Scheduled Tribes Stripped Off Reservation they Enjoyed Since the Republic was BORN, just to Give Away their Land to LPG Mafia,Total Svenety seven Companies in and around KANDHLA SEZ Aea in Kutcha!
| Modi's image makeover: From pro-rich to pro-poor - 4 days ago Narendra Modi, popularly called as 'CEO of Gujarat', has attempted an image makeover for being 'pro-poor', by organising 'Garib Kalyan Melas' across the ... Indian Express - 273 related articles »6 Cong men held before Modi's GKM in Radhanpur - Times of India - 2 related articles » Price rise: Gohil tells Modi to learn from Maharashtra CM - Indian Express - 2 related articles » |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
1.Gallent Multi Mattle(54,37,21,8330
| |||||||||||||||
Talking with TOI later, Gohil said, "We took a formal decision at the Congress Legislative Party meeting recently to participate in all government programmes where we don't see attempts to derive political mileage. On Thursday, Gohil state Congress chief Siddharth Patel, Union minister Bharat Solanki discussed the issue and decided to participate in full strength in all Swarnim Gujarat functions.
While 11 raths were launched in Gandhinagar by Gujarat governor Dr Kamala in the presence of Modi and Gohil, similar raths were launched by state BJP ministers in the presence of Congress MLAs in all Gujarat's districts. "In all, 224 raths were launched for as many talukas simultaneously on Friday", a senior official said. These raths will reach out to 19,161 villages.
The programme launch marked on the birth anniversary of Ravi Shankar Maharaj, one of the founding fathers of Gujarat as a separate state. Modi thanked Gohil for helping to make the state's Golden Jubilee a success. The rath yatra will end on April 14, birth anniversary of Baba Ambedkar.
Despite the protests from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Anand, Chief Minister Narendra Modi ensured the smooth release of Shah Rukh Khan's movie, 'My Name Is Khan' in Gujarat yesterday.
Interestingly, the VHP activists stood like guards in Navsari to allow the screening of the movie. the dissuaded Bajrang Dal and Gauraksha Samiti activists from disrupting the screening of the movie.
Why they love Narendra Modi
This is a country of nit-pickers. Here was Vibrant Gujarat announcing another huge haul from its latest investment spectacle when critics went into overdrive. The figures were exaggerated and most of the money had not really come in, they carped.
Reporters, celebrity columnists and political rivals quoted official statistics from varied sources and Right to Information disclosures to show up the claims of the Narendra Modi [ Images ] government.
Some became extremely shrill. Remember, said a Congress spokesman, how well industrialists adored Hitler [ Images ]. There were also references to the 2002 pogrom which took the lives of around 2,000 Muslims. But industry couldn't have cared less. This year's extravaganza, with even more of the cream of Indian business in adulatory attendance, netted promises of investments amounting to Rs 12,00,000 crore (Rs 12,000 billion) -- a colossal tribute to Modi's reputation for ruthless efficiency.
His is not the discreet charm of the accommodating politician but the irresistible attraction of a strongman who delivers. The big draw appears to be the way Modi functions: red tape has been practically banished and government departments take their cue from the chief executive.
Thus, clearances come at breathtaking speed, much to the delight of businessmen who value speed above all else. An awestruck Ratan Tata [ Images ] reminded the January 2009 investors' summit that the Nano project was cleared in just three days!
"I have to listen to my own saying (of 2007) that if you are not in Gujarat you are stupid. Today, I am saying that I am not stupid," the country's most iconic businessman was quoted as saying. But then Ratan Tata has special reasons for saying that.
The extremely cosy relationship that industry and the Gujarat CM enjoy raises some troubling questions.
What do the Ratan Tatas, Sunil Mittals, K V Kamaths and Ambanis see as the role of politicians? Can generous sops to industry and the speed and simplification of regulations alone be compelling reasons for the adulation of a politician with a spotty record on pursuing development goals and protecting the rights of the vulnerable sections of society? It would appear that India's [ Images ] business community for the most part is unable to see beyond its nose.
If not, what explains the complete indifference of these men to some shocking revelations about Modi's Gujarat that were made at the same time the Vibrant Gujarat histrionics were being played out? Top among these is that the state's record on getting its children into school and keeping them there is dismal.
The Annual Status of Education Report Rural 2008, the most telling document on education trends, shows 21 per cent of the boys and 30 per cent of girls in the 15-16 age group in rural Gujarat dropping out of school.
Worse, the younger children are simply not getting a proper education. Only 59.6 per cent rural children in the Standard 3 to 5 group could read the Standard 1 text against the all-India average of 66.6 per cent. In maths, they fared worse: only 43.1 per cent could do subtraction against the national average of 54.9 per cent, way behind the figures for Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh [ Images ].
Surely, something is rotten in the state of Gujarat? Perhaps, his business fan following is not aware that Gujarat under Modi has fared worse than most states on almost every index of human development, the worst blot being the dwindling sex ratio. The number of girls per 1,000 boys in Gujarat is just 878, one of the lowest in the country, despite the growing prosperity of the state -- or perhaps because of it.
The poor indices of overall human development -- Gujarat has slipped from first spot to sixth place among Indian states -- are a deeply worrying issue for social scientists who have also been sounding the alarm bells on the fragmentation and ghettoisation of Gujarat's society.
But these are not issues that find resonance in the business community. Instead, there is a belief that all is well with Modi's state. Nothing but rank ignorance could explain this very recent statement by a leading banker, who is also the head of an industry organisation, praising what he called "Gujarat's all-round development".
He says: "When I talk about Gujarat as a role model, it is not only to do with GDP growth but also other parameters like human development index, schooling, education, infrastructure and basic services. That is a model which is setting a right benchmark."
A big part of the answer as to why industry takes such a benign view of the 'Gujarat model' could be that Modi makes no bones about favouring this segment over all others. It is a model where public money is used to turn a private venture into a profitable enterprise at the cost of the environment. This is not to say that other parts of India are not similarly engaged but it is a fundamental principle with Modi.
A clear indication of this is available in a Government Resolution on the concessions made to Tata's Nano [ Images ] project. The GR passed on January 1, 2009, but made public just 10 days ago, is an eye-opener although there have been several speculative reports that revealed the blandishments offered by Modi to bring the Nano to Gujarat.
These make the incentives offered by the West Bengal [ Images ] government to the Tatas in Singur look tight-fisted. According to one estimate, tax-payers in Gujarat will be footing as much as Rs 60,000 per vehicle to make the Nano the car of the masses with a price tag of Rs 1 lakh.
It's a dream package that Modi is giving the Tatas: apart from the 1,100 acres of land and infrastructure sops, there is a soft loan of Rs 9,570 crore (Rs 95.7 billion) that is repayable over 20 years at an unbelievable 0.1 per cent rate of interest.
Facilities for solid-waste disposal and effluent treatment plants are to be developed by the state government which will also provide a dedicated power connection of 200 KW to the factory along with 14,000 cubic metres water daily. There are other dispensations, too.
The Nano project does not have to recruit 85 per cent of the workforce locally as the state industrial policy mandates.
How can one not love Modi if public money is to fund private industry to this extent? In the old days, industry was brought in to spur infrastructure and employment. That doesn't seem to be an overriding concern these days, and certainly not for Gujarat.
Attracting big-ticket industrial projects is essentially image-building that comes in handy at the time of elections. If you can get a Tata to set up the Nano factory outside Ahmedabad [ Images ], does it really matter if children in the hinterland cannot read, write or count?
THE CONSTITUTION (SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES) ORDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2002
a
Bill
further to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 so as to provide for inclusion of certain Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes oustees of the States of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, who have been displaced due to Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River and are settled or may be settled in the State of Gujarat, in the lists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes specified in relation to the State of Gujarat.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-third Year of the Republic of India as follows:—
1. Short title.-This Act may be called the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002.
2. Amendment of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.-In the Schedule to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, in Part IV.—Gujarat, after entry 30, the following entries shall be inserted, namely:—
"31. Balahi, Balai
32. Bhangi, Mehtar
33. Chamar
34. Chikwa, Chikvi
35. Koli, Kori
36. Kotwal (in Bhind, Dhar, Dewas, Guna, Gwalior, Indore, Jhabua, Khargone, Mandsaur, Morena, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha districts)".
3. Amendment of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.-In the Schedule to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, in Part IV.—Gujarat, after entry 29, the following entries shall be inserted, namely:—
"30. Bhil, Bhilala, Barela, Patelia
31. Bhil, Tadvi Bhil, Pawra, Vasave
32. Padvi".
STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS
On account of implementation of the Sardar Sarovar Project over the Narmada River, sizeable number of persons belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes residing in States of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have been forced to migrate to the State of Gujarat, where they are being rehabilitated. Such persons are not entitled to the benefits of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the State of Gujarat as the lists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are State specific.
2. In the State of Gujarat, those Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes families, which shifted from the States of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, are suffering from similar type of deprivation as faced by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Gujarat. Keeping in view these factors, the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for Gujarat is proposed to be amended specifically incorporating the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra after their ouster from the Sardar Sarovar Project.
3. The proposed amendments as contained in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2002 fall under the following two categories:—
(i) inclusion of Scheduled Castes oustees of Sardar Sarovar Project from the States of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra as new castes in the list of the Scheduled Castes in respect of the State of Gujarat; and
(ii) inclusion of Scheduled Tribes oustees of Sardar Sarovar Project from the States of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra as new tribes in the list of the Scheduled Tribes in respect of the State of Gujarat.
4. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.
New Delhi; SATYANARAYAN JATIYA.
The 20th February, 2002.
FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM
The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2002 seeks to continue Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes status of persons belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, who have been settled or to be settled in Gujarat following implementation of the Sardar Sarovar Project.
2. Once the Bill is passed, such oustees belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will continue to get similar benefits in the State of Gujarat. There will be no additional expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund of India on the enactment of the Bill.
State wise Scheduled Tribes
GUJARAT
1. Barda
2. Bavacha, Bamcha
3. Bharwad (in the Nesses of the forests of Alech,
Barada and Gir)
4. Bhil, Bhil Garasia, Dholi Bhil, Dungri Bhil, Dungri
Garasia, Mewasi Bhil, Rawal Bhil Tadvi Bhil,
Bhagalia, Bhilala, Pawra, Vasava, Vasave.
5. Charan (in the Nesses of the forests of Alech, Barada
and Gir)
6. Chaudhri (in surast and Vvalsad districts)
7. Chodhara
8. Dhanka,Tadvi, Tetaria, Valvi
9. Dhodia
10. Dubia
11. Dubla Talavia, Halpati
12. Gamit, Gamta, Gavit Mavchi, Padvi
13. Kathodi, Katkari, Dhor Kathodi, Dhor Katkari, Son Kathodi, Son Katkari
14. Kokna, Kokni, Kukna
15. Koli (in Kutch district)
16. Koli Dhor, Tokre Koli, Kolcha, Kongha
17. Kunbi (in the Dangs districts)
18. Naikda, Nayaka, Cholivala Nayaka, Kapadia Nayaka, Mota Nayaka, Nana Nayaka
19. Padhar
20. Paradhi (in Kutch District)
21. Pardhi, Advichincher, Phanse Pardhi (excluding Amreli, Bhavanagar, Jamnagar,
Jungadh, Kutch, Rajkot and Surrendranagar district)
22. Patelia
23. Pomla
24. Rabari (in the Nesses of the forest of Alech, Barada and Gir)
25. Rathawa
26. Siddi (in Amreli, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Rajkot and Surendranagar
districts)
27. Vaghri (in Kutch district)
28. Varli
29. Vitolia, Kotwalia, Barodia
30.Bhil, Bhilala Barela, Patelia
31.Tadvi Bhil, Bawra,Vasave, 32.Padvi.
THE GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE
EXTRAORDINARY
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
PART-IV
Acts of the Gujarat Legislature and ACTs promulgated
And Regulations made by the Governor.
The following Act of the Gujarat Legislature, having been
Assented to by the President on the 29th March, 2004
Is hereby published for general information.
S.S. PARMAR
Secretary to the Government of Gujarat
Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department
GUJARAT ACT No.11 of 2004
(First Published, after having received the assent of the President in
the "Gujarat Government Gazette', on the 30th March, 2004.
AN ACT
to provide for the operation, maintenance, management and
administration of a Special Economic Zone in the State of
Gujarat and to constitute an Authority and for matters
Connected therewith or incidental thereto.
It is hereby enacted in the Fifty-Fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows:-
CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
- Short title, extent and commencement.- (1) This ACT may be called the Gujarat Special Economic Zone ACT, 2004.
(2) It extends to the whole of the State of Gujarat.
(3) This section shall be deemed to have come into force on the 10th February, 2004 and the remaining provisions shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notificationin Official Gazette, appoint
2. Definitions:- In this ACT, unless the context otherwise requires, -
(a) "amenities" means all basic and essential services including roads, water supply, street lighting, power supply, sewerage, drainage, collection, treatment and disposal of industrial and township wastes, public health, education, transport, fire fighting services, public parks, clubs, markets, shops and outlets and such other facilities or services as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify;
(b) "Authority" means the Special Economic Zone Development Authority constituted under section 4;
(c) "Co-developer" means a person who has entered into an agreement with the Developer to develop, design, build, organize, promote, operate and maintain or manage a part or whole of the infrastructure facilities and amenities in the Zone;
(d) "Developer" means a person or body of persons, company, firm or such other private or Government undertakings, who develops, builds, designs, organizes, promotes, operates or maintains or manages a part or whole of the infrastructure facilities and amenities of the Zone and appointed as such by the Government of India;
(e) "Development Commissioner" means an officer appointed by the Government of India for the Zone to perform the functions of the Development Commissioner under this ACT;
(f) "Development Committee" means the Special Economic Zone Development Committee constituted under section 12;
(g) "Domestic Tariff Area" means an area within India outside the Zone area;
(h) "infrastructure facilities" means industrial, commercial or any other facility for development and operation of the Zone and includes any other facilities and amenities as may be notified by the State Government;
(i) "operator" means a person engaged by the Developer for providing infrastructure facilities, amenities and services in the Zone;
(j) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules;
(k) "processing area" means the area within the Zone approved by the Customs Authorities;
(l) "regulations" means the regulations made under this ACT;
(m) "rules" means the rules made under this ACT;
(n) "Special Economic Zone" or "Zone" means the area declared by the Government of India as the Special Economic Zone;
(o) "Unit" means a unit or enterprise i.n whole or part which is carrying on its business in the Zone and approved as such by the Unit Approval Committee;
(p) "Unit Approval Committee" means the committee constituted under section 8.
CHAPTER II ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
3. Establishment of Zone and appointment of Developer.- (1) Any person desirous of establishing the Special Economic Zone shall make an application in such form containing such particulars and documents and accompanied by such fees as may be prescribed, to the State Government.
(2) The State Government shall scrutinize the application received under sub-section (1) and recommend the same, with modification, if any, to the Government of India for its approval and declaration of the area to be the Special Economic Zone and appointment of the Developer for such Zone.
CHAPTER III SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
4. Constitution of Special Economic Zone Development Authority.-
(1) There shall be an Authority to be called the Special Economic Zone Development Authority for the purposes of this ACT.
(2) The Authority shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal and may sue or be sued in its corporate name.
(3) (a) The Authority shall consist of the Chairperson;
(i) the Chief Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, ex-officio who shall be the Chairperson;
(ii) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Industries and Mines Department, ex-officio;
(iii) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Energy and Petrochemicals Department, ex-officio;
(iv) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Finance Department, ex-officio;
(v) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department, ex-officio;
(vi) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Forest and Environment Department, ex-officio;
(vii) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Labour and Employment Department, ex-officio;
(viii) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, ex-officio;
(ix) the Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, Revenue Department, ex-officio;
(x) the Industries Commissioner, Gujarat State, ex-officio;
(xi) the Development Commissioner, Special Economic Zone, ex-officio;
(xii) Member-Secretary of the Authority.
(b) The Authority may co-opt such other members, as it may consider necessary for efficient discharge of its functions.
(c ) The Authority may invite, whenever necessary, the developer or his representative in a meeting of the Authority.
Explanation:- For the purpose of sub-section (3), the term "Secretary" includes the Principal Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary of the Department.
5. Headquarters and meeting of Authority.- (1) The headquarters of the Authority shall be at Gandhinagar or at such other place as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
(2) The Authority shall meet at such times and places and shall observe such rule of procedure in regard to the transaction of its business at its meetings as may be provided by the regulations.
(3) No act or proceedings of the Authority shall be invalid by reason of the existence of any vacancy thereto or defect in the constitution thereof.
6. Functions and powers of Authority.- (1) The functions of the Authority shall be to secure planned development of the Special Economic Zone in the State and it shall be primarily responsible for the promotion, development and functioning of the Zones in the State.
(2) For the purpose of development of the Zone, the Authority shall have following powers and perform the following functions, namely:-
(a) to recommend the name of Developer to the State Government in the manner as may be prescribed, for a part or whole of infrastructure facilities and amenities of the Zone, notwithstanding anything contained in the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Act, 1999;
(b) to prepare the guidelines for the development of the zone with regard to land usage, floor space level, environmental provisions, safety measures and such other matters as may be directed by the State Government;
(c) to prepare techno-economic feasibility report or a detailed project report as may be required for the development of the Zone when the Zone is to be established by the State Government or the Corporation owned and controlled by the State Government.
(d) to acquire land in the Zone, by consent agreement or through proceedings under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 for the purpose of this ACT;
(e) to approve allocation of the Government land in the Zone in the manner as may be prescribed.
(f) to enter into joint venture arrangement for development of different components or activity of the project of the Zone when the Zone is to be established by the State Government or the Corporation owned and controlled by the State Government;
(g) to co-ordinate with the departments of the State Government and the Central Government and ensure timely implementation of projects and plans of the Zone;
(h) to perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Government of India for development of the Zone;
(i) to perform such other functions as may be assigned by the State Government.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2), the Authority shall exercise the following powers and perform following functions, namely:-
(a) to ensure the compliance of the approved master plan and may approve any modification in the plan if required by the Developer and provide the guiding principles for town planning and urban development standards to be implemented by the Developer;
(b) to nominate member in the Special Economic Zone Development Board, Unit Approval Committee, Development Committee and other committees as may be required.
(c) to oversee the activities and compliance of functions of Unit Approval Committee and Development Committee of respective Zone and to provide guidance;
(d) to constitute such other committees as may be necessary to perform any specific function of the Zone.
(4) The Authority may, by general or special order, delegate such of its powers and functions, on such conditions as may be specified in the order, to the Development Commissioner or to the Development Committee of the Zone.
7. Officers and employees of Authority.- (1) The Authority may appoint Member-Secretary and such other officers and employees as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions.
(2) The Member-Secretary, officers and employees appointed under sub-section (1) shall be governed by such terms and conditions of service as may be determined by the regulations.
(3) The Member-Secretary, officers and employees shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may assigned to them by the Authority.
CHAPTER IV UNIT APPROVAL COMMITTEE
8. Unit Approval Committee.- (1) In addition to the members of the Unit Approval Committee constituted by the Government of India for the Zone, there shall be following members to the Committee, namely:-
(i) an officer from the Industries and Mines Department nominated to the office of the Development Commissioner;
(ii) an officer from the Forests and Environment Department nominated to the office of the Development Commissioner;
(iii) an officer from the Petrochemicals and Energy Department nominated to the office of the Development Commissioner;
(iv) an officer from the Labour and Employment Department nominated to the office of the Development Commissioner.
(2) The Chairperson of the Committee may invite an expert or an officer from any department of the State Government as an invitee to represent the Government Departments not represented in the said Committee.
9. Functions of the Unit Approval Committee.- (1) In addition to the functions entrusted by the Government of India, the Unit Approval Committee shall grant necessary local and State level clearances, approvals, licences or, as the case may be, registrations under the State Acts for setting up a Unit within the Zone in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations, namely:-
(i) registration of unit and grant licence for starting, running and operating of the unit, under any of the State Acts;
(ii) site clearance under the Factories Act, 1948 on behalf of Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers;63 of 1948
(iii) approve the plan for establishment of Factory under the Factories Act, 1948 63 of 1948
(iv) registration of boilers on behalf of the Chief Inspector of Boilers;
(v) to resolve disputes of commercial nature between the agencies providing services and the consumers in the manner as may be prescribed by the regulations;
(vi) to resolve any dispute between the Unit and the Developer regarding infrastructural facilities and amenities and services in the manner as may be prescribed by the regulations and the decision of the Unit Approval Committee thereon shall be final;
(vii) any other approval or clearance which may be authorised by the State Government by general or special order for the purposes of this ACT.
(2) The Unit Approval Committee shall supervise and monitor, clearances, approvals, licences or registrations granted by it and may take appropriate action under the relevant applicable laws for breach of or non-compliance of any terms and conditions of any such clearance, approval, licence or registration.
(3) The Unit Approval Committee may appoint any agency to supervise and monitor the clearances, approvals, licences or registrations granted by it and may call for any information required to supervise and monitor such clearances, approvals, licences or registrations.
10. Single window clearance.- Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, the State Government may, -
(i) prescribe a common application form for approval, clearance, licence, registration and no objection certificate under one or more laws;
(ii) authorise the Development Commissioner to exercise such of the powers of the State Government or a body subordinate to the Government as may be specified by general or special order;
(iii) prescribe a single return for reporting under two or more laws;
(iv) authorise an officer or agency for monitoring the compliance of the laws applicable in the Zone.
CHAPTER V SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
11. Zone to be Industrial Township.- (1) Every Zone, having regard to the municipal services proposed to be provided in the area of the Zone and such other factors, shall be deemed to be an industrial township area under the proviso to clause (1) of article 243Q of the Constitution of India.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the area of Zone shall cease to be under the jurisdiction of any municipal corporation, municipal council, nagar panchayat or gram panchayat or the notified area constituted under the State laws.
12. Special Economic Zone Development Committee.- (1) There shall be a Special Economic Zone Development Committee consist of the following members, namely:-
(i) Developer or his nominee;
(ii) Development Commissioner of the Zone or his nominee;
(iii) Nominee of the State Government.
(2) The Developer or his nominee shall be the Chairperson of the Development Committee.
(3) The Development Committee may invite representatives of Units, residents, service providers and other interested persons in the meeting of the committee.
(4) The Development Committee shall meet at such place and observe such rules of procedure for transaction of its business at the meeting as it may deem fit.
12. Functions of Development Committee.- The Development Committee shall perform the following functions in the manner as may be prescribed by the regulations, namely :-
(1) (a) prepare a plan for the development of the Zone in conformity with the guidelines prepared by the authority and to demarcate and develop sites for industrial, commercial, residential and for other purposes according to the plan;
(b) provide infrastructure facilities and amenities;
(c ) allocate and transfer, either by way of sale or lease or otherwise, plots of land for industrial, commercial, residential or other purposes;
(d) regulate the construction of buildings.
(2) Erection of substantial boundary marks defining the limits of or any alteration in limits of the Zone.
