NEWS YOU CAN USE -MARCH-2001.pdf

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NEWS YOU CAN USE (NYCU) is a specially formulated
development mediascan directed to meet the specific information
needs of NGOs. Published on a monthly basis, NYCU presents a
comprehensive compilation of selected media clippings of news
that could be direct use to NGOs working at the grassroot level.
This publication can also serve as a ready reckoner for development
news on a monthly basis.
NYCU includes a selection of newsitems/feature/articles/editorials/
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Each newsitem carries the source, name of publication and date
of publication. The compilation is categorised under appropriate
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PRIVATE CIRCULATION

MARCH - 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Agriculture
Youth to get jobs under mushroom project 01
Farm sector gets a boost
03
Understanding agriculture through national
surveys
09
Father of grape revolution to assist MP
farmers
21
A green card changes lives of Indian farmer 22
New technologies to raise wheat
productivity
24
Australian experts laud wheat farming
29
Medium duration hybrid rice
33
High yielding hybrid
34
Root disease of coconut
38
Prosopis Juliflora: Multipurpose tree
38
IARI develops hybrid Basmati rice
40
Terminating the terminator
47
When ignorance is not bliss
HIV detection kit launched

AIDS/HIV
12
27
Award

Indian scientist gets award for Aids
research
Birla award for crusader against
untouchability
HRD award

One-sixth of humanity counted
Census reveals failure of literacy
programme

09

22
50

Census
14
32
Child

SC seeks details of steps being taken to
stop foeticides
Mother’s milk is the best

13
39

Disability
A book to bring about change
14
Another way of being
27
Disabled community demands inclusive
educational...
50

Disaster
Times Foundation invites NGOs for quake
rehabilitation
02
Maddening red-tape
04
Caste system stands in way of Dudhai
rehab
09
NGOs form pressure group
12

Reconstruction calls for local efforts
13
Gujarat government sits on Bhuj’s future
36
Govt’s relocation plan upsets many in Bhuj 36
Restoring faith .
44
Dams & Displacement
Dam and the prophet
10
Environmentalists caution against
Tehri dam
20
Medha leads march of the displaced
37
Early rehab of displaced people sought
37

Education
Platform for literacy as rail stations turn
schools
11
Making the Grade
16
A different Santiniketan
17
GE Fund launches scholarship programme 17
Kit helps street children get back to school 18
Japan gives $ 70,000 for schools
26
Examining the exam system
30
No kidstuff, this
46
Surcharge on liquor to fund literacy drive
50
Environment
Man of the woods lives in harmony with
nature
31
Unicef to fund landslide mapping
38
India’s first ecomuseum
40
Four new hybrid orchids developed in
Arunachal
49

Govt. Schemes
Bio-tech, solar energy get their due
01
No boost to social sector in budget
02
Project for development of ‘bastis’ soon
14
NABARD
38
SIDBI to raise Rs 1500 cr
42
Gram Panchayat
Village voice
15
In the countryside of Karnataka,
patriachry...
28
Face to face with rural women
41

Health
NGO makes healthy confectionery out of
medicinal....
02
Optimism in the air
06
Tomorrow’s too late
07

IT

Tech enables people to make ‘virtual visit’
to doctor
IT is not Enough
Global portal on edn launched
Computers for blind
All villagers can now talk over phone

16
30
42
46
47

r
Media
Film wins award
05
Programme for women to get one hour on
DD, AIR
21
A Radio Station Of, For and By Village
Women
26
In tune with the best!
43
How they processed technology
Citizens create a ‘little heaven’ in KGF
Foreign funding sources of NGOs under
scanner
Help is a phone call away

NGOs
25
28
32
45

Others

Caste -based prostitution report causes
stir
You can adopt a tiger too
Of mahua and tipsy bullocks
• RLEK Human Rights Centre
Project trial run successful
No joking
It’s a revolution of, by and for villagers
‘India Calls’ launched
Book praises caste system
Abundance of food scarcity of vision

08
09
12
21
25
31
32
37
38
48

Reproductive Health
‘Ringing the contraceptive bell
33
Silk and success
.
Plan to boost sericulture

Sericulture
08
31

i
Have you
renewed.
your
subscription

Technology
A breakthrough in testing animal feed
quality
01
Preservative drier for vegetables .
29
Electric three-wheeler inaugurated
41

Dumb Drums
Fathers of Mankind

Tribal
03
35

Water Management
Collective success
05
Harvesting Rain Water
20
Bangalore potential source for rainwater
harvesting
29
Jal activists take up cudgels for hill people 42

Women
Scheme to empower single women
11
Sex workers meet at Kolkata
14
Women’s day reality check: It’s not easy
manning village
18
Fighting scourge of widowhood with a song
and henna
19
Crimes against women to cost govt.
in MP
20
Maharashtra adopts women
empowerment policy
22
A reminder
23
In A UP village, women’s empowerment
is bold word
23
Ensure women welfare schemes reach
target audience...
24
CM wants women to stay at home
34
Women speak up for their cause
43

April 4

Anti-Child Prostitution Day

April 7

World Health Day

April 22

Earth Day

April 29

World No Golf Day

April 30

No Child Labour Day

News You Can Use

A breakthrough in testing animalfeed quality
IDevendra Uppal

of agro industrial by-products
collected from India and Ger­
many.
The newly developed technolo­
gy will save huge amount of for­
eign exchange required for
importing crude cellulase prepa­
ration based on trichoderma
viride from sigma-aldrich family
of Sweden (Scandinavia).
Dr. Gopal Krishna told news­
men here today that chairman.
Animal Welfare Board of India
and Minister of State for Social
Justice and Empowerment Ms
Maneka Gandhi is against the
act of fistulating (making hole in
the left flank) of cattle and buffa­
lo for rumen liquor collection
used in conducting in-vitro work
for testing animal feeds.
Therefore, in order to save cat­
tle and buffalo from such cruel
act of fistulation, an alternate

IHisar, February 2d
iA SENIOR animal nutritionist
:and head, Department of Animal
Nutrition, Haryana Agricultural
University, Professor Dr. Gopal
Krishna, has made a break*
through in developing an inex*
pensive method for testing nutri­
tive value of animal feeds in
terms of in-vitro dry matter dis­
appearance per cent (IVDMD
percentage).
A new procedure has been
standardised to explore the pos­
sibility of trapping alternate nat­
ural enzyme source cellulase
through cud from cattle and buf­
falo for studying in-vitro dry
matter disappearance (IVDMD
percentage).
»
The new method was carried
out using 51 samples (triplicate)

natural source of crude cellulase
was obtained from cud of cattle
and buffalo.
This newly developed in-vitro
method will save foreign
exchange and also protect cattle
and buffalo from the cruel act of
fistulation.
This innovation will be of help
to the Bureau of Indian Stan­
dards Institution (BIS) and to lab­
oratories engaged to monitor the
quality of animal feed used in
cattle feed and buffaloes.

The new method will benefit
RfyD laboratories ofanimal
feed compounding industries
and animal nutrition
research institutions in
Asian countries

Bio-tech, solar energy get their due
The Times of India News Service

NEW DELHI:'With the biotech­
nology industry literally exploding
all over the world, the government
too has stepped up, rather modest­
ly, the outlay for the department of
biotechnology from Rs 151 crore to
Rs 186 crore in the budget 2001-02.
The government is apparently
also keen on promoting non-convcntional energy sources. The allo­
cation for the non-conventional
energy sector on the whole has
been hiked by 63 per cent from Rs

359 crore to Rs 588 crore, with allo­
cation for the solar energy pro­
gramme tripling from Rs 46 crore
to Rs 170 crore.
The allocations for the depart­
ments of space and atomic energy
have, however, gone up by a mod­
est 6 to 8 per cent While the allo­
cation for the department of space
has gone up from Rs 1,909 crore to
Rs 2,030 crore, the department of
atomic energy has received Rs
1,755 crore as opposed to Rs 1,612
crore last year.

Recently at a conference on
small holder livestock produc­
tion systems in developing coun­
tries, held at Kerala Agricultural
University, Prof. Dr. Maggie D.
Menachery, appreciated repro­
ducible results of new laboratory
method and excellent perfor­
mance observed in cud liquor
based in-vitro method.
The new method of trapping
cellulase from cud of cattle and
buffalo is under submission for
taking patent from patenting
authorities recognised by Gov­
ernment of India.
This method will benefit R&D
laboratories of animal feed com­
pounding industries and anima]
nutrition research institutions
in Asian countries and also the
quality .assurance programme
through Bureau of Indian Stan­
dards (BIS).

The Hindustan Times
01 March 2001

The Times of India
01 March 2001

Youth to get jobs under mushroom project
HT Correspondent

Nainital, February 28
THE OFFICIALS associated with
the Indo-Dutch Mushroom Devel­
opment Project (IDMDP) have
been instructed to ensure that
more and more unemployed
youth living below the poverty
line (BPL) get self-employment
under the project.
These oral instructions were
given by the Principal Secretary
and Commissioner, Forest and
Rural Development, Mr R S Tolia
at a meeting of officials held at
Julikot recently.

The Chief Development Offi­
cers (CDOs) from districts of
Nainital, Almora and Udharn
Singh Nagar also attended the
meeting.
Mr R. S. Tolia informed the
CDOs that Rs 50 lakh each
besides other funds under the
Indo-Dutch Mushroom Develop­
ment Project for Nainital, Almo­
ra and Udharn Singh Nagar dis­
tricts respectively were available
with the State Government.
“The Principal Secretary
asked the CDOs to have available
hinds released so that the unem­
ployed youth living below the

poverty line in their respective funds on construction activities.
He asked the officials that they
districts could avail themselves
of the benefit under the the Indocould get infrastructure like
Dutch Mushroom Development
computer, TV, VCR or vehicles
Project, an official release quot­ required to run various pro
ing R. S. Tolia said.
grammes under IDMDP from the
horticulture department
The officials, the Principal
Reacting to the demand of the
Secretary said, could have the
funds released by getting their Managing Director (MD), Terai
respective proposals approved by
Foods that proper supply of elec­
tricity be made to his mushroom
the experts of the Pant Nagar
Agriculture University.
processing unit, Mr Toha.said
The funds are strictly meant
that could be taken oare of pro
for training the unemployed vided he submitted his project on
youth in mushroom cultivation,
canning of mushroom to the con­
Mr Tolia said adding that no offi­ cerned official concerned in a
cial was allowed to spend the
week’s time.

The Hindustan Times
01 March 2001
CDL Media Clippings 1

NGO makes healthy confectionery out of
medicinal amla and guava pulp
Arlndam Roy

Allahabad, February 28
K K PANDEY is a simple and an
unassuming man, clad in a crum­
pled kurta pyjama. He runs an
NGO, Pushpanjali Gram Udyog
Kendra, at Pratapgarh, a
research centre for amla.
This medicinal fruit will be
used as a main ingredient for the
herbal sweets, which would be
made at the Kendra, he said, dur*
ing an interview with the Hin­
dustan Times here.
It would be a unique experi*
ment, as no one has yet ventured
into this field of herbal sweets.
However, these would be

launched under he banner of
Pitush Gram Udyog, Kunda, he
said.
He showed a variety of things
that were made from amla. His
amla ladoos are quite a hit here,
while each piece was priced at Rs
two, it was.being sold for Rs 80
per kg. He was also selling amla
candy, which is a good mouth
freshener.
Wrapped in yellow cellophane
paper were recently launched
khatti-mitthi (sweet-sour) toffees,
made from amla and guava pulp,
which were being sold.
Herbal sweets are what he has
been toying with for quite some­
time, he said. Other amla prod­

ucts that were on sale were amla
juice, which is supposed to be
very good for checking diabetes.
"If a spoonful of it is taken with
an equal quantity of hot honey, it
acts as very good antibiotic drug,
Mr Pandey said.
Though many may have tasted
amla murabba and pickle, not
many know that this beneficial
fruit makes good chutneys, he
added. Amla powder, yellowish
brown in colour, may be taken
empty stomach in the morning,
with a little water.
It tones up the digestive sys­
tem, improves blood circulation
and checks blood pressure. It also
improves eyesight and is good for

Times Foundation invites
NGOs for quake rehabilitation
The Times, of India News Service

MUMBAI: The Times of India
Relief Fund has collected Rs 8.8
crore from individuals and cor­
porates for Gujarat quake relief.
The money will be used for reha­
bilitation work in Kutch and
Saurashtra.
It has been decided to imple­
ment the work through' local
NGOs which have a distin­
guished record of service and are

hair, he said. If little amla pow­
der is soaked overnight and
applied on hair the next morn­
ing, it removes dandruff, checks
hair loss and is better than any
other shampoo available in mar­
ket, he suggested.
Mr Pandey said that though
Madhya Pradesh is the largest
producer of amla, the best vari­
eties are available in the Allahabad-Pratapgarh-Sultanpur
belt, he.said. "Like tulsi, neem
and haldi (turmeric), its (amla)
virtues are countless," he
exclaimed; adding that more peo­
ple and organisations should
come forward to study the bene­
fits of amla.

The Hindustan Times
01 March 2001

prepared to enter into partner­
ship with the Times Foundation.
NGOs interested in such part­
nering may send their project
proposals detailing the area of
work, assessment of need and the
funds required, along with proof
of previous work done in disaster
management to: The Director,
Human Resources, The Times of
India building, Dr DJS. Road, The Times of India
02 March 2001
Mumbai 400 001.

No boost to social sector in budget
'PH News Service
NEW DELHI, Feb 28

The social sector has not been
given the much-needed boost in the
latest Union Budget, The health
sector has once again been neg­
lected. From Rs 4920 crore in 20002001, allocation for it has been in­
creased by just Rs 860 crores to Rs5780 crore for the current financial
year.
The allocation for the Ministry
of Human Resources Development
has moved up from Rs 6300 to Rs
7570, nothing substantial when one
considers ambitious schemes like
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and voca­
tional as well as technology edu­
cation schemes.
In a welcome move, the Finance

Minister has announced a new
comprehensive Educational Loan
Scheme, which will cover all
courses in schools, and colleges in
India and abroad. Under this
scheme, loans will be available up
to Rs 7.5 lakh for studies in India
and Rs 15 lakh for studies abroad.
No collateral or margin will be
stipulated for loans up to Rs 4 lakh,
the interest of which will not
exceed the prime lending rate
(PLR). This scheme will enable
needy students to pursue higher
and technical studies both within
and outside the country.
The Finance Minister said that
in order to strengthen compet­
itiveness in the field of technology
education, a task force set up for
this purpose under the HRD

Minister has made wide-ranging
recommendations to upgrade this
area. The base of UTs is to be ex­
panded. Regional engineering col­
leges are to be strengthened and
new institutes will be set up with
public-private partnership. The
role of the private sector will be in­
creased. A new Centrally sponsored
scheme for computer literacy and
studies in schools is being launched
and other initiatives are planned
for encouraging IT education from
school level to college level.
The availability of 100 per cent
deduction from income tax of pay­
ments made to institutions for vo­
cational education and training
made by the private sector set up in
rural areas and small towns has
been extended to engineering insti­

tutions also. The HIV/AIDS
Control Programme has been given
an allocation of Rs 180 crore. The
plan allocation for the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare has
been enhanced from Rs 4920 crore
to Rs 5780 cr. All existing schemes
on elementary education will con ­
verge with the Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan (National Education
Programme) after the Ninth Plan
and it will cover all districts in the
country by March next year. •
In recognition of the great in­
terest worldwide in herbal
products, a traditional knowledge
digital library is going to bo set up
to bring the knowledge already in
the public domain in international
languages to prevent the grant of
patents on known remedies.

Deccan Herald
01 March 2001

2

News You Can Use

A tussle between the Government and times. The life expectancy of the Koel Karo
the affected people in 1980 stalled the pro- project is.20 years and the power generaebruary 2: Six adiuasi activists were Ject. The situation was aggravated as<rib-tion would be for three hours.
gunned down by Jharkhand police at als started thronging in thousands under Environmental degradation would turn the
Tapkara village, 40 km from Ranchi, the leadership of Munda Parha Rajas (tra- area into a veritable desert.
the hub of the movement against the 710 ditional leaders having customary rights of Food and other needs of the tribals are
met by the forest—even where massive demegawatt Koel Karo hydel project. A ram­ jurisprudence over 16-17 villages).
Under the guise of'development projects’ forestation in recent years due to 'develshackle gate, used as a barricade on the
road leading to Tapkara, has prevented gov* and industrialisation, adiuasis of Jharkhand o pm ent projects’ has taken place.
eminent officials, machinery and person­ have been pushed to the brink of disaster-Traditionally, 80 per cent adiuasis' food
nel from entering the villages falling under The famine of 1967 spawned a host of de- comprises fruits, flowers, leaves and plants.
the proposed Koel Karo project area. velopment projects — Subarnarekha, The tribals of Koel Karo region use at least
Erected in July 1995 by Koel Karo Jan Kadavari, Ajay, Punasi .and Auranga. The 54 wild plants, herbs and shrubs as food,
Sangaffiari (KKJS), the barricade was part aim: to usher in a-new Green Revolution, medicine and timber.
But it achieved the opposite end. While Adiuasi communities are known fortheir
’ of the *Janata curfew'—clamped in protest
there were 39,49,000 farmers in self-reliance. From baked tiles that cover
against the proposed dam pn the Koel and
Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana regions roofs and elaborately-stitched raincoats
Karo rivers.
in 1961, it came down to 27,60,000 in 1981. made of leaves, to contraptions for poundA day earlier, a police team broke down
That means 11,89,000 peasants were mg grains insidelhe houses, everything is
the gate and brutally beat up a protesting
forcibly evicted and alienated from their tra- made from local resources.
farmer. The next morning villagers gathered
ditional occupations. In 1976, the agricul- The Tapkara killings indicate that with the
at the police station to present their griev­
tural
land under actual cultivation in 90 day old BJP government led by' adiuasi'
ance to the officer-in charge but were beat­
Jharkhand was 17, 68,000 hectares, which CM Babu Lal Marandi taking over, it is
en up. The police opened fire without or­
came down to 16,39,000 hectares in 1981. merely the colonial power equations that
ders on the peaceful assembly including
In 1941, Jharkhand had 63 per cent of its have changed hands, not the attitude. The
women and children, killing six on the spot.
land surface covered by forests reduced to newly formed state government, under
Among the victims were children returning
pressure from MNCs, the World Bank and
' home from the local sdhool. Seven tribals 17 per cent.
The findings of a study team comprising the Asian Development Bank, seem as eaare missing till date. To justify the firing, po­
experts from Centre for Science and ger to use mineral rich Jharkhand for their
licemen burnt their own vehicles and
Environment (Delhi), Xavier Institute of interest and exploitation as was the earliclaimed the demonstration had turned vi­ Social Sciences (Ranchi) and Peoples’ er governments.
olent.
Science Institute (Uttaranchal) in 1992
Charkha features
The Koel Karo struggle, termed, as the were startling. Siltation rates estimated at
’mother* of anti-mega dam movements, the Government’s rate have gone up 10
The Pioneer
has contihued for over 30 years. The KKJS
02 March 2001
.has been spearheading the movement, advocating the rights of the adiuasis united­
ly. It prevented the then Prime Minister
from laying the foundation stone of the pro­
ject on July 5, 1995. Since then, they have
maintained a successful "Janata curfew”
preventing any government official from
The Times of India News Service
Deciding to give money to states
entering this area. The Government has not
been able to begin dam construction. A
NEW DELHI: Trying to speed to buy foodgrains for below-pover'non-violent struggle, it has succeeded in
reforms zin the agriculture sector. ty-line families at subsidised rates,
keeping at bay attempts of politicians and
and nudged by a ballooning sub­ Sinha said subsidy had spun out of
the private sector to destroy their habitat
sidy
bill, Finance
Minister control, from the budgeted Rs
and dispossess them.
Yashwant Sinha has announced a 8.200 crore to Rs 12,000 crore in
However, the Koel Karo Hydel project, if
drastic change in the public distri­ revised estimates.
completed, will submerge 256 villages par­
The Food Corporation of India's
bution system, promised to review
tially and 135 fully. Of these, 28 villages are
laws to remove restrictions on role will be limited to buying food­
in’ Ranchi, 76 in Gumla and 3F in West
movement, storage and stocking of grains for reserves, unless a state
Singbhum. About 16,300 families, of which
foodgrains, cut fertiliser subsidy specifically gives it the job of pro­
90 per cent are tribals, will be displaced.
and move towards urea decontrol curement. The details of the
Nearly 66,000 acres of land are likely to be
by 2006, introduce future's trading changes are to be worked out in
inundated, ofwhich 30,000 acres are under
in sugar and exempt food prepara­ consultation with state govern­
cultivation. The water from the dam is like­
tions based on fruit and vegetables ments.
ly to submerge 150 samas (place of tradi­
To shield this sector from the
from excise.
tional worship) and 300 sasandaris (funeral
There will be a five-year tax hol­ WTO-inspired opening up of trade
ground of tribals).
iday and 30 per cent deduction of in April, he plans to hike customs
The Koel Karo project was conceived
profits for the next five years to duties on tea, coffee, copra.
more than four decades ago. In 1954, a
those in the integrated business of coconut, crude and refined edible
committee of experts was assigned the job
handling, transportation and stor­ oil and palm oil. And, promises vig­
of making a report, which took 18 years to
age of foodgrains.
ilance on this front.
complete. The Planning Commission gave
clearance in 1973 and allocated Rs 175
The Times of India
crores—which escalated to Rs 1700 crores
01 March 2001
by 1994. It was handed to the Central Water
Commission in the 1980s.

TARUN BOSE

F

Farm sector gets a boost

CDL Media Clippings 3

c UUll1 uccu su iu<uiy

doctors.Words tend to
sound strange, 48 hours
after an earthquake of a
magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter scale.
Stranger still if these words come
from an official in the government of
the State hit by the quake. January 28,
2001 was a day when, in the midst of
cries of grief, that overflowed from
Bhuj, Bachau and Anjar, I witnessed
the darker face of Indian bureaucracy.
As a ham radio operator from the
National Institute of Amateur Radio
and as a volunteer with the Swiss
Rescue Team, 1 waited impatiently
that morning for the IAF plane that
was to take me to Bhuj. Gandhinagar
airport was the nerve centre for all
relief operations and was handling
international traffic since foreign res­
cue teams were flying in directly to
Gujarat.
Seated in the office of the aviation
advisor to the Gujarat Government
who is stationed at the airport, I
noticed three teams of doctors and
orthopedic surgeons, who had come
to volunteer their services from as far
as Mumbai, Indore and Bangalore.
What followed was a tragi-comedy of
sorts.
The advisor first states non avail­
ability of aircraft as an excuse not to
fly them to the affected areas. Flying
was the only alternative they had
since all the road routes were dam­
aged by the quake.
After waiting for three hours, the
doctors plead with the Adviser, who
was incharge of all operations at the
airport to at least send the three tons
of medicines that they have brought
They again received a ‘let us see' in
answer. And then came the piece de
resistance.
A junior airport official approaches
the doctors from Indore and tells
them: “Its unlikely that you will get a
flight in the next 24 hours. So mean­
while, let me arrange a godown to
store the medicines. You can pay me
one lakh rupees... cash please."
As thousands lay fatally injured
awaiting treatment in Bhuj, this man
was bargaining to store the medi­
cines intended for them, for a bribe
of one lakh rupees.
Back at the Aviation adviser’s office,
a multinational telecom company’s
representatives arrive with a hundred
wireless radio sets that the company
has donated for use in relief opera-

W

in Pirst Person

Maddening red-tape
G. RAJA KARTHIKEYA , a college student, went along as a volunteer with the Swiss
Rescue Troops to Bhuj on January 28. He won a Swiss Government awardfor his
service. His brush with officialdom at the quake-hit region was an eye-opener.

Contd..

lions. They receive a well-worded
a decision will be conveyed to us
reply: "Do you have permission from
soon. So, wait till then. Don't take
the IT Secretary"? This is followed by
any other action.”
more words of wisdom: "if they (doc­
The result of these words: The for­
tors and wireless equipment) were
eign plane with 40 doctors and 7 tons
required, then the commissioners of
of medicines and relief material was
the affected areas would have com­
kept hovering in the air for nearly
municated to us". The honourable
four hours, while hundreds down
adviser whois also an ex-officio Joint
below, awaited help. Meanwhile, the
Secretary in the State government,
Gujarat government’s official helicop­
missed the vital fact that the commis­ ter was brought out of the hangar. I
sioners of the affected areas could
presumed it was meant to bolster the
rescue and relief operations though I
communicate their need for wireless
equipment if and only if they actually had seen at least one Mi-26 and three
received the equip­
ment (all the phone
lines lay dead).
It turned out that all
doctors and medicines
needed permission
from the Health
Secretary, all electronic
equipment from the
Information
Technology Secretary
and so on. Every relief
-associated measure
required permission
from a Secretary of the
appropriate depart­
ment in the State
Secretariat, 20 km
away. It seemed to be
the standard protocol
and the official saw no
reason to alter rules in Relief material piles up because of official apathy
and inefficiency
the case of an emer­
gency.
More of the drama was to follow. At AN-32s leave half-filled to capacity
since they did not receive permission
12-15 p.m., the aviation adviser’s
to take the rest of the relief supplies.
deputy, a bespectacled, gray-haired
The Gujarat State copter left, not with
man, received a call. The control
a rescue crew or with relief supplies,
tower at the Ahmedabad airport
but with tie and jacket-clad civil ser­
wanted to know where to divert the
vants, on an aerial survey of the
French plane carrying relief supplies.
The deputy answers (sic): "We have quake-hit areas.
Tired of haring waited for over five
to choose between Ahmedabad.
hours, the doctors from Indore and
Bhuj and Bachau... I suppose the top
Bangalore decided to leave by road to
officials (who are they?) may be
try and reach as near as possible to
meeting to decide on this.... I'm sure

the worst-hit areas of Kutch. (These
wonderful men deserve praise. For
example, 20 of the Bangalore doctors
later performed 400 surgeries within
30 hours of reaching Kutch with little
or no official support).
And at the airport, rescue teams
continued to pour in from around
the world including the Germans, the
British and the Swiss.
And they waited for the planes. The
Swiss team members stared at their
chronographs for over six hours
before half of their team left for Bhuj
in a MI-8 helicopter,
thanks to Mr. B. Mehta,
a Tourism Department
official llasoning with
them. The rest of the
team however, consist­
ing of 18 men includ­
ing professional rescue
“ workers, doctors and
structural engineers
—■and-me had to wait. In
the absence of an
accompanying official,
the team required to
take fresh permission
to take the Air Force
plane to Kutch.
Only the strong,
patient few outlast or
outwait die procedure.
The Swiss team and I
were among those few
who made it to the
AN-32 flying to Bhuj,
thanks to the initiative shown by
some young Airforce pilots, and Mr.
Pandya, an airport official.
Even as we were anxious to start
the rescue work, we were struck by
the gravity of the disaster, when
through the porthole. I saw kerosene
lamps replacing damaged floodlight
at places on the runway at Bhuj. In
spite of the presence of army top
brass such as Maj. Gen. Budhwar (of
Kargil fame), no civilian official was

News You Can Use

Contd...
present to ensure identification and
funeral for the corpses or to provide
contact with the control room. Even
as we rescued three persons, includ­
ing a four-year old girl in the next 24
hours, guided and assisted by illequipped army jawans, no govern­
ment official was to be seen any­
where.
I find the mob speaking to the
Collector of the region. A man in the
crowd questions the Collector why
over 500 villages have still not been
brought into contact and why no
relief teams have been sent there. The
latter mumbles an inaudible reply.
Returning to Bhuj airport on 30th
morning. I felt gladdened for the first
time during my visiLAircraft, from
every imaginable country, including
one from Pakistan, stood on the run­
way, unloading relief cargo.
I then met a group of volunteers
from “Kutch Nav Nirman Abiyan".
And then again, my illusions were
shattered. There by the side of the
runway, I saw heaps of boxes - tons
of relief material lying in the open
with no one to take it to the victims.
While medicines, blankefts, tents
poured in from all over India and the
world, and people patted their own
backs for sending it, most of that
material lay by the side of the run­
away, right where it was unloaded.
Not enough trucks (none in fact
except a few army shaktimaans) to
carry the material to the victims in
the camps, and not one official at the
airport to record the inflow of relief.
On the flight back from Bhuj, I
thought of all the lives that could
have been saved with timely medical
care, all the people who could have
been rescued from under the rubble,
if only the rescue and relief teams
had been allowed to reach the sites in
time. If only official apathy and passthe-buck tactics had not been at play.
If the earthquake was a natural
calamity, then its follow up was a
human catastrophe. Politicians who
went on aerial surveys (among them
State Cabinet Ministers and opposi­
tion MPs), and thus blocked the use
of aircraft for rescue and relief opera­
tions, shamed the nation. And
bureaucrats who shunned responsi­
bility, refused to take the initiative
and tightened the knots of red tape,
duly complemented the politicians.
What Indian bureaucracy and poli­
ty need today are not just lessons in
disaster and crisis management. They
need lessons in sensitivity in the
sense of responsibility. They need les­
sons... in humanity. ■

The Hindu
02 March 2001

Farmer managed small-scale irrigation projects like the
Chikkapadasalagi barrage have many advantages, it is time to
incorporate issues relating to such projects in the National
Water Resource Policy, suggests R S PODDAR
ANY shortcomings of the state funded
Financial appraisal of the project revealed that pay
multi-purpose mega irrigation projects have back period of investments in the project was six
come to the fore in the wake of the several years for two life periods of 25 years and 14 years
debates and discussions over ecological balance and which were considered keeping in mind the possible
long-term sustainability of agricultural development submergence of the barrage under the hack walers ol
Protagonists of small and appropriate technology Upper Krishna Project. At 10 per cent rate of dis
have been advocating small-scale viable projects. count, which is recommended by the National
Chikkapadasalagi barrage built across river Krishna Commission on Irrigation (1972) for investment analy
in Karnataka is a story of success in small-scale irri­ sis of projects in drought areas, the net present values
gation project, which has set a history of sorts.
(NPV) of the project for 25 years and 14 years life pen
To overcome the problems of drought, people in ods, were Rs 6,604.10 lakh and Rs 3,401.44 lakh, respec­
the region organised themselves voluntarily under tively. The Benefit-Cost Ratios (BCRs)of the project.
the leadership of progressive farmer-cum -social for the 25 years and 14 years life periods, at 10 per cent
worker, Siddu Nyamagouda, to start a farmers' co­ discount rate, were 1.80 and 1.54. respectively, 'rhe
operative organisation called 'Krishna Theera Ryot Internal Rates of Return(IRR) of the investments in
Sangha’ and constructed the Chikkapadasalagi bar­ the barrage for the 25 years and 14 years life periods
rage during 1987-89. The idea of such a project, organ­ were 48.67 per cent and 33.95 per cent, respectively.
ising farmers, mobilisation of men, money and mate­ Based on the short pay back period, positive BCRs.
rials, management and supervision of the project are high NPV and high 1RR values it could safely be con­
unique achievements in the history of irrigation cluded that the investments made in the
Chikkapadasalagi barrage were worthwhile and eco
development.
A unique feature of the barrage was that the entire nominally feasible.
Farms in the command area showed significani
amount of funds required for construction was
mobilised by the beneficiaries themselves.The main differences as compared with per hectare net returns
sources of contributions were farmer-beneficiaries over the farms in the non-command area. With regard
(40 per cent), machinery and human labour contribu­ to the labour employment in the irrigated region.
tion by the beneficiaries (13.22 per cent), contribution there was substantia] increase in labour employment.
from CAPART, New Delhi (35.11 per cent) and dona­ Farmer managed small- scale irrigation projects have
tions from public associations (10.58 per cent). many advantages like high rates of return, short ges­
Another notable feature of this project is that benefi­ tation period, low investments and maintenance cost.
ciaries as well as non-beneficiaries in the area came suitability to the local conditions, no cost escalations.
no silting of reservoir, minimal environmental degra
forward in thousands and rendered 'shramadan*.
This barrage is a concrete masonry dam having a dation and human misery in terms of eviction of tin­
length of 430 m and a height of 8 m (plate 1). The reser­ native people.
Therefore, it is time to incorporate issues relating
voir created by the barrage has a width of 0.45 km and
length of 45 km with a storage capacity of 2.8 thou­ to such projects in the National Water Resource Pulicx
sand million cubic feet (TMC). The project was com­ Government can commission survey of river valleys
pleted within a record period of 11 months at a cost of to identify possible projects and sites to encourage­
rupees one crore. The total command area of the bar­ participation of local farmerbeneficiaries to execute
rage was 17,200 ha in 1997. The total number of farmer such projects. This would ensure a large number of
beneficiaries was 6,242 in 1989. The barrage reservoir small and sustainable projects spread throughout the
caters to the irrigation and drinking water needs of 26 country there by overcoming many of the disadvan­
tages of mega projects.
villages ai d Jamnkhandi town in Bagalkot district.

