July - Constitution Club of India

central hall
M A G A Z I N E
O F
T H E
PA R L I A M E N T A R I A N S
V O L U M E 2 : I S S U E 2 : P R I C E R s . 2 0 0 . 0 0 O F
I N D I A
J U LY 2 0 1 2
Summer
Special
Holiday Diaries of MPs
CONTENTS
Feedback
Inside
4
Dr. Vinay Pande, MP
It was a great experience to share
about myself with ‘Central Hall’
team through a short interview,
which mentions about being
an agriculturist and a PhD in
Paleobotany, about how I entered
into politics and some of my likes
and dislikes.
A New Identity and Celebration at Midnight
9
Excerpts from the Constituent Assembly Debates
Rooted in Culture
Interview with Bhakta Charan Das, MP
10
Andhra Platter: Hot Curries, Biryanis
& Much more
14 Heady with ‘Madhushala’
5
Holiday Diaries
Cuisines of Andhra Pradesh
Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, MP
I felt very nice when I could write
and share about my state Madhya
Pradesh’s cuisine through the
Central Hall magazine.
Dr. B. L. Shankar, Former MP
It is an effort to present
Parliamentarians in its right
perspective and at the same time
make the magazine informative,
educative. I ‘am happy to write an
article for the special issue based
on 60 years of our Parliament.
Anurag Singh Thakur, MP
It was good to share pictures and
details of the Indo - UK Cricket
Match at Dharamshala through
Central Hall Magazine. As captain
of Indian MPs team, I feel proud of
the coverage.
Luminary - Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan,
Former Member of Parliament
Virender Kashyap, MP
Central Hall, the magazine
of Parliamentarians of India
publishes informative issues and
events of the Parliament with the
effort of the editorial team. While
going through various articles and
columns many unforgettable and
eventful activities are reported
which definitely makes members
more enlightened.
Cover Story : Holiday Experiences of Our MPs
Cover Photo Courtesy: Pranab Pande, Back cover: Ekta Purohit
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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Members of the
Editorial Advisory Board
Shahid Siddiqui, Former MP
D. Raja, MP
Dr. Bharatkumar Raut, MP
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, MP
Hannan Mollah, Former MP
M. Mohan, MP
H K Dua, MP
Shobhana Bhartia,
Former MP
Madhu Goud Yaskhi, MP
Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, MP
Dr. Chandan Mitra, MP
Balbir Punj, MP
Rajeev Shukla
MoS for
Parliamentary Affairs
Arvind Kumar (Manager)
Santosh K Joy (Sr. Research Associate)
Farhana Yasmin (Research Associate)
Madhu Sen (Review Editor)
Ravi Kapoor (Editorial Assistance)
Ekta Purohit (Administrative Assistant)
Design
Anando Dutta
Meghna Baruah
DISCLAIMER: CENTRAL HALL TEAM OWES NO
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COLUMNS. IT IS SOLELY THE
AUTHORS’ VIEWPOINT. ADVERTORIAL CAMPAIGNS
AND ADVERTISEMENTS OF THE CONCERNED
COMPANY IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE THEME OF
CENTRAL HALL.
I
n this anti-politician mood, I am making
a bold departure by suggesting that the
parliamentarians should be provided with
better facilities to improve functioning. As an
emerging global power on the strategic and
economic fronts, I think that when we have
adopted the West minster style of democracy,
we should not hesitate in providing our elected
representatives with facilities. I also wish to
emphasize that when the judiciary that has the
constitutional power to review the laws passed
by the parliamentarians is beyond the pale of
any review when it comes to arrangements that
facilitate its functioning, the same logic should
be applicable to parliamentarians in the first
place.
The noise that is made about the perks and
privileges of the parliamentarians and the costs
involved as well as the argument that they are
the only ones who give themselves a pay hike is
necessary component of a liberal democracy. But
then it should be left at that, and should not be
allowed to become an impediment in improving
our functioning.
The fact is that most parliamentarians
are ill-equipped to discharge their legislative
responsibility. They have hardly any access to
quality secretarial assistance or legal advice.
Coming from the grass roots, they have a better
understanding and grasp of the issues that
concern the masses, but they hardly have the
expertise and the experience to navigate through
the maze of established government procedures
and practices. So, they run into several hurdles
as they make their attempts to address these
problems.
Not for a moment, I am suggesting that
they should be paid more money. My proposal
is simple. The two Houses should have a pool
of experienced professionals who can provide
Vijay J Darda
MP & Member of
Editorial Advisory
Board, Central Hall
quality assistance to the members. They should
be in the service of the respective secretariats,
and should be assigned to every individual
member. We should not have miserly approach
on this subject, and create a substantial pool
of manpower trained in parliamentary work
to improve the functioning of the biggest
democracy in the world.
To provide functional efficiency, the MPs
should also have an office in the parliamentary
premises. In so far as legal advice is concerned,
it could be outsourced through the respective
secretariats. In case an MP takes legal advice
from an expert while formulating a particular
Bill, the payment to the latter should be directly
made by the Parliament. Such a facility is
being provided to parliamentarians in many
countries of the world. These suggestions are
realistic, as in the existing arrangement where
an MP gets Rs.30,000 per month for secretarial
assistance is pretty inadequate. Is it possible to
run a secretariat with all modern gadgets and
facilities with such a meager amount? Moreover,
the MP has to run at least two offices, and if you
have to get at least one sufficiently experienced
and trained person for each of these offices, the
talent available leaves much to be desired. I wish
to re-emphasize that this is not a suggestion for
increasing the emoluments of the MPs, but a
quest for ensuring that they are able to perform
better and make a quality contribution to the
debates and processes of the Parliament.
(Central Hall will have one member of the Advisory Board writing to us every month in the above space)
Your feedback about the magazine is
valuable. We would be glad to incorporate
your suggestions and publish your write-up.
Please write to us or e-mail:
[email protected]
The Constitution Club of India,
3, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001
For subscription contact: circulation@
centralhall.in Ph:23711849, 23327337
For advertisement and sponsorship contact:
Sanil Kumar at [email protected]
Ph: +91 11 23711849, 23327337;
www.constclub.com, www.centralhall.in
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PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
S
PECIAL MENTIONS (Rules 180A to 180E of Rules of
Procedure)
(i) Special Mention is yet another device through which a
Member can raise issue of public importance pertaining to
national, State or a specific place. At the commencement of
each Session, Members are informed about the procedure to
be followed in regard to Special Mentions. A Member who
desires to make a Special Mention has to give notice in writing
in the prescribed form (Form No. RSL4) by 5.00 p.m. on the day
preceding the day on which he desires to mention the matter.
