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FORMER CHIEF MINISTER SHOULD TEST WATER OF POPULARITY AT THE GROUND LEVEL   

Amarinder Singh should resign immediately from his Patiala assembly seat and exhort his wife Praneet Kaur MP to follow suit to test waters of popularity at the ground level.

I wish to remind Capt. Amarinder Singh about the genius of an old English axiom that ‘Charity begins at home’. This old saying carries a great social message for Capt. Amarinder Singh who has decided to launch his own political outfit with the blessings of the BJP, before he does that he is expected to  show some erudition of  political morality and resign forthwith from his Patiala  Assembly constituency  from where he was elected on the Congress ticket for ,  four consecutive terms.

Thereafter, just to test his popularity and hold in his ‘own family’, Capt. Amarinder Singh should ask his wife Mrs. Praneet Kaur to resign from Patiala Lok Sabha constituency, in deference to his wishes, from where she was even elected four times as congress candidate. Then to know the ground realities, he should ask his cronies from Patiala and elsewhere, who are holding top positions in the Government or semi-governmental institutions, to resign expressing their solidarity with the outgoing Chief Minister, which no one has expressed so far.

It is pertinent to note that ever since Capt. Amrinder Singh has been removed as Chief Minister of Punjab and replaced with Charanjit Singh Channi, he is grumbling unnecessarily and spitting venom, accusing  the Congress President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for his downright humiliation. People of Punjab are wary of his sinister designs and know very well that currently he is in the ‘cluster group’ of  Mr. Amit Shah and Mr. Ajit Doval, Home Minister of India and National Security Advisor respectively, and seeking their generous guidance to launch his own party in Punjab, that may suit the interior strategies of the BJP  which could fulfil their hidden agenda for Punjab.

I wonder how the ‘Stationary Former Chief Minister of Punjab’, Capt. Amarinder Singh, who has not visited Punjab for more than four years as CM , is now thumping his chest and  swaggeringly boasting that he will not rest at all and would go all out for the farmers and people of Punjab.

I wish to ask him that ‘You remained contented in running your government through your ‘Facebook page’; and you persistently endured pleasures within the confines of your ordained cherished sojourn of ‘Siswan Farm’  in ‘pleasantly cozy companies’ for more than four year like a  ‘Silk-Worm’ in a cocoon, how come your consciousness has suddenly woken up, out of deep slumbers and for what bargain with Amit Shah and Ajit Doval, when you did not care to meet the Prime Minister or Home Minister, even once as Chief Minister, to discuss the farmer’s issues.

Capt. Amarinder Singh should stop befooling farmers under the garb of his bargaining for ‘Governorship’ at the cost of the  sacrifices made by the farmers . I wish to ask him that as to how suddenly farmer’s issues have become so dear to him now, when on the contrary he never cared to visit and express his condolences to any of the family of more than 700 farmers, who lost their lives during the farmers struggle.

The height of his insensitivity is evident from the disparaging fact, that he being EX-Army Captain and Chief Minister of Punjab never attended the cremation of any soldiers to pay his tributes to the martyrs; who lay-down their lives, for protecting the sovereignty of our Nation.

STEP A MAJORITARIAN INVASION; GIVING POWERS TO CENTRAL FORCE OVER STATE POLICE WILL LEAD TO CONFLICT

Giving sweeping powers to BSF with senselessly extended territorial jurisdiction; is not a simple routine order of the Ministry of Home affairs; it manifests a deep-rooted design of the BJP to rule Punjab through BSF. The malicious order seriously impedes and corrodes the well-defined doctrine of separation of power in the constitution of India and I’m afraid it would also encumber the legitimacy of the obligation of the Center and the State, defined under Article 256 of the Constitution of India.

The sinister design should be seen as ‘Majoritarian Invasion’ against the pride of the self-respecting, significant minority of India. The Punjab should view it as an act of vengeance and savagery against the spirit of the constitution and the constitutional guarantees given to the states in India under the constitution.   The impinged order of the Home Ministry has also exposed the façade of Prime Minister Narinder Modi’s ‘cooperative federalism’.

Giving intersecting and all-encompassing powers to the BSF over the State police, would bring both the forces into a direct conflict, over the areas of jurisdiction to deal with the nature of crime, under IPC and CrPC.  The faceoff between two forces would create much more cumbersome tribulations, entailing a clumsier situation in Punjab, giving a handle to the Centre to impose President’s rule in Punjab on the alibi of complete collapse of law and order situation in the State.

If you put five border districts of Punjab, which includes Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Tarn, Ferozepur and Fazilka, under control of the BSF, which means the BJP has practically wrested the control of half of Punjab, through BSF; under the wings of Mr. Amit Shah, the Home Minister.

The conspiracy of the BJP must be seen as a prelude to eventually declare Punjab as union Territory on the pattern of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. When the State of Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated and reduced to two separate union territories in August 2019, I then cautioned the people of Punjab that Punjab will be the next priority agenda of the BJP and RSS in this direction.

Unfortunately, Capt. Amarinder Singh is the only politician from Punjab, who regretfully has supported such a regressive move of the Union Government, the implication of which is almost identical  to that of Armed forces (Special Power) Act 1952 (AFSPA) which has been in operation in North Eastern States for quite some time.

The BJP could resort to similar measures and may go to any extent by misusing its brutal majority in Parliament; they can even bring an ordinance conferring special powers to the Central Armed Police Forces which includes BSF also, on the design of AFSPA. 

