NEW DELHI, May 12:
Charging the Government with showing apathy towards the grievances of farmers, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj today insisted that the proposed Food Security Bill should be formulated after discussing the issues with those involved in the agriculture sector.
“Government wants to bring a Bill which aims to provide food security to the people. Then a person who does not get food can go to court. Such a Bill cannot be made in air-conditioned rooms and should be formulated after consulting the people on the ground,” Swaraj said.
She was speaking at a Farmers’ Parliament organised by the BJP here.
Swaraj hit out at the Government for failing to provide adequate facilities for storage of grains including gunny bags, corruption in distribution of grains through PDS, faulty export policy for sugar, cotton and other products.
“We wanted that a special session of Parliament be held to discuss only the agricultural policies. That effort has not yet been successful,” Swaraj said.
The BJP leader alleged that fertile land which yields three crops a year is being bought from farmers by the government for building malls and factories. She gave the example of Singur, charging that an unsuccessful attempt was made there earlier.
“Storage of crops is the weakest link in the chain of production, storage and distribution of crops. Government has failed to provide godowns even 65 years after Independence…. The Madhya Pradesh government had made advance payment for jute bags to store crops but these have not been provided by the Centre,” Swaraj said.
Swaraj maintained that Madhya Pradesh Government had made all arrangements for buying and storing crops in godowns but Centre’s failure to provide jute bags had put a spanner in the works.
“I pleaded with the Finance Minister with folded hands to provide gunny bags as farmers are facing a crisis,” she said, adding that Rs 58,000 Crore worth of foodgrains are wasted every year as the country does not have enough godowns.
Swaraj charged that the distribution system is also faulty due to rampant corruption as grains meant to be given to the poor through PDS are sold in the open market.
However, the BJP leader claimed that implementation of PDS in Chhattisgarh, where her party is in power, has been so efficient that it is worth emulating for the other states.
BJP also criticised the import-export policy of the Government. Quoting an example, she said sugar was imported in a particular year at Rs 35 and exported at Rs 12 simultaneously.
Referring to the recent ban on cotton exports, Swaraj said the decision was reversed by the government under opposition pressure. She insisted that though though this ban has been lifted, Government has put several clauses making export nearly impossible.
Swaraj asserted that people making the agriculture policies are such that they cannot differentiate between crops and are not aware of the basics of agriculture. She demanded that those having “earthy wisdom” be roped in while making these policies. (PTI)

WASHINGTON, May 12:
A far-reaching legislation has been introduced in the US Congress that would deduct USD 50 million from the aid to Islamabad for every American killed by terrorists operating from the safe havens in Pakistan with the “support” of ISI.
“Pakistan has for decades leveraged radical terrorist groups to carry out attacks in India and Afghanistan,” Congressman Dana Rohrabacher said introducing the ‘Pakistan Terrorism Accountability Act of 2012’.
The legislation would require the Department of Defence to list all Americans killed by terrorist groups operating with impunity inside Pakistan and Afghanistan and supported by elements of Pakistani government.
For each person killed, USD 50 million would be subtracted from US foreign assistance to Pakistan—a requested USD 2.2 billion—and given to the victim’s family.
“For too long America has funded the Pakistani government, giving it free money, while elements of the ISI and Pakistan’s military operate radical Islamic groups that are actively murdering Americans. Americans will not accept this,” Rohrabacher, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, said.
“Pakistan helped to create the Taliban and Pakistan’s intelligence service hid Osama bin Laden from the US for years. Today, one of the most dangerous and sophisticated groups killing American troops in Afghanistan is the Haqqani Network, which is closely operated by the Pakistani government,” Rohrabacher said.
The legislation says Pakistan, through ISI, maintains control and influence in Afghanistan through militant groups like Haqqani network, to secure its strategic position and expand its sphere of influence, not only in Afghanistan, but also in Kashmir and against India.
Asserting that ISI has strong links with the Haqqani network, the legislation said that it shall be the policy of the US to limit the United States foreign assistance to Islamabad if Pakistan’s military or intelligence services continue to support or provide assistance to organisations that target American citizens.