Notices on subjects that have not been selected for a particular
day are carried forward for consideration of the Chairman for
the next day. Notices which are not selected during the week for
which they have been given, lapse at the end of the week and no
intimation thereof is given to the Member who had given the
notices. Those Members who are desirous to revive their notice(s)
for the following week may do so by giving a fresh notice.
(ii) In order that a notice may be admissible, it should be
accompanied by the text of the Special Mention not exceeding
250 words; should not refer to a matter which is not primarily
the concern of the Government of India; should not refer to a
matter which has been discussed in the same session or which is
substantially identical to the matter already raised by a Member
under rules governing Special Mentions during that session; should
not raise more than one issue; should not pertain to trivial matters;
should not contain arguments, inferences, ironical expressions,
imputations, epithets or defamatory statements; should not
relate to matters which are under adjudication by a Court of law
having jurisdiction in any part of India; should be restricted to a
matter of recent occurrence; should not refer to proceedings of
a parliamentary/ consultative committee; should not refer to the
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Content Courtesy
www.rajyasabha.nic.in
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conduct or character of persons except in their public capacity;
and should not refer discourteously to a friendly foreign country.
The conditions of admissibility are contained in Rule 180B of
the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council
of States.
(iii) A Member should not give more than two notices for one
sitting. All the notices received up to 5.00 p.m. are arranged
according to date and point of time and placed before the
Chairman for his consideration on day to day basis. The
Chairman’s decision regarding granting the permission is
communicated to the Member concerned in the House during
Question Hour by returning the notice and the approved text
with the remarks“HC has permitted.” Members are permitted to
read only the approved text of the Special Mention when called
upon by the Chair. Speeches made beyond the approved text do
not form part of the debate. Any Member who wishes to associate
with 31 a particular Special Mention may do so by merely stating
“I associate” and is not permitted to make any speech thereon.
(iv) Special Mentions, when permitted for a day, are generally
taken up immediately after paper laying in the House and Matters
Raised with Permission, if any.
(v) Replies to Special Mentions are required to be
furnished to the Members concerned with a copy
each endorsed to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat
and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs under the
signatures of the Minister concerned, within
a month of their being raised. Ministry of
Parliamentary Affairs is the nodal agency for
monitoring and follow up action in regard to
matters raised under Special Mentions.
A PAGE FROM HISTORY
A New Identity &
Celebrations At Mid-night
Excerpts from the Constituent Assembly
Debates
T
hursday, the 31st July
1947 - Our first President
Dr. Rajendra Prasad
then Announced proceedings
regarding the National Flag
and preparation for the function
on 15th of August 1947.
Mr. President (Dr. Rajendra
Prasad): Before we disperse, I
have some announcement to
make. There was notice of a
resolution by Rajkumari Amrit
Kaur about Khadi being used
for the National Flag. The
notice of the resolution came,
at a time when we could not
call a meeting of the Steering
Committee, and so we could
not place it before the House.
But I may inform the House
that so far as this Constituent
Assembly is concerned, there
will be no Flag used which
is made of anything else but
Khadi. It is also the policy of
the Government which has
been communicated to the
Provincial Governments also
that all National Flags should
be made only of Khadi that is
to say, of hand-spun and handwoven cloth, whether it is of
cotton, of wool, or’ silk or of
any other material.
Yesterday, the House
passed a resolution asking me
to appoint a Committee to
prepare a draft constitution
for the Chief Commissioners’
provinces, and I have pleasure
in announcing that I have
appointed the following
Committee for that purpose:
Sir N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar,
Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya,
Mr. K. Santhanam, Mr.
Deshbandhu Gupta, Mr.
Mukut Bihari Lal Bhargava, Mr.
C.H. Poonadha, Mr. Hussain
Imam.
There is one other
important matter to which
reference was made in the
earlier part of the debate with
regard to which I have to make
certain announcements, i.e.,
the Function on the 15th. The
programme which we have
thought of is this:
That on the night of the
14th and 15th just at midnight,
we have a session of this
House, and at that time just
as the clock strikes twelve, we
either start our Proceedings or
end our Proceedings by which
we take power under the New
Act which has been passed
and either by a Resolution or
otherwise, we authorise the
Leader of the House to proceed
to Lord Mount batten and
to request him to accept the
Governor Generalship and thus
regularise his appointment
as Governor-General as being
made at our request and the
Leader of the House will
also communicate to him at
that hour the names of the
Members of the Cabinet, which
he will constitute. That will be
the Proceeding at night. The
next morning we have a session
of this House at 10 o’clock here
and that will be attended by
the Governor-General and here
we shall have some sort of a
formal ceremony-the actual
handing over of power to us.
Mr. M. S. Aney: On the 15th?
Mr. President: That would
be the midnight of the 14th and
the early morning of 15th.
Shri Balkrishan Sharma
(United Provinces: General):
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, first President of India
That will be our D Day.
Mr. President: As regards
the details of the programme
for the night session or for
the morning session, we have
not yet worked out all the
details, but I propose to work
out the details in consultation
with Members like Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru and some
others who will be available
here.
Mr. B. Das (Orissa:
General): What about the
Finance Committee in regard
to financial distribution?
Mr. President: Let me first
complete this thing.
As regards the admission
of visitors, as Members are
aware, we have very limited
accommodation in this
House. There has been a
demand made on behalf of
Members, that we should
allow them to bring their own
guests, of course, under the
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ordinary conditions of cards
being issued by us. It will be
necessary also to invite to that
function representatives of
foreign countries who are here,
the Consular representatives
and others and some of the
higher Civil and Military
authorities of the Government
of India will have also to be
invited. The Press will naturally
like to be present in full
strength on that occasion. It
will therefore be very difficult
to accommodate all who
desire to come and attend the
function, but I hope the House
will leave it to us to work out
some programme by which we
shall accommodate, as fairly
and equitably as possible, as
many as we can.
