Retrospective evaluation...Hazaron Khaweshein Aishi..ki har Kwahish pe dam nikale

 Dear Bloggers...I am sorry to not to write regularly on this platform. Today India is celebrating republic day...On this occasion, I want to wish each one of you a very happy Republic day....On this day, I want to evaluate myself after getting in to civil services...Where was I before the entry in to coveted Civil Services of India and after that...I belongs to middle class family where hard work, honesty, sincerity and discipline are few of the traits which I have learnt from my parents. These traits are part of my solid foundation. It was a tough life before getting in to civil services. After entry in to civil services, I had a dream of serving Nation in whatever capacity I get opportunity. In this process post selection, I think that my life became little bit stable with assured career progression with some powers, aspirations,comfort and perks associated with government job. However in this process of bureaucratic evolution, I found some of the fundamentals were challenged at every time. Some are still with me and some I have left behind unknowingly or to say knowingly...The sense of greater contribution has been lost somewhere..More individualism came in to sacrificing the bigger dream...I feel that at this juncture, I feel empty though I had very comfortable life with happy family and set routine. Being a middle class person, I had dream of doing millions of things simultaneously. Some times, I feel confused and without any purpose...just flowing with water. At this stage of my life, mind is full of ideas/confusions/dilemmas...Some time getting restless after realising that life is actually slipping away from my hand without having much worthwhile to report or recall. There is great dilemma of  "Hazaron Khaweshein Aishi..ki har Kwahish pe dam nikale"...But then I feel that life is always like this..We all the times think that there will be one day when we shall get everything in life and then we shall relax and have fun with several counting in hand about our contribution on this planet. But honestly, apart from doing routine work, very few are lucky to get opportunity to do some thing earth shacking which can impact life of millions...I feel that persons birth is insignificant and death is very very significant event in one's life..We need to strive excellence and positivity. Every big things start with a very small idea. If one can sustain with the idea and put his sincere effort, that small idea can become a big impact idea. I think one should focus on it and try to minimise the distraction. Though in the age of digital world, it is getting difficult to minimise distractions but still through this digital age, we can keep our self motivated and engaged with world...these are random thoughts i had today though to share with all of you...will try to post more often.. Once again, wish you all a very happy new year and happy republic day....keep on blogging..

India and Minorities

Dear bloggers, the minorities in India are in news again and being discussed at various platform due to recent development. Primarily, issue of minorities got flare up due to controversial amendment of Citizenship Act,1955 through Citizenship Amendment Act,2019  popularly known as CAA. The controversy around this amendment Act seems on wrong interpretation and largely on fear psychology of proposed action by central government on National register of citizen preceded by National population register. It is propagated that through these measures,the condition of Indian minorities will be further deteriorated.

    In the above background, let us examine the condition of minorities in India based on facts and statutory arrangements under Indian Constitution.

    Before looking in to the condition of Indian minorities,let us have a brief look on the condition of minorities in other countries. As per the 29^th Annual world report, 2019 released by Human Rights Watch which is a prestigious International body, there are extra judicial killings by the authorities in Philippines. These killings were in the name of war on drugs. In Syria, a devastating war on minority civilians is going on specifically in the province of Idlib leading to mass killings. Saudi Arabia has been alleged for killings and starvation of Yemenis through attack/ blockade. In Burkina Faso, people there reported that by day ,they fear the Army and by night, the Jihadist. Similarly,Turkey and Egyptian authorities have been blamed for locking up thousands for their political views. In Itlay, reports says that government has closed its ports to refugees and migrants.

    Now, We take a look towards the condition of  minorities in neighboring countries of India. This report says that Chinese authorities are torturing Turkic Muslims(Uyghurs) in Xinjiang province. They have been pushed to mass detention centers. These minority Muslims are being forced to disown their Muslim faith under “Re-education” programme. The report further alleges that one million government officials have been deployed to keep watch on Muslim homes in the province by China.

    In Afghanistan, around 10,000 civilians have been injured between January 2018 to December 2018. Report says that Islamic state of Khorasan (Afghan branch of Islamic state) is involved in targeted bombing on minority Shia population.

    In  Myanmar,this report alleges that Military of Myanmar is involved in mass murder and rapes of Minority Muslims which led to forced migration of 7,30,000 Rohingya in Rakhine State.

   In Bangladesh, report alleged that there have been killings by authorities. Around 100 people killed in the name of war on drugs. Around 10,000 suspects have been put behind bar.There are allegation against Rapid Action Battalion for extra judicial killings.

   In Sri lanka, Report says that people of Tamil origin is still waiting for justice for the atrocities done during civil war between LTTE and Sri lankan forces.

  In Pakistan, during 2018, 17 people are on death row under Blasphemy law and hundred more awaits trial mostly from Ahamadis minority community in Pakistan. UN high commissioner for human rights observed that “human rights abuse in POK were of a different caliber or magnitude to those in Indian Kashmir”

     In the light of above discussion, Now we should see the institutional arrangement for protection of minorities in India and what statistics says about Indian Minorities for better understanding.

Indian constitution recognize six minorities in India i.e. Muslims,Christian,Sikhs,Buddhists,Parsis and Jain. In India, the population of Muslims is largest in world only after Indonesia. It is equal to the population of Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The population of Minorities is 19% of India’s total population. Out of 19%, 13.4 % are Muslims only. As per population census of 2001, there are 13.8 Crore Muslims living in India which increased to 15 Cr in 2006.

     If  the data of population Census 1961 and 2001 is compared then we can see that Hindus population has decreased from 83.5% to 80.5% whereas Muslims population has increased from 10.7 % to 13.4 %. Rest of the minorities composition in population remains almost same.

     As per the 66^th round of National Sample Survey data, average household size in urban and rural areas for Muslims is higher than any other religious groups in India. The proportion of land cultivation is more than 4 hectare for Sikhs,3 hectare for Hindus and less than 1 hectare for Christian and Muslims. The literacy rate is highest for Christian in India. The monthly per capita expenditure is highest in Sikhs followed by Christian community. The condition of Parsi community is known to everyone in India and world.They are one of the most wealthy people in India.

   There are enough safeguard for minorities in India through constitutional arrangement and provisions to provide the sense of safety to Indian minorities. These safeguards are in the form of fundamental rights. Article 14 provides equality before law. Article 15 provides prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion,race,caste,sex or place of birth. Article 25 provides freedom of religion. Article 26 gives freedom to manage religious affairs by minorities. Article 27 gives freedom as to payment of tax for promotion of any particular religion. Article 28 provides freedom from attendance at religious instruction or worship in educational institutions. Article 29 provides protection of interest of minorities and Article 30 gives right to establish and administer educational institutions belonging to minorities.