M

Film wins award

Deccan Herald
02 March 2001

• Bangalore film-maker Kirtana Kumar’s new film “Guhya”, a
documentary on feminine sexual symbols and rituals, has been
awarded the first prize in the New Delhi Video Forum, organised
by the National Institute of Social Communications Research and
Training (NISCORT). Kirtana travelled in rural North Karnataka,
Kerala. Assam and Meghalaya documenting symbols and rituals
specific to goddess worship, and conversations with groups of men
and women, including devadasis, jogammas, sex workers, artists.
pandas, etc. While Konarak Reddy shot the film and composed
n
u
. .
music, Clay Kelton was the audio engineer and Mischelle Rebello U eCC an Herald
and Veena Appaiah were production assistants.
02 March 2001

CDL Media Clippings 5

Optimism In the air
"Some parents got together and ;
SUDHA
seemed to mind the wait. "The
A m « aibaba a ai “Section is good for my child, so I hired vans to bring all the children I
RAMACHAND RAN don’t mind waiting," said from an area," recalled Dr I
Parvathamma from Kanakanagar. Sadhana, medical officer at the I
HE enthusiasm in the slums At Devarjcc-vanahalli (DJ Halli) UFWC at Sirur Park.
was infectious, almost as Health Centre where 8,632 children
Co-operation from the commu- j
RIOR to the proinfectious as the disease were immunised during the 10-day nity was high. Local leaders in the <
gramme, ' an Informa­
that the programme is trying to drive, a kilometre long line of par­ slums were contacted. They in f
prevent. Judging from the large ents and children waited patiently turn mobilised the community. In * tion drive whs launched.
number of people who came to get to be immunised at the Panchayat some areas, places of worship | Link workers went out
their children immunised against Hall. Dr Surendra, medical officer were offered for the immunisation • Into the slums and told
measles recently in Bangalore it at DJ Halli said that on an average drive. Doors of mosques, churches ; parents about the Impor­
would not be an exaggeration to he had to vaccinate at least 12 chil­ and temples were thrown open to « tance of vaccinating the
child against measles. A
say that a silent change is taking dren per minute.
people of all communities.
place in the community with
Around 5,900 children were
At Idgah Mohalla, Muslims ‘ day’s training was impart­
regard to attitudes to health.
immunised at the Sultanpalya offered their community hall for .’ ed to the doctors where
Many people in India look upon Health Centre. Dr Sandhya said the
vaccination
drive. « they were taught how to
measles as a visitation of the that even parents from the sur­ Announcements were made at the - use the new auto-lock,
Goddess Amman. Traditionally rounding elite areas came'to get local mosque about the pro- { auto-de struct I bl e
gramme and calling on people to '
^provided by
therefore, there has been a strong their children immunised.
UNICEF for the proresistance to taking measures to
People were anxious to get their get their children vaccinated.
At Neelasandra, vaccine was j. gramme and also on how .
prevent the disease. The measles children immunised. "A woman
eradication programme that was from Nagawara had spent Rs 30 to administered at the local temple. - to mobilise the people.
conducted in Bangalore from come by auto to the health centre Many Muslims were among those ■ These doctors in turn |
February 12 to 22, however, evoked at Sultanpalya. We were going to waiting to have their children { trained their staff.
Unlike the polio vaca massive response in the City's Nagawara to immunise but she did immunised. And they didn't seem i
slums, way beyond the expecta­ not want to take any chances," Dr to have a problem about entering ; cine that Is arhninlstered
the temple. "For my child’s health I : orally, the measles vao
tions of doctors and health offi­ Sandhya pointed out
cine Is injected. During :
cials.
At most centres the immunisa­ will go anywhere,” said Haseena, |i the
training many* doctors
While health officials expected tion process was streamlined. At whose 11-month old son, All, was
to immunise a maximum of 1.5 the entrance, link workers admin­ vaccinated last.week. Sabiullah f had expressed fears that
lakh .children, preliminary esti­ istered Vitamin A drops to the chil­ said that ensuring his children’s I the programme might not
mates indicate that over 2 lakh dren. Then it was the measles vac­ health is more important than j be a success as people
children were immunised during cine - while one intern applied which place of worship he was • Would not want their chlli dren to be subjected to
the 10-day campaign. The measles spirit on the child's right arm, going to.
Another interesting feature i the pain of ah injection.
eradication programme was a another drew the vaccine in the
!
HWe told parents about ’
joints effort of UNICEF, the State syringe while the doctor injected was increased male participation.
superior
quality
Government,
the Bangalore the vaccine. After the vaccination Generally, children’s health and | the
Mahanagara Palike, and the India the child was given iron tablets.
well-being is regarded to be the j syringes and needles that
j are going to be used hnd
Population Project (IPP>VUI.
Scores waited patiently at the mother’s responsibility. But many
Eighty-three nodal units - outreach centre at Neelasandra. fathers had brought their children : the fact that they are for .
use;"7:
says
Urban Family Welfare Centres "We immunised 4,289 children with along. "My wife is busy at home I single
(UFWCs) and Health Centres - in an average of around 450 per day," with our new-born child. And ! Savitramma, a Mnk worker '
the City were involved in the said Dr Mapjula, medical officer at since my son must be vaccinated I I at Dodannanagar. * Thiis
implementation of the pro­ the Koramangala Health Centre. brought him along," said Nayaz, j removed apprehensions
gramme. But for two Thursdays She had expected only 350 children who spray paints cars for a living. j in the minds of the public.
Elaborate
arrange"My parents believed that j
when the vaccine was given in the per day On the first day of the cam­
was a blessing from J ments were also made to j
health centres itself (so that the paign 705 children were vaccinated measles
'
Amman and did not immunise me. 5 deal with any possible :
routine immunisation programme In this area.
! complications. Doctors
would not be disturbed), on all
> were told tip remafo in tiie .
other days, doctors and their staff
I centre for two hdpra after |
reached out to the community and
I the last child was vacclwent out into the slums to vacci­
of chHdren world- ; hated;
Paediatricians
nate the children. Each nodal unit
j were alerted that thqlr *
covered one slum a day In some
| help would be needed Jn
•ach ypih,>fth
cases 2-3 days were devoted to a
children than any | case of emergencies, j
slum.
I had measles when I was 8 years
hmm
”1 don't know what the injection
iyafidsssBy old," says Lakshmi Devi, whose
is for but I hear it is good for the
three children were irfimunised
children, so I have brought them
last week. "I too believe in Amman.
here. And the injections are from
vaccination
irfru»,ln
But I feel that there is no need for
abroad," said Munelamma, who ■ b*krf*ct*d by
my children to suffer measles any­
had brought four-year- old Mani has b*«n »dnUni«t*r»d M
aiswas conducted
more," she added. A sign of chang­
proararnfne.
and one- year- old Santosh for the
________ _Mt totar dhfir In ing times?
vaccine.
ThMs drivM 0 Ip Bangalore ware
Although there was a long line
Deccan Herald
of parents and children at the
02
March 2001
Sultanpalya Health Centre, nobody

Bettor safe
than sorry

nA

P

■■OK

I ■■■■■IIKSnl

6

News You Can Use

Tomorrow’s
too late

tic advice for children under six and preg­
nant mothers and there’s a lactation man­
agement unit which helps mothers faced
with breast-feeding difficulties and advises
husbands about adequate nutrition and emo­
tional support for their wives in this connec­
tion.

This apart, Cini in 19977 started coun­
selling services for women at its
HEN 18-month-old Mad- Pauline Prince, IBVM, and Rev
Reproductive Health Clinic where, besides
humita was admitted to the Father John Hen-richs, SJ. At first,
family planning advice, prevention and cure
Nutrition Rehabilitation Cini’s two under-five clinics operated
of reproductive tract infections and sexually
Centre ofthe Child In Need Institute, from the Behala Balananda Hospital
transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonor­
ihe was suffering from Marasmic and ST Vincent’s School, Thakurpurhea are discussed. This clinic has gradually
involved men to increase their involvement
Kwashiorkor — the severest form of kur.
malnutrition. She weigtiecT five kilo- • Soon, Cini formulated a nutritious
in ensuring women’s rights to reproductive
health.
;rams and show-ed obvious signs, of food supplement, Nutrimix, which
So far 26 female and 20 male peer educa­
ritamin A deficiency and anapmin I could be easily prepared by village
tors have been trained. As a result of which
Her 20-year-old mother had had four women. It met the daily shortfall of
more men accompany their wives to family
hildren in five years. Madhumita about 300 calories and 10 grams of
planning counsellings, spend more money for
vas the third child, the youngest’was protein that was found in children
their wives’ treatment, are more interested
ust a month old.
below the age of six by a National
in the early detection and treatment of their
In Six weeks at the NRC, Nutritional Survey.
own sexual diseases and, most importantly,
Madhumita gained a kilogram and a
Still, from the inception of the
help their wives in manual jobs.
lalf. Her mother and grandmother under-five clinics, Cini approached
Since Low Birth Weight is a major con­
were counselled in appropriate feed­ malnutrition as a social problem, not
tributory factor to malnutrition and infant
ing and caring techniques and her a clinical one. From aiming to reha­
mortality, the Unicef-sponsored LBW pro­
Gather had special counselling so that bilitate the malnourished child, it
ject, with the West Bengal government as an
be. could share responsibility with his adopted an approach to prevent mal­
implementing partner, has been introduced.
wife for their children. He was also nutrition by involving mothers, fami­
Emphasising the need of intervention in the
advised on family planning and wife­ lies and the community at large in
crucial periods — 0-3 years, adolescence,
fare. So far so good, and today, correct diet and hygiene for children.
pregnancy and post partum — the project
thanks to Cini, the mother has had Moreover, it was imperative that
seeks to nullify the intergeneratiohal cycle of
oo more children and Madhumita mothers be empowered to make decisions on malnutrition and works through block level
and her siblings are properly fed and behalf of their growing children, improve the supervisors and front-line workers in dis­
given adequate health care.
family’s economic condition and finally not tricts and villages.
How did Cini come to be? only be aware of their environment and the
Again, Cini, with support from the UK­
Prescribing medicines for recurrent <^uses of their problems, but alsoJo acquire based Department for International
attacks of diarrhoea and other pre­ the strength to find solutions and implement Development, runs an intervention pro­
gramme for commercial sex workers in four
ventable childhood ailments in the them.
outpatients’ clinics of charitable insti­ On 13 December 1975, Cini was registered rural red light areas. This projects aims at
tutions where he volunteered his ser­ under the Indian Societies Registration Act promoting safer sexual practices among
as a non-profit organisation. 'In 1976, with prostitutes and their clients, generating
vices, Dr Samir Chaudhuri realised
that medicine alone wasn’t going to the -support of Bread for the World, awareness on the modes of transmission and
Germany, and donors from Australia and prevention of syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV and
make much of a difference to the chil­
Switzerland, Cini constructed its buildings Aids,* and ensuring sustainable safer sexual
dren’s emaciated, anaemic lives, or to
on its own land at Daulatpur village in South health. The project works through counthe lives of their equally emaciated
24-Parganas, 17 km south of Kolkata, off selling, video shows, puppet shows and peer
and anaemic mothers. Malnutri-tion
Diamond Harbour Road. Now equipped to groups involved in the sensitisation of prrwtiwas the real problem. Yet,, to tackle serve the child in need for. decades ahead, it totes and their clients through interpersonal
Its widespread incidence in rural must be noted that the institute was not communications.
,
Bengal, Chaudhuri realised he would named after one of the many problems
Meena Mondal, a sex worker, confided
need help from nutritionists, social affecting children. It was dedicated to the
that after a period of counselling and treat­
scientists, social and health workers need of the child, which changes with
ment, she and her “babu” were now fully
who could reach out to the mothers time, as developments take place and
recovered from wliat ailed them.
and influence them to change their new challenges have to be faced. Always
In 1998, the Union Ministry of Health and
feeding practices and provide proper on the alert to project its work- iifto the
Family Welfare recognised Cini as a mother
future, Cini’s motto is: Tomorrow Is too
child care. .
•
NGO entrusted vrith the responsibility of
It seemed an outrageous dream­ late.
teaching and organising other non-govern­
In 2000 alone, 11,666 children below
mental organisations in the field to imple­
desire but in 1974 the dream became
ment the Research and Child Health pro­
a reality. To address malnutrition the age of six attended the outpatients*
grammes in eight West Bengal districts.
and the resultant ill health in poor department in Daulatpur. A nominal fee
However, the i-ecent National Family
children in the rural belt south of is charged on the premise that- what is
Kolkata, three persona came together free ™ not properly valued. A Thursday
Health Survey rated India as having the
largest number of malnourished children Contd...
to create Cini: Chaudhuri, Sister clinic provides preventive and prophylac-

W

CDL Media Clippings 7

Caste-based prostitution report causes stir
By Sneelatha Menon

New. Delhi, March 2: A report
by the Madhya Pradesh Hu*
man Rights Commission is set
to raise a controversy over the
iri$qp$ltive.manner. in which it
discussed “caste based prostit­
ution"-in the state.
. The report - Caste based Pro­
stitution in Madhya Pradesh without giving specific details
about the survey conducted,
says there is rampant prostitu­
tion among three caste groups
m. the stqte. The report also de­
clares that 50 per cent of one of
the three castes discussed in
the report have been tested
HTV positive.
• • /
The study was funded by

UNICEF and inspired by inter­ being stigmatised by'the soci­ prepared to marry girls from
there," he said.
national concern for the preval- ety. ’
The report, which is claimed
As for the HIV tests, it is aga­
’ence of prostitution in the
state, according to a preface by inst the norms set by the to be based oh* “detailed and au­
the CnAirman of the Commiss- World Health Organisation thentic information and .is the
ion, Justice Gulab Gupta.
- and the Health Ministry to ide- result of a serious and compre­
The report does not reveal ntify persons or groups tested hensive study of the subject”.,
figures ___________________________
• HIV posit- uses* insensitive language and
about the WHO regional advisor, South ivereport tb sweeping generalisatnumber of
jai hfaravan said that
WH0
whUe Retailing the histpeople incc.
£tonal adv' ?ry'df the castes under study.
luded * in •
suryeys do more harm
One Of the’groups included
the
than good.
Asfa Jai -lh the study is reported as “crisurvey or
■ ■
■ >■
.
. Narayan minals from the beginning”.
people indulging in prostitut­ said that these surveys do “Male are even now criminals
ion and pimping.
more harm thMi good by turn­ and engage in several offences,
Despite the good intentions ing people against all attempts more particularly thefts. Nowbehind the Survey, the publica­ to prevent HIV/AIDS. “Reme­ a-days, many of them also act
tion of the report and its gener- mber what happened in Hary- as pimps and procure customalised conclusions 'may only ana? Once a village was bran­ ers for female prostitutes,” the
lead to members of the castes ded HIV infected, nd one was report goes on tq say.

The Indian Express
03 March 2001

Silk and success
The successful implementation of the Biovoltine Sericulture
Technology Development Project is expected to give the
Karnataka sericulture industry a boost. The project, a joint
endeavour of the Central Silk Board and the Japanese
International Co-operation Agency, has been working on produc­
tion of the biovoltine variety of silk in Karnataka. The silk pro­
duced so far in India has been of the multivoltine variety, which
is of shorter filament length and lower tensile strength. Attempts
to produce the better quality biovoltine silk had so far been
unsuccessful due to non-availability of silkworm strains suited
to Indian climactic conditions, and lack of technology for rearing
the silkworms and for preventing disease. The Indo-Japanese
project has succeeded in identifying cultivation practices for pro­
ducing superior quality mulberry and in evolving hybrids of
silkworm suited to local conditions. The project has also identi­
fied the causative agents behind various silkworm diseases. This
is a breakthrough for the sericulture industry and the efforts
must be commended.
There is a significant and growing demand for the bio­
voltine variety of silk. In fact the domestic demand for this vari­
ety has been so high that the country has been importing it over.
the last few years. The production of biovoltine silk in the State
can now substitute these imports. Although India is the second
largest producer of silk in the world, the quality of silk produced
is considered to be inferior. It is expected that with the break­
through achieved in the production of biovoltine silk, the quali­
ty silk will now be of international standards. The sericulture
industry must consolidate the substantial gains it has made
through the technology breakthrough by finding new markets.
The silk, industry’s market had been severely hit in the face of
competition from other silk-producing countries. This prompted
the industry to go in for improvement of quality. The Indo-Japan
project may help it achieve this.

Deccan Herald
02 March 2001

8

Contd...
in the world: many more than the total
number in sub-Saharan Africa! Which
means Cini has miles to go.
Today, there w a 10-bed emergency
ward attached to the. Nutri tion
Rehabilitation Centre where children
with severe malnutrition and serious ill­
nesses are treated. Their mothers are
allowed to accompany them. When they
are better, they are transferred to the
NRC for further treatment, and their par­
ents counselled as Madhumita’s parents
were.
Perhaps the latest Cini unit, the
Adolescent Resource Centre, is the most for­
ward-looking activity, with the most poten­
tial for a better tomorrow. Here, in interac­
tive sessions and three-day campe, young­
sters between the ages of 13 and 18 learn
about sexual health, physical and psycholog­
ical changes during adolescence, family plan­
ning devices, the need for npacmg children
and that both mother and cliild need health
and nutrition.
In other words, adolescents are sensitised
towards the inputs required for a happy mar­
ried life wherein husbands and wives Respect
each other and shoulder responsibility.

Rani Sircar
The Statesman
02 March 2001

News You Can Use

Caste system stands in
way of Dudhai rehab
Joni Sangwan
md Vlnay Menon

DEMOLITION DRIVE

Dudhai, March 2

NDRAPRASTHNAGAR WAS
:onceived as a fast-track proect. Hundred days to a brand
lew Dudhai, 800 new earth­
quake resistant homes, in
ilocks of 16, spread over 60
lores of a planned township.
Over 10 days into the project,
lowever, volunteers of the
•lashtrlya Swabhlman, an
'JGO headed by former Delhi
?hief Minister Sahib Singh
Zerma, are staring at twinjroblems no government
luthority in Kutch had warned
hem about.
The problems: One, rebuildng villages keeping in mind
ieep rooted caste wedges
jloughed between village comnunities here.
Two, the lack of labourers in
he villages of Kutch who
vould be needed for the mamnoth rebuilding programme
ihead. The 300 families of the
ipper caste Patels had initially
igreed to the collective deci­
sion of the village to shift to
he new site and had infact
sold some of their land for the
iroject. However, following a
janchayat of Patels, the deci­
sion to join the rest of the vilage in relocation was
*escinded.

SEVEN BUILDINGS,
rendered unsafe for liv­
ing in BhuJ town due to
the quake, would be
demolished on Saturday,
a notification issued by
the Kutch District Col­
lector said. Flat owners
have been asked to
remove their posses­
sions before the opera­
tion begins. In case they
do not turn up, their
belongings would be
removed after a 'panchnama' by the.police, it
added.
PTI, Ahmedabad
This problem of caste
dimensions is one that the govt
has to deal with very sensitive­
ly when planning the reloca­
tion of villages. In this project
the NGO has offered the vil­
lagers the choice of neigh­
bours. In fact the 132 Muslim
families of the village have
already chosen a part of the
new location situated close to a
dargah here.
Mahesh Vanechand, one of
the villagers who donated
seven acres of his land said :
“The Patels are unnecessarily
creating problems to assert
their importance in the h ierar-

chy.
Outwardly, however, Patels
like Rudabapa Patel are
adamant. "My wadi (Held) is
too far away from the new site.
I will not move." But what
about the infrastructural facil­
ities he will have to forgo?
"Ido not need a bank—I will
keep my money at home. And
as for schools for our children if the govt does not make them,
we shall build some for our­
selves ." Consequently, unlike
in all previous caste factional­
ism, it is the upper castes who
would be deprived of basic
amenities like electricity,
water, phone lines, state-of-theart earthquake proof struc­
tures and community centers
that would be provided to the
rest of the village.
But volunteers of the
Rashtriya Swabhlman have
more on their mind than just
adamant Patels.
"The only contribution we
are seeking from the villagers
is that they, in whatever man­
ner convenient, try and partic­
ipate in the village rebuilding.
However, the response has
been disappointing," said Harish, a pointman to Mr
Verma.
The problem is expected to
severely handicap the much
touted govternment’s food-forwork schemes.

Understanding agriculture
through national surveys

The Hindustan Times
03 March 2001

You can adopt
a tiger too
HYDERABAD: Animal lovers
adopting just cats and dogs is
passe. Now they can adopt even
lions and tigers!
However, they will remain
not as pets in one’s home, but in
any of the three zoological
parks in the state, according to a
decision of the AP government.
This was disclosed by Forest
Minister Ch Ayyanna Patrudu
while replying to a question in
the assembly on Thursday.
He said the government had
decided to introduce the
scheme, giving scope for philan­
thropists, industrialists and natu­
ralists to sponsor animals and
birds of their choice and bear
the entire cost of their upbring­
ing. -UN!

The Times of India
02 March 2001

Indian scientist
gets award for
Aids research
NEW DELHI. Mar 1 (UNI)

A US-based doctor of Indian or;
gin, Dr Sunil K Ahuja. has bagged
the prestigious Elizabeth Glaser
Award for his contribution to Aids
research. Dr Ahuja succeeded in
typifying genetic mutations in the
CCR5 chemokine receptor, a key
receptor for HIV virus, that can
determine whether or not an indi­
vidual will be susceptible to HIV
Studies by Dr Ahuja and his wifi?
Seema S Ahuja, determined thai
there is a significant difference in
the'susceptibility of different indi­
viduals to contract AIDS.

Organisation governing coun- statistics’, said Prof B S Min­
cil Prof B S Minhas inaugura- j has. He said the National Stati­
Bangalore, March 2: The cre- ted the seminar on ‘Understan­ stical Commission recommen­
iibility of the present official ding Agricultural Developm­ ded reviving “earlier prac­
irop statistics (in agriculture) ent through National Surveys’. tices” which did not yield good
js at stake, .thanks to misgiviNSSO, that conducts surveys results in agricultural statist­
igs, speakers at a seminar across the country organised ics.
Deccan Herald
tere said. Economists, statlsti- the seminar. The two-day semi­
The seminar will hold a
02 March 2001
:ianst Government officials nar is the third of a series, as panel discussion the the recom­
md academicians from the part of the golden jubilee of mendations of the National Sta­
country met at the seminar on NSSO.
tistical Commission on agricul­
Friday.
The use of remote sensing tural statistics. Over 150 del­
Economist and chairman of with NSSO surveys will-help egates are participating in the The Indian Express
he National Sample Survey produce reliable ‘agricultural seminar.
03 March 2001
Express News Service

'

CDL Media Clippings

9

Dam and the prophet
Environmentalist Sundarlal Bahuguna has for Himalayas while walking. He is the only geolo- of about 10,000 feet. They can utilise it, build sev- . river
...have
long been spearheading the campaign against the gist who studied the whole region on foot. He has oral’ run-uf-tbe
schemes. —
They already
Tehri Dam. Slated to be the highest dam in Asia said that this is a very fragile region and that there two schemes beyond Uttar Kashi -- Maneri Vali
at 260.5 metres, the project, which has been will be an earthquake. Apd that it is very dan­ Stage I and II. There can be four, five such scheme
dogged by controversy since its clearance by the gerous to build a dam in this region.
Schemes. to solve the electricity problem. To’rePlanning Commission in 1972, is viewed by its
solve the water problem, they will have tn cov­
Q: Is there any other expert whose opinion you er the whole mountain region with a derise tree
opponents as a white elephant, which could well
prove disastrous in the event of an earthquake could cite?
cover, including bushes.
Greening of the Himalayas would have been the
in the seismically active Himalayan region. The
One of
SKRoy Committee, appointed by the then Prime
second phase of the Chipko movement*. In the first
GovernmentR?/'
Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi, recommended
phase, we stopped the felling of trees.
mmm
scrapping the project. In the wake of the Gigarat Comnfittee's
member,
Vinod
Gaur.
There
was
the
committee
earthquake, the need to review the Tehri Dam ac­
Q: The Prime Minister is reported to have an­
quires even greater relevance. Excerptsfrom an that the Government appointed, with SK Roy as nounced that he will have have the project re­
interview with Bahuguna, by Anuradha Dutt. its chairman. The committee said that the dam viewed.
cannot be cleared on environmental grounds.
A: I don’t know what they are. thinking.
Q: Would you sau that in view of the havoc
Q: In spite ofthat, why is every successive gov­
caused by the earthquake in Gujarat, it is im­
Q: 'What is the cost of this project?
ernment going ahead with the scheme? Though A: When it was conceived, il. was Rs 198 crore.
perative to review the Tehri Dam project?
A: Yes. Scientists have said that the Himalayas it poses a danger to so many towns.
This grew to become Rs 6240 crore.. If ever it is
are a threatened zone, where an earthquake may
completed, it may come to Rs 10,000 crore.
A: For the trio of politician, engineers and con­ Previously it was a project backed by the Soviet
occur at any time. If they do not stop the Tehri
Dam even now, then I think they are preparing tractors; IhfeSe'bigprojectMro a-source to spin Union, to be completed on a turnkey basis. But,
\
. in the mean time, the Soviet Union disintegrat­
for doom’s day. Because,-the report on the dam money.
Q: Is money the only reason?
ed. Their experts are here.
says that in case of the dam’s failure, Rishikesh
A: They have to have some pretext.
will be 232 metres under water within 60 min­
Q: Which contractors are involved?
utes. Then Hardwar after another 20 minutes.
Q: They say that electricity will be generated,
A: JP Associates. lie is the main man
In 12 hours, the whble of the western UP plains,
including the district of Meerut, will be washed up to^400 mw.
A:
might have calculated this long, long Q: So, a small group is endangering the entire
away till up to Bulandshahar. The consequences
* ”They
'1
ago. But now, there is no water in the river it­ Himalayan ecology?
will be quite cataclysmic.
self.
A: The devil quotes the scriptures to Justify him­
self. Similarly, they cite developtnent. Development
Q: You said this area is prone to earthquakes.
Q: The river is drying up?
is the new religion. Even' disastrous thing, deCould you give the scientific backdrop to this as­
A:I The river is drying
up. The glaciers are re- velopment justifies it.
sertion?
bhhui
A: There have been numerous earthquakes in ceding very fast. I think the Gangotri glacier is
the Himalayas. Even in our lifetime, there was an on the verge of extinction. It is on account of de- Q: In the worst possible scenario, what would
earthquake in 1991 at Uttar Kashi. In 1998 too, forestation on the foothills. Previously, there were be the casualty rate?
dense forests in A: I cannot say, but the most densely populat­
in the Chamoli area, there were a lot of landslides.
the Terai region. ed areas of north-western UP will be washed
There is every possibility of an earthquake in 1
Tehri Dam zone. Seismologists say that earth-1|
And these forests away. So, it will not be in hundreds and* thousands,
were the buffer it may be above one million, The hill people will
quakes occur in a zone which is in the seismic
gap. This means that when there is an earthquake against h$at wave from the plains. But in 1948, not be endangered because we can di mb up the*
on the eastern side, say, Rudraprayag district, and after Partition, they cleared the Terai forests, in mountains. In the plains the buildings will come
down. And even the trees will not be able to with­
western side, at Uttarkashi, then Tehri falls in the order to resettle the refugees from Pakistan.
After that the heat wave went straight to the stand this. It will be the most fertile am). denseseismic gap. So, an earthquake is sure to occur
glacier. When the thickness of glaciers reduces,
in that area.
lh.at IS*ll,e &rain tyiskqt India.
then the rate of recession increases. It is only the iJai avBEkg t '£he<;ted*.
Q: Is it correct that the Himalayas are a young annual snowfall which melts and feeds the rivers
The Pioneer
mountain range, 'that is still moving and shifting? and that is too little.
03 March 2001
The
other
cause
is
that
there
are
no
forests.
A: Yesj quite young. There are a lot of landslides
there because the terrain is fragile. Even if the These used to absorfithe monsoon rains, and keep
Tehri Dam does not break due to an earthquake. the flow of the rivetp regp^fij^forestajj^has
since they say the dam will be very strong, the played h^vpc^th hpolpj^t nor/" »Z.
surrounding bilk of Raika are very fragile. As soon • Q: WTie/i there is not enough water to gener­
as the reservoir is filled, these hills will slide down. ate- the quantum of electricity that is being proWhen a big hill slides down into a reservoir, the jected, then what is the justification now for the
water overflows. It happened in 1963 in Italy, in dam?
.the case of the Vijont Dam. The people never ex­
A: I do not know. Because, I guess, once they
pected this as they had been assured that the dam have started it, they want to complete it. They
was very strong. The hills tumbled down into the are afraid of speaking the truth, and revealing
reservoir, and there was an overflow of waler. Tn these facts.
an hour, 2400 people were washed away.
Q: What is the alternative to the Tehri Dam?
Q: Is there any likelihood.of a high magnitude
quake occurring in the near future?
A: Whatever they have constructed till now, they
Ai They talk about magnitude (on the Richter should convert it hi to a run-of-the-rivor project.
. ,
Scale). The Gqjarat earthquake was measured at That means the running water generates elec7.9. But in the Himalayas it will be eight. Geologist tricity, without forming a big lake. Then, between
Prof. Kharak Singh Valdiya has studied the Gangotri and Tehri and Gomukh. there is a drop

jj3g|

„

10

__

News You Can Use

Platformfor literacy as rail stations
turn schools
By Manju Mixta

den of a maimed childhood these poor shoe-shine boys who first finish their
children gather near the bench and find game of ‘paisa’ (gambling) before open­
Mumbai* March 2: About thirty child* books and slates thrusted in their ing the books.
ten. some with harmoniums, shoe-sta­ hands, for a change.
Anytime between 1pm to 5pm on wor­
nds, brushpolish cans, paper trays
The group of tanned faces and sun-ble­ king days, spending an hour to learn
with hairpins, jump across the tracks ached hair nod in unlsdh when didi the alphabets (in English and Hindi.
and rush to their ‘school’. Their shantl- asks whe­
There is
nlketan, a concrete bench installed on ther less­ VOICE now has about 300 working children 11-yearplatform 6 of Andheri station, with the ons can
studying in their schools, held at the Dadar old Kirti
platform for sitting and Indicator io start for
Ka t ar
and Bandra stations and several gardens who mis­
maintain timings.
the day.
and other public places
VOICE_ (Voluntary Organisation in With.
sed three
Community Enterprise) which is beh­ ch a Iks
days
of
ind this unique effort now has about and pencils they get down to the seri­ school because her mother gave her a
300 forking children ‘studying* in their ous business of learning to write. The go-bd thrashing for attending these clas­
schools which are also held at Dadar class is a heterogenous mix - there are sed Living below the Andheri bridge
station and Bandra station apart from girls who concentrate with a studied de­ and with four siblings to look after,
other public gardens and places.“These termination writ large on .their face. Kirti has a busy work schedule — cook­
children are keen to leant." Some even Then there are those who prefer to ing dal-chawal, cleaning, washing.
come with dreams of “working in an of­ climb all over the platform pillars and
Seven-year-old Sharda who plays a
fice some day.”
perch themselves precariously at a harmonium wants to know if we are po­
For now there are no uniforms and height before getting down to the A, B, lice informers. She shuttles between
no heavy school bags. Carrying the bur­ C, of things. There is also this group of Khar station and Andheri station and
her latest musical number is - Turn dll
kl dhadkan mein rahte hoon...
“I come here. My parents don’t knew
this;'They will scold me if they come to
know that I am wasting.time here,” she
says. “The Crowds are not good in the af­
ternoons. so I do the studying at this
By Our Staff Correspondent women to change their situation
time,”, she reasons.
and fight against marginalisation
This is a school with no attendence re­
JAIPUR, MARCH 3. In a unique at­ by social customs, mental and
cords either. Meenu Bansiwar, their
tempt to empower widows and physical torture, economic side­
dull who teaches them, informs us that
deserted women, an Ekal Nari lining and exploitation.
Shakti Sangathan has been The concept of establishing
absenteeism is regular. Some times the
formed in Rajasthan with a view such
reason is ghar tod diyd or it is maa aspaan
organisation had
to bringing together the low-in- emerged in a Widows' Confer­
tai mein hain (mother is in hospital) or
come single women. The organi­ ence held at Bassi, near here, in
usually police ne bhaga diya station se
sation includes widows and the November 1999, which was at­
(police threw us out of station). But
women deserted by their hus­ tended by over 425 widows from
they are always back in a few days.
bands, divorced women and 22 districts in Rajasthan. A State­
As 1.58 pm local approaches the stat­
those who have walked out due to level coordination committee of
ion, the shoe-shine boys rush off with
abuse.
widows formed on the occasion
their wares. The hustle-bustle contin­
The organisation will work to­ later felt the need to broaden the
ues for ten minutes until the t^ain depa­
wards changing the social cus­ concept to include the women
toms that marginalise single who were alone. The Sangathan
rts. The group reassembles again near
women, overcome superstitions has started working in 55 blocks
the bench and take up their pencils.
and cruel practices, strengthen of 23 districts in the State with a
The Indian Express
the economic position of women, membership of over 2,400 wom­
take collective action on atrocities en. It has currently the support of
03 March 2001
committed against women and two Non-Govemment Organisa­
help them take advantage of vari­ tions — Aastha Sansthan based in
ous laws, policies and schemes of Udaipur and Hadoti Hastshilp
the Government.
Sansthan based in Kota. Ms. ManThe members of the State Com­ jula Joshi of Hadoti Hastshilp
mittee of the newly-formed body, Sansthan said the plan was to
who were here to attend a four- bring into being a three-tier orga­
day training programme, told re­ nisation of block, district and
porters today that the Sangathan State committees across the State
had the potential to help widows, and a strong membership base.
separated women and single

Scheme to empower
single women

The Hindu
04 March 2001

CDL Media Clippings 11

Among women who said that something
could be done to prevent AIDS, the most
commonly mentioned ways were to have
only one sex partner (40 per cent) and
cent in Bihar to 93. per cent in Manipur, avoiding injections or using dean needles
and Mizoram AIDS awareness have gone (30 per cent). Avoiding sex with sex work­
up significantly (from 1992-93 to 1998-99) ers, using condoms, and avoiding blood
only in Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Maharashtra transfusion were also mentioned by 25 per
and Goa.
cent, 20 per cent and 19 pel cent of the
Television was the most important women respectively.
source of information (70 per cent) among
Tho lack of knowledge about AIDS, its
women, both urban and rural. Other modes of transmission and ways to avoid
important sources were radio (42 per infection are still the greatest challenges
cent), friends or relatives (32 per cent) and to efforts towards prevention and control
newspapers or magazines (27 per cent)..
of AIDS in India. Since even basic infor­
It is disappointing to learn that among mation about AIDS is seriously deficient,
women who had heard about AIDS, 33 per at least among the women in our country,
cent did not know any way of avoiding it. AIDS. prevention organisations need to
As expected, this percentage was higher give highest priority to the educational
a mung nnai than urban women, and programmes among the ru»al poor »*nd
increased sfyaiply with decreasing kvels disadvantaged communities.
— Moni Nag
of education and standards of living.