Content Courtesy: www.
loksabha.nic.in
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HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Holiday Diaries
Holiday Experiences of MPs
Holiday - A word that conjures up a feeling of much wanted break from
the daily grind, scenic surroundings, laughter and bonding with near and
dear ones. ‘Central Hall’ brings to you some nostalgic holiday moments of
Parliamentarians. Read on…
Shailendra Kumar, MP (Centre) with his colleague Vijay Bahadur Singh , MP
(Left) and wife Usha S. Kumar (Right) during his trip to North-East India
Tranquil Charm of the
North-East
I
t is very tough to take out some time from our
hectic schedule for spending vacations with
our family, but it is necessary to have outings to
refresh ourselves
The north-east part of India always attracts me
and so I went for a small vacation with my family
to Assam and Manipur in 2010. Assam is the land
of river ‘Brahmaputra’ and we enjoyed boating on
its mighty water expanse. Surprisingly there was
a shop by the name “Allahabad Pan Bhandar” and
I had a ‘pan’ from there which tasted exactly like
Allahabad Pan. We also went to Imphal and my wife
liked the climate of that area very much. Shopping
in ‘Police Bazaar’ of Shillong and ‘Pauna Bazaar’ of
Imphal made our trip the most memorable one. We
bought handicraft items made by tribal people. I was
very impressed and watched them make beautiful
baskets, small toys, wall hangings and many other
things. All this attracted and compelled me and my
wife to buy all these items. The tranquility of all
these places made my vacation to the north-east
unforgettable.
Shailendra Kumar, MP
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Assam, India
Police Bazaar, Shillong,
Meghalaya, India
HOLIDAY DESTINATION
The Mountain Calls
J.P. Agarwal, MP with his
friends in Moscow, Russia
Above & Below: J. P. Agarwal, MP
with his wife and family members
in China, view of the Great Wall of
China
M
y favourite holiday destination has always remained
hilly regions because of my 150 years association with
Srinagar (Garhwal), as my great grandfather was from
Srinagar. So mountains and hilly areas always attract me. My most
favourite places are Mussourie, Gangotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath,
Chaukhatia, Joshimath etc. I love to drive myself all the way
through the zig zag and up & down roads with my family. In my
eyes, these are the most beautiful and scenic places. Apart from
these I have travelled widely including China, Canada, Russia etc.,
and there too I had some of my best experiences of visiting the
magnificent and ancient Great Wall of China, the amazing and
eye catching Niagara falls and snowfall in Moscow city at night.
J. P. Agarwal, MP with his wife Sarita
Agarwal in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
J.P. Agarwal, MP
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HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Assam: Land of Love, Beauty
and Valour
W
hen it comes to my favourite holiday destination there
are so many places that come to my mind. Majuli-the
only biggest river island in the world in Assam, Barpeta
- where the great Vaishnavite philosopher and reformer spent 21
years of his golden life and wrote most of his philosophical epics,
Kaziranga – the home of the one-horned rhino,`Assam`s pride`Pobitora National Park, the Manas National Tiger Project, and
many more such destination of Assam is like paradise revisited.
Among those I love to visit the most is Pobitora Wildlife
Sanctuary, which stands beside the mighty Brahmaputra and
situated about 50 Km from Guwahati connecting it by roads.
Nearly an hour’s drive from Guwahati through a semi hilly terrain,
the road passes by the renowned `magical village`- Mayong. It is
famous for the one-horned rhinos, leopards, deer and home to
around 2000 migratory birds and reptiles. The natural beauty of
the sanctuary is really mesmerizing and the scenic view of the
roadside while you roam around the forest areas is a virtual treat
to the eyes.
I would suggest anyone who comes to me to take a tour of the
beautiful destinations in Assam to get a real and amazing view of
how nature and mankind live in close proximity only witnessed
here. I am sure it will be a life-time experience and will be
something to be cherished.
Kumar Deepak Das, MP in Gulmarg,
Jammu & Kashmir, India
Apart from Assam, I also find mountainous regions like
Kashmir very fascinating. I and my family visit such places
whenever we get an opportunity.
Kumar Deepak Das, MP
Kumar Deepak Das, MP with his family at
Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India
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HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Andaman: Sun Kissed Island & Blue Bay
Pradeep Jain, MoS with his family at
Andaman Islands, India
I
’ve been to many places in India as a minister for meetings
or as a father on a family trip but the most fascinating place I
found when I was on both a family trip and a meeting was the
Andamans.
As our flight was hovering over the island I could see the
untamed blue water and vegetation all over the islands. On
landing I could breathe the freshness in the air, the smell of rain
over mud, 22.c , light showers and this was just the beginning.
As we were heading towards our rest house, I found out that this
place was mini India in the true sense. People from all over the
country were here that created a multilingual and multicultural
commune. One could find idli dosa as well Mughlai served on
the same table. Since we were already running behind schedule
my daughter insisted to leave soon for Havelock in the island
and so there were we, on a beautiful hatch crossing the great Bay
of Bengal. That 2 Hrs. journey was one of the most captivating
experience I’ve ever had. We were actually spellbound by the
serene beauty of deep blue sea, occasional splashes and quaver
would break the silence and there I fulfilled my childhood dream
of sailing, though only briefly. On reaching Havelock we were
welcomed by a light house of the imperial era and crystal clear
water surrounded with turquoise rocks. The whole expanse was
so pristine, clear sunny sky with sounds of waves and birds all
around, away from the ill of modern civilization. I was amazed
to find that places like this still exist. After that we went straight
to Radha Krishna beach where hardly 20-30 people could be
seen. I tried my luck at crossing the waves while my children
were busy making sand castles and collecting shells and stones.
The water was cold and as clear as Ganges and with the palm
trees and sunset around it couldn’t get any better. It was once in
a life time experience to watch the sun set, which seemed as if it
was submerging into the sea turning the whole horizon orange.
After that we walked to our resort barefooted and had dinner
and since they had blackout after 11 p.m. we all set up a camp fire
and cooked noodles under the sky with the cool breeze blowing
and stars twinkling as bright as one can imagine and that’s how
we celebrated our new year’s eve 2011, making it one of the best
family holiday ever.
Pradeep Jain, MoS, Rural Development
Pradeep Jain, MoS with his family at
Andaman Islands, India
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INTERVIEW
from general seat. The more
you learn about the culture
and natural wealth of Orissa,
more fascinating it gets. This
interview would be too short
for that.
Bhakta Charan Das, MP with his
wife Sunanda Das
Rooted in Culture
Interview with Bhakta Charan Das, MP
For a better understanding of the tribal situation, Central Hall,
once again made it happen - the rare occasion when we got to read
the mind of a senior politician on issues ranging from politics to
personal preferences. A tete - e - tete with Bhakta Charan Das, senior
MP and an authority on tribal issues in the country.
Q.: Sir, welcome to
Constitution Club of India and
it would be a pleasure for our
readers to know more about
the path you took in ascending
the political ladder.
I started questioning
discrepancies in the society at
a very early age. My student
life was also a bit different
and worked on varied issues
including forest conservation
movements, which was a
learning experience. In 1979,
I joined ‘Chatra Sangharsh
Vahini’ founded by Jaiprakash
Narain and the organization
was active in taking up cases
of injustice inflicted on people
in the area. The experience of
being part of the movement to
distribute land to the landless
in Bodh Gaya was tremendous.
