.

EDITORIAL

SECURITY & DEVELOPMENT

Prime Minister A B Vajpayee during his Independence address to the nation from ramparts of Red Fort refers to security and development as complementary to each other to make the nation strong. No development can take place in insecure environs even as security is not possible without adequate development. This theme speaks volume about the direction Government intends to move for onward march. In layman's language it means nation has to be very strong militarily even as its economy have to be second to none. From formidable military power and... .more

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

President K R Narayanan is visibly anguished that criminals and dacoits continue to enjoy political patronage even as our legal luminaries play safe as regards the accused. Major portion of his Independence Day message revolves round this theme. President is at pains to quote an instance where a five . .....more

Issues before the
new Army Chief

By Avinash Shirodkar
Challenging issues await India's new Army chief, General S. Padmanabhan. What are his likely tasks?..more

New States, new headaches

By Sondip Bhattacharya
Small is beautiful', so says everyone. In the industrial terminology graduating from small to medium and large is indicative ....more

TB, the terminator

By Jyotshna Pandit
That's arterial blood," said the poet John Keats, examining the contents of his handkerchief. Having...more

Tissue culture techniques for mangoes

By: G. V. Joshi
A team of botanists led by Dr V S Jaiswal from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in.....more

EDITORIAL

SECURITY & DEVELOPMENT

Prime Minister A B Vajpayee during his Independence address to the nation from ramparts of Red Fort refers to security and development as complementary to each other to make the nation strong. No development can take place in insecure environs even as security is not possible without adequate development. This theme speaks volume about the direction Government intends to move for onward march. In layman's language it means nation has to be very strong militarily even as its economy have to be second to none. From formidable military power and strong economy stems sound foreign policy that truly reflects independent approach for subserving national interests. An economically and militarily weak country can never have independent foreign policy nor the will to protect its independence. Such a country perforce plays second fiddle to superior and mighty powers which is prejudicial to national interest.

Prime Minister has mentioned several aspects of development like National Agriculture Policy meant to achieve 4% annual growth. It also targets doubling per capita income over the next 10 years. Probity in administration remains the key to achieving targets and to that extent corruption in high places remains priority agenda of the Government. Recently Chief Vigilance Commissioner enunciated his plans of nabbing the corrupt. Earlier he had put the list of the corrupted on the internet. Coalition culture itself is a great check on ministerial and administrative corruption because all partners keep an eye on one another. Once political corruption gets attenuated, administrative corruption becomes difficult. In this context one refers to former Finance Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that it is not dearth of funds but problem of percolation of funds to the grass-root level. He had no hesitation in admitting that most of these are siphoned off enroute. Even latest annual budget earmarks sufficient funds for the social sector and development works. The all important question is whether such funds have at all reached the targeted population. Tackling menace of corruption is thus crucial to development activities. Prime Minister mentions Express Highway project for linking four metropolis which is labour oriented and infrastrucutal in nature. This project is slated to be completed by 2003 while the north-south and eastern corridors would be ready by 2007. Having brought completion of these projects in stipulated time-frame Government removes atleast one source of corruption i.e inordinate delays and the resultant cost escalations.

Prime Minister minces no words when he says that talks with Pakistan and terrorism exported by it cannot go side by side. For any meaningful dialogue Pakistan must end cross border terrorism. He simultaneously warns Pakistan that the nation has the will and wherewithals to preserve its integrity and Pakistan could never succeed in changing the map of our borders in J&K. It has failed in the three regular wars. It is bound to meet the same fate even in proxy war. He sarcastically advises Pakistan that 21st century does not permit redrawing of borders either in the name of religion or on the strength of the sword and remarks, ''This is the age of resolving differences and not for prolonging conflicts''. This is to be read in the context of repeated Jehad calls are being given by Pak Government supported Jehad council which during its ongoing conclave in Lahore has threatened jehad all over India to realise the dream of 'Greater Pakistan'. In its last years conclave clarion call had been given for hoisting Pak flag on the Red Fort before long. In his Independence Day message Pakistan's dictator and Chief Executive Officer Gen Musharraf has extended full support to Jehadis. It is here that strong and formidable security becomes all the more significant because Pakistan refuses to learn proper lessons from contemporary or past history. Jehadi Council in return for Pak official patronage and material support asks General Musharraf to march his armies into Kashmir for its integration with Pakistan. These hostile statements and dangers posed by the ongoing terrorism sponsored by Pakistan are very much in Prime Minister's mind when he mentions that 21st century does not permit redrawing of maps. He has probably in mind the nuclear deterrents in place in either country which necessitates saner thinking on the part of Pakistan. Further details of security related acquisitions, projects and targets are given by Defence Minister George Fernandes in his address to the armed forces on the eve of 54th Independence day.

