As part of Promise# 4 of Congress, the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) to provide health insurance to all families below poverty line will be implemented in 3 years (22 May 2012).
28 states and 7 Union territories of India need to Implement and achieve this scheme. Hence a total of 625 districts need to be covered by the scheme. Although it would be interesting to track the implementation of the project through out the country, many states are yet to get the data updated in the RSBY website. There is no related data available for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andrha Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kasmir, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Orissa, Pondicherry, Sikkim, and Tripura. Either the scheme is yet to be implemented in these areas or have not yet reached the Post advertisement phase in which these documents need to be submitted to the Central government technical team. Hence, status of the scheme in 16 of the 35 entities is unclear.
Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujrat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarkhand and West Bengal. Of the 19 entities that have provided data, only one state (Kerala) has provided the tender document with details of the entire scheme.
Among the 19 entities that have provided data, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka are yet to issue any smart cards. The main problem seems to be that the scheme calls for 10 bed hospitals with surgical facility and qualified staff for enrolment, which unfortunately is not available.
The most successful implementation of the scheme seems to be in Kerala with the insurance company as United India Insurance Co. Ltd with the nodal agency as CHIAK. Based on provisional data provided on the website which due to its dynamic nature are not to be trusted J the following is the implementation status of the scheme. Kottayam seems to have achieved the impossible by accomplishing 113% (more smart cards than BPL families - data might be wrong due to its provisional and dynamic nature) success. The least successful is Thiruvananthapuaram with just 31% implementation.
District BPL families No of smart cards issued Percent Completion
Alappuzha 119192 106512 89.36170213
Palakkad 143592 64288 44.77129645
Thrissur 93160 72530 77.85530271
Ernakualam 79527 49401 62.11852578
Idukki 84176 39584 47.02528036
Kottayam 64168 72800 113.452188
Pathanamthitta 50310 43054 85.57742
Kollam 105393 69630 66.06700635
Thiruvananthapuaram 147408 46661 31.65431998
Malappuram 110539 79592 72.00354626
Kozhikode 87828 71777 81.72450699
Wayanad 51442 27643 53.73624665
Kannur 75386 56832 75.38800308
Kasaragod 54286 38165 70.30357735
1266407 838469 66.20849379
State Total 1266207 838469 66.21895156
The scheme is to be providing BPL families to make use of hospitals like Gokulam Medical College, Divya Prabha Eye Hospital in Thiruvananthapuaram.However, its yet to be seen how the scheme will be implemented further after the issue of the smart cards.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Congress Manifesto Promise # 13
The thirteenth promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 13 : Other promises which are very general in nature and not very clear:
1) Will pursue judicial reforms to ensure timely completion of the hearing and disposal of cases.What type of reforms?
2)A statutory National Heritage Sites Commission will be made fully operational. No specifics, too general.
3)Will bring school curricula of various communal and sectarian organizations — regardless of their affiliation —under the regulatory purview of an empowered national body. How the national body will perform the monitoring? What will be the functions of the regulatory body.
4)A “new deal” for SMEs(to small and medium enterprises) and for first-generation entrepreneurs by assuring them greater access to collateral-free credit, liberating them from the multiplicity of laws and forms, and freeing them from the clutches of inspectors. Whats the new ?
5)We will maintain the path of high growth with fiscal prudence and low inflation.To general.
6)Will ensure that the policies for attracting private investment for oil exploration will also be followed for other mineral resources, including coal and iron-ore.What type of measures? Who will be regulating the activities?
7)Regulations will be made to ensure good corporate governance, ethical business practices and accountability to all stakeholders. Hope this avoids Satyam part II.
8)We will continue to be sensitive to regional aspirations. How will the regional aspirations be adressed? What measures will be taken?
9)We will continue to pursue an independent, pro-India foreign policy. :)
The Promise # 13 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 9 targets.
Promise # 13 : Other promises which are very general in nature and not very clear:
1) Will pursue judicial reforms to ensure timely completion of the hearing and disposal of cases.What type of reforms?
2)A statutory National Heritage Sites Commission will be made fully operational. No specifics, too general.
3)Will bring school curricula of various communal and sectarian organizations — regardless of their affiliation —under the regulatory purview of an empowered national body. How the national body will perform the monitoring? What will be the functions of the regulatory body.
4)A “new deal” for SMEs(to small and medium enterprises) and for first-generation entrepreneurs by assuring them greater access to collateral-free credit, liberating them from the multiplicity of laws and forms, and freeing them from the clutches of inspectors. Whats the new ?
5)We will maintain the path of high growth with fiscal prudence and low inflation.To general.
6)Will ensure that the policies for attracting private investment for oil exploration will also be followed for other mineral resources, including coal and iron-ore.What type of measures? Who will be regulating the activities?
7)Regulations will be made to ensure good corporate governance, ethical business practices and accountability to all stakeholders. Hope this avoids Satyam part II.
8)We will continue to be sensitive to regional aspirations. How will the regional aspirations be adressed? What measures will be taken?
9)We will continue to pursue an independent, pro-India foreign policy. :)
The Promise # 13 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 9 targets.
Congress Manifesto Promise # 12
The twelfth promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 12 : We will ensure Infrastructure Building by doing the following:
1) The modernization and expansion of our science and technology institutions and will ensure that they attract and retain the best talent from India and abroad.What modernization activities will be done?
2)The country adds at least 12,000-15,000 mw of capacity every year through a mix of sources—coal, hydel, nuclear and renewables. But is this enough to meet the growing need?
3)Rural electrification and reduction in distribution losses will be given the highest priority. No quantification mentioned?
4)Increase in the share of nuclear power, both through domestic and imported technology which has now been made possible by the civil nuclear agreements. No quantification mentioned?