(3) Ensuring that the Units and the residents have access to the following basic and essential infrastructure facilities and amenities, namely :-
(i) public streets, bridges, sub-ways, culverts, causeways and the like;
(ii) public transportation facilities;
(iii) power supply;
(iv) water supply;
(v) adequate drains, drainage facilities and public latrines, water-closets, urinals and similar conveniences;
(vi) collection and treatment of sewerage;
(vii) collection, treatment and disposal of industrial and township solid waste;
(viii) lighting of public streets, municipal markets and other public buildings;
(ix) maintenance of public monuments, open spaces and other public property.
(4) Ensuring that the Units and the residents have access to the following social infrastructure facilities and services in accordance with the growth of the Zone and requirements of the Units and the residents, namely:-
(i) public hospitals and dispensaries;
(ii) ambulance service;
(iii) places for the disposal of the dead and disposing of unclaimed dead bodies;
(iv) pubic markets, slaughter houses;
(v) schools for primary, secondary and higher education;
(vi) maternity and infant welfare houses and centers;
(vii) public parks, gardens, playgrounds and recreational facilities;
(viii) police stations;
(ix) maintaining a fire-brigade equipped with suitable appliances for the extinction of fires and the protection of life and property against fire;
(x) any other social services.
(5) Reclamation of unhealthy localities, the removal of noxious vegetation and the abatement of all nuisances.
Bom.V of 1954
(6) Registration of marriages and births and deaths under the 18 of 1969 provisions of the Bombay Registration of Marriages Act, 1953 and the Registration of Birth and Deaths Act, 1969.
Bom.1 of 1892
(7) Conducting public vaccinations in accordance with the Provisions of the Bombay District Vaccination Act, 1892.
(8) Prevention and checking the spread of dangerous diseases.
(9) Removal of unauthorized construction and encroachments.
(10) Removal of obstructions and projections in or upon streets, bridges and other public places.
(11) Naming or numbering of streets and of public places and the numbering of premises.
(12) Determine the chares for infrastructural facilities, amenities and services provided by the Developer.
(13) Monitoring town planning standards set by the Development Authority.
(14) Such other functions as may be assigned by the Authority.
CHAPTER VI INFRASTRUCTRE FACILITIES
14. Infrastructure facilities and services.- (1) It shall be the responsibility of the Developer of the Zone to develop, construct, install, operate, manage and maintain any or all of the following infrastructure facilities, amenities and services for the purpose of providing services in the Zone, namely :-
(i) generation and supply of electricity;
(ii) water extraction, treatment, transmission and distribution;
(iii) waste water treatment and solid waste management;
(iv) provision of minor port and related services;
(v) provision of roads and bridges;
(vi) provision for gas distribution network;
(vii) provision for communication and data network transmission; and
(viii) any other services as may be prescribed by the regulations.
(2) Subject to the regulations, the Developer may levy user charges or fees as may be approved by the Development Committee for providing infrastructural facilities, amenities and services referred to in sub-section (1) in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations.
(3) For the provision of the products or services of infrastructure under this ACT, the relevant Acts, guidelines, rules and regulations prevalent in India shall be applicable for quality of the product or service and safety requirements.
15. Supply electricity and exemption from duty.- (1) Any person generating electricity in the Zone, may supply electricity to the Gujarat Electricity Board after obtaining the approval from the State Government and upon the terms and conditions agreed to by the supplier and the Board.
Bom.40 of 1958
(2) The Unit located in the processing area of the Zone shall be exempted from the electricity duty under the Bombay Electricity Duty Act, 1958, for a period of ten years from the date of production in the case of manufacturing unit and from the date of supply of services in case of service unit.
16. Water, road, gas and other facilities.- (1) The Developer or his agent may set up Systems and facilities for extraction, treatment, transmission and distribution of water within the Zone in conformity with applicable service standards.
(2) The Developer or his agent may set up systems and facilities for waste water and solid waste management and treatment in the Zone in conformity with applicable service standards.
(3) The Developer or his agent may develop, operate and maintain the road network, bridges, transportation services and any transportation system within the Zone and to toll or fee as may be approved by the Development Committee for providing such facility, in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations.
(4) (a) subject to the policy laid down by the Government regarding ports, the Developer or his agent may develop, operate and maintain a minor port within the Zone, for landing of goods for use in the Zone and for the shipping of goods from the Zone.
(b) The Developer or his agent shall manage for landing of other cargoes (not meant for the Zone) as per the terms and conditions prescribed by regulations by the Gujarat Maritime Board.
(c ) The Developer or his agent may fix and collect tariff from the vessels entering in the minor port within the Zone and on the goods landed and shipped at the port in accordance with the directions of the Gujarat Maritime Board.
(5) The Developer or his agent may set up gas distribution system in the Zone.
CHAPTER VII LABOUR
17.Delegation of powers of Labour Commissioner to Development Commissioner.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Acts specified in Schedule I, the powers, duties and functions conferred on Commissioner of Labour or any officer under those Acts shall be exercised by the Development Commissioner or any officer authorised by him in this behalf.
(2) The State Government may, as and when considered necessary, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend Schedule I and thereupon Schedule I shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly :
Provided that when Schedule I is to be amended by adding an Act made by the parliament, such amendment shall be made with the prior approval of the Government of India
18. Amendment of certain Acts:- Each of the Acts specified in the second column of Schedule II shall be amended in the manner and to the extent specified against it in the third column thereof.
19. Consolidated return under various laws:- The Units in the Zone shall furnish the Consolidated Annual Report in the prescribed form to the Development Commissioner instead of periodical returns under the following acts, namely :-
(i) The Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923; 8 of 1923.
(ii) The payment of Wages Act, 1936; 4 of 1936.
(iii) The Factories Act, 1948; 63 of 1948.
(iv) The Minimum Wages Act, 1948; 11 of 1948.
(v) The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; 53 of 1961.
(vi) The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; 21 of 1965.
(vii) The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act,1970;and
(viii) such other Acts as the State Government may, by 37 of 1970.
Notification in the Official Gazette, specify :
Provided that when any other Act made by the Parliament is to be specified by the State Government, it shall be specified with prior approval of the Government of India.
20. Application of Chapter V-D of XIV of 1947 to Zone.- The provisions of Chapter V-D of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 shall apply to the industrial Establishments set up in the Zone. XIV of 1947
CHAPTER VIII FISCAL BENEFITS
21. State Taxes and Levies.- (1) All sales and transactions within the processing area of the Zone shall be exempt from all taxes, cess, duties, fees or any other levies under any State law to the extent specified below :
(a) Stamp duty and registration fees payable on transfer of land meant for approved Units in the Zone.
(b) Levy of Stamp duty and registration fees on loan agreements, credit deeds and mortgages executed by the Unit, industry or establishment set up in the processing area of the Zone.
(c) Sales Tax, Purchase Tax, Motor Spirit Tax, Luxury Tax, Entertainment Tax and other taxes and cess payable on sales and transactions.
(2) Inputs (goods and services) made to Zone Units from Domestic Tariff Area shall be exempted from sales tax and other taxes under the State laws.
(3) The Developer shall also be entitled to the benefits of exemption provided in sub-sections (1) and (2) for the entire Zone.
CHAPTER IX MISCELLANEOUS
22. Overriding effect of the ACT.- The provision of this ACT shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force.
23. Protection of action taken in good faith.- No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done under this ACT or any rules or regulations made thereunder.
24. Members and employees to be public servants.- Every member of the Authority, the Development Commissioner and every officer and employee of the Authority shall, when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of the provisions of this ACT, or of any rule or regulation made thereunder, be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code. 45 of 1860
25. Power of State Government to make rules.- (1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this ACT.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may be made to provide for all or any of the matters expressly required or allowed by this ACT to be prescribed by rules.
(3) All rules made under this section, shall be laid for not less than thirty days before the State Legislature as soon as possible after they are made and shall be subject to the rescission by the State Legislature or to such modification as the State Legislature may make during the session in which they are so laid or the session immediately following.
(4) Any rescission or modification so made by the State Legislature shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall thereupon take effect.
26. Power of Authority to make regulations.- (1) The Authority may, with the previous approval of the State Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, make regulations not inconsistent with the ACT and the rules made thereunder, for enabling it to perform its functions under this ACT.
27. Power to remove difficulties.- (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this ACT, the State Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this ACT, as may appear to be necessary for removing the difficulty:
Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of three years from the commencement of this ACT.
(2) Every order made under sub-section (1) shall be laid, as soon as may be, after it is made, before the State Legislature.
28. (1) The Gujarat Special Economic Zone Ordinance, 2004, is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the said Ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act."
SCHEDULE I
(See section 17)
| Sr.No. | Short title | |
| 1. | The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 | 4 of 1936 |
| 2. | The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 | 20 of 1946. |
| 3. | The Bombay Industrial Relations Act, 1946 | Bom.11 of 1947. |
| 4. | The Factories Act, 1948 | 63 of 1948. |
| 5. | The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 | 11 of 1948 |
| 6. | The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 | 14 of 1947. |
| 7. | The Working Journalists and other Newspaper Employees | 45 of 1955. |
| 8. | The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 | 53 of 1961. |
| 9. | The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 | 21 of 1965. |
| 10. | The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966 | 32 of 1966. |
| 11. | The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 | 37 of 1970 |
| 12. | The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 | 39 of 1972. |
| 13. | The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. | 25 of 1976. |
| 14. | The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service) Act, 1979 | 30 of 1979. |
| 15. | The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. | 61 of 1986. |
| 16. | The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 | 1 of 1996. |
SCHEDULE II
(See section 18)
| Sr.No. | Name of Enactments | Extent of amendment |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1. | The Bombay Industrial Relations Act, 1946 (Bom.11 of 1947) | In section 2, after sub-section (4), the following sub-section shall be added, namely :- "(5). The provisions of this Act shall not apply to the industry, unit or establishment set up in the Special Economic Zone declared as such by the Government of India.". |
| 2. | The Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948) | In section 66, in sub-section (1), after the proviso, the following proviso shall be added, namely :- "Provided further that the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, vary time limit laid down in clause (b) in respect of any factory situate in the Special Economic Zone declared as such by the Government of India, subject to the following conditions, namely :- (a) The employer shall provide for free transport facilities to and fro from the residence to the place of work for women employees. (b) The employer shall ensure security for women employees at place of work and during transportation. (c) The employer shall provide facility for separate Creches and rest rooms for women employees.". |
| 3. | The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (14 of 1947) | In section 2, in clause (n), after sub-clause (v), the following clause shall be inserted, namely :- "(va) Any service in the industry or establishment set up in the Special Economic Zone declared as such by the Government of India.". |
| 4. | The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 (37 of 1979) | In section 2, in clause (e), in sub-clause (ii), after the words "carried on" the following words shall be inserted, namely :- "other than the place or area of the Special Economic Zone declared as such by the Government of India.". |
| 5. | The Trade Unions Act, 1926 (16 of 1926) | In section 22, after the first proviso, the following proviso shall be added, namely :- "Provided further that all the office bearers of the registered trade unions of the industrial developments situated in the Special Economic Zone declared as such by the Government of India shall be persons actually engaged or employed in an industry with which trade union is connected.". |
STATEMENT
The Government of India has announced EXIM Policy relating to Special Economic Zone with a view to augmenting infrastructural facilities for export production. The Central Government has also offered various incentives and facilities to the Developer of the Zone as well as the industrial unit to be set up in the Zone. The concept of Special Economic Zone is to bring large dividends to the State in terms of economic and industrial development and the generation of new employment opportunities. The State Government has already declared its policy regarding the establishment of such Zones in the State. In order to achieve rapid economic growth to attract investment and to ensure systematic and integrated development of the industry in the State, it is considered necessary to enact a law for the establishment of the Special Economic Zone in the State.
With a view to secure planned development of the Special Economic Zone in the State, the development authority consisting of high ranking officers has been constituted. It is the responsibility of the developer of a Zone to develop, construct, install, operate, manage and maintain all the infrastructural facilities, amenities and services in the Zone.
In order to streamline the system and speedy clearance, the management of the Zone has been entrusted to the Development Commissioner. All the powers, duties and functions conferred on the Commissioner of Labour under various labour laws have been given to the Development Commissioner of the Zone. The single window system has been adopted for the Zone by way of providing a common application form for approval, clearance, licence, registration and no objection certificate under the various laws and to submit single return for two or more laws.
The Developer of the Zone has to provide facilities of water, road, bridges, gas distribution network etc. and the area of the Zone would be an industrial township.
With a view to attract the Industrialists and entrepreneur to establish industrial units in the Zone, the State Government has proposed to grant the various fiscal benefits. The unit which intends to set up captive power plant in the Zone has been exempt from payment of electricity duty for a period of ten years. The stamp duty and registration fee payable on transfer of land in the Zone has been exempted and there would be no registration fee or stamp duty leviable on loan agreement, credit deeds, mortgages executed by the unit in the processing area of Zone. The sales tax, purchase tax, motor spirit tax, luxury tax, entertainment tax and other taxes and cess payable on sales and transactions have also been exempted. The inputs made on Units from Domestic Tariff Area have also been exempted from sales tax and other taxes under the State laws. In applying flexible labour policy in the Zone, certain labour laws enactments have been amended.
| Gandhinagar Dated the 10th February, 200 | KAILASH PATI MISHRA 4 Governor of Gujarat. |
J.N. SINGH,
Principal Secretary to Government.
GOVERNMENT CENTRAL PRESS, GANDHINAGAR
Explore Kandla Special Economic Zone More on KASEZ RBI Notifications With strategic Location host of incentive & Facilities together with services of two major sea Ports,KASEZ offer an attractive destination for international trade.Admittedly,KASEZ is the most business like location in Indias most business like state.Come and Explore. Situated on the gulf of Kochchhi on the west coast of Gujarat at a distance of mere 9Kms from Kandla port. It was Asia's first Export Processing Zone(EPZ) and today it is considered as Indias largest multi-product functional SEZ encompassing 1000 acres with 142 performing units. Latest Updates More Links... Other Important links About Kandla SEZ | Facilities & Incentives |Buy From SEZ/EOU | Supply to SEZ/EOU | How to reach | Central Govt. Policy | State Govt. PolicyExim Policy | Custom & Excise Policy | IT Policy| Telecom Policy | Environment & Forest Policy | Circulars & Notifications Disclaimer Pages only provides links to the Websites / WebPages of Government Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations. The content on these websites are owned by the respective organizations and they may be contacted for any further information or suggestion
Now In hindi Latest News
Search
Developed and Maintained by: Hunt Technologies.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Main Links | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Policies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notifications/Circulars | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
http://www.kasez.com/gujarat.htm
About Gujarat
Gujarat is the westernmost state of India situated between 20.6 and 24.42 degrees north latitude and 68.10 and 74.28 degrees east longitude. The sparkling Arabian Sea at its verge by its gentle touch makes the hot sands blush. The astounding beauty of the State can be witnessed in the areas of Katchh and Bhuj the sunlight makes a netted sunbeam dance over its shimmering silver sands. In the Gir Forest the 'Kings of the Jungle', Lions crouch to maintain their privacy that is hampered by the visitors. The temples of Gujarat that are emblem of rich cultural tradition by the fragrance of incense sticks and chanting of mantas spread peace and unique euphoria.
Population
According to census 2001, Gujarat ranks tenth in population. On 1st March 2001, provisional estimation (because Gujarat was hit by earth quake, no survey was conducted) showed that the population of Gujarat was 5.06 crores. About 44.8 % of the total population in rural areas and 64.8 % in urban areas are literate. There are many tribes in Gujarat few of them are Bhils, Kolis, Rabaris and Gujars.
Climate
Due to proximity to Arabian Sea, the climate of Gujarat is mainly moist in the southern districts and is dry in the north because of adjoining desert. The areas like Kutch, Jamnagar, Panchmahals and Mehsana fall in the rain shadow area and thus receive scanty rainfall. The state experiences extreme type of climate. There is winter season from November to February, the hot season from March to May, the southwest monsoon season from June to September and the transitional month of October.
History
Gujarat is well known for its archaeological importance. The famous sites of Harappan culture named Lothal, Rangpur, Rozdi and Amri etc. were excavated here. Approximately 50 Harappan sites have been found here. The original inhabitants of Gujarat were Dravidians. Due to its coastline there was a channel of international trade between Gujarat and the rest of the world. The History of Gujarat is very vast as the state was captured and ruled by various conquerors like Ashoka, Mauryans, Scythians, Guptas, Solanki dynasty and Mughals.
Geography
The rivers that drench the dry plains of Gujarat are Narmada, Tapi and Mahi.The major cities in Gujarat are Ahemdabad, Surat, Vadodra, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Dwarka and Ankleshwar.
Taj Mahal Tourism provides information regarding the topography and places to be visited in Gujarat and offers online reservation for Gujarat tour.
| About Gujarat | |
| Tourist Destinations in Gujarat | Tourist Spots in Gujarat |
| Wildlife in Gujarat | Beaches in Gujarat |
| Temples in Gujarat | Fairs and Festivals in Gujarat |
| Hotels in Gujarat | |
INTRODUCTION
as "SEZ") is a geographical region that has economic laws that are more liberal than a country's typical economic laws. An SEZ is a trade capacity development tool, with the goal to promote rapid economic growth by using tax and business incentives to attract foreign investment and technology. Today, there are approximately 3,000 SEZs operating in 120 countries, which account for over US$ 600 billion in exports and about 50 million jobs. By offering privileged terms, SEZs attract investment and foreign exchange, spur employment and boost the development of improved technologies and infrastructure.
There are 13 functional SEZs and about 61 SEZs, which have been approved and are under the process of establishment in India.
Most developing countries in the world have recognized the importance of facilitating international trade for the sustained growth of the economy and increased contribution to the GDP of the nation. As part of its continuing commitment to liberalization, the Government of India has also, since the last decade, adopted a multi-pronged approach to promote foreign investment in India. The Government of India has pushed ahead with second-generation reforms and has made several policy changes to achieve this objective.
The SEZ policy was first introduced in India in April 2000, as a part of the Export-Import ("EXIM") policy of India. Considering the need to enhance foreign investment and promote exports from the country and realizing the need that level playing field must be made available to the domestic enterprises and manufacturers to be competitive globally, the Government of India in April 2000 announced the introduction of Special Economic Zones policy in the country deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations, duties and tariffs. To provide an internationally competitive and hassle free environment for exports, units were allowed be set up in SEZ for manufacture of goods and rendering of services. All the import/export operations of the SEZ units is on self-certification basis. The units in the Zone are required to be a net foreign exchange earner but they wouldl not be subjected to any pre-determined value addition or minimum export performance requirements. Sales in the Domestic Tariff Area by SEZ units is subject to payment of full Custom Duty and as per import policy in force. Further Offshore banking units are being allowed to be set up in the SEZs.
The policy provides for setting up of SEZ's in the public, private, joint sector or by State Governments. It is also being envisaged that some of the existing Export Processing Zones would be converted into Special Economic Zones.
Accordingly, the Government has converted Export Processing Zones located at Kandla and Surat (Gujarat), Cochin (Kerala), Santa Cruz (Mumbai-Maharashtra), Falta (West Bengal), Madras (Tamil Nadu), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh) into a Special Economic Zones. In addition, 3 new Special Economic Zones were approved for establishment at Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Manikanchan – Salt Lake (Kolkata) and Jaipur and have already commenced operations.
India is one of the first countries in Asia to recognize the effectiveness of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) model in promoting exports. Asia's first EPZ was set up in Kandla in 1965. With a view to create an environment for achieving rapid growth in exports, a Special Economic Zone policy was announced in the Export and Import (EXIM) Policy 2000. Under this policy , one of the main features is that the designated duty free enclave to be treated as foreign territory only for trade operations and duties and tariffs. No licence required for import. The manufacturing, trading or service activities are allowed.
To provide a stable economic environment for the promotion of Export-import of goods in a quick, efficient and hassle-free manner, Government of India enacted the SEZ Act, which received the assent of the President of India on June 23, 2005. The SEZ Act and the SEZ Rules, 2006 ("SEZ Rules") were notified on February 10, 2006. The SEZ Act is expected to give a big thrust to exports and consequently to the foreign direct investment ("FDI") inflows into India, and is considered to be one of the finest pieces of legislation that may well represent the future of the industrial development strategy in India. The new law is aimed at encouraging public-private partnership to develop world-class infrastructure and attract private investment (domestic and foreign), boosting economic growth, exports and employment.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry lays down the regulations that govern the setting up and administering of the SEZs. The Central Government isfunctioning, while the State Governments play a significant lead role in the development of SEZs in their respective States by stipulating the conditions to be adhered to by an SEZ and granting the necessary approvals. The policy framework for SEZs has been enacted in the SEZ Act and the supporting procedures are laid down in SEZ Rules.
The Special Economic Zone Act 2005 came into force with effect from 10th February 2006, with SEZs Rules legally vetted and approved for notification. The SEZs Rules, inter-alia, provide for drastic simplification of procedures and for single window clearance on matters relating to central as well as state governments. Investment of the order of Rs.100, 000 crores over the next 3 years with an employment potential of over 5 lakh is expected from the new SEZs apart from indirect employment during the construction period of the SEZs. Heavy investments are expected in sectors like IT, Pharma, Bio-technology, Textiles, Petro-chemicals, Auto-components, etc. The SEZ Rules provides the simplification of procedures for development, operation, and maintenance of the Special Economic Zones and for setting up and conducting business in SEZs. This includes simplified compliance procedures and documentation with an emphasis on self-certification; single window clearance for setting up of an SEZ, setting up a unit in SEZs and clearance on matters relating to Central as well as State Governments; no requirement for providing bank guarantees; contract manufacturing for foreign principals with option to obtain sub-contracting permission at the initial approval stage; and Import-Export of all items through personal baggage.
With a view to augmenting infrastructure facilities for export production it has been decided to permit the setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the public, private, joint sector or by the State Governments. The minimum size of the Special Economic Zone shall not be less than 1000 hectares. Minimum area requirement shall, however, not be applicable to product specific and port/airport based SEZ. This measure is expected to promote self-contained areas supported by world-class infrastructure oriented towards export production. Any private/public/joint sector or State Government or its agencies can set up Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
This paper explores the Indian policy framework for an SEZ, it further discusses the various incentives available to an SEZ and an SEZ Unit, and the recent legal and regulatory developments pertaining to SEZs in India.
ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP FOR SEZS:
SEZs is governed by a three tier administrative set up
a) The Board of Approval is the apex body in the Department,
b) The Unit Approval Committee at the Zonal level dealing with approval of units in the SEZs and other related issues, and
c) Each Zone is headed by a Development Commissioner, who also heads the Unit Approval Committee.
APPROVAL MECHANISM OF SEZS
Any proposal for setting up of SEZ in the Private/Joint/State Sector is routed through the concerned State government who in turn forwards the same to the Department of Commerce with its recommendations for consideration of the Board of Approval. On the other hand, any proposals for setting up of units in the SEZ are approved at the Zonal level by the Approval Committee consisting of Development Commissioner, Customs Authorities and representatives of State Government.