“Of the amounts made available for assistance to Pakistan for fiscal year 2013 or any subsequent fiscal year, the President shall withhold USD 50 million for each United States citizen who is killed as a result of actions of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) or support provided by the ISI to other organisations or individuals, including the Haqqani Network,” it said.
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, had earlier said the ISI directed the Haqqani network to plan and conduct “the assault on our embassy (in Kabul in September 2011) … We also have credible evidence that they were behind the June 28th attack against the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul.”
Mullen had also said “the Haqqani network acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency.” (PTI)

NEW DELHI, May 12:
Making a conscious effort to shed his pro-Hindutva image, yoga guru Ramdev today shared the dais with Muslim leaders and announced he would launch a struggle to support their demand for amending article 341 that excludes Muslim and Christian Dalits from the ambit of reservation.
Ramdev also announced that he would launch protests against the government demanding bringing back black money stashed away in foreign countries and against corruption on June 3 as well as in August.
Addressing a convention organised by the All India United Muslim Morcha, the yoga guru launched a scathing attack on almost all political parties accusing them of “not bothering” about the common man and “looting” the country’s wealth through corrupt practices.
Ramdev, who is perceived to have links with saffron groups, also told the gathering that some people have tried building a wall between Muslims and Hindus and that such people should be “taught lessons.”
“I did not know till recently that Article 341 does not cover Muslims and Christian dalits. This is not fair. Dalit is a dalit, whether he is a Hindu, Christian or a Muslim. So, all Dalits should get equal rights. We will have to struggle to achieve this. We will launch a struggle (for this). I extend my wholehearted support,” he said.
Article 341 of the Constitution excludes Muslim and Christian Dalits from reservation.
He also said there was “prejudice” against Muslims in the country and that image has to be corrected. “We are with our Muslim brothers and sisters. My ashram has more than 3,000 Muslims. We have no religion there, nor any parity, nor temple or mosque. We are all one,” Ramdev said. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, May 12:
Two nurses, who sacrificed their lives to save patients in the AMRI Hospital fire in Kolkata in December last, were among 36 meritorious nursing personnel who were honoured by President Pratibha Patil on International Nurses Day today.
This is the first time that the National Florence Nightingale Nurses Awards were presented posthumously. The two nurses, Vineetha P K and Remya Rajappan, hailed from Kerala.
Vineetha P K’s father and Remya Rajappan’s mother accepted the award from the President at a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan here today.
Acknowledging the contribution of nursing to health care, President Patil said nurses are frontline providers of medical assistance and information.
“You are crucial for providing medical care. Nursing is not only a profession and a career. It is service to humanity,” she said addressing the gathering.
As the nation achieves success in health sector by helping increase life expectancy and eradication of some endemic diseases, Patil said there is much work ahead to achieve the goal of health for all.
“It is still work in progress,” she said.
She also exhorted male nurses to take up the noble service.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the role of nurses, midwives and lady health visitors in prevention of disease and health promotion activities cannot be under estimated, while listing out a number of steps to improve healthcare system in the country.
He said, “The award, consisting of Rs 50,000 cash prize, a certificate and a medal, is a rare honour in recognition of selfless hard work, commitment and extra-ordinary perseverance in the course of performance of duties by the nurses.”
Recognizing the contribution of nurses in improving the healthcare system of our country, the Minister said a number of steps have been taken to strengthen the nursing sector, which includes giving a boost to nursing education.
He said during the last two years, the Health Ministry has sanctioned 269 ANM and GNM schools across the country, particularly in the un-served and under-served districts.
“These schools will train an additional 20,000 nurses every year. Six nursing colleges are also being established at new AIIMS and these will be functional next year,” he said.
He added that the Ministry has also decided to provide financial assistance for upgrading all nursing schools into Colleges of Nursing attached to Government medical colleges.
He noted that to increase the number of nurses and teaching faculty, the student-patient ratio has been changed from 1:5 to 1:3; age of retirement for nursing teaching faculty has been raised to 70 years and admission to married candidates has been allowed in nursing courses.
