Union many among them wanting to stay independent or become part of Pakistan. Later on, India broke Pakistan into two and guzzled Goa and Sikkim.
It also got caught up in insurgencies. Nagas followed by Mizos were among the first to demand separation in 1950s. Indian security forces have spent over 50 years combating left wing extremists, separatists and religious forces in large number of states of India where dozens of insurgencies/separatist movements are raging but have been unable to quash any. India is home to 19 insurgent movements waged by left wing extremist groups within its borders and there are hundreds of terrorist groups.
Maoist movement is raging in West Bengal, Bihar, Western Orissa, Jharkand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and several other regions.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have also now come under sway of Maoists. It is a popular movement and has massive support of people for their program and ideology. Maoists have appealed to the senses of the have-nots, who find their future in so-called democratic and shining India dark. Out of total 1.17 billion populations, over 39% of dispossessed Indians living below poverty line have hitched their wagon with Maoist movement led by Mupala Luxman Rao, which triggered in May 1969 in the form of peasant uprising in West Bengal against big Hindu landlords. They are hopeful that Maoists would bring a change in their wretched lives.
Maoist guerrillas threatened to kill Manmohan and Sonia Gandhi after the party was declared a terrorist group. They were reminded of meting the fate of Rajiv Gandhi at the hands of LTTE. In last July they gave one week notice to local Congress leaders in Jharkand to resign or be prepared to be taught a lesson. Maoists have adopted tactics of LTTE and fake Pakistani Taliban, ruthlessly killing police and govt officials, kidnapping for ransom and destroying property, attacking police stations and security check posts. There was linkage between Maoists and LTTE and latter provided them logistic support as well as training in explosives. In Chattisgarh, Naxals extort money from people to the tune of $60 million a year. 20,000 armed cadres of Maoists and around 50,000 members are active in 220 districts of country’s 608 districts (40% of Indian Territory) and 20 of 29 states. Since 2005, 1500 acts of violence by Naxals have taken place at an average of five a day and 60 killings per month.
Communist Party India (CPI-M) supported Maoists threat has been defined as India’s largest and most dangerous internal security threat. Naxalite insurgency in northeast of India known as Red Corridor has become so threatening that India is actively considering shifting 23 battalions of para-military forces from occupied Kashmir. Manmohan Singh admitted that Maoists pose biggest threat to Indian Union. India is equally disturbed about Maoist power in neighbouring Nepal where China commands strong influence. It does not rule out the possibility of Nepali Maos and Indian Maos forming a nexus duly supported by China.
Other dangerous insurgencies are in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Maghalaya, Arunchal Pradesh, Bodoland and Gujarat. Khalistan movement waged by the Sikhs is still simmering in Punjab and aversion of Sikhs against Brahman Hindus has become deep-rooted. 12 out of 14 districts in Kashmir and 54 districts in northeastern seven sister states of India have been inflamed by religious and separatists groups. Hindu-Muslim riots in India have become a norm and in each riot the Muslims are blamed as well as vandalised. Gujarat carnage of the Muslims in 2002 at the hands of extremist Hindus fuelled Islamist Jihad and gave birth to Students Islamic Movement which was banned.
India is awash with home-grown terrorist organizations. All told there are 123 separatist and insurgent movements and terrorist groups in India based on left wing extremism and none is controllable. The insurgents have now acquired sophisticated weaponry and adopted sophisticated techniques. While over 7 lacs security forces are committed in Indian Held Kashmir since 1989, same number is employed in counter insurgency operations in other parts of India. The morale of Indian army and other paramilitary forces is at its lowest ebb. Suicide cases are also on the rise. Since January 2007, 125 army personnel have committed suicides in Kashmir alone. Cases of desertions and indiscipline have touched new heights and recruitment in army has dipped very low. Senior officers are involved in corruption scandals, promiscuous activities and in rapes of junior women army officers. Army officers in India have now been found linked with Hindu extremist groups carrying out acts of terror. There is large segment in armed forces which favours Hindu Rashtra with separate constitution and hates Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Since mid eighties, Hindu extremism is constantly on the rise. Baal Thackeray, head of Shiv Sena is notorious for stoking hatred against the Muslims and for indulging in subversive activities. He has urged Hindus to prepare suicide bombers to challenge Muslim extremism. Lt Gen retired Premnath Hoon and Col retired Jayant Chitale were among the founding members of Shiv Sena. Hoon proudly claimed that he was involved in training Hindu suicide bombers. Sangh Parivar is involved in almost all terror acts in India in which Pakistan was blamed. Patronised by BJP, it runs training centres in Gujarat and Maharashtra in full knowledge of all concerned. This outfit is involved in several acts of terror in India including demolition of Babri mosque in 1992, Samjhota express bombing in February 2007, bomb attacks in Muslim heavy Magalaon and several other places.