Approval given for setting up new SEZs in Private/Joint/State Sector
Approvals have so far been given for setting up of 117 new Special Economic Zones (including 3 Free Trade Warehousing Zones) spread over 15 States and 2 Union Territories in the Private/Joint Sector or by the State Governments and its agencies. Of the 117 SEZs approved for establishment, 7 SEZs have already become operational, 6 SEZs are now getting ready for operation and the other are at various stages of implementation.
-
Current page is 3.1: SEZ Act 2005
- 3.1.1: Short tittle & definitions
- 3.1.2: ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES
- 3.1.3: CONSTITUTION OF BOARD OF APPROVAL
- 3.1.4: DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER
- 3.1.5: SINGLE WINDOW CLEARANCE
- 3.1.6: Special Fiscal Provisions for SEZs
- 3.1.7: SEZ AUTHORITY
- 3.1.8: MISCELLANEOUS
- 3.1.9: THE FIRST SCHEDULE
- 3.1.10: THE SECOND SCHEDULE
- 3.1.11: THE THIRD SCHEDULE
- 3.2: SEZ Rules 2006
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act 2005
SEZ Act 2005News
- SEZ Act needs overhaul: CBEC
- Abuse of duty-free imports may lead to tighter regulation of SEZs
- Ministry proposes changes in SEZ rules
- Department Commerce backs tax exemption for SEZ services
- Indian Govt. Allows SEZ Units, Developers To Claim Refund Of Service Tax
- EOUs, SEZs seek clarification on ending discriminatory taxes
- Hit by slowdown, developers put SEZs on hold
- Commerce ministry mulls 3-yr extension of EoU tax breaks
- Farmers take part in referendum on Reliance Group SEZ
- CBEC wants SEZ units to be surveyed for service tax compliance
- Interview with Commerce Secretary on SEZs and land acquisition
- Centre shelves plan to impose export obligation on SEZ units
- Goa to take back SEZ land from three promoters
- Govt. open to reviewing SEZ Act, says Nath
- Six new SEZ proposals cleared
- Panel to discuss removal of tax sops for SEZs
- MoF: SEZ sops may flout WTO rules
- SEZ developers may lose tax benefits
- Centre can scrap notified Goa SEZs, Nath tells CM
- Centre dares Goa, says SEZs once notified cannoat be cancelled
- Goa scraps 12 exclusive SEZs, faces legal tangle
- No proposal to change ceiling for SEZs
- Royal Palms to invest Rs 1,500 cr
- SEZ after Goa govt conducts impact assessment: Kamal Nath
- SEZ rules amended - Now they can use second-hand plant, machinery
| Gujarat pulled up for acquittals in Dalit atrocity cases |  |  |  |
/ 0PoorBest
| Written by Correspondent | |
| Monday, 16 February 2009 | |
 New Delhi: The Union Government pulled up the governments of Kerala and Gujarat, led by CPI-M and BJP respectively, on 14 February 2009 for the highest rate of acquittals in the cases of atrocities against Dalits. Representatives of the Kerala and Gujarat governments were asked to "fix responsibility" at a high-level meeting in New Delhi headed by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar. "Cases of atrocity against members of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes are very high in Kerala and Gujarat but the rate of convictions are very low in these two states," Kumar said. "I have asked the authorities to take up 25 most heinous cases (of atrocity against SC and ST) from the cases registered in the last decade and ensure punishment of perpetrators to set an example," she added, noting that pendency of cases was also very high in the two states. (Source: The Indian Express, 16 February 2009, epaper.indianexpress.com/IE/IEH/2009/02/16/ArticleHtmls/16_02_2009_601_001.shtml?Mode=1) | |
| Last Updated ( Monday, 23 February 2009 ) |
Related Items
- Are some people poor by choice?
- Denied table, given Chair
- A Dalit Colony at last!
- Christian community seeks peace and security
- DMK Chief seeks reservation for Dalit Christians
- Dreams of Dalit students shattered by court order
- British civil activists seek denial of VISA to Modi
- Our Nationhood Redefined
- CBI moves SC seeking death penalty for Dara Singh
- Centre and states urged to prevent atrocities against SCs
- DMK Chief seeks reservation for Dalit Christians
- RSS spreading wings in Mauritius
- Rulings by 'caste panchayats' unconstitutional: Aiyar
- Saffron heritage gets a 'red' stamp!
- Christians in Rajasthan protest against atrocities
- A cross to bear
- Centre for special courts for SC, ST cases
- Thousands of Hindus vow to end caste divide
- Enterprising Dalits ? A Hope for Dalit Emancipation
- Catholic Church wants quota for teachers
- All India Catholic Union
- VHP to triple projects in sensitive tribal areas to 30,000 by 2006, target is 100,000 by 2011.
- Sonia's inner voice
- Dalits see English as social leveller
- No will to stop Dalit atrocities
- Christians call for protest rally in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar on 29th May 2007 [Tuesday]
- Christians: A Faith under Assault in Secular India
- Be prepared to face atrocities, aicc tells pastors
- Former Indian President KR Narayanan was hopeful of an end to Caste discrimiation
- Funds sought for Christian economic empowerment
- Christians in Rajasthan protest against atrocities
- Christians welcome St Stephen's quota move
- Dalit mahapanchayat seeks Hooda?s dismissal
- Reservation for Dalit Christians sought
- AIIMS apartheid, cricket to class
- AIIMS student claims examiners failed him for being Dalit
- Alitalia tells Delhi Dalit he?s unfit to fly
- An Appeal: Write to Misra Panel to save Dalit Christians
- Only 15 per cent convictions in Dalit atrocity cases
- Only 15 per cent convictions in Dalit atrocity cases
- Misra panel wants quota for Dalit converts
- Gohana violence pre-planned: 'fact-finding' mission
- Dalits at a crossroads
- Government asked not to fudge Dalit Christian issue
- Demand for rights of Dalit Christians
- These Dalit drummers play for lost dignity
- Gujarat IAS officer sent back from Bihar for anti-Dalit remarks
- Dalit IIM students get less pay
- Dalit farmer killed for digging own well in Satara
- Dalit oppression, a dark reality
- Govt to make purchases through SC/ST entrepreneurs
- Dalits and their tale of woes
- Dalits appeal to SC-ST Commission in AP
- Christians to stage dharna in New Delhi for SC Status
- Dalits seek quota in pvt sector, Army
- Increasing caste atrocities in Karnataka
- Hindu Extremists ?Re-convert? Dalit Christians in Uttar Pradesh
- Demand for a separate Bill on quota in private institutions
- Pro-Reservation Activists arrested
- UN set to treat caste as human rights violation
- Call for resignation of Andre Beteille from ICSSR
- Dalits take out dignity march in New Delhi
- Dismissal of AIIMS Director sought
- Majority of Indians want quota
- Christians and Muslims join hands to fight discrimination against Dalits
- Christians condemn Malegaon bombings
- Muslim Minister for SC status to Dalit Christians
- Arjun: Quota possible for 'backward' minorities
- Manual scavengers, victims of caste pyramid
- Massive dharna staged in New Delhi supporting OBC reservation
- Massive protest against anti-reservation drive in New Delhi
- Meet to discuss Freedom of Religion Bill
- Court stay on Gujarat govt move to close down Christian school
- National Forum for Right to Faith
- The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
- Minorities protest against atrocities in Karnataka
- Panel set up to monitor relief works in flood-hit Barmer
- State Govt is not doing enough to stop violence
- Maharashtra Dalit killings: Survivor calls on Sonia
- Dalit atrocities highest in Uttar Pradesh
- Nehru, Secularism and Dalit Christians
- Increase in quota for SCs likely
- Plea not to demonise religious minorities
- RSS sees Soft Hindutva win in Mayawati's sweep
- No dignity even in death
- Sangh Parivar harasses Christians in Himachal Pradesh
- Christian Community Dismayed At Silence Of Prime Minister After Protest
- Sangh Parivar harasses Christians in Himachal Pradesh
- Sangh Parivar bares its fangs, attacks Christians and Muslims
- Govt under flak for half-hearted approach to OBC quota implementation
- Drop 'caste' from the senior Government officials profiles
- Supreme Court Again Postpones Decision on Granting SC Status to Dalit Christians
- Concern over Supreme Court delay in Dalits' equal rights case
- Casteist JNU professors shut out Dalit doctoral students
- Jurists, Civil Society reject Communal Violence Bill
- Sharp rise in atrocities against Dalits in Gujarat
- Special prayer sought for Supreme Court Hearing on 19 July 2007
- Rajasthan tops the list on atrocities against Dalits
- Stephen's quota war goes online
- Stephen's raises social justice flag
- Supreme Court grants bail to Bishop M.A. Thomas
- Survey says Upper Castes dominate national media
- NSSO report may add to quota woes from Dalit Christians
- The Christian community thanks the people of Bihar
- Vote to strengthen Secularism, Says Council
- Denigrating SCs, STs a disgrace to country: Supreme Court
- Christian Council demands revamp of minorities panel
- Dalit Protest at UN Office, Express No Confidence in PM's National Committee
- THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES, CHAIRPERSON, VICE-CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS (CONDITION O
- PM's aspersions against Christian service unfortunate, will aggravate communalism, violence
- Council writes to President Mr. Gerorge W. Bush and expressed its profound condolence after attack
- Christians call for protest rally in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar on 29th May 2007 [Tuesday]
- November 4th marks historic break of the Dalits in India as 1 million Dalits reject the caste system
- Christians Urge PM Not to Curb Foreign Donations
- OBC quota: Stirring wider issues
- Jaya sings Sangh Parivar tune, violates Indian Constitution
- Anti-conversion laws attack citizen's human rights
- Hyderabad Bombing: Violence threat to India's Secularism, Integrity
- Panel Tells India's Government a Dalit's Faith Should Not Affect Assistance
- Tragic murder of a Christian convert in Kashmir Valley traumatises a miniscule community
- Dalit Christians rally at Parliament for Human Rights
- Call to end Binary of Violence: Christians condemn Malegaon Bombings
- The Ranganath Misra Commission failed to interact with major Christian organisations
- Kashmiri Christian converts face triple crisis
- Supreme Court Again Postpones Decision on Granting SC Status to Dalit Christians
- Thousands of Christians "Arrested" in Peaceful Protest Against Growing Anti-Christian Violence
- Oversight committee to ponder key issues in OBC quota
- Two Missionaries from the Indian Evangelical Mission Attacked, Then Jailed in Madhya Pradesh
- VHP to triple projects in sensitive tribal areas
- LJP pleads for Muslim quota
- PM backs job quota for minority groups
- Prime Minister urged not to overlook Dalit Christians
- Untouchability is a blot on humanity, says Manmohan
- Indian Prime Minister Office to adopt Dalit Villages
- Demonstration held against book burning at AIIMS
- Two Central Human Rights observers going to Dangs, Gujarat for Christmas
- Christian Council Condemns the Explosion in Two Churches
- Meeting Condemns atrocities against minorities, violation of Fundamental Rights
- THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989
- THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989
- THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989
- THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) RULES, 1995
- Delhi police charge unnamed Australia-based groups with hate crime
- Christian Community seeks action from PM
- 836 million Indians live on less than Rs 20 a day
- Untouchability finds new forms
- Call for first caste census
- Atrocities against Dalits on rise
- Alarming rise in attacks on women in India
- Govt may ease new eligibility norms for Dalit scholarships
- New Panel on Dalits: Govt playing a cruel joke
- Govt acts in time to avert quota 'disaster'
- NHRC member held in Tamil Nadu
- Shouldn't we prosecute perpetrators of re-conversion?
- Ranganath Panel recommends 15 per cent quota for 'Dalit minorities'
- Dalit siblings thrashed by landlord
- Manual scavenging still rampant in North East Delhi
- In a Paharganj lane, New Delhi, Sangh coaches IAS aspirants,
- Dalits threaten stir in Andhra Pradesh
- IIT-D takes back 2 SC students, but says no caste bias
- Buffaloes: Ideal for small farmers
- Dalit Christians to stop fraudulent conversion in India
- Orissa violence: All India Christian Council urges Patil to intervene
- Orissa violence: Christian leaders seek President's help
- Prime Minister reassures bishops' team from Orissa
- PM assures assistance to Orissa victims
- In a crucified state
- Can Love Conquer Caste?
- An anatomy of atrocities on Dalits in Haryana
- Prominent social activists call for investigation into minority attacks
- Plan to force States to act on crimes against Dalits
- Two major rallies to protest attacks on Christians
- Orissa not doing enough for Christians: Central Govt
- Christian couple killed, houses torched in Orissa
- Understanding the Khairlanji Verdict
- Delhi church attacked 2 weeks ago, cops mum
- NCSC decides to inquire into Orissa violence
- Pawar-led Central team visits Kandhamal, assesses situation
- Sculpting the legacy of India's 'Dalit Queen'
- Any takers for a secular state?
- Prime Minister offers aid to rebuild Orissa churches, homes
- Peace rally taken out in Hyderabad
- 'The wall' remains
- The Weight Of The Cross
- Christian Council tribute to Vishwanath Pratap Singh, 10th Prime Minister of India
- 'Christians in Orissa will have a safe Christmas'
- Saving India from terrorism
- Maximum atrocities against Dalits in Uttar Pradesh
- PIL questions state failure to protect Dalits
- Dalit labourers in Tamil Nadu seek justice
- 8 years after Gujarat earthquake, family of four camps in city for relief
- Atrocities against Dalits on rise in Bihar
- Caste no bar
- Christians seek more representation
- Dalits, Muslims flay UPA's 'inclusive growth'
- Vote for party promoting secularism: Bishops
- Kandhamal victims' plea to put off polls
- Police rapped for not protecting Dalit woman
- SC upholds criminal proceedings against 4 for cheating Dalits
- NHRC takes suo motu notice of Dalit discrimination in Madhya Pradesh
- Voters saluted
- Dalit family to knock CM's door for justice
- SC, ST students get a second chance
- 'Reservation for OBCs in private institutes to be looked into'
- 1-10 per cent relaxation for OBC students
- 17 years on, Babri report with PM, BJP starts to stammer
- Book on Kandhamal raises uncomfortable questions
- Threads to break old ties
- 'Bengal's neglect of tribals bred Naxals'
- Glimmer of hope for India's Dalit
- Dalits voted without fear in LS elections
- Sachar for legal redressal system for minorities
- Untouchability alive in rural areas: Study
- Christian leaders urged to study Mahapatra report on Kandhmal
- Dalit Christians to get SC status soon
- 'Cases of Dalit atrocities increasing'
- "Caste system greatest tragedy to befall human race"
- U.S. puts India on 'Watch List'
- 'For us, Ambedkar is father of the nation'
- Most sanitation workers unaware of their rights: survey
- Centre to set up panel to ensure rights to minorities
- Low conviction rate of cases under SC/ST Act 'shocks' PM
- Bargarh rape victim moves Orissa Governor
- School for Dalits running on its ruins
- CIC orders release of minority report
- Special SC/ST courts to be set up
- Commission misses the point
- Caste bias rules in Virudhunagar village
- When Dalits show the way
- Rally to seek SC status for dalit christians
- Calling the world's attention to the caste issue in India
- Church in India guilty for miserable condition of Dalit Christians
- Rape takes bigger toll on dalit women
- Dalit women more humiliated when raped: Study
- Special cell to fight injustice to Dalit women
- Abolish the caste system now
- Dalit Christians seek quota, apex court admits plea
- India to set up special agency to address plight of Dalit women
- Govt's lackadaisical attitude on Dalit Christians continues
- Dalit alleges humiliation by Upper Caste people, cops deny
- 'Ensure that complaints of Dalits are taken seriously'
- High atrocities against SC/STs in 100% literate Kerala
- Petition seeks response on SC status to Dalit Christians
- Abolish manual scavenging, a practice that decries some: SKA
- Kandhamal situation still not normal, says archbishop
Very low conviction rate in atrocity cases in Guj: Wasnik
Union minister of social justice and empowerment Mukul Wasnik, who held a review meeting of SC, ST cases and other issues here, said this while briefing the press persons after the meeting.
According to Wasnik, conviction rate in atrocity cases in Gujarat is mere 6.8 per cent in case of atrocity against SCs and 4.3 per cent in case of atrocity against STs.
"This is extremely low rate of conviction compared to the national average, which is around 30 per cent," Wasnik said, adding the officials of the state government have been asked to look into the issue.
He said the main reasons for low conviction rate include not pursuing the cases properly at investigation and trial levels and witnesses turning hostile.
Modi govt unveils industrial policy for 2009, sets tone for elections
 |
Posted: Tuesday, Jan 06, 2009 at 2331 hrs IST
Updated: Tuesday, Jan 06, 2009 at 2331 hrs IST
Ahemdabad: Barely days before the much-hyped Vibrant Gujarat investment mela, the Gujarat government on Monday unveiled its industrial policy for the year.
Not surprisingly, the policy is high on promises and low on specifics. Simply put, it looks and sounds like a high-decibel publicity blitzkrieg aimed at luring mega investments into the state.
In sharp contrast to what chief minister Narendra Modi claims on the cover page of the glossy policy document, the policy does "promise (the investor) the moon." High on hyperbole, the policy document reads like an election manifesto. In a bid to achieve its aspiration of becoming a "beacon of comprehensive social and economic development", the policy lays down the state government's three-pronged goals of attracting quality investments, increasing employment opportunities and making "Made in Gujarat" a respected global brand.
The primary goal of enhancing investments would, as per the new Industrial Policy is sought to be achieved largely through the creation of special investment regions (SIR) , public private partnerships between the state government and the private sector and through mega projects involving investment of more than Rs 1,000 crore.
Interestingly, while creation of SIRs is being given top priority by the state government which is even proposing a specific Act for convergence of industrial, social and urban infrastructure, reading between the fine print reveals how the central government's path-breaking Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) scheme has been cleverly woven in as the core of the SIRs and IRs—a clever conjuring trick which shows Modi as the magician pulling out DMIC from his hat. As per the policy "DMIC with its SIRs and IRs would be fully leveraged for development of the state." In the case of the PPP model too, there's nothing new which the government is proposing apart from "further encouraging the PPP model specially in the infrastructure sector."
With regard to the encouragement which the state government proposes to accord to mega projects involving investment of more than Rs 1000 crore too, the policy is ambiguous at best when it talks of evolving "merit based packages of assistance." The message is clear: Modi doesn't plan to do a Nano for all and sundry: freebies will be handed over in an arbitrary manner depending on the whims and fancies of the powers-that-be. Interestingly, innovative projects in the manufacturing sector being taken up for the first time in Gujarat would also be treated at par with mega projects for encouragement leaving...
| Single Page Format | 1 - 2 - Next |
| Discuss this story on expressindia forums |
| DISGRACE! | |
| When will their exploitation end? | |
Women in rural Jharkhand, Orissa, Haryana and AP are subjected to severe forms of brutality and branded 'witches' to extort their property, writes Tripti Nath | |
 The easiest way to grab a woman's property in rural Jharkhand is to brand her a witch. Unbelievable but horrifically true in 21st century India, tribal women in the interiors of states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Orissa are beaten, paraded naked, disgraced, ostracised and then robbed of their land by anti social elements and sometimes even greedy relatives. The frequency of such assaults and the dismal conviction rate, despite the existence of the Prevention of Witch Practices Act, has terrified victims into a silent acceptance of the cruelty.Although offences under the Jharkhand's Prevention of Witch Practices Act are cognisable and non bailable, the punishment is not stringent and the Act is seen as a legislation without teeth. For all the torture that a woman suffers on being branded a 'dayan' (witch), the Act recommends imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months or a fine of Rs 1,000 or both for the wrongdoer. Furthermore, any person who exploits a woman on the suspicion that she is a witch can be punished under the legislation with imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months or Rs 2,000 fine or both. If anyone tries to brand a woman a witch, he can be imprisoned for a period of three months, fined Rs 1,000 or both. Almost never guilty However, the conviction rate for witch- hunting crimes is dismal. The perpetrators, in most cases, are male relatives and their motive is to usurp the property of single women. The modus operandi is to disgrace and ostracise the victim. Statistics on witch-hunting crimes compiled by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) are a cause of concern. The NCRB reported that in 2007, 177 cases of witchcraft-related murders were reported from the above mentioned states. Jharkhand had the dubious distinction of reporting 50 witchcraft-related murders, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 33; Haryana at 30; Orissa with 28; Madhya Pradesh with 14, Chhattisgarh with 8 and Gujarat with one reported case. Fighting the crime The Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), a Dehradun-based voluntary organisation committed to putting an end to witch-hunting crimes, has reported that such crimes are on the rise in tribal-dominated villages. Witch-hunting is common among the Santhal, Ho, Munda, Oraon and Kharia tribes in the state. "My tour of Jharkhand has convinced me that women living in Deoghar, Dumka, Goda and Hazaribagh are most vulnerable to false accusations of witch-hunting. Almost every 10 days, a woman is branded a witch or victimised in these districts," says Deepak Kumar Deo, a legal trainer with RLEK. Savita Singh, also of RLEK, confirms that Dumka and Deoghar, within 400 kilometres of state capital Ranchi, report at least three cases of witch-hunting in a month. Activists believe that the frequency of such crimes in Jharkhand explains why victims and their families are terrified and continue to suffer in silence. It was, thus, after plenty of persuasion that volunteers and legal trainers of RLEK were able to make victims and their family members come forward to narrate their woes before judges of the Supreme Court and the Jharkhand High Court at a three-day, state-level congregation. RLEK presented the case of Pinky Khaka (15), whose mother was branded a witch and killed. The assailants also killed her father and sister. Pinky, who belongs to the Oraon tribe, recalls the day when three men came to her house in Sudag village, barely six kilometres from Ranchi and mercilessly beat up her parents and stabbed them to death. "They were wearing dark glasses and had covered their faces. I escaped because I was in an inside room. They did not know that I was inside. It was only when villagers came to our house that they came to know of what had happened. The police came to our house only after 12 hours. I have a younger brother and three sisters who live in Kalmati. I don't feel like going to their house as they have their own problems." RLEK coordinator Meera Mishra, who has been monitoring police action on the Khaka case, says that the accused are yet to be arrested. A case of murder was registered in Namkom police station of Tupudana village. A social worker with the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority, Meera says that Pinky and her younger brother fear for their lives and have left the village. They are living with a relative in Champa Toli in Tupudana village. Living in fear Kaleem Ansari, a rickshaw-puller, recalls with horror the day his 70-year-old mother, Gulenoor Beewi was beaten up; while his 80-year-old aunt, Sagiran Beewi and his brother's middle-aged wife, Sakeena, were stripped and paraded outside their home in Pattharghatia village. A shocked Kaleem says, "A group of persons from my community broke our door, pulled my aunt and sister-in-law by the hair and stripped them. My mother was also beaten up. When I intervened, I was beaten with a broom." The same group attacked Sushila Devi, a 60-year-old woman, who was defenceless because of a handicap. Sushila fears that she may be attacked again. She was paraded naked and forced to drink urine. She lives all by herself, having lost her potter husband five years ago. She has no means of income to support herself or her 14-year-old son. Showing us her left hand with missing fingers, Sushila Devi says that she has been compelled to beg for a living. According to RLEK, 14 accused were arrested but released on bail. Chameli Devi from Hazaribagh said that a group of 10 persons forced their way into her house in December last year and beat her up till she fell unconscious. Chameli Devi, who has five children, said that they called her a 'bhoot' (ghost). She also claims the hospital refused to give her any treatment. Sudha Chaudhary, Jharkhand's new minister for Women and Child Development, is determined to take measures to prevent witch-hunting crimes. She says, "I want to launch an awareness campaign to empower women. I will discuss the issue of witch-hunting crimes with officers in my ministry. It is important to educate women to tell them that they should shed superstitious beliefs." One only hopes that the men are not deprived of such an education. | |
| The seemingly dissimilar rulers of America and Gujarat have shown a common political style — of resorting to populism! The US president denounced "bad behavior on Wall Street" and called for "a fee on biggest banks, for higher taxes on oil companies, fund managers and the high-income groups". Having suffered a series of defeats in recent Congress and gubernatorial elections, Obama finds 'political profit in populism' in framing issues as battle between "the people and the powerful." "Spread the wealth around" is his winning political strategy.