There is no dearth of vulnerable people like Capt. Amarinder Singh, to support and back up such insidious moves, who is under constant pressures of Home Minister of India, because of having dubious links with a Pakistani  journalist Ms Aroosa Alam, who simultaneously maintain and enjoy great immediacy with former ISI Chief of Pakistan, Lieutenant  General Fiaz Hameed .

A  FASCINATING EXPERIMENT INVOLVING A PARADIGM SHIFT; SUBTLE, BUT SEMINAL IN IMPACT

Three major flagship missions of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs complete six years since their launch on 25 June, 2015; the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Smart Cities Mission, were all launched on that day. These constitute a fascinating experiment involving a paradigm shift, subtle in its messaging but seminal in its impact.  The Government under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, is re-writing the way citizens of the country define their future.

The urban landscape is defined by cities and the cities, in turn, are defined by the people who inhabit them. The collective will and wisdom of the people craft the cities, through its decision makers. One of the most radical departures post May 2014, was the actual invocation of the spirit of cooperative federalism. Each of the Missions delegated the powers to the states to appraise and approve projects. Earlier, every project was appraised and approved in Delhi, in the Ministry, giving scant regard to the fact that equally competent officials work in the states and the state leadership is to be trusted to take decisions in the interests of its citizens. This major step of building trust between the states and the central Government yielded results. In the ten years of the UPA from 2004 to 2014, the total investment in the urban sector was around Rs 1,57,000 crore while in the seven years of the NDA from 2014 to 2021, that figure is approximately Rs 11,83,000 crore!  Similarly, in ten years of the UPA regime, around 12 lakh houses were built. Since the launch of the PMAY(U) in June, 2015, the Modi Government has already sanctioned more than 1.12 crore houses, completed and handed over nearly 49 lakh houses and the rest will be completed well before March of 2022 when the mission period ends.

One of the banes of Government programmes traditionally has been tardy implementation and leakages. These are being plugged. Through Geo tagging, the progress of construction of houses is being monitored and tied to the release of funds. For the first time, it was this Prime Minister who asked ISRO, our world class space agency to handhold Government Departments in the use of space technology tools. All Missions use GIS based tools extensively.

TO SPEED UP CONSTRUCTION, AND BEST TECHNOLOGIES, A GLOBAL HOUSING TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE WAS LAUNCHED

To speed up the pace of construction and to bring in the best of new technologies, a Global Housing Technology Challenge was launched and based on the challenge process six Lighthouse Projects have been identified in six geo-climatic zones of the country. A sustained effort is being made to mainstream these technologies with strong linkages to the engineering institutions across the country.

Money from the Central Government is being released through PFMS-the acronym for Public Financial Management System. This electronic mode ensures that Central funds seamlessly flow to the state treasury improving efficiency and preventing fraud. This, along with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) where money intended for a beneficiary is directly credited to her bank account has ensured that middlemen gaming the system or shortchanging the beneficiary, have been ousted.

A house built under PMAY(U) is in the name of the woman of the household or in joint ownership, and mandatorily has a toilet. This provides a fillip to female empowerment and safeguards the dignity of the girl child.  Her sense of shame and insecurity is a thing of the past with the access of a toilet within the confines of her home!

Aadhaar is another formidable weapon that ensures that every beneficiary gets the house for which he/she was registered. Biometrics will help in that. For decades, the poor were deprived of a government benefit which was usurped by someone else through impersonation. The unholy nexus between middlemen and corrupt officials has ended.

AMRUT Mission addresses the creaky civic infrastructure that plagues our urban local bodies (ULBs) – electricity, water supply, sewerage, etc. AMRUT addresses the weakest link in our urban governance that is the infrastructure supporting the basic necessities of households. Nearly 6,000 projects worth Rs. 81,000 crore have been approved with some states having projects in excess of the State Approved Action Plan (SAAP) that was approved when the mission was launched. States are willing to bear the excess expenditure over and above the SAAP.   It covers 500 cities with a population of over one lakh.

The AMRUT mission spans the entire gamut of city governance with focus on the reform agenda. The push for sustainable ULBs is yielding results with ten ULBs having already raised Rs 3,840 crore through municipal bonds. The push to strengthen ULBs is also being spearheaded through ‘The Urban Learning Internship Programme (TULIP) in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

With envisaged investments to the tune of Rs 205,000 crore, the Smart Cities Mission is a people centered evolutionary process with citizens participating vigorously in the vision for the cities they live in. It will be the young who will determine the nature of the city they wish to inhabit. People, habits, behaviour all have to change. During the vicious phase of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Integrated Command and Control Centres for the smart cities which are already operational in more than 50 of the 100 smart cities played a pivotal role in providing real time information to enable health workers and city administrators in tracking the virus spread and in relief and rehabilitation work.

Alongside these programmatic interventions, the NDA Government has strengthened the regulatory framework in the real estate sector with the path breaking legislation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 and more recently the Model Tenancy Act which provides the template to give impetus to the rental housing segment.

The urban space is being transformed at a rapid pace with the increasing use of technology. That is the way forward. City administrators are on their toes with a competitive spirit imbuing the Missions and a periodic ranking of the cities on various parameters. It bodes well for the people. There is relentless monitoring of the missions at the highest levels. That is another novel feature of governance introduced by Prime Minister Modi. In the rigorous review meetings which are chaired by the Prime Minister himself, the accountability matrix is under careful scrutiny. Silently, non performers are being weeded out, loop holes plugged and targets set. With the poor at the focus of all programmes, the past seven years have shown one thing. The Modi Government is and will be unwavering in its commitment to the poor and will not be distracted.