In 1985, I joined Janta Party
and became member of Orissa
Legislative Assembly. Later
in 1989, I contested for MP
and was appointed as Union
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Minister of State for Railways
in 1989 and later joined the
Indian National Congress.
better vigor with the Gandhian
thoughts which is all about
working for the needy amidst us.
Q.: Issues of the tribal
population in our country has
been very dear to you. Tell us
more about it.
My strive for rights of the
tribal started long back and
education to the community
was one of the major areas of
focus. I visited the Nyamgiri
Q.: Tell us more about the
fascinating state of Orissa?
I would love to share more
about my home state and let
my colleagues in Parliament
know about the beauty of the
state. Orissa is divided into
three major geographic regions
namely western, southern and
The more you learn about the culture
and natural wealth of Orissa, more
fascinating it gets.
Hills on several occasions and
also lived with the Dongaria
tribal community for a while
in that area to understand
their issues. It was a learning
experience. Working for them
adds to my strength as it gives
me more reason to stand with
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coastal region. Each region
has different class of people
like General, Tribal, Dalits and
OBC and all coexist amicably
and work towards building the
state. I am a Dalit by caste but
it would be surprising for many
to know that I won election
Q.: Please share something
about your family and your
struggles so far?
The financial condition was a
bottleneck in active political
work. Despite all limitations,
my mother and some friends
supported me during those lean
days. My mother is an inspiring
figure to me. She prayed for
my work till her last breath
and I still feel her presence
in everything I do. I have no
hesitation to say that on some
occasions my text books were
bought to me by my friends. I
am blessed with a supportive
family. My wife and my two
sons are by my side when I
require them the most.
Q.: Our readers would like
to know more about your
interests and hobbies.
Most people may not know this,
I like to sing and I sing patriotic
songs with much pleasure and
pride. I use my free time to
write articles and reading the
Bhagwad Gita. With time, I
have developed a good group of
friends and spend as much time
as possible with them in leisure.
Q.: Your thoughts and views
about CCI and ‘Central Hall’
magazine?
I am very impressed by the
way Constitution Club of
India has been maintained and
managed for the lawmakers of
the country. I am specifically
interested about CCI’s literary
activities, events and research
assistance provided to us. I
am a regular with the salon
and spa of the club and like
the service quality. Nowadays
CCI has fast become a hub for
MPs to sit down and chat. My
appreciation for your magazine
and the club facilities and
wishes for the administrators
and office bearers.
INDIAN CUISINE
Andhra Platter: Hot Curries, Biryanis & Much More
From the Kitchens of Andhra Pradesh
To know why people go slurp, chomp and lick on Andhra food remains a
mystery. Andhra Platter of Hot Curries, Briyani’s and Much More. Read on...
T
Nama Nageshwar
Rao, MP, Andhra
Pradesh
he southern part of India starts with
the state of Andhra Pradesh. Andhra
is divided into three different regions;
Coastal, Rayalseema and Telangana. Every
region has its own specialty in different aspects
including cuisine.
Nama Nageshwar Rao, MP from Khammam
(Andhra Pradesh) shares some of the regional
food habits of Andhra Pradesh.
The specialty of Andhra food lies in its
wide range in vegetarian and non-vegetarian
delicacies. People start their day with Idli &
Dosa with Sambhar at breakfast. “Pesarattu”
(prepared with moong dal filling with ‘upma’)
and “Pulihara”(prepared with tamarind and rice)
with ‘Mirch ka salan’ and Gongoora, an aromatic
green chutney are favorite dishes savoured by
the people here.
In coastal region sea food is preferred like
prawns and fish. Fish curry in sesame and
coconut oil grounded with pepper is eaten with
rice, along with prawn pickle.
Andhra cuisine is incomplete without
the mention of Hyderabad “Biryanis”. It is
prepared with rice and meat and its rich spicy
flavor comes with exotic spices and seasoning.
Although we can find ‘Biryanis’ in every area of
Hyderabad, but Hyderabad House, Four Seasons
and restaurants close to ‘Charminar’ are famous
for its outstandingly tasty ‘Biryanis’ are also
being exported abroad from Hyderabad. Apart
from these, other popular non-vegetarian dishes
are ‘Kababs’ such as ‘Lagan–ke-Kabab, Seekh
kabab and ‘Sheer Korma’. So, come and enjoy the
irresistible and mouth watering hot and spicy
food of Andhra Pradesh.
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SHIKSHA
SAMBAL
VEDANTA’S HINDUSTAN
ZINC BRIDGING GAPS
IN RURAL SCHOOLS
EDUCATION
Urvashi in the Class
I
was realizing what health and medical facilities mean to villagers. It is said,
prevention is better then cure, but here the villagers need only ‘care’. We
reached Chanchal’s house and as I had promised her, I shall be staying at
her place tonight; after all she had prepared makkai ke roti and raab for me.
As we entered her house, we were greeted by her daughter `Kapila’. I was
curious to know what she was doing in her education. On my enquiring
she informed me that she has done her B.Ed and was now preparing for
competitive examinations. I was impressed to see her confidence and the
way she was conversing with me. Kapila introduced me to her cousin sister
`Urvashi’ who had come from Gulabpura, district Bhilwara to stay with her
for two days. Urvashi was studying in a government school in class 12th. She
had to leave tomorrow as she had her school.
We all had dinner together, served by Kapila and Urvashi. I came to know
that both of them had cooked it for me. I was touched.
Schools in deep rural areas have their own challenges in terms of
providing education to students. First and the foremost, it is difficult to
convince villagers to send their children to schools, particularly the girls. The
discrimination still lives. Secondly, it is evenly difficult to get qualified and
experienced teachers. Finally, even if you get both, the infrastructure in the
schools needs to change.
Perhaps, Urvashi must have gone through the same process of struggle. On
the pretext to ask how her education was going, I touched upon the issue of
quality of the schools. ‘The government has provided schools in deep rural
areas and that is really commendable. But the point is how well these schools
are equipped to provide quality education’, she started. ‘The schools have
building but infrastructure needs upgradation. The teachers are not available
for certain subjects and thus either we have to leave those subjects and choose
the subjects available in the school or even change our stream of education’,
she continued.
It did not sound new to me. Schools have subjects but no teachers at all?
How could this happen? May be it was for a temporary period but what
happens in case of students appearing for board examination. Urvashi
confirmed that I was right. The biggest problem comes to students of class
10th to 12th who have their future on the line.
I was eager to know what had happened to her and how she managed.