5)Will implement a scheme to supply energy to poor families at affordable prices.At wat prices?
6)Will implement a scheme to supply energy to poor families at affordable prices.At wat prices?
7)Four new universities will be established with 50% of the seats reserved for PIO/NRI students. Where and by when?
The Promise # 12 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 7 targets.
Promise # 12 : We will ensure Infrastructure Building by doing the following:
1) The modernization and expansion of our science and technology institutions and will ensure that they attract and retain the best talent from India and abroad.What modernization activities will be done?
2)The country adds at least 12,000-15,000 mw of capacity every year through a mix of sources—coal, hydel, nuclear and renewables. But is this enough to meet the growing need?
3)Rural electrification and reduction in distribution losses will be given the highest priority. No quantification mentioned?
4)Increase in the share of nuclear power, both through domestic and imported technology which has now been made possible by the civil nuclear agreements. No quantification mentioned?
5)Will implement a scheme to supply energy to poor families at affordable prices.At wat prices?
6)Will implement a scheme to supply energy to poor families at affordable prices.At wat prices?
7)Four new universities will be established with 50% of the seats reserved for PIO/NRI students. Where and by when?
The Promise # 12 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 7 targets.
Congress Manifesto Promise # 11
The eleventh promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 11 : We will ensure Bio diversity conservation & environmental protection(We will protect India’s natural environment and take steps to rejuvenate it) by doing the following:
1) Strengthen people’s movements whose objective will be to protect and preserve our bio-resources and ensure their sustainable use. How these will be implemented?
2)National Action Plan for Climate Change will be implemented in letter and spirit. What percentage of the seats will be reserved?
3)The Ganga River Basin Authority will be accorded the highest priority. How?
The Promise # 11 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Promise # 11 : We will ensure Bio diversity conservation & environmental protection(We will protect India’s natural environment and take steps to rejuvenate it) by doing the following:
1) Strengthen people’s movements whose objective will be to protect and preserve our bio-resources and ensure their sustainable use. How these will be implemented?
2)National Action Plan for Climate Change will be implemented in letter and spirit. What percentage of the seats will be reserved?
3)The Ganga River Basin Authority will be accorded the highest priority. How?
The Promise # 11 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Congress Manifesto Promise # 10
The tenth from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 10 : We will ensure Youth empowerment by doing the following:
1) A voluntary national youth corps which would enable young men and women in the age group of 18-23 to serve up to two years in constructive nation-building activities for which they will be suitably compensated. Who is elligible? Wats the compensation? wat nation building activities?
2)Will reserve a proportion of seats in panchayats and nagarpalikas for men and women below the age of 35 years without detriment to the existing reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, OBCs and women. What percentage of the seats will be reserved?
3)Extensive skill development programme to improve employability of the youth. What skills?
The Promise # 10 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Promise # 10 : We will ensure Youth empowerment by doing the following:
1) A voluntary national youth corps which would enable young men and women in the age group of 18-23 to serve up to two years in constructive nation-building activities for which they will be suitably compensated. Who is elligible? Wats the compensation? wat nation building activities?
2)Will reserve a proportion of seats in panchayats and nagarpalikas for men and women below the age of 35 years without detriment to the existing reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, OBCs and women. What percentage of the seats will be reserved?
3)Extensive skill development programme to improve employability of the youth. What skills?
The Promise # 10 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Congress Manifesto Promise # 9
The ninth promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 9 : We will ensure Urban Development by doing the following:
1) A new model of urban administration with financially-viable self-government institutions as the pivot. What are features of this new model?
The Promise # 9 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 1 target(s).
Promise # 9 : We will ensure Urban Development by doing the following:
1) A new model of urban administration with financially-viable self-government institutions as the pivot. What are features of this new model?
The Promise # 9 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 1 target(s).
Congress Manifesto Promise #8
The eigth from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 8 : We will ensure Child Welfare by doing the following:
1) The universalization of the ICDS(Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) by March 2012 and to provide an anganwadi in every habitation and full coverage of children up to the age of six for food, nutrition and pre-school education. Good Idea
2)The special requirements of children of migrant workers in towns and cities will be met through new programmes in association with civil society organizations. Hope this can be achieved by coordinating with various NGO's.
3)Introduce special incentives for the girl child to correct the adverse sex ratio and to ensure education of girl children. Girl children in districts that have an adverse sex ratio and/or low enrollment of girls, monetary incentives will be given to the girl child to be credited to the girl child’s account on her completing primary school, middle school, secondary school and higher secondary school. How much will be the compensation? Which districts have been identified?
The Promise # 8 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Promise # 8 : We will ensure Child Welfare by doing the following:
1) The universalization of the ICDS(Integrated Child Development Services Scheme) by March 2012 and to provide an anganwadi in every habitation and full coverage of children up to the age of six for food, nutrition and pre-school education. Good Idea
2)The special requirements of children of migrant workers in towns and cities will be met through new programmes in association with civil society organizations. Hope this can be achieved by coordinating with various NGO's.
3)Introduce special incentives for the girl child to correct the adverse sex ratio and to ensure education of girl children. Girl children in districts that have an adverse sex ratio and/or low enrollment of girls, monetary incentives will be given to the girl child to be credited to the girl child’s account on her completing primary school, middle school, secondary school and higher secondary school. How much will be the compensation? Which districts have been identified?
The Promise # 8 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Congress Manifesto Promise # 7
The seventh promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 5 : We will ensure Minority upliftment by doing the following:
1) A national Unani university will be set up. By which date?