JAGJIT SINGH’S LIFE ENCOMPASSED A HOARD OF QUALITIES BEYOND MUSIC AND SINGING

This day ten years ago Jagjit Singh was taken away from us to merge with the divine energy of the universe. The world lost one unique human and a supreme musician.

Jagjit Singh’s life encompassed a hoard of other qualities beyond music, composition and singing and possessed compassion, honesty, spiritual awareness and intelligence and unconditional love for everyone, and everything in the universe.

His energy lives and communicates silently with people around the world, be it through mellifluous soothing, healing voices or just by the wonderful memories of him that people hold in their hearts. He continues to touch people’s lives in in-numerous ways. He is one of those light workers, whom we often know as Angels, who keep working silently. Jagjit Singh was/is my Guru, my life partner, my friend and above all my protector. He protected not only me but my whole family, with his love and ability to wipe away our fears and miseries. He became a ‘SON’ to my parents, with his love and caring.

Jagjit Singh had been awarded with the ‘PADMA BHUSHAN’ award in 2003. But the one award that he admires all over the world has been waiting for and demanding is the ‘BHARAT RATNA’. Everyone knows that, in the field of music, there is perhaps no one more deserving than Jagjit Singh! Jagjit Singh chose ‘Ghazals’ as a vehicle for his profession in music, basically because of his love for Urdu poetry. His training for pure Indian classical music, his sensitivity and empathy for the general population, made him an expert in touching the innermost, deepest corners of the human heart. He was a ‘Pandit’ and ‘Ustaad’ in his knowledge and craft.

From Folk to Khayal to Thumri and devotional music, there was no field of music that he did not excel in. All his music compositions reflected these aspects. From the Orchestration to the sound balancing, mixing, editing, he managed everything by himself. He was a one man Institution. In India particularly beside the Folk music accompanying our rituals, seasons and festivals, two major genres ruled our music scene- Indian classical music and film music.

There was no third form to capture the imagination of the listener, till Jagjit Singh exploded on the musical horizon like a blazing meteor, to popularise the third form of music that our country in fact the whole world swayed to, the ‘GHAZALS’. Today 10 years after his departure, the field of Ghazals, in fact music in general, is dwindling. God knows if this situation can ever improve without the emergence of someone like Jagjit Singh, which seems pretty remote and farfetched.

Our Family and I had formed a foundation in Jagjit Singh’s name. But not much could be done for it for various reasons. But on this 10th Anniversary of legendary musician Jagjit Singh ji, we are happy to announce a series of activities in the upcoming future. The best talents all over the world will be chosen under the umbrella of ‘Jagjit Singh Foundation’. The chosen talents will be rendering 80 compositions of Jagjit ji in unique music concerts with some interesting additions for today’s listeners. This will be an online activity.

This year 2021- 2022 also happens to be the 80th / 81st birthday celebration year of Jagjit ji and we also want to celebrate and share this with all of you who love Jagjit Singh. Covid has impacted the timeline for this but not our spirits and love for Jagjit ji and his immortal music. Please watch out for further announcements.

COURT’S NO TO CONSTITUTION OF NEW HOUSE TILL SIRSA’ CO-OPTION IS DECIDED

The management of the historical Gurdwaras of Delhi came into the hands of local Sikh electorate after enforcement of ‘Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1971 which came into existence after Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1925.

In accordance with the provisions of this Act, the four years term 55 members Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) consists of 46 elected and 9 Co-opted members. The Co-opted members include one nominee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Sri Amritsar, Jathedar Sahiban of four Takhat i.e. Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Sri Amritsar, Sri Kesgarh Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Harmandir Sahib Patna (Bihar) and Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded (Maharashtra), two members out of the Presidents of the Registered Singh Sabha Gurdwaras of Delhi to be chosen by draw of lots and two members to represent the Sikh Community of Delhi to be chosen by the newly elected 46 members respectively.

As such, the preliminary general election of members of the DSGMC under this Act were held by the government in March 1975 and first Committee was constituted on April 28, 1975 accordingly. Thereafter, further elections were held in the year 1975, 1979, 1995, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2017 and recently on August 22, 2021. Presently, the DSGMC having annual income of more than Rs. 150 Crore is managing the historical and other Gurdwaras in Delhi apart from managing various Schools, Colleges, Polytechnics, Engineering & Management Colleges, Institutions, Hospitals, Dispensaries and Old Age Homes etc.

The current general elections of Delhi were conducted by the government on August 22 and results were declared on August 25, 2021 accordingly. In accordance with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras Act, a meeting for Co-option of members was called by the Director Gurdwara Elections on September 9, 2021. But after the election of 2 Sikh representatives of Delhi, this meeting was adjourned due to some reasons which was protested by some DSGMC members of Badal faction who created ruckus and tried to physically attack the Director Gurdwara Elections brutally.

During that time, objections were also raised against the nomination of Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa as a nominee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (SGPC) on the grounds that he is unable to read and write Gurmukhi (Punjabi) which is mandatory under the Act, hence his nomination should be cancelled. The matter reached the Delhi High Court and on the direction of the Hon’ble Court, a written test in Gurmukhi language for Mr. Sirsa was conducted by the Director Elections on September 17 and as per report of the Director Mr Sirsa was not able to qualify the test and hence the SGPC was advised to send another person as its nominee. The SGPC approached the Delhi High Court for setting aside the Orders of the Election Director for which the hearing was fixed for October 8, 2021. But due to paucity of time the hearing could not be conducted on that day, which has now been fixed for October 22, 2021.