When ignorance is not bliss
FTER the initial stage of HIV infec­
tion, there is a period varying
between a few months and a decade
or more when there may be .no apparent
symptoms of any illness till the onset of
AIDS.
' • J.:
The number of people living with
HIV/AIDS in India was already as large as
3.5 million at the end of 1999. Since the
establishment of the National AIDS
Control Organisation in 1989, various
efforts to .prevent HIV transmission, such
as public health education through the
media and. non-governmental organisa­
tions, have been made. But the fruits of
this labour war® far from Gncnuraging aa
revealed in the recently published report
of the National Family Health Survey

A

(NFHS-2) conducted among about 90,000
married women in the age-group of 15
to 19 years. A few examples of the findings:
As many as 70 per cent rural women
and 30 per cent urban women had never
even heard of AIDS up to 1998-99.
Education and standard of living had a
positive association with knowledge of
AIDS, which ranged from only 18 per cont
among illiterate women to 9? per cent
among women who’ve at least completed
high school. Similarly. AIDS awareness
increased from 20 per cent among women
in households with a low standard of liv­
ing to 74 per cent among women with a

high stand iid

vary

considerably . gat Jiuj, nujv. h-dg*? of
AIDS. It ranged from a loxv -J cinjy 12 per

The Statesman
04 March 2001

Ofmahua and tipsy bullocks
Akhilesh Kumar Singh
Ladigarh (Palamu), March 2

WHAT CAN a farmer do if his
bullocks simply refuse to
plough his field? Crack the
whip? Well, not exactly, if he
belongs to Jharkhand’s Palamu
district. Here, farmers have the
exotic mahua to give their
beasts a very different kind of
a kick. And it sure works.
The once-reluctant animals
are soon transformed into
servile creatures ready to fol­
low their master's command.
The only hitch? The recent
hike in mahua prices from Rs 2
a bottle to Rs 8.
Nevertheless, the practise,
that has spawned a slew of folk­
lores, still has its lo£al follow­
ers in-Ladigarh, Kutti and
Karma villages of the district.
According to a farmer from
Ladigarh, “do not add even a
drop of water to the mahua if
you want to get work done.
Begun, a villager, had once

diluted the mahua, and a few
moments later, his bullocks
simply slumped”.
But is it okay to go ahead
with such a practise? "Why
not," asks Sunil, another vil­
lager. "If horses in the army
can be fed rum, why can't we
feed our bullocks some country
liquor to put a spring in their
step."
But not all agree. Lalluji, a
well-known landlord of Ladi­
garh, scoffs at the idea, that he
claims was first put into prac­
tise by Ladigarh's sarpanch,
who tried to revive the local
zamindar's tired and emaciated
ox with some mahua. "The rem­
edy clicked, and ever since
everyone's game," he added.
Some villagers, however,
recall the age-old practise
among the Munda tribals of
feeding their animals a local
brew-handia to revitalise them.
Taking a leaf out of it, non­
tribal farmers started the same
using mahua, they say.

The Hindustan Times
03 March 2001

NGOs form pressure group
R a thin Das
Ahmedabad, March 2
A MONTH after the earth­
quake, victims are yet to get
proper relief and rehabilita­
tion. Several NGOa have united
in calling upon the Gujarat
Government not to abdicate its
responsibility towards the peo­
ple by extensively relying upon
offers for adoption of villages.
The Gujarat Government
had been laying more emphasis
on the adoption of villages
rather in mitigating the hard­
ships of the quake victims.
Acknowledging the fact that
the NGOs cannot be a substi­
tute for the State, a meeting of
the various voluntary organi­
sations decided to build a pres­
sure group to intervene for

preparing a draft rehabilitation
plan for the earthquake vic­
tims, especially In the interiors
of the Kutch district.
Representatives of more
than 100 NGOs with first-hand
experience of working among
the quake victims met here
recently to chalk out a broad
consensus on adopting a scien­
tific approach towards the
question of rehabilitation and
the much talked about reloca­
tion of villages and even whole
towns. A point raised by human
rights activist, Girish Patel of
Lok Adhikar Sangh, was that
many people were being
deprived of their livelihood in
the process of relocation. While
not opposing the idea of reloca­
tion as such, the NGO repre­
sentatives pointed out that in

many cases of self-employed
people, relocation would mean
loss of their livelihood based on
local resources.
Even in the matter of relief,
the Government was urged to
ensure that the people are made
active agents in the process of
change.
Considering
all
these
aspects, the NGOs have formed
what they call "Citizens' Initia­
tive" to prepare the guidelines
on rehabilitation and to go into
the technical aspects of quake­
resistant housing.
A no-profit organisation,
Giving Impetus to Voluntary
Efforts (GIVE) Foundation has
raised more than Rs 25 lakh
and is providing financial
resources to NGOs undertak­
ing relief work.

The Hindustan Times
03 March 2001

News You Can Use
municipal councillors in the governance system becomes.

centres. These - elected In order to speed up the resRECONSTRUCTION CALLS urban
leaders represent different P°nse in the face of such
segments of society, different massive tragedy, the admimspadas, bustees, neighbour- trative machinery, army and
FOR LOCAL EFFORTS
hoods and hamlets. They will national/international NGOs

By RAJESH TANDON
HE
massive
upheaval mobilise the Ward, Punch and
caused by the earthquake Sarpanch whose term may
in Gujarat on 26 January 2001 have ended but who continue to
has led to widespread destruc­ play important social and gov­
tion of life, livelihood and com­ ernance roles in their com­
munities, in particular in the munities. Likewise, in small
Kutch region. A spontaneous towns and municipalities,
response from citizens and municipal and ward councillors
voluntary groups inside the can become a rallying point for
country, as well as outside, has reconstruction of communities
brought massive relief material in Kutch.
and support. In this effort, the
government of Gujarat also
HOUSES
rose to the occasion with an
One may ask why the ad­
efficient and responsive man­ ministrative machinery of the
agement of relief operations, in government and external agen­
collaboration with civil society cies like NGOs and business
organisations, volunteers and houses are not adequate. The
business houses. Nearly a interventions of external agen­
month after the earthquake, cies can keep build houses,
the time for rehabilitation and roads, community centres and
long-term resettlement of the schools. But they cannot build
families in the Kutch region neighbourhoods; they cannot
has come. It isHieartening to build social capital that re­
note that Gujarat government quires mutual trust, mutual
has come out with a detailed support and a sense of belong­
“package of rehabilitation and ing. The experience of rehareconstruction for earthquake builitation in Latur and other
victims”.’This was released on places clearly indicates that
19 February.
sustainable reconstruction of
In order to assess the pos­ communities must begin with
sibility of future rehabilitation, mobilising people, families and
it is important to understand their social connections. This is
that rehabilitation of quake- where strengthening local gov­
affected people is not merely ernance can be the most power­
about building their homes and ful ingredient in reconstruction
providing them roads and elec­ of Kutch society.
tricity. While that is an essen­
It has to be acknowledged
tial pre-requisite, it does not that the package announced by
add up to building neigh­ the Gujarat government has
bourhoods,. communities and many elements which reinforce
the Kutch society. As is already this perspective. It has been
known, diversity of experien­ clearly mentioned in the sali­
ces, cultures, ethnic and reli­ ent features of the package
gious practices abound in the that affected people and com­
Kutch area. Kutchees are also munities must be actively
enterprising, hardworking and involved as central players in
self-made people. The process the rehabilitation process.
of rehabilitation and recons­ Likewise, the role of Gram
truction of Kutch society, Sabha has been adequately
therefore, must be built on the acknowledged to avoid top.premise of ^effective local down, externally imposed solu­
governance.
tions. It is also proposed to set
It is a pity that Gujarat gov­ up village-level committees,
ernment had postponed the which will take decentralised
constitutionally mandated elec­ decisions in relation t o reset­
tions in gram panchayats in tlement work.
September last year. In place
These principles can be fur­
are taluka panchayats and zila ther strengthened if we find a
parishads whose newly elected way to mobilise, re-energise
representatives can be mobi­ and engage elected ward
lised to take their rightful role panchs and sarpanchs, leaders
in reconstruction of Kutch of taluka panchayats and zila
society. It is also important to parishads as well as ward and

T

be able to identify the families took charge. In the next year or
which require reconnectivity s0> Kutchees, their local assoand thereby build the basis for ciations and local system of g g
social reconstruction of Kutch governance, constitutionally
CM
society.
mandated and in place g x:
through
panchayats
and CO P
GOODWILL '
municipalities,
alone can 55 <0
As the recent experience of ensure dignified, humane and q S
relief had demonstrated, good- sustainable reconstruction of XZ io
will and material support from Kutch society.
b- O
outside is not enough. Despite
the massive arrival of clothes,
it is not uncommon to find
Kutchee women and men who
have not changed their dress
since 26 January, because the
clothes they have received are
New Delhi, March 2: The Sup­
not appropriate to their prac­
tices, habits and ecological re­
reme Court on Friday directed
quirements. It is already obvi­
all the States and Union Territ­
ous that caste and religious
ories to state bn affidavits the
divisions have separated the
steps being taken by them to
relief efforts.
stop sex determination tests,
Several relief providing agen­
which invariably results in fe­
cies (including the army) are
male foeticides.
running separate kitchens for
The bench comprising Just­
dalits and non-dalits. The
ice M B Shah and Justice S N
social reconstruction process
Variava warned the states and
needs to enable mechanisms
the Union Territories that in
for resolving inter-group con­
case the affidavits were not
flicts and assuring healthy,
filed within four weeks the chi­
mutually supportive rehabili­
ef secretaries of the defaulting
tation of neighbourhoods and
states would have to present
hamlets. This is possible only if
themselves before the court for
local governance mechanisms
explaining the conduct of their
are energised. Finally, ener­
gising local governance will
respective states.
ensure long-term monitoring
The counsel for'the Union
and accountability of all the
government Krishan Mahajan
resources and inputs that are
informed the court ‘ that the
being applied towards recons­
Centre had set up a technical
truction.
committee to review the entire
The package of rehabilitation
Prenatal Diagnostic Technol­
announced by the Gujarat
ogy (prevention and abuse)
government is providing sub­
Act.
sidy to all those whose houses
The bench, acting on a petit­
have been destroyed. But theion by the Centre for Educat­
amount of subsidy reinforces
ion in Health and Training, the­
the present inequality. Why
refore asked the Centre to file
should better-off families get
an affidavit within four weeks
higher public subsidy? Who
in this regard.
should raise such issues?
The petitioner stated that
The Gujarat government’s
the Act was not being implem-.
calculations suggest that reha­
bilitation of 200 families would
ented and the sex determination tests were being advertised $
require Rs 3 crores, half, of
which the government of Guja­
with impunity.
g
rat will provide. How are these
The petitioner “said that the Q.
resources spent? How is the
Act required every state gover- * o
physical design of houses.and
nment to set up an appropriate
layout of neighbourhoods pre­
authority for registration and §
pared? And how are the assets.
maintenance of genetic labs
o
so created owned and managed
and genetic nursing homes, c <5
by the community? This de­
However, in most of the states o S
pends primarily on how ener­
no such authority had been set x: co
gised and effective the local
vup, the petitioner said♦ UNI
°

SC Seeks details
of steps, being
taken to stop
foeticides

CDL Media Clippings 13

A book to bring
about change
*/ */ II
_1L

you
t0 3ee t^ie
person but only the
disability, who is
blind? If you cannot
hear your brother’s cry for justice
who is deaf? If you do not stand
up for the rights of all persons,
who is disabled?” — these words
of Tony Wong, member, Disabled
People’s International, are print­
ed in the newsletter of Action on
Disability and Development
(ADD) India. And this probably
sums up the need for a handbook
that would guide your percep­
tions about the disabled.
Making able the disabled. Ush­
ering in the winds of change.
“Building Abilities”, a handbook
on working with people with dis­
ability brought out by ADD India,
a non-govemment organisation
working with the disabled in col­
laboration with publishers, Books
for Change, a unit of the voluntary
organisation, Action Aid — is
such an endeavour to transform
people’s prejudices about and
discrimination of the less abled.
The handbook, which could be
a boon for volunteers working
with people with disabilities, es­
pecially in rural areas, was re­
leased recently at a low-profile
function by Mr. Chris Underhill,
Founder-Director of ADD, U.K.,
here in the City.
A number of voluntary organi­
sations working to empower dis­
abled persons participated in the
function and were given free co­
pies of the handbook
Change is Inevitable but many
have difficulty coping with
change. According to Mr. Rama-

chandra, Executive Director, ADD
(India), the idea behind bringing
out this book is to train persons in
carrying out community-based
rehabilitation of disabled people
in rural areas.
“The disabled have to live and
participate within the family and
community and have to function
as part of society without being
ostracised. But they need help in
doing this. The handbook trains
volunteers to aid In this process of
self help.” The approach would
also be to target people’s attitude
towards the disabled and effect a
turnabout in their perceptions.
And the book was not aimed at
the professional volunteers based
in the City. “Professionals work­
ing in urban areas are well versed
in dealing with disabled and do
not need help. The book specifi­
cally targets people who are not
trained but working with people
with disabilities in villages and
could do with all the assistance
they can get,” clarifies Mr. Ramachandra. “It is sad that when ADD
began its work in India many per­
sons would ask the question
whether it would be possible to
integrate the disabled into society
and help them stand on their feet
and lead an independent life. I
thought this as conservative and
unprogressive. But now there
seems to be a transition,” said Mr.
Underhill while releasing the
book “Building Abilities enumer­
ates the struggles of the disabled
persons and shows how skills
could be developed to overcome
their shortcomings.”
By Sahana Charan

The Hindu
03 March 2001

Sex workers meet at Kolkata
Over 5,000 sex workers from around the world are congregating
in Kolkatta to ensure their rights in the global agenda for the new
millennium, PTI reports. The four-day 'Millennium Milon Mela*
(Unity Fair) began on Saturday with the Cambodian delegation
announcing observation of May 3 as International Sex Workers
Rights Day*. The 'Mela', inaugurated by Sheriff and eminent
Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra, at the Sait Lake
Stadium, has brought to the metropolis sex workers from as far
away as Norway and Australia, besides Hong Kong, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh.
Sex workers from India and Bangladesh were vocal about the
initiatives they had taken to control trafficking in women and in
preventing HIV/AIDS.

Deccan Herald
05 March 2001

14

One-sixth of
humanity counted
NEW DELHI, March 4 (PTI)

bing about the ill-treatment meted
It is happy news. The business of to them at many places during the
counting one-sixth of the world's census operation, they were even
population is over, that is India's found guilty of manipulation. "We
Census. 2001.
have suspended quite a few enu­
Starting from enumerators to merators on the charge of derelic­
the top rungs of the bureaucracy, tion of duty" said the Deputy
everyone is heaving a sigh of relief Registrar General adding that
following the operation ending on "action is also likely against those
February 28. "Thankfully, the hec­ enumerators and supervisors who
tic schedule is over*, said an enu­ are suspected of resorting to
merator. "Now we can get back to manipulation'*
our business of teaching." "Over
He said that the Registrar
the years, the operation is getting General office did whatever was
tougher and this time it was the possible to ensure a smooth opera­
toughest", said Deputy Registrar tion. "We conducted random check­
General R G Mitra.
ing which acted as a deterrent to
Allegations surfaced during the erring enumerators" He. however.
census operation that the opera­ agreed with the enumerators that
tion had not been consistent "they were confronted with many
throughout the country and many problems." And some of the inci­
people had been left out, particu­ dents recounted by the field staff
larly footpath dwellers. The deputy bear testimony to this. ”A dog was
Registrar General agreed, but set on me by the house-owner in a
added, "It was not possible to cover posh area", says one enumerator
100 per cent of the population. This adding "I was so aghast that 1 had
is because of the diversity and even decided to quit my job ".
complexity of the country".
"I was showered with slangs by
"We have to count people who a woman, when I asked about her
belong to different castes, reli­ age", says another. However, bar
gions, economic and ethnic ring odd incidents, public response
groups. There is much difference to the entire operation was tremen­
between every individual and it is dous, Mr Mitra said.
not possible to count everybody".
The provisional population fig­
"During the last census the cover­ ure would be made available by the
age was 98.2 per cent," Mr Mitra end of March. A post-enumeration
says. "This time we expect the per­ survey would be conducted bcentage to be more".
ascertain the coverage errors and
Though enumerators were crib- content errors. Mitra informed

Deccan Herald
05 March 2001
lages and bastis demonstration ol
integrated inputs for sustainable
development of human settle­
ments.
Several industrial houses are
keen on adopting such settlements.
NEW DELHI. March 5 (DHNS)
Naidu highlighted that these
A major programme for the devel­ model villages and bastis will have
opment of 500 model villages and the provisions of adequate hous­
500 model bastis over a period of ing , basic amenities like water
five years will be launched by the supply,
approachable
roads,
Union Government soon.
drainage, sanitation, primary­
This was announced by Rural health centres.priniary schools
Development minister M Venkaiah and community centres. Approach
Naidu at a meeting with the Union to the model villages will be on the
minister of Tourism and Culture basis of convergence of ongoing
Ananth Kumar in Delhi last week. schemes like Pradhan Mantn
The objectives of this develop­ Gramodaya Yojana.
ment programme is to adopt vilDeccan Herald

Project for
development of
‘bastis’ soon

06 March 2001

News You Can Use

NOTEBOOK | Anand K.Sahay

Village voice
Now in itsfifth year, the drive in Madhya Pradesh to give shape to village-level
institutions is showing remarkable results. Will this effort to empower rural society
ultimately lead to Gandhi’s model of gram swarajya?
HEN MOST countries were still colonies, and all dis­ men still call the shots in a large number of the cases, but
course on development was dominated by the grand change is already visible.
sweep of the Soviet Revolution, GandhUi offered an
As part of the gram sampark programme, government offi­
altogether different paradigm — that of 'gram swarajya’.
cials of diverse description visit every single village in the
How well this concept would have withstood the test of real­ state to meet the elected representatives, and to see if the vari­
ity can be a matter of debate today. It had to be, after all, in sync ous indices are moving up or down. The results are duly com­
with a national economic and political framework. Decades puterised and forwarded to the Chief Minister, and efforts
later, however, an effort is being made to work in the direction made to redress grievances.
that Gandhi had suggested and it is taking shape in Digvijay
The Chief Minister himself touches down in his helicopter,
Singh’s Madhya Pradesh.
accompanied by the chief secretary and his own secretary, a
Gandhi's scheme involved a complete dispersal of power — senior IAS officer, entirely unannounced (I can vouch for this
through the critical decentralisation of resources — to India's as I was made to choose the villages we visited as we hovered
hoary village society. This would lead to direct democracy, in the helicopter) in about a dozen villages spread across
possibly after traversing through the stage of representative several divisions.
democracy. In the final analysis, it relied on the individual,
The purpose is to get a feel of things — and mix freely
not the 'Soviet' (or the collective) which had a class and party with the people, asking them about the progress of various
orientation and produced the phenomenon of ‘collectivisation projects and changes in their lives. The presence of the senior
of agriculture'.
officials helps to keep
‘Collectivisation’ as a
the state bureaucracy
working project is now
on its toes.
dead. Indeed, its achieve­
I had the opportunity
ments — as a lynchpin of
recently to accompany
Soviet-era advance—had
Singh and his officials to
come to be regarded as
the adivasi village of
speculative even in the
Malipura in Dewas dis­
high noon of the Soviet
trict, and Pipalda village
in Indore, a reasonably
Union. But Gandhi's idea
well-to-do rural settle­
surely met a worse fate. It
ment of the Khati com­
was not even tried out.
It languished in official
munity. It was an uplift­
ing and instructive expe­
files as ‘panchayati raj’,
rience. The positive
which meant all things
chemistry that the youth­
to all people. But to the
ful
Digvijay
Singh
poorest Indian, it meant
seemed to strike with the
nothing at all.
rural folk — especially
Of all people, it was
the young men — could
the techno-savvy Rajiv
Gandhi who resuscitated
not but impress.
It was interesting that
panchayati raj through
he could tell them in an
enabling parliamentary IT ACTUALLY WORKS: A tribal artist from Dindori, Madhya Pradesh
open way that certain
legislation. But Digvijay
Singh is surely the man who has sought to give some practical things could not be done by the government and needed
shape to village-level institutions aimed at empowering their own cooperative efforts.
rural society. However, a qualitative assessment of the Chief
Since the state is gripped by drought for the third year run­
Minister’s ambitious programme, now in its fifth year, still ning, the focus of gram sampark this year was on water har­
awaits its historian.
vesting and conservation. Illustrated ‘do-it-yourself’ leaflets
Criticisms, some valid, are being voiced from moffusil-level prepared by officials had already reached the villages, which
revenue officials upward, as this writer discovered during a the people proudly showed us.
trip to the Indore region with Digvijay Singh for the once-aIn Indore that evening, the Chief Minister had a four-hour
year ’gram sampark' (village contact) programme in February long brain-storming session with the MPs, MLAs, district
Indeed, Singh himself is receptive to some of them. The one board members, forest department officials, senior.police
concerning strong-arm methods being used by many elected officials, and all the district collectors of the regibn. As
sarpanches, for Instance, to favour their kin in many ways, part of a wider process, it was a revealing exercise? There
some involving money. Nevertheless, real elections are being appeared to be a free give-and-take between the state’s
held, and some of the figures underscoring this are spectacular. top officials and the people’s representatives about the situa­
Consider this. There are some 51,000 villages in Madhya tion on the ground.
•
Pradesh (including the just carved out Chhattisgarh). Each has
Whether the whole experiment may stand or fall depends
eight samitis (committees) dealing with literacy, health, water, on the scale of resources the empowered panchayats get —
micro-credit, land mutation, and the like, with 12 elected mem­ or are able to generate through self-help. Can the Gandhian
bers in each. This yields the figure of 45 lakh elected represen­ model deliver, for instance, the vital land resource to the poor?
tatives in all. One third of them are compulsorily women.
Power supply and roads, so necessary for development, fall
In 1994, before the projected gram swarajya plan was started, in the same category. In the absence of these, a high level
40 per cent of the women sarpanches were literate. In five, of participatory rural democracy may merely end up
years, the figure had jumped to 80 per cent. Of course, the scratching the surface.

The H industan Tim es
05 March 2001

W

CDL Media Clippings 15

Tech enables people to make
'virtual visit- to doctor

New York, March 5: The Ind* now when you call; your doc­ Dr Kapoor is the founder of endent Physicians Association
ian-American chairman of the tor, you are reaching him with the Heritage Medical Group aff» that has a membership of 1,800
board at Xpress MD Technolog­ a second hand message. The iliated with Phelps Memoril doctors elANS
ies believes 'virtual visits' to real meaning may be lost in Hospital in Westchester, and
The Indian Express
the doctor are good for you.
the transition.”
the president of Hudson Indep06 March 2001
In fact. Jalandhar-born* Dr . The system! has the potential
Satish Kapoor, 51, thinks it Is to go national, Dr Kapoor says,
such a great idea that he and “because it Has no boundaries
his colleagues are making it except that each person has to
their business.
be registered — doctor and pat­
His site enables patients to ient."
log- on to their own doctor’s
Regardless of the complexity
site with one’s own unique or whether* it is successful, he
Every human resource minister feels compelled to come up with a
number to provide security.
solution to the many problems of school education. And, coincidentally,
insists. “It is a service a pati­
“Because of the changing en­ ent needs to receive and doct­
they come up with variations of the same theme — reduce the burden of
the schoolbag, make learning fun, do away with Class X exams. So Murli
vironment we thought of lever­ ors need.to provide.”
Manohar Joshi’s latest recommendations on these very same lines have
aging new technology to impr­ ; Started in February 2000, the
met with a lukewarm response. On the reduction of the schoolbag bur­
ove communications between software, product development
den, there can be no quarrel. Numerous studies have shown that the child
physicians and patients,” Kap- is at the completion stage and
is mentally and physically affected by the sheer volume of books she has
oor.said.
a small group of doctors and pato carry back and forth everyday. Paediatricians have stated conclusively
“IKis an advanced tool based tients'will begin using it
that the growing child’s spine is affected adversely and that this could
on smart .disease-related and •Tf is particularly valuable
lead to lifelong back problems. But has anything been done about this so
symptom-related templates,” for young patients,, young mot­
far? Of course not, but then that Way go the best-intentioned recommen­
Dr Kapoor maintains, contain­ hers, follow-ups, refills, filling
dations of all education committees, and there have been many till date.
ing questions that.ideally a doc­ of health forms etc,” he notes.
The government might like to ask itself if it is on the right path to making
tor would ask his patient.
And doctors can deal with com­
education more joyous. Though a laudable aim, it should pause to ques­
“It is good for non-acute or munications in the middle or
tion its penchant to rewrite textbooks to incorporate factoids which are
follow-up issues — it is not a end of day without being inter­
certainly of no use to the child. In countries like Singapore, the school
cyber-doctor but rather a supp­ rupted, he contends.
curriculum is designed not only to impart knowledge but with a keen eye
lement to the care a physician
on employment trends. Innovation and imagination are encouraged and
There are six physicians, and
rewarded. This is in sharp variance with the Indian system where the
offers you,” he clarifies.
others on the management
cardinal principle is conformity. This happens because crucial decisions
Existing health sites on the team, a physician advisory
are taken by people far removed from the education scene. It is incon­
Internet, Dr Kapoor emphasi­ panel that takes, active part in
ceivable that a politician or a babu sitting in a ministry could understand
ses, do not provide the kind of the development Revenues
or appreciate the unique demands of the schooling system.
patient care and personal con- are expected to be derived
As we have consistently argued in these columns, any system which is
nectivity for clinical services from some of the communica­
alienated from the people whom it touches so profoundly cannot
that Xpress MD purports to do. tions between doctors and pat­
produce the desired results.The school system can be revitalised only
“Clearly the service we are ients which will be categorised
when parents and teachers are brought to centrestage and the curriculum
providing is a virtual visit to as regular visits and which
and methodology of education enriched by their inputs. To this end, the
your doctor.” Sites like Health- subsequently will be covered
HRD minister’s suggestion that a Children’s Commission be set up is
eon-WebMD, he says, do not by HMOs or insurance, he
welcome, though it is unclear what exactly this Commission is meant to
provide this sendee, though* adds, and from pharmacies
do. Logically, it should be able- to offer some insights into what children
there is one smaller competi­ and clinical trials or anyone
themselves feel about the school system. An inclusive approach involving
the key constituents is the best way to reform today’s obscure and
tor ‘named healing.com and a running banner ads.
outdated education system. It is precisely this inability to connect with
few other sites are being deve­
Another service Xpress MD
the situation on the ground that resulted in unworkable suggestions like
loped.
began offering four months
abolishing Class X examinations. Admittedly, the examination system
Dr Kapoor did medicine ago is transcription services to
today only encourages students to learn by rote; it in no way reflects their
from Medical College, Rjhtak, doctors, and that brings in add­
levels of comprehension or talent. But, which is the greater injustice?
Punjab University, and migra­ itional revenues.
Putting a student through a rigorous examination in Class X or permit­
ted to »he US in 1975.
The transcription is being
ting her suddenly to confront an even more competitive examination in
. On completing his residency done by an Indian company,
Class XII? A more viable system would be to remodel the education
in downstate Brooklyn, New Selectronics, which specialises
framework so that a continuous process of evaluation is in place.This will
York,- with a fellowship in Pul­ in back office functions.
enable the student to stay on her toes, plugging gaps iq knowledge as and
monary from Long Island Jew­
“It has very good quality con­
when they arise. If the student is spared the trauma of last minute
ish Hospital, he has been in trol system — which speaks
cramming through guidebooks and tutors, chances are that she will per­
fuli-time practice in Westches­ very highly of India -r- that
form to her potential in the examination. With its latest initiative, the gov­
ter, New York, since 1981.
ernment is now on test. But the question still is, will it make the grade?
they can adapt to local Ameri­
Xpress MD, he maintains, is can language and accents,” Dr
The Times of India
documented care that reaches Kapoor maintains.
06 March 2001
a doctor first, hand.
“We are extremely pleased
"It is your communication with this and offer it to any pra­
with your doctor, and right ctitioner. or group.’’___________

Making the Grade

f6

News You Can Use

A different Santiniketan
TMANAM Barbah Sanskriti, says the
Veda. Culture enriches the soul. This is the
motto behind Dr Kanti Gupta’s dream to
take art back to its grassroot level — the village.
Set up in 1992, the Kedamagar Kalaniketan
Centre, situated some 10 kms from Chinsurah in *
the Hooghly district, is Dr Gupta’s very own
Santiniketan.
It is an
endeavour on
his part to
arouse an
interest in the
Arts —
drawing,
dance,
theatre,
elocution and
music —
among the
villagers who
generally lack
the inner
culture. Down
the years,
Gupta’s enthusiasm has rubbed off on people
from neighbouring villages-, causing a remarkable
increase in the number of students at the
Kalaniketan Centre.
So all efforts are now being made to reinforce
the full five-year course (which was disrupted .
sometime back because of a paucity of funds) and
teach the arts in a more orderly manner. Senior
students of the centre, all talented artists, have

A

now taken over the job of teaching the
newcomers, along with Gupta’s daughter and a
band of young enthusiastic students from
Jadavpur University.
Some of the cultural activities pursued by the
Kalaniketan students are open-air programmes,
which include plays, dance-dramas and painting
exhibitions.
But even in
the face of all
this progress,
the centre is
not being
properly
funded. On
principle, it
doesn’t accept
donations
from the
central and
state
governments
because of the
political and
other
problems that it would entail. So the expenses of
the centre are borne almost entirely by Gupta
and his wife, with little help from the locals.
Recently, the centre has bought cultivable land in
a bid to generate some income out of it.
Gupta, who strongly believes that it’s art that
Fulfils human lives, still has a lot to achieve
•where-his philanthropic endeavour is concerned.
So here’s to hope and to wish him all success....

The Statesman
06 March 2001
The Indian Express
06 March 2001

GE Fund launches scholarship programme
ENS Economic Bureau
Bangalore, March 5: The GE
Fund, a philanthropic foundat­
ion of the General Electric
Company, on Monday launc­
hed a scholarship programme
for students doing graduation/
post graduation courses in eng­
ineering, science and manage­
ment at premier educational
institutions in the country.
The scholarship was launc­
hed by Scott R Bayman, Presid­
ent and Chief Executive Offi­
cer, GE India here.
The Institute for'Internatio­
nal Education (HE) will admin­
ister the programme. .
It has received Rs 67 lakh

from the GE Fund to award 40
full scholarships covering tuit­
ion fees, related course expen­
ses, room and board for the
duration of the course.

ent pool for GE to hire, incre­
ase and strengthen relations­
hip between the industry and
the institute and -enhance GE’s
chances of getting the best and

The programme has been formed with a
selection criteria in which not only academic
excellence, but also strong leadership and good
citizenship qualities would be considered
The course will be for a per­
iod •of 18 months and nine tech­
nical institutes and five mana­
gement institutes have been
selected. *
Bayman said the GE Fund’s
objective in starting the progr­
amme was to increase the tal­

the brightest professionals on
board.
Professor Lavakare said the
programme has been uniquely
structured with a comprehens­
ive selection criteria in which
not only academic excellence,
but strong leadership and good

citizenship qualities would be
taken into consideration.
Indian Institute of Science
(Bangalore), Indian Institute of
Information'■ Technology (Ban­
galore), Indian Institute Of
Management (Kolkata, Indore
and Kozhikode), Manipal Insti­
tute of Technology (Manipal),
Birla Institute of Technology
(Mesra), Indian Institute of
Technology .(^hennai, Delhi,
Kanpur, Kharagpur and Mum­
bai), Jamnalal Bajaj Institute
of Management Studies (Mum­
bai) and Faculty of Managem­
ent Studies (New Delhi) were
the institutions in the country
included for the GE-scholarship programme

CDL Media Clippings 17

Kit helps streetchiMren get back to school
Aru pa ma G.S.
BANGALORE: Formal education remains a
distant dream for many streetchildren. In such a
scenario how long does it take for an out-ofschool child' to get integrated into a school?
Even, while educationists haven’t been able to
come up with a specific answer, a Tbmkur-based
school claims it takes as little as four months.
According to K. Venkataramaiah, who found­
ed the Maruti Vidyakendra at Someshwarapuram in TUmkur, an out-of-school child can be
integrated into a formal school in four months,
using a kit that he has developed. The educa­
tional kit, that has been prepared following
years of experience in the field, deals with
aspects like developing visual abilities, language
and numerical* skills through knowledge, along­
side incorporating the importance of good
Habits and discipline.
Says Venkataramaiah: “Many children who
come from rural areas and poor families would
not have been enrolled in a school at all. It
becomes important to develop the visual, lan­
guage and numerical abilities of such children so
that it becomes easy for them to cope with the

•? A Tmnkur-based school claims to:

have developedan'
kit that helps to integrate m
out-of-school chfld into b fonnal
school within four months.
actual academics.”
To improve visual abilities, children are taken
through exercises that help identify objects like
fruits, vegetables, plants, animals and all other
elements that are part of the environment
“Since these children are deprived of nursery
education, they need to pick up elementary
knowledge on the environment,” he says.
During the skill development process, efforts
are made to ensure that the fundamentals are
ingrained into the child. So, language skills start­
ing from words and followed up with sentence
construction, teaching verses and poems are
included. Listening skills are improved with
story telling sessions. “All this .should be done in
the local language. There is no point in teaching

them English or any other language at this
point,” he cautions.
Numerical skills are taught by familiarisation
of parts of the body. “For instance, children can
be told that they have one nose, two eyes, two
hands and so on. With this, they can get familiar
with numbers from 0 to 9. Once the numbers are
mastered, it is easy for them to understand the
concepts of mathematics,” Venkatara’maiah
explains.
Venkataramaiah is prepared to help any
organisation, government or private sector,
dealing with the amalgamation of street chil­
dren into formal schools. “We are willing to con­
duct training programmes for teachers or
depute our staff as resource persons to help
such organisation,” he says.
Venkataramaiah has to his credit many inno­
vations which have .fetched his school 28
NCERT awards. Though his school follows the
state syllabus, children are tested based on
learning and comprehension skills till the fifth
standard. No exams are conducted till then.
(Contact Manrthi Vldya Kendra, 2/2227,
Sbmeshwarapuram, Tumkiir-5721(12).

