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04/04/2009: "Election Fever Rising in Nagaland Limalenden Longkumer Morungexpress"



Election Fever Rising in Nagaland Limalenden Longkumer Morungexpress

Mokokchung | April 4 : The NPF-led DAN’s barnstorm entourage today reached 23 Impur Assembly Constituency in Mokokchung district as Nagaland’s Home Minister Imkong L Imchen and his aides held a series of ‘public meetings’ with the people of four villages in the constituency. They visited Longjang, Longpha, Sungratsu and Mopungchuket villages.
At Longjang village, Imchen said that he and some of his ‘cabinet members’ thought that the NPF ‘working committee member’ and retired bureaucrat TN Mannen would best represent the Nagas in the parliament. However, Imchen said, the chief minister over-ruled it. Imchen admitted to have been a “little upset”, but added “but that’s politics. That is the name of the game.”
Although they wanted TN Mannen as the DAN consensus candidate, Imchen said, the coalition resolved otherwise and nominated CM Chang as their consensus candidate. He encouraged the “Ao community not to harden their hearts but join with the rest of the Nagas as majority wanted CM Chang.” “We are democratic players,” he said. Longjang is the native village of TN Mannen.
‘Time has dictated, Change is imminent’
At Longjang, the Home minister said the NPF is ‘working sincerely’ to solve the Naga political problem and claimed, “as a result of our effort, a semblance of peace already exists today.”
“Are we not facilitating? I think we are,” he queried and answered himself. He said (Maharashtra Governor and former Nagaland CM) SC Jamir’s leadership was “good enough” and that he was a “very good chief minister.” However, he added, “The time has dictated; Change is imminent.”

Imchen also accused the Congress as being “opposed to solving the Naga issue from the very beginning” and “they are opposing it today also, and they will oppose it tomorrow also. So naturally, he added, “they opposed the meet; that is their problem.” He continued to say that the Congress has “forfeited their legitimacy to talk about the Naga problem”. “We can do nothing, because it is their problem. It was their decision to oppose the Naga peace process.”
According to Imchen, the Ao community has sacrificed so much for the Naga cause. “We can’t forget this. Aos can’t go together with the Congress,” he said. He opined that the forthcoming MP election in the state is “for the Naga political issue”. Longjang village council members present in the meeting assured their support to the NPF.
The NPF barnyard at Longpha, a small village in 23 Impur Assembly Constituency with 747 voters, circled mainly around appeasing the villagers as the NPF leaders declaring the slogan “vote for development, and development for vote”.
At Sungratsu village, the Home minister identified himself with the villagers and said “we are simple people” and “we think simply!” Vote en masse either for NPF or Congress. Simple as that.” He said the NPF has a vision for the Nagas and the determination to realize that vision. “And we march. We don’t care. We march till we reach our goal,” he said. On the Congress candidate Asungba Sangtam’s declaration that he will work as a ‘good facilitator’ for the Naga political issue, Imchen quipped, “He won’t be elected but it is good that he has realized it finally.” Supplementing his earlier statement that the Congress Candidate “did nothing to solve the Naga problem even after ten years in the parliament”, Imchen added “We are grateful to Asungba Sangtam, even though Congress is against finding a solution to the Naga problem.”
He said that there has to be a solution to the Naga political problem because “where there is a beginning, there is an end” and continued that “there is no agenda in the Congress party for Naga issue… they kept it pending for the last sixty years.” Imchen also claimed to have said to the Union Home Minister in the latter’s office chamber that “the Congress has kept Naga issue pending for the last sixty years and it is not a success story.” He told the villagers that they have nothing to lose if they vote for the NPF. “Only the chains will be free.” He then asked the villagers to either side with the winners and vote for CM Chang or side with the losers and vote for Asungba Sangtam, “hundred percent”. TN Mannen also addressed the villagers during which he clarified that he joined the NPF keeping in mind the “nationalistic feeling of the Nagas.” Mannen, who claimed to be the ‘party advisor’ of the NPF, told the villagers that CM Chang is the right person to represent the Nagas in the lower house of the Indian parliament. At Mopungchuket, the Home Minister said, “the so-called 16 Point Agreement is not an agreement but a memorandum.” He also added that the “infamous Shillong Accord of 1974” is “the betrayal document that divided the Naga house.” He claimed these were the “handiworks of the Congress party.” Mopungchuket is the native village of Nungsangyabang, the sitting Congress MLA from the constituency. The village councilors of Mopungchuket made it clear to the Home Minister during the meeting that the ensuing parliamentary election will be “free and fair” in the village. Earlier, the Home minister had requested to vote “cent percent” for NPF.
‘Bedrock…’ is closed chapter, NPCC repeats Our Correspondent
Kohima Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K.V. Pusa has reiterated its stand that the controversial booklet “Bedrock of Naga Society,” published by the NPCC in 2000 is already a “closed chapter”. It was declared so by the then CLP leader I. Imkong at the Naga Integration Rally in 2005 as well. Pusa was reacting to the NPF for raking up the matter again during the election that the “Congress has no right to talk about the Naga issue till the party officially disowns the booklet.”
Addressing the Indian National Congress public meeting on Friday at Phek town for Lok Sabha and by-elections, Pusa said there is no more to talk about the said booklet as it is already a “closed chapter.” Instead Pusa focused on corruption under the DAN government, that it has misused funds meant for development of the state.
Exuding confidence that the United Progressive Alliance would return to power, he appealed to the people to cast their vote for K. Asungba Sangtam in the Lok Sabha polls. He said if UPA is voted to power, it will uplift the living conditions of the people and ‘fulfill their aspirations’. Scholarship and education loans will be made accessible to the students, he said. He also assured that employment opportunities will be opened to the educated unemployed youth.
Also, CLP leader Chingwang Konyak, describing Asungba Sangtam as a man of integrity, capability and experience, appealed to the people to vote for him.