2)The corpus of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation will be doubled. The corpus has helped the educationally backward minority communities by providing grant-in-aid to NGOs for construction of school, hostel building etc. and by granting scholarship to girl students belonging to minority communities. So the corpus which was Rs.250 crores till 2007-08 is expected to double.
3)A wakf development Corporation will be established to develop wakf properties. What will be the role of the community in this?
4)Reservation for minorites at national level.Where?
5)Will pass the womans reservation bill ensuring 33% reservation for woman. Ya :)u will
6)Reserve one third of all government jobs for woman. By when?
7)Preferential policies will be used in government contracts for SC/ST's and women. What will be reservation percentage? what about OBC's?
8)Socials security schemes for weavers,fisherman,toddy tappers,leather workers,plantation labour, construction labour,mine workers and beedi workers. By When?
The Promise # 7 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 8 targets.
Promise # 5 : We will ensure Minority upliftment by doing the following:
1) A national Unani university will be set up. By which date?
2)The corpus of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation will be doubled. The corpus has helped the educationally backward minority communities by providing grant-in-aid to NGOs for construction of school, hostel building etc. and by granting scholarship to girl students belonging to minority communities. So the corpus which was Rs.250 crores till 2007-08 is expected to double.
3)A wakf development Corporation will be established to develop wakf properties. What will be the role of the community in this?
4)Reservation for minorites at national level.Where?
5)Will pass the womans reservation bill ensuring 33% reservation for woman. Ya :)u will
6)Reserve one third of all government jobs for woman. By when?
7)Preferential policies will be used in government contracts for SC/ST's and women. What will be reservation percentage? what about OBC's?
8)Socials security schemes for weavers,fisherman,toddy tappers,leather workers,plantation labour, construction labour,mine workers and beedi workers. By When?
The Promise # 7 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 8 targets.
Congress Manifesto Promise #6
The sixth promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 6: We will ensure Rural Development by doing the following:
1) Will connect all villages to a broadband network in three years time(22 May 2012). Whats the use of internet with electricity? I guess electricity is a given as well.
2)We will introduce the goods and services tax from April 1, 2010. Will have to see the debate this generates at state levels.
3)Democratize and professionalize the functioning of cooperatives. Which all cooperatives are included in it?
4)State finances, and more importantly the finances of panchayats and nagarpalikas, will be put on a sound foundation. Have to watch how many projects the states put on hold due to lack of finances.
The Promise # 6 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 4 targets.
Promise # 6: We will ensure Rural Development by doing the following:
1) Will connect all villages to a broadband network in three years time(22 May 2012). Whats the use of internet with electricity? I guess electricity is a given as well.
2)We will introduce the goods and services tax from April 1, 2010. Will have to see the debate this generates at state levels.
3)Democratize and professionalize the functioning of cooperatives. Which all cooperatives are included in it?
4)State finances, and more importantly the finances of panchayats and nagarpalikas, will be put on a sound foundation. Have to watch how many projects the states put on hold due to lack of finances.
The Promise # 6 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 4 targets.
Congress mainfesto Promise # 5
The fifth promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 5 : We will ensure Farmer improvement by doing the following:
1) Every small and marginal farmer will have access to bank credit at lower rates of interest. At wat intrest rates indian farmers will be given loans?What about Collaterals? Hope this will free the Indian farmer from the clutches of the moneylenders.
2)Programmes for agricultural diversification, processing and rural industrialization. The wastage of produce can be stopped by the eimplemtation of this scheme.
3)Dairying, aquaculture, fisheries, horticulture and sericulture will receive an additional boost. Sectors other n agriculture can help uplift the farmer.
4)Special needs of crops like tea, coffe,rubber, spices, cashew, and coconut will be met. Kerala farmer online has summarised few of the steps for rubber farmers. Putting it here for refrence
"1. An availability of a technical grading system.
2. Error free statistical data have to be published.
3. Avoid the support of unwanted export and import vice versa.
4. Organic farming of rubber have to be supported.
5. Proper research on the input of secondary nutrients &trace elements to ensure better productivity.
6. Active participation of scientists and lab facilities to the fields to maintain sustainable practices.
7. Argent need of visual grading system is an important remedy for price stability.
8. Seminars to be conducted with joint participation of Manufacturers, Dealers, Farmers & workforce under Rubber Board.
9. Ensure the selling grade of rubber by farmers and purchase by manufacturers are the same.
etc."
5)Wasteland development and afforestation. How much of the wasteland will be developed? Wat measure will be taken for afforestation.
6)Comprehensive crop insurance and direct income support to farmers in the ecologically vulenrable regions of the country. Which regions have been classified as ecologically vulnerable?
7)Controls on the free movement of farm commodities and processing of agricultural products and regualtions that depress incomes of farmers will be eliminated. Yes, the farmer should have the freedom and flexibilty to market his produce.
8)National Rehabilitation and Resettlement bill will be passed to ensure proper compensation for farmers who loose their land due to land aquired by the government. Hope this avoids more Singur's
The Promise # 5 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 8 targets.
Promise # 5 : We will ensure Farmer improvement by doing the following:
1) Every small and marginal farmer will have access to bank credit at lower rates of interest. At wat intrest rates indian farmers will be given loans?What about Collaterals? Hope this will free the Indian farmer from the clutches of the moneylenders.
2)Programmes for agricultural diversification, processing and rural industrialization. The wastage of produce can be stopped by the eimplemtation of this scheme.
3)Dairying, aquaculture, fisheries, horticulture and sericulture will receive an additional boost. Sectors other n agriculture can help uplift the farmer.
4)Special needs of crops like tea, coffe,rubber, spices, cashew, and coconut will be met. Kerala farmer online has summarised few of the steps for rubber farmers. Putting it here for refrence
"1. An availability of a technical grading system.