The Times of India
05 March 2001

Women’s Day reality check: It's not
easy manning village
By Rlshma Patil

Gokawadi (Pune), March 7:
No speeches, no promises, no
elections. Our sarpanch sim­
ply refuses to speak tip before
the men, so how can we?
Please don’t ask us how we
spend panchayat money, we
have no clue.
Six months after a rare all­
women panchayat assumed
charge of 118 families and a
princely Rs 24,000 of pancha­
yat income, democracy conti­
nues to be a man’s world for
the famous five from 25 to 60
plus, at Gokawadi, Bhor.
Sixty-four kins from Pune
city, .Savitribai sarpanch tells
you she’s learning to sign her
name, calls her election the
voice of the village, and adm­

its she has “never spoken a know nothing.”
anymore, I’ve grown used to
single word at panchayat
Savitribai leads a mahila
this,” Savitribai smiles shyly,
sabha. I’m obviously afraid. army bom from child’s play. for her name was picked first.
I’m not sure I will ever speak No polls, no nominations. The The last male sarpanch had
when all the purush mandali crucial five names were hand- stayed put for 10 years.
are there to take care of every-' picked by a village kid last
Deputy sarpanch Mathobai
thing.”
year, from slips of paper bear­ Bandal is 60 plus with 14
' Indutai Bandal * is
grown children scat-.
enterprising,
and
7 have never spoken a single word at tered across the
wonders why her vill­ panchayat sabha. I'm obviously afraid. State. Full of gusto
about a future angaage has never heard
of International Wom­ I'm not sure I will ever speak when all nwadi on property
the 'purush mandali' are there to take she has “gifted,”
en’s Day. “How can I
Mathobai says her
care of everything."
utter a word if the
“son. has sent the
sarpanch
won’t
speak? So I’m quiet too. Actua­ ing names of all the village wo-. anganwadi report. The report
lly, I want to ask for a primary men-folk. First lucky name will come back from whatever
health centre at Gokawadi, to sarpanch, second name dep­ office my son has sent it, with
spare our elderly, children uty sarpanch and so on till approval for the anganwadi,”
she beams confidently.
and women the three-km trek five.
Questions on future village
“I know nothing about panc­
to Bhor...but how can we vill­
age women take any initiative hayat income or what costs improvement plans invite
under fear and pressure? We how much. But Tm not afraid blank, silent stares, interrup-

Contd..

18

News You Can Use

Fighting scourge of widowhood
with a song and henna
ffipz&r
*g B

n

n

be performed by the parents of the
bridegroom. Homi told The Pioneer
Jaipur
proudly that she did not wait for the
panchyat to pass af resolution that it was
GOING AGAINST the prevailing discrimi­ all right for widows to attend marriages
natory social customs, 70 widows from
and perform ceremonies. She took the
all over Rajasthan sang songs, applied
bull by its horns and surprisingly the el­
bind! and bedecked their hands with
ders or the people of her community did
henna. According to tradition, all those
not object. •
simple pleasures of life are denied to
In fact, Homi led the way for others
widows as these are considered to be the like her to attend marriages and other
sole prerogative of suhagans (women
auspicious functions.
whose husbands are alive).
The widows also raised their voice
At a function organsied by an NGO.
against being called Dakin or Daya
Ekal Nari Shakati Sanglhan (ENSS) in
(witch). This happened only after a
Jaipur, these widows decided to fight
lawyer told them about defama­
against the discriminatory practices pre­ tion laws. A widow from Depura
vailing in society.
village in Udaipur district, was
By applying bindi on their foreheads,
calk (I abusive names by a man in
Vidya, a widow from Baran district told
the village when she returned
The Pioneer. "Ham galat parmprao ko
home.
tod rahe hai."
She immediately protested
According to Ginni Srivastva. the slate and threatened to file a
has over 20 lakh widows, but there was defamation suit, under Section
no separate department to deal with is­ 500 of the Indian Penal Code.
sues related to them - monetary or oth­
Flame log ko rand kahete
erwise.
hai, magar mard vidhur ko
Many women narrated heart rending
randva nahi kahete, yah paktales about life as a widow. For Lali, who shpat hai ^urot ke sath, said a
hails from Tonk, life after her husband's widow from Nagour district.
death was a nightmare as her in-laws'
The widows have also been
attitude towards her changed overnight. demanding a hike in the pen­
Instead of sympathising with her in her
sion that they get.
darkest hour, they began ill treating her.
They get a measly Rs 200
Manjula Joshi, who works for the wel­ per month, for which they
fare of widows said, “it takes barely min­ have to go through the
utes after a husband.'s death for the sta­ painfully lengthy procedure of
tus of a woman to change. Nothing re­
filling out a complicated form.
mains the same."
However, surprisingly these
In a voice brimming with emotion,
women were very blase about
Shanti, another widow, recounts what
the issue of remarriage.
befell her after her husband died. She
They view each proposal
remembers the breaking of her bangles, that comes very carefully and
being covered in black cloth or odhna,
check out the credentials of
being made to sit in a corner for three
the prospective!; groom very
months without being allowed to show
carefully. Surprisingly, most of
her face or speak to anyone, as clearly
them are not very enthusiastic
as if it was yesterday.
about remarriage as they have
The bindi, the sindhoor. the orna­
children.
ments, all given to a woman at the time
The ENSS has its network in
of marriage are rudely taken away, said 55 blocks of 23 districts and is
Nandkanwar from Baran district.
trying to expand. They have
The ENSS, which organised its firstinspired the widows, who have
ever widow conference in the state in
started coming out of their
November 1999. taught 425 widows how houses now.
to fight the prevailing traditions and su­
Despite, the fact that the
perstitions surrounding them, said
condition of Indian widows is
Manjula Joshi. According to Indian cus­ the most pitiable, it remains
toms, a widow has no right to witness a the most neglected social is­
wedding or even be present at any fes­ sue.
tive occasions, even if it is the marriage
This is despite the fact that
of her own children, as it is considered there arc over 6% widows in
inauspicious.
the country as compared to
Due to ENSS' initiative, many widows just 2.4% widowers.
aroke the tradition. For instance, Homi,
The condition of war wid­
i tribal widow from Udaipur, not only at- ows is no less pitiable and it
.ended the marriage of her son, but per- brings with it the added trau­
brmed all the ceremonies that needed to ma of bickering within the
Narayan Bareth

family for the compensation
forced to marry their husband's brother in order to
keep the money within the
family, which is just another
form of the atrocities inflicted
upon these unfortunate
women who have
been dealt a loosing hand by
life itself.

The Pioneer
07 March 2001
Contd...
ted by men prodding them on.
“Talk about the power situat­
ion, tAlk about water,” they
coax, with economic and soci­
al (lets and figures on their
fingertips.
Finally it falls upon Pandurang Pawar to list a brand new
ST stop, a three-furlong road
to the cemetery built by volu­
nteers and proposals to repair
pipelines, all generously credi­
ted to the panchayat “We dec­
ided to give the women a
chance, since 30 per cent rese­
rvation existed anyway.”
Youngest panchayat mem­
ber at 25, Sunitabai says that
she “must like working on the
panchayat, since it’s her duty
now. But it’s tough to spare
time from managing a home of
three families under one

root”
Mathobai is more vocal and
quick to describe the resolut­
ion of morning squabbles at
the two depleting community
wells and leaking taps that
run dry after two hours a day
as the famous five’s finest ach­
ievements as respected p^nchayat
members. Savitribai
and Indutai also puff with
pride on the many family, mar­
ital disputes the panchayat is
called upon to resolve, after
working hours, while Kalabai
maintains a sullen silence.
“We are proud to be on the
panchayat. But the men must
co-operate to push ahead jftate
yojanas which collapse even
before implementation. If our
men won’t help, we can do not­
hing.”

The Indian Express
08 March 2001

CDL Media Clippings 19

Harvesting Rain Water
Water Resources In The
Himalayas
By Piyoosh Rautela
Concept
Publishing
Company, New Delhi
Pages 123
Price Rs 200

tion of the Himalayan hydrological structure.
The first great civilisation of
the. world flourished on the
basis of superior water man­
agement system. The author
traces the origins and develop
ment of rain water harvesting
ATER Resources In • through ages and importance of
Himalayas
water for the growth of a flour­
Harvesting. Tradition ishing culture in the heart of

W

By PK Nair '
And the world's highest* mountain
Change by range, that the Gharwal region
Piyoosh of Uttarkhand.
The current and pa$t scenar­
Rautela highlights water-relat­
ed problems of Himalayas. The ios t of Changar, Almora,
book provides extensive refer­ Mussollore, and Doon Valley
ences in support of the Idng and vis-a-vis the water management
outstanding traditions of rain .» systems are separately dis­
water harvesting in the moun­ cussed and the reasons for the
tains of Himalayan range of break from the traditional
Uttarkhand region, and analy­ interplay of geology and precip­
ses the reasons for the current itation regime is analysed.
The Uttarkhand region is
state of drought, aridity and
ultimate probable desertifica- showing signs of depletion of

water resdurces.The ground
water level in Dehradun, fox­
example had gone down by 30
meters during 1972-82 period.
A major cause for the situa­
tion is our failure to see rain
forests as a hydrological regula­
tor. Our. ancestors knew that
vegetation has three important
roles in hydrological structure to serve as buffer, to intercept
rain clouds for pre­
cipitation and to
return water back
to
atmosphere
through transpira­
tion.Today.
Uttarkhand region
suffers
from
unplanned construction and
dumping of debris, replacement
of natural plants like oak by
pine, and the author laments
that we are leading this region
of Himalayas to shortage of
water, drought, aridity, and
ultimately to desertification.
The author provides a few con­
structive suggestions for
improving the situation.
The book is an* eye opener for
our water management special­
ists and research students.

The Indian Express
07 March 2001

Grimes against women
to cost govt jobs in MP
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

spokesman said. “All the state laws and rules
have already been scrutinised by the govern­
BHOPAL, March 5. — Any-person convicted of a ment to ensure that they .are not against the in­
crime against a woman* will be debarred from terests of women in any manner”, he said.
government jobs in Madhya Pradesh.
To increase the representation of wornep in the po­
A spokesman today said the recruitment rules lice force, the state government has made 30 per­
for government jobs in Madhya Pradesh have cent reservation for women in the executive police
been ame^ed to debar persons ’convicted* of of­ force and 10 percent reservation for women* in con­
fences against women-from these jobs. The stables' posts. Women who are victims of various
amendment made in the Madhya Pradeeh Civil atrocities, have' been exempted from paying the
Services Rules, 1961, in this regard has already court fees for their litigations, the spokesman said.
been notified by. the state government’s general The state government is observing 2001 as Wo­
administration department, the spokesman said. men's Empowerment Year*. “The government
Similarly, any. government employee against has decided to launch a state-wide campaign
whom a charge-sheet has been pending in a from 8 March - International Woman's Day - to
cpurt for his involvement in a crime against a create public awareness for prevention of atroc­
woman, will be placed under suspension, the* ities against- women", the spokesman said.

The Statesman
06 March 2001
20

Environmentalists
caution against
Tehri dam
NEW DELHI, March 9 (UNI)

Eminent environmentalists have
cautioned Prime Minister Atal
Behari Vajpayee that going ahead
with the Tehri Dam project in the
earthquake prone area would be
disastrous not only to the region
but to other parts, including the
national capital as well.
The environmentalists includ­
ing former Delhi chief justice
Rajender Sachar and historian
Dharampal, Sunderlal Bahuguna
and T M Mukundan, in their
appeal to Mr Vajpayee said con­
struction of the dam would
amount to courting disaster and
welcomed his statement on review­
ing the dam in the light of the
Gujarat temblor.
They said even Delhi could not
escape the consequences if there
were any breaches in the darn.
Floods could badly affect
Rishikesh within 60 minutes and
Hardwar in another 20 minutes.
The densely populated gangetic
plains
like
Meerut
and
Bulandshahar would not be
spared, they added while pleading
the Prime Minister to get construe
tion of the dam stopped.
The group also warned that the
prosperity and productivity in the
plains due to the fertile alluvial
soil brought by the Ganga would
also face harmful results. By
adding to silt deposits, the dam
would cause loss of fertility in the
plains in the downstream. There is
a security aspect as well because of
the proximity of the dam to the
border with China. Any attack on
the dam would cause loss of lives
in Uttar Pradesh.

Deccan Herald
10 March 2001

News You Can Use

RLEK Human Rights Centre
•

■

Dehradun

POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN HUMAN RIGHTS

I

;

I
l

I

Recognised by Vtevo-Bharsti ISantinlktUn) University, West Bengal
I
ADMISSION NOTICE
|
The RLEK Human Rights Centre invites -applications for adraisslen to Its Second Post Graduate Diploma Course in .
■ Human Rights (one year duration) commencing from 30th Moy, 2001.
I
This innovative and highly participatory course looks at humin righto from a global perspective and provides a strong «
I theoretical background on the developing debates, along with 'hands on" experience of lssueA>elng tackled by Non* I
■ Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) and other Institutions. The coursb shall be conducted by teamed faculty members who |
■ have a vast experience in the field of Human Rights. In addition to the permanent faculty, leading jurists and distinguished j
! legal luminaries are the Professors Emeritus and will deliver lectures on a regular basis. Five guest speakers from UNICEF will .
1 also deliver lectures based on their experiences of working- with UNICEF. The medium of Instruction for the course Is English. J
I
In order to provide field-based experience, the students- will also, as part of the course curriculum, be attached for a I
I period of 2 months with NGOs and other organisations working Io the field of Human Rights.
1
I
Eligibility: A minimum of 55% marks,In graduation.
|
The course prospectus and application form may bo obtained by sending a stamped, self addressed envelope (8*' x 10") ■
1 along with a crossed Bank Draft tor Rs. 200/- drawn In favour of Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra, payable at
I Dehradun, or on cash payment from the Office of the Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra at Dehradun on any working day ■
I from 5th March, 2001. For additional Information, please visit our website at www.riek.org.
|
Lost date for the submission of the application forms Is 2nd April, 2001. The applications will be screened and I
l short-listed candidates will be called for Interviews.
|
Successful applicants will be notified by the 7th May 2001 and will have to report to the centre by the 27th May, 2001. .
1 The course will commence on 30th May 2001.
All correspondence should be addressed to:
Coordinator Admissions j

! Phones: (0135) 745539, 746071,740955
1 Fax: (0135) 741931, E-mail: riekGvsnl.com

M
,RLE*
RISh,so<l?!!S.e
68/1, Suryalok Colony, Rajpur Road, Dehradun-248001.

The Hindu
08 March 2001

Father of grape revolution
to assist MP farmers
Sanjeev Majupurla,
Bhopal

DR ACH YUT Dabholkar. father of
grapes fanning revolution in
Maharashtra, is now exploring
avenues for augmenting crop
yield in Madhya Pradesh. His
thrust will be to facilitate use of
20 lakh hectare of wasteland in
the State.
At present, he is touring dif­
ferent parts of the State and in­
teracting with farmers to apprise
himself of ground realities.
Dr Dabholkar. 77, has moot­
ed a throe-tier farming ap­
proach to uplift condition of poor
farmers. His technique of ame­
liorating condition of marginal
and landless farmers is also in
demand in countries like the US,
Germany and African nations.

Dr Dabholkar has also delib­
erated with Chief Minister
Digvijay Singh, Agriculture
Minister Mahendra Singh and
senior officials of the Agriculture
Department in this regard.
During his talks with the Chief
Minister, Dr Dabholkar ex­
pressed that the three-tier farm­
ing approach will enable mar­
ginal farmers to enhance their
yield.
Under this system, a farmer
can grow crops and fruit yield­
ing creepers by planting saplings
of trees, explained Dr Dabholkar.
Part of the land could be used for
shelter, food etc, he added.
All this could be done in an
area of a quarter on an acre.
According to an official re­
lease, Dr Dabholkar has al­
ready parked members of his
team called "Prayog Parivar" in

Indore district.
The mutual network educa­
tion and non-formal system of
education, pioneered by Dr
Dabholkar, have shown that
poor, marginal farmers and
landless labourers can earn
enough amount from as small a
farm as a quarter of an acre.
Dr Dabholkar was a Professor
of Mathematics at Kolhapur,
but resigned from his job and
started experimenLs on grape
production. He has succeeded in
taking 16 tonne grapes from one
acre land.
Now. the experiments are on
to double this productivity. llv
has also succeeded in taking 100
tonne sugarcane inn one aero of
land.
He has successfully
demonstrated growing of fruits
and vegetables on terraces in
Mumbai.

1
J

Programme for
women to get
one hour on
DD, AIR
NEW DELHI. March 9 (DUNS)

Doordarshan and All India Radio
will devote one hour each everyday
for programmes dedicated to
women’s causes. The stress would
be to educate women about their
rights, through entertainment pro­
grammes.
This was stated by Minister for
Information and Broadcasting.
Sushma swaraj at the inaugural
function of the Sound and Light
Programme ” Shatroopa" at Siri
Fort auditorium here on Thursday
The programme, produced by the
Song and Drama Division of the
I&B Ministry, was inaugurated by
Prime Minister Atal Behari
Vajpayee.
Mrs Swaraj said all the media
units of the ministry would mount
special programmes for women
throughout the year which have
been declared as the Year of
Women's Empowerment. A cal
endar of events is being prepared
in this regard. This is being done
because the media has a great rule
to play in conveying the message;
in a subtle and effective manner.
she said.
The minister said that though a
great change had been brought
about in the last fifty years in
regard to the empowerment of
women, a lot is still required to
change attitudes in society.
The Minister of State for
Information and Broadcasting, Mr
Ramesh Bais said that equitable
development in the country was
not possible without equal contri­
bution from women.

Deccan Herald
10 March 2001

The Pioneer
08 March 2001

CDL Media Clippings 21

A green card changes lives
of Indian farmers
By Sonu Jain

book is also issued along with would only be issued after the
it It effectively caters to the patwari had been “taken care
short-term credit requirement of. Now with the credit card
of the farmers over six crops in hand, Singh, the 70-yqar-old
(three years). The credit former sarpanch, walks to the
ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs nearest
Gurgaon
Gramin
30,000 annually.
Bank, withdraws money and is
It effectively frees the Indian free to use it the way he wants
farmer from the clutches of the — on seeds, fertilisers or even
ubiquitous patwari who had. to for repairing his tractor.
be given a cut every time the
Another reason for its popul­
farmer wanted a short-term arity is its easy .accessibility.
bank loan. Before every- crop, The farmer goes with two pho­
the visits to the patwari would tographs, land documents and
begin and the fan (document the card is issued the * same
certifying the amount of land) day. Though Balbir Singh's vil­
lage, Mirzapur, was initiated
into the age of the card only
last season, there are already
34 card-holders. After Sinha
said in the Budget speech that
every farmer in the country
should be given access to the
card, the banks are trying to
promote it even more.
What about the recovery
rate? “Since the farmers have
to sow their crops, the chances
of them defrauding is much
less. Our experience * has
shown that it is 95 per cent suc­
By Our Special Correspondent
Besides, a Cabinet sub-com­ welfare of tribals and down­
cessful,’’ said a bank official.
mittee headed by the Social trodden people. Mr. Deshmukh
MUMBAI, MARCH 7. The Maha­
Welfare Minister, Mr. Jayantrao
The Indian Express
rashtra Cabinet today ap­ Awale, had been constituted for said municipalities and munic­
proved ‘Women Policy 2001* its implementation. AU women ipal corporations would be re­
08 March 2001
quired to raise their outlay for
which aims at the empower­ Cabinet members would be its the welfare of women and chil­
ment of five lakh women in the members.
dren from the present four per
next five years, ensuring defi­
Birla award for
The policy made it mandato­ cent to ten per cent
nite advantages to them in ev­
The Government would set
ery government scheme and ry for all government, semi­
crusader
against
government, cooperative and up a women’s fund from which
programme.
educational bodies to prepare micro-credits would be provid­
untouchability
The policy provided for res­ action plans for women empo­ ed to them. A number of selfnew Delhi, march 9. Saraswathi
ervation in every important in­ werment.
employment or cooperative
Gora, a crusader against untouch­
stitution on the lines of civic
group
employment
schemes
These bodies would make
ability, Bochasanwasi Shree Akshbodies, establishment of wom­ public, every year, their would also be worked out.
ar Purushottaj Swaminarayan
en's body in every village and schemes on January 3, which is
The institutions which have
Sa nsth a (BAPS), a socio-spiritual
self-help groups.
being celebrated as Savitribai one-third women members
organisation
and
Kasthurba
Phule Stree Mukti Din in the would get priority in getting
Briefing presspersons about
Gandhi Kanya Gurukulam, prop­
the decision, the Chief Minis­ State. Besides, the State Budget government registration, rec­
agating the principles preached
ter, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, would have special financial ognition and grants. It would
by Mahatma Gandhi, have been
said the policy document was provisions for a special compo­ be mandatory for existing bod­
selected for the prestigious G D
sent to the legal department for nent plan for women. At pre­ ies to have at least three women
Birla award for 2000.
members
on
their
executives.
sent, such plans exist for the
preparing a suitable legislation.
The selection was made by a
The Hindu
committee which met under the
08 March 2001
chairmanship of the Vice-Presi­
dent, Mr. Krishan Kant. The other
members of the committee in­
cluded scientist, Dr. Raja Raman na, jurist, Mr. L.M. Singhvi,
educationist, Mr. Kapila VatThe Hindu
syayan and diplomat, B.K. Nehru.
10 March 2001 official sources said today.— PT I

families in his village.
The Kisan Credit Card
New Delhi, March 7: When which was launched in 1998-99
Balbir Singh of Mirzapur vill­ by the Ministry of Finance has
age in Haryana’s Faridabad been one of the most success­
district heard Finance Minis­ ful government schemes for
ter Yashwant Sinha talk about fanners in a long time. The
the Kisan Credit Card in the number of cards that 'have
Budget speech, he had a . been issued all over India till
‘what's-new?’ smile ■ on his Dec 31, 2000 is 1.06 crore. The
face.
state which tops the list is And­
Singh flashed his green, lam­ hra Pradesh with 25 lakh
inated credit card to the others cards.
sitting in the group and soon
It operates like, a-normal rev­
became a walking-talking adv­ olving credit card with the farertisement of the card for 350 * mer's photograph on it A pass­

Maharashtra adopts women
empowerment policy

22

News You Can Use

A reminder
Yet another women’s day has passed with accompanying
announcements of policies and programmes for improvement of
the condition of women, discussions and debates and resolutions
passed at various fora, all of which are very appropriate but may
pass off as only warmed up expressions of sympathy and good
intent from the past. But cynicism is unhelpful and there is no
denying that the status of women has improved> however mar­
ginally, through the last many decades in the country. The ques­
tion to be addressed on occasions like the women’s day, which
should serve as time for stocktaking and reflection, is whether
the progress has been fast enough and good enough to touch all
sections of society. Economic and social indicators and other sta­
tistical pointers at aggregated levels, icons of success and tales of
women who have broken bastions of male monopoly tell only a
part of the story but it is the other part that speaks of continuing
oppression, discrimination and suffering that calls for attention
and action. Life expectancy and literacy of women have
increased but at a much lower pace than for men. Dowry deaths
and female infanticides are still common in many parts of the
country. Even for*equal work, wages are much lower for women
than for men. In fact the larger part of women’s work which, if
estimated in economic terms, should form a major part of the
GDP, is unpaid for.
Deep-rooted social attitudes and stigmas are at the root
of the lack of progress in the implementation of programmes
meant for women’s advancement Many laws, relating to proper­
ty and marital rights, sexual freedom, crimes against women and
right to work have an inbuilt bias against women and need to be
changed. Discrimination exists in social customs and religious
practices also. Hundreds of recommendations made by the
National Commission for Women, other bodies and individuals
“or action in these areas have not been acted upon. The case of
:he Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes setting apart 33
□er cent seats in legislatures for women, is a glaring example of
:he refusal of the male-dominated establishment to give women
:heir due. A number of governments have approved the bill, pariamentary committees have scrutinised its provisions and it has
>een introduced in Parliament a number of times. Going by the
>ublic positions expressed by different parties, there is majority
;upport for the bill in Parliament but it is doubtful whether it
vill even be introduced in the current session. The objection
•aised by some small parties is being used as a pretext to saboage the entire scheme of the bill. It illustrates that the struggle
or social and political empowerment of women has a long way to
'0 and the goal of equality is still far off. Women’s day should
■erve as a reminder of the difficult struggles ahead and an imporant lesson from the past is that women themselves have to wage
hem and win their rights, often from a reluctant establishment
mwilling to concede.

Deccan Herald
09 March 2001

In a UP village,
women’s empowerment
is bold word
Tarannum Manjul
Mishrikh (Sitapur), March 8
THERE WAS surely no dearth of sceptics when
Phoolmatl sought justice from the Nari Adalat
here by laying her claim to jewellery she said her
brother had taken by deceit a quarter of a centu­
ry ago. She had kept the jewellery for her daugh­
ter’s wedding, she said.
But, eight months later, the errant brother
appeared before the court in answer to its sum­
mons. There, as the jury and a few hundred
onlookers watched, he tamely handed over the
ornaments, sought forgiveness from his niece by
touching her feet and swore he would never ever
deceive anyone.
The Nari Adalat is in many ways a symbol of
women's empowerment. Since 1998 when it start­
ed with the efforts of the Mahila Samakhya, an
NGO, it has handled a few thousand cases and
earned a reputation for being highly effective.
Women from Madhumana, about 20 km from
Mishrikh, and Raipur, located 16 km away, regu­
larly come to the court in search of justice.
Yet, this is not a formal court Its success lies in
social sanction and the maimer in which it con­
ducts its proceedings that are held once a month,
usually on the 15th, The court is conducted by the
women of Mishrikh block alone, most of them
illiterate and simple housewives.
The jury comprises six or seven women who
are tutored on women's rights by the NGO's work­
ers. Both sides are given lawyers and hundreds of
women constitute the cluster group that conducts
court sessions. The court decides on divorce
cases, dowry, and illegal possession of property.
Says Rooprani, a jury member, "We allow an
equal number of women workers to argue for
both sides as we don't want either side to feel that
we are partial.”
The Nari Adalat is not shy of forcing those
accused of wrongdoing to comply with its orders.
If a person does not appear for three consecutive
hearings, a group of 10 to 20 women goes to his
house and asks him to appear before the court.
The method is usually successful.
Says Risha Kushwaha, of Mahila Samakhya,
"When we started the project, it was a bit difficult.
But the women have become so efficient that they
can handle evervthine with
”

The Hindustan Times
09 March 2001

CDL Media Clippings 23

New technologies to
raise wheat productivity

enough to sow the field, said Prin­
ciple Scientist, Dr D.S. Chauhan.
He said the machine would be
modified slightly by introducing
choppers at the wheels which can
slice through the paddy stalks as
the field is sown.
At present, most fanners in
North India use harvester com­
bines and bum out the remnant
paddy stalks before preparing the
field for wheat which poses envi­
ronmental hazards and delays
sowing, affecting the quality of
the produce.

The cost of a zero-till drill and indeed brought about 40 per cent
HRB is about Rs. 14,000.each arid saving in water and diesel and the
karnal, MARCH 9 To meet the they can be attached to a normal crop was more robust.
challenges of the World Trade Or­ 35 horsepower tractor. Mr. Hfra
However, small farmers will
ganisation (WTO) and give farm­ Singh* a progressive farmer from have to hire the zero-till and FIRB
ers a chance to compete in the Sonkara village who used zero-till machines at a cost of about Rs.
world market* the Directorate of technology in four acres demo 400 an hour* besides the cost of
Wheat Research (DWR) here has farm out of 10 acres said it had the tractor. But one run was
developed futuristic farm tech­
nologies to cut input costs and
Deccan Herald
enhance wheat productivity.
09 March 2001
Working on the premise that
crucial farm inputs such as water
will be priced one day and fertiliz­
er will become dearer, the DWR
scientists have introduced zero­
tillage machines and furrow irri­
gated raised bed (FIRB) planting
for farmers to reap rich harvest.
ary allocation and increased par­
PH News Service
“Using zero tillage machine al­
ticipation of rural women in chart­
lows fanners to plant wheat on
BANGALORE, March 8
ing out women welfare and
the day rice is harvested without
The task force on women empow­ empowerment policies. It has rec­
going in for traditional ploughing.
erment which submitted its inter­ ommended expansion and bestow­
This saves time on preparation of
im report to the chief minister ing greater powers on the "State
field, advances the sowing by 8 to
today has recommended various Resource Centre for Women
10 days and brings a saving of
measures including setting up of Empowerment", a wing of the
about Rs. 1700 a hectare on ac­
inter-departmental co-ordinating Karnataka
State
Women
count of diesel, water and la­
bodies to ensure that the pro­ Development Corporation, for the
bour." the Project Director of
grammes and projects launched purpose. To encourage women
DWR, Dr. S. Nagarajan told a vis­
actually reach the target audience.
iting team of presspersons.
While stressing the need for
Most importantly, the zero-till
more women welfare pro­
drill machine_prevents delay in
grammes in the rural sector, the
The. task force has
sowing, which sometimes lingers
task force has also suggested
till December instead of Octobersuggested greater
greater involvement of rural
November. The raised bed sowing
Involvement of rural
women
and
those
who
have
done by the DJVR, planter ma­
worked at the grass-root level in
women and those
chine, raises th q .bed pn which
chalking out policies and pro­
wheat is planted. The technique
working at the; grass
grammes for women develop­
allows for quick cultivation of
: root level in chalking ment.
green manure or pulses in the fur­
out policies tor women’s
Chief Minister S M Krishna
rows. .Scientists even propagate
who received the interim report
sowing of vegetables as diversifi­
development.
of the task force headed by Ms
cation. The incidence of phalaris
Guramma Siddareddy at a func­
minor, the grassy weed, is less as.
tion here on the occasion of the
The original New Zealand zero­
International Women’s Day cele­ take up self-employment and
till machine was first provided by
brations, said the government will ensure marketing opportunities
CYMMYT, Mexico. It was "tropsoon work out strategies to imple­ for their products, the task force
icalised" by the Pant Nagar Uni­
ment the recommendations.
versity as part of the National
has suggested the setting up of a
The task force was set up by the state-level women federation to co­
Agriculture Research Project. Dr.
Nagarajan said Haryana Agricul­
State government last year, to ordinate with the government, vol­
ture University was the first to
study the issues relating to untary organisations, and coopera­
take the machine to farmers and
women’s empowerment in various tive societies to ensure a good mar­
the Haryana fanners were quick
aspects and suggest ways for bet­ ket facilities in every district.
to absorb the technique. As
tering them. The task force has
For better inter-departmental
against this, the Punjab farmers
given a total of 54 suggestions. co-ordination in implementing
have been slow in picking up the
including 10 main recommenda­ women welfare and empowerment
technology, possibly because the
tions in the sectors of agriculture, programmes, the task force has
extension service is poor in the
animal husbandry, horticulture, suggested an inter-departmental
State and inputs are not yet
education, health, employment, standing committee of women
scarce.
law and politics for women’s wel­ comprising representatives from
In Haryana, out of a total of 2.2
fare and empowerment. Ms all departments involved in the
million hectares of land under raSiddareddy said that the task force programme. Presently, 26 depart­
bi, 40,000 hectares is under zero
will submit its final report on ments, apart from the department
tillage. But the technology ap­
women’s day next year.
of Women and Child Development,
pears all set to take off in a big
The task force has suggested are involved in implementation of
way.
that more power, greater budget­ women welfare programmes in the
By Gargi Parsal

The Hindu
10 March 2001

Ensure women welfare schemes
reach target audience: Report

24

State.
The task force suggests that
package of services at the village
level in agriculture, animal hus­
bandry, horticulture, education.
health, employment, cooperation
and law will go a long way in
women development in the state.
In the legal sector, the task force
has recommended codification of
laws relating to'property; harass­
ment, marriage, employment.
education, health and other legal
provisions to women. It has sug­
gested the government to bring
out a comprehensive document
in this regard and distribute It
among government and non gov­
ernment organisation.
The task force also recom­
mends harsher punishment for
those involved in atrocities
against women, setting up of all­
women police stations in everv
taluk in the state. It has also sug­
gested two women’s universities.
one each in north and south
Karnataka, on the lines of the
Padmavathi Women’s University
in Tirupathi.
Among the other suggestions ol
the task force include setting up of
a Karnataka Centre for Women in
Politics to Impart training to
young women elected representa­
tives right from those elected to the
gram panchayats to the legislature.
setting up committees in all gov­
ernment and private offices tn go
through complaints of sexual
harassment
To provide better employment
opportunities for women, the task
force has suggested a separate list
in the employment and training
exchanges and setting up of sepa­
rate and many training centres for
women in all the divisional head­
quarters covering the entire state.