Highlighting various schemes introduced by the UPA government, like NREGA, agricultural loans, enhancement of old age pension schemes, the CLP leader however lamented that their implementation was unsatisfactory.
Addressing the meeting, K. Asungba Sangtam said that the Naga political issue and bringing peace to Nagaland will be his first and foremost priority if voted to the parliament. He also said if voted to parliament, he would be committed to solve the unemployment problem in the state. He regretted that many educated unemployed youth have been caught in frustration due to ‘non-availability of jobs’ and that a time has come to wipe out the “road block.” Asungba also said he would take up the “Look East Policy” with seriousness with the Government of India so that Nagaland gets benefit from it.
He appealed to the people of Phek district to vote for him to represent them in the parliament.
MLA K.L. Chishi, MLA Tokheho and former minister Zachilhu Vadeo also addressed the meeting. Meanwhile, the Phek District Congress Committee in a public statement made available at the meeting alleged that there have being misuse of various central schemes such as National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). It had not “seen the benefit of the scheme when its neighboring districts have enjoyed the benefit to the tune of 20-30 crores.”
Further schemes like Rajiv Gandhi 100% Rural Electrification Programme (RGGVY) has completely failed in Phek district “without any sign of implementation and blocking the flow of fund on installment basis due to lack of utilization reports.” “It will take another 30 years to avail another package of the same nature under the same scheme,” the statement said.