   It is evident from these provisions that Indian constitution has elaborate provisions for safety of minorities in India and is committed to equality of citizens and responsibility of state to preserve,protect and assure the rights of minorities in matters of language,religion and culture. It has focus on “Doctrine of unity in diversity”.

Apart from it, a separate ministry named “Ministry of Minority affairs” in Central government is established in 2006 to formulate policies,schemes and programme for the welfare and socio-economic development of minorities. Ministry has taken multi pronged strategy for educational empowerment,infrastructure development and economic empowerment of minority community in India.

    There are several constitutional and statutory bodies which have been set up to look after minority issues such as Central Wakf Board, National Commission for minorities, Commissioner for linguistic minorities under Article 350 B of Indian Constitution,  Maulana Azad educational foundation and National Minorities development and finance corporation, etc.

      In 2018-19, 4700 Cr rupees of budget was sanctioned for the minority affairs ministry which is implementing numerous schemes such as Skill India, Seekho aur Kamao,  Nai Manzil  for education and livelihood, Nai Roshni for leadership development for women, Jio Parsi for containing population decline of Parsi community in India and numerous scholarships scheme for minority community.

    Based on above discussion and data, It is safely presumed that there is no reason to fear for minority community. They should feel proud for being Indian and try to contribute in Nation building...keep on blogging

All About Citizenship Amendment Act

Dear Blogger, In past few days, there is lot of resistance on street against the Citizenship Amendment Act recently passed by parliament of  India with thumping majority. Why it is so when parliament enacted it with majority. What went wrong? What are the salient features of this amendment Act? Is the protest against it is based on wrong interpretation of it? Violent protests on the Citizenship Amendment Act  are unfortunate and deeply distressing. Debate,discussion and dissent are essential parts of democracy but, never has damage to public property and disturbance of normal life been part of our ethos.Let me discuss in detail.
        In Greek, it is told that there are three types of people in any country irrespective of its location on the world map. One is 'IDIOTS'.Such category of people are very selfish,self centered and busy in their own lives. They don't have time for society, common issues it faces,etc. In fact they are good for nothing. Second is 'TRIBAL'. Such category of people are concerned about their group of people, their cast and creed. They are better than 'IDIOTS' in the sense that they are at least bothered about their kith and kin,relatives,group of people belonging to their sect,tribe etc. Third is 'CITIZEN'. Such category of people are well informed,concerned about the well fare of whole society.They discuss.debate and reach to a conclusion based on facts. They take time to fight injustice with peaceful means. They are the essence of any successful country.
     Therefore, as per Greek traditions, Citizen means a person who is well informed and who is concerned about the issues which impact Nation as a whole. Now we need to analyze the present violent protest against Citizenship Amendment Act [CAA] in India with the above mentioned criteria in mind. We will find that the opposition seems mindless and without any basis. It appears that whole situation is deliberately created by few who has vested interested in the protest. I am surprised when I see the students coming in streets with wrong logic. It appears that Students have even not gone through the wordings of this Act or the provisions of Citizenship Act.1955 before coming out for protest. It seems more of sentiment and fear about future course of action probably planned by government of the day rather than facts of CAA.
    For any country, Citizens are the main factor. India has enacted Citizenship Act 1955 with Citizenship rules amended from time to time to cater the need of the hour. The latest Citizenship rules were framed in 2009. As per the act, there are five ways to get Indian Citizenship as follows:-

1. Citizenship by Birth
2. Citizenship by descent
3. Citizenship by registration
4. Citizenship by Naturalisation
5. Citizenship by incorporation

     The Citizenship Act,1955 provides for acquisition, determination,and termination of Indian citizenship. As discussed above Citizenship of India can be acquired by Birth (Section 3), by descent (section 4),by registration (section 5),or by naturalisation (section 6) or by incorporation of territory (section 7). Any foreigner on becoming eligible can acquire citizenship by registration or by naturalization irrespective of his country or his community.
     Now, the parliament of India has enacted an amendment to this Act by The Citizenship (Amendment) Act,2019 popularly known as CAA. It has been made effective from 10th January 2020. It enables migrants/foreigners of six minority communities from three specified countries who have come to India because of persecution on grounds of their religion to apply for Indian citizenship. It does not amend any existing legal provision which enables any foreigner of any class,creed,religion,category,etc to apply for Indian citizenship through registration or naturalization modes.Such a foreigner has to become eligible to apply for Citizenship after fulfilling the minimum legal requirements.
  The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has been in the public domain since 2016. It was cleared by a 30-member Parliamentary Committee consisting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members. The present act is broadly based on the same Bill.
    As it is clear from above discussion, The CAA does not apply to Indian citizens. They are completely unaffected by it. It only seeks to grant Indian citizenship to particular foreigners who have suffered persecution on ground of their religion in three neighbouring countries.
    In the year 2015-16, Government of India has already amended rules to provide long term visa(LTV) and legalized the entry of such foreign migrants belonging to six minority communities from these three countries who had come in to India up to December 2014 because of persecution on grounds of religion. Now through this CAA, they are being given Citizenship of India.
     On different occasions, special provisions have been made by Government of India in the past too. 4.61 Lakh Tamils of Indian origin were given Citizenship in 1964-2008 after signing of International agreements in 1964 and 1974. Similarly, during 1962-78, more than 2 Lakh Burmese of Indian origin fled from Burma were given Citizenship. In 2004, Central government delegated the power to grant citizenship by registration to six collectors of Gujrat and Rajasthan in respect of Hindu migrants displaced due to 1965 and 1971.
     During the last six years, around 2830 Pakistani Citizens,912 Afghani Citizens and 172 Bangladeshi Citizens have been given Indian Citizenship. Between 2016 to 2018, 391 Afghani and 1595 Pakistani migrants and in 2019, 40 Afghani and 172 Pakistani migrants have been granted citizenship. About 14864 Bangladeshi nationals were also granted Indian Citizenship after incorporating more than fifty enclaves of Bangladesh into Indian territory post the boundary agreement between India and Bangladesh in 2014.
    All the above are factual details readily available on numerous websites including government documents. I did not find any provision which is against any Indian Citizen.
    In the light of above, where is the scope of violent protest? It appears that vested interest political parties are trying to infuse sentiments on wrong grounds and provoking people to come on street and protest. If any of these protesters take the pain to go through the provisions of these CAA, they would not have come to protest. That is the serious issue because ill informed population is not Citizen actually as per Greek traditions as discussed above.
   Some people say that Why the Baluchis,Ahmediyas in Pakistan, Rohingayas in Myanmar not included in CAA.  The fact is, CAA has not stopped any foreigners of any country from applying for Indian Citizenship undet the Citizenship Act,1955 on fulfillment of the qualifications provided in the relevant sections of The Citizenship Act,1955.
     There have been some concern form North-Eastern states regarding CAA. These concerns have been taken care of as CAA would not apply to tribal area of Assam,Meghalaya,Mizoram or Tripura as included in the 6th schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under 'The Inner Line ' notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. Manipur has also been added under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime.
   In my view, this issue should be seen as a humanitarian one,beyond political ideologies. There should be constructive politics on this issue. People should be informed properly....Keep on blogging..Jai Hind