News You Can Use
Nilufar contends that Shakti’s participation
In the project facilitated them to pass on new
information to the women they interact with.
"Sometimes you learn some very important
practical skills which do not require any ad­
ditional costs but which go a long way in in­
creasing demand and improving quality,"
adds she. In fact, Shakti and Gonno Unayan
Prochesta (GUP), another non-govemmental
organisation which participated in the pro­
gramme along with representatives Of the BC­
SIR, contend that AMM is a success, story all
the rural Bangladeshi women want to repeat.
On another level, the Department ofWomen
Affaire has adopted a "group" approach. Here
85 groups have been formed comprising
1010 women in high poverty regions. The next
step was selection of Economic activities that
would augment their household incomes.
"Grouping
together with credit institutions and marketing chan­
hen the Mumbai­ ployment creation is no mean task," says women in a village made it nels and outlets is essential for sustainability
based voluntary or- Nilufar Begum, director general, Department easier for women to step of all income generating programmes. BSCICj
ganisation. of Women’s Affairs (DWA), Government of out of their houses. After which has been allocated Rs 47 crore, provides
we found out their existing credit facilities to women running small-!
Annapurna Mahila Mandal Bangladesh.
(AMM), won the prestigious
The Institute of Food Science and skills, identifying women- scale food processing units among others. She
Durgabai Deshmukh award Technology (IFST), under the aegis of the specific appropriate tech- contends that the increased market for
in recognition of pioneering Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial nology was the next step,” processed food for home consumption has led
work done in women's de­ Research (BCS1R), took up this challenge. The points out Taufiqul Arif a them to ask for an increase in fund allocation,
expert, The success of the BSClC'sWEDP programme;
velopment and empower­ BCSIR found that women ran food process­ technology
Labour Kibria contends, has made their case really
ment, it was the women of ing units mainly from their homes and their International
Bangladesh who rejoiced the products range was based on staple food like Organisation, ILO. Says, " strong.
most. This was not just be­ fruits, rice, wheat, pulses, milk, sugar, sea-food, We do not just provide - The government has recognised the small­
cause the grassroots women etc. "The word technology usually frightens training for improving ac- scale food processing sector as a vital tool fof
had been empowered to lift people because they are unable to understand tivities like vermicelli pro- womens economic empowerment This recog­
themselves out of poverty its implications. So when our researchers vis­ duction, apiculture (bee- nition is reflected in its Perspective Plan on
and vulnerability with AMM’s ited these women, they explain the benefits of keeping) and poultry. We Agriculture. For the first time, planners have
help. It was a token of their technology to them in simple language. We tell also analyse the economic suggested policy changes providing support
newly-inspired confidence. thatfood processing does not require too high viability of the selected to women involved in diverse agricultural acThe AMM, a large food an investment and helps to increase their technology in terms of in- tivities, undertaking gender sensitive research
processing and catering unit household income and improve their food se­ come generating capabili- programmes for innovative pro-women tech­
run entirely by women, was curity as well. If they can build their existing ties. The analyses is based oologies and training, allocating enough
chosen to represent the knowledge and skills with the help of tech­ on simple estimates of funds to implement these policies.
Indian success story in food nology, it will broaden their economic op­ costs and returns and does
The Pioneer
processing.
portunities. This seems to reduce their fear of not follow a rigorous
09 March 2001
Building the self-confi-. technology," explains Dr Omar Faruque, di­ methodology. This way, the
dence of women at the grass­ rector, IFST.
women can do it them­
roots has not been easy. With
Once women got over the initial fears, BC­ selves," avers Arif.
low literacy levels coupled SIR in collaboration with women's organisa­ The DWA believes that
with lack of access to re­ tions and the Department of Womens Affairs women’s control oyer her
sources, empowering them worked out strategies to disseminate and en­ income is very important.
economically has been a courage the adoption of appropriate techno­ It empowers her econom­
challenging task. "Women logical innovations to improve income gen­ ically. Therefore the po­
MANGALORE, MARCH 10. The Thanconstitute 48.5 percent of the eration and alleviate poverty. One of the tential that, exists in food
neerbavi barge mounted power
total
population
in strategies was to enable technology sharing processing as a means of
project of the GMR Vasavi Group
Bangladesh. The majority of amongst grassroots women in food process­ empowerment must be
successfully conducted a day­
women are involved in tra­ ing in the region. This way women would be tapped fully, says Dilaria
long trial run this afternoon in the
ditional agricultural process­ exposed to food processing activities of oth­ Kibria of the government
Gurupur-Thannerbavi region.
es. Thus, they are already in­ er organisations in the Asian region with sim­ run
Women
The project, which will gener­
volved in food processing. ilar climatic conditions and vegetation.
Entrepreneurship
ate 240 MW of power, will be op­
But lack of awareness and
Aided by the Asian and Pacific Centre for Development
erational from April 1, according
know-how on low cost tech­ Transfer of Technology (APCTT), this strate­ Programmes.
to company sources. The barge
nologies impede them from gy focussed on experiential, participatory Kibria, deputy general
mounted power project is the first
turning it into sustainable and active learning process. "I think this pro­ manager of the Bangladesh
of its kind in India.
livelihood. So the interfacing ject helped greatly because we learnt how to Small
and
Cottage
of technology with poor rur­ make better use of existing products as well Industries Corporation
It may bd recalled that fisher­
al women leading to a happy as learnt to use technology to make new prod­ (BSCIC), points out that
men had objected to the project
reconciliation in terms of in­ ucts,” says Nilufar Begum, zonal coordinator linking women’s groups
on the grounds that fishing would
come generation and em­ of Shakti, a women's organisation.
be affected due to sound and wa­
ter pollution. Yet, last fortnight
just after the barge arrived at the
New Mangalore Port, the talks
held between Mr. G.Mallikarjuna
Rao, Chairman of the GMR Vasavi
The Hindu
Group, and fishermen-leaders
11 March 2001 ended cordially.

How they
processed
technology
W

Project triel
run successful

CDL Media Clippings 25

A Radio Station Of, For and By
Village Women
Omer Farooq
Hyderabad

MACHNOOR, A tiny village
near Zaheerabad town of
Medak. about 110 km West of
Hyderabad, is like any typical
poverty-stricken village of the
backward and dry region of
Telangana. But there is some­
thing unique and unusual
about the place symbolised by
a tall transmission tower pro­
truding into the sky.
This belongs to a unique,
and perhaps only one of its
kind, radio station which is run
by women and for the women
with a lofty goal of preserving
what these people call "mar­
ginalised people, marginalised
languages, marginalised cul­
ture" and projecting margin­
alised issues which arc ignored
by the mainstream media.
The radio station, set up by
a non-governmental organisa­
tion, Deccan Development
Society (DDS), with the help
from the UNESCO, technically
may not be a complete radio

station as for the want of per­
mission from the Government
it has not gone on air yet, but
barring that it has everything
which a modern, state-of-theart radio station can boast off.
Set up under "Women Speak
to Women Programme of the
UNESCO at the cost of Rs 10
lakh, the red stone building of
radio station, surrounded by
open fields, has a studio,
recording and dubbing facili­
ties and ready-to-go-on-air
equipment.
(Wo)manned by three young
girls, this radio station has for
now restricted itself to produc­
ing programmes on issues
ranging from agriculture to
culture which are then played
in the meetings of the
"sangams", or association of
women in 70 villages in a ra­
dius of 50 km.
When it goes on air, the sta­
tion will cover the same radius
of 50 km. "We are keenly wait­
ing for the Government's nod
to start the transmission. It
will give a great boost to our
efforts to disseminate the
tremendous indigenous knowl-

edge the. local women have,"
says Jagannath Reddy, joint di­
rector of DDS.
Among the three-member
staff, Viswa Kala is the techni­
cal person. With a diploma in
electronics and communica­
tions from neighbouring
Nizamabad district, young
Vishwa Kala takes care of the
technical side of the produc­
tion, while the two other girls
play the role of anchors, re­
porters and researchers — all
rolled into one.
As both the girls are named
Narsamma, the elder, one who
has passed tenth standard, is
called General Narsamma, ap­
parently for her forceful and
determined way to get the
work done and marshal the
forces. "She is called General
right from the school days for
the way she led the others in
the school, explains one of her
local friends.
General Narsamma roams
around the villages in the re­
gion to conduct interviews, dis­
cussions, bring people to the
radio station for recording
talks, songs and dramas. "I

Japan gives $ 70,000 for schools
HT Correspondent
Dehra Dun, March 12

THE GOVERNMENT of Japan
has extended a grant of $ 69,622
to the Rural Litigation Entitle­
ment Kendra, a Dehra Dun based
NGO for three schools to be con­
structed in the villages of
Garhwal.
An agreement to this effect
was signed at a ceremony in the
Japanese Embassy tn Delhi on
March 9 between Hirosi
Hlbrabayashi, Japanese Ambas­
sador in India and Avadhesh
Kaushal, chairperson of RLEK.
Giving this information,
Kaushal said that his NGO had
sought the help of the Japanese
Government for a project called

“Infrastructural development for
basic education, including pri­
mary education for the girl child
of marginalised/disadvantaged
communities of Van Gujjar
nomadic tribe, Jaunsari tribe
and other hills tribes of Garhwal
in Uttaranchal.
Under this project one prima­
ry school each would be set up in
village Ludgyuar, in Uttarkashi,
Gaichwan also in Uttarkashi and
village Puna Pokhri in district
Dehra Dun.
Kaushal said that the people of
these villages were eager to set
up schools for their children and
have donated land for construc­
tion of three schools. In addition
to the three schools one hostel for
the girl children of the Van Gtjj-

jar community will also be con­
structed at village Mohund in
Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The RLEK is currently
engaged in a UNDP sponsored
programme titled “People’s
empowerment for sustainable
development” in 100 villages
across three districts in the
Garhwal hills.
RLEK is known for its innova­
tive approach to education
including primary education,
adult education and post-literacy
programmes. Its efforts have
been given recognition by the
Central Government. It has been
awarded the UNESCO-NLM
award for literacy for the year
1998 in recognition of its work in
the filed of literacy.

The Hindustan Times
13 March 2001

feel I was born for this work
says enthusiastic Gent nil '1
want to remain with this radio
station and do this work forev­
er," she adds.
The other Narsamma is a bit
shy. but not when on the job
"We are trying to preserve lo­
cal traditions and culture
which are fast becoming ex­
tinct. Some of the festivals cel­
ebrated by the locals have sim­
ply vanished. Our job is to find
out why it is happening. Whs
the people are changing." says
the diminutive girl.
As the DDS Radio, as it is
presently called, focuses on the
village, most of the pro­
grammes produced by it are
related to agriculture. The pro­
grammes include seed man­
agement, improving the pro­
ductivity of soil, forestation,
preservation of medicinal
plants and bio-diversity by ap­
plying the traditional and local
knowledge.
The radio team also talks to
the elders of the villages about
the medicinal plants useful in
treating various diseases. "We
also cover local festivals, the
marriage customs of different
communities. issues like
dowry, child marriqge legal
Counseling, folk songs ol (lilfi
ent communities." say»
General Narsamma.
The most unusual iking do .1
by the radio is to record and
preserve for posterity lh<*
songs of beggars, fhr radio
station has morn (han 70(i
minutes of recording of beggar
songs, a unique ncliiexeineiif
by any standard.
“Since today nobodx has
time to pay attention la beg­
gars and listen Io the cry .if
their heart., we invited main
of them and recorded lh«»ir
songs." says Viswa Kala
The radio also seek feedba- k
from the local pimple and nr
cordingly make changes in its
programmes. Silting in their
studio in Mach none, (he i|irr«
girls acknow ledge women •.
contribution lo their pro­
grammes. "H was ihe embus
astic feedback from (he l<»«*;il
women which helped us in im
proving the. programmes.' (hm
said.
The Pioneer

09 March 2001
26

News You Can Use

Another way of being
By Anuradha Kumar

dard on web accessibility for Test, including the White a tragic misreading of the spirit
disabled people. Passing the House site, where the software of FDR and a grave distortion
T took .the visit of the test requires websites to supply identified "13 accessibility of history.
It would hearten profit-dri­
world renowned scientist, text alternatives for all images problems”.
Stephen Hawking, for the and graphics. Another provi­ More memorable »v?c *ha ven companies to learn that
ministry of welfare and the sion bars the use of colour to protest launched on April 28, productsespecially adapted for
ASI to take heed of certain pro* convey information unless 1997, by over 50 million dis­ the disabled has led to several
visions in the Indian Disabi­ explanatory text is also avail­ abled Americans, who were popular innovations that have
lities Act and introduce perma­ able. Other requirements pro­ invited by the US Park Service appealed to a wider public.
nent ramps to may access easi­ hibit the use of multiple lan­ to preview a sprawling monu­ People with disabilities led the
er for the disabled. While over guages on the same page, ment for Franklin Roosevelt in move to having the on-off but­
half a decade has elapsed after because that can hinder trans- South Dakota. To their acute ton in front of the computer,
the passage of the Persons with lation by Braille readers, and disappointment, the $48 million instead of in the back where no
Disabilities (Equal Opport­ discourage the "use” of tables monument had not depicted one could reach. Vibrating
unities, Protection Of Rights and other formatted material.
Roosevelt, in the wheelchair he pagers are another innovation
Bobby is actually a free Soft­ used for 24 years. The objec­ spurred by the hearingAnd Full Participation) Act,
1996, it is only now that some of ware, posted by the Center for tions raised by the disabled impaired, but now popular with
its provisions are beginning to Applied Special Technology community did not go unheard. the general population. And,
(www.cast.org) illustrated with At least 16 Roosevelt family more interesting, kitchen uten­
see the light of day.
Estimates of the disabled an image of a jovial policeman. members appealed for a design sils have been developed with
vary sharply. For instance, a The logo, doubles as a seal of alteration. Former Presidents excellent grips that appeal not
national survey on blindness approval that can be down­ Bush, Ford and Carter urged only to people with arthritis
conducted during 1986-89 by the loaded and used by websites an additional sculpture to show but to anyone who prepares
■
ministry of health estimated that meet Bobby’s accessibility Roosevelt in a wheelchair, and food!
that 11.92 million persons are guidelines. A number of widely every historian of consequence
The Indian Express
blind as against the 3.47 million used websites, it is believed, who considered the issue con­
11 March 2001
projected by an NSSO survey has already flunked the Bobby cluded that the monument was
in 1981. Approximate figures
place the numbers of the dis­
abled in India at around 90 mil­
lion. However, their inclusion
in the census operations of 2001
should help in arriving at a
more accurate estimate.
been certified by the World Health fluid taken from the patient, is
Yet India still has a long way
PH Newsservice
Organisation (WHO) and the placed on the strip appearance of
to go before she can catch up
NEW DELHI, March 12
Drugs Controller of India.
coloured bands indicates the
with the developed world. For
An indigenous human immunode­
The indigenous Western Blot status of the sample subjected to
instance, out of the top 61
ficiency virus (HIV) detection kit kit, considered to be the confir­ evaluation.
Indian companies (from a sam­
which costs about 13 times less matory test for AIDS, could
The easy-to-use kit, which can
ple of 100) that responded to a
than the imported version, has identify both HIV-1 and HIV-2 types be handled by technicians at small
survey on employment of per­
been
launched
today
by as well as HIV-1 sub-type C - the labs or at public health centres
sons with disabilities, only nine
Department of Biotechnology commonest form of HIV found in would be made introduced in all
were found to have one per
(DBT).
India, Dr Robin Mukhopadhyaya district centres, Dr Thakur said.
cent or above disabled employ­
The indigenous kit was re­ from CRI said. HIV-1 is more adding 41 per cent deaths due to
ees. This despite the provisions
searched by Mumbai-based Cancer common in India with almost AIDS have been reported from
Research Institute (CR1) in a DBT- three fourth of AIDS patients are South East Asia. The prevalence in
of the Disability Act guarantee­
funded project for seven years and being infected with this virus.
ing incentives to both private
India is rising too. he warned.
manufactured by Delhi-based J
The Rs 3,000 pack is capable of
It is to be noted that an enzyme
and public sector employers if
Mitra and Co Ltd with assistance testing the viral load in five pa­ linked immunosorbent assay
their workforce comprises at
from
Biotech
Consortium
India
tients. On the contrary, the im­ (ELISA) kit for preliminary diag­
least five per cent disabled per­
Ltd in Delhi.
ported kit carrying diagnostic nosis of HIV in AIDS patients was
sons.
It is the first of its kind from equipment for 12 patients costs developed by National Institute of
In the develdbed world,
SAARC countries and is expected about Rs 40,000. said Lalit Immunology (Nil) under a DBT
awareness and support for civil
to have a global market
Mahajan, managing director of funded project. •
rights for the differently abled
The kit, launched jointly by the the company. A 20-strip pack is also
Though the kit was cummer
is widespread, and even tech­
Health Minister Dr C P Thakur available.
cialised, it has not gained much
nology and recreational tools
and Minister of State for Science
The pack contains five test popularity in the medical circle
have been roped in to help this
and Technology B S Rawat, has strips. When a drop of the sample yet
category of people. In the US,
Deccan Herald
websites will increasingly have
to pass the Bobby Test — an
13 March 2001
internationally adopted stan-

I

HIV detection kit launched

CDL Media Clippings 27

In the countryside ofKarnataka,
patriarchy is under siege
Savita Hiremath

I was shouted down by my male members in 1993, the state had the highest number
BANGALORE: Among the discursive at gram pan ch ayal (GP) meetings. But I of EWRs in the country. In 2000 elections,
modes of celebration that marked the In* slowly gained my voice and now, they lis­ 44 per cent of representatives were
women.The all-woman GP at Wanjerkhetemational Women's Day, there was a dis­ ten to me.”
Uma's interventions in various power da of Bidar district is another exception.
cernible group of voices that betrayed a
sense of zeal and panache. The elected structures have got four houses, 10 toilets The sheer presence of such a large num­
women representatives (EWRs) of the for her constituents apart from getting ber of women at decision-making level
state and their determined march towards sewing machines and loans under various over a long time, has triggered its own dy­
empowerment has even had the experts schemes.
namics.
»
talk about the coming of the Second Rev­ The new-found confidence of Karnata­
Vijayalakshmi of Aidihalli GP. had all
ka's EWRs is surprising as they were other participants at the workshop in awe
olution.
“There’s something bubbling up in the looked upon with suspicion. Caste and as she narrates her struggle to get a lady
psyche of women here. The EWRs are not class hierarchy, patriarchy and party pa­ doctor posted to the primary health cen­
tronage spawned proxy politics. “Unlike
what they were a few years ago. Their the two previous batches, the present tre to her village. Mobilising her con­
decade-long struggle has acquired critical­ EWRs are more aware of their rights, they stituents and shooting off memoranda,
ity,*'says John Coonrod, Vice-president of are much younger, educated, articulate she persisted till the GP got the work
The Hunger Project, which is working in and assertive,'' observes Dr Mukta Baner­ done.
Asian and African countries to strengthen jee, coordinator, Hunger Project, who has
“In India, tradition and adaptation have
local democracy and women empower­ been working with EWRs for years.
always gone band in hand. Rural menfolk,
ment.
Dr Mukta should know better. Some unlike their urban counterparts, are more
At a three-day pilot workshop to hone years ago at a workshop, when Mukta flexible and understanding. They have
the leadership skills of EWRs held by The asked an EWR what she had 'gained' now begun to reconcile themselves to the
Hunger Project in Bangalore to coincide from her experience, pat came the reply: new role being donned by women,” John
with the International Women's Day, “I got Rs 100.”
avers.
Uma from Keregalapalya of Madhugiri
In the countryside of Karnataka, patri­
Karnataka, which took the' lead in
taluk, TUmkur district, reveals no nerves ,caste-based reservation in 1907, was the archy is, indeed, under siege.
as she explains how she found her moor­ first to reserve 25 per cent of seats in panRight on.
ings in her public role.
chayat raj institutions for women in 1983.
The Times of India
“Whenever I wanted to say something, After the 73rd constitutional amendment

11 March 2001

Citizens create a ‘little heaven’ in KGF
By Our Correspondent
KOLAR GOLD HELDS, march 10. Gowthamnagar

was like any other residential areas in Kolar
Gold Fields until recently. A few residents
now, under the leadership of Mr.N. Subrama­
ni (popularly known as "Tree Mani"), are de­
termined to transform the layout into a model
one. Mr.Subramani is a teacher in the local
First Grade College and a National Social Ser­
vice Officer. He has the credit of having plant­
ed more than 50,000 trees. Thanks to the
initiative taken by Mr. Subramani, who want­
ed the residents of the area to become selfreliant, the residents of Gowthamnagar
formed the Gowthamnagar Residents Welfare
Association (GNRWA).
The members discussed the various prob­
lems such as provision of drinking water,
roads and electricity. The local civic body with
limited resources had its own limitations, and
it could not meet all their needs. So the mem­
bers felt their problems could be solved on
their own. At first, the GNRWA considered the
disposal of garbage that is being thrown on the
streets which was a health hazard and an eye
sore. Despite repeated appeals and represen­

tation, the local civic body could not depute
sanitation workers because of their limita­
tions. When no pourakarmikas could be de­
puted by the civic body as it was running short
of manpower, the association understood the
predicament of the municipality and decided
not to be dependent on it It, therefore, decid­
ed to appoint its own pourakarmikas. Every
family contributed Rs. 25 to meet the monthly
salary of the pourakarmikas and two persons
were appointed exclusively to clean Gow­
thamnagar.
The monthly contribution took care also of
the cost of maintaining street lights. The pou­
rakarmikas were called "street beautifiers".
With the help of these street beautifiers the
GNRWA organised door-to-door garbage col­
lection with the help of a hand trolly donated
by the Kangadhalahalli Doraiswami Naidu
family.
According to the secretary of the GNRWA,
Mr. Subramani, the residents will have their
own re-cycling plant soon.
Environmental development such as cre­
ation of a beautiful park, planting of trees, era­
dication of parthenium weeds, street
beautification, construction of a bus shelter

and a public drinking water tank has helped
the residents to improve their* neighborly ties
by coming together for a common cause of
"creating a little heaven around themselves.*
The municipality has contributed by im­
proving roads and drainage. The skill and tal­
ents of the children and youth are periodical!)
encouraged through sports and educational
and cultural programmes to bring in harmony
and understanding.
Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and
even gruhaprevasams are celebrated with a
difference by planting trees in.the area, Na­
tional functions such as Independence Day
and Republic Day are observed with pride and
patriotism. An annual get-together of all the
residents is celebrated on New Year's eve.
It is worthy of mention that the Gowtham­
nagar area is represented by Mr. Dass Chinnasavari, who is also the President of the city
municipal council, and the residents have al­
ways enjoyed his unstinted co-operation.
Gowthamnagar is a living example of bring­
ing about a visible transformation of-the qual­
ity of life in a short time with people's
participation.

The Hindu
11 March 2001
28

News You Can Use

Preservative drier for vegetables
BANGALORE, Mar 11 (DHNS)
phane bags for longer periods. The
The vegetables being dumped on drier is a cabinet chamber with
streets by disgusted farmers due to brick walls and provision for trays
crash in prices can have a better in layers to keep vegetables or
destination if a preservative drier, fruits in their original form. The
developed by the Centre for structure’s top, bottom and side
Application of Science and provide the three heating surfaces,
Technology for Rural Area which are attached with metal
(ASTRA), is used.
coils that are heated using biogas.
ASTRA, a part of the Indian
ASTRA scientists explained
Institute of Science (IISc), with an that vegetables and fruits general­
aim to benefit rural people with ly have 50 per cent to 70 per cent
scientific progress, has developed moisture, which is gradually
an unique vegetable and fruit pre­ reduced at temperatures ranging
servative drier, which can preserve from 60 to 70 degree Celsius,
the produce in a dry form for over depending on the vegetable or fruit
six months without preservatives.
and the moisture content it has.
The drier removes the moisture
The time taken to complete the
from the vegetable or fruit and drying process differs from each
leaves it in a dry form, which can vegetable or fruit as the moisture
be preserved in air-tight cello­ content varies among them. The

temperature can be regulated with
a dial attached to the temperature
meter, which the operator has to
switch at regular intervals. When
the moisture is removed, the
weight of the produce drastically
comes down to 30 per cent of its
original weight. The reduction in
weight is convenient in transport­
ing the dried produce from one
place to another, or can be stored
for the farmers to directly sell it in
the markets to ensure profits.
The dried produce can be pre­
served in powdered form in air
tight bags up to six months and
still be consumed by just mixing
water or milk before adding it to
different dishes. It can be further
preserved if required by using
accepted preservatives.

Deccan Herald
12 March 2001

Bangalore potential source
for rainwater harvesting
PH News Service
BANGALORE. March 10

Bangalore has tremendous poten­
tial for rainwater harvesting
(RWH) compared to other metro­
politan cities as it is gifted with
highly permeable soils, good radial
drainage and topography besides a
number of lakes and tanks, Dr N G
Raghu Mohan, Soil and Water
Resource Specialist and former
head and Principal Scientist,
Indian Council for Agricultural
Research (ICAR) said here today.
He was participating in a semi­
nar on 'Better Water Management
by Rainwater Harvesting and
Recycling’,
organised
by
Foundation
for
Resource
Conservation (Rescon), here. Dr
Mohan
said
that
the
Comprehensive Development Plan
(CDP) of Bangalore covering an
area of 1279 sq km has potential of
tapping the huge volume of rain­
water.
But unfortunately this potential
has not been made use of, he said.
Cities like Bangalore face a short­

age of water and require an alter­
native source to bridge the^gap
between demand and supply, he
said and added that rainwater was
one of the resources to augment
the existing water supply systems.
RWH has already been initiated in
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,
he said and added that the
Government of Karnataka should
take appropriate steps to imple­
ment RWH programmes in the
state, particularly in Bangalore.
Dr Mohan underlined the need
for making rooftop RWH mandato­
ry in large urban buildings and
dwellings by suitably amending
building by-laws and added that it
was essential to integrate RWH in
the new CDP for the year 2001.
He also said that it was neces­
sary to revive tanks and lakes for
RWH. The budget required for
effective RWH for Bangalore may
cost about Rs 300 crore, he added.
GOVT ROLE: Earlier, Mr Suresh
Heblikar, director, Eco-Watch,
lamented that environmental con­
cerns were given the least impor­
tance in the country.

Development should not be at the
cost of environment, he said.
Water conservation has become
very vital, he said and added that
the government should take up
water conservation programmes
in a big way. He also called for
increased awareness on RWH.
Mr S Vishwanath, director.
Rainwater Club said that it was
necessary to launch awareness
programme on RWH and added
that private and public sector
establishments, educational insti­
tutions and individual households
with large roof areas have a good
potential for taking up rainwater
harvesting. He further said that
setting up RWH facility does not
need huge investment.
The Rainwater Club provides a
forum for advocacy, research, guid­
ance and consultancy for water
management, including rainwater
harvesting.
For details contact the club on
8381690 or 8382435 or No 264, 6th
main, 6th block, BEL layout,
Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore-97.
Website: www.rainwaterclub.org

Deccan Herald
11 March 2001

Australian
experts
laud wheat
farming
HT Correspondent
Hisar, March 11

An Australian team led by Dr.
Collin Piggins. Research Programe Manager, Australian
Council .of International Agri­
cultural Research (ACLAR) visit­
ed the Haryana Agricultural Uni­
versity here on Friday to review
the project supported by the Aus­
tralian agency on management
of a dreaded weed in wheatPhalaris minor.
Before visiting HAU it also went
to a number of villages in Karnal, Kaithal and Fatehabad dis­
tricts and interacted with the
farmers to ascertain the impact
of technology evolved by HAU
scientists under the project.
The Australian delegation
who called on the HAU ViceChancellor, Mr. Vinay Kumar,
was all praise for the radically
reformed system of tillage-zero
tillage-for sowing wheat crop
developed and popularized
among the wheat growers of the
state.
They pointed out that apart
from Haryana farmers, their
counterparts in Punjab and
Uttar Pradesh who were facing
the same problem of herbicide
resistant population of Phalaris
minor wee, would also be able tcdrive benefits from the zero
tillage technology.
The V-C, however, informeo
the delegation that the zero
tillage options introduced by the
scientists of HAU was hailded
not only by the farmers but also
by the extension agencies, other
universties and the ICAR.
He said that HAU was the first
university to quantify herbicide
resistance in India and introduce
zero tillage, which seemed to
bring another revolution after
the green revolution varieties
He hoped that the university
would be getting continued sup­
port from Australia and CIM
MYT, Mexico for its various
research projects.
HAU Director of Research. Dr
B.L. Jalal i pointed out that the

Contd...

CDL Media Clippings 29

Examining the exam system
UNION HUMAN Resource Development
Minister Murli Manohar Joshi's suggestion
to the National Council for Educational
Research and Training (NCERT) and the
Central Board of Secondary Education
(CBSE) to abolish examinations up to class
10 is not one which can be immediately
accepted. Mr Joshi is, of course, only echo­
ing the views expressed by a host of expert
panels including the Mudaliar Commission
and the Radhakrishnan Commission.
According to the Ramamurthi Committee
report, about one-third to a half of students
find schools “either boring, irrelevant and
threatening" and the fear of examinations
is one of the reasons for the high percentage
of dropouts in schools. Then there are cynics
who maintain that India does not have an
education system; only an examination
system.
Psychoanalysts too believe that the ‘stigma
of failure’ at an early age inflicts incalcula­
ble psychological harm on the students. The
absurdity of unimaginative classroom teach­
ing and excessive dependence on learning by
rote led R.K. Narayan to make a strong case
for “freeing the child from the torture cells
called schools" during his maiden speech in
the Rajya Sabha in April 1989. All this may

be true. But does it mean that we should
abolish examinations altogether? If the
examination system is riddled with flaws,
the evaluation system is even more shoddy
and erratic as it is based primarily on the
reward and punishment principle. The stu­
dents’ performance in examinations is
judged on the basis of marks. Since the
school curricula are usually rigid and stag­
nant, the one-shot examination system fails
to make a realistic assessment of the stu­
dent’s real calibre. Those who support the
abolition of examinations maintain that it
would take away the unnecessary stress and
strain experienced by students.
But can everything be left to internal eval­
uation and that, too, up to class 10? Internal
assessment is not without deficiencies.
Complaints of favouritism and victimisation
are bound to arise. Examination is a neces­
sary evil in the present circumstances,
unsatisfactory as they are. The alternative is
worse. What is needed, therefore, is to
improve the present system. There are three
components of education — teaching, learn­
ing and examinations. Any effort to rectify
only one aspect to the exclusion of others
will mean trying to cure the symptom
rather than the disease.

Contd...

zero-tillage was both time and
cost effective technology. These
factors, he said, had made the
farmers to grow wheat crop with
this technology in over’one lakh
acres of land during current rabi
season.

The Hindustan Times
12 March 2001

The Hindustan Times
12 March 2001
themselves in the job market.
■ The correlation between education and industry has been well docu­
mented by Annalee Saxenian of the Department of City and Regional
Even as warning bells.sound a slowdown in the information technol­ Planning at the University of California. The study compared the evo­
ogy industry worldwide, there’s a wake-up call of a different kind for lution of Route 128 and Silicon Valley as IT centres in the United
education planners in our own silicon city. IT education at the higher States. Both areas, she argues, got a fillip from the presence of premier
level in Bangalore — and Karnataka — is showing signs of flagging. educational institutions — Massachusetts Institute of Technology and
The number of engineers graduating out of computer science engi­ Harvard University in the former and Stanford University in the latter.
neering courses — and even those with degrees in Master of Computer The obvious lesson to leant from these examples is that we should fos­
Applications — has fallen below those in the neighbouring states of ter the growth of top quality training centres to feed industry. The ab­
Th mi I Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. This is cause for con­ sence of quality education will trigger a spurt in garage courses which
cern, and indeed, a sign that Karnataka’s IT sector will soon be ham­ will not only erode the quality of IT professionals but also breed a
strung by a demand-supply gap. Bangalore has for long dominated the swarm of software coolies. In the long run this can only result in indus­
IT map primarily on account of the headstart it had-. It now appears try closing its doors to all such fly-by-night production. The US job
that the state has slipped behind in the race to replenish the stock of market has already wisened up to such “instant" programmers. An ero­
trained professionals. Fortunately, the Karnataka government has an­ sion in credibility is the last thing India needs in these times.The prob­
nounced plans to increase the number of seats in the computer science lem of quality output in the education chain is complicated by the fact
branch of engineering. While this may offset the shortfall to some ex­ that there are not enough quality teachers. The Karnataka govern­
tent, much more needs to be done and in the right direction. The needs ment’s strategy to train trainers is laudable but obviously a lot more
of the IT industry should be kept in focus while designing course archi­ needs to be done. Clearly, there is a role here for the NRIs, many of
tecture so that students are better equipped to face the job market We whom are where they are because of the high quality education they
mustn’t forget the contribution made by private educational institu­ received in India. For Karnataka, what is worse is that a late entrant to
tions, many of which have gone out to adopt a flexible system so that the IT bandwagon like Uttar Pradesh is snapping at its heels. It’s time
students can simultaneously work. As their motivational levels are for hard thinking and swifter execution.
often much* higher, these students manage to carve out a niche for

IT is not Enough

The Times of India
12 March 2001

30

News You Can Use

NO JOKING
Laughter the best medicine
AUREL and Hardy, the Marx Brothers, Norman Wisdom,
Lucille Ball — or any of their ilk — ought to.have been pro­
minent among nominees for the Nobel prize for medicine if the
Vice Chairman of the Heart Care Foundation of India is to be
taken at his word. Laughter, he says, has therapeutic qua­
lities and prescribed it for managing asthma, lowering blood
pressure, reducing the chances of heart attacks and fighting
against stress. He listed ten benefits that could be derived
from sustained guffaws. This includes snoring, suppression of
pain and the fact that a 100 laughs a day was equal to ten
minutes of rowing or jogging. Indeed it even made one look
younger. He proceeded to identify four types of laughter:
warm up laughter, hearty laughter, the silent joker’s laughter
and etiquette office laughter — which meant grinning to
please a boss who was trying to be funny. He cited the findings
of a host of medical authorities in support of his contention.
What social changes would follow laughter therapy gaining
widespread acceptance? Certainly describing somebody as a
clown or joker would become an accolade, laughing at mis­
takes would be endorsing their correctness, saying “what a
laugh" would not be derisive, and “don’t get funny with me”
would cease to be a precursor to rolling up the sleeves. There
would be many tests of the efficacy of laughter therapy, the
most telling of all being the doctor prescribing it laughing
away a patient’s reluctance to pay his fees.

L

The Statesman
12 March 2001

Plan to boost sericulture
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

MALDA, March 12. - A fresh incentive has been taken to
popularise the production of the bivoltine group of cocoons in
Maida district to meet the demand of silk in the Indian market.
The Central Silk Board will be working jointly with the state
sericulture authorities in this regard.
This was decided at a meeting held here recently. Ways to
develop the Quality of silk production in the district were
discussed at the meeting which was attended by Central Silk
Board and the local sericulture department officials. Projects
under the Board’s national sericulture seed production, being
taken up in Maida, were also reviewed.
The demand for white silk in the Indian market has
increased but there has been no production of the item in Maida
since 1988-89, when producers switched over to yellow silk
production owing to the popularity of china silk in the market.
Reelers of Kaliachak and Sujapur have been producing white
silk thread after acquiring white cocoons from Jammu and
Kashmir. But heavy transportation costs have prompted local
sericulturists to encourage resumption of production of white
cocoons in the district itself.
A senior official said that for this purpose seed growers'
insurance coverage schemes will be introduced in the district for
fanners going into white cocoon production.