Avidhar linked with Sangh Parivar and having serving and retired Indian army officers as members was involved in Samjhota and Malegaon incidents. Maharashtra anti-terror squad Chief Hemant Karkare had broken this network and arrested Lt Col Purohit and 11 other accused. The accused had confessed masterminding Samjhota Express bombing in which 69 Pakistanis were burnt to death and their involvement in Malegaon bomb blasts in which the victims were Indian Muslims. A charge sheet was submitted to Mumbai court on 20 January 2008 by Karkare. India refuses to punish the guilty but is pressurising Pakistan to take action against culprits of Mumbai attacks without furnishing any evidence or court conviction.
RAW uses Sangh Pariwar, RSS, Shiv Sena, VHP, Abhinov Bharat, Avidhar and other Hindu terrorist organisations for internal and external targets. RAW has set up 26 training centres in Afghanistan along our western border where Chechens, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Afghans, Arabs and dissidents from Pakistan are trained as terrorists and suicide bombers and launched into Pakistan. Services of Indian Muslims and religious scholars to run madrassas are also being utilised.
Indian caste system is one of the major reasons that India didn’t become a cohesive unit. It has 350 languages and thousands of dialects. India suffers from ethnic insurgencies, ideological terrorism and religious jihad. 3% Brahmins and its 11% supporters are hated by great majority which is suffering at their hands. Low caste Dalits who are poorest of the poor, Muslims and Sikhs are the worst sufferers; they form over 80% of the population. 150 million Indian Muslims stand brutalized, humiliated and marginalized. Christians in India have always been subjected to ruthless vandalism; latest round was in Orissa in 2008. No minority has escaped persecution of Brahmins who are bigoted and intolerant towards religious minorities. Percentage of marginalized class in India is increasing placing India among the lowest 60 countries out of 193 countries. Secularism is a farce to keep all the communities together in bondage.
Corruption has become a grave socio-politico malady as politicians, bureaucrats, armed forces act in tandem to receive kickbacks. Bofors scandal of Rs. 64 crores is pending since 1990 in which PM Rajiv Gandhi was among the accused. Tehlka Commission of Inquiry had examined and identified corruption in 15 defence deals. There is rampant corruption particularly in defence deals in which margin of commission is heavy. Public accountability is non-existent and Hindu bigotry and intolerance is constantly on the rise.
Instead of attending to the miseries of 300 million downtrodden living below poverty line who commit suicide and sell their children, wives and kidneys to survive, insensitive Indian Brahman leadership suffering from megalomania and obsessed with becoming a global power has been constantly increasing defence budget from1987/88 onwards. Apart from maintaining exceptionally heavy sized forces, over 14 lacs security forces are employed on counter insurgency operations causing severe strains on Indian economy. Ambitious nuclear and space programs are impacting its economy. Instead of utilizing its resources for the alleviation of the sufferings of under-privileged, Indian rulers are investing billions in Afghanistan and spending huge amounts on modernizing its forces and on aimless clandestine operations against its neighbors.
Belatedly, Congress led UDA government has got concerned of the Maoist threat and is girding up its loins to crush it using military force. CPI-M has strongly opposed use of military in combating naxalite terror. If army is used, in all likelihood, it would backfire since it is a populist movement of the poor and has a just cause. It may impel Naxals to resort to suicide attacks and also seek help from Nepali Maoists. Visible cracks have appeared in the Indian Union, kept united through brute force. Indian leaders are in no mood to rein in Hindu extremist forces vying for Hindutva, or assuage sufferings of minorities in India, or are prepared to cast off their evil designs against its neighbors as well as their high sounding ambitions. Given the state of hopelessness among the have-nots in India and the momentum of insurgencies and terrorist movements, India is on the verge of implosion from within.
- Asian Tribune -
India rules out deploying troops in Afghanistan, Iraq
New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) India Wednesday ruled out deploying its troops in Afghanistan and Iraq — either now or in the future.
Talking to reporters, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that despite the enhanced military-to-military ties between India and the US, there was no possibility of deploying troops in the two countries.
‘I do not foresee such a situation, not now or in the future. As far as we are concerned we are helping Afghanistan for humanitarian purpose and for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
‘I am telling you categorically that there is no question of using the military in Afghanistan or other parts,’ Antony said when he was asked if Indian troops could be sent to these countries.