It also said the DAN government with a conglomeration of political parties “that are at war with the Christian populations in the country has taken the role of a ‘tiger in sheep’s skin.” “The communal forces that are at war to destroy the secular fabrics of India will certainly not spare the Nagas as well. It is against our moral principles to vote for such parties,” it said adding that the DCC “will spare no effort to uproot such communal forces in our district.” The Congress appealed to all ‘rightful’ citizens to vote for Congress candidate K. Therie for by-elections to the 17th Chizami and Asungba Sangtam for Lok Sabha. “Cast your valuable vote against communalism, nepotism, disparity, corruption, greed of power and divisive forces. Vote Congress to serve you and represent your aspirations,” the statement said.
11 NSCN (IM) cadres join “GPRN/NSCN” morungexpress
Dimapur, April 4 (MExN): A number of functionaries from “USR” of the NSCN (IM) today said to have joined the “GPRN/NSCN”. A note appended by eleven activists from the NSCN (IM) led by one Chopong, “CAO in-charge, United Sangtam Region” cited ‘disillusionment’ under “self centered USR leadership,” amongst other grievances. The defecting members claimed “we could not ignore the misery of the common man and therefore we had to choose between few selfish leaders and the common people”. “Without fear, without malice towards anyone, we, on our own volition, resolve to commit ourselves to GPRN/NSCN” the note said.
NSCN (IM) responds to Rahul Gandhi morungexpress
Dimapur, April 4 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) notes the Manipur Congress’ raising the territorial integrity issue now that elections are here. The ‘MIP’ today cautioned that ‘election poll plank’ should not be mixed with the “ground reality of the Indo-Naga political issue”. “Anything under the sky will be exploited to the hilt during the election”, the MIP note said. “This time round it is already seen that Congress campaigner Rahul Gandhi, sent from Delhi is making an emotive issue of Manipur’s territorial integrity,” it stated. In the backdrop of Rahul’s campaign in Manipur, the NSCN (IM) expressed “interest” to “get some comments from the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee on the Congress high command’s statement that Nagas and their land will not be allowed to live together”. Because the NPCC has also been talking about pushing forward the Indo-Naga political talks for the earliest solution, the note explained. “What Naga political solution is the NPCC talking about when their leaders are shouting at the roof top that N.E boundaries will not be changed? There is no beating about the bush. Either the NPCC contradict their high command’s statement or they have another interpretation” the note added.
Road construction links Nagaland to Myanmar morungexpress
Kohima, April 4 (MExN): Probably, the “first ever road” connecting the Eastern Nagaland to present Nagaland state has been constructing between Dan ITC Pangsha and Lahe Town Myanmar. The road connectivity was finally made achievable on March 27, 2009 through various groups and individuals who contributed and gave full co-operation towards the construction.
Earlier, in pursuance of the resolution adopted by Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) in 2006, the civil administration of Noklak Sub-Division led by ADC and PA to DC Noklak and Myanmar Government representative held a meeting on February 18, 2009 at DAN ITC Pangsha. The Myanmar Government was represented by Enolaibo, Development general Secretary (ADC), one engineer and a political administrator of Lahe district. During the joint meeting both the sides agreed and finalized to open up a road between Dan ITC to Pounyu (Hemphu) Naga Village, Myanmar.
KTC general secretary N. L Tangsoi said that in order to expedite the road construction works and through mutual understanding, the KTC had borne the expense of diesel whereas the Bull Dozer was provided by Myanmar Junta government. “This could be the first ever road that has connected the Eastern Nagaland to present Nagaland state which may go in the annal of history,” the secretary said.

257 refugees still at Tousem, villagers worry for future The Imphal Free Press
From Daniel Kamei

TAMENGLONG, Apr 4: As many as 257 Zeme community members from NC Hills district of Assam are still camping at Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district at relief camps and at their relatives till today. The suffering refugees are mostly students below the age of 12 years and their mothers. The total number of the refugees keeps changing day to day.

Out of 257 refugees 183 are at Mandeu relief camp, 58 at Tousem HQs relief camp, 54 at Phoklong, 9 refugees at Katangnam and Tousem Khullen and 16 refugees at Njunkok as recorded on April 2 and 3. For all these refugees apart from NGOs, the Manipur state government, particularly the district administration of Tamenglong, has spent a sum of Rs. 3 lakhs.

Meanwhile, a woman from Boureneu at a relief camp disclosed to IFP that now was the time for sowing of seeds in the field. “If we do not do so in time what will we eat and feed our children? More over, every child is away from home, they are not going to schools. Where is our future,” she asked with her tears running down her cheeks adding, “We are living from hand to mouth.”

While speaking to IFP a woman named Eheuneleu from Asalu village of NC hills at Mandeu relief camp said that though no one was killed at the village, the DHD (J) issued quit notice to vacate the village and they came to Tousem sub-division for shelter. “Our ration line was cut off, Cacharis did not sell any commodities to Zeme people,” she said. “Only the weak persons are coming here for shelter but all the men and youths are guarding our houses and the villages,” she added.