Who is undermining Institutions??

Dear blogger, I am perturbed on seeing reports of vandalism, violence and mindless opposition of government action almost on daily basis through news paper or through digital media. I often hear the views of many that incumbent government is undermining Institutions. Is it true? I am putting up my observations for you to decide in right perspective.

    First of all, India is a healthy democracy with vibrant legislature and strong media including social media. It is difficult for anyone to undermine Institutions created by Constitution or by government statute. For e.g. Election Commission of India which has been constituted by Constitution. It is to ensure free and fair elections which is very much essential in a healthy democracy. But see the disturbing trends since 2014 that opposition parties are blaming EC and EVMs. The mindless opposition and illogical arguments given by opposition parties clearly indicates that they are the one who are undermining Institution. I have written previously in detail on this blog, how EVMs functions and why they cant be compromised. After recent victory in Jharkhand election, now opposition is completely silent on EVMs. This is not fair to hard work done by Election Commission of India which has reputation among international community.

    Secondly, it was alleged that in India, central government is crushing Media. The facts says otherwise. We have The Hindu,Indian Express,The Wire,NDTV etc etc who are continuously presenting free voices without any fear and favour. Had the government been crushing them,they would not be in apposition to survive but they are flourishing. Opposition parties are regularly making false claims that Media is being crushed. So basically, opposition is undermining this Institution of media as well.

   Thirdly, It is being said that government agencies like CBI,ED,Income Tax,DRI,DGGI all premier investigating agencies of India are being misused by incumbent government. The fact is these agencies has elaborate SOPs to act upon intelligence received. As prime  minister told in a gathering that few wrong doers in Industry who have been booked my investigating agencies are being termed as if whole government is against business establishment. This is not true. There are several corporate houses who have misused Banking sector to take humongous loans and vanished.Action needs to be taken by agency in the national interest. For e.g Neerav Modi case by E.D., Vijay Malaya case etc are all wrong doings by these corporate houses.

   Based on above I conclude my discussion today. My only point is to give you different perspective. We need to analyze the situation based on facts an then express or form our opinions on any issue….keep on blogging…     

Questioning Electronic Voting Machine [EVM] is a Global Conspiracy?

Dear Blogger, EVM is in news again. EVM is an Indian innovation to record peoples voice through this electronic device popularly known as EVM. Election Commission of India[EC] which is an independent constitutional body brought this innovative way to record vote and conduct free and fair election on such a massive scale with more than 90 Cr people.

       The questions being raised on EVM seems on wrong logic. The feature of EVM are as follows:-

[1] It is an independent stand alone device which is not connected to any network.

[2] All EVMs have unique serial number which are recorded in election commission database.

[3] All EVMs are manufactured by government owned corporation.

[4] Such EVMs are temper proof.

Before the Election period begins

      "All available EVMs in a district are normally stored in a treasury or a warehouse under the direct control of the District Electoral Officer (DEO). Exceptions can be made in case of unavailability of storage space, but the designated treasury or warehouse should not be below the level of tehsil. The warehouse is secured by a double lock, guarded round the clock by policemen or security guards, and is also under CCTV surveillance. During a non-election period, EVMs cannot be moved out of the warehouse without specific instructions from the Election Commission. The first-level check of the EVMs by engineers is done here, in the presence of representatives of political parties."**

   Before the initiation of EVM allocation to a  particular polling booth, returning officer organize meeting of all representatives of political parties in the presence of independent observers sent by EC. In this meeting, computerized randomization process takes place three times to randomly allocate EVM machine to a particular polling booth. By this way, Election Commission [EC] ensures the complete transparency of election process.

 
   To further strengthen the process
   
       "Closer to the election date, EVMs are allocated randomly to various Assembly segments (in a Lok Sabha seat) through a software in the presence of party representatives. If the representatives are absent, then a list of allocated EVMs and VVPAT machines for each Assembly segment is shared with the party office. From this point, the Returning Officer (RO) of the Assembly segment takes charge of the allocated machines and stores them in designated strong rooms. 
       Here, the second round of randomisation takes place. EVMs are commissioned to specific polling stations in the presence of party representatives. In fact, candidates are advised by the EC to share the machine numbers with their respective polling agents so that they can verify these before polling begins.After all machines are prepared with the setting of candidates and fixing of ballot papers, and then commissioned, the strong room is sealed in the presence of party representatives who can, if they wish, also put their own seal on the locks. The strong room is guarded round the clock under the charge of a senior police officer, not below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police. It can also be guarded by central police forces, wherever possible. Once sealed, the strong room can only be opened on a fixed date and time when the machines have to handed over to the polling parties to be delivered to their designated polling stations. All candidates and their election agents are informed beforehand about the date and time of opening of the strong rooms.
       
        Apart from the machines allocated to specific polling stations, some reserve EVMs are also taken from the strong rooms and stored in a central place in the Assembly segment, so that defective machines can be replaced with as little delay as possible.
      
        This year, in view of last year’s controversy over the movement and storage of unused EVMs during the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, polled and unused machines are being transported only in GPS-enabled vehicles so that their movement can be tracked by the DEO and CEO. " **  

 
       After voting  is over, there is proper record of total votes polled in poll diary available with booth officer. EVMs are being sealed in the presence of agent of political parties. After it, EVMs are being transported to district head quarter and kept in safe house[Strong room] constantly guarded by security forces till counting day.