Among those who were bestowed with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2012 are Naw Lachu Ahtee, Sunita R Dhonde, Harbans Batra, Agrawal Dinesh Satish Kumar, Suresh Kumari, Rehana Akhter, Aruna Kumari Sinha, V G Padmini, Usha Dinkar Talele, S Hoikholhing, Udasi Sahu, Sheela, R Geetha, Petsy R Massey, Subrata Das, Bhawani Dev, Sujatha Surendran, Jayasri Maiti, Brig Tshering Khendo Bhutia and Satwant Kaur.
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare S Gandhiselvan noted that exceptional contributions displayed by the meritorious winners will become the driving forces for the new generation. (PTI)

MUMBAI, May 12:
The BJP National Executive meeting, scheduled here on May 24 and 25, will focus on the Presidential poll, a senior state party leader said here today.
“President Pratibha Patil’s term ends on July 24. This will be the last meeting of BJP national executive before the presidential poll, which is going to be the turning point in the country’s politics,” Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said.
“The presidential poll being of so much political significance for the country, the meeting will deliberate in detail on all the aspects of this crucial issue,” he said.
The two-day meet will conclude with a public meeting, Bhandari told. Asked if there will be a joint rally with the leaders of ally Shiv Sena, Bhandari said, “this is solely a BJP event.”
Over 500 delegates, including chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, leaders of opposition and party state unit chiefs, are expected to attend the meeting, Bhandari said.
Amid reports that Nitin Gadkari, who completes his three-year tenure in December this year, may get a new term in office, party sources said the issue is decided at the National Council meet, deliberations for which could be held in the Mumbai meeting.
As per the BJP constitution, only a National Council comprising around 2,500 office-holders from across the country can make amendments to the party rules and decide on crucial issues like giving another extension or a new term to the party president. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, May 12:
The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, holding special sittings tomorrow, will focus on the ‘sixty years journey of Indian Parliament’ as they celebrate 60th anniversary of its first session.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will initiate the debate in the Rajya Sabha while Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will do it in the Lok Sabha.
Singh and Mukherjee are the Leaders of the two Houses.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, who is the moving spirit behind the idea, would make the opening remarks from the Chair to mark the special day of the largest parliamentary democracy in the world.
Besides prominent members from all sides, independents are also being accomodated in the over five-hour discussion.
A few living members of the first Lok Sabha, including Reishang Keishing and Resham Lal Jangde, will be honoured on the ocassion.
91-year-old Reishang Keishing, now a member of the Rajya Sabha, was member of the first and third Lok Sabhas. Jangde was member of first, second and ninth Lok Sabhas.
Both the Houses of Parliament will meet at 11.00 am and will conclude the discussions at 4.30 pm.
In the evening, President Pratibha Patil will address a joint sitting of both Houses in the Central Hall. Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister and Kumar will also address the joint sitting.
Patil will release coins of Rs 5 and Rs 10 denomination to mark the occasion along with a special stamp.
The President will release three books—Members’ Introduction: First Lok Sabha; Speakers of Lok Sabha and ‘60 years of the Lok Sabha: An Analysis’ on the ocassion. The books are published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Patil will also release five other books ‘Selected Speeches of Women Members of the Constituent Assembly’, ‘Welcome Respected Chairman’, ‘60 years of the Rajya Sabha’, ‘Computerisation of the Rajya Sabha: An Overview’ and ‘Nominated Members of the Rajya Sabha’.
A cultural programme featuring Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Sitarist Debu Chaudhuri, Carnatic vocalist Maharajapuram Ramachandran, versatile singer Shubha Mudgal and Iqbal Khan will light up the evening. (PTI)

MUMBAI, May 12:
Gone are the days when the on- screen mothers in Bollywood would sing lullabies in their soft voices, those pain-filled eyes reflecting their sacrifices, their adoring smile and strokes that soothes away fears, their all-encompassing equation with their on-screen sons.
From ‘Mother India’ (1957) to ‘Vicky Donor’ (2012), the portrayal of on-screen mothers have changed over a period of time – the ‘Maa’ of yesteryear has become ‘Mom’ today.
Then, no story was complete without them but today those roles have become mostly cliched. Now, in most films, mothers have become marginalised, they are mere props instead of propelling the story.