Urvashi started, `while I was in 9th class I had the dream of pursuing science
and then be either engineer or architect. My school is in Hurda, a place about
15 minutes distance from Gulabpura. I was searching for a school which can
provide me Physics, Chemistry and Maths, the combination. Unfortunately
there was no school offering such combination. On finding more, I came to
know that even if the schools were keen to offer these subjects, the teachers
were unavailable.’
My obvious thought was, does it mean, no students could pursue science
in this combination? This was quite disturbing as it meant future for these
students who have limited means of livelihood were not to struggle for
education as well.
I asked Urvashi about the options available to a student who still wished to
pursue science with Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
`The circumstances left hardly any choice. Either, we change our subjects,
or be ready to leave our houses and search for schools in cities like Ajmer
or Vijayanagar, the nearby developed cities, to get the subjects of our choice’
Urvashi informed.
I was wondering about the life in such villages. Government is an institution
In continuation of my story ‘Health & Medical Facilities inVillages’ in June 2012 issue
and is of course very keen to provide the best possible facilities in village
schools. But you do need the support of people, here, teachers, to run these
schools in most successful manners. It is like government sanctions a post of
teacher but it becomes difficult to find an incumbent.
But then, what is the solution. I was wishing if the organizations like Vedanta
group company Hindustan Zinc also thought on these lines as well.
As we were talking, Kapila joined us, `oh so you narrating your empathy of
school subjects’, we could not stop laughing. I addressed my question to
Chanchal, `Urvashi did not find her subjects in her school, don’t you think
her future is spoiled?’ Before Chanchal could reply, Urvashi interrupted me,
`who said my future is spoiled, I am studying the subjects that I wanted to
study’. I was confused.
Kapila explained me, `her school did have the problems of getting the
teachers in certain subjects and Maths happened to be one of them but
her problem was resolved. `Meaning, the school finally got the teacher’, I
enquired. `No’ came the reply, the solution came from our Hindustan Zinc.
It was my turn to smile now. I was wondering how much attachment these
people have with the company.
Urvashi informed me that while we were wondering what to do, one of
the company people from Hindustan Zinc approached our principal. He
informed that under the company’s community service initiatives, there is
a project called `Shiksha Sambal’ under which the company will arrange
to provide remedial classes to students appearing for Rajasthan Board
Examination, i.e. students of 10th to 12th classes. This project is aimed to
provide special subject classes like Maths, Science, Political Science, English
and Accounts.
Students studying in Remedial Class
But what is the point of teaching these subjects if the school does not
count these subjects as part of their course curriculum, I asked. Urvashi
smiled, `who said school did not count these subjects in their course curriculum’? Once Hindustan Zinc arranged these remedial classes, the schools
came forward and regularized these subjects as part of their regular course
curriculum. These classes became at par with regular classes in the school.
Astonishing, it is just simply unbelievable. An organization gets in the teacher
from external sources and provides regular classes to students appearing for
board examination so that they not only improve their grade but also go for
streams which they actually want to.
`But from where these teachers came? When schools were unable to get
teachers, how come Hindustan Zinc arranged them?’, I asked. Urvashi
informed that Hindustan Zinc contacted the educated youths in the near-by
villages who were unemployed and struggling to get jobs, in spite of getting a
good degree.
I wanted to believe every word that she was saying. On one hand the
problem of students was being resolved and on the other hand, the unemployed youths were getting employment. Perhaps some of them must
have taken teaching as their profession later. I was inclined to meet students
and ascertain myself before I could conclude anything.
ADVERTORIAL
Urvashi sensed my restlessness. She smiled, `I know it is difficult to believe.
Let’s go to my school in Gulabpura tomorrow, as such I am leaving tomorrow
morning’. I agreed, perhaps this is what I only wanted.
Even though the day was quite satisfying, the sleep only understand tiredness.
I slept to be woken by Chanchal at 5.00 AM. It was time to leave for Gulabpura. About 2 hours of travelling and we reached Urvashi’s school – the
Rajkiya Uach Madhyameek Vidyalaya, Hurda. She introduced me to her
Principal, Dr. Rupa Pareek.
Dr. Rupa seemed quite grateful to Hindustan Zinc for the helping hand
in a structured manner as the Shiksha Sambal project has been running
successfully for the past about 4 years now. The Shiksha Sambal project
has been introduced under the Self Finance Scheme and is being funded
by Hindustan Zinc. The teachers are also appointed by Hindustan Zinc.
Dr. Rupa was proud to mention that her school has now the distinction of
being the only government school in the nearby villages that offers Physics,
Chemistry and Maths.
Dr. Rupa also informed that Hindustan Zinc also arranges for career
counseling and special attention is given to weaker students. `I do not need
private coaching classes for my students any more’, she proudly mentioned.
The company has also provided help in building infrastructure like physics
lab, library, playground, computer lab and even class rooms. To strengthen
the computer education, Hindustan Zinc has provided 5 computers.
But what about the result, I asked her?
`Oh that has been just unbelievable. In 2007-08 the grades were less than
40% and now the students touch upon 90-92%.
Urvashi’s friends (from right) Pooja, Aditi and Anita
Urvashi took me to her class where I could see about 50 students. Urvashi
introduced me to some of her friends who were also from Gulabpura. Pooja
informed that she wants to become engineer and Aditi wants to become
Doctor. Anita wants to become an architect like Urvashi. The stories of all
girls seemed same as they would have either left the education due to house
pressures or left the city to pursue their dreams, if Hindustan Zinc had not
come forward to provide these remedial classes.
I could not find Urvashi as she had mixed up with her friends in the class.
Hindustan Zinc is reaching out to more than 50 schools in about 35 villages
in Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Udaipur and by now more than
5000 students have been benefited. The pass percentage of schools which
was just about 45% in 2007 has gone up to 85-87% now.
One question that kept me awake whole night was, what if you don’t get
a partner in prosperity like Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc to partner with the
government’s vision of bringing prosperity in rural and tribal areas?
When you see the smiling and satisfied faces of these children, who are
budding for their career, you actually appreciate and understand the healthy
relationship between private and government sector.
It was time to leave.. My Journey will continue….
Send your feedback to [email protected]
EXPLORING INDIA
Mukut Mithi, MP
Arunachal Pradesh:
The Charming Land of the Rising Sun
Arunachal Pradesh, the land at the farthest corner of India is close
to heavens itself. Virgin mountain trails, humming chants from the
monasteries, formidable mountain inclines can take the breath away
of any visitor to the place...
F
rom my childhood, I was enamoured by the beauty of
my state, Arunachal Pradesh. Even today, after traveling
to many beautiful destinations across the globe, I am
fascinated by the breathtaking charm of my ‘Land of the Rising
Sun’. Whether it is high-altitude Sela Pass in picturesque Tawang
district or lush green forests of Mayudia near Roing, my state
offers a lot to those who wish to venture out in Eastern Himalayas.