   

      "Once voting ends, EVM are not dispatched to the strong rooms right away. The Presiding Officer is required to prepare an account of votes recorded in the machines. An attested copy of this is provided to each candidate’s polling agent. After this, the EVM is sealed. Candidates and their agents are allowed to put their signatures on the seals, which they can check for any signs of tampering. Candidates or their representatives travel behind vehicles carrying EVMs from the polling station to the strong room, preferably located close to the counting centre.

       Reserve EVMs should also be returned at the same time when the polled EVMs are returned. Once all used EVMs have arrived, the strong room is sealed and the candidate or her representative is permitted to put their own seals or locks as well. They are also allowed to keep a watch on the strong rooms round the clock. 

       Once sealed, the strong room cannot be opened until the morning of counting day. If the strong room has to opened before that for an unavoidable reason, it can only be done in the presence of the candidate or his representative, who will be allowed to put their seals or locks again after the room is closed.

        Security forces are deployed in three layers around storage rooms with Central Armed Police Forces guarding the inner ring. On the day of the results, counting begins only after the candidate or her polling agent has checked the machine number and whether the seal is unbroken" **

     
        On the day of counting, the seal on these EVMs are being checked again and break open in the presence of representative of political parties and election observers sent by EC.

   
         The whole process is designed in such a way so that total transparency is maintained.There are number of people/officers involved at multiple level which over-rule any possibility of manipulation in EVM.

      The recent voice of EVM manipulation is very unfortunate. It appears that political parties who are raising the voice against EVM dont understand the whole procedure adopted by EC to safeguard EVM. It is very dangerous trend to question EVM. 

      Once,EC has organised all party meeting and challenge all representatives to temper  EVMs. Nobody could do it that time. This must have silent all opposition to EVMs.

      Besides, Election result through same EVM in several states brought parties from all spectrum in power such as AAP in Delhi,Congress in Madhya Pradesh,Rajasthan,Chattisgarh, TMC in West Bengal,Left in Kerala, TRS in Telengana,BJP in several states, etc. Therefore questioning of EVM by any political party looks laughable. This seems an attempt to question the whole election process which is very dangerous. World wide, conducting free and fair election is always a big challenge. To question EVM is to question the integrity of EC and the whole process of election. In India, total votes polled is much much higher than the population of whole Europe or population of USA. To conduct election on such massive scale is possible only through EVMs.

   To further strengthen the confidence on EVM, VVPAT machines are also being used on few booths to match physical print of vote polled with the votes recorded on EVM. These measures ensure the complete transparency of election procedure.

     It appears that the current controversy on EVM is a big conspiracy to undermine Indian elections which might create turbulence in Indian society. There might be law and order issue in Country if opposition parties could not win expected number of seats. There are some forces which always tried to destabilize India and legitimize the elected government. At a time, when country is doing fine on economic,scientific,military and On international front, anti-national forces are trying to create unrest through violence or questioning the basic feature of any democracy that is Election. It is easy to demolish the confidence of people on EC but very difficult to restore that confidence or trust. We have seen the rise of militancy in J&K when people of J&K felt bad on rigging of election of legislative assembly. Indian political parties should behave responsibly and should not raise questions without any basis or sound logic. The whole world is watching us. If political parties keep on questioning EVM, the newly elected government would have to face trust deficit which is not good for a country like India. The successful conduct of election of this scale would have been a proud moment for every Indian but mindless opposition to EVM and due to castigating doubts on integrity of EC have spoiled these possible moments of pride and glory.  

    I would request  EC to immediately take steps to inform the people about the whole process of EVM management. They should conduct LIVE demo on all Tv Channels on EVM functioning. The EC should also release a detailed presentation in print media to educate Indian people and remove any doubt from the minds of Indian people. Any doubt in the mind of common people on election process might bring chaos in the country and undermine the legitimate authority of elected government. The sweat and mid night oil burnt by millions of government officers under command of EC to conduct free and fair election should be given due respect and worth by every political party of India....Jai Hind...Keep on blogging

** Source:- Additional input from The Indian Express along with three Pictures 

Long term impact of ''Balakot Strike", "Main bhi Chowkidar" campaign & '"Änti Satellite missile" test on Indian psyche

Dear bloggers....On perusal of various incidences occurred in India recently such as Balakot strike, main bhi chowkidar campaign and Anti-satellite missile testing, I strongly feel that these incidences will impact the long term psychology of Indian people.
     India was slaved  by foreign people for more than thousand years. It has badly impacted the psychology of Indian common masses. How  the mis- rule of  Britain has adversely affected every part of life is not hidden to every one such as Introduction of English in Indian education system has permanently affected the millions of children living in rural areas as English has spoiled their power to think innovatively as their minds are busy in translating their mother tongue to English. Several examples can be given on this pattern which indicates the adverse effect of slavery on long term basis. It has impacted the will power,morale and confidence of common masses.
    Now, the incidence such as Balakot strike by Indian Air force has led to the upliftment of confidence of common masses in their capability to defend their home. This feeling of confidence is a biggest gain of this incidence. Such successful action strengthen the morale of forces also.
   Further, the political movement of BJP "'Main bhi Chowkidar" has been misinterpreted by numerous people on the ground that PM is advocating to be Chowkidar in literal sense. I think such people are understanding it in a wrong way and in literal sense only. They have not gone deep in to the spirit behind such political movement. I think the main spirit behind this political movement is to unite the common masses of this country by being vigilant and attentive to their rights and duties. If everyone become attentive to their rights and duties, any wrong action/corruption/non performance/looting/rules violation etc by anyone will be identified easily. Wrong doers will be fearful and punished. Merely by making law will not eliminate corruption or ensure right and timely action on any thing. A public participation will definitely ensure such things. We have seen success of Swach Bharat mission in some areas just because every one became attentive on cleanliness. Now common attentive citizen is raising alarm on person who is throwing garbage on common places.Therefore,I believe that such slogan is raising the common conscience of people.
     Other than this, the test like Änti-satellite missile "' or Moon mission or Nuclear tests uplift the overall confidence of country. One can visualize easily that by sending man on moon by USA has grossly uplifted the scientific temper of school going children and students of USA. Similarly such scientific successful testing gives enough confidence to student to pursue science related courses in higher studies which will further boost the supply of quality scientist/teachers/PHDs and research papers.
 India is at cross road where We can afford such action to defend our mother land, to raise confidence and enhancement of scientific temper of Indian citizens. It takes full century to take out people from slave mentality once some country has been ruled by foreigners. So,I am very happy to see such indigenous movement in this country which will be  helpful for making India a developed Nation....keep on blogging.     