“There is less importance of mothers in films today. Even if there are roles for mother, there is hardly anything for them to do on screen. Things have changed, there is hero and heroine for everything, so there is no need of mother,” Zarina Wahab, who essayed the role of mother to Shahrukh Khan in Karan Johar’s ‘My Name is Khan’ and Hrithik Roshan in the remake version of ‘Agneepath’, told.
“The kind of emotions and sentiments that is attached with the character of a mother is not there in today’s films. I am happy that after a long time I got to do a film like ‘Agneepath’ (remake one),” she said.
Can anyone forget actor Shashi Kapoor’s famous dialogue as a cop, ‘Mere paas maa hai’, to his smuggler brother Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Deewar’, where Nirupa Roy was the mother. Roy became the most epitomised on-screen mother in Bollywood history.
Nargis played a fiery single mother in Mehboob Khan’s ‘Mother India’, who brings up her two sons – Rajendra Kumar and Sunil Dutt. Nargis does not hesitate to fire a bullet at her criminal son, Sunil Dutt.
Leela Chitnis created the archetype of Hindi cinema mother, as she often played an ailing mother or one going through hardships and struggle. She played the mother of leading men, including legendary Dilip Kumar.
Then we had Waheeda Rehman in Yash Chopra’s ‘Trishul’, Dina Pathak in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ‘Khubsoorat’, Raakhee in Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Shakti’, Nirupa in Manmohan Desai’s ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’.
Then came a new set of mothers—Rajshri Movies’ favorite maa, Reema Lagoo in ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’, ‘Hum Aapke Hai Kaun’, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hai’, the cutest maa – Farida Jalal in ‘Dilwale Dhulaniya Le Jayege’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, the glamorous maa – Kirron Kher in films like ‘Veer Zaara’, ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’, ‘Dostana’, Zarina founded a new image of an on-screen mother by the donning the roles in ‘My Name is Khan’, ‘Rakhta Charitra’ and the latest ‘Agneepath’.
“Times have changed and so have the role of mothers in Bollywood. As films reflect society, the portrayal of mothers has become more Westernised like in terms of clothes. There are not much family drama movies today – either we have a filthy rich mother or a mother from Dharavi (a slum locality in Mumbai). Where is the middle class mother who goes through struggle, pain?” asked Reema Lagoo, who has played on-screen mother to Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt (‘Vaastav’) and Shahrukh Khan (‘Yes Boss’).
“I feel mothers have merely become prop today…There is hardly anything for them to do on screen. I miss playing the kind of roles I did earlier,” she said.
How can one forget the drinking mother, Dolly Ahluwalia, in ‘Vicky Donor’. She played the mother to Ayushman Khurana and had the audiences in splits with her act.
In ‘Vicky Donor’, the scene between Dolly and her mother-in-law (Kamlesh Gill) sharing a drink has become the most talked about act of the film released last month.
Dolly has admitted she had apprehensions about the audience accpeting the saas-bahu’s drinking sessions. “To our good fortune, our bonding, including the drinking part, has been liked,” Dolly has said. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, May 12:
Mamata Banerjee’s remarks suggesting that Lok Sabha elections could be held next year, at least a year before the scheduled time, evoked mixed reactions from Congress and BJP.
While Congress, leading the UPA coalition, insisted that the Government will complete its full term, BJP said if “Mamata Banerjee can get this country free of this Government early, it is even better”.
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, “She has hinted at 2013…We would want this Government to go in 2012 only because it is not in favour of this country for this Government to stay even for a minute longer.”
Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said he had not gone through the statement of the Trinamool Congress leader and it would not be proper on his part to make any comments.
“But one thing is very clear that UPA-II will complete its term and elections will be held at scheduled time,” he said, adding that Mamata could be talking to her party workers to be ready to face any elections.
Hussain said the earlier the Government goes, it was better as the “economy is not right, the foreign policy is also not right, industrial growth rate has also come down and the FDI is not coming”.
“This country has never been in a worse time than it is in Manmohan Singh’s time. We hope UPA allies will bid it goodbye for the benefit of the country,” he said.
Yesterday, the Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee had claimed she has information that a political party in Delhi had held a meeting to advance the Lok Sabha poll to 2013 and asked her partymen to be ready for it. (PTI)