2. Error free statistical data have to be published.
3. Avoid the support of unwanted export and import vice versa.
4. Organic farming of rubber have to be supported.
5. Proper research on the input of secondary nutrients &trace elements to ensure better productivity.
6. Active participation of scientists and lab facilities to the fields to maintain sustainable practices.
7. Argent need of visual grading system is an important remedy for price stability.
8. Seminars to be conducted with joint participation of Manufacturers, Dealers, Farmers & workforce under Rubber Board.
9. Ensure the selling grade of rubber by farmers and purchase by manufacturers are the same.
etc."
5)Wasteland development and afforestation. How much of the wasteland will be developed? Wat measure will be taken for afforestation.
6)Comprehensive crop insurance and direct income support to farmers in the ecologically vulenrable regions of the country. Which regions have been classified as ecologically vulnerable?
7)Controls on the free movement of farm commodities and processing of agricultural products and regualtions that depress incomes of farmers will be eliminated. Yes, the farmer should have the freedom and flexibilty to market his produce.
8)National Rehabilitation and Resettlement bill will be passed to ensure proper compensation for farmers who loose their land due to land aquired by the government. Hope this avoids more Singur's
The Promise # 5 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 8 targets.
Congress Manifesto Promise # 4
The fourth promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 4 : We will ensure Health security for all by doing the following:
1) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana(RSBY) to provide health insurance to all families below poverty line in 3 years(22 May 2012). Is the premium affordable? how much and what is the benefits. Have to analyse in depth.
2)Every district headquarters hospital will be upgraded to provide quality health facilities to all. What all is included in quality health facilities? Have to see wat changes occur on the ground.
The Promise # 4 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 2 targets.
Promise # 4 : We will ensure Health security for all by doing the following:
1) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana(RSBY) to provide health insurance to all families below poverty line in 3 years(22 May 2012). Is the premium affordable? how much and what is the benefits. Have to analyse in depth.
2)Every district headquarters hospital will be upgraded to provide quality health facilities to all. What all is included in quality health facilities? Have to see wat changes occur on the ground.
The Promise # 4 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 2 targets.
Congress manifesto Promise # 3
The third promise from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 3 : We will build quality education affordable to all by doing the following:
1) Granting all students admitted to any recognized course in any college/university with either a scholarship or an educational loan without collateral repayable over a very long period on a need basis. The date by which this will be implemented is not clear, lets expect this to be done soon.
2) Every year over next 5 years, we will add one more model school in every block. Will have to see if the promise is implemented by year end(22nd May 2010).
3) Major Pro gramme for training teachers and improving the physical environment of schools.Will this be done, have to see the change in the schools.
4) 8 new IIT's, 7 new IIM's, 5 new IISc's, 30 new central universities, 20 new IIIT and 374 new colleges.While new institutes are being created, will the quality be maintained? who will ensure the quality?
5) Education at all stages- primary,secondary and university levels will be free in all resects for boys and girls belonging to dalit and adivasi communities.Its indeed a very ambitious and commendable effort to improve education levels for all.
6) Coaching fees for all entrance exams for atleast one lakh sc/st students every year will be paid by the central govt.Have to see which exams will be covered under this, how it will be decided who gets the coaching fees?
The Promise # 3 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 6 targets.
Promise # 3 : We will build quality education affordable to all by doing the following:
1) Granting all students admitted to any recognized course in any college/university with either a scholarship or an educational loan without collateral repayable over a very long period on a need basis. The date by which this will be implemented is not clear, lets expect this to be done soon.
2) Every year over next 5 years, we will add one more model school in every block. Will have to see if the promise is implemented by year end(22nd May 2010).
3) Major Pro gramme for training teachers and improving the physical environment of schools.Will this be done, have to see the change in the schools.
4) 8 new IIT's, 7 new IIM's, 5 new IISc's, 30 new central universities, 20 new IIIT and 374 new colleges.While new institutes are being created, will the quality be maintained? who will ensure the quality?
5) Education at all stages- primary,secondary and university levels will be free in all resects for boys and girls belonging to dalit and adivasi communities.Its indeed a very ambitious and commendable effort to improve education levels for all.
6) Coaching fees for all entrance exams for atleast one lakh sc/st students every year will be paid by the central govt.Have to see which exams will be covered under this, how it will be decided who gets the coaching fees?
The Promise # 3 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 6 targets.
Congress manifesto Promise # 2
The second from the manifesto is given below : Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 2 : We will build on the sucess of NREGA and take the scheme forward by doing the following:
1) At least 100 days work at Rs 100 a day for everyone under the NREGA. The Payment for work done 2 years back is still pending in few villages as per various investigations. Thats just the beginning of the problems.Flight of labour, underpaid labourers and more are a common sight in UP itself.
2) National Food Security Act - 25 kgs of rics or wheat at rs 3 per kg. Will have to see if the rice or wheat is available, especailly since we seem to have excess of wheat this year.
3) Subsidised community kitchens in all cities for homeless and migrants.Will this be possible? how does the government plan to implement this?
The Promise # 2 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Promise # 2 : We will build on the sucess of NREGA and take the scheme forward by doing the following:
1) At least 100 days work at Rs 100 a day for everyone under the NREGA. The Payment for work done 2 years back is still pending in few villages as per various investigations. Thats just the beginning of the problems.Flight of labour, underpaid labourers and more are a common sight in UP itself.
2) National Food Security Act - 25 kgs of rics or wheat at rs 3 per kg. Will have to see if the rice or wheat is available, especailly since we seem to have excess of wheat this year.
3) Subsidised community kitchens in all cities for homeless and migrants.Will this be possible? how does the government plan to implement this?