From Reel to Real Life, Challenges Faced by Women in Police Are Manifold

We are likely to be assessed less competent and less suitable for high level positions. We are likely to be sexually harassed by superiors and colleagues and held responsible for it.

Women in police. A recent phenomenon in a centuries old organisation with a colonial history and a strongly masculine work culture. It continues to be known as the police force. And being a force, it places a premium on machismo and valor more than on service.

Ask a child, how a police officer is. You are likely to hear some or all of these phrases: a prominent moustache, serious and grim expression, loud and coarse voice, tall and muscular, aggressive body language, one who doesn’t listen, but orders. A stereotypical image reinforced by popular media.

How many police officers fit this description? How many women in police fit this description? Can they? Should they? How are the women going to navigate through this system? And in turn, how would they be altering or modifying this system, if at all?

Women have the biological and sociological responsibility of bearing children. They also disproportionately shoulder the burden of the care economy, particularly in a traditional and patriarchal society like India. Their view of work, family and work-family balance is different from that of men.

The women in police, the few that there are, are either accused of hyper-masculinity, acting and behaving like their stereotypical male counterparts to prove themselves to be equally worthy; or of hyper-femininity, exaggerating the proverbial feminine weakness for short-term benefits.

These hypotheses must be tested in the context of the everyday lived realities of the women in uniform. This should be followed by an objective assessment of the extent to which the police force has attempted to understand and accommodate such realities.

A film on women police officers

To be able to look at things from the perspective of women in police, their stories need to be told. Just as the Netflix film Soni (2018) does. It takes us through the worldview of two women: Soni, a police sub-inspector and Kalpana, an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS). While we see them at work and get an opportunity to contrast their working style with that of their male counterparts, we also get a peek into their personal lives.

How do they look at policing issues like crime, its prevention and investigation? What kind of relationship do women leaders in police have with a set of police officers who report to them? How do they strive to achieve the professional-personal life balance, the responsibility of which is also thrust upon them being women?

What kind of sexual harassment do they face from people inside and outside the police force? I have deliberately not called it ‘casual sexism’ or ‘teasing’ or ‘taunting’, as these terms would rob it of its gravity as an offense.

In Soni, like in real life, the women in police respond to sexual harassment typically by means of certain conditioned responses. By remaining silent, ignoring it, smiling, laughing it off or normalising it.

But are there any possible alternatives? Atypical responses to typical situations?

Soni, after whom the film is named, is transferred to a Dial 100 call centre as a “punishment posting”. She is the film’s angry young woman. One may argue that she has poor control over anger, using excessive force and refusing to mend her ways. While this has been an integral part of police sub-culture for centuries, it is seen in the film as an alternative response of a woman in police to sexual harassment that she faces while discharging her official duty. Breaking all stereotypes, she is fearless. She charges on the goons when they do not respond favourably to her bonafide orders. She even engages in a fist fight with three goons at once.

One scene strongly resonated with me: “He had occupied the ladies toilet, he was found consuming drugs and he was the one who misbehaved with me (read misbehaved as sexually harassed) and I am the one who is being asked questions.”

On one hand, this scene reflects the police’s victim blaming attitude, typically exhibited in cases of violence against women. On the other, it highlights that often in the eyes of the citizen, a woman police officer is first a woman and then a police officer.

How does this effect her personal life? It appears that her long working hours and the passion for her profession makes her partner insecure about their relationship. Despite constant nudging from an elderly female neighbour, Soni stays firm that she doesn’t need the crutches of the presence of a man in her life. At least not this one, who is unable to figure out what he wants from his own life. The man, on the other hand, is convinced that his presence in her life is necessary, for her safety and protection.

Kalpana’s tale

In contrast, the calm and young Kalpana smiles her way through the overt and covert harassment from her husband’s mother and sister over her late night shifts, not being present at family functions and not having a child. Her husband (also an IPS officer), is equally guilty of these. Yet, she is the only target.

In her profession, she is a meticulous follower of rules and procedures. She is an officer with high emotional intelligence. Remaining calm under situations of grave provocation, she is empathetic and a good listener who is highly motivated and self-aware. She is also sensitive, especially to victims of crime.

Her leadership style is people oriented. Though there are no right or wrong leadership styles, she is criticised and branded ‘too emotional’ by her husband, a service senior.

“You have chosen to be an IPS, behave like one. Four years into the service, do I need to tell you this?” he says. Despite her husband being critical of her personal engagement with subordinates, Kalpana has a meaningful relationship with Soni. They share passion, anger and frustration, though they express it differently.

The professional and personal lives of the husband and wife – engaged in the same service and the same state – are too intricately intertwined. Her every action at work comes to his knowledge. There is discussion. And the inevitable disagreement. They are different personalities and different officers. Is it fair that he expects Kalpana to be the officer that he is? As his wife, is she bound to take professional decisions from his perspective?

Feeling judged, snubbed, humiliated, she finally checks him, “Why are you raising your voice at me?” But she remains calm and persistent.

This character is nuanced and deep and the audience witnesses the resolve of this woman police officer become firmer with each passing scene. She is in the becoming, a police officer first, and then a woman. Her authentic self relies on her conviction, not merely on rules and procedures. It also evokes an alternative response to the sexism and misogyny she faces: courage, dedication and moral turpitude.

A Soni and Kalpana in each one of us

There is a Soni and a Kalpana in each one of us, the women in police. From reel to real life, challenges are multifarious. Once we remove our uniform, we are just another woman. As likely to face sexual harassment on the streets and in public transport. As likely as any other woman to be asked for dowry, subjected to domestic violence, to be the primary care givers and the lesser partners in marriage. To be expected to sacrifice career opportunities to make way for our partner’s career progression. And yet, highly likely to be harassed and judged professionally ‘non- serious’ or ‘non-ambitious’ for seeking maternity and childcare leave.

When in uniform, we are more likely to be discussed for our manner of walking, talking, laughing, dressing and marital status, rather than professional competence. We are likely to be complimented as ‘Well done boys!’. We are likely to be interrupted more often in meetings as compared to our male counterparts. Likely to be assessed less competent and considered less suitable for positions with a high level of responsibility and challenge. We are likely to be sexually harassed by superiors and colleagues and to be held responsible for it.