In the meantime, Jacintha Lazarus, deputy commissioner of Tamenglong along with SDO Tousem and doctors and the Zeliangrong apex body headed by Ningtangpou Kamei, president of Zeliangrong Baudi Assam, Manipur and Nagaland along with Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong, Zeliangrong Baudi Jiri, Zeliangrong Pui (women) Baudi and Zeliangrong Students Union Manipur visited the Zeme refugees from Assam state at Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong on April 2 and 3.

During her first visit to her sub-division the deputy commissioner also inspected the various government offices at Tousem where she found all the government offices including the PHC were defunct. There was no SDO office, no beds for the sick, no tables and chairs at the PHC Tousem HQs.

The sub divisional people are very happy to see the first lady deputy commissioner. Welcome gates were constructed, school students sung the welcome song and welcome programme like social night and gifts were presented to her. And many memorandums were also served to her to which the DC Tamenglong assured help.

In the meantime, while interacting with Pouheu and Samsadinbe of Zeme Council Halflong members they disclosed that on February 11, 2009 the DHD(J) killed one Haideurangbe Newme, son of Hairanglungbe of Boureneu (Chotoninglo) village of NC hills and shot at and severely injured Kidanlungbe Newme, son of Haigonglungbe.

Again on March 19 DHD(J) cadres killed two innocents and shot and injured two from Tungjepungua village of NC hills. Again on March 23 the DHD (J) cadres killed two and injured others at Boureneu village, which turned the situation miserable for the Zeme community, they said. They also disclosed that another around 1000 Zeme people were camping at Mohur town in NC hills. The situation turned worse on March 23 when around 90 Dimasa people tried to attack the Haiwangbram village under Mahur police station. Luckily, the Indian army saved the situation, they said. While strongly condemning the barbaric act of DHD(J) the Zeme Council Halflong, Zeliangrong Baudi Halflong and Zeme Mathai Council also appealed to the government of India to give proper security for protection at the remote village of NC hills of Assam and also demanded ex-gratia for the deceased and aid for the injured persons at the earliest.
Rival Bodo groups clash; 18 injured Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, April 4 – As many as 18 supporters of Bodo rival parties BPF and BPPF sustained injuries since last night in several parts of Kokrajhar district.

According to sources incidents of violence were reported from Sialmara, Jharbari and Bishmuri area. Yesterday around 8.30 pm at Sialmara under Serfunguri PS, a group of 12 persons badly damaged the BPF unit office and assaulted 12 BPF supporters. BPF sources alleged involvement of BPPF supporters in the incident in the guise of miscreants.

Meanwhile, today around 2 pm in an election campaign of BPF at Bishumari– Mohanpur area which Minister Promila Brahma also attended with SK Bwismuthiary (MP) a group of alleged BPPF supporters attacked 2 BPF supporters and tried to vitiate the campaign. In retaliation alleged BPF supporters also assaulted 4 BPPF supporters. On the other hand, suspected BPPF supporters in large numbers today about 8 pm blazed the BPF unit office at Gwjwnsiri Bazar near, Gossainichina under Serfunguri PS.
Electorate in BTAD region seek change, claims BPPF
CORRESPONDENT Assam Tribune
UDALGURI, April 4 – The Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) has started its Parivartan Yatra right from the border of Sonkosh river up to Paanchoi Serfang in the east taking all communities into confidence. This was stated by Hemendra Nath Brahma, Former MLA and general secretary of the regional political party here at KBR Hall in Udalguri town recently.

Addressing the party workers and supporters on the occasion in a general meeting, Brahma criticised the Hagrama Mohilary regime and said that the people have now realised what is happening in the BTAD region. “The people of BTAD region are seeking a total change in BTAD region and so the BPPF has started the much-awaited Parivartan Yatra. He also appealed to the people to join the Yatra.