The Statesman
13 March 2001

Man of the woods
lives in harmony
with nature
banned and no leaves or twigs or
waste is removed from the forest
for commercial purpose.
"If I sell the wastes (leaves, and
"PLASTIC BAGS are strictly pro­ twigs) I can earn at least Rs
hibited. No eating and drinking.
10,000. In 1989, the World Tourist
Walk through pathways only." Organisation wrote to me to con­
No, you are not entering a zoo or vert the woods into a resort.
wildlife sanctuary, but treading Recently, a well-known resort
into the forests of Abdul Kareem, group approached me with an
a 30-acre lush expanse which the offer to launch an Ayurveda
'man of the woods* watered resort. But I declined these
and developed over the last 24 offers," he says.
years.
All nature-lovers, particularly
Renowned agricultural scien­ students, are welcome here. He is
tist M.S. Swaminathan after a here to teach and in case of
visiting Kareem's forest had doubts, he runs to agricultural
written that it was a "wonderful scientists, who are regular visi­
example of the power harmony tors here. And he has no hesita­
with nature".
tion in giving plants and seeds to
An airlines ticketing agent, he the needy for free.
always had the craze for woods in
"I wanted to spread the mes­
him.
sage that if trees, animals and
In 1977, he purchased a five- birds survive, only then human
acre rocky wasteland in beings have a future." Kareem
Puliyamkulam (32 km from says.
Nileswaram in Kasargode dis­
He has nothing but aversion
trict) and dug a huge well. And towards those who cut trees in
then he began ploughing his sav­ the name of development.
ings into his dream project and
"Dams and reservoirs will not
adding more land and amen ities.
solve water scarcity. These only
Now Kareem's forest is home to provide momentary relief at the
1,500 medicinal plants, 2,000 vari­ cost of the earth. Plantation is no
eties of trees, rare birds, animals answer. Plantation cropping is
and insects.
nothing but exploitation of
In a corner of his small almi- nature," he says.
rah, lies a photograph. It shows
Though he has only passed his
Amitabh Bachchan honouring higher secondary, Kareem is a
Kareem with Kzpil Dev looking born botanist. He can give you a
on. Several accolades, including brief lecture on sandalwood
a UN recognition, has come his trees, medicinal qualities of
way.
kanni konna (cassia pistula) or
"While I was toiling in the importance of maruthu.
rocky, arid terrain people brand­
"I have lost count of how much
ed me as insane. My family
I invested here. But I am glad this
scorned at me for spending sev­ is my biggest investment for the
eral lakhs on barren land. Now, next generation," he says.
they realise what I was doing," Kareem is here to help people.
says the 53-year-old environmen­ who want to know more about
talist.
trees and pldhts at kareem forFertilisers or insecticides are est@homenetmail.com
Ramesh Babu

Niles warjam
March 12

(Kasargode)

The Hindustan Times
13 March 2001

CDL Media Clippings 31

It’s a revolution of,
by and for villagers

Census reveals failure of
literacy programme

sadcr in Colaco. Says R Raman„
.
.. ianappa of the Agrahara: The vuBANGALORE: Forget the well- jagers workcd in unison when
HT Correspondent
chiselled building models, super- proper tar road was laid for a disKanpur, March 12
highway blueprints and ambitious |angC of over 2 km, they even car­
roadmap for development. Take a ried out an cxcrcjse to widen it”
THE POPULATION of this town
day off; drive down to Navarathna
The Tirnes ofjndia visited
has touched 41.37 lakh, according
Agrahara — about 23 km down Ac
students of Std I to IV
to a recently conducted census.
DevanahaUi Road — and witness wcre madg to sit in one classroom
The census survey has
the quiet revolution there. The rev- and fcnd for themselves as the
brought to light significant reve­
olution of the people, by the people teacher was pressed into census
lations about the utter failure of
and for the people.
work. A few months ago, the proliteracy programme in the city.
Led by a no-nonsense NRI active villagers decided to build a
In a population of 41 lakh, 13.37
Ronald Colaco, the villagers have new school with more rooms, and
lakh have been identified cis illit­
got themselves a school, bus-stand, Colaco helped them financially.
erate.
wider roads, public toilets and, of T\vo women residents were recruit­
In urban areas of the city,
course, a new way of looking at ed as teachers immediately. Pernearly 28 per cent people are illit­
civic problems. They even got a haps, in a few weeks’ time, the chilerate whereas, in rural areas the
percentage has gone up to 40.
new transformer installed last dren needn’t trek two km to study
The city’s population has
week. This definitely is a significant in higher primary classes.
increased at the rate of 75,000 per
departure for a village that revelled To put up a jazzy BMTC-type
year
but there has been declining
itself in one-room schools and 10- bus shelter, Colaco offered finantrend in the population of
feet ‘wide’ roads.
cial assistance and the villagers
women, as their ratio has come
It is not that development is an worked for it And the shelter was
down to 869 per 1000 males.
unheard-of term here. A cluster of ready in a few hours. The villagers
In the total population of 41.37
land developers like Hollywood succeeded in shifting an arrack
lakh in the district there are 22.13
City, Swiss Town and Jade Garden shop, situated on the main road,
lakh male and 19.23 lakh females.
arrived on the scene some time out of the village. In a few weeks,
ago. The Visvesvaraya Institute of three new public toilets will come
Technology too picked up land'to up. The money comes from Colaco
set up an engineering college. Land a°d
manpower from villagers.
prices spiralled from Rs 50,000 an
If anything, the Agrahara comes
acre to about Rs 6 to Rs 10 lakh an across as a self-sufficient village. The Times of India
acre.The villagers continued to live The people’s initiative couldn’t
13 March 2001
in stone age until they found a cru- have been better.
Bansy Kalappa

According to available infor­
mation, population within the
limit of Kanpur Nagar Nigam
has gone up to 25.36 lakh from 19
lakh. The male population in the
city has been enumerated to 14
lakh and female 12 lakh.
About 18.22 lakh people have
been identified as literate in
which males are 9.90 lakh and
females are 8.33 lakh.
The census survey has found
2.80 lakh children above the age
of six in which there are nearly
1.5 lakh boys and 1.25 lakh girls.
Thus during the last ten years
population of the city has gone
up by 7.50 lakh. Fall in female
population has been consider­
able, as in 1991 census the ratio
was 927 women per 1000 males.
The experts have attributed
the cause for decline in female
population to violence against
female foetus, as many female
foetus are victims to abortion.

The Hindustan Times
13 March 2001

Foreign funding sources
of NGOs under scanner

the
Foreign the Enforcement Directorate
confirmed
that
Foreign violated
Home ministry officials said
Contribution (Regulation) Act Contribution (Regulation) Act.
But officials said “if a through there has been considerable
is being reviewed.
NEW DELHI, March. 12. The home ministry is investigation is carried out, growth in the number of
hundred
such registered non-governmental
Foreign funding sources of examining all
documents over
. reportedly organisations in recent years,
certain NGOs are being related to receipt of funds organisations,
scrutinised by the government, and utilisation certificates engaged in. various socio- and some of these, the
are
which is considering amending furnished
by
registered educational and other develop­ government suspects,
mental works, can be expected fronts for insurgents and
the provisions of the Foreign t NGOs.
Contribution (Regulation) Act, ’ Ministry sources said regis- to come under the investigation militants.
1976.
tered had received Rs 3402.90 of various law enforcement Officials said the hawala route
is being used* frequently by
The official worry, according crore in ______
1998-99,,___
the______
most agencies.”
of
these
non­
The home ministry is the some
to home ministry officials, is ’ recent year for which data are
use of hard currency for available, from various foreign nodal agency for receiving and governmental organisations.
“subversive and insurgency- agencies and donors thorough processing information on non­ Officials also said “hundreds
related” activities. Helping the “legal routes’*.
governmental organisations. of non-governmental organi­
home ministry in the scrutiny
Home ministry officials Investigations, if any, into sations have not filed their
are the ‘ ministries of finance refused to identify non­ foreign funding will* however, income and utilisation certi­
and law.
governmental organisations be carried out by the Central ficates to the ministry”.
A finance ministry official which are suspected to have Bureau of Investigation and/or The filing is required under

SHIVNATH JHA
_________
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Contd...

32

News You Can Use

‘Ringing the contraceptive bell
Reuters

London
A REVOLUTIONARY contraceptive
ring, due to go on sale in the
United States this year, is as
effective as the pill, despite deliv­
ering substantially less hormone,
a leading scientist said.
The flexible plastic device,
which is inserted into the vagina
each month, fits around the cervix
and releases a steady flow of both
progestogen and oestrogen to
prevent conception.
“The results are very promising
indeed," said Frans Roumen on
Wednesday, a gynaecologist at the
Atrium Medisch Centrum in
Ileorlen in The Netherlands, who

conducted a year-long study on the
ring made by Organon, a unit of
Akzo Nobel.
Roumen found only six
pregnancies among 1,145 women
who used the ring over one year.
a failure rate of well under one
per cent, making it as effective as
oral contraceptives.
Results of his research were
published in the journal Human
Reproduction.
The ring, which is around five
centimetres (two inches) in
diameter and is folded before use,
can be inserted and removed by
women themselves.
It is designed to be kept in for
three weeks followed by a one*
week ring-free menstruation pe­
riod. although it is possible* in fu­

ture it might be used continuous­
ly to stop periods altogether.
Organon plans to launch its
nuvaring product in the US
market this year with Europe fol­
lowing later, once marketing
approval is received.
It is not the first contraceptive.
ring to be developed but it offers
a significant advantage over
previous versions which only
released progestogen, resulting in
abnormal bleeding.
Vaginal rings are also being
developed for other treatments.
Northern Ireland drug company
Galen Holdings plans to launch a
ring for delivering hormone
replacement therapy in Britain
within the next couple of months.
In addition to convenience.

Roumen said Nuvaring's low dos«*
would be a major plus for women
worried about high hormone
levels in the pill.
“The ring releases hormones
continuously through the vaginal
mucus, which is completely
different from using a pill which
produces an initial increase in
hormones and then a decrease."
he said.
“It leads to less complaints.
better bleeding patterns and the
total daily dose is less than when
using the pill.”
That may be good news for
women at risk of thrombosis
since oestrogen has been
associated with an increased risk
of the condition.

The Pioneer
2001
16

Medium duration
hybrid rice

OMMERCIAL HYBRID rice of optimum plant population 40 hills
production has prompted m'2 for CoRI 12 rice hybrid did not show
new research in agronomic any interplant competition and result­
ed increased uptake, DMP and yield at­
management.
Exploitation of hybrid vigour is one tributes. As a cumulative effect there
of the approaches by which productiv­ was greater enhancement of yield at 40
ity of rice could be increased in areas hills m'2 population.
The growth and yield of hybrid rice
where the yield was already attained
the potential level by the use of con­ were improved when inorganic nitro­
gen was applied in conjunction with
ventional varieties.
Progress in the development and use green manure. Incorporation of green
of hybrid rice technology in India was manure sesbania aculeata at 14 days
delayed for variety of reasons, viz., lack before transplanting under lowland
of availability of suitable parent fines, condition liberated many organic acids
difficulties encountered in seed pro­ and aid in early phosphorus availability
duction techniques and the justified for rice crop.
emphasis on tapping fully the yield po­
Further green manuring also in­
tential of the then available high yield­ creased the availability of N and K and
ing varieties.
also soil organic carbon content
Growing hybrid rice is a complex
Higher magnitude of this parameter
process and especially agronomic would have helped in accumulation of
management of hybrid rice differs con­ more dry matter and there by produce
siderably from that of inbred rice varie­ an increased rice grain yield in green
ties.
manure applied plots.
Of the several agronomic practices,
To get an increased yield by exploit­
optimum plant density and fertiliser
management are considered as chal­ ing hybrid vigour in CoRH-2 rice hy­
brid, adoption of 40 hills m‘2 (25x10cm)
lenges in hybrid rice cultivation.
An experiment was undertaken at AC with 175 kg Nha-1 as prilled urea +25 kg
& RI, Killikulam with CoRH-2 rice hy­ N as green manure was the ideal agron­
brid. The treatments consisted of three omic management practice as it pro­
plant
population 50
hills
m*’ duced a higher grain yield of 7813 kg
(20x1 Ocm), 40 hills m-2 (25x10cm) and ha'l and higher revenue also.
33 hills m-2 (30x1 Ocm) with N manage­
• B. J. Pandian
ment practics viz., 125,150, 175,200 Kg
VArumugaperumal
N ha T as prilled urea with 100, 125,
& S. Avudaithai
150, 175, Kg NhaT as prilled urea +25
Department of Agronomy
Kg N as green manure Sesbania aculeaAC & RI. Killikulam
ta) The results revealed that adoption

C

Contd...

the
Foreign
Contribution
(Regulation) Act.
The Act prescribes annual
filing of income and utilisation
statements, duly certified by a
chartered accountant.
The Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act empowers the
government to inspect the
accounts of non-governmental
organisations which do not
fulfil the requirements.
Official sources said 22,340
associations were registered
under the Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act which include
321
Hindu
organisations
followed by 10 Sikh, 205
Muslim, 5100 Christians, 70
Buddhist
and 963
other
organisations.
Refusing to divulge the
sections of the act which are to
be amended, home ministry
sources said “the main objecti­
ve is to correct the loop-holes
and curb the increasing econo­
mic offenses in the country.”

The Statesman
13 March 2001

The Hindu
15 March 2001
CDL Media Clippings 33

CM wants women to stay at home
Sanat Chakraborty

Shillong

WOMEN IN Meghalaya have de­
manded that the
State
Government must immediately
set up a Women’s Commission to
deal with the rising crimes against
them. The State being a society
rooted In matrilineal culture, the
general belief here is that women
do not need any kind of institu­
tional protection here.
The Chairman of the State
Social Welfare Advisory Board (SSWAB), Theilin Phanbuh, led a del­
egation of women activists to
Chief Minister EK Mawlong seek­
ing his speedy intervention in set­

ting up of a commission in place.
Ms Phanbuh said that
Meghalaya remains one of tlic few
States which docs not have a
Women's Commission. "Rising vi­
olence against women in the
State has made it imperative for
the State to have one," she said,
pointing at the rising incidents of
rape cases, which according tn her
is a new phenomena.
Domestic violence is also on the
rise, she said. A survey conduct­
ed by the International Institute
for Population Sciences (UPS),
Mumbai, said that among the
North Eastern States Meghalaya
reported the highest incidences of
domestic violence and wile bat­
tering. "We do not have a com­

mission to address the issue's
confronting women who arc vic­
tims of these social evils." said
Phanbuh.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister
Mawlong said that he would ask
his officials to put up the papers
so that he could take a decision.
It is to be noted that Mawlong al­
so believes that women in this ma­
trilineal society do not really re­
quire institutional protection.
"Here, we have no discrimina­
tion or gender biases which we of­
ten hear being discussed about in
other places," said Mawlong at a
function on the empowerment of
women, pointing out that in
Meghalaya there is no dowry, no
child marriage and no other re­

pressive pi*a<!i<*e.s inw.inh
women, lie. however, < nnreihtl
during his sperch ih.v br.ikeii
families is becoming a liig prob­
lem in the State. In fan. in ih<* trib­
al matrilineal s<i< ieu of the Sinh*',
Mawlong asked the midiein*<* :«»
remember it is the right of tin-

nu'ii in our surieiy v Iiirh is being
debated. He. howovi r. n*>le<’ lh.it
in 1li<* Khasi ,s<u’i('l) women act
not allowed io participate 1 :i lie

durbars or local 1 nidilh»n:il hod
ies and an' also left mil of mail}
derision making bodies
Hr rather stressed m ihe role <>

women as hoinemaki'is am! held
them responsible for bringing up
healthy children. 'Success (if.j fam­
ily depends on iheinnlhrr" h« said

The Pioneer
15 March 2001

High yielding hybrid
By Our Agriculture Correspondent
DUAL - purpose sorghum
(cholam) hybrid has been de­
veloped by the' scientists at
the Millet Breeding Station,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
(TNAU), Coimbatore.
It has recently been released for
commercial cultivation as “CO (S) 28“

by TNAUA. hybrid derivative of the
cross between CO 25 and SPV 942, the
new sorghum has high grain and fod­
der yield. Maturing in 100 to 105 days
it can be grown in all the seasons all
through the State.
It is moderately resistant to grain
mould, and it yields white grains of
acceptable quality.
The grains are borne on medium cy­
lindrical, semi-compact ear heads,
and they contain more protein than
Co 26, according to the scientists.
As a rainfed crop, it has recorded a
mean grain yield of 2493 kg per hec­
tare, and the irrigated crop has rec­

34

orded a mean yield of 2864 kg per
hectare.
The dry fodder yield of the rainfed
crop was 17, 700 kg per hectare, while
that of the irrigated crop was 12, 660
kg per hectare.
It possesses a tan plant type grow­
ing to a height of 220 to 240 cm and
the plants remain green at maturity
and it is non-lodging.
It has been tested at All India level,
and also in multi- locations within the
State. It has done exceedingly well in
all the trials and also in the adaptive
trials. It has been found to be ideally
suited for cultivation under rainfed
condition during July-August and Oc­
tober-November seasons, and as irri­
gated crop in February- March
season.
A seed rate of 10 kg will be required
to cover a hectare at an espacement of
45 cm by 15 cm. The seeds should be
adequately treated to get rid of the
seed-bome pathogens.
The hybrid derivative responds well
to liberal application of organic
amendments and to the application of
biofertilizers. About 25 tonnes of ripe
farmyard manure should be applied
per hectare, and 2 kg Azospirillum
should be applied at the time of sow­
ing.
A nutrient dose of 45 kg each of
nitrogen, phosphorus and potash is
recommended per hectare as basal
dressing.

The nutrient schedule should be
modified based on soil test results.
The remaining 45 kg of nitrogen
should be applied on the 30 th day
after sowing as top dressing.

The crop should be thinned and
weeded on the 20th day of sowing. Ir­
rigation should follow at weekly inter­
vals.
The crop should be protected
against shootfly by spraying with bo­
tanical insecticides and setting up of
fish meal traps to attract the shoot fly
adults.Stem borer can be managed by
need-based application of safer bo­
tanical insecticides. Grain midge, ear­
head bug and earhead caterpillar can
also be managed by following some
eco-friendly plant protection mea­
sures.
The diseases such as rust, sugary
disease, head mould and downy mil­
dew should be managed to gel good
yields from this hybrid derivative, ac­
cording to the scientists.

The Hindu
15 March 2001

News You Can Use

FATHERS.OF TW^N KIND
I

&
Ls

grown. The foresight to
grow bamboo and pine
trees reveals an astonish­
ing degree of environ­
mental consciousness
among the Apa Tanis. If the
Apa Tanis did not system­
atically and regularly re­
plant trees, the communi­
ty's firewood supplies
would have been depleted
long ago. Travelling great
distances to find firewood
would have proven labori­
ous and inefficient, even­
tually causing the reloca­
tion and dispersion of the
various clans. This, in turn.
would have weakened the
internal cohesion of the
community, making it easy
prey to hostile neighbour­
ing tribes.
To this day, the Apa Tanis
trade valuables for a few
pine sprouts, if they do not
already have some in their
own gardens. Planting a
pine tree does not serve
the generation of the
-f
planter or even necessari­
ly that of his children. Yet
this is done out of a sense
of responsibility toward
future generations, who
will invariably need the
wood to construct new
houses. The conservation
of natural resources as well
as the system of terraced
cultivation, used by the
tribe for ages, are cultural
achievements that prove
the ApaTanis* superior en­
vironmental conscious............... ness.
The ApaTanis still have much in common
with prehistoric man, making their achieve­
ments even more remarkable! As recent as
four generations ago they had never seen
metal implements. They still till their fields
by means of sheer manpower—with the hoe
instead of the plow.
Yet the ApaTanis enjoy a higher standard
of living than those of most other tribes in
this part of the Himalayas. They even man­
age to produce surplus crops. The source of
their wealth are the irrigation canals and
dams along the fields, which continuously
span the entire length of the valley. They are
watered by a cleverly devised network of ir­
rigation ditches and pipelines.
By observing the traditional culture of the
Apa Tanis today one can begin to under­
stand how Neolithic societies functioned.
which, under more favourable circum­
stances than those of this isolated
Himalayan valley, had developed into the
great pre- and protohistoric societies ofAsia.

3 *I

£‘$r. \

jl&A

D«f pit# their natural
limitations, the Apa
Tania have managed to
create a little
economic miracle
squares, forming further village quarters,
which are designed according to similar
principles and are inhabited by different
clans. In an Apa Tani town, such clan quar­
ters generally constitute separate villages
and are regarded as being more or less po­
litically autonomous entities.
Every Apa Tani family owns a small plot
of land; usually located at die back of die
house in which they live or. in designated ar­
eas near the forests, where a small selection
ofvegetables, fruit, pine-trees arid a partic­
ular variety of fast-growing male bamboo are

Extracted from Seven Sisters ofIndia

The Pioneer
16 March 2001

n the misty forests of the
Subansiri District of
Arunachal Pradesh, en­
circled by 2,500-high
mountains, a 26-sq-kmwide and 1,600-m-high en­
clave forms the small area
in which one of the most
remarkable societies of
Northeast India resides.
This is the home of the Apa
Tanis, as they call them­
selves, the direct descen­
dants of the first man,
Abotani. Little has changed
over the years on the Apa
Tani Plateau, and, despite
the natural limitations of
the inhabitable space, they
have managed to create a
little “economic miracle.”
The “rice bowl*-of the
Apa Tanis is framed by
eight villages: Hija, Bela,
Hari, Hang, Duta, Barnin,
Tage and Hapoli. Owing to
the strategic importance
of the plateau, the latter
town—the southernmost
in the valley, was expand­
ed, becoming the new dis­
trict headquarters of the
Indian government and a
military base, including an
airstrip—and is now called
Ziro.
The Apa Tani tribe com­
prises more than 15,000
souls. A strict social system
has ensured their survival
in an area restricted to a
single valley and in a hos­
tile environment inhabited
by the warlike Nishi and
Hill Miri tribes. This system
is reflected in many facets «
of Apa Tani cultural and social life. Striking
at first is the meticulous division of the land
surrounding the fields, which is reserved for
housing. The 640 houses of Hija recall
modern terraced houses, crowded along a
main road. All main roads in the villages ter­
minate in broad squares in which rectan­
gular platforms (lapangs) have been erect­
ed. These 9 meter long and 1.5 meter high
stages are places of public gatherings. They
bear out the democratic Apa Tani society,
which has developed out of necessity. No
Apa Tani house is large enough to accom­
modate a public gathering. The restricted
environment prohibits exclusive clan insti­
tutions from being developed and leading
members of society, such as chiefs, from be­
ing granted prerogatives to display publicly
their elevated status, in the form of a big
house, for example. It would seem that the
Apa Tanis never felt it necessary to grant
such special privileges to select people and
their families when several families could oc­
cupy the same living space.
The main roads branch out from the

CDL Media Clippings 35

Gujarat government sits on
Bhuj’s future
By Darshan Desai

Gandhinagar,

March 15:

When the Keshubhai Patel Gov­
ernment in Gujarat gets confu­
sed, it appoints a committee to
further confuse and delay.the
issue.
So, now we have a new com­
mittee to settle what is to be
done
with
quake-battered
Bhuj. The decision to form the
committee is said to have tak­
en eight hours of hair-splitting
deliberations late on Monday
night

In the meantime, Bhuj is run­
ning out pf patience thanks to
petty politics of leaders from
Kutch as well as Gandhina­
gar’s dithering in coming out

with a bold decision on either
relocating or developing the
quake-ravaged town.
Hundreds of people there
held a rally on Sunday and thr­
eatened to occupy their dama­
ged houses if the Government
delayed making a decision on
the issue after March
25. Speakers at the rally
warned that the Chief
Minister would be responsible
for the consequences.
It has been over a month
that the Government is being
pulled from different sides
with, a variety of. opinions on
reconstructing the town. All
opinions are discussed before
deferring decisions. Options
are then further discussed. Ela­

borate meetings at the Sachivalaya have borne no results.
Besides forming a committee
of ministers, Suresh Mehta,
Vajubhai Vala and Nitin Patel,
the meeting on Monday took a
more amusing decision: Hike
the labour charge for debris re­

than cleaning up the debris
This is the scene at Gan­
dhinagar. In Kutch, leaders in­
cluding Industries Minister
Suresh Mehta, State Assembly
Speaker Dhirubhai Shall, an
MLA from Rapar, and the pow­
erful MLA and Gujarat Mine­
ral Development Corpora­
tion chairman Mukesh
Jhaveri, are singing diffe­
moval from Rs 40 to Rs 50. Deb­ rent tunes.
ris removal in the four wor^tPolitically divided, their opi­
affected towns of Kutch .totally nions too differ. While Mehta
depends on their relocation is of the firm view that Bhuj
and there will be little need to should be relocated and devel­
clear the wreckage if the towns oped into a modem city, his po­
are shifted. At the same time, litical adversaries - Shah and
official sources also concede Jhaveri - have been insisting
that relocating the towns will that the debris should be rem­
be cheaper, faster and easier oved and *the devastated old
Bhuj should be set up at its original location.
Both the groups are adamant
on their stance, and have been
exchanging heated arguments
in the recent official meetings.
The two groups also attribute
motives to each other’s taking
their stance.
Those in favour of relocation
allege that Jhaveri and others
are acting at the behest of the
rich owners of commercial est­
ablishments and buildings,
which have not been &unaged
evening to tell him about their
severely. Those against claim
harrowing experience.
An
that the builders’ lobby and
annoyed Chief Minister asked
land sharks are interested in
the administration “to oust” re­
relocating the city to make a
sidents who,had re-entered the
quick buck. The meetings cont­
old city by disconnecting their
inue.
power and water connections.
The Indian Express
“We have no other option
but to obey his instructions,”
16 March 2001
Additional Collector M H Gadhavi said when contacted on
Monday. The administration is
likely to have its hands full
with fhis task for around 1,500
to 2,000 people - under the ae­
gis of newly constituted Bhuj
Rehabilitation Committee - de­
cided to enter the old city on
March 15, “come what may”.

BEYOND THE NEWS

Govt’s relocation plan
upsets many in Bhuj
Express News Service

Bhuj, March 15: Quake-hit re­
sidents of Bhuj have dismissed
the state government’s relocat­
ion plan. They would rather re­
build on rubble. Blame it on an
impulsive fiat issued by Chief
Minister Keshubhai Patel here
last weekend, but the Bhuj ad­
ministration is heading towa­
rds a showdown with its citiz­
ens. .
Leaders of various commun­
ities which have lived for long
in the walled city of Bhuj, had
rushed to Keshubhai’s camp at
Umed Bhavan, the government
Circuit House, on Saturday

The Indian Express
16 March 2001

36

News You Can Use

Medha leads inarch of
the displaced
Express News Service
/

Mumbai, March 15: Hundr­
eds of people displaced by vari­
ous projects in the State'
gathered at Azad Maidan and
led by National Alliance of
Peoples
Movement
leader
Medha Patkar they asserted
their rights to Jal, (water)
Jungle (forest lands) aur Zameen (land), querying the State's
rehabilitation plans. People
displaced by mega developme­
ntal projects such as dams, fly­
overs and highways joined
hands with those who had
been evicted from sanctuaries

and national parks. Retrenc­
hed mill workers and fisherf­
olk affected by acquaculture
joined the march, denouncing
the Government’s rehabilitat­
ion plan as bogus and warning
that if their homes wefe demol­
ished without alternatives,
they would put up tents at
Azad Maidan itself.
Among the prominent speak­
ers who addressed the gather­
ing were Medha Patkar, Natio­
nal Alliance of Peoples Move­
ment leader, trade union lea­
der Meena Menon, Justice
Daud , Justice Suresh arid tr­
ade union leader R G Kamik.

Among the
crowds
was
Mangamma
who earns a
living
carrying fish
baskets from
the boats to
the market at
Wadi Bunder.
She did not follow much of
the proceedings but said she
had heard of Patkar and was
there to hear her speak.
On a good day Mangamma
makes about Rs 35-40 and her
children eat rice and dal.
On a bad day, there’s only

India Calls’ launched
AS I’AHT of Ihr International Year of Volunteers (IYV). the IYV
humi. United Nations V<iluh(?<*rs and the ICICI romniunilies have
entered into ft partnership to promote an online volunteering rlearinghouse.The volunteering clearinghouse. ‘India, (.alls' was
launched oh Wednesday.

The Pioneer
15 March 2001

water for dinner.
Mangamma who migrated to Mumbai
because in her village near
Guntkal in Andhra Pradesh,
there is work only for four
months of the year hopes one
day to have a roof over her
head.
Goramma, whose home is
the garbage dump near Mahim
police'station, is more vocifer­
ous in her views against th?
State.
She is skeptical about her
lot and the .promises dangled
out to her under the guise of re­
habilitation. For 15 years that
she has been in Mumbai, her
house has been demolished
more times than “ there are
stars in the sky.”
Yet she has come for the
march. “This Medha Patkar is
supposed to be different. Perh­
aps she will be a more effective
leader for us,” she said.
After the rally at Azad Maid­
an, the people gathered at Chu­
rchgate, demanding to meet
chief minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh.
They were denied an audie­
nce that led to more sloganeer­
ing and finally the arrest of
some people by the Azad Maid
an police.

The Indian Express
16 March 2001

The Hindustan Times
16 March 2001

Early rehab of displaced people sought
HT Correspondent
Mumbai, March 15

BUOYED BY the latest report of
the World Commission on Dams
recommending greater social
and environmental impact
assessment and transparency in
decision-making, the National
Alliance of People's Movement
(NAPM) has asked the State Gov­
ernment to spruce up its act and
rehabilitate displaced people at
the earliest.
Led by Narmada Bachao
Andolan leader Medha Patkar,
almost 700 people from the NBA,
National Fish Workers Forum,

Girni Bachao Sangharsh Samiti,
Koyna Jeevan Hakk Sangathana,
Rewas-Mandwa Airport Affected
People, Dabhol and Esselworld
affected people and other organ­
isations participated in a rally at
Azad MaidanOn Tuesday.
The NBA will hold a Narmada
Sangharsh Parikrama, a street
march through the dam-affected
villages of Madhya Pradesh
from April 4 which will culmi­
nate in a public raUy at Indore
on April 10.
Patkar said that in spite of
over 2000 projects implemented
in the State oyer the years, ren­
dering lakhs of people homeless

and without jobs, rehabilitation
policies have remained on paper.
"The issue of development plan­
ning needs to be addressed
immediately. In the last 53 years,
no project in this country has
been implemented according to
rules,” she said.
. “The state bulldozes over peo­
ple's homes and livelihoods with­
out a care. When people give
away their property to the state,
it should be treated as an invest­
ment in the project and not sacri­
fice", she said. The World Com­
mission on Dams Report, Novem­
ber 2000, will be released in India
on April 25.

CDL Media Clippings 37

Book praises caste system Root disease of coconut
New Delhi, March 15

MUCH AS it is despised and for
all the repression associated
with it, the caste system in India
has kept the society from slip­
ping into absolutism and helped
preserve democracy in this coun­
try, observes a French political
scientist Guy Sorman.
"The authority of the castes
was a check on the abuse of
power by the princes. This social
division also prevented the war­
rior castes from concentrating
power in their hands as they
always had to look up to the
Brahmins who were invested
with the religious authority,
writes Sorman in a book ‘The
Genius of India'.
Unlike the Christian emperors
of the West and Confucianists in
China there could never be an
absolute monarch in India,
writes Sorman, who has trav-

The Statesman
17 March 2001

elled all* over the country.
According to the French polit­
ical analyst, India's great diversi­
ty and assimilation on the basis
of various castes is a major rea­
son for democracy to have
endured for more than 2000
years.
“The democratic ethos is firm­
ly ingrained in the Indian cul­
ture with Its tradition of reli­
gious toleration, the ancient sys­
tem of local governance the panchayat and paradoxically enough
the caste system, all of which
predate European domination.
"The great religions have coex­
isted here for centuries. Each one
in turn has been divided and fur­
ther subdivided into various alle­
giances and communities. The
dominant cult Hinduism, which
has several million gods and god­
desses, is hardly likely to predis­
pose the mind to political abso­
lutism^’ writes Sorman.
PTI

OOT (WILT) is a major disease
of coconut. The symptom of
the disease is the characteristic
bending of the leaflets termed
'flaccidity*. Yellowing of leaves and
marginal necrosis are other symptoms.
Rotting- of root system, drying of
spathe and necrosis of spikelets are al­
so observed in certain cases. The dis­
ease is caused by mycoplasma like
organism (MLO). It is transmitted by
the lace wing bug Stephanitis typica.
The disease was confined to Kerala
and few districts in Tamil Nadu. Re­
cently, the disease was observed in
Cuddalore district.
The following measures should be
scrupulously followed to avoid the

R

spread of the disease in Tamil Nadu
and to eradicate it:
— As and when die diseased palms
are identified in any coconut garden in
Tamil Nadu, they should be immedi­
ately removed.
—The garden where the disease was
observed should be monitored period­
ically so that if there is recurrence ol
the disease, the trees should be re­
moved.
— Infected seedlings should nut be
transplanted from one place to anoth­
er.
• R. Bhaskarar
Coconut Research Statior
TNAU, Veppankulam 6149 Of

The Hindu
15 March 2001

NABARD
THE NATIONAL Bank for Agri­
culture and Rural Development
(NABARD) has sanctioned Rs
651.88 crore for rural infrastruc- </)
ture including drinking water O
schemes and road connectivity E
in 14 states. The bank has jZ
extended loans worth Rs 194.57 c
crore to West Bengal and Rs § Z
182.52 crore to Gujarat, NABARD
o
said in a release. With this sane™
tion, the total loan amount
JZ
cleared to the state governments .E P
under rural infrastructure devel- X (U
opment fund-vi would be Rs © 2
4168.16 crore, it said.
jz co
PTI, Mumbai H- v-

The Hindustan Times
16 March 2001

Unicef to fund
landslide mapping
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE ‘

DARJEELING, March 16. - The Unicef has agreed to fund a The Hindu
project for the identification and mapping of landslide prone 15 March 2001
areas in the Daijeeling hills. The first phase of the project esti­
mated to cost Rs 3.75 lakh has been started.
The Netaji Institute of Asian Studies in Kolkata will be in­
volved in preparing the modalities and necessary formalities
for taking up schemes like the digitisation of the topo-sheds,
field checking for soil types, drainage, land-use pattern and
ROSOPIS JULIFLORA is an ag­
habitation in the region.
gressive and invading species.
This is part of measures suggested by a high-powered com­
It can be grown in degraded
mittee on landslides, which had submitted its report to the
lands, grassland areas and also
government in March last year.
saline areas.
It had recommended short-term, intermediate and long-term in Although
it is a promising species ca­
measures to prevent landslides in the region.
pable of supplying a renewable source
This was stated at a seminar on ‘Awareness about Natural of raw materials used in various cottage
Disaster in the hill areas and Observation of the Internation­ and small scale industries due to its
al Decade for Natural Disaster Deduction’ held here recently high inherent coppicing capacity.
by the district magistrate, Mr Anil Verma.
It is used as-live hedge around farms
He said that preliminary work in connection with the as well as dead wood fencing material
identification and mapping of hazard-prone areas in the hills, to protect crop from animals.
mapping of the drainage patterns in the form of basin catch­
It is extensively used for the purpose
ments of the Teesta and the Mahananda rivers, traffic moni­ of fuel wood. It can be grown in the
toring and relocation survey for the hills.
areas where rainfall is as low as 100-200
Various non-governmental organisations will also be in­ mm/yr to 1000 mm/yr.
volved in project.
In addition to honey, charcoal and
An official of the Daijeeling municipality said that ward com­ gum production it produces pods twice
mittees would be soon set up in the civic area and will be as­ a year. Its honey contain 22 per cent
sisting with information regarding landslide prone areas in moisture, 33 per cent reducing sugar to
x36 per cent fructose along with other
the respective wards.