Whereas in accordance with the Delhi Gurdwaras Act, it was mandatory to constitute the new Executive Board of DSGMC before September 25, 2021 but even the process of Co-option of members has still not been completed. Despite that the Director Gurdwara Election had called another meeting on September 24 in which after the Co-option of 4 Jathedar Sahibans of Sikh Takhts, draw of lots for Co-option of Presidents of Sikh Sabhas was taken out but objections were raised by some members. In view of this, 5 names of President of Singh Sabhas instead of 2 required names were drawn out in violation of Gurdwara rules, more interestingly that their names have still not been finalized and notification thereof has not been issued although a period of more than 2 weeks has elapsed.

It is pertinent to mention that recently the government counsel has given an undertaking in the Hon’ble Delhi High Court that no action will be taken to constitute a new Executive Body of DSGMC till the matter regarding Co-option of Mr. Sirsa is decided, whereas the election process has been started which cannot be stopped under any law. New history has been created during the present Delhi Gurdwara election like non-completion of Co-option process despite holding of two meetings, draw of lots of 5 Presidents of Singh Sabhas instead of mandatory 2 Presidents and stopping of election process midway thereby not constituting the new Committee within its stipulated time period etc. In view of these circumstances, there are apprehensions that the constitution of new Committee could be deferred for further indefinite time.

COASTAL AREAS MOST AFFECTED BY CLIMATE SENSITIVE DISEASE LIKE MALARIA, DIARRHOEA, MALNUTRITION

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report enlists Climate Change as one of most pressing international issue. Though started in 1960’s as an environmental concern, it has evolved into social rights issue for which a practical but principled localised solution is urgently required. 

Vulnerability to climate change induced consequences spreads across socio-economic, demographic and geographic diversities. Coastal areas, the most affected by climate change, have high prevalence of climate-sensitive diseases like malaria, diarrhoea, and malnutrition. Unfortunately, the phenomena of climate change has created a social divide pushing countries with the lowest levels of historical emissions and development to suffer some of the most severe consequences of climate change.

The Paris Agreement accords equal emphasis to climate justice in ensuring climate positive impacts. Climate justice is about safeguarding the rights and interests of the poor and marginalized sections of society, who are often at the receiving end of climate change induced vagaries. The notion of “climate justice” has consequently emerged as a way to coalesce equity quotient in climate change.

Climate justice is not limited to compensating the affected, but providing them fair access to natural resources, technology transfer, equitable development and environmental rights. It endeavors to benefit the whole of mankind, irrespective of national affiliation and is premised on Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.At COP 26, the goal should be to secure climate justice by developing countries scaling up their mitigation and adaptation actions based on the provisions of the means of implementation (finance, technology transfer, capacity building) by developed countries.

India faces the twin challenge of achieving poverty eradication and sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphasised on the indispensability of climate justice in combating climate change. Today India leads the world in providing a sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Narendra Modi, even during his previous stint as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, took keen interest in climate change measures. It was under his leadership that India took a quantum leap in field of solar power generation when Asia’s largest solar park/ field (500MW), spread across 3,000 aces was inaugurated in Charnka, Gujarat. This climate justice induced measure endeavoured to achieve solar power economically, thereby making it accessible to the most vulnerable and downtrodden lot. The Gujarat model of canal-top solar power generation project, apart from saving precious fertile agricultural land, also helps in water preservation in an otherwise water-scarce state.

INDIA LEADING TO INCORPORATE CLIMATE JUSTICE

As an environmentally conscious and responsible nation, India has emerged as one of the leading countries to incorporate climate justice as an essential ingredient of climate change mitigating measures. It has voluntarily committed targets which are unprecedented to developing country standards. We have committed to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35% by 2030, from 2005 levels.

To achieve these targets, apart from gradually shifting to energy production through renewable resources, we also lay emphasis onconsumption side changes by tweaking non-essential lifestyle choices. 

To achieve the dual objective of reducing the electricity as well as water consumption in agriculture fields by replacing traditional methods with drip irrigation scheme Per Drop More Crop, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) has already started in many states which aims to provide agricultural solar pumps on 90% subsidy.

India’s initiative of solar alliance is not only to shift the world power source from non-renewable to renewable energy but also provide affordable electricity to the most marginalised sections of the society. The initiative will not only shift jobs in the green sector but also provide ample opportunities to underdeveloped countries in becoming atmanirbhar in terms of energy.

The government has launched a water conservation scheme that would focus on renovation of water bodies, regulating industrial consumption, harvesting rainwater and reuse of wastewater. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission-Har Ghar Jal scheme, every rural household is to be provided with a functional tap water connection by 2024. PM Ujjwala Yojana, is one of the many inclusive schemes which provides clean cooking fuel to poor households, apart from safeguarding the health of women and children from several respiratory diseases caused by burning of firewood, coal, dung-cakes etc.

The climate justice goals should also include protecting the faunas from the impact of anthropogenic climate change. India has taken lead by constructing world’s largest wildlife corridor in the Pench Kanha Tiger Reserve. It is the only country having 60% of tigers population with the largest tiger conservation program, the only country having Asiatic lions and running many other species specific conservation programs.