As a part of the BPPF election campaign, the general secretary of BPPF also appealed to the people to support Prodeep Kumar Daimari, the BPPF candidate from No 8 Mangaldoi LS constituency who is accorded support by four parties including CPI, CPI(M) and NCP in the forthcoming LS elections to be held on April 23 in the second phase. The meeting was also addressed by Nurul Amin and Amir Hussain, CPM leaders of Darrang, Dilu Sarmah, secretary of BPPF and party candidate Prodeep Kumar Daimari. It is observed that following the support to the BPPF by the three other political parties in No. 8-Mangaldoi LS constituency, the electoral battle is going to be a multi-cornered one among the Congress, BJP, BPPF, BPF and AUDF.

Later, talking to this correspondent, Hemendra Nath Brahma, general secretary of BPPF, said that Kokrajhar and Mangaldoi seats would be won by his party with support from all quarters.
Poll campaigns intensify in Ukhrul, cCpur By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 4: Stating that the election to the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency to be held on April 16 is a crucial election for the Nagas to save and protect their land and rights, PDA candidate for the Outer seat and sitting MP Mani Charenamei has urged the voters to have vision in exercising their franchise.
Addressing an election campaign at Tangkhul Naga Long ground in Ukhrul district headquarters today, Charenamei said that land of the Nagas should be protected by the Nagas themselves.
When a new State like Jharkhand could be created from Bihar, there is no provision in the Indian Cons- titution which says that the existing boundary of the North Eastern States could not be altered, the sitting Naga MP said, while reiterating that he had voted for the UPA Government at the Centre during trust motion in the Parliament only on the assurance that the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme on the inviolable nature of the boundary of the North Eastern States would be rectified as well as to open the door for resolving the Naga issue.
‘For the development of the hill areas and tribal languages and protection of the tribal land and identity with proper planning, we have to elect our own Government’, Charenamei ex- horted the public gathering which included village chiefs, church leaders and representatives of village authorities. While assuring that Naga Independent MLAs and MPs would work toge-ther within the framework of Indian Constitution to ensuring rights of the hill peo- ple, Charenamei pledged to implement all the points highlighted in the election manifesto of the PDA. ‘The Nagas are not against development but construction of Thoubal and Tipaimukh dams should be opposed as these would bring hill areas under water’, the PDA candidate contended. He also charged the SPF Govt as a Govt which does not love and care about its own people. PDA president Marung Makunga who also spoke at the campaign said decision of the Naga Independent MLAs to support the PDA candidate in the election is to ensure a representative who can speak about Naga issue in the Parliament.
‘‘Naga issue is not a joke. After the Indo-Naga pace talks, peace has prevailed once again. There will be peace in Manipur when the issues of other communities have been resolved’’, Makunga maintained. MLA Awangbow Newmai observed that for development to bring about in the hills, one needs to know himself/herself first.
For the hill people to get their due rights and recognition, lets elect Mani Charenamei to the Parliament this time as well, he appealed to the gathering. Other Naga Independent MLAs, namely Dr Khasim Ruivah, W Keishing and K Raina were also present at the occasion pleading the Naga voters for co-operation in ensuring the success of the PDA candidate.
NCP manifesto for General Election 2009 OUT IN OPEN: NCP released party manifesto for General Elections 2009 on Friday. IBN Live