Nestled at a height of 13,800 feet, Sela Pass in Tawang district
has a wonderful landscape. Every time I drive from Tezpur in
Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, the lofty hills always
fascinate me. Summers are not usually cold, but if one travels
in winter, mind it, temperature dips down to minus 10 degree
Celsius!
Another fascinating place is the Ziro valley of the Apatanis.
It is here one can enjoy witnessing the rare practice of paddycum-fish culture. Rearing fish in paddy fields is the hallmark
of Apatani tribe. One should not miss out nearby biodiversity
hot-spot --- Talley Valley. It is covered with giant silver fir trees,
orchids and several varieties of bamboo.
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One of my favorite places is Mayudia pass near Roing in Lower
Dibang Valley. Every time I visit there, I enjoy the charm of
looking at the spectacular scene of nearby all weather snow capped
mountain range of Sirundi, the scene of Hunli town at a distant
and the meandering Dibang River and Brahmaputra valley.
There are many more beautiful spots in Arunachal Pradesh,
but I can’t end without mentioning about Namti Valley. It houses
Walong area which is still known for the battle of Walong where
Indian Army fought with Chinese soldiers in 1962.
Lines inscribed in a war memorial
at Walong:
The sentinel hills that round us stand
bear witness that we loved our land…
LUMINARY
Dr. Harivansh Rai
Bachchan, Former MP,
Rajya Sabha and Poet
“Mai kitna hi bhulu, bhatku
ya bharmau, Hai ek kahin
Manzil jo mujhe bulati hai,
Kitne hi mere pav pade ucheniche, Pratipal vah mere pas
chali hi aati hai”
Heady with
‘Madhushala’
Luminary –Dr. Harivansh Rai
Bachchan, Former Member of
Parliament
With this edition ‘Central Hall’ brings a new column ‘Luminary’ to its
readers in which we feature great Parliamentarians. We begin with
our country’s great Poet and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan
with his son actor Amitabh
Bachchan, Former MP
D
r. Harivansh Rai Bachchan was born in Allahabad and did
his schooling in the municipal school and simultaneously
followed the family tradition of attending Kayasth
Paathshalas. Later on he studied at the Allahabad University
and Banaras Hindu University. Bachchan was a student of the
renowned literature doyen, Thomas Rice Henn at Cambridge
where he was awarded doctorate after two years. He had left his
wife and two children in India whilst he studied; he and his family
endured financial hardships and long separation.
After returning to India, Bachchan worked as a producer
for All India Radio in Allahabad. In 1955, he joined Ministry of
External Affairs of the Government of India. Later, Bachchan
was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the
Indian Parliament (1966-1972) and received several honors for his
contribution to Hindi and Asian literature.
Bachchan published about 30 volumes of poetry
throughout his lifetime. He is best known for his lyric poem
‘Madhushala’(The House of Wine), which was inspired by Edward
Fitzgerald’s translation ‘The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam’, first
published in 1935 .’Madhushala’ is one of the most enduring
works of Hindi literature and has been translated into English
and many regional Indian languages.
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LAW MAKERS VISIT
A New
Perspective
to “Look East”
Taiwan Visit
L to R: Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, MP; Shiv Kumar Udasi, MP; Thomas Sangma, MP &
Neeraj Shekhar MP at the National Museum, Taiwan
A land of many races, industrious people, ancient cultural traditions
and endowed with natural beauty, Taiwan looks for new ties and
opportunities in a paradigm shift, which is modern and forward
looking. Responding to an invitation from Taiwan government, a
four-member delegation of MP’s visited the country and have come
up with interesting avenues for strengthening mutual diplomatic
and economic ties: A travelogue by Member of Parliament Thomas Sangma
T
aiwan is the world’s 4th largest foreign exchange reserve,
only next to mainland China, Japan and Russia. However,
New Delhi recognises only People’s Republic of China
(the mainland China) and not Taiwan (Republic of China) as its
legitimate government. But, as a part of its ‘Look East’ foreign
policy, India has sought to gradually develop better commercial,
cultural, scientific and technological cooperation with Taiwan
even though it rules out the possibility of establishing formal
diplomatic relations. Since 1995, two countries have set
representative offices in each other’s capital cities and the
bilateral relations have grown quite considerably.
Another important reason for strengthening its bilateral ties
is that both India and Taiwan are democratic nations, sharing the
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same democratic values and has China as its common regional &
strategic rival. Taiwan sees India as a potential counter-balance
to China’s dominance in the region. Therefore, Taiwan attaches
great importance to its relations with India. Their government is
encouraging its agencies and Taiwanese enterprises to redirect
their policies to boost investments in India and thereby lessening
their dependence on mainland China Market to sustain their own
economy. In return, Taiwan also expects India to reciprocate by
adopting a more pragmatic and flexible policy towards Taiwan.
In this background, a four-member delegation of Indian
parliamentarians, were invited to visit Taiwan by their
Government from 3rd June to 7th June 2012. The delegation
comprised of :- Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, MP (LS); Mr. Shiv Kumar
LAW MAKERS VISIT
MPs from India with Parliamentarians of Taiwan
India can and should engage itself to play a bigger
role in East Asia for the sake of regional peace,
security and stable development.
Udasi, MP (LS); Mr. Neeraj Shekhar, MP (LS) and Mr. Thomas
A Sangma, MP (RS). The delegation met the Foreign Deputy
Minister and a host of Taiwanese parliamentarians during their
stay and their discussions revolved mainly around promoting
business, tourism, environment, scientific, cultural and peopleto-people exchanges. Parliamentarians also visited Taiwan’s Wind
Power Farm in Da-tan, Fruit & Vegetable Processing Cooperative
Units in Taichung and International IT Exhibition called
Computex’2012 - Taipei.
The delegation realised that there is ample scope for further
development of trade relations. India being the cradle of
Buddhism, attracts a large number of Buddhists from Taiwan
and India, so it can explore more with the relaxation of visa
regulations. As Taiwan, India and mainland China are all part
of Asia, India can and should engage itself to play a bigger role
in East Asia for the sake of regional peace, security and stable
development.
MPs from India at a fruit and vegetable processing
cooperative centre in Taiwan
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COLUMN
Straight Thoughts on knotted issues
A book accomplishing a delicate balance
A
talk about the much needed communication between media and the political class –
who else can initiate it but a Member of Parliament who has an illustrious journalistic
career to boast of. Communication between the two diverse fields was embarked
upon at the release of the much-awaited book ‘Straight Thoughts’ authored by Vijay Darda,
Member of Parliament and Chairman of Lokmat Media Ltd recently in a function held at
India International Centre. The book consists of illustrious columns by Darda from his
media career spanning several decades. A book rightly proclaimed as an authentic chronicle
of Indian political and social developments in the past few decades.