As women in police, do we stand by other women in police? Especially those in so called subordinate positions? Though cutting across hierarchy, we have certain experiences in common. Like Kalpana and Soni.

Taking another example from the film, a woman sub-inspector on duty at a Dial 100 Call Center  is responsible for receiving phone calls from complainants, recording the complaint and transferring it to the officer concerned for action. When faced with unwarranted and undesirable personal questions from a caller, she simply laughs it off. Scoffing, she says, every day one or two such people call. This is normalisation of sexual harassment.

Has there been a strong organisational response to this menace spread across all call centers? Despite civil as well as criminal legislation and evidence available in the form of call recordings, it continues. Leading to the vicious cycle of non-reporting and non-action, perpetuating the culture of silence.

For women in police to perform to their full potential, it would take sustained increase in their strength, meaningful networking within themselves and an institutionalised support system in the current social realities. Then, they will be the women that they are, the police officers that they are. It will allow them to be their authentic selves, agents of change. To achieve. To lead. To serve the people....Keep on Blogging....

(Alankrita Singh is an IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Views expressed are strictly personal and do not reflect the views of the service or the organisation she belongs to)

Source:- thewire.in 

Is the Indian media being subdued on raising questions against NDA government?

Hello everyone...I am perturbed by discussion on several electronic media channels on the allegation against the present government that if they raise any legitimate question against establishment,their voice is being subdued or they are being castigated as Ánti-Nationals''...Is it true? let us analyze.
     Free press is very important for any flourishing democracy.It is considered as fourth pillar of democracy. In our country there are roughly more than 20000 news papers and magazines registered with government catering audience from English,Hindi and several vernaculars. Similarly, there are more than 900 news TV channels in the country. Apart from it, there are numerous websites,news apps etc. Can any channel claims that Government is hitting them hard on airing or telecasting negative reports on government? I don't think so.Is there any blackout of TV reporting in recent times? Is there any major IT,ED or CBI raid against the owners of these channels or media houses in recent times ?...Is there any crackdown on social media groups or online news platforms for raising voice against government? I don't think so or I have not noticed. If government want to suppress the media of any form, it is very easy for the government to do. Therefore, it appears that such allegations are not true. There have been some incidences that during some debates or panel discussions, somebody or spokesperson of ruling party might say that someone is anti national..but that does not mean that every dissent voice is being suppressed. In fact,I have observed that the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi is one of the most criticized and abused PM in the history of this Country. It might be due to his strong style of functioning. His every action or speech is being criticized by opposition parties and media. Even then,PM never tried to suppress any media on this count. Though, PM has replied very strongly against some people but he also has right to reply. Therefore, allegation of suppressing media by government seems not correct. We are one of the most open and free society where everybody has the right to express their opinion. It is true that sometime government has taken tough stand on some anti national elements who are playing with the security of this country,but that is required also. One can't hold country on ransom in the name of freedom of speech. Media should formulate some Do's and Dont's for their members and it should be followed by every one. Media has important role to play in the democracy. Their role to provide correct information to the citizen of the country is very significant. They should stick to that. But sometimes, in the greed of TRP, media cross the boundary and leveled as national or anti national. It is their internal problem, it should be sorted out by the media itself. Government can't do anything about it. Media should generate their revenue based on the content and other methods. They should not depend on government support or some unhealthy and non transparent finance. If they are able to function transparently, there is no need to fear.They must be fearless and oppose any sort of arm twisting techniques of incumbent government if there is any. This will happen only when the media is self dependent financially.....keep on blogging...   

An open letter to Indian political parties who are raising doubts on Air force strike in Pakistan

Dear opposition political parties of India
         I along with millions of Indians who are witnessing past few days events and the way you are raising doubts on the capability of Indian Air force is shocking and very sad. We are sad not because you are raising questions but We are sad about the timings and the manner in which all of you are raising doubts. It is very clear after three forces have briefed media on the operations that Air force successfully targeted the intended target in Balakot and two other places deep inside Pakistan. It was further vindicated by press briefing by Air Chief Marshal. After this briefing, where is the iota of doubt? have you lost the faith in Indian forces capability. This is not rocket science. Even a person of average intelligence can understand that number of casualty cant be told exactly for simple reasons that target was in enemy country, strike was made by Air. One cant go and check or count the numbers at ground. It can only be gathered through interception of electronic conversation in enemy country or by intelligence agencies. CNN-IBN network has already released one audio tape purportedly belongs to brother of Masood Azhar talking about the damage caused by Indian Air strike. Further, the same channel has released some hand written crypted message released by JeM organization which talks about the movement of its leaders to safe places after Air Strike. These circumstantial evidences show the veracity of Air strike. If there was no strike then Why Pakistan countered it immediately is not a rocket science to understand.

    We are sad to see your desperation due to fear of loosing election in these circumstances when NDA has taken a moral lead by taking tough decisions for national interest. Election is not every thing. National security should be accorded priority over anything else. Without safe Nation one can't imagine politics or political parties. You must understand the implication of your doubt on morale of Indian forces.Your doubt will definitely make the enemy country happy as they will show your doubts to their intelligentsia to please them. You should think before speaking anything against Indian forces.
     It is right that valour is shown by Indian forces and no one should take political mileage. But it is also correct that political leadership does matter in these circumstances.When there was parliament attack or Mumbai attack, such action would have been taken by the incumbent government but they prefer not to. But this time, if incumbent government took tough decision to give go ahead to Indian forces to take action then why all of you are uncomfortable? Is it due to fear of loosing election? Rather making illogical noises, you should come out with some logical narrative which Indians can forced to ponder. If you continue to raise such illogical questions, Indian people will no more tolerate you. Therefor please be careful.

     Besides, somebody has praised Pakistan PM to such an extent that he asked for a Nobel Peace prize for him. I want to ask this man that is he really think that Mr Imran deserves peace prize for releasing our pilot. You must understand that Pakistan didn't have any choice under Geneva convention to no to release him once Pakistan admitted about his arrest as POW. Pakistan should have released him with in 8 days. So what is great work Pakistan PM did?. If at all Pakistan want peace with India, they should stop cross border terrorism and crosss border shelling which is hurting civilian population in valley. Pakistan should also take human approach in Baluchistan where issue of gross human rights violation and cruelty by Pakistan Militray is being reported by International Media.
     In this era of tensed situation at border, I wish that better sense and wisdom will prevail among political parties and they will behave in a way so that enemy country would not mis-use it in their favour.World is watching us. We should prove that for us Nation is First and politics come later.
     Jai Hind....keep on blogging....     