Respect for nature is ingrained in India’s civilisational ethos and the same is exhibited from Prithvi Sukta in the ancient Atharvaveda to Doctrine of Trusteeship propounded by Mahatma Gandhi in modern times. India statutorily recognised the rights of the tribals who are playing a key role in maintaining the sustainable environment through their traditional knowledge.

Climate justice is an imperative for India, which needs to leverage its green and pro-nature commitment to ensure carbon and policy space for its developmental and global aspirations. Under Prime Minister’s leadership we are committed for an equitable environmental policy encompassing inclusive environmental consciousness rather than merely government regulations.

RESURGENCE IN AYUSH SYSTEMS: NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA, SOWA-RIGPA, HOMEOPATHY, AYURVEDA AND YOGA

Indian systems of medicine are millennia old and offer overall wellness. Changes in the health paradigm have led to an unprecedented resurgence of interest in Ayush systems (namely Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy) over the years. State patronage and encouragement to the pluralistic approach in health care have accelerated the progress of Ayush towards providing quality healthcare to all. While preserving its core strengths, Ayush with transdisciplinary and translational approaches is unravelling clinical evidences best endorsed by centuries of healing people.  

Established in 2014, the Ministry of Ayush has amplified the role of Ayush in realizing the ‘New India’ vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister. It has undertaken various initiatives to develop education, research, and propagation of the Ayush systems of healthcare. 

Prestigious international collaboration in important fields like Pharmacopoeia are indicative of the galloping acceptance of Indian traditional health systems and are sure to impact the Ayush sectors in ways more than one. This is demonstrated by the MoU signed recently between PCIMH & American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) and is expected to impact the prospects of Ayurvedic medicines’ scope in the USA in future as currently, ayurvedic products are treated as Food Supplements and not as Drugs in the USA.

One of these key initiatives includes Ayush’s role in the fight against COVID-19. The Ministry of Ayush has undertaken several Research & Development (R&D) and public healthcare initiatives to harness the potential of Ayush systems in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. 

The government has issued various guidelines, advisories & launched campaigns such as ‘Ayush for Immunity’ to promote awareness regarding measures to improve immunity and advising simple home remedies easily accessible to the general public. Ayush institutions like All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi were made dedicated COVID Health Centre for management of COVID- 19 mild to moderate cases as per the AYUSH guidelines. 

The Ministry collaborated with several organizations to encourage, promote and advance evidence-based research on Ayush. The Ministry constituted an inter-disciplinary Ayush R&D Task Force consisting of scientists, pulmonologists, epidemiologists, pharmacologists etc., from premier organizations including ICMR, DBT, CSIR, AIIMS and released “National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of COVID-19”.

FALL IN COVID INCIDENCE AMONG AYUSH PROPHYLACTIC CARE USERS

Over 127 research studies in COVID-19 were initiated at 152 centers across the country. Out of these, a total of 90 studies have been completed, and 15 manuscripts have been published, while 20 preprints have also been published. These studies have shown very promising outcomes in reducing the incidence of COVID among Ayush prophylactic care users. The well-designed clinical studies on Ayush interventions like AYUSH 64 as standalone or adjunct to standard of care in asymptomatic and mild to moderate COVID-19 patients demonstrated early clinical recovery, early negative RT-PCR results, reduction in the duration of hospital stay, prevention in further progress to severe stage and complications, and improvement in quality of life.

The Ministry launched a massive nationwide campaign for distribution of proven poly herbals AYUSH-64 and Kabasura Kudineer for the benefit of the vast majority of out of hospital COVID patients. The ‘Ayuraksha kit’ containing ‘Kadha’ concoction (herbal tea), ‘Sanshmani’ tablet (made from Giloy) and Anu Taila for nasal application given to 80,000 Delhi Police frontline personnel for boosting immunity and increasing quality of life against COVID 19 showed just 48 percent of the force getting infected despite being vulnerable to the virus.

Further, Ayush Sanjivani mobile app developed by Ministry of Ayush has documented the impact assessment of effectiveness, acceptance and usage of Ayush advisories & measures in the prevention of COVID-19 in around 1.5 crores respondents highlighted that a good proportion of the representative population has utilized Ayush measures across different regions of the country. 85.1% of the respondents reported use of Ayush measures for prevention of COVID-19, among which 89.8% respondents agreed to have benefitted from the practice of Ayush advisory. 

The Ministry and World Health Organization have entered into the Technical Service agreement to undertake a study being executed in collaboration with Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) for assessment of integration of Ayush into the Public Health System for combating COVID-19. A dedicated community support helpline number 14443 has also been operationalised by the Ministry to provide Ayush based approaches and solutions against COVID 19 to public. 

The Ministry’s mobilization efforts during the pandemic have also resulted in a total of 8,32,445 Ayush practitioners, paramedic staff, and students enlisting themselves as COVID warriors on covidwarriors.gov.in. Out of these, 1,75,603 Ayush doctors were trained through iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Further, a force of over 37,000 Ayush staff was deployed for COVID-19 related healthcare services. 

INCREASE IN AYUSH BUDGET

An increase in the budget of Ayush, from ₹2122.08 crore to ₹2,970.30 crore (which marks an increase of 40% of the corresponding figure) has also solidified this idea with the Union Budget 2021-22, bringing out numerous enablers and catalysts which the Ayush sector can tap, and taken together, they place the sector on a sustainable path of growth. 