“The topics included in the book were of intense debate during their time and have been
carefully selected to give the reader the right perceptive of those time issues,” said Darda.
The event saw leaders from across the political spectrum taking part in the debate. It
included senior BJP leader and MP Arun Jaitley, senior Congress leader and MP Mani
Shankar Aiyar, president of Rashtriya Janata Dal and MP Lalu Prasad Yadav, senior CPI (M)
leader and MP Sitaram Yechury, senior journalist and MP H K Dua. Editor-in-chief of CNN
- IBN and IBN –Lokmat Rajdeep Sardesai moderated the debate. “The need of the hour is to
protect the freedom of expression of media. But doing it and at the same time reining in the
media so that it does not engage in excesses is a tricky job. It’s a debate, which needs to be
discussed more loudly and more often,” said Darda at the book release.
A Glow of LAMP Spreads
Training Programme of the newly selected LAMP fellows
T
he preparations for the Legislative Assistance for Members
of Parliament (LAMP) 2012-13 program of the PRS
Legislative Research in partnership with Constitution
Club of India are underway with 40 young researchers having
Kalikesh Singh Deo, MP and convener of the
programme, talking to the 3rd batch of LAMP
fellows during the training programme
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Vijay J Darda, MP
been selected for this edition. The annual training program of
the LAMP fellows have commenced in Constitution Club of
India. Trained by experts from PRS Legislative Research and
visiting dignitaries, fellows would be attached with one Member
of Parliament each for a period of ten months in one of its kind
unique fellowship program in the world. On the first day of the
training program, convenor of the program Kalikesh Singh Deo,
MP addressed the students on the training module.
CLUB EVENT
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chairman, Indian
Red Cross Society; Deepender Singh Hooda, MP & Vice Chairman IRCS at the award function
Noble Blood Shed & Lore
Facts about Blood Donation
Indian Red Cross Society (NHQ) Blood Bank
“Every Blood Donor is a Hero”
The Indian Red Cross Society (NHQ) Blood Bank organized award
distribution function for the voluntary blood donors/organizers
on 21 June, 2012 at the Constitution Club of India. The chief guest
at the event were Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hon’ble Union Minister of
Health & Family Welfare and Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society
and Deepender Singh Hooda, MP & Vice Chairman IRCS.
* Blood is the essence of life. It consists of red cells that transport
oxygen, white cells that fight infections, platelets to help in blood
clotting, and plasma that carries nutrients to the body.
* Each person has a specific blood group (A, B, AB, or O) and an
Rh Factor (+ve or –ve) that identifies who can donate blood to
whom.
* There is no substitute of blood. It cannot be
manufactured in a laboratory.
*Any healthy person 18-60 years old with a weight
of at least 45 Kg can donate blood.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hon’ble
Union Minister of Health &
Family Welfare
Ghulam Nabi Azad – “
Youth in large numbers
need to come forward
voluntarily to bridge the
gap between demand
and supply of blood in
India” With sustained
Endeavour the goal of
‘blood for all’ shall be
achieved soon. The spirit
of voluntary blood was
initiated in the country
by IRCS”.
* The actual blood donation takes about 4-6
minutes.
*Sterile, disposable needles are used for
each donor.
* You can donate blood at a blood
donation camp near to your home,
workplace, school or you can go to a
recognized blood bank. Please call local
Indian Red Cross Society for more
information.
* You can donate blood every three months. It
only takes 48 Hrs for your body fluids to be completely
replenished.
Facts about Blood Donation - content courtesy: Indian Red Cross Society
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CLUB EVENT
Memorial Lecture & Rajiv Gandhi Award
21 May, 2012, Deputy Chairman Hall
O
n the occasion of the 21st
death anniversary of the
former Prime Minister
Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the MOMIN
CONGRESS in association with
the Indian Institute of Human
Studies and SAFA TIMES
organized an award function at
Constitution Club of India on
21st May, 2012 . On this occasion
MOMIN CONGRESS presented
Rajiv Gandhi Award – 2012, for
Peace and Social Development
award for commendable
contribution in the field of Peace
and Social Development as the
measure of achievement for
creating awareness and raising
empowerment to society. Dr. K.
Rahman Khan, Former Deputy
Chairman Rajya Sabha, MP
presented the award to Oscar
Fernandez, MP, Dr. Durlabh
Somua, MLA - Assam, Dhiraj
Prasad Sahu, MP, Sunita Godara
, Asian Marathon Gold Medalist
1992 Champion, Kiran Chopra,
President Varishth Nagrik
Kesari Club, Dr. Pradeep Kumar
Balmuchu, President -JPCC and
J.P. Agarwal, President – DPCC.
Dialogue and Alternatives for Poll Reforms
21st April, 2012, Speaker Hall
A
national seminar on “Electoral Reforms in India: Dialogue
and Alternatives” was organized by People For Nation at
the Constitution Club Of India, New Delhi.
The seminar was conducted in three sessions: the Inaugural
session followed by two working sessions in which a large number
of activists, lawyers, journalists, politicians and other experts
expressed their views.
Ajeet Kumar, Director PFN, gave the welcome address and
introduced the seminar by a brief speech about the profile of PFN
and activities undertaken by the organization. The Inaugural
‘Those Were
The Days &
Then’
Book Release
12 June, 2012,
Speaker Hall
“
Nitin Gadkari , National President,
BJP and Sushma Swaraj, Leader of
Opposition & MP (Lok Sabha) and
author Mira Govind Advani at the
book release event
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Those Were The
Days & Then” :
A book on the
life and times of
Lal Krishna Advani
written by Mira
Govind Advani
(Sindhu), mother of
Former Chairperson
of National Commission for
Women, Dr. Poornima Advani
was released at Constitution
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Rajiv Gandhi, Former Prime
Minister of India
session was presided by eminent constitutional expert Subhash
Kashyap, whose speech demonstrated both his vast knowledge
and competence. He said that it is high time that these reforms
were carried out in the “Interest of the democratic system of
this country”. H. S. Brahma, Election Commissioner, Election
Commission of India said, “We are haunted by many problems
like poverty, inequality, etc. Among these problems the most
alarming is the problem of governance and delivery system”.
Shri Ravish Kumar from NDTV emphasized on the freedom
of media and criticized the recent trend of paid news in Indian
politics. Justice V. K. Gupta, Prof. M. P. Singh, K. J. Rao, Dr.