A Budget of hope presented by Mr Goyal

Dear blogger...extremely sorry for not updating the blog for long due to hectic schedule and change of priorities in life.Hope all of you are enjoying the dawn of year 2019 with hope and energy.

     In this line,Honb FM of India has presented the interim budget for remaining period of 2019 till the new government comes in to power. FM and PM termed it as budget of hope and aspirations for new and vibrant India. Of course, numerous provisions such as Income assistance to farmers,pension scheme to workers in un-organized sector,income tax rebate up to five lakh taxable income etc will benefit millions of people with extra disposable income in their hands. India is a vast country with huge chasm between one corner to other corner and between one sector to other sector. It needs long term policies,vision and stability in government approach. The present government tried to do all possible things on these fronts. However, the position of farmers is not improving significantly due to uncertain market condition. Although government has increased the MSP for roughly 20 crops but its implementation on the field is far from expectations. This needs some correction and alternative thinking. The problem of farm sector is multi fold. Government needs to provide real time information to farmers regarding cropping acreage of a particular crop across the country so that farmers can take informed decisions regarding the crop they should plant. It will reduce the overproduction issue and thus low price in the market for e.g. if farmer of western Uttar pradesh comes to know that potato has already been planted by farmers of Punjab,Karnataka,west Bengal,Gujarat etc in thousand of hectares then at least he will have the option to not to grow potato in his or her field for the current season. This might save him for crash of prices. Other then this direct benefit transfers in to bank account is a good step and it should cover all type of government subvention to reduce the chance of corruption and pilferage of government money. I hope that this year's interim budget will bring hope to millions of people of India...keep on blogging..   

The polygamy myth about Muslim community...a must read article by all

A news headline that grabbed my attention recently was from the neighbouring Pakistan about three men who among them have fathered nearly 100 children making their modest contribution to Pakistan’s skyrocketing population, which is being counted for the first time in 19 years. Allah, they say, will provide for them, a standard reply of most Muslims in Pakistan.

Fortunately in India, religion is not a factor for high birth rate among Muslims. Nor is the birth rate comparable in the two countries. While in Pakistan it is 3.7, in Indian Muslims it is 2.4 ( national average 2.3) (2016 World Population Data). It is clear that the prevalence of family planning among them is the lowest of all communities but that is because they are at the bottom of the ladder in education, economic status and the access to health services – the main determinants of fertility behaviour. That can be analyzed in a separate article. Here I examine if religion is the contributor to high birth rate. This is a subject which is characterized by mass ignorance and it is time someone explodes the myths.

At the centre of the debate is the belief that Islam encourages polygamy which leads to a spurt in population growth. The reality is that though Islam does permit polygamy but it is subject to not one but two conditions – that they are orphans and will be treated with absolute equality.

“And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you , two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one”. ( Al Nisa:4.3)

The polygamists conveniently miss both the conditions. This is the only verse in the Quran that refers to polygamy and that too in the context of fair treatment of orphan girls. The emphasis of the Holy Quran is very clearly on monogamy.

Is polygamy widely prevalent among Muslims? The only report on the subject is that of the Committee on the Status of Women in India, 1974, which revealed that polygamy was not exclusive to Muslims but was prevalent among all communities of India: tribals (15.2), Buddhists (9.7), Jains (6.7) and Hindus (5.8). Muslims were, in fact, found least polygamous(5.7).

Polygamy is not even statistically possible in India as the number of women per 1000 men is only 940. Experts have opined that polygamy cannot lead to high birth rate, since the number of polygamous men, small though they are, would leave an equal number of men unmarried. It is also observed that second wife of a man has lesser number of children than the first/only wife. A study showed that the average number of children from the second wife of Muslims was only 1.78 as compared to 4.67 from the first wife.

Polygamy apart, what does Shariah say about family planning?

Quran and Hadith are replete with verses and traditions supportive of the concept of family planning. It is extremely important to note that nowhere has the Quran prohibited family planning! There are only interpretations, whether for or against.

Anti-family planning interpretation is based on the following concepts: Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah), Qadr (Predestination), and Rizq (Provision).

“Do not kill your children (for fear of poverty); We make provisions for you, and for them too.” (Sura 6:152 and 17:31). “And Allah has made for you, your mates from yourselves and made for you, out of them, children and grandchildren.” (Sura 16:72). “Your wives are as tilth unto you, so, approach your tilth how you wish” (Sura 2:223)

Pro-family planning interpretations, on the contrary, are many more and these are based on: Tranquility of conjugal life, emphasis on ease, injunction about breast feeding (that delays conception and promotes spacing), preference for quality over numbers, and permission for Al Azl (withdrawal method), etc.

Foe me the clinching verse of the Quran is: “Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage, keep themselves chaste, UNTIL Allah gives them means out of His grace”. (Sura 24:33). This is amplified by the Prophet: “O young men! Those of you who can support a wife and household should marry. For, marriage keeps you from looking with lust at women and preserves you from promiscuity. But those who cannot, should take to fasting, which is a means of tempering sexual desires”. (Bukhari).

Then there is Hadees that refers to restricting the size of the family. Abu Sa’ad, a companion of the Prophet, reported, ‘A man came to the Prophet to ask about the practice of al-azl ( withdrawal) with his mate. He added “I do not like her to get pregnant and I am a man who wants what other men want. But the Jews claim that al-azl (withdrawal) is minor infanticide.” The Prophet strongly dismissed this contention saying “The Jew lied, the Jew lied.” (Authenticated by Abu Dawoud, lbn Hanbal and al-Tahawi).

Please note that the first is the Quranic injunction, the second is the elaboration of the same by the Prophet and the third describes the method of birth control. I consider this a complete prescription for family planning. This interpretation is strongly reinforced by the following narrative based on Quranic versus and traditions of the Prophet.

Islam is a Religion for Ease. This is what the Quran says: “Allah desires for you ease (yusr); He desires not hardship (usr) for you”.(Sura 2:185). “No soul shall impose (upon it) a duty but to its capacity; neither shall a mother be made to suffer injury on account of her child, nor shall he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) on account of his child”. (Sura 2:223). And know that your wealth and your children are a persecution (or trial) (Fitna). (Sura 8:28 and 64:15).