Taken in its entirety, Prime Minister's address though short reveals much more as regards priorities which revolve round security and development to make the nation strong enough to be recognised as formidable power in the next 10 years or so.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

President K R Narayanan is visibly anguished that criminals and dacoits continue to enjoy political patronage even as our legal luminaries play safe as regards the accused. Major portion of his Independence Day message revolves round this theme. President is at pains to quote an instance where a five year old girl was abducted, raped and then killed. The accused though nabbed and challaned is acquitted on the ground of 'benefit of doubt'. True, unflinching evidence may not be available but circumstantial evidence can lead to conviction. In such cases, there may not be eye witnesses but then in this modern scientific era of DNA tests and forensic science, nothing is beyond doubt. President also has in mind the ongoing soft pedalling by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governments of bandit Veerappan when he says, ''It is time civil society and the lawful government asserted their authority and primacy over the dare devil heroes of crime and banditry''. Kannada's super star Raj Kumar continues to remain hostage to the whims and fancies of Veerappan who has dictated many demands for his release including release of criminals charged under TADA. There is limit to acquiscence with criminals who continue to enjoy wide political patronage. But for the political expediency and vested interests it is not beyond the reach of either Tamil Nadu or Karnataka to launch commando action to nab Veerappan. Instead he is eulogised in his new role as 'revolutionary'. President wants an end to criminal-politician nexus which continues to play havoc with the nation.

President is quite unsparing on media which is out to glamourise those with dark deeds as also celebrate with impunity malaise like child marriages and other social evils. The thrust is for catchy news and romanticising the same rather than give proper footage against crimes and violence. He has termed the media as sensation-crazy rather than being objective and realistic.

President specifically mentions atrocities on women. Gruesome stories of dowry deaths, child marriages, rapes and other atrocities on women do make catchy stories duly given prominent slots but those who dare speak against these persistent prejudices and crimes do not find any place. This is a very negative approach and the next best thing to check these crimes is to strengthen the criminal laws which have many lacunae. These must be so amended asto ensure speedy justice resulting in maximum punishments and minimum acquittals. All political parties and the government must take it as direction of the President and legislate appropriate amendments. But the wider question of who will break the criminal-politician nexus remains wide open as even Vora Committee report has failed to achieve anything due to gross contempt and indifference of all the political parties to any reformative approach including electoral reforms and criminal laws amendments.

Issues before the new Army Chief

By Avinash Shirodkar

Challenging issues await India's new Army chief, General S. Padmanabhan. What are his likely tasks? What priority issues need attention are worth a reflection. As these concern not only over a million strong Indian army, but 100 crore or so Indians in a rapidly changing and ever demanding security environment, in which India's youth, industrialists, politicians, bureaucrats and media, all have a crucial role and responsibility to share.

To guarantee the operational competence of India's Army in a setting of insurgency, terrorism, proxy wars and violence would, of course, continue to be the Army chief's main preoccupation.

But to ensure this, six vital areas need to be addressed:

1. The leadership crisis in a JCO-led army;

2. Over-dependence for supply of arms and crucial defence hardware from foreign industries;

3. The need to restructure and modernise;

4. To make the Army (technically and tactically) task oriented.

5. To give the Army more mobility and self-reliance, particularly in intelligence. Also, the creation of a workable reservist system for expansion, including the Territorial Army (TA)

6. To maintain morale and enhance fighting spirit of the soldier, without which everything is futile and meaningless.

To take operational fitness first: In simple terms this implies Army ability to carry out its allotted missions. Varying from defending borders, participating in peace-keeping operations, to support the police and paramilitary forces to assist the civil governments to function when the going is rough.

Political instability, a dozen odd secessionist movements raising their heads for independent states or autonomy, failure of police to contain and neutralise the increasing role of mafia, cross border terrorism and proxy wars, besides constant monitoring and investigations by human rights commissions, these call for expert fighting and peace keeping skills. The

Army cannot afford to annoy the civil population, in whom the latter have reposed special trust.