On April 3, Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party released the party manifesto for General Elections 2009. The manifesto says NCP stands for a democratic secular society wedded to equality and social justice as well committed to preserve the unity and integrity of our country. Following is the full text of NCP's Lok Sabha Elections 2009 manifesto.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which came into existence only 10 years ago, has within this short span of time become a significant party in India. This party was whole-heartedly welcomed by the people from the very inception in June 1999. The people gave such a massive support to the party in the parliamentary elections that was held in 1999, just three months after the formation of the party that the Election Commission of India after assessing the performance of the party in the elections, which the party fought all alone, conferred the “National Recognized Party” status to the party which was the only instance in the history of the country of any party obtaining the national status within such a short period after its formation.
Now, NCP has strong functioning units in almost all the states and union territories of the country. The party is in government in three states, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Goa. We have our representatives in ten more states; Kerala, Gujarat, Haryana, Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam.
NCP will be 10 years old by June 10, 2009. We are thankful to the people for the support they have given us. We are proud of the party’s growth in these years. By the time we celebrate our next birthday, after the elections, NCP will emerge as a leading party in our country capable of playing a decisive role in shaping the future of the country.
What NCP stands for NCP stands for a democratic secular society wedded to equality and social justice as well committed to preserve the unity and integrity of our country.
We look up at democracy as a holistic outcome of secularism in practice, ensuring equal rights, politically, economically and socially to each and everyone in the country.
Secularism to us means fraternity amongst followers of different faiths, respecting each others’ faith and cooperation and coexistence among them without any prejudice.
By equity and social justice we mean to ensure equal opportunity for all in all spheres of life, especially for education and skill development with special affirmative action for the deprived sections of the society.
NCP would ensure the unity and integrity of India by strengthening our federal set up through decentralized functioning of the government and the rule of law without any prejudice to any religion, caste, creed, community, region, sex or status.
NCP’s slogan in the election is good governance and a stable government, development oriented, transparent and corruption-free.
NCP’s concept of development By development, we mean overall development of the life of the common man including the weaker sections of the society in as much as it provides a better life for them, better housing facilities, better food, better clothing, facilities for giving better education for their children, and better health facilities. All these depend on more earnings or remuneration. So the economic development should provide for more employment opportunities and more employment generation schemes and projects.
NCP’s role in the formation of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in Parliament Elections 2004 After the election, the UPA was called upon to form the government. The government was formed on the basis of a common minimum programme (CMP) approved by the UPA partners as well as the Left parties, who also came forward to support the government. Most of the proposals of NCP have been incorporated in the CMP.
Achievements of UPA government During the UPA regime, India has recorded tangible growth in our economy and India is one of the fast developing countries in the world.
The growth of agriculture sector has not only bestowed us with complete food security, but also enabled us to export food grains to foreign countries.
The implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been a great relief to the starving millions of this country. The Right to Information Act enacted by the UPA is an effective weapon for fighting corruption.
The implementation of the Sachar Committee recommendations, which provide for proper educational facilities and scholarships and other assistance is a great step to bring the neglected minorities especially Muslims, to the National mainstream of the country.
The introduction of 27 per cent reservation for students of other backward communities in all institutions of higher education will provide equal opportunity in the field of education. Steps to implement universal primary education will help the rural poor to get better means of livelihood and a better life for them.
Performance of NCP ministers The NCP Ministers have proved by their performance their capacity in evolving effective schemes and programmes in their areas of operation and their efficiency for speedy implementation of those schemes. They have been applauded by all concerned as the most effective ministers.
Agriculture In a country where agriculture was being neglected for the last many years and the production of food grains was coming down and shortage of food articles was being increasingly experienced, Shri Sharad Pawar, within the last five years has worked wonders in the agricultural sector.
As more than 65 per cent of the population of our country depend on agriculture and agriculture related activities for their livelihood, Pawarji knew that the prosperity of India lies in the growth of the agriculture sector and the increase in the production and productivity in the sector.
Pawarji with his wide experience in the field of agriculture and extensive interaction with farmers chalked out plans and schemes to solve the problems the farmer community was experiencing and implemented the schemes with determination.
He managed to get the budget allotment for agriculture, which stood below 2 per cent of the total budget allotment, revised and increased to 4.5 per cent.