Due to large-scale sensitization and steps taken by the Ministry of Ayush towards mitigation of Covid over the past two years, the footprint of the Ayush industry has also increased, with the AYUSH sector witnessing 44% growth. [3] Ministry of Ayush has promoted use of ready-made formulation like Ayush Kwath/ Ayush Kudineer /Ayush Joshanda endeavoring health promotion of public at large.

Some specific products have also seen tremendous growth with 500 to 700 percent increase in demand post the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes immunity-boosting products such as Guduchi ghan Vati, Anu Taila, Mahasudarshan Ghan Vati, Tulsi, while Chyavanprash products have seen 700 percent of growth and Ashwagandha exports increasing three times than the previous periods. These figures underline the wide recognition and public acceptance of Ayush systems among the masses. 

INCREASE IN INCOME FOR CULTIVATING MEDICINAL PLANTS

Moreover, the income of farmers who cultivated medicinal plants has also increased during this period as suggested by the marketing report of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Government of India, which indicates a 3-fold increase in the price of herbal raw materials in a short span of eight months.

It is also a matter of pride for all Indians that the World Health Organization has chosen India for establishing its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. Director-General of World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, gave a video message on the celebration of 5^th Ayurveda Day on 13^th November 2020 and praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to the universal coverage under Ayushman Bharat and evidence-based promotion of traditional medicines to achieve health-related objectives.

Our ancient practice of Yoga has achieved global domination as a lifestyle and wellness system in recent years, which has led to its recognition as a competitive sport on 27^th November 2020 under National Yoga Sports Federation (NYSF), a Federation for Yogasana.

Yoga has recently become like any other mainstream degree but with better work potential owing to changing lifestyle and demands. One prominent indicator of this has been India’s first yoga university, Lakulish Yoga University, which was set up in 2013 and had witnessed a three-fold increase in number of admissions in 2018. As against 151 students in 2013, a total of 450 students, across all age groups had registered during 2018. 

AYUSH MINISTRY PROPAGATING YOGA DIGITALLY

To propagate the practice of Yoga digitally, the Ministry of Ayush has also launched ‘Namaste Yoga app’ (a one-stop health solution that enables people to access Yoga-related information, Yoga events, and Yoga classes at their fingertips).

In addition, the ‘Yoga break app’ (Yoga protocol consists of a few very useful Yoga practices to de-stress, refresh and re-focus on work) was also launched recently.

Reaffirming the faith of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for AYUSH, the Union Cabinet recently also approved the continuation of the National Ayush Mission as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for another five years till 2026 with a financial implication of Rs. 4,607.30 crore under which aims at supporting the States and UTs to improve the infrastructure for better AYUSH health care services at Primary level to achieve the National goal of Health and Wellness for all. 

A GLIMPSE OF WHAT TEACHING, LEARNING BE LIKE IN FOURTH DECADE OF CENTURY

Imagine that the year 2030 has just passed, and we are getting a glimpse of what teaching and learning will be like in the fourth decade of this century. Gen Z (born between 1997-2012) has just completed foundational learning and is enrolled at various levels while Gen Alpha (born after 2012) is a recent entrant to school. Teachers of India in the 2030s, you will not be replaced by technology. You will be a vibrant community having the following 11 characteristics.

Curriculum-literate Curriculum is the means to achieve learning standards and includes everything from lesson plans, to timetables, competencies, content, pedagogy, assessment, subjects, skills, art, sports, etc.You will have an expert understanding of every aspect of the quality curriculum and will use it to achieve student learning outcomes.

Use the mother tongue/regional language to deliver curriculum You will treat all languages as equal and ensure the promotion of Indian languages in classrooms.

Student-centric joyful classrooms and focus on whole brain thinking You understand that the logical, linear, and analytical type of skills of the left brain and the empathy, design, and seeing the big-picture capabilities of the right brain need to be equally worked upon. You will integrate art, sports, story-telling, skilling, computational thinking, scientific temper with the rigour of the subject.You will adopt inquiry and projects based learning, design thinking, problem-solving, etc. which are self-directed. These are attributes that students will need in the future to succeed. The importance of student voice and choice will be recognised in this manner.You will bring back the joy of learning to your classroom through innovative pedagogies.

Learn how to learn and co-learn You no longer teach to the test. You no longer turn your back to the students and undoubtedly continue to write on the blackboard or encourage rote-memorisation. Learning is no longer limited to the confines of a textbook, a traditional school day, a typical test, or a summative exam – thanks to the internet. You teach your students how to become effective learners and not just passive guzzlers of information. You use audios, videos, podcasts, graphic novels, internet, TV, radio, newspapers, story books, etc. as tools for learning. In the home, in the community, and in the world at large, you will co-learn alongside your students. You are a lifelong learner.

Skill learners through experiences Four crucial 21^st century learning skills of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication will need to be imbibed by each learner to thrive in tomorrow’s dynamic workplace. For this, you will integrate content and your strong subject knowledge with real life experiences to help learners cultivate the skills, attitudes, behaviour and literacies required for the future world. Students will study physics with philosophy, political science with music, mathematics with geography, etc. requiring you to be adept at exploring the inter-relationships and connections between subjects. Imagine how creative your profession will become!

Develop students as innovators and producers of knowledge At a very early age, your students will have the skills and competencies to be able to search for information, make sense of it, sieve the facts from claims/opinions/falsities, consolidate and produce more knowledge to create a just, humanitarian and an equitable world. You will inspire them to innovate and co-create through your own proclivity for forward thinking, collaboration, flexibility, creativity and adaptability to everything new. 