Further, the Army can be asked to intervene as in Sri Lanka, or for peace-keeping missions (as in Maldives and Bangladesh) should political circumstances demand such an intervention in neighbouring countries.

In addition, should China take any initiatives in Nepal or Bhutan, then the Army has to be in a state of readiness to respond effectively when such situations arise.

To ensure pro-active response, the Army's current and future tasks have to be spelt out in advance by the government in its defence policy so that the Army is not caught off-guard.

Unlike in 1962, or the impulsive induction of IPKF in Sri Lanka in 1987, sufficient data and experience are available today, to obviate lack of preparation.

Essentially, this requires articulating those situations in which the Army will be required to fight and win national or foreign policy objectives where diplomacy has failed.

The nation would be erring grievously if it continues to think that the Army should remain prepared on its own without defining its assignments.

And for that, the responsibility rests with India's defence policy.

As regards Army's leadership, there is a visible crisis here. More than 50 per cent deficiency exists in its officer cadre. The Army's combat units (Infantry and Tank) have nearly 50 JCOs but they can feed only 8-10 officers against an authorisation of 27 more.

The Army has become JCO-led. While it is indispensable, it, however, must be led by officers. The reasons for this are simple. By the time, a jawan becomes a JCO, he has put in 20 or more years of service, he is between 35-40 years old.

In a low-intensity conflict situation and insurgency, particularly on Sino-Indian border and high altitude, to combat militants, the Army needs young Captains and Majors. This deficiency is acute.

That is not all. India's corporate and money-oriented youth does not wish to shoulder responsibility towards the nation's security. Given a golden handshake, a majority of middle serving officers will leave.

Consider this. Today there are more than 5000 cases of Army personnel pending in the courts and an equally large number of petitions awaiting disposal at the Army Headquarters. It needs no debate to point out that this pathetic situation needs to be corrected with utmost promptitude.

What about equipment and weapons? The media had recently reported the Army's intention to purchase 300xT90 tanks from Russia. Besides, a couple of years ago, the Army had to buy AK-47 rifles from Romania and ammunition for it from a third country.

Clothing for use in snow conditions, sophisticated night vision devices, mine detectors and even bullet proof vests are coming from abroad.

Thus with nearly 50-60 per cent of imported weapons and equipment, the Army can fight for limited periods. The question is what has happened to India's huge Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) or our defence production factories who alone employ 1,70,000 personnel.

The DRDO has not even produced an anti-missile, leave aside, the tank. What is the private industry doing? To rationalise the situation, a major effort will be required by the Army to bridge the gap between the DRDO, the users (Army), defence production and the private industry.

Further, there are areas where the Army must become self-reliant.

It must have a full-proof intelligence system to know as to what is happening across the borders instead of awaiting dissemination of information from RAW or other agencies. For that it needs a specialized defence agency.

The reservist system, now on paper, must be tried out at least once a year.

The TA meant to relieve the Army from static rear duties and to provide replacements to make up for deficiencies on outbreak of hostilities, needs to be expanded from its present 40,000 to at least 40 lacs if it is to be of any assistance to the Army.

Finally, unless the society, civil administration and the media look after the soldier during his service or on retirement, the soldier will not retain his fighting spirit Fortunately after the Kargil imbroglio, the society is ready and responsive to the soldiers' needs in all possible ways. But somehow, it is the government and the army themselves who have made insufficient efforts to take the citizens along.

Such then appears to be the agenda of the new army Chief, who unlike his predecessors, face an entirely different environment. Yet the basics remain the same.

The Army must know its tasks. It must have the best leadership. It must be equipped with indigenous equipment instead of being hostage to foreign arms factories.

And that, without society's support and government understanding, the Army's morale and fighting spirit can wither and finally vanish. INAV

Tissue culture techniques for mangoes

By: G. V. Joshi

A team of botanists led by Dr V S Jaiswal from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi (U.P.) has developed a method to grow two popular varieties of mangoe - amrapali and chausa-in test tubes.

The Amrapali variety is a hybrid one evolved at Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi in 1978. It is the result of a cross between Dussehari and Neelum. Chausa is a popular variety of mangoes in North India.

The BHU scientists have succeeded in raising tiny plants called platelets, of popular Amrapali and Chausa varieties by growing miniature pieces of nucleus - tissue inside the fruit's seed in a special nutrient supplemented with salts and growth hormones.

While Amrapali plantets survived in pots containing garden soil, Chausa plantlets grew in pots containing a mixture of sand and soil.