Vinay Shahasrabuddhe, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, R. Ramakrishna,
Madhu Purnima Kishwar and other dignitaries were also present.
President of PFN, Mr. Manoj Agrawal concluded the Seminar
with the vote of thanks.
Club of India on 12 June 2012.
The book was released by Nitin
Gadkari , National President,
BJP and Sushma Swaraj,
Leader of Opposition & MP
(Lok Sabha).On the occasion
other eminent leaders Jaswant
Singh, Former Union Minister
&MP, Rajnath Singh, MP,
Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra,
Leader of Opposition in Delhi
Assembly and Shyam Jaju,
National Secretary BJP, were
also present.
Releasing the book, Shri
Gadkari said that had it not
been the sacrifices by leaders
such as Shri L. K. Advani and
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an
ordinary person like him would
not have risen to the top post
of the party. He always favored
and promoted clean politics
where nation is first, party is
second and only then comes
the individual. The book has
been written by the lady who
has watched and understood
Advaniji very closely. Apart
from explaining the sufferings
and pain of the Partition, the
book is also an emotional
reading of present problems
like corruption and terrorism
said, Sushma Swaraj.
Introducing the book Smt
Mira Govind Advani said
that the book contains Shri
Advanji’s journey from prePartition days to the present.
CLUB EVENT
The Curse of Manual
Scavenging
Book Release
8 June, 2012, Speaker Hall
S
ixty five years after
independence the
malpractice of manual
scavenging still exists in
our country. For this, our
sociopolitical system is to be
blamed, which protected this
heinous practice. Issues related
to this social indignity are
discussed in the book ’Adrishya
Bharat’ by Bhasha Singh, which
was launched at Constitution
Club of India. The book which describes the sacrifices of this
practice in different states of our country was inaugurated by
women who fought against this injustice and succeeded.
Jayram Ramesh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Rural Development and
Minister of Drinking Water & Sanitation (Add. Charge)
It is a very important book. The data that come from census of
2011 of dry toilets is a matter of worry for us. To continue this
manual scavenger practice is a shame for our nation and to end
this politically serious resolution should be adopted.
On this occasion Justice S. Murlidhar, Sukhdev Thorat, Former
UGC, Chairman and other dignitaries were also present.
Bhasha Singh, Writer
The book is a heart-rending
account of people, mostly women,
carrying night soil on their heads.
It also talks about how these
wretched beings of earth-who were
never treated as human beings are
knocking at the closed doors of
legislature, executive and judiciary.
D.Raja, MP
Guests at the event
“This book, works as a weapon in a movement against this
practice. The Hon’ble Prime Minister should organize a meeting
on this issue. It just not talks about the practice but also about
the pain, the agony and the inhuman lives led by the scavenger
communities”.
Hot-line Coalition Against Corruption
28 April,2012, Deputy Chairman Hall
T
ransparency International India launched Advocacy and
Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) and Free Anti- Corruption
Helpline 011-26 23 23 23 (five lines) at Constitution Club of
India on 28 April, 2012. The help line was launched by Lokayukta
Justice Manmohn Sareen. T.I.I has already started this help line
in 42 countries, and in India this facility was earlier available in
Jaipur, Chennai, Patna, Bhubhaneswar and Ranchi. This help
line is for those people, who are victims of corruption and can
lodge their complaint on this number from morning 9.30 a.m.
to evening 6.30 p.m. Justice Man mohan Sareen lauded this
initiative by T.I.I. Ramnath Jha , Director of T.I.I. said, “Our main
objective is to become a chain between common people and
government” adding that in ALAC help line officers and experts
give free advice to the people and Right to Information to help
solve the problems because of corruption, which is main motive
of the organization.
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CLUB EVENT
Infusing New Blood in
Nation Building
21, May 2012, Deputy Speaker Hall
(L - R) Oscar Fernandes, MP ; J.P. Agarwal, MP; Ashok Tanwar, MP & K Rahman
Khan, Former Deputy Chairman (RS) and MP at the blood donation camp
N
ehru Yuva Kendra
Sanghtan (NYUK),
a body of Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports,
Government of India organized
a Blood Donation Camp on
21 May, 2012 at Constitution
Club of India on the death
anniversary of former Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi. They
also observed this day as ‘Anti
Terrorism Day’.
Oscar Fernandes, MP, who
inaugurated the Camp said,
“It is the vision and sacrifices
of Rajiv Gandhi due to which
our country is in the first row
of developed country.“ He
also stated voluntaryism and
accountability should be the
key words for the youth.
The other dignitaries who were
present at the event are K.
Rahman Khan, Former Deputy
Chairman of Rajya Sabha &
MP, R. P. N. Singh, Minister
of State For Petroleum,
Jai Prakash Agarwal, MP,
Meenakshi Natrajan, MP,
Ashok Tanwar, MP and officials
from Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports and Nehru Yuva
Sanghtan and other volunteers
attended the event.
Around 100 young
volunteers from Nehru Yuva
Kendra of Delhi, Haryana
and Ghaziabad, U.P. donated
blood. Shri B. P. Singh, ViceChairman, Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan informed that this
day has a special relevance in
order to inculcate the feeling
of nationalism among the
new generation of youth and
thanked the gathering and
youth who had come from
various states.
Demand for Lokpal Bill and Quick Justice
Press Conference
26, May 2012, Deputy Speaker Hall
A Press Conference was held at Constitution Club of India by
India Against Corruption on 26 May, 2012. At the press conference
a letter to Prime Minister was launched which was signed
by Anna Hazare, Shanti Bhushan, Arvind Kejrival, Prashant
Bhushan, Kiran Bedi and Manish Sisodiya demanding Lokpal Bill,
and said there should be special fast-track court to solve cases of
corruption in just six months.
2 1
c e n t r a l
h a l l
J U L Y
2 0 1 2
Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal, Shanti Bhushan, Kiran Bedi &
Manish Sisodia at the press conference
Salon Facilities
• Hair Cutting / Styling
• Manicure / Pedicure
• Hair Treatment
• Massages and many more
For appointments contact:
Constitution Club of India
011 - 23711849 / 23327337
Sweat to health at CCI Gym
Leg extension - Technogym
Used for strengthening of knees and building
quardiceps formation and muscles
- with dual adjustment according to the needs of the
client
- with TGC key which helps user to record the
weight and repetition of the workout performed
Reg No.: DELENG/2012/41915 Printed and Published by: Arvind Kumar for and behalf of: Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110 001, and
Printed at: Thomson Press (India) Ltd, 18/35, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 010 Editor: Rajiv Pratap Rudy