Help them learn new technologies and keep abreast yourself You will be the one who first teaches the child how to use technology for fanning her curiosity and learning! And the hunger that you create will then become a lifelong yearning in the child and in you to learn newer and newer technologies.

Nurture the ‘Jad se Jag tak’ (from the roots to the globe) connection You will teach your students about our heritage, culture, traditions, practises, literature, languages, ‘lok vidya’ and at the same time you will shape them into global citizens. You will be the means of understanding their roles and responsibilities in society, and for instilling a sense of pride and respect for the nation.

Lead by example In all areas of the curriculum, whether it be physical fitness, or multilingualism, an appreciation of the arts, ethical behaviour, a sensitivity towards inclusion, diversity, or environment, you will be the change that you will want to see in your students.

Act as Guide and Mentor: Instead of trying to be a Harphanmaula and keeper of all information, teachers will guide, mentor, empower and support students to proceed in their own unique areas of interest. They will prepare them for the worst and capable of the best.

Unhesitatingly respond to shifts You will continuously and readily respond to the economical, technological, and societal shifts that will happen at a breakneck pace. You will teach the learners to acquire competencies for jobs that are yet to be created, with the help of technologies that you have yet to learn, in a society that is constantly evolving, transforming and reshaping itself.

DELHI SIKH GURDWARA ACT 1971 AFTER ‘SIKH GURDWARAS ACT 1925’ WAS AN ACHIEVEMENT FOR SIKH

‘The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Act 1971’ which followed the ‘Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1925’ was a great achievement for Sikh Community since it placed the management of the Delhi Gurdwaras into the hands of local Sikh electorate. The move initially started in November 1920 when the Sarbat Khalsa called at Sri Amritsar Sahib through Sri Akal Takhat Sahib’s Hukamnama immediately constituted the ‘Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)’ who made an appeal to all the mahants to hand over the control of Gurdwaras and their properties to the SGPC.

The said appeal of the SGPC was followed by the mahants of Gurdwaras in Delhi in letter and spirit. In the year 1925, the ‘Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras Parbandhak Committee’ (DGPC) was constituted which functioned without any formal Rules and Regulations till it was registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 in August 1938. However, in the year 1942 the DGPC was replaced by ‘Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (GPC), Delhi Province’ which was also registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 in the year 1944.

In the post-independence period, some members of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the SGPC defected to Congress. Hence in the year 1951, the GPC was disbanded and a caretaker Committee consisting of eleven members was constituted to replace it. But after change of power in the year 1956, the Akali led SGPC dissolved this Committee and instead appointed an interim Committee of three members and thereafter its elections were held in which eight members were elected unopposed and seven were nominated by the SGPC. The pro-Congress faction again took over the SGPC which passed a resolution in March 1959 to dissolve the Akali-dominated GPC and to constitute an ad-hoc Committee of five members.

In March 1959 and again in May 1959, the SGPC bosses tried to forcefully capture Gurdwaras Sis Ganj Sahib and Bangla Sahib in Delhi, whereas actually it was a battle between the Akali and Congress factions of the SGPC in the arena of Delhi Gurdwaras.

In May 1960, a court injunction was issued refraining the SGPC from interfering in the DGPC affairs. Both the parties mutually agreed to appoint Bakshi Gurcharan Singh as an arbitrator to solve the dispute who made an award in April 1962 thereby nominating 19 members including himself to the new Gurdwara Committee and suggesting two more to be co-opted. Bakshi Gurcharan Singh himself became President and the Committee functioned independently under his Presidentship till 1967 when it was dislodged by a Court Order holding Bakshi award to be invalid. Scuffles took place in the arena of the Gurdwaras in Delhi again when the shrines of Sis Ganj and Bangla Sahib were occupied by armed miscreants in January 1971 and further in May 1971.

In the meanwhile, the SGPC constituted a 5 members Committee consisting of four Takhat Jathedars and a Head Granthi of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar to look after the management of Gurdwaras in Delhi. But this Committee could not function due to the High Court pronouncement in May 1971 which also suggested the remedy of legislation to protect the interests of general public who are beneficiaries of Gurdwaras.

On May 20, 1971 the President of India promulgated the ‘Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras(Management) Ordinance, 1971’ which provides for constitution of a five members Board to run the management of Sikh shrines and educational institutions, while dissolving the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Delhi registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. On June 26, 1971 the said Ordinance was converted into the ‘Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras (Management) Act, 1971 (24 of 1971)’.

However, Act No. 24 was only an interim measure. The government has made its intention known to provide a permanent and more meaningful measure for the management of Sikh Shrines in Delhi. Hence, ‘Delhi Gurdwara Bill’ was prepared which was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 22, 1971 and two days later by the Rajya Sabha.

After receiving the assent of the President of India on December 30, 1971, the ‘Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1971 (82 of 1971) came into force w.e.f. December 31, 1971. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, the four years term 55 members Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) consists of 46 elected and 9 Co-opted members.

The Co opted members include one nominee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Sri Amritsar, Jathedar Sahiban of four Takhat i.e. Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Sri Amritsar, Sri Kesgarh Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Harmandir Sahib Patna (Bihar) and Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded (Maharashtra), two members out of the Presidents of the Registered Singh Sabha Gurdwaras of Delhi to be chosen by draw of lots and two members to represent the Sikh Community of Delhi to be chosen by the newly elected 46 members respectively.