Steps for increasing productivity He was successful in attracting substantial investment in the agriculture sector, which enabled him to provide irrigation, water and electricity supply to farmers at reasonable rates. More allocation of funds was made for irrigation. More land was brought under irrigation. As a step to rejuvenate agriculture sector, the National Food Security Mission was launched in 2007 to enhance production and productivity of rice, wheat and pulses and make us self sufficient in food grains. The scheme was implemented in 312 districts spread over seventeen important rice, wheat and pulses growing states in the country. Consequently, significant increase has been recorded in the productivity of rice and wheat in those districts. The overall increase in production of wheat and rice in the succeeding years has been three million tons of wheat and 3 million tons of rice. A number of other schemes also have been launched during these five years to give focused attention to increase productivity. The National Horticulture Mission, Central Institute of Horticulture in Nagaland, Jute Technology Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, National Project on Management of Soil, Health and Fertility, National Bamboo Technology & Trade Development, National Project on Organic Farming are a few of them.
Farming made profitable Side by side with the implementation of those schemes, urgent steps were taken to solve the problems of the farmers and to make farming profitable.
Minimum support price Substantial increase was made in the minimum support price of rice and wheat and other food grains and cotton. The procurement price of rice which stood at Rs. 550/- in 2004 has been increased to Rs. 900/- for ‘B’ grade and Rs. 930/- and the MSP for wheat has been increased to Rs. 1,080/-.
Restrictions imposed on farmers to sell their products to private agencies was removed and the farmers were given freedom to sell their products to anybody for better price.
Loans were made available for farming at reduced rate of interest and that also at easy terms and conditions from all banks. The banks have started issuing crop loans to farmers at 7 per cent interest and the banks will be compensated by the government. Loans up to Rs. 50,000/- for farming are being now issued security free.
Tens of thousands of farmers who had availed of loans from banks and private money lenders at exhorbitant rates of interest could not repay the loans because of successive failure of crops caused by draughts and floods. The steps taken by the banks for recovery of the accumulated debts had driven many of them to suicide. Waiver of all such accumulated debts were implemented by the government to save the affected farmers from their miserable situations.
Waiver of accumulated debts The scheme of debt waiver and debt relief for farmers is under implementation. Direct agricultural accumulated debt in arrears in scheduled commercial banks, regional rural banks and cooperative credit institutions upto 31st March 2007 and was overdue as on 31st December 2007 has been written off. About 3.68 crores farmers have been benefited involving a debt waiver of Rs. 65,318.33 crores. Subsequently, the waiver scheme has been extended to the fishing sector also increasing the allotment to 71,000 crore.
Packages Relief packages including rehabilitation of affected farmers were implemented for farmers of 31 draught affected districts from different states which were also suicide prone districts of the country.
Special packages for Kuttanad Development with a fund allotment of Rs. 1,840.75 crores for the overall development of agriculture in Kuttanad and package with a total allotment of Rs. 1,190.00 crores have been sanctioned for rejuvenating the agricultural activities in Idukki and the cost of agriculture portion of the package amounting to Rs. 764.00 crores have been sanctioned by the agriculture ministry.
Second Green Revolution The various schemes and steps taken by Shri Sharad Pawar to rejuvenate agriculture and to enthuse the farmers have paved the way for a second green revolution. As productivity and production increased considerably and farming became profitable, the farmers who had abandoned farming earlier, started farming again and more and more land was brought under cultivation. Last year, India, has record production in rice, wheat, pulses and other food articles and we have attained self sufficiency in food grains. India is the highest producer of cotton, milk and sugar consistently for the last three years. Our granaries are full. We have not only got assured food security but are also capable of exporting food articles. Many countries are now approaching India seeking help to solve their problems of food shortage.
Civil Aviation The performance of Shri Praful Patel in the civil aviation sector has been exemplary. In these five years, unprecedented growth has been recorded in this sector. He has initiated unprecedented expansion in aviation industry.
World-class airports are coming up in Delhi and Mumbai. All the main airports in the state capitals and other big cities are being modernized. Dozens of new airports have come up in various parts of the country. Multiplicity of domestic flights is being operated. International flight connectivity has also increased considerably and Air India flights are now reaching out to many distant foreign countries. There has been hundred times increase in the number of air passengers. Airports have become more crowded than railway station. Air traffic has grown up considerably in our country.
The entire country has expressed their unreserved appreciation of the performance of the aviation ministry.
Rural Development The Rural Development ministry has made wonderful performance during the last five years of UPA regime. Smt. Suryakanta Patil, NCP Minister of state for Rural Development & Parliamentary Affairs has taken the initiative for formulating various projects for providing for the all round development of the rural poor. Greater emphasis has been given for housing, sanitation, safe drinking water, constructing village roads and employment opportunities for the weaker sections and disadvantaged sections of the society.