The Promise # 2 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Monday, April 13, 2009
SP, BSP and NCP - Promise # 1 - Joke, Alms, What security?
The SP manifesto has become a widely circulated joke. A copy of the entire manifesto is not available online at the web site of the samajwadi party does not have the manifesto. Also no points regarding Secuirty could be found in any of the jokes made by them.
The BSP leader has declared that they dont believe in promises but only in delivering. A nice way to say you have to accept watever we deliver? May be BSP achievements speak louder than words, but its put a bare neccessity that any party should highlight the action plan it will use when it comes to power. Bahujan Samajwadi parties stand on providing security still reamins unclear.
NCP manifesto does not talk about any change in security other than food security. Improving the police force ? why should it be done? :) Nationalist Congress Party also does not list internal security among the "Important issues before the country", so am feeling safe already.
The more manifestos we see, the more we are certain that parties dont fight elections based on manifestos or issues like change.
The BSP leader has declared that they dont believe in promises but only in delivering. A nice way to say you have to accept watever we deliver? May be BSP achievements speak louder than words, but its put a bare neccessity that any party should highlight the action plan it will use when it comes to power. Bahujan Samajwadi parties stand on providing security still reamins unclear.
NCP manifesto does not talk about any change in security other than food security. Improving the police force ? why should it be done? :) Nationalist Congress Party also does not list internal security among the "Important issues before the country", so am feeling safe already.
The more manifestos we see, the more we are certain that parties dont fight elections based on manifestos or issues like change.
JDS - Promise #1 - Comprehensive defence policy
Promise #1:
JDS manifesto - People want
1) The Janata Dal (Secular) party will give top priority to modernize and strengthen our defence preparedness. As a first step, our party will build a minimum nuclear deterrent force as a safeguard against any unexpected eventualities. Corresponding to the development of minimum nuclear deterrence force, the Janata Dal (Secular) party will encourage the development of weapons delivery system like nuclear weapon carrier missiles. The Janata Dal (Secular) party will encourage the building of ICBMs. - What about Internal security? is the police force going to be modernised or not?
2)India has come to be surrounded by countries with space weapons capability. Therefore, the Janata Dal (Secular) party will create a new division within ISRO to develop space weapons system for use as quickly as possible. - Are you aware of the Outer Space Treaty and the SALT II treaty? How will the pressure from the international community be handled
3)The Janata Dal (Secular) party will create Airborne Brigade, Assault Landing Brigade and a Helicopter Gunship Brigade by acquiring more fighter aircrafts, helicopters and aircraft carriers. It will create four units of Rapid-Assault Force to be stationed in four corners of the country for dealing with any terrorist attack. -Just the four corners? why not all state capitals?
4)The Janata Dal (Secular) party will create a new section of defence procurement within each of the embassies in major countries with the responsibility of collecting information about new defence hardware and software ready for use and sale and acquiring them after the approval by the appropriate authority. Though there is a military attaché in each of our embassies, they simply do defence surveillance work. Hence, we will assign them clearly defined specific tasks to help the country to modernize its defence equipments by constantly watching the developments in defence related science and technology and feeding the information to the defence ministry which will help in their decision making.- Why are we still dependent on other countries? why not have indigenous development?
JDS manifesto - People want
1) The Janata Dal (Secular) party will give top priority to modernize and strengthen our defence preparedness. As a first step, our party will build a minimum nuclear deterrent force as a safeguard against any unexpected eventualities. Corresponding to the development of minimum nuclear deterrence force, the Janata Dal (Secular) party will encourage the development of weapons delivery system like nuclear weapon carrier missiles. The Janata Dal (Secular) party will encourage the building of ICBMs. - What about Internal security? is the police force going to be modernised or not?
2)India has come to be surrounded by countries with space weapons capability. Therefore, the Janata Dal (Secular) party will create a new division within ISRO to develop space weapons system for use as quickly as possible. - Are you aware of the Outer Space Treaty and the SALT II treaty? How will the pressure from the international community be handled
3)The Janata Dal (Secular) party will create Airborne Brigade, Assault Landing Brigade and a Helicopter Gunship Brigade by acquiring more fighter aircrafts, helicopters and aircraft carriers. It will create four units of Rapid-Assault Force to be stationed in four corners of the country for dealing with any terrorist attack. -Just the four corners? why not all state capitals?
4)The Janata Dal (Secular) party will create a new section of defence procurement within each of the embassies in major countries with the responsibility of collecting information about new defence hardware and software ready for use and sale and acquiring them after the approval by the appropriate authority. Though there is a military attaché in each of our embassies, they simply do defence surveillance work. Hence, we will assign them clearly defined specific tasks to help the country to modernize its defence equipments by constantly watching the developments in defence related science and technology and feeding the information to the defence ministry which will help in their decision making.- Why are we still dependent on other countries? why not have indigenous development?
CPI (M) - Promise #1 - Against Terrorism
Promise #1:CPI (M)Manifesto - People want
The CPI (M) stands for:
1) Revamping the intelligence machinery and enhanced coordinationbetween security and intelligence agencies - How?
2) The Federal Investigating Agency functioning without violating the federal structure and ensuring association of State Governments forinvestigation within a particular State
3) Modernisation of the Police forces - by doing what? police force can be said to have modernised by giving them mobile phones, so be more specific.
4) Strengthening of the coastal security system - how?
5) Amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to remove draconian provisions like detention without bail for 180 days, threeyears imprisonment for withholding information, etc. what does etc include? Hopefully it does not include murder :)
The CPI (M) stands for:
1) Revamping the intelligence machinery and enhanced coordinationbetween security and intelligence agencies - How?