Scientists had in the past achieved some success in tissue culture - growing tiny pieces of a plant on a special nutrient medium, to give rise to hundreds of plants of this popular Alphonso mango variety and few others.

Research on mango cultivation is a slow process, but introducing tissue culture based methods of duplicating the plants can speed it up. Using tissue culture, it is possible for hundreds of offspring's to be raised in a laboratory all within a matter of few months.

But application of tissue culture techniques to mango plants is very complicated and time consuming. Until a feasible solution is found, the availability of new mango planting material for farmers will continue to be a problem.

Mano is a prized summer fruit crop of India with over one thousand recognized varieties consumed as fresh fruit or variously proceed. Mango pickles constitute an important ingredient of the common man's daily meal. The wild trees are a source of cheap timber.

India is a major producer of monoembryonic varieties of mango, many of which are esteemed for the high quality fruit considered far superior to the polyembryonic varieties. Monoembryonic mangoes have only seed in each fruit.

Polyembryonic varieties have several seeds. Seedlings with independent root systems arise from each seed when planted. Only one of these is the result of union between the male and the female parts of the mango flower. This seedlings gives plants different from the mother tree.

All other seedlings produce plants, which yield fruits exactly like those of the mother tree. Under these circumstances new plants are raised from the seed and other methods of propagation are not necessary. However, only ten varieties of mangoes grown in India and polyembryonic. Their list does not include popular varieties like Alphonso, Amrapali and Chausa.

Tissues culture is the art of growing cells of plants artificially in a controlled environment. In laboratories, where sanitary conditions far exceed those of a hospital surgical theatre. Technicians wielding surgical -like knives slice tissue off premium quality donor plants and bulbs and place it in a sterilized medium of salts, sugars, vitamins, hormones, and other ingredients, formulated differently for each type of plant, to stimulate rapid growth.

In just one year the tissue from three donor plants can produce a one-hectare banana plantation; tissue from one floral bulb can create as many as one million bulblets.

The plantlets of both the varieties of mangoes survived when transferred to plastic pots containing sand and soil mixture.

When these plantlets were transferred to earthern pots containing garden soil and exposed to sunlight, new leaves developed which could grow to a bigger size.

It is evident from the results that it possible to induce tissue culture to recover plantlets in Amrapali and Chausa variety of mangoes.

Tissue culture enables researchers and growers to rapidly generate numerous clones year - round in greenhouses. In nature, strawberry plants typically produce their fruits in summer. Commercially grown strawberries, however, are propagated throughout the year by tissue culture, providing consumers with a steady supply of strawberries for every season.

Tissue culture is a also used to produce plants free of viruses, fungi, and bacteria, and to propagate species, which are difficult to grow commercially from cuttings, layering, or grafting.

Dr S S Negi, Director, Central Institute for Sub-tropical Horticulture, (CISH) based at Rehmankhera, (UP) near Lucknow, has introduced a new variety of mango named CISH-M-1, a cross between Amrapali and janardan pasand, a popular variety in north India in the market for commercial cultivation.

The new variety is yellow with a red blush. It has firm flesh and scanty fibre. The red blush and hard flesh are developed keeping in mind the export potential of this variety as Europeans and Americans do not like yellow colour and soft pulp.

The institute has also developed a late-season variety CISH - M-2, a cross between Dussehri and Chausa. Having a dark yellow colour, this variety also has firm flesh and less fibre. This variety is undergoing field trials.

The institute has already released a high-yielding and regular bearing clone of famous Dussehri for commercial cultivation. This variety has 39 per cent more yields annually than the normal Dussehri variety.

However, several varieties of the Mango are on the verge of extinction if steps are not taken for their commercial exploitation in the near future.

Already varieties with exotic names, shamsul asmar, khasa, surkha, Imamuddin Khan, Aab-e-Hayat, and the like are rarely seen in the market. All these varieties are confined to private orchard where mango connoisseurs frelish their taste, but are not inclined to venture into commercial production.

Once these trees die due to age, these varieties are bound to become extinct.

The present generation does not know about these varieties and they do not want to purchase a mango which they have never tasted or seen.

According to Dr S S Negi, those varieties, which are not grown commercially, are bound to vanish. CISH has a germ plasm collection of nearly 700 varieties, which is largest in the world. These varieties, he said, are conserved in field gene banks, spread in about 50 hectares. He emphasised that conservation was necessary in order to meet any future eventuality.