India and the US undertaken one of their largest-ever ground combat joint exercises at Babina in Uttar Pradesh.
Army last resort in rebel fight: Antony
“I can tell you categorically that there was and there is no question of (Indian) military involvement (in Iraq or Afghanistan) now or in future,” he shot back when pointed out that a top US Army general had said during war games this week that “I would be comfortable going with the Indian Army anywhere, anytime”.
Indian and US army mechanised forces are currently engaged in an exercise named “Yudh Abhyas” (preparing for war) at Babina near Jhansi.
In the same breath, almost, Antony rejected cabinet colleague Mamata Banerjee’s demand for an immediate deployment of the army in Lalgarh but said the Centre had intensified its monitoring of measures against Maoists.
The army was to be used only as “a last, last, last resort”. The army can only be called to aid the civil authority after a state government has requested.
In Bengal, despite the rejection of Mamata’s request, the issue of using the army against Naxalites is still open in the ruling CPM but not as favoured by its partners in the Left Front government.
CPM state secretariat member Benoy Konar had said in Calcutta on September 25: “Let the Centre decide and put the proposal before the state. But there is little scope for debate on this issue among us. The Maoists are operating as a regular army and they can be dealt with effectively by an army response.”
That was before the Maoists had abducted police officer Atindranath Dutta and the PCPA picketed the Rajdhani Express — both events hammering into Writers’ Buildings and North Block that security forces in Lalgarh have a long way to go. Antony said: “The government is aware of the seriousness of the Naxalite threat.” He even used the word “alarming” once but indicated that the Centre felt it had not yet crossed the threshold beyond which New Delhi would have to push the army into the troubled zones.
Antony’s re-statement today of not deploying army boots on the ground in the offensive against Naxalites reflects the views of the armed forces top brass. The Indian Air Force is already involved in the offensive and is set to create a task force for the purpose.
With heavy deployments in Jammu and Kashmir and in the Northeast, the army top brass are worried about being over-stretched if called to do duty in the hinterland.
But the defence minister has left the question open on what the Centre would do if the Bengal — or any other state — government were to formally request for army assistance.
“Law and order is the responsibility of the state governments and we are there only to give support. Whether in Bengal or any other area, our view is that employing armed forces for internal security is the last resort,” he said.
Antony was replying after being asked for his response to Mamata Banerjee’s request to the Union home minister P. Chidambaram in Delhi on Tuesday. The Trinamul leader and railway minister said she had told the home minister: “Don’t use the assistance of the state government to combat Maoists. Only use the army for the task.”
Contrasting with Antony’s qualified statement on using the army in internal security “only as a last resort” was his categorical denial of the suggestion that Indian troops may operate alongside US forces in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. The question arose because of the largest army exercise now on with troops, tanks and armoured vehicles.
Dhruv helicopter crash; HAL team in Ecuador
New Delhi: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has asked its team in Ecuador to look into the reasons behind the crash of a Dhruv helicopter during a military parade in Quito today in which two pilots were injured.
"Our team is stationed in Ecuador to support their Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet and it is looking into the reasons behind the crash," HAL spokesperson Anantha Krishnan said over phone from Bengaluru.
"We don't have any further details of the incident," he added.
After the crash, Ecuadorian authorities grounded their fleet of the remaining six ALHs, a report from Ecuador said.
The chopper was destroyed in the accident and the crew members, who had trained in India, were injured, it added.
An ALH helicopter crashed before the start of the Aero India exhibition in 2007, killingpilot.
Ecuador had procured seven ALHs from India and one of them was being used in their Presidential fleet also. In 2005, Indian armed forces had grounded the ALH fleet after one of the choppers made a forced landing due to problems in its tail rotors.
"Our team is stationed in Ecuador to support their Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet and it is looking into the reasons behind the crash," HAL spokesperson Anantha Krishnan said over phone from Bengaluru.
"We don't have any further details of the incident," he added.
After the crash, Ecuadorian authorities grounded their fleet of the remaining six ALHs, a report from Ecuador said.
The chopper was destroyed in the accident and the crew members, who had trained in India, were injured, it added.
An ALH helicopter crashed before the start of the Aero India exhibition in 2007, killingpilot.
Ecuador had procured seven ALHs from India and one of them was being used in their Presidential fleet also. In 2005, Indian armed forces had grounded the ALH fleet after one of the choppers made a forced landing due to problems in its tail rotors.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