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which she had been instrumental for formulation and for getting it approved has been a boon for the rural poor which guarantees 100 days’ work a year for those who register their names for work under the scheme. More than 5.70 crores job seekers were provided with work.
The massive housing schemes providing Rs.35,000/- for each house by the government, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna connecting all habitations with all weather roads, the scheme providing sanitation and safe drinking water to the villages are bringing out fast development in the lives of the people. We are proud of the initiative and consistent endeavour on the part of Smt. Suryakanta Patil for her contribution in providing a better life for the villagers.
Important issues before the country The global economic crisis that has caused collapse of the economy and retrenchment lakhs of employees working in financial and technical institutions and closing down hundreds of business firms in foreign countries. Though not in that magnitude it is having its effects on Indian economy as well.
Lakhs of Indians including skilled labours, who had been employed in various foreign countries, especially in the developed countries, who have lost their jobs are returning to India. Not only has this affected the contributions of the NRIs to our economy, but has created the problems of rehabilitating them.
The plight of Indian skilled workers returning home because of global meltdown deserve urgent attention. The skilled Indian workers in the past have remitted huge amounts of money, which has helped the country in swelling its forex reserves. Therefore, it is the duty of the government to help these personnel, small/medium scale enterprises by giving them liberal loans at a very concessional rate.
The mixed economy we pursue giving equal importance to public sector, private sector and joint sector has helped us to withstand the onslaught of the world economic recession. But it has slowed down our economic growth, increased our unemployment problems and other related matters. It has reduced export business and multiplied our problems in the sector.
Two packages have already been declared by the government and the banks and government has adopted some measures to ease the situation. But still the situation has not been brought under control.
The onslaught of the global economic recession has started affecting our economy also. Large-scale retrenchments, lay offs, causalisation of employees are creating serious employment problems.
Our economic reforms should necessarily be implemented with a human face. It shall not affect the employment sector negatively.
Under the circumstances, our industries have to concentrate on goods for domestic consumption. Domestic consumption should be encouraged for which the purchasing capacity of the people should be improved. Cheaper goods to meet market competition should be targeted. The growth in the agriculture sector will certainly contribute to the purchasing power of the people to some extent. More investment on infrastructure development, widening the scope of employment guarantee scheme and on other rural development activities would improve the purchasing capacity of the people.
The Employment Guarantee Scheme will be a blessing for the unemployed rural poor and it will contribute a lot to improve their purchasing capacity.
In this connection, NCP insists on increasing the scope of the NREGS. More days of work should be guaranteed and all the people prepared to work should be covered by the scheme and the wages paid to them should be reasonably increased.
Self help groups should be encouraged to take up small industrial units for producing consumer goods should be encouraged. More and more infrastructure activities and schemes should be taken up by the government departments. The government and the banks should come out with financial support for these activities.
More private investment should be attracted for infrastructure development. They should be encouraged in air connectivity and road connectivity between all state capitals. Inter-linking national rivers should be taken up under joint venture.
In view of the collapse of a large number of banks and insurance companies in developed countries consequent on the world economic crisis, our banks and insurance companies should be protected from foreign companies and private players.
Public undertakings of strategic importance should not be disinvested.
Human Resource Development The basic requirement of human development is education. Every step should be taken to improve the employability of our youths. General education should be made employment oriented.
The following guidelines will be followed in our education system:
1. Speedy and effective implementation of the universalisation of primary education, vocationalisation of secondary education and modernization of higher education, so as to improve their employability, enable them to take up self employment schemes and to improve their expertise.
2. Equal opportunity for students of all sections to get educated in prestigious institutions of higher education.
3. Infrastructure facilities for imparting universal primary education in each and every village.
4. Sufficient number of scholarships should be awarded for students of SC/ST and OBC categories.
5. Reservation of seats and scholarship should be awarded to the students of economically backward sections of the upper class communities.
6. Science and technology should be given its due importance in the system of our education.
Health A new public health policy recognizing the health rights of the people in general and the marginalised sections in particular would be introduced.
Primary health centres would be provided with necessary doctors, staff, medical equipments and regular medical supply.
Life saving medicines would be made available at affordable rates.
Mid day meals programme for school going children would be strengthened.
Comprehensive schemes to combat malnutrition among the children.
Food security for those belonging to the weaker sections of the society.


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