Prosopis Juliflora:
Multipurpose tree

P

38

compounds. Its bee wax has good mar­
kets for creams, pain balms and medicines.lt excudes gum from sapwod
during winter and summer months. On
average 40 gm gum/tree is produced.
This gum is soluble in cold water and
contain nitrogen 0.15 per cent with vis­
cosity 14.
The gum bring an adhesive mucilage
with more favourable physical and
chemical properties that can be used as
an emulsifying agent.
Charcoal is prepared by burning its
thick stem branches and upper root
stock of trees under anaerobic condi­
tions. Its wood is heavy and hard and
have excellent firewood character.
• N. K. Bohra
Arid Forest Research Institute
Jodhpur

News You Can Use

66

Mother’s milk is the best

OCTOR, I think I do
I Bnot have adequate
-S—/'breast milk to feed
my baby. I would like to start her
on one of those 'baby foods*. I
need your guidance in selecting a suitable
There is no substitute for mother’s milk. Breast
'milk substitute* for my child."
When a 'first-time* mother told the pedia­
feeding plays a vital role in the physical and
trician, she looked at the healthy, four
emotional growth of the child, says
months old baby girl, who in the least looked
undernourished. It took nearly an hour for
VEENA BHARATHI
the child specialist to counsel the young
spring
the
better,
since
during
breast feed­ allowing commercial interests to interfere
mother and her family members, in order to
dissuade them from introducing artificial ing, the newborn infant derives a tremen­ with the natural spirit of breast feeding.
Promotion of breast milk substitutes and
feeds to the infant. The mother was advised dous sense of security and contentment,
to continue to breast feed the child at least because it gets to hear the same maternal related products like feeding bottles and
till the child attained one year of ages with heart beat, which it would all along have got 'nipples* constitute a health hazard. The mis­
gradual introduction of natural supplemen­ accustomed to while in the womb" says Dr leading information about the 'lactating
tary feeds like boiled vegetables, dal, Ashs Benakappa, emphasising that such an capability of women' by baby food and prod­
emotional bond thus formed is vital for the ucts' manufacturers has resulted in w hat is
mashed fruits and properly cooked rice. ■
"The practice of breast feeding the mental well being of the mother also, termed as "the triple nipple syndrome" i.e
» mixed breast and bottle
babies is declining due to various
Feeding.
socio-environmental factors. Mothers
Many doctors fc<-l that
are stressed out due to lack of family
nore than the disseminasupport to cope up with motherhood
lion of information on the
and a career simultaneously,"Says Dr
idvantages of breast feeli­
Asha Benakappa, Associate Professor
ng. promotion of moth­
of Paediatrics, Vanivilas Hospital,
er's milk substitutes’
Bangalore, and the City Co-ordinator
h rough advertisements
of Breast feeding Promotion Network
las been more pervasive
of India (BPNI).
nd extensive, despite the
“ The idea of an instant baby food
pprovat of an internapromoted unethically through adver­
ional code of marketing
tisements, friends* advice and by some
f breast milk substitutes
doctors themselves, provide the moth­
y the World Health
ers with a seemingly easy alternative
.ssembly in 1981.
to breast milk. According to the
The code is aimed at
research data available and through
icon raging and promot­
my own day-to-day interaction with
ig breast feeding and
mothers of healthy babies, I can defi­
^striding the activities of
nitely conclude that no 'food' can sub­
ic infant food companies.
stitute the nature's gift. 'Breast milk is
he government of India
still the best'."
lacted the “Infant Milk
Dr Asha regrets the aggressive.
.ibstitutes, feeding* butunethical marketing strategies by
?s and Infant foods
"artificial baby food manufacturers"
egulation of Production,
and the adverse practices by various
pply and distribution),
maternity homes, where the new­
•t 1992," called ’The IMS
born baby is kept away from the moth­
n’ which came into force
er in a nursery and fed with pre1st of August 1993.
lacteal feeds (i.e feeding the new-born
According to Prof S V
with liquids other than mother's
ga Rao of National Law
breast milk, before the initiation of
hool of India University.
lactation in the m other). It has been
ngalore, “The IMS Act
established beyond doubt that a moth­
iffirms the anti-infecer's milk is species specific, tailor
e properties of mother's
made with perfect nutrients to the
Ik. Breast feeding an
new born.
ant is a key aspect of
Since constituents in case of the
’ self-reliance and primary
breast milk is of right temperature
with right constituents, it is easily digested because a breast feeding mother is less like­ health care.-What is envisaged in the law
by a new born infant. "A healthy newborn ly to abuse or abandon her baby, even when should be disseminated properly in vernacu­
baby has a strong suckling reflex in the first she goes through various shades of post­ lar, languages. It has become necessary to
regulate the marketing of breast milk sub­
half an hour after it is born. Hence, Doctors delivery depressive episodes.
Babies which are exclusively breast fed stitutes, since most of the baby-fodd manu­
should advise the new mothers to capitalise
on this reflex action, so that the baby could upto six months of age, are protected facturing companies advertise through sub­
be put to its mother’s breast at the earliest. against diarrhea attacks, which are so com­ tle messages to influence them others for
premature and unwarranted introduction of
The initial stage breast milk which is yellow mon in bottle fed infants.
Breast fed children are also less suscepti­ such substitutes to their infants."
coloured ('the colostrum*) is rich in antibod­
Both legal experts and paediatricians are
ies and vitamin 'A', which provide adequate ble to allergies and respiratory infections.
immunity to the infant against various Health management experts in the field of of the opinion that though ‘The IMS Act’ has
infections in the years that follow. The soon- ‘maternal and child health’ have time and prescribed closer guidelines for production
. er a mother starts breast feeding her off- again condemned the tragic consequences of of educational material to enlighten prcg-

Contd

CDL Media Clippings 39

India's first ecomuseum
Maharaja Features

S world attention con­
tinues to be focused
on rehabilitating the
earthquake
in
Gujarat, a hit
unique
project piloted by a group of muse­
ologists in the town of Vadodara is
beginning to take shape. It has
nothing to do with the relief work
or reconstruction programmes
announced by the government.
Launched by Dr V H Bedekar, for­
merly associated with the
Museology Department of M S
University, Vadodara, the project
seeks to save the culture and her­
itage of Chaul, a little known
Portugese settlement on the border
of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
It would be India’s first 'eco-museum’ with the culture and tradi­
tions of Chaulis being allowed to
develop in their natural surround­
ings. “For centuries, people in
Chaul have managed to maintain
their Portugese identity;” says Dr
Bedekar. "But now, with moderni­
sation creeping in, their rich tradi­
tions are in danger of getting lost.
The objective of the eco-museum is
to preserve the heritage at its place
of origin." Chaulis are actually the
progeny from mixed marriages
between Portugese soldiers and
local Gujarati women. The soldiers
were responsible for the security of
the naval fort at Chaul, which was
an important centre of interna­
tional trade from 130 AD to 1786
AD. According to historical
accounts, Portugese kings used to
encourage their soldiers to cohabit
with women in lands they had con­
quered in order to create the
impression that they were not
oppressors and intended to settle

A

A unique project piloted by a group of
museologists in the town of Vadodara
aims to save the culture and heritage of
Chaul, a little known Portugese
settlement. ABHAY DESAI reports

nant and lactating
women on infant feedr
ing, I bore is hal'd ly any
implementation of the
Law
Establishing 'baby friendly units’ in thd
hospital and also creches al the work place
of mothers, where infants can be breast feq
at regular intervals would help the lactating
women to motivate themselves for breast
feeding their babies.
The Karnataka government has recently
increased ‘the paid maternity leave’ dural
tion to four and a half months, so that aften
delivering a child, a woman employee is
encouraged to breast feed her child for an
extended duration of time.
Says Dr Asha Benakappa, who intends td
start a ’toll free* 'lactation helpline' for moth­
ers who need information and support serv­
ices for ‘breast feeding'. “Except in the case
of a HIV-infected mother, where there is still
a debate and lots of research going on
whether an infant can be breast feed or not(
in all other infections, mothers should con­
tinue to breast fed their babies. For ulti-j
mately, it is not the infection which they aro

Contd...

down there. In fact, the Dutch and will be nobody to read or narrate
French also did so at different them," warns Bedekar. An entire
tines in history.
culture is at risk of being wiped
In Chaul, the Indo-Portugese pop­ out forever.”
ulation had even merged with the
On his part, Bedekar and his col­
mainstream of Indian life, till the leagues have tried to convince
Marathas invaded the region and local leaders of the need to pre­
pushed the Portugese southwards serve their legacy. "We have told
to Goa. Those who were left behind them that we have nothing against
were either killed or taken in Hindu ceremonies as these would
imprisonment. But their children only help in promoting communal
were spared. “The inter-mixing of harmony and their integration in
two cultures led to the emergence the Indian cultural mainstream,”
Beneficial ef?
of a new dialect known as Korlai says Bedekar "But side by side,
breast feed
Portugese
Creole,”
informs they ought to keep the traditions
(both to th<> infant chRd
Bedekar. “This dialect originated and customs of their forefathers
around 1515 AD, just 10 years after alive.” To an extent, Bedekar has
the first group of Portugese succeeded in getting the Chaulis
*A
arrived in Chaul. The language is around. He has got the Khadi and
emotional
still in use." The Chaulis are fair­ Village Industries Commission
♦Dec .
EES
skinned, tall and artistically (KVIC) and Central Bee Research
episode^
inclined and speak a corrupted and Training Institute (CBRTI)
infections hi
form of Portugese that is closer to also interested in developing two
♦Decreased .'1^$
Konkani. The Portugese of specific skills - scrimshaw work
cer among imeri who
Chaulis is comparatively more and apiary in the region. Both
their children for. a durffcibn'bf feix
refined, but with a sprinkling of skills have become financially
months or more.
Marathi words. Of late though, the viable as handicraft items from
*By breast feeding, the woman loses
younger generations’ upbringing seashells and honey are finding a
in Marathi is total, after the ready market Resides, an outdoor
the extra weight which ishe would.'have
Government of Maharashtra unit or outpost for the eco-museum
gained during her pregnancy
imposed the language as the ‘offi­ is being planned for educating vis­
♦When a woman1 nourished her child
cial medium of instruction’ in itors on the maritime heritage of
exclusively on her breast milk* vie
1964. Therein lies the problem. "All Korlai
resuming of her menstrual cycle after
folk songs, documented history
Deccan Herald
delivery, gets delayed Breast feeding
and literature in Creole would
18 March 2001
helps In delaying her sjibqequeitt preg:
to disuse very soon-there
• IARI develops hybrid * come
nancies thus4lacmtibn aiasaciated fertili­
He said the institute had
saline and irrigated areas. The
ty reduction' acts as a*'natural family
Basmati rice
developed high-yielding
variety is suited for ralnfed
planning* me*hod. I
upland situation. Puss 44 rice
jBy Our Special Correspondent varieties of cereals, pulses,
brassicas, vegetables, flowers
fariety possessing long slender
icw DELHI, MARCH 15. The Indian ind fruits which have been
grains released for the States of
going to pass on to their children, through
Agriculture Research Institute released for cultivation.
Karnataka and Kerala, yields
breast milk, but the protective antibodies for
(IARI) has claimed to have
. HD 2733 wheat variety was
$0-70 quintal a hectare and was
that particular disease, which have already
developed the first hybrid
lor timely sown conditions of
suitable for mechanical harvest.
developed as a response to the infection in
pasmad (aromatic) rice in the Horth Eastern Plains zone. This I Last year, the institute
their own bodies. Hence, as long as a breast
world.
variety is resistant to brown
supplied more than 4,000
fed infant is passing urine at least six times
! The varietal identification
and yellow rusts with yield
Carrier-based Inoculants to
in a day (irrespective of the quantity of the
proposal for the release of this potential of 55 quintals a
farmers and extension agencies.
urine), no nursing mother should ever feel
hectare. Another wheat variety
hybrid, known as RH-10, is
TheHindu
being submitted for
(HW 2044-Kurlnjl) was released
that her breast &ilk is insufficient for heij
for Southern Hills zone for
Identification at the All-India
child. Natural food supplements (not substi­
16
March
2001
Coordinated Rice Project
Restricted irrigation and
tutes) can be introduced after the child
medium to high fertility
eedng later this month, the
becomes 6 months of age."
conditions.
rector of IARI, Dr. Punjab
Since it is a woman's right to be able to
Singh, told presspeisons here
| In rice, PNR 519 an early
breast feed and a child's right to be breast
pn Wednesday on the eve of the maturing, high-yielding with
a woman should have access to mjqrmeq
Deccan Herald fed,
three-dty Kriahi Vlgyan Mela.
superior grain quality variety
choices, so that she can adopt the best health
nas been released for coastal
17 March 2001 practices for herself apd her child.._______

S

40

News You Can Use

Face to face with rural women
By Dasu Kesava Rao

He noted that the women (
extended micro-credit,
campaigned for literacy, health
came, they saw and they were
awareness, talked about AIDS,,
conquered. That was what
small family norms etc. Mr.
happened to the first couple of
Annan’s refrain appeared to be
the world — Mr. Kofi Annan,
"You have it in you. You will go
the UN Secretary-General, and
places.”
his wife, Nane — when they
Mr. Annan said, "what we see
came face to face with
happen here I want to see
thousands of dynamic rural
happen in every country” and
women on Saturday and saw
complimented Mr. Naidu for
their achievements for
being the “real partner” in the
themselves.
women’s movement. The Chief
Ms. Nane Annan felt proud
Minister said no world figure
that the DWCRA movement
who visited Hyderabad returned
started with only 15 women,
without seeing the Hi-tec City
each saving one rupee a day to
and interacting with DWCRA
grow to the staggering strength
women.
of five million and a combined
Mr. Bill Clinton. Mr. James D.
savings of $ 180 millions in a
Wolfensohn, and others were
short time.
impressed. So was Mr. Annan
"1 feel like staying back with
and his wife now. He was
you," she told them. She was
grateful to the DWCRA women
glad too that the enlightened
who brought worldwide
women spent their earnings
recognition and name for the
for the advancement of
State.
children and the family.
He would not rest until
The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, and his wife,
The State Government
women came on a par with
Mrs. Nane, accompanied by the Chief Minister,
arranged an interaction
men in every field of activity.
Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, appreciating the artefacts
between DWCRA functionaries
He urged the UN to encourage
manufactured by the DWCRA groups at an exhibition In
and the Annans at the Telugu
the women’s empowerment
Hyderabad on Saturday. — Photo: Mohd. Yousuf
Lalita Kala Thoranam.
movement.
Earlier, Ms. P. Vijayalakshmi of Ranga
to meet Mr. Bill Clinton last year,
A large number of women from
Reddy district and Ms. C. Nagamani from
presented a laced shawl to the UN chief
neighbouring districts turned up and the
Mahbubnagar district explained how they
and a Lambada tribal, an embroidered
DWCRA groups put up stalls featuring a
used the savings to send kids to school,
cloth.
wide range of their products — wooden
promoted literacy by asking parents not to
toys, garments, wall hangings, pickles etc.
An overjoyed Mr. Annan congratulated
send kids to fields for work and even set
— to showcase their achievements and
DWCRA women for “breaking the myth
up a savings bank.
potential to the VIPs.
that women are weak” and proving that
community
needed
women
as
much
as
the
They explained that 200 out of 300
The Annans tried straw hats, showed
other way around.
members followed small family norm
interest in leather lampshades and rolled
(others are too old or just married),
gold items etc. and later shook hands with
He praised the Chief Minister, Mr. N.
created health awareness and campaigned
them. Mrs. Degala Lakshmi of Narsapur in
Chandrababu Naidu, for realising the
against child labour.
potential of women empowerment.
West Godavari, who journeyed to the US
HYDERABAD, MARCH 17. They

The Hindu
18 March 2001

The Hindustan Times
17 March 2001

Electric three-wheeler inaugurated
HT Correspondent

Agra, March 16

A PROGRAMME was organised
at Taj Khema, near the Taj Mahal
to mark the inauguration of
Electric Three Wheeler which is
aimed at reducing pollution level
in cities. Concern was exibited
against rising pollution level and
it was claimed that such initia­
tives could assisst in long run.
The Electric Three Wheeler is
being developed with active sup­
port from USAID (United States
Agency for International Devel­
opment) under India Zero Emis­
sion Transportation programme.

This ‘Eco Rickshaw" was inaugu­
rated by Principal Secretary
.Environment for Uttar Pradesh,
Pradeep Kumar and those pre­
sent included Dr Samuel
Schweitzer from Global Environ­
ment centre of USAID.
It was revealed that this latest
technology is being tested under
operational condition through
coordination and partnership
between USAID, Bajaj Auto Ltd.
and New Generation Motors
from U S. It was further revealed
that amongst others, the Mughal
Sheraton of Welcom Group is
deploying these innovative three
wheelers in order to contribute

for environment conservation.
The gathering was addressed
by Mr Pradeep Kumar on behalf
of state Govt and who claimed
that effective actions are being
taken to counter the ever rising
menace of pollution in view of
growing number of vehicles on
road. He stressed on effective pol­
icy in this regard and also called
for better transportation infra­
structure.
Director for USAID/India,
Walter North presented the wel­
come address and also handed
over the keys of electric three
wheeler to Suptd. Archeologist
for ASI, Dharam Veer Sharma.

CDL Media Clippings 41

Jal activists take up cudgels
for hill people
Pioneer News Service
Dehra Dun

JAL ANDOLAN activists of the
Himalayan States have reiterated
their demand for incorporation of
suitable.provisions in the National
Water Policy (NWP) for granting
rights over local water resources
to the resident communities in or­
der to combat drinking water cri­
sis in the hills and also provide
sustainable opportunities of em­
ployment and income generation
to the local populace.
In a workshop organised here

on Monday, Jal Andolan activists
from Jammu and Kashmir,
Himachal
Pradesh
and
Uttjp-^Qchpl,discussed various is­
sued reTated'to water shortage in
the hills, including exercising of
rights on local water resources by
the hill people and the provisions
of the National Water Policy.
The activists unanimously held
the view that the present policy
was deficient as it did not provide
resident communities their basic
rights over use of local water re­
sources and hence deprived them
of their share in the natural re­
source.
Workshop participants lament­

Global portal on
edn launched
brought but the intimate symbio­
sis between education, people and
NEW DELHI, March 17
the state. He attributed the sorry
In an attempt to identify the Issues condition of education in India to
pertaining to education and to cre­ the anti-people and anti-child edu­
ate a platform for all those con­ cation policies rather than the
cerned with the state of education poor implementation of govern­
in today’s world to discuss and mental policies.
share their ideas, wwww.learnwww.learningchannel.org
ingchanneLorg, a global portal on brings together organisations
education was launched on March working in the field of quality edu­
12 in New Delhi
cation worldwide, 250 in all, on a
Professor A K Jalaluddin, for­ common platform, including key
mer acting director NCERT and ones like ActionAid, CIDA,
visiting professor, Jamia Millia UNICEF, UNESCO and many
Islamia, Department of Education more. The channel has links to all
Studies, launched the channel. the sites of these organisations. It |
Speaking on the occasion, the edi­ has an indicative list of topics and |
tor of the portal, Ms Geeta Sharma documents concerning education
said. The fact that the channel is including
Information
and
being edited from the South Asia Communication Technology (ICT), ■
branch
of
the
US-based AIDS education, human rights, .
OneWorldinternational, the parent gender and environment.
organisation, gives the global a
The site also has a special link
southern perspective."
known as Analysis, that comprises
Also present at the launch event in-depth reports and assessment of
were Professor Anil Sadgopal, education related issues.
Dean and Head of Department,
The channel is third in the
Education faculty, University of series of channels launched by
Delhi and R Govinda, Senior www.oneworld.org, the first being
Fellow and head, School and Non- the media channel, a site edited
formal education unit of N1EPA from the United States and solely
(national institute of Education, concerned with the wolrd media.
Planning and Administration).
The second in the series is the Debt
In his address, Prof Sadgopal channel, edited from Zambia.
PH Newsservice

Deccan Herald
18 March 2001

42

ed that even though rivers of the Joshi, propounder of Jal Andolan.
Himalayas provided water to-the told the workshop.
entire plains, they themselves
Dr Joshi said that crores of ruwere facetfArith drought-likc sit­ a p$es .syere ( bqjng .wasted every
uation similar to Orissa, Gujarat. .ye^r on har.e-hrain^ schemes, to.
and Rajasthan.
proride drinking and irrigation
“After the drought in areas of waler to the hill people, but most
Orissa. Gujarat and Rajasthan, it of these had become defunct as
could well be our turn to face se­ these had been formulated on the
vere water crisis. More than basis of concepts which were alien
11.9OO villages out of over 15,000 to the hills.
villages in Garhwal and Kumaon
That the problem was not-of
hllli of Uttaranchal are deficient Uttaranchal alone was highligjitin the availability of drinking wa­ ed by participants from other Mils
ter. In the summer the situation States of Jammu and Kashmir and
gets worsened as women folk of Himachal Pradesh, who said that
die villages had to trek miles to get the problem of shortage of drink­
a bucket of water, Anil Prakash ing water in their States, had
reached gigantic proportions.
They also said that they had
been suffering from drinking wa­
ter crisis that got aggravated
.during the summer season. While
the Jammu region had been suf­
fering from drinking water short­
ages for a long time, the Kashmir
valley too faced the worst ever wa­
ter crisis in the last summer.
speakers said.
Prabhu Dayal from Sirmour dis­
trict of Himachal Pradesh said that
a plethora of schemes being de­
SDBI to rake Rs I500 or
signed and funded by international
THE SMALL Industries Develop­
agencies for drinking water sup­
ment Bank of India (SIDBI) has
ply did not take into account the
planned to raise Rs 1,500 crore by
techno-economic feasibility in the
issuing priority sector and non­
hills. The trend was dangerous as
priority sector bonds next year
such projects prepared by foreign
for its financing programmes for
experts had been Imposed on the
the small-scale sector. "We plan
hill population here.
“While the rural areas in the
to raise Rs 1500 crore next year.
State are fast losing their tradi­
This will be done through
tional sources of water, the State
issuance of priority sector bonds
has even contemplated to levy wa­
and non-priority sector bonds
ter lax on rural population." he
for the banks. There may also be
public issues of bonds to raise
said.
Gobind Singh Rana, president of
funds," SIDBI chairman and
the Garhwa] Water-millers
managing director P.B. NimAssociation said that the l(x:al peo­
balkar said.
ple have no power to exercise con­
PTI, Kolkata
trol over the natural resources and
The Hindustan Times
the women especially were being
made to suffer for no fault of
18 March 2001
theirs.

The Pioneer
17 March 2001

News You Can Use

In tune with the best!
Using satellites and special radio receivers, WorldSpace
wants its 'digital audio* service to act as a powerful tool to
spread knowledge to the information-starved regions of the
world. FREDERICK NORONHA tells us about
this fascinating venture
HIS radio-receiver is
like something you’ve
never heard before. It
offersmusic
fade-free
sound,
and
of near-CD
quality. But, more importantly,
WorldSpace wants its ’digital
audio' service to act as a powerful
tool to spread knowledge to the
information-starved regions of the
world. Recently launched in India,
after touching down in Africa and
other Asian countries, WorldSpace
is drawing quite some attention
here. Earlier, it set up a satellite
covering Africa (called AfriStar),
while another for Latin America is
scheduled soon.

T

What's this all about? Is it just a
'rich-man's toy*? Can its promise
really work? Using satellites, and
specially-manufactured radio rece­
ivers, WorldSpace offers global
wireless digital audio pro­
grammes. Currently, you can tune
in to some 23 crystal-clear chan­
nels across the vast sub-continent
of India. From here, you can even
tune in to music from Africa, a
children's edu-tainment channel in
English. Western classical music,
\pr even Hindi film music from a
shjdio in Mumbai.

How does the technology work?
Broadcasters uplink their signals
to the satellite, either through a
centralised hub-site or individual
feeder link stations. Then, the
satellite transmits the signal
received
back down.
Any
WorldSpace receiver in any of the
downlink beam areas then
receives the signal in that beam.
But rather than the technology, the
story of WorldSpace is fascinating.
Ethiopian-born
WorldSpace
chairman Noah A. Samara (44). the
son of a diplomat, studied in the
US and UK. Over the years, he got
convinced that information was
the key to expanding opportuni­
ties;

At 34, he founded WorldSpace in
1990. As he points out now: "The
company's mission is to create
information affluence by using
new audio technology to deliver
programming to three-quarters of
the world's population that today­
lacks adequate radio reception and
programme choice and that wants
news, knowledge and entertain­
ment of the highest quality at an
affordable cost."

WorldSpace’s business plan is to
launch a total of three satellites,
being built by Alcatel Space and
launched by Arianespace. To
receive broadcasts, anyone in the
region (currently much of Africa
and Asia) would need a special
WorldSpace portable receiver, with
attached four-inch dish antennas.
"People are as developed as the
information they can access," Mr.
Samara says. "We are committed to
creating information affluence.
Radio reaches out to people where
other media simply can't. It goes
deep into people’s minds, appeal­
ing to their imaginations, rather
than overwhelming their senses. It
is a modern-day extension to the
world's oral tradition."
On launching operations in
India, WorldSpace executive vice
president Dr M G Chandrashekar
said it Is not only bringing in "crys­
tal clear programming" from
across the globe, but would also
give Indian talent a "global reach".
Side by side with the company, a
US-based non-profit organisation
called WorldSpace Foundation is
also working to promote educa­
tional and informational program­
ming to people in developing

regions of the glohe. Its work is
specially targeted al people "disad­
vantaged by illiteracy, poverty or
geographicisolation".
WorldSpace’s India head
Mathewkulty Sebastian told this
writer that they've already sold
10,000 receivers in India. Soon
planned is the local production of
receivers, and hopes to manufae
ture mobile receivers by 2003.
Would smaller languages get a
chance to be heard via this system?

"We are exploring the possibil i
ties of showcasing the unknown
India as well as the India that has a
rich audio heritage and an array of
songs and folk musics from a num­
ber of languages. I am sure (that
smaller languages which have «mh
a few million speakeni. like fur
example) Konkani will definitely
have a place in this channel”, says
Sebastian. Clearly them an? prob
lem areas. If WorldSpace receiver*are so costly, how will they n*a<*n
the poor? Currently each costs
US$250-500. In India, the chca|X‘St
model costs just under five thou
sand rupees.

WorldSpace says it has ideoh
fled an audience of 200 million
households in Africa Asia and
Latin America that can afford, and
would purchase its receiver at its
initial market price. "As is com
mon with most consumer prod
ucts. increased market penetration
will drive receiver prices down.” it
promises.
Can WorldSpace keep Io >ix
word? Well have tn wail and sit
But, clearly, the idea is fascinal ing
and its potential is indeed se? ■
vast.

Deccan Herald
18 March 2001

Women speak up for their cause

sponsored by the State Department, was organised by Vital
Voices, an organisation that promotes women’s roles in
WASHINGTON: Ms Lubna Al-Kazi wants Americans to know more strengthening economics, politics and democracies (in picture,
about Kuwait than just the Gulf War. “There’s always news
Ms Nuala McKeagney from Northern Ireland, speaks at the
about that,” said the
forum). For Ms Al- Kazi, it’s the right for Kuwaiti womep to vote
university professor and
and run for office, which they do not have. “We have high
activist, in town with other
profile women in many places,” she said, noting her country’s
women leaders from around
ambassador to Austria and various diplomats to U.N. agencies.
the world to promote
Women also make up most of the student body in ihe colleges.
democracy, along with their
“We feel it would be a contradiction if we could not also play ar
favourite issues. Ms Al-Kazi
active role in who the decision makers are,” she said. — AP
spoke during a forum that
The Hindu
concluded a week- long
leadership training
18 March 2001
programme for nearly two
dozen women from 20
nations — from Brazil to
Vietnam. The programme,

CDL Media Clippings 43

F

Restoring faith
IKE hundreds of people packed monthly ration/basic cooking and sensitive approach. In all soci- Coming to people and manpower
from different parts of utensils for distribution - over 80,000 eties and in all situations, there is for reconstruction - one of the most
India, I too reached Bhuj such household kits. Trucks, vehicles, bound to be a proportion of children moving experiences has been the
as a volunteer to work professionals, volunteers, food items who may be abused - but does that response of people from across the
with Kutch Navnirman and, of course, funds - the NDDB is a mean that we create unsustainable country - villagers from Haryana,
Abhiyan - a network of 22 tower of strength to Abhiyan. Amrita and alienating structures that remove from Kerala. Latur, Coastal Andhra,
Cutch-based
non-governmental Patel and her team continue to them from the community and from Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
organisations. This was almost two respond sensitively to the emerging their extended families? District offi- - the list is endless. Within 12 hours of
cials
(especially
the
Relief the earthquake. HAM radio operators
veeks after the earthquake. Having needs.
*ead newspapers and watched
Almost all the local people have Commissioner, District Magistrate restored communication initially
elevision, I had come prepared to only words of praise and gratitude for and District Development Officer), between Ahmedabad, Bhuj and
‘ace a human tragedy that was the people who worked hand in hand Sneha Samudaya, Veerayathan, Sewa Samakhyali and later with the worst
oeyond words. But what I saw and during the first 10 to 15 days - Jhagadia group. Medico Friends affected urban areas. Engineers and
teard restored my faith in the people, removing the bodies of victims, Circle doctors -all spoke in one voice architects offered their services. The
‘specially the people of Kutch and organising cremations, feeding for the need for community-based Tala Institute of Social Sciences sent
jujarat. The newspapers rarely people and providing whatever sup­ rehabilitation, counselling and sup- over 200 students for one full month
iiscuss the courage and quiet dignity port they were capable.of. Across the port structures. A gentle surveillance to help with surveys and assessment
)f those trying to rebuild their lives. 1 district, people talked about the is what is necessary to identify cases studies, help out in the 33 sub-centres
*ead
little about
the
silent armed forces and other organisations of abuse and exploitation. Creating and do whatever was necessary. Stuiqntribution of the National Dairy especially Kutch Sewa Trust, Abhiyan, orphanages, homes and non-organic dents of IIT, Kanpur, came and did
development Board (yes, of our own Swaminarayan Trust, Ramakrishna family structures supported with their bit. Individuals from all walks of
Imul fame!), the immediate response Mission and the Rashtriya Swayam- funds by donors is inherently unsus- life came to lend a hand - from
jf the armed forces stationed in the sevak Sangh. On the first day alone, tainable. "Why should we start with washing dishes in the camps to
trea, the community kitchens run by one doctor from the armed forces mistrust and suspicion about the pitching tents and managing relief
he Swaminarayan temple, the Kutch- worked non-stop for over seven hours intentions of the community and the supplies and distribution.
jased trusts and other socio-religlous in Khavda - suturing wounds and extended family?” they asked. Given The earthquake destroyed towns
organisation, the vehicles and mobile managing fractures and crush the waves of development fashion, and villages and left people shaken.
happen when donor Yet, in the immediate aftermath, it
ohones rushed down by Tata Relief injuries. This was before the world what will ...
iqd Max. While Kutch and Gujarat came to know about the enormity of Funding is withdrawn or when these also restored our faith in humanity.
_ 1 —. —
I____ 1
_1_ ___
_r
J?____ - _ _ ___
_ . • __
«-r't_
''in tornn
1x4 a
r C •■»-» a
ilso
had------their- -----share
disaster
—-------of
the_ Jdestruction.
The rescue teams, "international NGOs" decide it is time Almost everyone who volunteered to
work in Kutch came back richer in
hasers, it was indeed heartening to logistics management and medical to move into another area?
;ee the contribution of donor relief, the armed forces stationed in The approach of Gujarat based experience also more humble. It was*
irganisations like UNDP, Save the-Kutch did a commendable job. I heard organisations, government officials indeed one of the most moving and
Children (UK), Swiss Development similar praise about policemen and and local Kutchi leaders has been very educative experiences in my life. O
Corporation, Concern and, of course, other government workers who left sensitive and realistic - let us start
VIMALA
nternational relief teams that came their families in makeshift tents and with trust and then work our ways
RAMACHANDRAN,
through
an
extremely
difficult
situa
­
vith rescue teams, surgeons and shelters and plunged into relief work.
nobile hospitals. They demonstrated The staff and community-based tion.
The Hindu
hat “moneybags" can truly be workers of Kutch-based NGOs did the Donors come in all shapes and sizes
18 March 2001
—
the
texture
and
the
range
of
genuine
sensitive and caring. A larger number same. Almost everyone has lost
)f NGOs pitched in and worked someone or their own home crum- and not-so-genuine do-gooders was
ogether with remarkable unity of bled - yet they are still plugging along mind-boggling. Late into the night
nirpose. There are many lessons from relief to reconstruction. It has one day, when we ran out of a house
ridden in the relief and rehabilitation been a long haul and it looks like it will to go back to the tent, Abhiyan
;tory of Kutch.
be several months before they can workers and volunteers talked about
the donor community - from the high
Media persons are quite strange; even dream of putting their feet up.
nost of them see sensation (news
Sitting in the late evening govem- profile laptop, satellite phone, t-shirt
vorthiness?) in controversies. I ment-NGO-donor
coordination wallahs to the near invisible workers.
vonder why they do not see positive meeting and the sector-specific meets There were the first type, people who
Tories as being equally newsworthy was a unique learning opportunity. rushed into the area, did their own
ind popular. Late into the night one What struck me as being terribly quick assessment and offered mate­
lay, 1 heard about the NDDB’s insensitive was an assumption (espe­ rial and financial support during the
esponse to the earthquake. Barely 12 cially among some foreign agencies immediate relief period. They
aours after the earthquake trucks and several metro-based develop­ observed, analysed, made proposals
were dispatched with milk and bread ment professionals of India) that and responded with great sensitivity.
for distribution — the response was every child which has lost both par­ There were others whose hands tied
immediate. Within the next 24 hours ents is a potential victim of abuse and by sector-specific financial alloca­
the National Tree Growers Coopera­ every woman who has lost her hus­ tions that plunged into specific relief
tive Federation (an associate body of band is a potential victim of activities like emergency medical aid
the NDDB) sent volunteers who are harassment. Discussions on child or temporary shelter and are now
still managing the information desk at protection were often peppered by waiting to pitch in during reconstruc­
Abhiyan and were managing thesuch
_____fears and the need for institu- tion. There were several others who
depot during the relief phase. Tons of tional
_________
_______
______ came (especially from Japan), did
intervention.
Thankfully
edible oil, milk powder, arhar dal experienced Gujarat-based NGOs and what they could do best, prepared
were sent to Ahmedabad where the government officials continuously their report, handed them over to the
fanpath Citizens Initiative teams argued for a need for a more nuanced government and Abhiyan and left.