Modi's populism is parallel, but not similar to Obama's. Unlike Obama, Modi is not on a backfoot and has not resorted to populism of the Left. He is managing the corporate elite as well as the poor masses well. Modi is not the first politician to do so. Indira Gandhi fashioned herself as an anti-business populist. Nationalisation of banks, (1969), 'Garibi Hatao' slogan (1971) and the 20-point programme (1975-) brought her massive electoral wins. In 2004 in Andhra Pradesh, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy rode on his promise of free power to farmers and won against Chandrababu Naidu's elitist IT-driven development profile. Learning from the defeats of pro-reform NDA government (2004) and Babu, (otherwise applauded for good development record), politicians across the political spectrum — Right, Left, Centrist — have stuck with the 'mai-baap' tradition of expanding subsidies, waiving farmers' debts and promising sarees, free water, electricity, television sets and even computers! But as Nandan Nilekani notes: "More recently, populism's appeal has begun to show some cracks, as in Gujarat where Modi mocked Congress's electoral promise of free electricity in front of voters — to loud applause. Despite his baggage (2002), Modi may have been the first politician to demonstrate to his voters how markets could work better than any corrupt system in accessing electricity, water and roads." In his garib melas, well-attended by the poor, he demonstrates how money allocated in government schemes is personally handed over to the listed poor. It is direct benefit model compared to indirect subsidy schemes.. His populism aims at lifting the opaque veils of 'vachetiyas' and bureaucrats of the state. Like Indiraji, his image itself serves as a medium of communication with the masses. Rather, by personally delivering the benefits, he himself has become the medium. And unlike her, who did little policy-wise to fix the problems of the poor, Modi may succeed in making his populism sustainable in impact by harnessing administration to that effect. Unlike Obama, Modi does not speak anti-rich rhetoric. Right populism screams against big government that Obama is accused of. Modi is not for big government but big corporate with his focused policy to attract private enterprises in SEZs, SIRs and the like. He avoids the pro-garib tokenism that populists like Laloo Yadav adopts, or folksy rhetoric (tilak, talwar and taraju) that Mayawati once used to chant. Populism for Modi is not "a species of demagogy, but a backwoods form of class war." Modi neither expresses in idioms of mass politics of economic redistribution nor pallid, technocratic drone that makes investors from Japan, South Korea and homegrown Tata-Ambani-Adani happy. Unlike the usual variety, Modi's populism does not seem threatening or scary to the markets; it enforces them. It is a species of demagogy and a style of competitive, democratic politics. Such a context, probably, explains how Modi has not responded, with desirable sensitivity, to agitations of farmers and villagers of Mahuva and Mankol-Hirapur (Sanand) to preserve their land/local natural resources against new industrial houses coming up there. A curious experiment in populism —development-pragmatism continuum! One of the city's most eminent political analysts, Pravin Sheth dissects the twists and turns of policy in Gujarat |
Without caste certificates, many tribals in Gujarat carry 'outsider' tag
| Font Size |
Anupam Chakravartty
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 at 0010 hrs ISTBy our correspondent
Ahmedabad, DeshGujarat, 11 February, 2010
All theaters and multiplexes in Gujarat have decided not to book any ticket of Shahrukh Khan's film 'My name is Khan' in advance.
Ahmedabad based multiplex owner Rakesh Patel said he received a phone call from Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Wednesday instructing him that the film My name is Khans should not be released. Patel said the VHP person told him over a phone that mutliplexes should show this film only after the issue is settled.
When contacted by media persons, Shri Ashiwn Patel, Ahmedabad based leader of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Gujarat said that Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have stopped screening of films even in past successfully. Even this time, the film: My name is Khan would not be allowed to be screened in Gujarat.
Umesh Engineer, leader of Shiv Sena in Gujarat, on Thursday thanked Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal to join the agitation against Shahrukh Khan's pro-Pakistan stand and his film. Umesh said the Shiv Sainiks would obey Shri Bala Sabej Thakrey's order and would stop screening of My name is Khan with whatever strength they have in Gujarat.
In another related development, NCP leader Rajesh Godhani sent letter to multiplex owner in Surat not to release My name is Khan. The multiplex owner has lodged a complaint against Godhani in Umra police station about this. The investigation is on.
Telangana bandh paralyses life
Shah Rukh says sorry, sort of, Sena declares victory, sort of
Indian-American among 3 killed in US shooting
BJP not with Shiv Sena on MNIK issue: Gadkari
Cricket can join brigade to jump into Olympic bandwagon
No possibility of Gorkhaland: Buddhadeb to hill leaders
India, China to blame for growing proportion of emission: US
Protest at Bhavnagar theatre, Shahrukh's film release canceled
The great land grab
PRAFUL BIDWAI
| Huge swathes of land are being handed over to corporations in `sweetheart' deals and scams centred on Special Economic Zones. |
ANDHRA PRADESH CHIEF Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy addressing delegates at a seminar on Special Economic Zones in Hyderabad. A file picture.
THE year 2006 will go down in history as one in which India witnessed the launching of the Great Land Grab, involving the transfer of mind-boggling quantities of both agricultural and urban land to giant corporations. The year opened ominously - with the Kalinganagar firing in Orissa, killing 12 Adivasis protesting against the acquisition of their land at throwaway prices for the construction of a steel mill.
This year also saw the notification of Rules under the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Act, 2005, which will create up to 300 privileged enclaves, each with thousands of acres. Simultaneously came efforts to flesh out the Rs.50,000-crore Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (NURM) inaugurated last December, which will drastically alter the urban development scenario.
This year also saw the emergence of popular mobilisations against SEZs, especially in Dadri, near Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, and in Haryana and Maharashtra. The V.P. Singh-led movement against the Dadri SEZ, an Anil Ambani group project backed by the Mulayam Singh Yadav government, is creating new political divides and reshaping party equations in Uttar Pradesh. The SEZs have precipitated tensions inside the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), and rifts in the Union Cabinet. The year might end with the UPA ruing what could turn out to be one of its greatest political blunders.
Actually, three processes are under way transferring control over land in a massive way to corporations and private interests in pursuit of profit. In addition to SEZs and NURM, there is the colonisation of land in the distant suburbs and outer peripheries of metropolitan agglomerations by private developers and builders. This land is being sold by the urban development authorities.
This unbridled privatisation of land for purely commercial use devoid of public purpose is now occurring in almost all big cities. It is fairly advanced in the major metropolises.
For instance, Ghaziabad's Dehat Morcha says that in the National Capital Region (NCR) around Delhi, over 4.20 lakh acres (1 acre = 0.4 hectares) have been acquired by government agencies which plan to sell the land to property developers and corporate houses.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has recently acquired one lakh acres for transfer to builders. The Noida and the Greater Noida Authorities have acquired some 80,000 acres abutting Delhi, and Hudco 40,000 acres in Faridabad in Haryana. Similarly, thousands of acres are being bought between Ghaziabad and Garh Mukteshwar from farmers at rates as low as Rs.50 a square metre. Prevalent market rates are 20 to 100 times higher.
This process will soon unfold into colonisation of rural land on an unprecedented scale - the Indian version, albeit a more intrusive and predatory one, of upper middle class-led suburbanisation like, say, that in the United States.
Land privatisation has not yet been consummated. But property prices have already risen so high under speculative pressure that it is virtually impossible in the entire NCR to buy even a modest flat for under Rs.20 lakhs. For those who cannot afford it - and that is the majority in a country with a current per capita monthly income of under Rs.2,000 - the only alternative is a slum.
However, even this iniquity pales into insignificance beside the drive to establish SEZs, which is gathering unbelievable speed. Between last November and February, the number of SEZs cleared by the government rose from 61 to 117, or at the rate of almost one approval a day. Right now, the approved number stands at 150.
Last July, India had 28 SEZs in operation, most of them export-oriented. They accounted for just 5.1 per cent of India's exports. Tamil Nadu had the highest number (7), followed by Gujarat (5). The Commerce Ministry expects 94 SEZs to become operational in the next 18 months, 22 of them in six months. It wants a total of 300.
Many of these are multi-product SEZs, each of which will colonise 10,000 to 35,000 acres of land. They also include single-product or sector-specific zones, varying from 25 to 250 acres. The government has 225 more SEZ applications from overseas companies as well as Indian corporates like the Ambani brothers, both of whom aspire to be big players, Unitech, Adanis, Sahara, DLF, Tatas, Mahindras, Hindustan Construction and so on.
REVENUE LOSS
The SEZs' rationale is to create incentives for exports through huge tax breaks and an "internationally competitive" business environment. SEZs are duty-free enclaves and considered "foreign territories" for the purpose of trade operations, duties and tariffs. They are meant to attract foreign investment because of the high tax-free profits that units located in them can generate. Such units can import capital goods and raw materials without licence or levies. They need not pay the terminal excise duty. They have unrestricted access to domestic markets. In SEZs, 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) will be allowed in manufacturing through the "automatic" route. Profits can be repatriated freely.
SEZ tax concessions are handsome even by banana republic standards. Export units will get a 100 per cent tax holiday for five years, a 50 per cent tax break for five more years, and a further five-year tax break on production based on reinvested profits. SEZ developers will enjoy a tax holiday for 10 years. These, and the import duties forgone, will inflict a loss running into Rs.90,000 crores, according to Finance Ministry estimates.
Such losses are unconscionable on a total investment of roughly Rs.100,000 crores. However, the Commerce Ministry is hell-bent on pushing through these sweetheart deals with industrial magnates and real estate developers. It claims, on the basis of rosy, unconvincing assumptions, that the exchequer will eventually gain Rs.44,000 crores in additional taxes.
The Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seem far closer to the truth. The SEZs are certain to be used as tax havens, especially by industries such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), whose existing tax holidays are running out.
The Reserve Bank of India says that large tax incentives can be justified only if SEZ units establish strong "backward and forward linkages with the domestic economy" - a doubtful proposition. Even the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Chief Economist Raghuram Rajan has warned: "Not only will [the SEZs] ... make the government forgo revenue it can ill afford to lose, they also offer firms an incentive to shift existing production to the new zones at substantial cost to society."
As much as 75 per cent of the SEZ area can be used for non-core activities, including development of residential or commercial properties, shopping malls and hospitals. Developers will surely use this to make money via the real estate route rather through export promotion. This represents a potentially humongous urban property racket of incalculable dimensions. India will see a multiplication of "Gurgaon-style" development, under the aegis of big builders such as DLF, Marathon, Rahejas, Unitech, City Parks and Dewan.
Neither the international nor the Indian experience with SEZs has been particularly happy. Globally, only a handful of SEZs, of the hundreds that exist, have generated substantial exports, along with significant domestic spin-offs in demand or technology upgradation. For each successful Shannon (Ireland) or Shenzhen (China), there are 10 failures - in the Philippines, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, why, even India. A 1998 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on export processing zones (EPZs) says: "Customs duty amounting to Rs. 7,500 crores was forgone for achieving net foreign exchange earning of Rs.4,700 crores... ."
Studies on the Santa Cruz Electronics EPZ show extremely high rates of labour exploitation and job insecurity, especially of female workers, poor technology absorption, and dubious long-term benefits. Going by past experience, the promise of a million new jobs in SEZs means very little. All of India's 28 SEZs have together produced only 100,650 jobs.
PREDATORY RELATIONSHIP
The SEZs will also be socially retrograde. No labour laws will apply to them. Workers will enjoy no freedoms and no rights, including the fundamental right of association and peaceful protest. SEZs will be exempt from environmental impact assessment. They will be under no obligation to employ local people or share profits with them.
Just the contrary, the SEZs will have a largely predatory relationship with their environment and its people. They will deplete groundwater and other resources. They will be islands of prosperity in a sea of deprivation and agrarian distress.
To top it all, the SEZs are being established through land acquisition under special Acts passed by the States. Unlike earlier land acquisition laws, which require that there be a public purpose behind government takeover of land, these laws mandate acquisition for private profit and without land-for-land compensation or serious rehabilitation.
The farmer's experience of land acquisition has been extremely negative. For instance, there was at least a 10:1 disproportion between market rates and compensation paid at Kalinganagar. There is a three-fold difference in Dadri and an even higher disproportion in Gurgaon. This latter (25,000 acres) in India's largest multi-product SEZ. It cuts through the Gurgaon-Rewari State highway, the Gurgaon-Rewari railway line and the Gurgaon-Jhajjar highway. It will also interfere with the planned Kondi-Manesar-Palwal Expressway.
The zone abuts the Sultanpur National Bird Park, one of the 10 most important bird sanctuaries in India. As a bird-watcher, I know that Sultanpur was in a state of acute distress for five years because it received no fresh water. Many bird species, in particular migrants, deserted the sanctuary. However, over the last couple of years, the jheel has come back to life. As have nearby marshlands and water bodies such as Basai.
The Gurgaon SEZ will abort or reverse this process. Its construction will also violate the normal 8 to 10 km barrier rule. No industrial or mining project can be allowed within that distance from a nature park or sanctuary. Birds will be badly disturbed and their flight-paths blocked by the SEZ's construction. Residents of the area, as well as Delhi Bird Society, are now gearing themselves up for a fight. Haryana is likely to witness a serious political confrontation on SEZs. Maharashtra too is seething over RIL's Pen (Raigand) SEZ project.
SEZs could soon become a heavy liability for the UPA. Many Congress Chief Ministers talk warily and in hush-hush tones about them.
If lakhs of farmers are displaced and uprooted by these zones even as they see the price of their now-alienated land doubling and quadrupling, there is bound to be serious discontent - and political trouble for the ruling State governments.
These governments are more sanguine about the NURM - if only because easy money totalling Rs.50,000 crores has been promised to 63 cities. As much as Rs. 4,600 crores has been earmarked for this year alone.
But the "renewal", being conducted under the direction of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and pro-corporate consultants of its choice, will typically mean cleansing city centres of their poor inhabitants, hawkers, cycle-rickshaw-pullers and vendors of sundry but important services.
An attempt will be made to "conserve" and "beautify" monuments artificially, while creating "modern" middle class facilities like car parks, shopping arcades, and stalls selling packaged food.
This will radically alter the social mix of our inner city-populations - against the interests of the majority, by displacing and marginalising the poor or making them invisible. Already, lakhs of people in Mumbai and Delhi have been brutally evicted under Court orders.
The process will be extended to other, smaller cities - with terrible consequences and amidst great mass misery.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2318/stories/20060922003010100.htm
FOR THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND
SCHEDULED TRIBES
Recognising the disadvantaged status of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes special facilities and incentive have been provided to them at all levels and for all kinds of education. These aim at motivating the deprived students avail of the existing facilities. While incentives take the form of financial assistance and rewards for reaching particular achievement, facilities are directed at the provision of physical infrastructure. Both are necessary because the problems of scheduled groups is to be tackled on two fronts- motivational and physical. The incentives help to remove motivational barrier, facilities take care of their physical deprivations. This chapter analyses the facilities and incentives that have become available for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the ITIs. We shall particularly consider the following issues :
(i) The extent to which facilities for the scheduled caste scheduled tribes are available in the ITIs and whether these are adequate.
(ii) The nature of different incentives schemes and the manner in which those are operating from the view point of coverage and timely availability.
(iii) Special schemes for the tribal areas and the extent to which those are meeting the needs of tribal people.
(iv) The manner in which those schemes can be modified, if necessary, to make them more meaningful for the scheduled groups.
The above issues are examined first by taking the schemes as they have been devised by the Government. This is followed by a discussion of their actual availability and implementation in the selected institutions. The question of adequacy of the various schemes along with suggestions for necessary modification for improvement has-been studied with the help of data collected from a cross section of students, teachers and principals
Special Facilities and Incentives for the SCs and STs 89
of selected institutions. It is hoped that their suggestions will greatly help the policy makers in modifying the schemes meaningfully. In this context attention will be focussed specially on institutions located in the tribal areas.
Provision of Facilities
Facilities for industrial training have been provided by the Ministry of Labour, Government of India in most of the districts of the country. In some places specially in big cities, where demand for the middle level manpower is greater, there are more than one ITI. As a part of effort to develop tribal areas, special ITIs have been started therein.
The trades offered in different ITIs largely depend on the needs of the industry and business of the areas. For example, in the ITI at Ahwa (Gujarat) there was provision for only three trades. In contrast, the ITIs in the big cities had as many as 18 trades. Our survey of the selected institutions revealed that the trades were opened or closed according to the requirements at the particular time.
It was shown in Chapter IV that there was gross under-utilisation of seats in certain trades. As no scientific survey seem to have been undertaken beforehand, most often trades were started or closed on the basis of presumed market demand. This occasionally resulted in wastage of scarce and valuable resources. It is therefore, suggested that the various trades and seats therein are allotted only after conducting proper survey of market demand.
Reservation of Seats and Relaxation of Marks
The provision of ITIs in most of the districts, specially in the tribal areas helps the children in each district to utilise this vocational training facility optimally. In order that these facilities are utilised fully by the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes also, seats have been reserved for them in these institutions. Further, there is relaxation in eligibility conditions. It was shown in Chapter IV that reservation is provided by all the states for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes according to their proportion in the population of the state. In the tribal ITIs most of the seats are reserved for the scheduled tribes and scheduled castes and only a few seats are kept open for general candidates.
It may be added here that the seat reservation in the ITIs is made tradewise. If sufficient number of candidates are not forthcoming among
90 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Industrial Training Institutes
the scheduled castes or the scheduled tribes, the unfilled seats are treated as unreserved and allotted to the non-scheduled candidates. Relaxation in marks and in upper age limit have helped very substantially in fulfilling the quota reserved for the scheduled groups.
Reserved quota was fully utilised by the scheduled castes in all the states. There was, however, underutilisation by the scheduled tribes to a varying extent in different states depending upon the location of the ITI.
Tradewise utilisation of seats by the scheduled groups was in accordance with their reservation, quota, and it was quite high in some of the popular trades. Seats were, however alloted to the pupils coming from the scheduled groups without due regard to their aptitude, interest or ability. In large cases the admission was given in a trade for which application was given. It was discovered at places that the reservation quota was filled in letter without looking at its spirit. For example, in some cases scheduled castes and scheduled tribes candidates securing very high marks were enrolled in trades like carpentry not requiring high ability and candidates having very low marks were enrolled in electronic trade in the same institution. It did not concern the principal even to ask the student offering carpentry if he was interested in any engineering trade or to pursuade the one offering engineering trade to go in for carpentry or any other trade requiring lower ability. This focuses on the need of a proper vocational guidance system in the ITIs specially for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes trainees because they do not get much guidance from home, being the first or, at best second generation learners. The teachers and administrators also need to be sensitised about the problems of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
Provisions of Hostel Facilities
Most of the Ins have been located at district headquarters or near industrial establishments. Considering the facts that most of their clientele come from the surrounding areas, provision of hostels becomes an important facility. In technical institutions the importance of hostel living has an added advantage because in factories and the plants where the product of the ITIs are generally employed, team work counts a lot and living in hostels prepares students for the necessary team spirit. For the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students, hostels have much more relevance since most of them come from rural areas where the home
Special Facilities and Incentives for the SCs and STs 91
environments by no means is condusive to study. Moreover, it may not be practicable to commute daily from home to the ITI and back.
Many ITIs provide hostel seat, for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students either in the hostels attached to the institution or in the special hostels for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The survey of the selected institutions revealed that hostel seats were not available at all places and, wherever the facility was available, the number of seats in them were far less than the demand. For example, in Andhra Pradesh while the total students strength of the four selected ITIs in 1981-82 was 1,275 the number of hostel seats was only 304. Out of these 77 were used by the scheduled castes and 76 by the scheduled tribes. In Gujarat, the actual number of students in the hostels was much more than their seating capacity. For example, in the hostel in Palanpur ITI there were 170 students against 100 seats. In addition there were 125 scheduled tribes students who needed hostel facility. In Surendranagar ITI, there were 110 students against 50 seats. The tribal ITT in Ahwa had no hostel attached to it although quite a large number of students in this ITI came from other districts.
Infrastructural facilities in the hostels were nominal and maintenance very poor. In the hostel attached to Hyderabad ITI students lived in sheds where rain water could easily enter. There were no cots, no tables and chairs. Students were doing their own cooking. In the Bastar ITI although the hostel was newly constructed, it had more students than its actual capacity. The hostel had cots for the inmates. However, since 56 students were living together in a room, it did not have the atmosphere for study. The cooking was done by the students in the living room. The fire was made of woods. The toilets were used as store rooms and students went to the open fields for descretion.
Stipend for hostelers was higher than for day scholars but the additional amount was not commensurate with the cost of living in the hostel. All the respondents-principals, teachers and students invariably felt that the maintenance allowance was too little for their maintenance and forced the hostelers, specially belonging to the scheduled groups, to supplement it by undertaking some economic activity. It was suggested by one and all the respondents that minimum stipend for the hostelers should be Rs. 150/- per month.
Incentives for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the ITIs
While provision of facilities is essential to enable the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes make use of the available opportunities,
92 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Industrial Training Institutes
incentives are provided with a view to motivate them to use the facilities. Incentive become essential for them because of their low socioeconomic status and also because most of them are first generation learners generally lacking in any intrinsic motivation.
The Social Welfare, the Tribal Welfare and Harijan Welfare Departments in different states provide for a number of incentives in the form of stipends and scholarships, books and equipment grants, uniform and sometimes, pocket money as well.
To determine the actual availability of various incentives in the ITIs, the extent of their coverage and adequacy, and the manner in which these were administered in regard to timely disbursal, relevant questions were included in the Institutional Proforma and Proforma designed for the principals, teachers and students.
Data analysis from the selected institutions in various states revealed that the incentives provided by the government stipend and scholarships, uniforms, free books and grant for stationery and equipment-were available to the student in all the institutions. The amount, however, varied from state to state depending on the department administering the incentives. Similarly, there were minor variations regarding the availability of uniforms, books and grants for equipment and stationery. The coverage of the scheduled population differed among the states. As regards the timely disbursal of the incentives there were differences in the states. Perceptions of the three groups regarding the adequacy or otherwise of the incentives also differed from state to state.
This section presents an analysis of statewise availability of the incentives and their coverage, the manner in which they are administered, and, preceptions of the students, teachers and principals about them.