It is also pertinent that the fifth Sikh Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab has still not been included in the Delhi Gurdwara Act whereas it has already been included in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1925 (SGPC) long back in the year 1999. As such, the preliminary general election of members of the DSGMC under this Act were held by the government on March 20, 1975 and first Committee was constituted on April 28, 1975 accordingly. Thereafter, further Delhi Gurdwara elections were held in the year 1975, 1979, 1995, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2017 and recently on August 22, 2021.

Although several amendments have been made in the Act and rules from time to time, but two major amendments can be seen, one in March 1981 thereby removing the mandatory requirement of High School or equivalent qualification for election of President or other Office-bearers of the Committee and another in February 2002 thereby reducing the age of voters from 21 years to 18 years.

Presently, the DSGMC having annual income of about Rs. 150 Crore is managing the historical and other Gurdwaras in Delhi apart from managing various Schools, Colleges, Polytechnics, Engineering Management Colleges, Institutions, Hospitals, Dispensaries and Old Age Homes etc.

PREPARING INDIA FOR ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Globally climate change and its adverse impact is fast becoming a crisis. Governments around the world are regulating the automobile industry and encouraging it to move towards cleaner technologies. Automotive industry is fast accepting these challenges and moving towards Battery Electric Vehicles, Connected, autonomous vehicles. Shared mobility is another change that automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are adopting. In addition, vehicle and pedestrian safety are also key priorities for the industry.

Indian automobile industry being part of the global automobile value chain cannot remain isolated from these trends. Climate change, pollution control, reducing road fatalities and efficient transportation are also top priorities for the Government of India. We need to embrace these changes and be ready to prepare for the future.

Government of India looks at the automobile industry as a champion industry. We are committed to further development and growth of the automotive and automotive component supplier industry. Whether we like it or not electrification, connected vehicles, more electronics per vehicle are inevitable disruptions that the automotive industry will have to adapt to.

We recognize that Indian market may be currently subscale in these technologies hence we would have significant cost disabilities and capabilities gap. However, if we do not address this gap now then we will miss the next decade of automotive investments. Also, our Advanced Automotive Technology value chain will remain weak, and we would miss the next big opportunity in the automotive domain.

Building competitiveness in Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT) will be a long-term structural change. But the beginning of that change will need a catalyst. We believe that the Automotive PLI scheme will act as that catalyst to build new capabilities in the Automotive OEM and supplier industry segments.

The objective of the Automotive PLI scheme will be to attract new investments in AAT. AAT is not restricted to Electric vehicles but also includes automotive electronics, sensors, green technologies, safety technologies that may find application in Battery Electric vehicles as well as Internal Combustion Engine-based vehicles. 

Investments will result in growth in sales and production of AAT in India. The PLI will provide incentives based on growth in AAT sales to cover the significant cost disabilities that may exist in these segments. The policy aims to encourage large scale investments by OEMs and Automotive component suppliers in India. In addition, it will ensure transfer and assimilation of these AAT by the automotive industry ecosystem in India.    

ELIGIBILITY FOR AUTOMOTIVE PLI SCHEME

The PLI scheme is open to existing automotive companies as well as Non-Automotive investors.

Existing Automotive OEMs with more than Rs.10,000 crore Global revenues and Rs. 3,000 crore of Gross asset base will be eligible to apply for this scheme.

The scheme has two parts. First part is Champion OEM Incentive Scheme in which a minimum AAT investment commitment of Rs.2,000 crore for existing 4-wheeler OEMs will need to be achieved over the 5 years of the scheme. This criterion will be pegged at Rs.1,000 crore investment commitment for existing 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler OEMs.

Existing Automotive component suppliers with more than Rs.500 crore in global revenues and Rs. 150 crore of fixed assets will be eligible for this scheme.

The second part of the scheme is Component Champion Incentive Scheme in which existing Component suppliers will have to meet minimum investment commitment of Rs.250 crore over 5 years period.

Non-Automotive investors will need to demonstrate a Net worth of over Rs.1000 crore to be eligible to apply for this scheme. Also, they will need to meet minimum AAT investment commitment of Rs.2,000 crore under Champion OEM part and Rs. 500 crore under Component Champion part, over the 5 years of the scheme

SCHEME AND WORKING DETAILS

Each of the eligible participants will need to apply to be part of the Automotive PLI along with a detailed plan on how they would achieve investment conditions and the production/ revenue growth plans. Companies with the most attractive investment and growth commitment will be prioritized based on a transparent process of evaluation. Qualifying participants will receive an incentive @ 8-18% of the growth in sales of AAT products. Automotive PLI will bring great benefits to the country and automotive industry.

We expect that Automotive PLI will result in almost Rs.42,500 crore of new investments, generate growth in output revenues of almost Rs.2,31,500 crore. This will translate into direct and indirect employment opportunities for over 7.5 Lakh people over the 5 years of the scheme. The PLI will help build the foundation for India to diversify into a new and fast emerging new segment within the automotive value chain.

Automotive PLI can be successful only if the industry leaders understand the context and intent of the scheme with an open mind. Look at how it can benefit the whole industry and the nation and help India become future ready. We request you to study the scheme details and see how you can contribute to make it successful and derive benefits in the process. Let the Government, Industry, Domestic as well as International Investors work together as ‘Team India’ to make this scheme a resounding success. Let us be ready to prepare for the future.