2) The Federal Investigating Agency functioning without violating the federal structure and ensuring association of State Governments forinvestigation within a particular State
3) Modernisation of the Police forces - by doing what? police force can be said to have modernised by giving them mobile phones, so be more specific.
4) Strengthening of the coastal security system - how?
5) Amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to remove draconian provisions like detention without bail for 180 days, threeyears imprisonment for withholding information, etc. what does etc include? Hopefully it does not include murder :)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
BJP Promise # 1 - NATIONAL SECURITY
The 12 points regarding National Security which makeup Promise #1:
BJP Manifesto - People want
The BJP will initiate the following measures within 100 days of coming to power:
1. Revive the anti-terror mechanism that has been dismantled by the Congress; improve upon POTA to ensure it is more effective as an instrument of deterrence and a tool to prosecute offenders without innocent people being harassed; and, strengthen the operational role of the National Investigating Agency. - Can we get more specifics rather than broad terms like strengthen, improve.
2. Give assent to laws drafted by State Governments for dealing with organised crime and terrorism; encourage other State Governments to adopt similar laws. - Which state governments?
3. Launch a massive programme to detect, detain and deport illegal immigrants. - How massive? will the identification of each person in India be checked?
4. Completely revamp the internal and external intelligence agencies and review the existing system of coordination, convergence and dissemination of intelligence inputs. A massive exercise will be undertaken to modernise intelligence agencies so that they are better equipped to use technology and cope with the rapidly changing trends and patterns of terrorism at home and abroad. The National Security Council will be made the hub of all sector-related assessments. It will be accountable for real-time intelligence dissemination;intelligence agencies will be held responsible for lapses. Appointments to intelligence agencies will be on merit and not because of political patronage as has been the system during the Congress years. - The same list of hopes applies for BJP as it applies for the congress in terms of modernisation.
5. A Digital Security Agency will be set up to deal with cyber warfare, cyber counterterrorism,and cyber security of national digital assets. - This seems new :) trying to impress the tech crowd?
6. State Governments will be provided with all assistance to modernise their respective police forces and equip them with the latest weaponry and communications technology.This will be done on a mission mode approach. The police are the first responders to any crisis situation. Drawing lessons from experience, police forces will be trained and fully equipped to deal with situations similar to that of Mumbai and in meeting the challenge posed by Maoists and insurgents. - Will states ruled by Non-BJP givernmnets be given support?
7. Border management will be reviewed and improved. Punitive measures will be introduced to block illegal immigration. Please be more specific- hopefully the review and improvements will be clarifeid when implemented.
8. India’s vast coastline is virtually unprotected. Coastal security will be strengthened for better patrolling of Indian waters and preventing terrorists from taking the sea route to enter India. A National Maritime Authority will be set up to coordinate coastal security. Strengthened how? new equipment? increase in size?
9. Special courts will be set up for speedy prosecution of those involved with acts of terrorism.Their trial shall be fair and justice will be done to the victims swiftly. Special courts that follow the constitution or not ? What is the meaning of special courts? does it mean separate courts or separate laws or separate judges?
10. Coercive measures, including diplomacy, will be used to deal with countries which promote cross-border terrorism. India will engage with the world in the global war on terror while not compromising on its domestic interests, primarily protecting citizens from the ravages of terrorism. :)
11. The Centre will facilitate better inter-State coordination and real-time intelligence-sharing,apart from helping States to raise anti-insurgency forces, to face the threat posed by Maoists. The ‘Chhattisgarh Model’ will be used for counter-Maoist operations. At the same time, every effort will be made to address the social and economic issues that make the ground fertile for Left-wing extremism. - Real time intelligence sharing? how?
12. Any talks with insurgent groups will be conditional and within the framework of the Constitution.The BJP will send out a simple message, loud and clear, to terrorists and their sponsors:They will have to pay a heavy price for each innocent life lost. Retribution will be swift and exemplary. The authority of the state, which has been diminished by the Congress in pursuit of vote-bank politics, shall be restored. - How? What measures will be taken to do these?
National Identity Cards for All
The BJP will launch an innovative programme to establish a countrywide system of multipurpose national identity cards so as to ensure national security, correct welfare delivery,accurate tax collection, financial inclusion and voter registration. Voter identity cards, PANcards, passports, ration cards and BPL cards are already in use though not all with photoidentity. The NDA proposes to make it incumbent for every Indian to have a National IdentityCard. The programme will be completed in three years.The National Identity Card will contain enough memory and processing capabilities to run multiple applications. Through it the NDA will ensure efficient welfare delivery and tax collection. The card will also be linked to a bank account. All welfare payments, including widow and old age pensions, through the wide range of schemes such as Mother and Childsupport/ Kisan Credit, Students Assistance and Micro-Credit will be channelised through the National Identity Card. The card will make it possible for individuals to save and borrow money;for farmers to get bank credit, also establish accurate land titles data.The National Identity Card will also strengthen national security by ensuring accurate citizen identity, thus tracking illegal immigration. All financial transactions, purchase of property and access to public services will be possible only on the basis of the National Identity Card which will be made forgery and hacking resistant.
National Identity card of BJP is more specific than Congress :) But at least we can be assured that if any of these two come to power we can be assured of a National Identity card.
The Promise # 1 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 12 targets and the National Identity card.
BJP Manifesto - People want
The BJP will initiate the following measures within 100 days of coming to power:
1. Revive the anti-terror mechanism that has been dismantled by the Congress; improve upon POTA to ensure it is more effective as an instrument of deterrence and a tool to prosecute offenders without innocent people being harassed; and, strengthen the operational role of the National Investigating Agency. - Can we get more specifics rather than broad terms like strengthen, improve.
2. Give assent to laws drafted by State Governments for dealing with organised crime and terrorism; encourage other State Governments to adopt similar laws. - Which state governments?