In Andhra Pradesh all the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students were getting a stipend of Rs. 45 only from the State Government when no other aid was available. Tribal Welfare Department gave a stipend of Rs. 75 to the scheduled tribes students. In the ITI at Upper Sileru the stipend rate for the scheduled castes was Rs. 70 p.m. while scheduled tribes got a stipend of Rs. 75 (with pre-matric qualification) and Rs. 90 (with Post-Matric qualification). Rupees 80 per month were given to all those students who were covered by special employment scheme while Rs. 100 were given to all the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes who were undergoing training under TRYSEM scheme. As this ITI provided for common mess facilities, mess charges of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes living in the hostel were fully reimbursed.
Special Facilities and Incentives for the SCs and STs 93
Rs. 80 per annum were paid as books grants to scheduled castes/ scheduled tribes students in the ITI in Andhra Pradesh. Special work uniform were supplied to all ITI students. All scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students got drawing sheets, note books, rubber, pencils etc. in the ITIs.
The principal maintained that the stipend money was disbursed regularly every month. The sanction formalities, however, involve complicated procedures and led to delays in the first disbursement of the stipend.
With respect to the adequacy of the incentives the principal, teachers and students, all felt that the minimum stipend should be Rs. 100/- in the ITIs.
In one ITI in Andhra Pradesh the mess bill for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes was being fully reimbursed by the State Government. This resulted in considerable increase in the amount of mess bill and placed a very heavy burden on the nonscheduled students who were living in the hostel at their own expenses.
In Bihar, scholarship scheme covered all the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students. The amount of scholarship was Rs. 40 if given by the ITI, that is, Ministry of Labour and Rs. 45 when it was given by the Social Welfare Department. The institutional scholarship ran the risk of withdrawal if a student absented himself continuously for ten days. Therefore, most of the students prefered the scholarship given by the Tribal Welfare Department if available.
There were no complaints regarding administration of stipend. However, the amount was considered meagre by the students. They wanted it to be raised to a minimum of Rs. 100 p.m.
In the four ITIs surveyed in Gujarat, the scheduled castes students were paid a stipend of Rs. 100 p.m. while the scheduled tribes were paid at the rate of Rs. 125 p.m. Economically backward students who secured a minimum of 45 per cent marks in the qualifying examination also got a stipend of Rs. 100. p.m. There was no provision of book grants or pocket allowance in Gujarat. However, some institutes had book banks. All the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes trainees in the ITIs got free uniform and stationery and other things. Certain other equipment was also provided free.
As regards the disbursal of the stipend money, it was disbursed in time in Palanpur ITI but it was rarely so in Surendernagar ITI. This was due to delays in the release of grants by the concerned authorities. In the Ahmedabad ITI the disbursal of stipend was yearly and was paid
94 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Industrial Training Institutes
by cheque. Irregularity and delay in its disbursement were pointed out by most respondents.
Amount of stipend has been considered inadequate by all the sections principals, teachers and students. Suggestions for raising the amount ranged from Rs. 120 p.m. to Rs. 200 p.m. in Palanpur, Ahmedabad and Surendernagar Ms. In the Ahwa ITI the suggested amount was Rs. 250/ - per month.
Stipend rates as well as the coverage with regard to scheduled caste students varied in Madhya Pradesh from one institution to the other. In Bastar, ITI all the scheduled tribes and scheduled castes students got a stipend of Rs. 100 p.m. Besides, the scheduled tribes students also got Rs. 50 p.m. as pocket allowance. In Indore ITI all scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students got a stipend of Rs. 100 p.m. In Ujjain ITI the scheduled castes got a stipend of Rs 75 p.m. and the coverage was only 50 per cent.
Free uniform and equipment were provided to all scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in Bastar, Indore and Ujjain ITIs.
Nothing has been said about the timely disbursal of the incentives. However, the stipend amount was considered inadequate by the responents and they suggested that it should be increased to at least Rs. 150 p.m.
Suggestion for Improvement of Facilities and Incentives
Reservation of seats, relaxation in minimum marks, relaxation in upper age limit and provision of hostels are important facilities for the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes in the ITIs. These have helped in increasing their enrolment in the ITIs over the past several years. However, our survey of the principals, teachers and students in the selected Ms brought out many problems faced by the students which need an early solution. This section will bring out those problems and would present some suggestins for better implementation of the various schemes which would benefit all the students in the ITIs, particularly those belonging to the scheduled groups.
Our survey of the ITIs in the five selected states indicated the seats reserved for the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes were filled to a varying degree except in Maharashtra where the enrolments of the scheduled castes was more than their quota. It was also observed that the candidates were admitted to various trades without any regard to their aptitude.
Special Facilities and Incentives for the SCs and STs 95
With regard to underutilisation of seats by the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes candidates, it was felt that instead of fixing the reservation quota for each ITI on the basis of the proportion of the scheduled castes/scheduled tribes population in the total population in each state, it would be more appropriate to fix the reservation quota according to their respective proportions in the district's population since it is too much to expect that in those districts where the population of scheduled castes or scheduled tribes is low the quota can be filled.
Simple introduction of the reservation quota and relaxation in eligibility criterion can help in bringing the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the training institutions but, in order that they are able to benefit optimally from them, there is need to implement the schemes discretely. For this there is need of sensitizing the administrators and teachers about the socio-psychological problems of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
As the seats in the special ITIs in the tribal areas were not fully utilized by the scheduled groups there is need to study the types of trades that would be made available in such ITIs. The seats for different trades should also be distributed according to the requirements of the region.
The survey indicated acute shortage of hostel facilities in the various ITIs. These need to be expanded substantially so that a much larger number of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students, particularly coming from rural areas and distant places, could live properly during the training. Moreover, to create proper study atmosphere for the children from the disadvantaged groups, the infrastructural facilites in the hostels, like provision of cots, tables, chairs etc., need to be improved very substantially. The survey revealed that the students cooked their own meals which we felt, is not conducive to their studies. There should be institutional messing facilities in all hostels where they do not presently exist. Maintenance allowance should be raised so that it coyers students expenses at the ITIs and makes a reasonable existence possible.
Gujarat golden jubilee rath yatra flagged off
February 12th, 2010 - 11:23 pm ICT by IANS
- 
Gandhinagar, Feb 12 (IANS) Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal Friday flagged off the Swarnim Gujarat Rathyatra that will criss-cross the state as part of the build-up to the golden jubilee celebrations of the state's formation that begins May 1.
In the presence of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil, the rathyatra moved on a journey set to connect 19,165 villages of the state.
The 223 Sankalp Jyot Raths would enlighten the people about the pledge and commitment towards Gujarat and its achievements and history.
The roll of the chariots will conclude April 14, the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor praised the development of the state.
Chief Minister Narendra Modi called upon the people to infuse the spirit and vision of a golden Gujarat.
Quiz competitions are slated to be held on the theme - The glorious legacy and history of 5,000 years, the viewpoint of our ancestors.
Leader of the Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said it was an honour to witness the celebrations of Golden Jubilee year of Gujarat. "Let us all sharpen our pledge to contribute for the progress and prosperity of the poor," he added.
More at : Gujarat golden jubilee rath yatra flagged off http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/gujarat-golden-jubilee-rath-yatra-flagged-off_100319270.html#ixzz0fRQNZIUS
Isee Golden Gujarat ahead: ModiDecember 30th, 2008 - 10:33 pm ICT by IANS
- 
Navasari (Gujarat), Dec 30 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked people of the state to resolve to build a 'Golden Gujarat'."The entire country is looking at us and at our development. Let us resolve and dedicate ourselves to build a Swarnim (golden) Gujarat," Modi said at a function at Chikhali town in Navsari district, about 250 km from Ahemdabad.
"I see in the eyes of the people a dream of a Swarnim Gujarat. The year 2010 would be memorable as the state celebrates its golden jubilee and it would mirror the sublime height Gujarat is set to achieve in years to come," Modi said.
Ahead of the golden jubilee, the state government is taking a pledge torch in a special van, Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath, to cities and towns. The torch was received Tuesday at Chikhli in south Gujarat.
Modi dedicated to people 51 water supply schemes for the villages of Navsari district and laid a foundation stone for 51 more such schemes.
'Gujarat gained from investments by Indian diaspora'
January 9th, 2010 - 3:51 pm ICT by IANS - 
New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Despite the global financial crisis, Gujarat's economy was boosted by record-breaking investments made by the Indian diaspora and companies, according to Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking on the concluding day of the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2010, the annual conclave of the Indian diaspora, here Friday, Modi said Gujarat has become a top investment destination in India and this has been proved by the "stupendous success" of the annual Vibrant Gujarat summits that bring overseas Gujaratis together.
"The latest summit in January 2009 was held in the midst of an economic gloom with the world suffering from the global financial crisis," he said.
"Gujarat's economy was boosted at the summit by record-breaking investments; companies committed to MoUs (memorandums of understanding) of more than $240 billion."
The chief minister said the state has moved beyond its 200 industrial estates and 60 special economic zones (SEZs) to Special Investment Regions (SIRs) now.
"The Dholera SIR will see global economic activity supported by world class infrastructure, premium civic amenities, centres of excellence and proactive policy framework," he said.
He buttressed this by citing a Deutsche Bank study, which stated that Gujarat offered the most favourable outlook for growth of demand for infrastructure projects.
With the state celebrating its golden jubilee this year as Swarnim Gujarat, Modi invited members of the diaspora to be part of the celebrations.
"The diaspora have already committed with investments, social service and professional expertise. Today, consider accepting a new invitation. This is your invitation to come and be actively part of Swarnim Gujarat celebrations," he said.
More at : 'Gujarat gained from investments by Indian diaspora' http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/gujarat-gained-from-investments-by-indian-diaspora_100301238.html#ixzz0fRQdn5MU
Infrastructure bonds option for ordinary NRIs: Ravi
January 8th, 2010 - 10:02 pm ICT by IANS - 
New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) A new proposal to issue infrastructure bonds to overseas Indians will give a fresh investment option to ordinary Indian investors abroad, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said Friday.
"It is a very good proposal. We can give the middle class Indian community abroad an opportunity to invest in the road construction sector in the country, which will see high growth," Ravi said at a press conference in the course of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2010, the annual conclave of the Indian diaspora, here.
The proposal came up during the meeting of the Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council here Thursday ahead of the eighth edition of the PBD.
The proposal was also mooted by Minister for Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath at a plenary session of the PBD Friday.
"There is a lot of scope for investment in the road construction sector in India in the years to come," Ravi said.
"In the 11th Five-Year Plan, $435 billion has been allocated for roads," he noted.
However, he pointed out, for these bonds to actually materialise, the concurrence of the Reserve Bank of India and the finance ministry would be needed.
Referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement in his inaugural speech at the PBD Friday that overseas Indian passport-holders might get to vote by the time the next elections are held in India, Ravi said that a bill to this effect has already been introduced in parliament.
"What is required is an amendment to the Representation of People Act. That is all," the minister said.
More at : Infrastructure bonds option for ordinary NRIs: Ravi http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/infrastructure-bonds-option-for-ordinary-nris-ravi_100301014.html#ixzz0fRQkSexN
Over 1500 delegates to attend Non-Resident Indians Day
December 23rd, 2009 - 11:26 pm ICT by ANI - 
New Delhi, Dec.23 (ANI): The eighth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (non-resident Indians Day) would see over 1,500 delegates of Indian origin attending the event, said Vayalar Ravi, Union Minister for Overseas Indian affairs on Wednesday.
Besides, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held in the national capital from January 7-9, 2010, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formally inaugurating the event.
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver the valedictory address and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2010 on distinguished PIOs (Persons of Indian origin) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) on January 9.
Also, 14 chief ministers and seven ministers in foreign governments of Indian origin will attend the convention.
"So far 520 persons have been registered from abroad, from 40 countries, almost. Now there are some people… there will be 50 or 100, this kind of groups also expected to come and we are expecting it will cross 1000, more than 1000 and total delegates will be 1,500 including some institutes in India," Ravi told media.
Meanwhile, a number of new features have been added to Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2010.
As per the scheduled programme, Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati of Columbia University, will deliver a lecture on 'India: the role of Diaspora' on January 8.
Two Seminars on 'Nanotechnology' and on 'Property-rated issues of the overseas Indian community' are also being held as pre-conference events.
Further, the PBD will be webcast live on the ministry's website and in the website of the official e-magazine.
Delegates from across the world will get the opportunity to interact with cabinet ministers during a plenary session.
The Pravasi Bhartiya summit is held on January 9 every year, to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation, from South Africa on this day in 1915. (ANI)
More at : Over 1500 delegates to attend Non-Resident Indians Day http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/feature/over-1500-delegates-to-attend-non-resident-indians-day_100293871.html#ixzz0fRShB1r5
 Share / SaveE-mailAdd to Favorites
Send from any other e-mail address or e-mail program: |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To:PUNISH THE GUILTY OF GUJARAT GENOCIDE
Call for a National Campaign For Defence of the Indian Constitution
NB : This statement is being circulated as a contribution to the ongoing public discussion on the current events.
The recent events in Gujarat demonstrate without a shadow of doubt that a section of the Indian ruling establishment is generating communal conflict and undermining the Indian Constitution. It includes political leaders, officials and extra-constitutional centres of power such as the RSS and its fronts. The symptoms of this creeping coup d'etat against the Indian Constitution are as follows:
1./ Mob violence and barbarity have been legitimised by high executives of the State. After the heinous and reprehensible attack on the Sabarmati Express at Godhra, that led to the death of 57 Hindu rail passengers, the entire Muslim community of Gujarat was held responsible for the actions of a few. The brutal killings of innocent men, women and children was sought to be justified in the name of the fascist doctrine of collective guilt, the doctrinal basis of Hitlerism.
2./ Revenge and retaliation have been made instruments of state policy. In Gujarat, armed gangs owing allegiance to the ruling party and its parent body, the RSS, have been given free rein by the state Chief Minister to indulge in crimes against humanity without any fear of the law. The police were neutralised by orders from elected authorities who are under oath to protect and implement the Constitution. By failing to acknowledge this fact the Union Government has sought to legitimise officials who have violated their oath of office. The VHP attack on the legislative assembly in Bhubhaneshwar demonstrates yet again the confidence displayed by criminal elements with political links to the Union Government. This government, that claims to be in the forefront of the so-called war against terrorism, is itself guilty of harbouring terrorists and promoting their activities in the name of so-called Hindu nationalism. The preaching and practice of collective guilt in India (and in other countries of South Asia), require that the crime of genocide be incorporated into the criminal justice system. Political assassination is no less a crime when its victims are ordinary Indian citizens.
3./ Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees to every Indian, the right to life and liberty unless deprived of them by due process of law. Events in Gujarat since February 27, 2002, demonstrate that state officials unilaterally and illegally withdrew these protections from a section of Indian citizens. Similar malicious misuse of the state machinery took place during the massacre of Sikh citizens in 1984. (The fact that the Indian Parliament can meet in joint session to pass draconian laws, but has not yet condoled the mass murder of Sikh citizens in 1984, is a matter of shame for Indian democracy). Such events are part of the same process and demonstrate the same truth - that certain criminal elements in the body politic function as if they were above the reach of the law. This is a blatant violation of the oaths of office taken by elected state officials.
4./ By acts of deliberate deception, (such as the recent arguments in favour of the VHP by Attorney General and the acceptance of the so-called Ramshila in Ayodhya by a state official), the Union government is supporting the unilateral claim of the RSS and VHP that they represent all Hindus. By so doing, the swayamsevaks in high office are undermining the authority of Parliament, which has been elected by millions of citizens, including a large proportion of Hindus. A PARALLEL SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATION IS BEING FORCED UPON THE INDIAN PEOPLE. This must be rejected as a violation of the Indian Constitution. We reiterate that the RSS-VHP do not represent all Hindus, nor do the Muslim Personal Law Board and Babri Masjid Action Committee represent all Muslims.
5./ The systematic and violent humiliation of one or other section of the Indian population by the highest State authorities will tear our society apart, brutalise the social ethos, destroy the economy and polarise the people towards extremist ideologies.Today, tens of thousands of Gujarati Muslims are living in anguish and fear, housed in refugee camps, with no guarantee of personal security or rehabilitation. The relentless use of communal hatred and violence by the Indian ruling elite has converted the dream of national independence into a nightmare for ordinary Indians. Our rulers have progressed from the hiring of criminals to the propagation of brutality and criminality as a means of obtaining power. This process will result in nothing less than the fragmentation of the Indian Union and the demolition of Indian democracy.
6./ We would like to recognise that there are honest and conscientious officials in the bureaucracy and police who have honoured their professional obligations and striven to defend the right to life and liberty of the citizens. We acknowledge their commitment, and condemn the Gujarat government for transferring those police officers who did their best to prevent bloodshed. In the words of the NHRC Chairman, Justice J S Varma, we call upon all state officials "not to seek permission to perform their duty under the law".
7./ Communal violence in other countries of the region is no less vicious. From time to time, Hindus, Christians and Ahmadiyas in Pakistan, Hindus and Hill Tribes in Bangladesh, and Tamils in Sri Lanka have been made targets of hatred and violence. These campaigns are also fascist in nature, and serve to exacerbate communal tensions in India. In the light of the close inter-linkages between various types of communal and chauvinist politics in all these countries, it is necessary that determined efforts be made towards cooperation amongst democrats across all frontiers in South Asia. We unequivocally denounce and reject all forms of communal hatred and violence, whether this is done in the name of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs or any other identity.
In the light of the above, we believe that:
The Indian Constitution is being deliberately undermined by those sworn to protect it
Democracy is being misused for the purpose of destroying democratic institutions; the secular and pluralist tradition is being undermined by cultural policing and intellectual censorship
Mob violence enjoys the tacit or open support of certain high state officials and political leaders
The culture of violence and bloodshed is being propagated ideologically as a 'nationalist' virtue
Civil society in India is being rapidly converted into a war-zone; and
Indian citizens are faced with nothing less than a constitutional breakdown, heralded by a section of their political leadership
In the face of this alarming situation, WE HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO LAUNCH A PROLONGED AND NON-VIOLENT SATYAGRAHA TO DEFEND THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION. To this end, we call upon all peace-loving and democratic citizens to unite in a Coalition For the Defence of the Indian Constitution. (name to be decided by consensus). The first step in this direction can be the arrangement of regional conventions. This process could culminate in a national convention later in 2002. The convention should construct a platform unifying all democratic forces on a consensual programme for resisting fascism and defending democracy. We suggest the following principles for such a convention:
1./ The Convention should be a gathering of concerned individuals rather than of representatives of parties and groups. (This will not prejudice their right to remain members of any parties or groups).
2./ The Convention will address the grave crisis outlined above and strive to mobilise a sustained and organised campaign to protect democratic institutions, pluralist values and constitutional liberties
3./ The entire process will be funded only by individual contributions in cash or kind
Among the demands that the convention can consider are the following :
That sworn testimonies of eye-witnesses and officials be placed before judicial authorities of unimpeachable impartiality, that executive and criminal culpability for the Gujarat events be established, and the guilty punished.
That hateful communal propaganda of all varieties be stopped forthwith, that the VHP and Bajrang Dal.be prosecuted under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code.
That a joint session of Parliament be convened to condemn and condole the death of innocents in Delhi, Kanpur, Bokaro in 1984, Gujarat in 2002, and all communal killings in general
Signatories (in alphabetical order)
Dilip Simeon
Dunu Roy
Harsh Kapoor
Jairus Banaji
Purushottam Agrawal
Rohini Hensman
[11 April 2002]Sincerely,
 |
In February 2002, Hindu fundamentalists carried out a genocidal ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the state of Gujarat, India. The genocide was conducted in a pre-planned collusion with the police and the BJP state government of Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Between 2,000 and 5,000 Muslims were slaughtered, and more than 150,000 rendered homeless and destitute. Human rights investigators, despite having visited Kosovo and Afghanistan, were unprepared for the horrors they found in Gujarat. To date, the victims have seen no real justice, and the perpetrators continue to boast of Gujarat as a laboratory for the rest of India. With passion and hope, this book documents the Nazi, fascist origins of Hindu fundamentalism; the ongoing propagation of hatred towards Muslims and Christians in the educational system; the continuing economic boycott of Muslims in Gujarat; the legal grounds for prosecuting the BJP leaders for genocide; and the campaign of horrifically violent rape against Muslim women. The depths of sexual violence in Gujarat demand that the Hindustan of Hindu fundamentalism be renamed as Rapistan. With the rise of Jewish and Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East and Christian fundamentalism in the US, the Gujarat genocide looms large in a scenario of global fundamentalist wars. It is a story that reverberates in every corner of the globe where the wolves of religious fundamentalism howl at the gates of power. How are we to face this juggernaut of religious fascism, manifest in all religions? This book is not merely a case study in communalist cleansing, but a Neo-humanistic spark of liberation from the cycle of hatred. Building on Shrii Prabhat Sarkar's vision of all Indians and indeed all of humanity as one people, as well as his mystical humanism, the book lays forth a strategy to combat nationalism and fundamentalism with neohumanist education.
About the Author
Garda Ghista is a freelance journalist and founding director of World Prout Assembly that aims to defeat fundamentalism with Neo-humanism and to defeat corporate capitalism by a movement for economic democracy so as to empower communities to recover their economic sovereignty in the form of a cooperative commonwealth.
The Inferno of Hate and Horror in Gujarat, India (From 27 Feb 2002 on) |
Dangey Matram ! |
[Last update 17 March 2005] Prior build up From 1998 |
Genocide in Gujarat: The Sangh Parivar, Narendra Modi, and the Government of Gujarat
by Angana Chatterji, Lise McKean and Abha Sur. A report prepared for the Coalition Against Genocide - March 02, 2005. [on SACW since March 15, 2005] {in PDF}
[Following release of Bannerjee Panel's report] Citizen's Letter to India's Prime Minister seeking release of people being unfairly held on charges of organising the Godhra train fire
India Justice, the victim: Gujarat state fails to protect women from violence
A report by Amnesty International [27 January 2005] {in PDF}
India; Gujarat: A Promise Kept
by Mukul Dube [January 21, 2005]
Dousing the Godhra fire
by J Sri Raman [January 20, 2005]
Godhra's Truth - Manufacturing Explanations for Communal Agenda
by Ram Puniyani [January 20, 2005]
The Gujarat Genocide, Media, and the Congress
by Nalini Taneja [January 20, 2005]
2004
Discouraging Dissent: Intimidation and Harassment of Witnesses, Human Rights Activists and Lawyers in Gujarat - A Report by Human Rights Watch
Media is the medium of Communal "Khauf" [fear] in Gujarat by Digant Oza [December 20, 2004]
Gujarat Genocide Trials: Appeal for the Protection of Witnesses An Online petition [November 7, 2004]
Innovation in Media Censorship: Gujarat Experiment of Mini Emergency by Digant Oza | September 11, 2004
Gujarat: the wheels of justice get moving by Jyotirmaya Sharma [August 22, 2004]
POTA in Gujarat and Its Meaning for India by Zakia Jowher and Mukul Dube [August 15, 2004]
Body of the Nation
Why women were mutilated in Gujarat
by Martha C. Nussbaum [Boston Review - Summer 2004]
Gujarat: Because Human spirit refuses to be vanquished... by Biraj Swain and Somnath Vatsa [April 2004]
2003
Threatened Existence: A Feminist Analysis of the Genocide in Gujarat
Report by the International Initiative for Justice (IIJ) [December 10, 2003] {in PDF}
Gujarat state is the testing ground for fundamentalists' `Hindutva' strategy of demonizing Muslims to solidify power
by Martin Regg Cohn
Gujarat - A state of unrest by Aakar Patel [Mid Day, November 2, 2003]
State Subversion: Gujarat's Victims Completely Isolated
by Harsh Mander [November 22, 2003]
Links:
For latest information on Gujarat Riots and their aftermath see:
http://www.onlinevolunteers.org
http://www.sabrang.com
http://www.riotinfo.com/
http://www.insaniyat.org
Shanti: An initiative for Justice, Peace and Communal Harnony
Gujarat Riots Coverage by Indian Express
Other Links:
Gujarat Institute of Development Research
Institute of Rural Management, Anand
Centre for Social Studies, Surat
Indian Institue of Management, Ahmedabad
NGO's in Gujarat:
-
Probing Modi's Role Into Gujarat Genocide in India - Ahmedabad ...