And the Hadees amplifies it. “The most gruelling trial is to have plenty of children with no adequate means”. (al-Hakim). “A multitude of children is one of the two poverties (or cases of penury), while a small number is one of the two cases of ease”. (Musnad al- Shahab).

Importantly, even the Purpose of Marriage is conjugal tranquility.

“It is He who created you from a single soul (nafs) and therefrom did make his mate, that he might dwell in tranquility with her.” (Sura 7:189). “And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts.” [Sura 30:21)

Islam is a Religion for Quality. “How oft, by Allah’s will, has a small force vanquished a numerous force”. (Sura 2:249). “Allah has given you victory in many battles; but on the day of Hunayn, when you exalted in your multitude, it availed you naught. And the earth, vast as it is, became tight for you, then you turned back in retreat.” (Sura 18:46)

The prophet is emphatic about quality. “The right of a child on his parent is to be given good breeding and good name”. (al-Baihaqi). “To leave your heirs rich is better than leaving them dependent upon people’s charity.”( al Bukhari)

Quran also prescribes the right of children to breastfeeding which not only ensures their health but also helps child spacing. “And mothers shall suckle their children two full years to complete breast-feeding” (Sura 2:233) and (Sura 31:14)

Islam’s emphasis on gender equality is also important. There are numerous Hadees on this. “Men and women are equal halves.” (Abu Dawoud). “Do not hate having daughters, for they are the comforting dears.” (al-Tabarani). “It is a woman’s blessing to have a girl as her first child.” ( Mardaweih )

It is well known that many Indians, driven by the cultural/traditional son preference, continue to have children ending up with a large family. Islam enjoins gender equality. Fortunately,Indian Muslims have less discrimination against the girl child and least female foetus abortion. This explains the marked improvement in their female gender ratio.

The opinion of the great Imams:

Based on their understanding of the Islamic law, the opinion of the great Imams is supportive of family planning. Interpreting verse 4:3 of the Holy Quran, Imam Shafei opined that more children should not be produced if they cannot be properly supported. Imam Raghib, interpreting 17:31 verse of Quran, says that it is not only the physical killing of children which is prohibited in Islam, but also spiritually and intellectually. The denial of access to education, for example, amounts to killing them intellectually. “Those few (qalil)”, records a Hadith, “who are virtuous are superior to those many who are undesirable”. It implies that the number of children should be restricted to the capacity of parents to make them virtuous. Imam Ghazzali, a sufi of great eminence, mentions a tradition from the Prophet: Smallness of a family (qillat al’ayal) is a facility (yusur) and its largeness (kathrat) results in faqr (indigence, poverty).

A plethora of opinions of contemporary Ulama and fatwas strongly support family planning. For example, Sheikh Sayyid Sabiq (Saudi Arabia, 1968) opined, “The use of contraception is allowed, especially if the husband already has a large family, if he cannot bring up his children correctly, if his wife is weak or sick or has repeated pregnancies, or if the husband is poor.” 

There is no verse in the Quran forbidding the wife or husband to practise family planning. I, for one, do not feel that Islam interdicts family planning to ward off hardship in Muslim married life”. ( Haji Nasiruddin Latif, Indonesia, 1974).

“Family Planning in Islam starts with the choice of the wife and places a great emphasis on raising children physically, educationally and spiritually, that is why quality is favoured over quantity.” (Sheikh Abdel Aziz, Jordan, 1985). Several Hadiths listed by Imam Ghazzali underline benefits of ‘Azl’: (1) preservation of wife’s beauty and charm; (2) protection of her health and life; (3) shielding her from hardship (kathrat al-haral) on account of child birth; and (4) keeping away financial hardship from the family.

Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltout, Great Imam of Al-Azhar in his fatwa of 1959 “strongly endorsed the use of contraceptives on an individual basis for health, social or economic reasons.” Under certain conditions contraception becomes mandatory, he added. Fatwa of Advisory Council on Religious Matters (Turkey, 1960) allowed contraception with the wife’s consent and even without wife’s consent in case of war, turmoil or conditions where bringing up children becomes difficult.

Opinion of Indian ulama is on the same lines:

Allama Shah Zaid Abul Hassan Farooqi, Delhi.

All the four Imams regard Azl as permissible. However, in one Hadith, a condition has been prescribed that it should be done only with the wife’s consent. Ibn Abidin, Tahtawi and Abus Saud opine that even a woman has the right to shut off the mouth of her uterus without the permission of the husband to avoid pregnancy.

Anti-pregnancy pills and medicines are also permissible.

When permissibility of Azl is proven, the use of other comparable measures (like condom, etc.) stands automatically endorsed. (Maulana Masood Ahmad Qasmi, Nazim-e-Deeniyat, Aligarh Muslim University). “Preventing conception temporarily which does not lead to permanently impairing the capability is legal. The use of loop (IUDs) and Nirodh (condom) is equivalent to the practice of Azl.”(Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Sadar Mudarris, Dar-ul-Uloom, Sabeel-ul-Islam, Hyderabad).

To prevent short space between children which will make them naturally weak, use of temporary contraceptive methods like loop (IUD), Nirodh (condom), medicine or ointment is valid. (Maulana Jamil Ahmed Naziri, Jamia Arabia, Ahya-ul-uloom, Mubarakpur, Azamgarh).

“If there is a valid reason or disease because of which a woman cannot bear the hardship of pregnancy, in such a situation, Shariat allows temporary birth control measures.” (Mufti Zafir-ud-din Miftahi, Mufti, Darul-Uloom, Deoband)

“It is thus amply clear that Islam is fully supportive of the temporary methods of family planning. However, sterilisation or irreversible methods are disallowed by almost all sections of the Ulama though some Ulama have a positive interpretation about sterilisation too.

Prof Abder Rahim Omran (1992) of the most respected Islamic University, Al Azhar, observes, “It is a wonder to the thinkers of today that Islam should give so much (importance) to child spacing and family planning so early in human history, and in the absence of compelling population pressures,“

The above analysis should cause a rethink among those who think that Islam is opposed to family planning. On the contrary, it should be understood that Islam is indeed the originator of the concept. It is true that Muslims are most backward in family planning practices but the reason lies in their socio- economic backwardness, not their religion. Literacy, income and better delivery of health services hold the key to planning of family size. The future of the country and all its constituent communities lies in the quality of upbringing of the children, with education as the key strategy.

Source:- The writer is former Chief Election Commissioner of India. The views are personal. A longer version of this article is available on www.indianexpress.com