3. Launch a massive programme to detect, detain and deport illegal immigrants. - How massive? will the identification of each person in India be checked?
4. Completely revamp the internal and external intelligence agencies and review the existing system of coordination, convergence and dissemination of intelligence inputs. A massive exercise will be undertaken to modernise intelligence agencies so that they are better equipped to use technology and cope with the rapidly changing trends and patterns of terrorism at home and abroad. The National Security Council will be made the hub of all sector-related assessments. It will be accountable for real-time intelligence dissemination;intelligence agencies will be held responsible for lapses. Appointments to intelligence agencies will be on merit and not because of political patronage as has been the system during the Congress years. - The same list of hopes applies for BJP as it applies for the congress in terms of modernisation.
5. A Digital Security Agency will be set up to deal with cyber warfare, cyber counterterrorism,and cyber security of national digital assets. - This seems new :) trying to impress the tech crowd?
6. State Governments will be provided with all assistance to modernise their respective police forces and equip them with the latest weaponry and communications technology.This will be done on a mission mode approach. The police are the first responders to any crisis situation. Drawing lessons from experience, police forces will be trained and fully equipped to deal with situations similar to that of Mumbai and in meeting the challenge posed by Maoists and insurgents. - Will states ruled by Non-BJP givernmnets be given support?
7. Border management will be reviewed and improved. Punitive measures will be introduced to block illegal immigration. Please be more specific- hopefully the review and improvements will be clarifeid when implemented.
8. India’s vast coastline is virtually unprotected. Coastal security will be strengthened for better patrolling of Indian waters and preventing terrorists from taking the sea route to enter India. A National Maritime Authority will be set up to coordinate coastal security. Strengthened how? new equipment? increase in size?
9. Special courts will be set up for speedy prosecution of those involved with acts of terrorism.Their trial shall be fair and justice will be done to the victims swiftly. Special courts that follow the constitution or not ? What is the meaning of special courts? does it mean separate courts or separate laws or separate judges?
10. Coercive measures, including diplomacy, will be used to deal with countries which promote cross-border terrorism. India will engage with the world in the global war on terror while not compromising on its domestic interests, primarily protecting citizens from the ravages of terrorism. :)
11. The Centre will facilitate better inter-State coordination and real-time intelligence-sharing,apart from helping States to raise anti-insurgency forces, to face the threat posed by Maoists. The ‘Chhattisgarh Model’ will be used for counter-Maoist operations. At the same time, every effort will be made to address the social and economic issues that make the ground fertile for Left-wing extremism. - Real time intelligence sharing? how?
12. Any talks with insurgent groups will be conditional and within the framework of the Constitution.The BJP will send out a simple message, loud and clear, to terrorists and their sponsors:They will have to pay a heavy price for each innocent life lost. Retribution will be swift and exemplary. The authority of the state, which has been diminished by the Congress in pursuit of vote-bank politics, shall be restored. - How? What measures will be taken to do these?
National Identity Cards for All
The BJP will launch an innovative programme to establish a countrywide system of multipurpose national identity cards so as to ensure national security, correct welfare delivery,accurate tax collection, financial inclusion and voter registration. Voter identity cards, PANcards, passports, ration cards and BPL cards are already in use though not all with photoidentity. The NDA proposes to make it incumbent for every Indian to have a National IdentityCard. The programme will be completed in three years.The National Identity Card will contain enough memory and processing capabilities to run multiple applications. Through it the NDA will ensure efficient welfare delivery and tax collection. The card will also be linked to a bank account. All welfare payments, including widow and old age pensions, through the wide range of schemes such as Mother and Childsupport/ Kisan Credit, Students Assistance and Micro-Credit will be channelised through the National Identity Card. The card will make it possible for individuals to save and borrow money;for farmers to get bank credit, also establish accurate land titles data.The National Identity Card will also strengthen national security by ensuring accurate citizen identity, thus tracking illegal immigration. All financial transactions, purchase of property and access to public services will be possible only on the basis of the National Identity Card which will be made forgery and hacking resistant.
National Identity card of BJP is more specific than Congress :) But at least we can be assured that if any of these two come to power we can be assured of a National Identity card.
The Promise # 1 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 12 targets and the National Identity card.
Congress manifesto Promise # 1
The first promise from the manifesto is given below (hope to discuss each one in detail in the next few posts): Congress Manifesto - Peoples hope
Promise # 1 : We will guarantee the maximum possible security to each and every citizen by doing the following:
1) Process of equipping our police and other specialist security forces with the latest weapons and technology to meet terrorist threats. We the people hope the latest weapons and technology will include but will not be limited to:
1.1) Personal weapon up gradation at all levels.
1.2) Bulletproof vests for at least the specialist battalions.
1.3) Sophisticated night vision technology allowing maneuvering and combat at night.
2) More specialist battalions will be raised and positioned in key locations across the country. Although the exact security measures are not listed - We the people can safely assume Key locations include all the metros and state capitals will have such specialist battalions?Its not clear by which date this promise will be implemented - can we expect it within 100 days of oath taking?
3) Provide every Indian with a unique identity card after the publication of the national population register in the year 2011.Will this identity card be different from the voter id card? What will its function be? Can it be used as a combination of PAN Card, Driving license, voter id, passport, ration card and all other government issued cards? Can we expect this to be completed by December 2011? Will this identity information be accessible through a centralized database to the police and security forces?
The Promise # 1 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Promise # 1 : We will guarantee the maximum possible security to each and every citizen by doing the following:
1) Process of equipping our police and other specialist security forces with the latest weapons and technology to meet terrorist threats. We the people hope the latest weapons and technology will include but will not be limited to:
1.1) Personal weapon up gradation at all levels.