7 Sep 2009 ... New Delhi: The mayhem in Gujarat was the result of a thoroughly thought-out, elaborate and heinous strategy to communalise the society at ...
www.zimbio.com/.../Probing+Modi+Role+Gujarat+Genocide+India - Cached - Similar - -
SIT BEGINS PROBE INTO MODI ROLE IN GUJARAT GENOCIDE -- News about ...
SIT BEGINS PROBE INTO MODI ROLE IN GUJARAT GENOCIDE. ... investigations into a complaint against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others in the case ...
www.radianceweekly.com/.../SIT-BEGINS-PROBE-INTO-MODI-ROLE-IN-GUJARAT-GENOCIDE.html - United States - Cached - -
Home - Coalition Against Genocide (CAG)
-
Video results for Modi's Role in Gujarat Genocide
Expose of gujarat genocide- Modi Advani Asaram ...
5 min - 1 May 2009
www.youtube.com
Gujarat genocide -- Nishrin's moving talk
9 min - 11 Jul 2008
www.youtube.com -
Tehelka:: Free. Fair. Fearless
Accused after accused testified to how the Gujarat genocide would not have been possible had ... And this is what they had to say about Modi and his role. ...
www.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107Thy...asp - Cached - -
[Reader-list] Former Gujarat Minister Writes To SIT To Probe Modi ...
8 Sep 2009 ... Please examine Mr.Modi on the action taken by him about malicious ... their dastardly acts as revenge and retribution for Gujarat genocide. ...
mail.sarai.net/pipermail/reader-list/2009-September/022520.html - Cached - -
IHRC - THE GUJARAT GENOCIDE: A barbaric and planned tragedy?
Secondly, in a desperate attempt to regain Modi's alleged international credibility ... The victims of the Gujarat Genocide are unlikely to ever see justice ...
www.ihrc.org.uk/show.php?id=1363 - Cached - Similar - -
countercurrents.org gujarat riots home page
To Probe Modi's Role Into Gujarat Pogrom By Jaspal Singh .... Over five years after the Gujarat genocide, it looks as if a beginning has been made to bring ...
www.countercurrents.org/gujarat.htm - Cached - Similar - -
Dal Khalsa UK: Hindu Terrorist Modi Headed For the UK Dal Khalsa ...
4 Mar 2009 ... The genocide in Gujarat is another example of the growing dangers of ... out the role of the Narendra Modi administration, the Gujarat Chief ...
dalkhalsa.blogspot.com/.../hindu-terrorist-modi-headed-for-uk-dal.html - Cached - Similar - -
Gujarat: the Ghosts of the Past and the Future (About Gujarat ...
1 May 2009 ... Its Chief Minister Narendra Modi officiated at this genocide; ... into the role of Narendra Modi, then as now the Chief Minister of Gujarat, ...
richardrego.wordpress.com/.../gujarat-the-ghosts-of-the-past-and-the-future-about-gujarat-genocide-of-2002/ - Cached -
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Next |
Genocide in Gujarat: The Sangh Parivar, Narendra Modi, and the ...
5 See International Initiative for Justice (IIJ) (2003) Threatened Existence: A Feminist Analysis of the Genocide in Gujarat. Pp. 81-96, URL (consulted ...
www.coalitionagainstgenocide.org/reports/.../cag.02mar2005.modi.pdf - Similar -
-
Reports on Gujarat 2002 and aftermath - Coalition Against Genocide ...
Threatened Existence: A Feminist Analysis of the Genocide in Gujarat Size:(49 pages, 357 KB). Date: Dec 2003. Source: The International Initiative for ...
www.coalitionagainstgenocide.org/reports.php - Cached - -
Remembering The Gujarat Genocide By M Hasan Jowher
Remembering The Gujarat Genocide. By M Hasan Jowher. 01 March, 2005. Countercurrents.org. Bludgeoning forex reserves, growing FDI, rising GDP accompanied, ...
www.countercurrents.org/gujarat-jowher010305.htm - Cached - Similar - -
Video results for Genocide in Gujarat
Genocide of Gujrat, India
10 min - 15 Sep 2006
www.youtube.com
Genocide in Gujarat
8 min - 4 Nov 2007
www.youtube.com -
World Prout Assembly: The Gujarat Genocide
1 May 2005 ... The primary "justification" given by fascist Hindus -- including the then Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee -- for the Gujarat genocide was ...
www.worldproutassembly.org/archives/.../the_gujarat_gen.html - Cached - Similar - -
Genocide in Gujarat: An open letter to President of India
In Gujarat today we have reached a level of Genocide that shocks the whole world even ... The burning ground of Gujarat today is the scene of planned genocide.
www.pucl.org/Topics/Religion.../2002/gujarat-kannabiran.htm - Cached - -
Gujarat riots a genocide: Tehelka
25 Oct 2007 ... Tehelka claimed it had 'irrefutable' evidence that the killings of Muslims post-Godhra train carnage in Gujarat was 'not a spontaneous swell ...
www.rediff.com › News - Cached - Similar - -
The Inferno of Hate, Horror and Death in Gujarat, India: The ...
- 10:54amGenocide in Gujarat: The Sangh Parivar, Narendra Modi, and the Government of Gujarat by Angana Chatterji, Lise McKean and Abha Sur. ...
www.sacw.net/Gujarat2002/index.html - Cached - Similar - -
The Gujarat Genocide
- 10:54amIn February 2002, Hindu fundamentalists carried out a genocidal ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the state of Gujarat, India. The genocide was conducted in a ...
www.unmondopossibile.net/alt/articolo/art0607.htm - Cached - Similar - -
PUNISH THE GUILTY OF GUJARAT GENOCIDE Petition
- 10:53amThe PUNISH THE GUILTY OF GUJARAT GENOCIDE Petition to was created by People for a National Campaign For Defence of the Indian Constitution and written by ...
www.petitiononline.com/ptggg/ - Cached -
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Next |
|
|
|  |
Gujarat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gujarat ગુજરાત | |||
| |||
| Location of Gujarat in India | |||
| Coordinates | 23°13′00″N 72°41′00″E / 23.2167°N 72.6833°E / 23.2167; 72.6833 | ||
| Country | India | ||
| District(s) | 26 | ||
| Established | 1 May 1960 | ||
| Capital | Gandhinagar | ||
| Largest city | Ahmedabad | ||
| Governor | Dr. Kamla Beniwal | ||
| Chief Minister | Narendra Modi | ||
| Legislature (seats) | Unicameral (182) | ||
| Official languages | Gujarati | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) | ||
| Area | 196,024 km2 (75,685 sq mi) | ||
| ISO 3166-2 | IN-GJ | ||
| Website | www.gujaratindia.com | ||
Gujarat (Gujarati: ગુજરાત Gujǎrāt, - [ɡudʒ(ə)ɾat]( listen)) is the westernmost state in India and its capital is Gandhinagar. Its largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat is home to the Gujarati speaking people of India. The state encompasses major sites of the Indus Valley Civilization such as Lothal and Dholavira. Gujarat played an important role in the economic history of India throughout the history of India[1]. It is home to major ports in India's ancient and modern history, leading it to become one of the main trade and commerce center of India. Lothal, one of the world's first ports, is located in Gujarat. Also, Mahatma Gandhi, India's father of the nation, was Gujarati and led the Indian Independence Movement against the British,[2] as was Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of Pakistan. Today also, Gujarat has one of the fastest growing economies in India[3].
Contents[hide] |
[edit] History
[edit] Origin
Modern-day Gujarat is derived from Gujjar (Gujjar Rāshtra), which means Gujjar nation.[4][5] The origins of the Gujjars are uncertain. The Gujjar clan appeared in northern India about the time of the Huna invasions of northern India. Some scholars, such as V. A. Smith, believed that the Gujjars were foreign immigrants, possibly a branch of Hephthalites ("White Huns"), however others, such as K.M.Munshi, stated them as Indian. The name of the tribe was Sanskritized to "Gurjara" .[6]
[edit] Ancient history
Historically, the present-day state of Gujarat has been one of the main centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. It contains major ancient metropolitan cities from the Indus Valley such as Lothal, Dholavira, and Gola Dhoro. The ancient city of Lothal is the site of the India's first port. Also, Dholavira, the ancient city, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The most recent discovery was Gola Dhoro. All together, about 50 Indus Valley settlement ruins were discovered in Gujarat.[7]
The ancient history of Gujarat was enriched by their commercial activities. There is a clear historical evidence of trade and commerce ties with Sumer in the Persian Gulf during the time period of 1000 to 750 BC.[7] Later Gujarat was settled by the Aryans.
There was a succession of Hindu kingdoms including the era of the Gupta dynasty. Afterwards the region was ruled by the Maitrakas and then the Solankis. The 9th century history of Gujarat saw the emergence of the Muslims in the political arena of the state. The first Muslim conqueror was Mahmud of Ghazna whose conquest of Somnath effectively ended the rule of the Solankis.[7]
[edit] 1297 CE – 1614 CE
From 1297 to 1300, Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, destroyed Anhilwara and incorporated Gujarat into the Delhi Sultanate. After Timur's sacking of Delhi at the end of the fourteenth century weakened the Sultanate, Gujarat's Muslim governor Zafar Khan Muzaffar asserted his independence, and his son, Sultan Ahmed Shah (ruled 1411 to 1442), restructured Ahmedabad as the capital. Cambay eclipsed Bharuch as Gujarat's most important trade port. The Sultanate of Gujarat remained independent until 1576, when the Mughal emperor Akbar conquered it and annexed it to the Mughal Empire. The port of Surat become the prominent and main port of India during Mughal rule. Gujarat remained a province of the Mughal empire until the Marathas sacked eastern and central Gujarat in the eighteenth century; Western Gujarat (Kathiawar and Kutch) were divided among numerous local rulers.
[edit] 1614 CE - 1947 CE
Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Gujarat, acquiring several enclaves along the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The British East India Company established a factory in Surat in 1614, which formed their first base in India, but it was eclipsed by Bombay after the British acquired it from Portugal in 1668. The Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Many local rulers, notably the Maratha Gaekwads of Baroda (Vadodara), made a separate peace with the British and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for retaining local self-rule. Gujarat was placed under the political authority of the Bombay Presidency, with the exception of Baroda state, which had a direct relationship with the Governor-General of India. From 1818 to 1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including Kathiawar, Kutch, and northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into hundreds of princely states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Broach (Bharuch), Kaira, Panch Mahals, and Surat, were ruled directly by British officials.
[edit] Indian independence movement
See also: Freedom fighters from Gujarat
Leaders like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi Shankar Vyas all hailed from Gujarat. As well, Mohammed Ali Jinnah's, Pakistan's first Governor-General, father was from an area which later became Gujarat. Gujarat was also the site of some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha.
[edit] Post independence
After Indian independence and the partition of India in 1947, the new Indian government grouped the former princely states of Gujarat into three larger units; Saurashtra, which included the former princely states on the Kathiawad peninsula, Kutch, and Bombay state, which included the former British districts of Bombay Presidency together with most of Baroda state and the other former princely states of eastern Gujarat. In 1956, Bombay state was enlarged to include Kutch, Saurashtra, and parts of Hyderabad state and Madhya Pradesh in central India. The new state had a mostly Gujarati-speaking north and a Marathi-speaking south. Agitation by both Gujarati and Marathi nationalists for their own states led to the split of Bombay state on linguistic lines; on 1 May 1960, it became the new states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The first capital of Gujarat was Ahmedabad; the capital was moved to Gandhinagar in 1970.
[edit] Geography
Gujarat borders with Pakistan to the north-west, bounded by the Arabian Sea to the southwest, the state of Rajasthan to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and by Maharashtra, Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south. Historically, the North was known as Anarta, the Kathiawad peninsula, "Saurastra", and the South as "Lata".[8] Gujarat was also known as Pratichya and Varuna.[9] The Arabian Sea makes up the state's western coast. The capital, Gandhinagar is a planned city. Gujarat has an area of 75,686 sq mi (196,077 km²).
[edit] Demographics
| [show]Population Growth | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1951 | 16,263,000 | | |
| 1961 | 20,633,000 | 26.9% | |
| 1971 | 26,697,000 | 29.4% | |
| 1981 | 34,086,000 | 27.7% | |
| 1991 | 41,310,000 | 21.2% | |
| 2001 | 50,671,000 | 22.7% | |
| Source:Census of India[10] | |||
The population of the Gujarat State was 50,671,017 as per the 2001 census data. The density of population is 258 persons per km², a lower density compared to other states of the country.
Its official and primary language is Gujarati. About 89.1% of the population of Gujarat are Hindu.[11] Muslims account for 9.1%, Jain 1.0% and Sikh 0.1% of the population.[11] . Amongst Hindus, the deity of Krishna is famously worshiped in His form of Shrinathji throughout Gujarat.
71% of Hindus in Gujarat speak Gujarati while the other 29% speak Hindi. Almost 88% of the Muslims speak Gujarati while the other 12% speak Urdu. Almost all of the Jains speak Gujarati (a few speak Marwari as well). Parsi Zoroastrians also speak Gujarati as their native language. Marathi is spoken by a large number of people in Vadodara and Surat.
Besides Gujarati, the Kutchi language is widely spoken in the Kutch District.
Gujarat, as a heavily industrialized state of India, attracts lots of outsiders from various parts of India.
[edit] Economy
Gujarat has some of the largest businesses in India. Major agricultural produce of the state include cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), dates, sugar cane, milk and milk products. Industrial products include cement and petrol.
- 39% of India's industrial output
- 10% of its mineral production
- 80% of salt production
- 20% of India's exports
- 25% of its textile production
- 40% of India's pharmaceutical products
- 67% of petrochemical production
- Longest shoreline -- 1,670 kilometres (1,040 mi)
The world's largest shipbreaking yard is in Gujarat near Bhavnagar at Alang. Reliance Petroleum Limited, one of the group companies of Reliance Industries Limited founded by Dhirubhai Ambani, operates the oil refinery at Jamnagar, which is the world's largest grass-roots refineries. The company has also planned another SEZ (special economic zone) in Jamnagar.
Gujarat ranks first nationwide in gas-based thermal electricity generation with national market share of over 8% and second nationwide in nuclear electricity generation with national market share of over 1%.
Over 20% of the S&P CNX 500 conglomerates have corporate offices in Gujarat.
As per RBI report, in year 2006-07, 26% out of total bank finance in India was in Gujarat.
[edit] Industrial growth
Gujarat's major cities include Ahmedabad, Surat, Baroda(Vadodara) and Rajkot. Surat is the fastest growing city and Ahmedabad is the third fastest growing city in India. Major resources produced by the state include cotton, peanuts, dates, sugarcane, and petrol. The state is rich in calcite, gypsum, manganese, lignite, bauxite, limestone, agate, feldspar and quartz sand, and successful mining of these minerals is done in their specified areas. Gujarat produces about 90% of India's required amount of Soda Ash and gives the country about 66% of its national requirement of salt. It is one of India's most prosperous states, having a per-capita GDP significantly above India's average. Kalol Khambat and Ankaleshwar are today known for their oil and natural gas production. Dhuvaran has a thermal power station, which uses coal, oil and gas. The Tarapur nuclear station in Maharashtra supplies the main power. Also, on the Gulf of Khambat, 50 kilometres (31 mi) southeast of Bhavnagar, is the Alang Ship Recycling Yard (the world's largest). General Motors produces the Astra car at Halol near Vadodara. Jalalpur is a large town of Gujarat, where several small and large textile industrial units have been established. Surat, a city by the Gulf of Khambat, is a hub of the global diamond trade. In 2003, 92% of the world's diamonds were cut and polished in Surat.[12]
During the period of 1960-90, Gujarat established itself as a leader in various industrial sectors including textiles, engineering, chemicals, petrochemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, dairy, cement and ceramics, and gems and jewellery, amongst others. A post-liberalization period saw Gujarat's State Domestic Product (SDP) rising at an average growth rate of 14% per annum in real terms (from 1994-2002). Gujarat achieved as much as 35% of augmentation in its power generation capacity during the periods 1995-96 and 2000-01. The producers (IPPs) have contributed significantly in this addition. Gujarat is one of the first few states in India to have encouraged private sector investment, some of which are already in operation. In addition, the liquid cargo (chemicals) handling port at Dahej is also set up in joint sector and made operational. At an investor's summit entitled "Vibrant Gujarat," arranged between January 10, 2007 to January 13, 2007, at Science City, Ahmedabad, the state government signed 104 Memoranda of Understandings for Special Economic Zones worth a total of Rs 2.5 lakh crore.[13] However, most of the investment was from domestic industry.[14] In the fourth Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit held at Science City, Ahmedabad, in January 2009, there were 600 foreign delegates. In all, 8668 MOUs worth Rs 12.5 lakh cr were signed, estimated to create 25 lakh new job opportunities in the state.[15]
[edit] Agriculture
Gujarat is the main producer of tobacco, cotton, and groundnuts in India. Other major food crops produced are rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, Tur, and gram. Gujarat has an agricultural economy; the total crop area amounts to more than one-half of the total land area.[16]
Animal husbandry and dairying have played a vital role in the rural economy of Gujarat. Dairy farming, primarily concerned with milk production, functions on a cooperative basis and has more than a million members. Gujarat is the largest producer of milk in India. Amul milk co-operative federation products are well known all over India, and it is Asia's biggest dairy[17]. Among livestock raised are buffalo and other cattle, sheep, and goats. As per the results of livestock census 1997, there were 209.70 lakh livestock in Gujarat State. As per the estimates of the survey of major livestock products, during the year 2002-03, the Gujarat produced 6.09 million tonnes of milk, 385 million eggs and 2.71 million kg of wool. Gujarat also contributes inputs to industries like textiles, oil, and soap.
[edit] Government and politics
| Gujarat state symbols | |
|---|---|
| Animal | Asiatic lion |
| Bird | Greater flamingo |
| Dance | Garba |
| Flower | galgota |
| Language | Gujarati |
| Song | Jai Jai Garavi Gujarat |
| Sport | |
| Tree | mango (amba ) |
Gujarat is governed by a Legislative Assembly of 182 members. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) are elected on the basis of adult suffrage from one of 182 constituencies, of which 13 are reserved for scheduled castes and 26 for scheduled tribes. The term of office for a member of the Legislative Assembly is five years. The Legislative Assembly elects a speaker who presides over the meetings of the legislature. A governor is appointed by the President of India, and is to address the state legislature after every general election and the commencement of each year's first session of the Legislative Assembly. The leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature (Chief Minister) or his or her designee acts as the Leader of the Legislative Assembly. The administration of the state is led by the Chief Minister.
After gaining independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress party (INC) ruled the Bombay state (which included present-day Gujarat and Maharashtra). Congress continued to govern Gujarat after the state's creation in 1960. During and after India's State of Emergency of 1975-1977, public support for the Congress Party eroded, but it continued to hold government until 1995. In the 1995 Assembly elections, the Congress lost to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Keshubhai Patel came to power. His government lasted only two years. The fall of that government was provoked by a split in the BJP led by Shankersinh Vaghela, who has won most of the subsequent polls. In 2001, following the loss of two assembly seats in by-elections, Keshubhai Patel resigned and yielded power to Narendra Modi. The BJP retained a majority in the 2002 election, and Narendra Modi has since served as Chief Minister of the state. On 1 June 2007, Narendra Modi became the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarat.[18][19] On December 23, 2007, the BJP won the state elections in Gujarat and Narendra Modi became the chief minister for the third time in a row.
[edit] Revenues of government
This is a chart of trend of own tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Gujarat assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures in millions of Indian rupees.
| Year | Own tax revenues |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 104,818 |
| 2005 | 138,964 |
[edit] Districts
On 1960-05-01, Gujarat was created out of the 17 northern districts of former State of Bombay. These districts were further subdivided later on. There are 26 administrative districts in the state (as of 2007).
[edit] Education
Gujarat has 13 universities and four agricultural universities. National Institute of Technology at Surat. Indian Institute of Management at Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design, at Ahmedabad.
[edit] GSHSEB
The Gujarat Secondary & Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) was constituted in 1972, following the enactment of the Gujarat Secondary Education Act 1972. Its Chairman and Deputy Chairman are appointed by the State Government. It has 16 ex officio members, and 44 other members drawn from academic organizations, legislative bodies and civil society. Various Committees with specific responsibilities function under the Board, such as the Executive Committee, Examination Committee, Finance Committee, Education Committee, and Magazine Advisory Committee.
GSHSEB provides the State Government guidance about the policies governing secondary education, its development and qualitative enhancement. In an overview, its duties are:
- Preparing the curricula & syllabi
- Registering new Secondary schools and monitoring their performance on a continual basis
- Providing developmental guidance
- Organising training for teachers and principals-up measures (for instance, to integrate Gujarat's students with the Information Technology-enabled global village, the Board has introduced Computer Studies among regular curricula).
[edit] Engineering institutes
- National Institute of Technology in Surat
- Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara
- L D College of Engineering, Ahmedabad
- Lukhdhirji Engineering College, Morbi
- Government Engineering College, Patan
- Government Engineering College, Bhuj
- Vishwakarma Government Engineering College, Gandhinagar
- Nirma University of Science and Technology, Ahmedabad
- C.U.Shah college of engineering and technology, Surendranagar
- Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering, Visnagar
- Gandhinagar Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar
- U. V. Patel College of Engineering[20]
- L.C.Institute of Technology, Bhandu, Mehsana
- V. V. P. Engineering College, Rajkot
- Babaria Institute of Technology, Varnama
- Atmiya Institute of Technology & Science
- L.D.R.P Institute of Engineering & Technology, Gandhinagar
- A.D. Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat
- Government Engineering College,Modasa
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology, Vasad
- Dharamsinh Desai Institute of Technology, Nadiad
- Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Gandhinagar
- Charotar Institute Of Technology (Changa)
- Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, Surat
- C K Pithawala College of Engineering and Technology, Surat
- Birla Vishwakarma Mahavidyalaya from S.P University at Vallabh Vidyanagar near Anand.