44

News You Can Use
/-■2

Help is a phone call away
A Bangalore-based NGO called the
South India Cell for Human Rights
Education and Monitoring (SICHREM),
has set up a helpline to offer free and
immediate counselling to tackle
gender violence, dowry
harassment, dowry deaths,
child labour, bonded labour,
land disputes, and even corruption
in public institutions.
BH ARG AVI NAG ARAJ A reports
OME Friday afternoon and
the telephone shrills inces­
santly in the office of the
South India Cell for Human Rights
Education and Monitoring, (SICH­
REM), a Bangalore-based non-gov­
ernmental organisation (NGO).
A team of four counsellors
stand by so that they can give
advice to callers on a range of sub­
jects including human rights viola­
tions and denial of rights, provide
legal help or just lend a sympathet­
ic ear to those in need. This
Human Rights Helpline, which
was launched in November last
year, is arguably the first of its
kind in South India, offering free
and immediate counselling on the
telephone.
According to Mathews Philip of
SICHREM, who also serves on the
team of counsellors, most of the
callers are women. Majority of the
calls are from rural areas, which
he says is heartening but also
reflects the dire need for help on
human rights in these regions. The
maximum number of calls deal
with violence including gender
violence, dowry harassment and
dowry deaths. Child labour and
bonded labour, land disputes, atti­
tudes of the enforcement agencies
and even corruption in public
institutions are some of the other
issues that callers want to discuss.

C

The Human Rights Helpline
has been launched with a few basic

objectives. The most important of
these is extending help to victims
of human rights violations by way
of legal counsel. Providing infor­
mation and taking cases further
for solutions using mechanisms
like the National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC), the United
Nations Commission on Human
Rights (UNCHR) and appropriate
courts of law are some of its other
objectives.
According to lawyer and coun­
sellor Manohar Hosea who started
the Helpline, the motivation came
from the fact that violations of
human rights are increasing every
day.
He maintains further that when
violence disrupts relationships,
families and communities, there is
bound to be considerable trauma.
But most of the time, the sensitivi­
ty, knowledge or space to deal with
human rights issues have been
missing.

The calls to the Human Rights
Helpline come from all parts of
Karnataka. At times, people even
want help in dealing with cases
like alleged misappropriation by a
clerk in charge of savings
accounts in a rural post office and
land encroachment by a private
party.
One conclusion which can be
drawn from these calls is that the
geographical and social distance
that divides people from the state
and systems like the NHRC contin­

well happen because m recent
years, city police commissioners
have shown sensitivity and empa­
thy for the problems of the people.
For instance, the toll-free helplines
for children and women were start­
ed because of an initiative taken
by the previous Commissioner and
But Karnataka is taking the ini­ the present City Commissioner
tiative at another level. Bangalore has intervened on many occasions
already has toll-free telephone to help those in need.
helplines for children (the
Now organisations like SICH­
Makkala Sahaya Vani) and women REM and the People’s Union for
(the Vanitha Sahaya Vani) operat­ Civil Liberties (BUCL) an? cam­
ing out of the office of the paigning for the setting up of the
Bangalore City Police Comm­ state-level branch of the National
issioner. Now the initiative taken Human Rights Commission. And if
by SICHREM too can be strength­ they succeed, that will be another
ened with the support of the feather in the state's cap.
police.
WFS
This is something which may
Deccan Herald

ues to be a major stumbling block
for people seeking justice. As per
the law, all states need to establish
state-level
Human
Rights
Commissions, but in practice very
few states (including Karnataka)
have actually set up these units.

18 March 2001

CDL Media Clippings 45

toys.
er ’avataar’ of relatedness and
This brings me to the second become mainstream. Interaction
quality of a 'Folk -Toy’. No toy, how­ with the larger society would be a
ever simple, would be without styl- reflection of contemporary reali­
isation • reflecting local artistic ties. It would lead to re-interpreta­
HY do we regard the folk layer - to reveal a small mirror
tradition. The stylistic vocabulary tions and greater innovation. It
toy as a desirable entity? inside - the objective was never might range from very simple to
would also suffer from the current
For what reason does very clear to me - but the fascinah ighly ornate, but to decorate a toy malaise of hodgepodge or Khichidi
one feel a sense of loss at its dimin- tion survived - one wrapped and was to give it a place in the social
culture -1 don’t have an answer to
ished reach? The plastic alterna- opened like a secret, the contents space - thereby linking it to com­
prevent that - however much I
tives are after all very efficient and of that paper! We bought it from
munity activity and inter-relation­ would like to.
also very glamourous. What lack is the neighbourhood street toy sell­
ships. Decorate would also cover
Marketing is another aspect
felt in the plastic toy that is ful- er. It would get torn and we'd buy
the fact of making it well, like the that is essential to the economic
filled by the so called Tolk toy? one more, selecting carefully from
woven miniature baskets of life of any product - but in this case
What constitutes a* folk toy?
his 'bamboo frame mobile-toys
Assam or of Bastar. It was to to the cultural life of this product
Some nebulous ideas!
holder' that also had bright
accord it respect and have it as well. The local Haat or the Mela
The fact that a toy is born from coloured cellophane goggles,
acknowledged as an act of love. was the location for marketing ear­
a specific cultural environment masks, bamboo flutes, plastic
even when done for a commercial lier. This ensured its cultural con
and social circumstances makes it whistles, multi-coloured wind
purpose. The individual hand of text and therefore its demand.
relevant to its own context first fans, balloons, sound boxes and
the maker could also be recog­ Some strategy to duplicate this
and it is found to have universal much else, including lacquered gitnized. The importance of this ele­ mechanism needs to be sought. Il
appeal only after that. That sped- tis (seven stones) and variety of
ment is at times overlooked in the is when its local demand is estab­
ficity and related ness to its place of colour powders.
case of us lookbig at kinetic folk lished, the toy as a product gets
The first intrinsic quality dis­
origin makes it precious, but not
toys.
meaning and sustains itself - not
consciously so. It is usually the tinguishing a folk toy is the con­
The third quality peculiar very as an oddity from somewhere. The
observer outside this circum­ tent of the toy that gives it signifi­
largely to the 'folk toy’ is the link with educational institutions
stance who attributes the quality cance - and that content links the
indigenousness of it. Low cost as part of curriculum would also
playfulness
with
its
social
indica
­
of preciousness to it
using
local materials - highly inno­ give it an alternate image to build
So why do we want that toy, pre­ tions that in turn drew from nar­
vative and most importantly very upon, and needs to be linked to the
ratives
and
linguistic
references
suming that there is a demand for
easily replicable which made it craftspersons and their inputs into
it still, even though a small one? such as natkhat, fatafat, jadooi, ha
quite dispensable and therefore innovations. That a dialogue is
ha-na
na,
chamchamali
etc.
Why do 1 want it? As a child, my
approachable.
Not an alien wonder necessary - of that I have no doubt.
The characters were the cultur­
father brought me toys from wher­
- but a very makeable wonder. This
Sutradhar Features Service
al
stereotypes
(alongside
charac
­
ever he travelled - something
factor
is
very
different
to
the
belonging to that place. I managed ters from the epics) - like the bob­
industrial product that has over­
to get a free ride on the wings of bing pundit or the foolish jester or
Deccan Herald
taken the scene today not only in
that toy to that place - met those ‘ the dancing girl, row of musicians,
urban centres, but also in rural
18 March 2001
people, saw the landscapes, becom­ professionals like weaver/tradmarkets.
er/dhobi
etc.
ing almost one with the users of
However negatively one might
An array of animal and bird fig­
that toy Another world opened up
react to the industrially produced
ures
associated
with
festivals
such
to me and slowly my horizon
toy - it too has enriched the child’s
widened. From various parts of as Diwali were seasonal and accor­
world with its strange images from
dance
with
the
festival.
Bows
and
India to the different countries far
off lands. The same as mine
western and eastern Europe, arrows, maces, Hanuman and
was enriched by images of folk
other
masks,
crowns,
etc
came
at
Russia, England, America, Japan,
toys from far off lands. The only
China, Thailand, Indonesia. The Dussehra. All this allowed for a
difference in this case was the per­
fascinating ceramic water whistles flow of expectations along with
sonal touch a toy received in its
of Romania, the famous nest of unbridled opportunity for role­
manufacture, where the smile was
dolls frdm Russia, the flapping owl, play. The fragility of the toy con­
not exactly as the one on my
KOLKATA, March 23. - The
tributed
to
its
magical
properties.
a wooden Pinochio with moving
NIIT Ltd donated computers to
friend's
toys
’
face.
legs and arms contrasted well with Also, it was not a major question of
the Society for Visually
The case for folk toys, I would
economics
to
replace
the
fragile
the dancing doll from Benaras or
Handicapped
at a function
like
to
seek
therefore
is
in
the
con
­
the flipping jestec from Orissa, the toy. The storymaking activity was
held
at
West
Bengal State
temporary
situation
can
one
relo
­
Rajasthani terracotta whistles, the fed with a multiplicity of elements
Central
Library
in Ultadanga,
cate
with
a
sense
of
relatedness
to
flying black snake. The wooden that combined and re-combined in
a
press
release
issued
by NUT
the
contemporary
experiences
of
Madurai dolls’ bareness suggested as many- multiple ways to feed the
the modern child, the traditional
Ltd
said
yesterday.
imagination.
the ornateness of the Batubai
Some of the computers will be
The ritualistic use of toys was a toy with its aesthetic qualities - its
paper dolls, - both sat well with the
cultural identity - and its region­
used
for Braille program, some
parallel
road
along
which
the
child
variety of kitchen sots from the
specific
quality
of
mind/material
for
converting
books for the
ceramic tea sets of Agra and travelled and sourced plots for fur­
and intent? Can one work on the
visually
handicapped
to
ther
stories.
The
stories
narrated
around, to plain terracotta chulhaBraille, while some others for
bartans of Rajasthan, to colourful during rituals formed the land­ line of continuities in evolving tra­
the visually impaired opera.
wooden lacquered ones from marks for acknowledging the pas­ ditions, without losing the energy
-SNS
sage of time. The Lakshmi-Ganesh of its core idea?
Tamilnadu and Andhra.
The hidden educational aspect
The Statesman
The fact is -1 played a lol with at Diwali was given a bisarjan but
all of these while my daughter the mandir or the dual/quadruple would be imbibed unknowingly
54 March 2001
does so only sometimes! For me container for the sweets along with and knowledge is always like a rev­
they conjured far off places - for the animals -and birds became a elation of the already known, by a
her - I don’t know - a little bit part of the treasure trove. These conscious acknowledgement. That
maybe!?
toys were as much in demand as will happen in its own good time!
Arts in Education should not be
I recollect the fascination of a the kinetic toys made with locally
folded and wrapped up magically available materials and each seen as a co-curricular activity
ornate paper being opened layer by region had its own collection of alone but as a process of education
where folk toys can take on anoth­

No kidstuff, this
W

AMBA SANYAL

Computers
for blind

46

News You Can Use

I

The Pioneer
23 March 2001

All villagers can now
talk over phone
ALL THE 6,822 village panchayats of Haryana have been con­
nected with a phone. Mr.G.Jethwani, chief general manager.
Haryana Telecom Circle dis­
closed this after inaugurating the
Integrated Digital Service Net­
work (ISDN) at Hisar telephone
exchange.
Mr. Jethwani said that in the
current financial year one and
half lakh new phone connections
were given in the state with the
aim for the next financial year
being two lakh new connections
With the introduction of ISDN
services in Hissar. it has been pur
on the high tech map of the world
because these services include
video conferencing, high speed
data transfer between comput­
ers, desktop PC video conferenc­
ing and high speed fax that is
seven times faster than normal
fax.
Mr. Jethwani said that within
next two months the phone con­
nection would be made available
on demand. The process, to allot
mobile cellular phones has also
been started.
On this occasion Mr. R. C.
Arya. General Manager, dis­
closed that the net profit of
Hissar SSA would increase by
about Rs 11 crores. He also
announced that Syndicate Bank
had been authorised to collect
phone bills at Hisar and Sirsa.
Later Mr. Jethwani inaugurated
the expansion of C-Dot exchange
HTC, Hisar
at Hansi.

25 March 2001

storing it They gave it a name.
ARVIND J BOSMIA
The shape of the pod resembled a
f Indian farmers were to follow the peacock. So the new variety was aptly
lead given byThakarshibhai Savlia, named Moralo. Later, it was changed
67, an illiterate farmer from Pankhan to Thokarshf. Thakarshibhai richly de­
village in Keshod Taluka, Junagarh served this honour—he kept a record
district, they may just end up finding of the farmers who bought the seeds
high-yielding, super-fighter seeds on from him and collected feedback from
their own, rendering terminator tech­ them in the manner of a research sci­
nology irrelevant and driving compa­ entist. According .to the report, the
nies like Monsanto and Cargill out of Thakarshi seed took 95-100 days to
business. All they have to do so, is be mature, a good 15-20 days ahead of
humble spotters of mother nature at other varieties. It thrived in scarce as
work, performing the role of scientist well as in excessive rain. Its leaves did
and giving away the fruits of the ex­ not wither nor did they turn yellow.
periment free, to those with the eyes to Apart from overcoming climatic ad­
versity, the seed is immune to major
spot them.
Always a keen observer of happen­ diseases like seedling rot, a common
ings on his farm, nothing unusual |problem with the groundnut crop.
ever missed his eye. Savlia's revolu­ This all round ruggedness is not
the expense of a high
tionary discovery took place in troubled 'achieved
times, successive droughts in 1986’yield or oil content. In fact, the seed ac­
and 1987 had broken the will of farm­ tually contains 25 per cent more oil
ers in Saurashtra. They'were left with than other groundnuts, besides being
no money and there was no stock of bigger and sweeter.
groundnut seeds. Thakarshibhai’s fate Says Savalia, “If there was any doubt
about the ruggedness of the variety, it
was no different.
The District -Cooperative Union, was done away with in 1993 when there
Junagarh, came to his rescue. It bad was no rain in the last phase of the
procured seeds from Punjab which, monsoon. The yield from other variThakarshlbhai planted in his 1.3 1 eties reduced drastically but I had a
hectare farm in 1988. After an initial harvest of2,200 kgs per hectare—more
spell of good rain, it again turned dry than double the average yield.
for more than a month. The groundnut Significantly, the Thakarshi variety has
plants started withering. However,’five the very attributes which bio-technol­
plants were left scattered over the ogy companies look for, and spend bil­
field. These seemed robust, with thick lions of dollars to find. And then, to get
luxuriant leaves. Apart from growing back what they spend, they must sell
extraordinarily well, these plants also to farmers year after year. Thus, the
had a lot more “pegs* running into the companies have ensured, by incorpo­
soil. The plants were harvested sepa­ rating terminator technology, that the
farmer is always forced to goback to the
rately and the seeds stored.
Thakarshlbhai then planted his en­ patent-owning company.
Anil Gupta, from the Indian Institute
tire field with the novel seeds. The mon­
soon was a regular one. Thakarshlbhai of Management (UM), Ahmedabad,
found that plant growth and the num­ views the development from a differ­
ber of pods produced, was higher than ent point of view. He says, “A farmer is
the one given by the other varieties of deemed to be dependept on public and
groundnuts planted in neighbouring private sector institutions for new de­
velopments. But imagine .what the
farms.
For the summer crop he used the rate of technological change would be
same seeds and met with huge success. if millions of farmers around the world
Other farmers in the village were so im­ became partners in this process of par­
pressed by his results that they bought ticipatory breeding.”
Agricultural research bodies are so.
the seeds at a premium. Although
Thakarshlbhai did take advantage of his used to farmers buying from them that
monopoly, he wasn’t as greedy as they have absolutely no provision for
Monsanto. Within two years it became the buying of seeds from farmers.
a favourite with the fanners in the re­ Thus, when the Indian Council of
gion, even the seed suppliers started Agricultural Research (ICAR) acceded

The Hindustan Tinies

■

to Anil Gupta’s request, to test the
Thakarshi variety, there was no provi­
sion in its budget to buy 40 kgs of seeds
for testing purposes. A non govern­
mental organisation/ working with
rural innovators, Bought the seeds
and “gifted” them tofCAR.
Thakarshi Savalia has had the new
seeds patented as a precautionary
measure, bio-tech companies would
think of them as a rich haul With the
patent in Thakarshibhai’s name.
bio-tech companies can’t possibly get
hold of the seeds and squeeze the
farmers dry.

CDL Media Clippings 47

WO tiny day pots and a small teacup lie on Veera make do. Limba and his family, themselves almost destitute, tried to
' Hona's grave. One pot is to store rice for the departed help any way they could.
“When I went to Gujarat this time, he did not get food on time. His
soul. The other, com. The teacup is to hold milk for his
journey. Symbolically, Veera Hona is equipped for the widow was also very ill. His fever, I can tell you, was the result of his
afterlife with the very things he failed to get in this one. hunger."
Employment was already in very short supply in Gujarat. The quake
Rice, com and milk. For himself, his wife and their three
children. A failure that led him to take his life on February 11 in of January 26 made things even harder for Limba who tried to
somehow find a bit or work. The delay proved fatal. Ratha went down
Nakola village of Medi panchayat.
For weeks, Veera Hona, an adivasi, had looked for work - without the same week as the others.
Two pathetic utensils and a tin can represent the worldly goods of
tuck. What little employment available here comes on a limited
number of sarkari schemes that you can work on for 15 days. And Ratha Hira. Limba does, however, inherit something from his dead
there is a ceiling on how many people can be given work. For the 20 or uncle. Loan dues of over Rs. 6,000.
★ ★
*
so slots available on these in a panchayat, there can be as many as 600
Several questions stick out over the deaths in the desolate Kotada
people in the queue. Hona could not make it.
“He even went deep into Gujarat looking for work, toward Eedar, to tehsil of Udaipur district in southern Rajasthan. Here are some of
Udani,” says his widow, Sawi bai. "He got nothing and came home , them. Were these hunger-related deaths? Since the Collector has
walking 70 km because he had no money for a bus ticket. He came flatly denied they were, that familiar debate is on. Why is the
back here on February 8 and once again went around the village Rajasthan Government being so insensitive on the issue of hungerrelated deaths? Its slowness in reacting is infuriating people. Is the
looking for work. He found none.”
So the 28-year-old Hona returned frustrated. On February 11, he situation itself - which no one disputes is dreadful - a result of
swallowed pesticide. He had already told neighbours he did not want drought? If so, how is this drought different from the earlier ones this
to live to see the children starve to death. His search for work had region has seen? Is the BJP-led Government at the Centre hampering
failed and he could nqf beg. The adivasi's dignity was very important Congress-ruled Rajasthan’s relief efforts?
The first is both simple and complex. Defining a “hunger-related
to him.
death" is not easy. Those who are severely malnourished tend to con­
In neighbouring Medi village, Jija bai is furious at the suggestion tract disease quite easily. When they succumb, the cause can always
that her husband Mala Hava died of "old age and illness”. That is how be attributed to the specific disease - rather than the hunger that
the authorities would have it. The official press release says he was 70. brought about the collapse of the victim’s resistance.
Yet, in its hurry to deny that hunger had anything to do with the
His voter card says 65. Yet, he had only recently begun to receive an
old age pension. Which suggests he may not have been much more deaths, the Government mucked up badly. The press release issued
by the Collector denying that Hona and Hava were the victims of
than 60.
"Tfce tehsildar himself asked me, ‘if you saw your husband was hunger contains an astonishing number of errors for so brief a state­
dying of hunger, why did you not report it?’ What was I to do? I am an ment. It starts off by getting Hona and Hava and their villages mixed
up. "An error on the part of the public relations officer,” the Collector
illiterate woman. Report what to whom?”
Before her husband died, the family of six had taken to eating one told us. It quotes a doctor on Hava’s condition, but he never exam­
meal on alternate days. "We rotate our hunger,” she says. “One day, 1 ined him. Hava was never his patient. Much to the chagrin of Veera
would go without food, then it was the oldest boy’s turn and so on.” Hona’s widow, Sawi, it suggests he took his life because of “a dispute”
Every such meal was the same: a mash of com crushed into a kind of with his wife. She, her family, in-laws and all her neighbours ridicule
khichidi with some salt and chillies. "Once in a while, maybe in eight the claim.
or 10 days, if we were lucky we got a couple of makki ki rdfis. That is The Collector's statement says the family had two buffaloes, two
if our eldest son, aged 13, got a little work to do.” The basic "work” bullocks, poultry and five bighas of land. Implying they were quite
was to collect and sell grass. The sale of a day’s collection could fetch well off. But the family owns nothing. A visit to their hut would con­
them four to six kg of corn. “But for two months we’d had almost firms that. Hona’s father did own five bighas of land once, but it was
divided between him and his four sons.
no work at aU.”
*
After Maia's death on February 10, officials landing up at her house “And that one bigha we were forced to mortgage long ago to a
dropped off several kilograms of grain with the family. "It might have money lender," says Sawi. When things got worse last July, it did not
helped more to have work,’’ says Jija, who has lost three malnourished rain and there was no work. Veera pawned her jewellery so they could
pull on somehow.
children in the past five years.
The official statement names villagers who support its denials on
In Koldhara village of the same Medi panchayat, Ratha Hira ran a
curious routine. That was when the National Old Age Pension was all the hunger deaths. 'Three of them were present^when we went to
Veera Hona’s house. In front of a score of witnesses, Shanti Lal.
ofRs. 100. (It has become Rs. 200 not very long ago).
Lame in one leg and with a hut atop a small hillock, Ratha Hira Veerma and Lala swore they had made no such remark to any official.
By going into denial mode, the Rajasthan Government has painted
nonetheless got around. "He had this mule," says nephew Limba
itself into a comer. When every villager knows what has hap­
Cheena. And the will to live, despite his great poverty. But then the
pened, denials backfire.
mule, which he was unable to feed, died.
This, coupled with serious failure on the ground, is
Ratha Hira would go to the Kotada tehsil headquarters every month
shackling it at the moment it needs to be most effective. Even
to collect his pension. The trip from Koldhara and back to cost him
now the guardian ministers for the area could be. and should
Rs. 50 - exactly half his pension of Rs. 100. On this he would try and

48

Contd..

Abundance of food,
scarcity of vision

n

News You Can Use
Contd...
be, camping in these tehsils. They are not. So much for thing, but outsiders are given contracts for bamboo and other
things from the forest."
the official version.
“We don’t want the Government’s charity. We ask only for
Yet, painfully tragic though the deaths are, the larger issue
is hunger itself. There are thousands in Kotada tehsil whose work Give us food for work programmes."
condition is not very much better than Veera Hona’s. If any-. What of the close to 50 million tonnes of "surplus grain" in
thing might possibly come of the young man's taking his life, India? Very little of it seems to be in Kotada. "If only they would
launch into full-scale food for work programmes,’’ says Mangi Lal
it could be to focus attention on their hunger.
Can we pin it all on the drought? There certainly has been a Gujjar. He is Convener of the Akai Sangarsh Samiti, Udaipur dis­
bad one on for a while in Rajasthan. As many as 31 districts trict. And also an activist with the NGO Astha that works in this
are affected. Given the drinking water situation, animals tehsil amongst others.
could die in thousands as summer sets in. And that loss of A walk across any village here tells you how completely insane
the "APL" and "BPL* categories of the experts are. Dividing
livestock can only further impoverish people.
But, don't rush to pin southern Rajasthan's plight solely people into Above Poverty Line and Below Poverty Line seg­
on poor rainfall. The region's enormous poverty and inequity, ments stands out in rural Rajasthan for what it really is. A means
predate the drought. And in recent years, a policy-driven of constantly reducing spending on the poor. And here and in
assault on people's living standards has made them far every other district, they know it. And the resentment runs deep.
more vulnerable.
Burrram Gharasia of Pali district had told me much earlier:
Employment has dwindled to nothing. Anything that hap- "APL-BPL? Just leave out those who work for the government in
pens on that front happens on a relief-charity mode. The these places. Everyone else, you can mark as BPL’’ •
damage inflicted on agriculture in the last decade has come
p SAINATH
home to roost. And it is the same story on other fronts. With
_.. ’... .
the freeze on recruitment in Government services, the few
■
nlnau
educated here who qualify for those are also without jobs.
18 March 2001
The incredible rise in health costs has inevitably claimed a
price. As has the conscious destruction of the public health
system. When Hona consumed pesticides, he was rushed to
the nearest government hospital. The place simply did not
have any medicines. "Then we rushed him to a private hos­
pital across in Gujarat," says a neighbour. He died on the way.
People in Kotada going in to Gujarat are paying doctors fees
of between Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 - sometimes more. That is just to
be able to see them. Tests and treatment cost more. Just
across the border, you could pay as much for an ultrasound
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
test as you might in a metro.
"Mala Hava was seeing a doctor in Gujarat some 30 km
ITANAGAR, March 30. - Four new hybrid or­
from here for four or five years,” says his widow Jija bai in
chids were developed by State Forest Research
Medi. "He always paid between Rs. 100 and Rs. 500, according
Institute of Arunachal Pradesh.
to the bimar (sickness)." This did not include the cost of med­
The new orchids — Arachnocentron Tipi
icines or of any tests that had to be taken.
Jubilee Star*, Aranda ‘Millennium Dawn’,
"We used to have three bighas of land. We had to mortgage
Ascocenda Tipi Blue Boy* and Cymbidium
those when one child fell ill. We needed Rs. 2,000 for the
‘Sessa Green Beauty - were registered re­
doctor and the treatment. Finally we spent even more." So
cently under the international orchid
registration authority at Nottingham, UK,
they lost the land.
Then there is the collapse of the public distribution system
SFRI director Mr Rabindra Kumar said here.
(PDS). "Drought? Yes. But we have seen drought before,"
Arachnocentron Tipi Jubilee Star*, evolved
says Dharamji, traditional patel of Veera Hona’s village,
by crossing two reate orchids Arachnis LabNakola. A chorus of voices joins to explain how the present
rosa and Cleisocentron Trichromum, is a new
drought differs from the devastating one of 1986-88. No one
hybrid genus registered for the first time in
the world, Mr Kumar said in a statement to­
mentions rainfall.
“The last time there was a lot of relief work. This time they
day.
don’t want to spend any money on us. What is this stupid
Aranda ‘Millennium Dawn’ was evolved
ceiling on work? There are 150,000 people in this tehsil, but
from Vanda Stangeana and Esmeralda Clarku, both indigenous species of the North­
just 15 days work for 3,000."
"Earlier, we each got 10 kg of wheat on our ration cards.
east. Cymbidium ‘Sessa Green Beauty* and
That is, 10 kg per family member. Now we get 20 kg for a
Ascocenda Tipi Blue Boy* were evolved by
"below poverty line” (BPL) family. Can you imagine how little
the crossing of native species with exotic hy­
that is?"
brids.
"The minimum wage was much less then, but it could buy
“This is a significant achievement of the
far more. And the wages we got from the relief work were
team of scientists, Dr SN Hegde and Dr AN
better than what we could make from agriculture. The price
Rao, who are working on evolving new hy­
rise over the last few years has crushed us and so has corrup­
brids over the past two decades,” he said.
tion. Now the minimum wage is Rs. 60, but find us one person
The first hybrid genus, Renades ‘Arunoday’
who actually gets more than Rs. 30 or 35. Anyway, what does it
was registered in 1991 by the orchid centre
buy now?
Tipi in West Kameng district of Arunachal
Pradesh. It is expected that these hybrids
"In the earlier drought, we were also saved by the jungle.
would open up new era of orchid develop­
Somehow, we scraped through by foraging there. But now the
jungle is almost gone. Adivasis are punished for taking anyment not only in the state but also in the en­
tire North-east, Mr Kumar said.

Four new hybrid orchids
developed in Arunachal

The Statesman
31 March 2001
CDL Media Clippings 49

Disabled community demands
inclusive educational policy
Farida Shaikh

Mumbai, March 25
"SPECIAL" IS a label they would
rather do without The country’s
disabled community has stepped
up its demand for an inclusive
educational policy to prevent its
isolation from the mainstream.
It has opposed a proposal for
setting up a UNESCO-backed
International Centre for Special
Education in New Delhi.
It also wants implementation
of the 83rd Constitutional
amendment to ensure primary
education for all, including the
disabled, in India.
(The amendment was first pro­
posed in 1966 and introduced in
the Rajya Sabha in July 1997. Its
aim is to make elementary educa­
tion a fundamental right for all cit­
izens. To date, primary education
gets only 1 per cent of the GDP.)
The- first North-South Dia­
logue on Inclusive Education
was organised by the National
Resource Centre for Inclusion
India (NRCII) in Mumbai. Dele­

gates from several countries,
international NGOs, education­
ists and parents stressed that all
over the world, the thrust is now
on integrating children into the
mainstream by doing away with
special schools and that India

Delegatesfrom several
countries stressed that
the thrust is now on
integrating children
into the mainstream by
doing away with special
schools and that India
should do the same
should do the same.
Mithu Alur, principal coordi­
nator, NRCII, Spastics Society of
India, told the Hindustan Times,
"Inclusion is different from inte­
gration. In most countries in the
West, special schools are now

taboo and refusal to admit a child
in a normal school is punishable
by law and considered a contra­
vention of human rights.
"In our country, education has
still not been made a fundamen­
tal right. That makes it worse for
the disabled, the 'poorest of the
poor’ according to the World
.Bank. So we are lobbying hard to
get the 83rd amendment which
will include children in the
developmentally critical age
group of under five years, social­
ly and economically disadvan. taged children, the girl child and
children with disabilities".
Many parents are, however,
concerned about the fall-out of
the inclusion policy. Says Alur,
"That is understandable since
special schools are nurturing
and sensitive. But when the chil­
dren finish their education, they
face an unknown world and have
no inkling whatsoever on getting
on with life without the special
facilities. It’s only when we make
a beginning somewhere that atti­
tudes will change."

The Hindustan Times

Surcharge on Uquor?6"*’*?*'1
to fund literacy drive
move for augmentation of resources for ed­
ucation at a time when the latest census has
HRD award
Hyderabad
, revealed that the literacy rate in the state was
'around 61.11 per cent, against the nation­
AN INDIAN non-governmental
IN A novel move to augment its resources for
al average of more than 65.38 per cent.
organisation (NGO) working for
its total literacy campaign, the Chandrababu
The officials say that achieving the national
the empowerment of the dis­
Naidu Government in Andhra Pradesh has
average, of literacy in the State was within
abled has been chosen for the
decided to impose a 10 per cent education their reach and the additional resources will
United Nations Escap Human
surcharge on liquor sales in the state..Official i come, handy for the effective implementation
Resources Development Award.
sources said that a decision, which Will’cpn)e of plans 'drawn for achieving total literacy in
The Spastics Society of Tamil
in to effect from April .1 and yield Rs 20Q ; thestate-by year 2005. They pointed out that
Nadu was nominated by a jury of
crore during the cormng financial year, was the situation on the literacy front in the state
HRD experts here on Thursday
taken at the State Cabinet meeting on
was improving.
in recognition of its "right­
Tuesday.
While the 1991 census had shown the lit­
based" approach towards people
However, in view of the ongoing Assembly
eracy rate in the state as 10 per cent lower
with disabilities.
session, no formal announcement could he
than the national rate, now it had come down
PTI, Bangkok
made outside the House.
to mere four .pej* cent.
The
Hindustan
Times
During the coming financial ye^r the State
"We are confident it will be bridged in a
is projected.td'get a tota|> excise and* sales
24 March 2001
coyple of years;" .a senior official of Education
tax revenue on liquor sales th the tune of Rs
Department said. It is not for the first time
3,000 crore'. As the Government has also de­ 'that the tipplers in the State are being forced
cided to allow opening of bar rdoms^t is like­
to pay through their nose for various devel­
ly to give a further boost to the liquor sales
opmental and welfare programs.
in the state in the coming months and yield
Earlier the Government had increased the
more revenue and more education ces«F, the sales tax by two per cent to mobilise re- The Pioneer
officials said.
f' z
1p* / / • * sources for the forthcoming National Games
30 March 2001
The Government has taken: this^Un^sdaf ’,2002 in Hyderabad.

_____ Pioneer Hews Service ' ■,

SO

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.cdlblr.org
This issue of News You Can Use has been compiled from

The Observer

The Hindu

The Times of India

The New Indian Express

The Hindustan Times

Deccan Herald

The Pioneer

The Asian Age

The Statesman

The Telegraph

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• Media research to study patterns in development news
in the mainstream publications
• Documentation of NGO experiences
• Design and production of communication support
material
• Public service advertising
Media management of development events.

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Regional Coordinator for Charkha - a national
e network for development communication.

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For more information, please write to:
ommunication for Development and Learning
Koram
7thCross/17th Main,
^oramangala 6th Block, Bangalore - 560 095.
email: cdlblr@bgl.vsnl.net.in

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