1.2) Bulletproof vests for at least the specialist battalions.
1.3) Sophisticated night vision technology allowing maneuvering and combat at night.
2) More specialist battalions will be raised and positioned in key locations across the country. Although the exact security measures are not listed - We the people can safely assume Key locations include all the metros and state capitals will have such specialist battalions?Its not clear by which date this promise will be implemented - can we expect it within 100 days of oath taking?
3) Provide every Indian with a unique identity card after the publication of the national population register in the year 2011.Will this identity card be different from the voter id card? What will its function be? Can it be used as a combination of PAN Card, Driving license, voter id, passport, ration card and all other government issued cards? Can we expect this to be completed by December 2011? Will this identity information be accessible through a centralized database to the police and security forces?
The Promise # 1 can be accessed based on the implementation of each of above 3 targets.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Indian politics seems to be entering the cybercanvasing ers
Just google for "Manmohan Singh" in google and don't be surprised to see an Google ad for BJP's prime ministerial candidate Advani. See the screenshot below:
The election wars have come into the cyberspace finally. So does the politician worry about the educated net savy user? Surely he does. The times are changing, every vote counts and the politician wants to leave no leaf unturned. Cybercanvasing is surely a step towards our greater dream of a manifesto maker. Lets wait for a day when we the People can decide what our policies should be.
The election wars have come into the cyberspace finally. So does the politician worry about the educated net savy user? Surely he does. The times are changing, every vote counts and the politician wants to leave no leaf unturned. Cybercanvasing is surely a step towards our greater dream of a manifesto maker. Lets wait for a day when we the People can decide what our policies should be.
Friday, January 2, 2009
What we would like to see in Election Manifesto 2007
The Indian National Congress was chosen for this analysis as it forms a major part of the Ruling coalition (UPA). This is neither an attempt to glorify or downplay the Manifesto or its implementation.
Indian National Congress Manifesto 2004 (found on their website) has a section on “Defense, National Security and Foreign Policy”. The first line of this section states, “The Congress will ensure that all delays in the modernization of our armed forces are eliminated and that funds budgeted for modernization are, in fact, spent to the fullest.”
This is a rather general statement and not very specific in nature. Can the manifesto have something more specific?
As per this blog entry by Ashish Gupta “We have no centralized database to check the identity of persons detained. This implies that if I detain a suspicious person in Delhi and he says that he belongs to some village Begumangalam in district Nalgonda in AP, I have no way to immediately verify his identity - unlike in the US where a centralized databank will let you check his antecedents in a matter of few seconds.”
So is any political party ready to promise us “We will ensure that a centralized database to check the identity of detained persons will be established before 1st December 2009. This database will at least be accessible at all State capitals and major cities”
If you would like to see this in the election manifesto of a political party please pledge you support by commenting below.
Indian National Congress Manifesto 2004 (found on their website) has a section on “Defense, National Security and Foreign Policy”. The first line of this section states, “The Congress will ensure that all delays in the modernization of our armed forces are eliminated and that funds budgeted for modernization are, in fact, spent to the fullest.”
This is a rather general statement and not very specific in nature. Can the manifesto have something more specific?
As per this blog entry by Ashish Gupta “We have no centralized database to check the identity of persons detained. This implies that if I detain a suspicious person in Delhi and he says that he belongs to some village Begumangalam in district Nalgonda in AP, I have no way to immediately verify his identity - unlike in the US where a centralized databank will let you check his antecedents in a matter of few seconds.”
So is any political party ready to promise us “We will ensure that a centralized database to check the identity of detained persons will be established before 1st December 2009. This database will at least be accessible at all State capitals and major cities”
If you would like to see this in the election manifesto of a political party please pledge you support by commenting below.
The manifesto Maker - an attempt to get heard
Election promises made by political parties are based on popular demand of the people. In an attempt to make the demands of the people more clear, we take the help of web 2.0. Although it may be argued that the web just represents one side of the digital divide it does represent a significant portion of the country. The ultimate aim is to be able to include all people who are eligible to vote.
Five phases of this program hopes to make the common man heard to the minister to be. Rather than having sweeping general statements that don’t promise anything specific, the promises are to be very specific. If just one of the promises suggested makes it to reality, this program will be a step in the new direction.
A brief outline of the program is given below:
Phase 1:
Allow for the creation of promises by various users. The various promises can be voted for or against by users who are logged in.
Phase 2:
The top promises of utility are selected and sent to registered users via e-mail for voting.
Phase 3:
The various parties and candidates are given a chance to add promises to their manifestos.
Phase 4: (To be completed before the Elections)
The manifestos of various parties are published. Each of the individuals who have voted for or against a promise is notified of the preferences of different parties or candidates.
Phase 5
Performance of elected representatives is monitored. Each promise is checked and the level of fulfillment is analyzed.
Five phases of this program hopes to make the common man heard to the minister to be. Rather than having sweeping general statements that don’t promise anything specific, the promises are to be very specific. If just one of the promises suggested makes it to reality, this program will be a step in the new direction.
A brief outline of the program is given below:
Phase 1:
Allow for the creation of promises by various users. The various promises can be voted for or against by users who are logged in.
Phase 2:
The top promises of utility are selected and sent to registered users via e-mail for voting.
Phase 3:
The various parties and candidates are given a chance to add promises to their manifestos.
Phase 4: (To be completed before the Elections)
The manifestos of various parties are published. Each of the individuals who have voted for or against a promise is notified of the preferences of different parties or candidates.
Phase 5
Performance of elected representatives is monitored. Each promise is checked and the level of fulfillment is analyzed.
We hope to get help from every possible source to make this program a success as it finally hopes to achieve the common good.
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