- G H Patel College Of Engineering & Technology at Vallabh Vidyanagar near Anand.
- The Institute for Plasma Research is an autonomous physics research institute located in the capital city Gandhinagar and is involved in the research of various aspects of plasma science including basic plasma physics, magnetically confined hot plasmas, and plasma technologies for industrial applications. As a unit of the Department of Space, Government of India, PRL carries out fundamental research in select areas of physics, space, and atmospheric sciences.
- Ahmedabad Textile and Industries' Research Association is also located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- Pandit Deendayal University,Gandhinagar which is started by GSPC is offering undergraduate and management courses in petroleum fields.
- IPTG (Institute of Petroleum Technology, Gandhinagar)
- IPMG (Institute of Petroleum Management, Gandhinagar)
- Indus Institute of Technology and Engineering, Ahmedabad
[edit] Universities
There are total 29 universities in Gujarat as on March 1, 2009. This includes the recent Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya and Navrachana University. The Government of Gujarat has already given the approval to these three universities and the enrollment will begin in June 2009.
| Ahmedabad
Anand and Nadiad
Gandhinagar |
Surat Vadodara Other areas
|
[edit] Other Institutes
Gujarat is also known for many national level institutions. The Space Applications Centre (SAC) is an institution for space research and satellite communication in Ahmedabad, India, under the aegis of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned scientist, industrialist, and visionary gujarati, played an important role in it. He also founded Physical Research Laboratory, a research institute encompasses Astrophysics, Solar System, and cosmic radiation. He also envisioned Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, one of the internationally reputed management research institute that is located in Gujarat's commercial capital Ahmadabad and is the top ranked management institutes in the country.[citation needed]
Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute has been established under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Govt. of India at Bhavnagar. It was inaugurated by Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India on 10 April, 1954, with a view to carry out research on marine salt, and salt from inland lakes and sub-soil brine. It is working on reverse osmosis, electro membrane process, salt and marine chemicals, analytical science, marine biotechnology, and other related fields.
B.K. School of Business Management is ranked 6th in terms of financial Management. K. S. School of Business Management is also an MBA College in Gujarat University providing a unique five year's integrated MBA Cource. The National Institute of Design (NID) is internationally acclaimed as one of the foremost multi-disciplinary institutions in the field of design education and research. In addition, Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) is one of the leading sectoral institution in rural management. IRMA is a unique institution in the sense that it provides professional education to train managers for rural management. It is the only one of its kind in all Asia.
Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat is one of the best engineering colleges in India. It is one of the 20 NITs created by the central government and is a deemed university. It has students from all over India and some foreign students as well. Also, there is Nirma University ranked 14th in self-financed engineering colleges in India.
Apart from that, Mudra Institute of Communication Ahmedabad (MICA) is one of the most famous institutes for mass communication and is well-renowned across India. In terms of professional development & management consulting, the pioneer person is Jagdish CHaudhari, who is a national award winner & All India Best Cadet. He is much sought for coaching & career guidance. IIT Indian institute of technology was established at Gandhinagar in the year 2008. IIT Gandhinagar is mentored by IIT Bombay. IIT'S first batch started on August 1, 2008, at a temporary building of government college, Chandkheda, Gandhinagar.
[edit] Gujarat Science City
Gujarat Science City[21], is a government initiative to draw more students towards education in science, which hosts India's first IMAX 3D theatre, an energy park, a hall of science, an amphitheatre, and dancing musical fountains among others.
[edit] Culture of Gujarat
[edit] Religion
[edit] Hinduism
Gujarat was a part of the Harappan civilization. Gujarat is home to Hindu saints of all castes. Sant Dhudhalinath and Sant Girnari Velnathji were Adivasis, Sant Bhojo Nachabkha and Madhavagar were Shudras, Mahatma Gandhi and Lala Bhagat were Vaish, Sant Kilha was a Kshatriya[22], and Lakulisa and Chakradhara were Brahmins.
Many Hindu religious traditions developed in Gujarat.
For example, Pasupata Saivism was established in Gujarat. Gujarat is the birth-place of Lord Shiva's avatar, Lakulisa (Staff-God). He established the Pasupata Shaivite tradition (one of the six major schools of Shaivism) in 2 A.D. or 3 A.D. According to some traditions, he was born in Kayarohana or Kayavatara in Saurashtra while other traditions hold that it was Karavana, in the modern-day town of Dabhoi Taluka near Baroda,[23] another that it was Ulkapuri (modern Avakhal)[24] and another that it was in Braoch or Bharuch.[25] From Gujarat it spread north to Kashmir,[26] South to Tamil Nadu,[27] East to Nepal[28] (where the Pashupatinath Temple stills exists popularly.)
[edit] Bhakti movement
The Bhakti movement was very popular in Gujarat where devotees of both Islam and Hinduism focused worship of God, trying to rid any separations based on faith in God.
Swami Chakradhara was another major figure of the Bhakti movement, born in Gujarat in 1194 A.D.[29], and he is believed to be the avatar of Vishnu. Chakradhara Maharaja established the Manhubhava Vaishnavite sect, which spread to Maharashtra as well. The sect still exists today in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Sant Kilha was another Vaishnavite saint of Gujarat born to a Subedar (army man) father.[22] He was the disciple of Krishnasdas (of Jaipur) and became his successor at the seat of Galta — Kilha's branch became known as the "Tapasa branch."[30] Besides Ram Bhakti (devotion to Lord Rama), he was also inclined towards yog-saghana and this is why he was made acharya of the Galta Gaddi.[31] He is said to be the founder of the Khati sect.[32] Jalarama, a devotee of Lord Rama is another popular figure. Jalarama's birthday is still celebrated by Gujarati (in Gujarat and abroad) as Jalaram Jayanti.
[edit] Jainism
Gujarat is a stronghold for the Jain community . Jainism preaches non-violence to all living creatures and vegetarianism. The Jains have heavily influenced the cuisine of Gujarat with the famous Gujarati thali containing small vegetarian dishes along with roti and chaas. Morality in business is an important feature of Jain culture. The bania (traders) caste, predominant in Gujarat, comprises followers from both the Jaina and Vaishnava traditions. Intermarriages between the two traditions are common.
[edit] Islam
Gujarat was one of the first places the Muslims came to India. King Arjun of Gujarat permitted the Muslim trader from Ormuz to build a mosque in Gujarat and even paid for the expenses of a certain Shiite festival.[33]
The Sufi saints are very popular in Gujarat. Shaykh Makhu was a Sufi saint of the Shattari lineage.[34] "Since Gujarat is situated on the western border of India, there was a direct interaction with people of Arabia and Persia. Many Gujarati Saints and Sufis became famous. Among them names of Sheikh Ganjul lim (1381), Syed Burhanuddin (1411) and Sheikj Wajihuddin Gujarati are well known.[35]
[edit] Zoroastrianism
Following the fall of the Sassanid Empire in 651, many Zoroastrians migrated, including several groups who settled in Gujarat. The descendants of those refugees are today known as the Parsis and Irani. The year of arrival on the subcontinent cannot be precisely established, and Parsi legend and tradition assigns various dates to the event.
They originally settled along coastal Gujarat in villages like Sanjan in Valsad district, along the Gujarat-Maharashtra border. The Qissa-i Sanjan is a poem discussing the Zoroastrians' landing in Sanjan through the generosity of Rana Jada and being allowed to practice their customs.
Parsis are generally more affluent than other Indians and are stereotypically viewed as among the most Anglicised and "Westernised" of the various minority groups[36]. They have also played an instrumental role in economic development with several of the best-known business conglomerates of India run by Parsi-Zoroastrians, including the Tata, Godrej, and Wadia families.
Similarities with Hinduism is seen in Zoroastrianism in beliefs that the cow is very sacred. In the 9th chapter of the Vendidad of the Avesta, the purificatory power of cow urine is dilated upon.[37] It is declared to be a panacea for all bodily and moral evils. It is drunk as well as applied externally.[37] Urine of the bull, called "nirang" is brought to the house of an orthodox Parsi every morning and is (like cow milk) applied to the face, hands, and feet.[37]
There were several Zoroastrian organizations formed to educate the Parsis on their heritage. Rahnumai Maznayasnam Sabha was established in 1851 by English-educated Parsis like Naoroji Furdunji with funds supplied by K.N.Kama. Much attention focused on the improved of women in society; the purdah was abolished, the age of marriage raised, and education promoted.[36]
[edit] Religious traditions
In Gujarat, there have been several great religious figures. Sant Dadu Dayal (1554-1603), a saint-poet and a major Bhakti figure from Ahmedabad treated equally both Rama and Allah as names of God and became popular in Northern India. He wrote, "The illusion of Allah and Rama hath been dispelled by my mind; since I see Thee in all"[38]
Gujarat is also the home of Mahatma Gandhi, who preached the unity between all religions and became a worldwide figure for peaceful struggle against tyranny.
[edit] Religious sites
Dwarakadheesh temple in Dwarka is one of the important temples dedicated to Krishna. On the tip of the Arabian Sea, it was home to Krishna. The Rann of Kutchch covers a large portion of western Gujarat, and is world-famous for its rare ecosystem, fossils, wildlife and terrain.
Palitana Temples are a complex of Jain temples situated 51 km south west of Bhavnagar. There are 863 temples from the base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya hill, where the Palitana temples are located.
Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlings (golden lingas) or symbols of the God Shiva. It is mentioned in the Rig Veda. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as 'the Shrine Eternal', as the temple has been destroyed six times, but was rebuilt on each occasion.
Modhera Sun Temple is famous for its rare position as specifically and uniquely designed for the worship of the Sun, Lord Surya. While the main temple is beautifully and intricately designed with complex architecture, painting, and sculptures, there is a central pond. Surrounding it stand 108 small temples for each of the Sun God's 108 names.
Shankheshwar Jain Temples are dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshvanath. It is believed that this idol was revealed by Lord Krishna himself, by the teachings of Neminath the 22nd Tirthankar. It is near Ahmedabad.
Patan houses 84 magnificent Jain Temples built by Samrat Kumarpal, who was a staunch disciple of Acharya Hemachandra, a Jain monk and scholar.
Girnar is an epitome of communal harmony & amicable relations among Jains and Hindus. This high-rising steep hill houses shrines of both major religions. One dedicated to Neminath or Arisht Nemi, the 22nd tirthankara, where he is believed to attain nirvana, and another dedicated to Guru Dattatreya, a Hindu deity.
Ambaji: this temple is dedicated to goddess Ambaji. It is situated on the Arasur Hill and can be approached by road from Abu Road in Rajasthan, as well as from all other important places in Gujarat. A folk drama called 'Bhavai' is performed in the courtyards of the temple.
Dakor: this temple town dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated about 90 km from Ahmedabad. The temple of Ranchodrai has the idol of Lord Krishna, which is believed to have been brought from Dwarka by a devotee.
Becharaji temple: This temple is another important seat of Mother Goddess in Mehsana district. This temple is thronged by Hindu devotees, especially childless women.
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: The Sidi Sayed Mosque in Ahmedabad is one such famous and ancient mosque of the city. The Mosque in the year 1411 A.D. The elegant mosque was built by Sidi Sayed, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque is famous all over the country because of its fantastic architecture and exquisite jali work (perforated stone lattices).
Rani Rupmati's Mosque: Rani Rupmati was the Hindu wife of Sultan Mehmed Beghara. Rani Rupmati mosque was built between 1430 to 1440 A.D., having three domes supported by pillars, with the central dome slightly elevated. It is located at Ahmedabad. The mosque has richly carved minarets, balcony windows, and jali. Its three domes are linked together by a flat roof. Muuk-Khana is a special attraction of this mosque.
Kutbi Mazar: A colossal monument raised in the memory of Syedna Qutubuddin Shaheed, the high priest of the Bohra community.
Shah Alam Roza: Shah Alam Roza is the mosque and tomb of Saint Shah Alam. Here the brass doors are set in carved marble frames. The floor is tiled of black and white marble. Its dome and minars shows great architectural work of the sultanate era.
[edit] Fairs and festivals
[edit] Fairs
Around more than 1000 festivals are celebrated in Gujarat--the state is known as the land of fairs and festivals. Some of these fairs and festivals are as follows:
Bhavnath Mahadev Mela (February)
The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, situated at the foot of Mount Girnar in the city of Junagadh, is the site of the Bhavnath Mahadev fair held for five days in February, during the festival of Mahashivratri. The Mahapuja of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight in this temple on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh. When the puja (prayer ceremony) starts, Naga Bavas (naked sages) living nearby move towards the fair seated on elephants, holding flags and blowing conch shells. It is firmly believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. Visitors are served free meals by the organizers. Special stalls sell idols, rosaries, or holy beads (brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura), utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits. The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is surrounded by many equally ancient and holy places.
Dangs Darbar (March)
Dangs Darbar is the name of the annual fair held every year in Ahwa, the most important town in the Dangs a few days before Holi. The Dangs is one of the most delightful districts of Gujarat and is located high in the Saputara hills, the original home of the adivasis, the tribal population of Gujarat. The name "Darbar" dates back to the time of the British, when a darbar of Rajas and Naiks of neighbouring area used to assemble there. Today it is called Jamabandi Darbar, and the District Collector officiates at it. Thousands of tribal people flock to Ahwa from all over the district, dressed in bright colours, sounding the Shehnai, and beating their drums. Folk dances, dramas, and songs enliven the air during the festival.
Chitra — Vichitra Mela (March)
This fair, one of the largest purely Adivasi (tribal) fairs, is attended by around 60,000 to 70,000 tribal people. It takes place every year in the village of Gunbhakhari in Sabarkantha district, very near the borders of Rajasthan. It is held a fortnight after Holi, the festival of colours. The site of the fair is attractive as the temple overlooks the rivers Sabarmati, Akul, and Vyakul. The name of the fair is derived from Chitravirya and Vichitraviraya, the sons of King Shantanu, who are believed to have lived there and been cured of diseases which afflicted them. The fair attracts large numbers of Bhils (tribals) who come from all the surrounding districts using every imaginable form of transport. The Garasis and Bhil tribals dress in their customary colourful costumes. The costume of the men generally consists of a blue shirt, dhoti, and a red or saffron turban. Women don ghaghras (embroidered skirts), which have a circumference of as much as 20 yards (18 m), and are covered from head to foot with ornate and heavy silver jewellery. They use liquid kumkum (vermilion) to colour their cheeks and lips a brilliant red, while their eyes are outlined with kajal (kohl). Every group that comes to the fair carries its own drum making the atmosphere come alive with the incessant beat of numerous drums. The women sing folk songs, and everyone dances. The dancing and drumming continue for hours until everyone is exhausted. Over a hundred stalls hold food and drink and sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments can be bought, and household articles, as well. Here, as in other fairs, there is a giant wheel and a merry-go-round which never ceases to spin.
Sanskruti kunj Fair
The Sanskruti kunj Festival shows the different cultures of the states of India. It is organised in the winter sesion in the capital city, Gandhinagar. All the competitors of India come during this fair and show their state's culture & dance.
[edit] Festivals
Other than those festivals observed throughout India, there are festivities specific to Gujarat.
Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying Festival (14 January)
The Kite Flying Festival takes place in mid January and marks the time when the Sun's direct rays reach the Tropic of Capricorn after the winter solstice. It is celebrated with lots of folk music and dance as well as kite flying. People of Gujarat gather on terraces to fly kites of various colours to celebrate Makar Sankranti or Uttrayana, the welcome to the sun after the cold winter months. Glass strengthened threads of the Indian fighter kites are matched against each other in the air — the kite fighter who cuts the other thread is the victor. At night, kites with Chinese lanterns are flown and held aloft. Food such as Undhiya, sugar cane juice and local sweets is typically served to celebrate the day.
Dance Festival — Modhera (January)
Resting on a knoll in the village of Modhera are the ruins of the 11th century Sun Temple. The outer walls of the temple are covered with sculptures in which the figures of Surya, the sun god, are prominent. The Sun Temple is the site of an annual festival of Indian classical dances organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.
The Kutch Mahotsav (February-March)
The 'Kutch Festival' or the 'Rann festival' is celebrated at the time of the Shiv Ratri in February/ March. The centre of the festival is Bhuj in Kutch. It has crafts, fairs and folk dances and music and cultural shows, all organized by the Gujarat Tourism. Tours are also conducted out to the ruins of Dhola Vera, a city that was once a part of the Indus Valley civilization.
Bhadra Purnima (September)
The full moon of Bhadrapad is one of the four most important festival days of the year when farmers and agriculturists come to Ambaji, a place that derives its name from Goddess Ambaji, whose shrine is located there. On this occasion, a large fair is organized on full moon days. In the evening, performances of Bhavai, the folk drama of the state, is held and Garba programmes are organized. The devout attend readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of the goddess, and visit the temple for a darshan (worship) of her. The Ambaji shrine is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat, and its origins are still unknown. The Temple of Ambaji is recognized as one of the original Shakti Pithas (religious texts) where, according to the ancient Scriptures, the heart of the goddess Ambaji fell to earth when her body was dismembered. A triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable 'Shree' in the centre, represents the deity. There is no idol, which testifies the temple's antiquity. Idol worship became popular much later.
[edit] Protected areas
Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries which include: Nal Sarovar, Anjal, Balaram-Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Jessore, Kachchh Desert, Khavda, Narayan Sarovar, Paniya, Purna, Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar.
Gujarat is the only home of Asiatic Lions. Outside Africa, Gujarat is the only present natural habitat of lions. Gir Forest National Park in the south-west part of the state covers only part of the lions' habitat. Besides lions, the other big cat that can be found in the state is the leopard. Leopards are spread across large plains of Saurashtra and mountains of South Gujarat.
[edit] Historic sites
Lothal is the site of the ancient ruins of the first Indian port, dating from the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. Dholavira, the ancient city, locally known as Kotada Timba, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is located on the Khadir island in the Kutch district of Gujarat — the island is surrounded by water in the monsoon season. The site was occupied from about 3000 BC for about a millennium, declining slowly after about 2100, briefly abandoned and then reoccupied, finally, by villagers among its ruins, until about 1450. Gola Dhoro, dating from 2500-2000 BCE, was recently discovered near the village of Bagasra. Shell bangles, copper, and beads were found there.[39]
[edit] Museums
Gujarat's museums are run by the state's Department of Museums located at the principal state museum, Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery. Other famous museums include:
[edit] The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya
The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya in Ahmedabad is run by a public trust established in 1951. The museum's new premises were built in 1963. The museum's main objective was to house the personal memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently, the exhibits on view depict the vivid and historic events of Gandhiji's life. There are books, manuscripts, and photostat copies of his correspondence, photographs of Gandhiji with his wife Kasturba and other ashram associates, life size oil paintings, and actual relics like his writing desk.
[edit] Calico Museum of Textiles
The Calico Museum of Textiles at Ahmedabad, India, is the premier textile museum of the country, and one of the most celebrated institutions of its kind in the world for its distinguished and comprehensive collection of textiles and artifacts.
[edit] The Vadodara Museum
The Vadodara Museum in Vadodara, located in the popular Sayaji Bagh, the museum houses a collection which belonged to the former maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad. Indian rulers during the Raj often collected all kinds of European art and other knick knacks. Largely being the personal collection of the maharaja, the exhibits span across centuries and continents, as well as diverse art forms. There are Greek and Roman sculpture with European paintings of earlier periods. The Asian section has items from Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China, and Japan made of wood, ivory, bronze and pottery.
[edit] Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum
The impressive Laxmi Vilas Palace, in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture, was once the residence of the Gaekwad family. Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum in Vadodara, located in the sprawling grounds of the palace complex, is a multi purpose museum and houses the Gaekwad family's rich collection of an treasures.
[edit] The Gandhi Museum
The Gandhi Museum in Bhavnagar showcases a rare collection of photographs relating to the life of Mahatma Gandhi are on view at the Gandhi Museum. These recreate the significant events of Gandhiji's life. Also displayed are documents, letters, and his personal relics. The collection of audio-visual material includes microfilms, a voice library, prayers, and lecture records.
- Kite Museum in Ahmedabad
- The Watson Museum in Rajkot
- The Lady Wilson Museums — Dharampur, Valsad
[edit] Transportation
[edit] Air
Gujarat has ten airports, the most of any Indian state as per the list of airports in India. All are domestic airports except Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which also offers international flights.
[edit] International airport
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad)- Many domestic as well as international flights operate from here.
[edit] Domestic airports
- Bhavnagar Airport - Bhavnagar Airport, 9 km from the city of Bhavnagar.
- Bhuj Airport - In the Bhuj city of Gujarat. This airport has been recently been named Shyamji Krishna Verma, Bhuj Airport.
- Jamnagar Airport - 10 km from the City of Jamnagar.
- Kandla Airport (Gandhidham) - situated at Kandla, near Gandhidham, in Kutch district.
- Keshod Airport (Junagadh) - Keshod Airport is found 3 km from Keshod city in Junagadh District.
- Porbandar Airport - is situated 5 km from the city of Porbandar.
- Rajkot Airport - 4 km from the city of Rajkot.
- Surat Airport - This domestic airport of Gujarat was recently inaugurated in Surat, on Magdalla Road.
- Vadodara Airport - Another domestic airport can be found near Vadodara city in Gujarat.
- Zalawad Airport - Future airport for Surendranagar area.
- Mehsana Airport - Meshana Airport is found 2 km from Meshsana city
[edit] Rail
Gujarat comes under the Western Railways zone of the Indian Railways. Ahmedabad Railway Station is the busiest railway station in Gujarat. Other important railway stations are Surat Railway Station, Vadodra Railway Station and Rajkot Railway Station. Indian Railways is planning Delhi-Mumbai dedicated rail freight route passing through the state.
[edit] Sea
Kandla Port is one of the largest ports serving Western India. Other important ports in Gujarat are the Port of Navlakhi, Port of Magdalla and the privately owned Mundra Port.
[edit] Road
[edit] Local transportation
[edit] Bus
Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is the primary body responsible for providing the bus services within the state of Gujarat and also with the neighboring states. It is a public transport corporation providing bus services and public transit within Gujarat and to the other states in India. Apart from this, there are a number of services provided by GSRTC.
- Mofussil Services — It connects major cities, smaller towns and villages within Gujarat.
- Intercity Bus Services — It also connects major cities — Ahmedabad, Vadodara (Baroda) and Rajkot.
- Interstate Bus Services — It connects various cities of Gujarat with the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
- City Services — GSRTC also provides city bus services at Surat, Baroda, Rajkot, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, within the state of Gujarat.
- Parcel Services — This service is used for transporting goods.
Apart from this, the GSRTC provides special bus services for festivals, industrial zones, schools, colleges and pilgrim places.
[edit] Auto rickshaws
Auto rickshaw is an important and frequently used mode of transport in Gujarat. The Government of Gujarat is promoting CNG Auto rickshaws to reduce pollution.
[edit] See also
- Gandhinagar - Capital of Gujarat
- List of people from Gujarat
- Parsi
- 2002 Gujarat violence
- 2001 Gujarat earthquake
- Vibrant Gujarat
[edit] References
- ^ Introduction to Gujarat
- ^ http://www.mapsofindia.com/gujarat/history/modern.html
- ^ http://www.blonnet.com/iw/2009/01/25/stories/2009012551001500.htm
- ^ Gujrat Government. "Gujrat state official site". http://www.gujaratindia.com/about-gujarat/history-1.htm. "The State took it's name from the Gujara, the land of the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the 700's and 800's."
- ^ Ramesh Chandra Majumdar; Bhāratīya Itihāsa Samiti (1954). The History and Culture of the Indian People: The classical age. G. Allen & Unwin. p. 64. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=8QhuAAAAMAAJ&q=gujar+khan+#search_anchor. "."
- ^ Bhandarkar, Devadatta Ramakrishna (1989). Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture. Asian Educational Services. pp. 64. ISBN 8120604571.
- ^ a b c http://www.mapsofindia.com/gujarat/history/
- ^ P. Page xvii Historical and Cultural Chronology of Gujarat edited by Manjulal Ranchholdlal Majmudar
- ^ P. 391 The Hindu World: An Encyclopedic Survey of Hinduism By Benjamin Walker
- ^ "Census Population" (PDF). Census of India. Ministry of Finance India. http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ a b Indian Census
- ^ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,501040419-610100,00.html
- ^ The Hindu Business Line : `Vibrant Gujarat' signs 104 MoUs worth Rs 2.5 lakh cr
- ^ Vibrant Gujarat sees one foreign investor, the Business Standard
- ^ http://in.rediff.com/money/2008/mar/10guj.htm
- ^ http://agri.gujarat.gov.in/gujarati/boards_corporations/gs-agri-mark-board/agri_profile.htm
- ^ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Cons-Products/Food/Amul-to-become-worlds-largest-liquid-milk-brand/articleshow/1988793.cms
- ^ Modi becomes longest serving CM of Gujarat
- ^ http://in.news.yahoo.com/070606/43/6gpdc.html
- ^ Ahmedabad institute of technology
- ^ http://www.scity.org/
- ^ a b P. 78 The Aryan Path By Sophia Wadia, Indian Institute of World Culture
- ^ Dasgupta, P. 7, A History of Indian Philosophy
- ^ Dyczkowskihe P. 23 Canon of the Saivagama and the Kubjika Tantras of the Western Kaul Tradition
- ^ Farquhar, P. 146, An Outline of the Religious Literature of India
- ^ Bamzai, P. 202, Culture and Political History of Kashmir
- ^ Shah, P. xi, Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects in Honour of Dr. U
- ^ "Pashupata Saivism" Hinduism Today, March 1994
- ^ P. 113 Social Life in Maharashtra Under the Peshwas By Sudha Vishwanath Desai
- ^ Encyclopaedia of Indian literature vol. 1 By Sahitya Akademi
- ^ P. 107 History of Rajasthani Literature By Hiralal Maheshwari
- ^ P. 453 The Modern Review By Ramananda Chatterjee
- ^ P. 185 An Advanced History of India By Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Kalikinkar Datta, Hemchandra Raychaudhuri
- ^ P. 306 Sufis & Saints' Bodies: Mysticism, Corporeality, & Sacred Power in Islam By Scott Kugle, Scott Alan Kugle
- ^ P. 169 Islam and Indian Culture By Mohammad Shujaat, Shujaat Muhammad
- ^ a b P. 282 A New Look at Modern Indian History By B.L. Grover, S. Grover
- ^ a b c Bhandarkar, P. 72 Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture
- ^ P. 400 History of Medieval India By S. Chand
- ^ Gola Dhoro archaeological site
[edit] External links
Find more about Gujarat on Wikipedia's sister projects:
Textbooks from Wikibooks
Quotations from Wikiquote
Source texts from Wikisource
Images and media from Commons
News stories from Wikinews
Learning resources from Wikiversity
- Government of Gujarat official website (redirect from gujarat.gov.in)
- Official information broadcasting platform of Government of Gujarat
- Durga Navratri in GUJARAT by hinduPAD.com
- Gujarat at the Open Directory Project
- Gujarat travel guide from Wikitravel
| Pakistan | Rajasthan | |||
| Arabian Sea | Madhya Pradesh | |||
| Gujarat | ||||
| Arabian Sea | Daman and Diu Dadra and Nagar Haveli Maharashtra |
| |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
Narendra Modi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until the dispute is resolved. (August 2009) |
| Narendra Modi | |
 | |
| | |
|---|---|
| In office for the 3rd term | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 7 October 2001 | |
| Governor | Nawal Kishore Sharma |
| Preceded by | Keshubhai Patel |
| Constituency | Maninagar |
| | |
| Born | September 17, 1950 (1950-09-17) Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Spouse(s) | Never married |
| Children | none |
| Residence | Gandhinagar, Gujarat |
| Alma mater | Gujarat University[1] |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Website | Narendra Modi Website |
| As of 9 March, 2009 Source: Government of Gujarat | |
Narendra Damodardas Modi (Gujarati: નરેંદ્ર દામોદરદાસ મોદી, IPA: [nəɾɛn̪d̪ɾə d̪ämod̪əɾd̪äs mod̪i]; born 17 September 1950[1]) is the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat since 7 October 2001.
He participated in the rise to political dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat as its elections organiser in the early 1990s. This was the period which led to the election of the party in 1995. He became Gujarat's Chief Minister in October 2001, promoted to the office at a time when his predecessor Keshubhai Patel had resigned, following the defeat of BJP in the by-elections.
He was re-elected in December 2002 as chief minister with 127 seats in the 182-member assembly. His term has been praised by leading industrialists[2][3] and religious leaders[4] for outstanding administration for turning Gujarat into an economic powerhouse and controlling terrorism. It has been criticised for alleged mismanagement of and complicity in the 2002 Gujarat violence.[5][6]
In July 2007 he became the longest serving Chief Minister in Gujarat's history when he had been in power for 2063 days continuously.[7]
He was elected again for a third term[8] on December 23, 2007 with an emphatic win in the state elections, which he had cast as a "referendum on his rule".[9][10]
Contents[hide] |
Personal life
Modi was born on 17 September 1950 to a middle class family in Vadnagar in Mehsana district of North Gujarat. During the Indo-Pak war in the mid sixties, even as a young boy, he volunteered to serve the soldiers in transit at railway stations. In 1967, he served the flood affected people of Gujarat. As a young man, he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, a student organization and was involved in the anti-corruption Nav Nirmāṇ ("Reconstruction") Movement. After working as a full time organizer for the organization, he was later nominated as its representative in the Bharatiya Janata Party.[11] He started with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),a socio-cultural organization with a focus on social and cultural development of India and imbibed the spirit of selflessness, social responsibility, dedication and nationalism.
He completed his schooling in Vadnagar. He holds the distinction of being a well-educated politician, having earned a masters graduate degree in Political Science from Gujarat University. He is known for being a poet and has published few book of poetry. He is a bachelor. He is the first and thus far, only, bachelor chief minister of Gujarat.
Early activism and politics
During his tenure with the RSS, Modi played several important roles on various occasions including the 1974 anti-corruption agitation and the harrowing 19-month (June 1975 to January 1977) long 'Emergency (India)',declared by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, when the fundamental rights of Indian citizens were strangled. Modi kept the spirit of democracy alive by going underground for the entire period and fighting a spirited battle against the fascist ways of the then central government[citation needed].
He entered mainstream politics in 1987 by joining the BJP[citation needed]. Just within a year, he was elevated to the level of General Secretary of the Gujarat unit. By that time he had already acquired a reputation for being a highly efficient organizer[citation needed]. He took up the challenging task of energizing the party cadres in right earnest. The party started gaining political mileage and formed a coalition government at the centre in April 1990. This partnership fell apart within a few months, but the BJP came to power with a two-thirds majority on its own in Gujarat in 1995. Since then, the BJP has been governing Gujarat.
Between 1988 and 1995, Modi was recognized as a master strategist who had successfully gained the necessary groundwork for making the Gujarat BJP the ruling party of the state[citation needed].
During this period, Modi was entrusted with the responsibility of organizing two crucial national events, the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra (a very long march) of L.K. Advani and a similar march from Kanyakumari (the southernmost part of India) to Kashmir in the North. The ascent of the BJP to power at New Delhi in 1998 has been attributed to these two highly successful events, substantially handled by Modi[citation needed].
In 1995, he was appointed the National Secretary of the party and given the charge of five major states in India – a rare distinction for a young leader[citation needed]. In 1998, he was promoted as the General Secretary (Organization), a post he held until October 2001, when he was chosen to be the Chief Minister of Gujarat, one of the most prosperous and progressive states of India.
During his stint at the national level, Modi was given the responsibility to oversee the affairs of several state level units, including the sensitive and crucial state of Jammu and Kashmir and the equally sensitive north-eastern states. He was responsible for revamping the party organization in several states[citation needed]. While working at the national level, Modi emerged as an important spokesman for the party and played a key role on several important occasions.
Tenure as Chief Minister
In October 2001, he was called upon by the party to lead the Government in Gujarat. When the Modi government was sworn in on October 7, 2001, the economy of Gujarat was reeling under the adverse effects of several natural calamities, including a massive earthquake in January 2001. However Modi, a master strategist, who was enriched by national and international exposure and experience, decided to take the bull by its horns.
He is believed to be a protégé of Lal Krishna Advani, who is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party himself. Advani has praised Modi on numerous occasions, referring to him as "a leader who, after being subjected to a malicious and prolonged campaign of vilification, has been able to impress even his critics with his determination, single-minded focus, integrity and a wide array of achievements in a relatively short time."[12]
Gujarat earthquake
The biggest challenge which he had to face, when he took over as the Chief Minster, was the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the areas affected by the massive Gujarat Earthquake of January 2001. Bhuj was a city of rubble and thousands of people were living in temporary shelters without any basic infrastructure. Today Bhuj is proof of how Modi has turned adversity into an opportunity for holistic development. In this critical situation, Modi is credited with starting immediate work to re-organize and stimulate the local economy.[13] Modi made an international record of restoration of 876618 houses in just 500 days. For Narendra Modi outstanding contribution for disaster management and rehabilitation, on 16-10-2003 Gujarat govt got UN Sasakawa Award for outstanding work in the field of disaster management and risk reduction.
Gujarat violence
In February 2002 violence broke out across the state claiming around 1000 lives. Independent estimates by human rights groups and NGOs place the figure higher to around 2000. The official estimate stated that 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus were killed, 223 people were reported missing and 2,500 were injured.[14] The root cause of riots was attributed to the Godhra Train Burning incident in which 58 Hindu Kar Sevaks were burnt alive by an alleged Muslim mob but it was never proven.[15][16] The Banerjee committee, set up by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad in September 2004, in its report submitted in 2005 had said the burning of S-6 coach of Sabarmati express on February 27, 2002 was an accident started by people cooking food in the railway car and said there was no Muslim involvement.[17][18] The Nanavati Commission however termed the Sabarmati express incident as a 'pre-planned conspiracy' and gave a clean chit to Mr. Modi[19]
Political fallout
As an aftermath of the riots, there were calls for Modi to resign from his position as chief minister of Gujarat. The opposition parties stalled the national parliament over the issue. Even Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), allies of the BJP, asked for Modi's resignation.[20][21] Modi submitted his resignation to the Governor and recommended the dissolution of the 10th Gujarat Legislative Assembly.[22][23] In the following state re-elections the BJP, led by Modi, won 127 seats in the 182-member assembly.
The United States revoked a visa for Modi the following year. He was cited for responsibility for violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.[24]
In April 2009, India's Supreme Court appointed a special team of investigators to look into the role Modi had played in the alleged anti-Muslim conspiracy.[6] The team was appointed in response to the complaint of Jakia Jafri, the widow of ex-Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, who was murdered in the riots.[25]
2007 elections
Modi's 2007 election campaign was marked with some passionate speeches reflecting his vision for Gujarat and his aggressive leadership. One such speech was given at Magrol in response of Sonia Gandhi's speech calling him a "merchant of death",[26] and referred to Sohrabuddin's killings. For this speech the Election Commission of India, a constitutional body governing election proceedings in India, cautioned Modi as it considered it as indulging in an activity which may aggravate existing differences between different communities. However, a similar procedure was not brought against Sonia Gandhi causing a lot of furore in Modi's supporters.[27]
Gujarat development
Modi took charge of Gujarat when its economy was shrinking and the domestic growth was stagnant.[28] Faced with massive economic losses, he re-organised the government's administrative structure and embarked upon a massive cost-cutting exercise.[29] As a result of his elaborate efforts, Gujarat registered a GDP growth rate of over 10% during his first tenure. This was the highest growth rate among all the Indian states.[30]
As a Chief Minister, Modi concretely put to practice his envisaged Gujarat by means of various yojana.[31] This includes Panchamrut Yojana,[32][33][34] a five-pronged strategy for an integrated development of the state, Sujalam Sufalam, a scheme to create a grid of water resources in Gujarat in an innovative step towards water conservation and its appropriate utilization.
- Krishi Mahotsav – agricultural research labs for the land
- Chiranjeevi Yojana – to reduce infant mortality rate
- Matru Vandana – providing preventive and curative services under the Reproductive and Child Health Programme
- Beti Bachao – campaign to protect baby girls to improve sex ratio
- Jyotigram Yojana – to electrify every village
- Karmayogi Abhiyan – to educate and train government employee
- Kanya Kalavani Yojana – to encourage the education of girls
- Balbhog Yojana – for midday meal for students
As a result of these yojna's Gujarat became number one state in India in various perspective. Many scholar and India Inc leaders suggested that if Gujarat model will be applied in all states in India then India can easily become a developed nation.
Position on terrorism
On 18 July 2006, Modi delivered a speech criticizing Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "for his reluctance to revive anti-terror legislations" like the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He asked the Centre to empower states to invoke tougher laws in the wake of the blasts in Mumbai.[35] Quoting Modi:
| " | Terrorism is worse than a war. A terrorist has no rules. A terrorist decides when, how, where and whom to kill. India has lost more people in terror attacks than in its wars.[35] | " |
Narendra Modi has frequently commented that if the BJP came to power at the Centre, they will honor the 2004 Supreme Court judgement to hang Afzal Guru.[36] Afzal was convicted of terrorism in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack in 2004 by the Supreme Court of India and is in Tihar Jail.[37]
During the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, on Thursday 27 November, Narendra Modi held a meeting to discuss waterfront security along the coastline.[38] At the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided that a number of steps be taken to improve security:
- Increase the number of police stations along the coast to 50 (from 10)
- Increase the number of police to 1500 from 250
- 30 modern high-speed surveillance boats (there are currently none)
2009 Lok Sabha elections
Although the BJP narrowly managed to win majority of the seats in Gujrat, the loss of the Rajkot seat, after almost 20 years of control, was unexpected. Prominent politicians like Sharad Yadav commented that the BJP's projection of Modi as a future Prime Minister affected it's performance in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.[39]
Awards and recognitions
- 30-01-2006 – In a nationwide survey conducted by India Today, Narendra Modi was declared the Best Chief Minister of the country.[40]
- 05-02-2007 – Adjudged the best CM for the third time in the nationwide survey conducted by India Today – ORG Marg, a unique achievement for any CM during a 5-year tenure.
- 25-08-2009 – Chosen as The Asian Winner of the fDi Personality of the Year Awards for 2009 by fDi Magazine.[41]
References
- ^ a b "Narendra Modi - Biography". Moneycontrol. http://www.moneycontrol.com/biography/Narendra_Modi/550. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
- ^ Handful of industrialists can't decide our next PM: Congress Indian Express - January 16, 2009
- ^ Modi's success saga: Now, told by Gujarat Inc Indian Express - April 26, 2007
- ^ Sants pour scorn on LKA, praise Modi Times of India - June 21, 2005
- ^ "Don't mention the massacre". The Economist: pp. 47. December 8, 2007. http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10251282.
- ^ a b Sengupta, Somini (2009-04-28). "Shadows of Violence Cling to Indian Politician". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/29/world/asia/29india.html. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
- ^ Modi becomes longest serving CM of Gujarat
- ^ "Modi begins new term in Gujarat". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7159756.stm. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Hindu Leader Begins 3rd Term in Gujarat". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=4049443. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Narendra Modi begins third innings as Gujarat CM". The Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Modi_begins_third_innings_as_Gujarat_CM/articleshow/2650589.cms. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Biography - Narendra Modi". http://www.narendramodi.org/bio.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
- ^ "Gujarat CM Modi, is a role model". Press Trust of India. http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=65801. Retrieved 2007-11-16.
- ^ Modi for early revival of Kutch economy The Hindu - October 21, 2007
- ^ "Gujarat riot death toll revealed". BBC News. May 11, 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4536199.stm. Retrieved 2006-04-15.
- ^ "Godhra's bitter harvest". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2802591.stm. Retrieved September 7, 2009.
- ^ "III. MASSACRES IN GODHRA AND AHMEDABAD". Human Rights Watch. http://www.hrw.org/legacy/reports/2002/india/India0402-02.htm#P241_39157. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
- ^ "Godhra was an accident, reiterates Banerjee". India News Online. September 25, 2008. http://news.indiamart.com/news-analysis/godhra-train-fire-ac-11837.html. Retrieved September 7, 2009.
- ^ "Godhra was an accident, reiterates Banerjee". Expressindia. September 25, 2008. http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Godhra-was-an-accident-reiterates-Banerjee/365855/. Retrieved April5, 2009.
- ^ "Truth brought out by Nanavati Commission: Modi". PTI. DNA. September 26, 2008. http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1193463. Retrieved April5, 2009.
- ^ "Gujarat Cabinet puts off decision on elections". The Tribune. 2002. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020418/main1.htm. Retrieved 2006-05-09.
- ^ "Congress demands Modi's resignation over Bannerjee report". United News of India. http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/03godhra.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-17.
- ^ "Modi resigns; seeks Assembly dissolution". The Hindu. 2002. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/20/stories/2002072002640100.htm. Retrieved 2006-05-09.
- ^ "Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi resigns; assembly dissolved". Rediff.com. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/19guj.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-17.
- ^ Krittivas Mukherjee. "Five years on, India's "modern-day Nero" prospers". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSDEL71643. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
- ^ Mahapatra, Dhananjay (2009-07-31). "SC rejects Modi govt's plea to stall SIT probe". Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/SC-not-to-stall-probe-on-02-riots/articleshow/4839947.cms. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
- ^ Sonia's 'merchants of death' was aimed at Modi: Cong
- ^ Election Commission Official Notice to Mr. Modi
- ^ Laveesh Bhandari (October 15, 2007). "Riots+economic growth=?". Indian Express. http://www.indianexpress.com/story/228419.html. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
- ^ Chief Minister – Government of Gujarat
- ^ How to achieve 10% GDP growth Rediff - 16 March 2006
- ^ Gujarat progress under Narendra Modi
- ^ "Modi invites investment in Gujarat". Press Trust of India. Expressindia. January 11, 2003. http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=18327. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
- ^ "Modi Steals The Show At Pravasi Divas". The Financial Express. January 12, 2003. http://www.financialexpress.com/news/modi-steals-the-show-at-pravasi-divas/67951/0. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
- ^ "With Panchamrut, Modi targets 10.2% Growth". The Financial Express. June 9, 2003. http://www.financialexpress.com/news/with-panchamrut-modi-targets-10.2-growth/81673/. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
- ^ a b "Mahatma on lips, Modi fights Centre". The Telegraph. 19 July 2006. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060719/asp/nation/story_6496620.asp. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
- ^ Now, Amar Singh says Afzal Guru must be hanged
- ^ Indo-Asian News Service - Afzal Guru's guilty verdict
- ^ Modi wants 3-layer ring to secure coast
- ^ http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/27/stories/2009052755431100.htm
- ^ "Making Up For Lost Time". India Today. http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/20070212/nation1.html. Retrieved 2006-02-12.
- ^ "Modi wins fDi personality of the year award". Sify. http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jiznt2hiece&tag=topnews&title=Modi_wins_fDi_personality_of_the_year_award. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
External links
- His personal website
- Bharatiya Janata Party Gujarat: Narendra Modi
- Narendra Modi's Speeches/Interviews Audio/Video
| Preceded by Keshubhai S. Patel | Chief Minister of Gujarat 6 October 2001 – present | Succeeded by incumbent |
Web Development company in noida
ReplyDeleteLooking for Web Development , Website Designing Company in Noida? Digital Notebook provides cheap and best Website Designing service in all over India.
Web Development company in noida
ReplyDeleteLooking for Web Development , Website Designing Company in Noida? Digital Notebook provides cheap and best Website Designing service in all over India.
Web Development company in noida
digital marketing agency in noida
ReplyDelete"Digital notebook is worldwide acclaimed digital marketing agency in Noida India that has set new and better quality standards for services delivered within the sector of digital marketing. We at digital notebook, strive relentlessly to stay up with customer expectations and satisfaction within the field of selling and advertisement. It happen to be the foremost creative and client friendly top digital marketing agency in India
"
seo company in noida
ReplyDeleteDigital Notebook is worldwide acclaimed digital marketing agency in Noida, India. Digital Notebook is creative in its approach and this makes us stand out among the rest and shine. Digital Notebook is the best SEO Agency that can help in bringing maximum traffic to your brand. We are focused and result driven team of experts who are here for enhancing the profit of your business. We are client friendly top digital marketing agency in India.
wheel chair manufacturer in delhi
ReplyDeleteMedi Move India is the leading manufacturer, supplier and distributer of Wheelchairs. These chairs are designed to assist handicapped, aged and other diverse physical requirements of people. We provide an infinite variety of wheelchairs- Folding Wheelchair, Pediatric Wheelchair, Aluminum Light Weight Wheelchair, Heavy Duty Wheelchair, Travel Wheelchair, Manual Wheelchair, Armrest & Footrest Wheelchair and Deluxe & Custom Wheelchair.
medical equipment manufacturers in India
ReplyDeleteMedi Move India is the leading manufacturer, supplier and distributer of Wheelchairs. These chairs are designed to assist handicapped, aged and other diverse physical requirements of people. We provide an infinite variety of wheelchairs- Folding Wheelchair, Pediatric Wheelchair, Aluminum Light Weight Wheelchair, Heavy Duty Wheelchair, Travel Wheelchair, Manual Wheelchair, Armrest & Footrest Wheelchair and Deluxe & Custom Wheelchair.
medical equipment manufacturing companies in india
ReplyDeleteMedi Move India is the leading manufacturer, supplier and distributer of Wheelchairs. These chairs are designed to assist handicapped, aged and other diverse physical requirements of people. We provide an infinite variety of wheelchairs- Folding Wheelchair, Pediatric Wheelchair, Aluminum Light Weight Wheelchair, Heavy Duty Wheelchair, Travel Wheelchair, Manual Wheelchair, Armrest & Footrest Wheelchair and Deluxe & Custom Wheelchair.
Amazing information about the topic you have provided via your blog thanks to you for sharing such an amazing article. Web Designing Services in Noida
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone
ReplyDeleteVisit me for Online Businesses, Websites and much more
www.mydigitaldudes.in