The Chief Jusitce of India Shri Justice A.S. Anand has said that let the judiciary travel on the fast track and say good-bye to slow-motion justice. In a Message to the quarterly official Newsletter NYAYA DEEP of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) at the apex, Shri Justice Anand said that "every citizen of this country has a right to receive speedy, inexpensive and unpolluted justice". The Chief Justice has said that "common man is waiting with expectation. Let us respond positively".

    Talking of mounting arrears in the courts the Chief Justice of India says, "The menace of mounting arrears of Court cases cannot be eradicated without the full and unstinted cooperation of the Members of the Bar and the Presiding Judges. Human hope has its limits and waiting endlessly is not possible in the current life style. We, the Members of Judicial fraternity, have therefore to meet the challenge. It can be done by being passionately driven to serve the cause of justice. NALSA as well as State Legal Service Authorities and Committees are doing their best to ensure equal and speedy justice, but still we have miles to go", he concluded.

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ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF BIO-FUELS STRESSED

    The international seminar on "Ethanol 2000: Sustainable Fuel for the Transport Sector" was inaugurated here today by the Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Suresh Prabhu, stressing the economic and environmental benefits of bio-fuels. Shri Prabhu said the use of bio-fuels primarily ethanol in the transport sector provides a viable alternative to ensure increased energy security and reduced urban pollution in the country. The Minister also noted that proponents of ethanol will have to keep in mind the competing interests for use of the fuel while formulating their strategies. The one day seminar provided a platform for national and international specialists to exchange views on the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol and other bio-fuels in the transport sector.

    The seminar was organised by Winrock International India (WII) – an NGO working in the areas of energy and environment, with the support of the W. Alton Jones Foundation and in association with the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),

    Over a hundred participants from the automotive, petroleum, environment, chemical, sugar, transport and renewable energy sectors duscussed how ethanol use in other countries has helped improve environmental quality and promoted economic and rural development. Prominent speakers from India, US, Sweden and Brazil discussed the role of governments, project financing, production, sale, pricing, and marketing of ethanol in both traditional and emerging markets, as well as the possibility of fostering future collaboration among domestic and international partners.

    Deliberations at the seminar reiterated the need for instituting an India Ethanol Coalition, which would work towards promoting the use of ethanol in the transportation sector, and would seek favourable Government policy towards this objective.

    Brazil, which has the world’s largest alcohol-fuel programme, reserves a significant portion of its sugarcane grown, for ethanol production. The replacement of gasoline fuels in Brazil’s light motor vehicle fleet (over 12 million vehicles) has resulted in significant reductions in the CO and HC emission levels.

    India is currently the world’s largest producer of sugar from sugarcane and ethanol use could help create new markets and employment in the agricultural sector. India also has some of the world’s most polluted cities, a consequence of the heterogeneous mix of polluting motor vehicles and crowded roads. Also, from the view point of energy, and its impact on the national oil import bill (32% of the foreign exchange earnings), this makes it imperative for the growing Indian automobile fleet of over 30 million vehicles, growing at an annual rate of 25%, to seek an alternative. Ethanol is based on sugars derived from starches and cellulose in plants (renewable sources), burns "more cleanly" than conventional fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Elaborating on the industrial performance Shri Joshi stated that the overall growth in general index of industrial production has been 6.2% during April-December, 1999 while the Capital Goods Sector has recorded a growth of 11.3% during this period. Shri Joshi further informed that 48 public sector undertakings under the Department comprise of 28 units manufacturing engineering goods, 13 consumer goods manufacturing units and 7 consultancy-cum-contracting units. A total investment of Rs. 7595 crores in terms of gross block has been made in these units till 31-3-1999 with an employee strength of about 1.77 lakh persons recording a turnover of Rs. 11,330 crores during 1998.99 Shri Joshi said.

    Expressing concern on the overall financial performance of these enterprises Shri Joshi observed that 32 of the 48 enterprises reported loss in 1998-99 while 48 enterprises together ended the year 1998-99 with an aggregate loss of Rs. 411 crores. Shri Joshi further informed that while 26 PSU's of the department have been referred to BIFR, the revival plans sanctioned by BIFR, in respect of 12 PSUs of this department is under implementation. Government have agreed to provide fresh infusion of funds to the extent of Rs. 619 crores and financial restructuring of Rs. 2228 crores for these PSUs, the Minister informed. With a view to mitigate the hardship of the employees in these units, Government decided to introduce Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) in these units by extending the benefits of VRS which were otherwise not permissible in these units.

    Elaborating on the strategies for improving the performance of these enterprises on long term basis, Shri Joshi stated that these include, revival through BIFR, financial restructuring where ever appropriate, formation of joint venture by induction of partners capable of providing technical financial and marketing inputs and manpower rationalisation. 24 PSUs of the department have been identified for converting them into joint venture companies and work of locating a suitable joint venture partner has started Shri Joshi stated.

    Speaking at the meeting, Shri Basudev Acharaya congratulated the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises for selecting the subject of 'PSUs' performance' for the first meeting. Underlining the need and relevance of PSUs, Shri Acharaya stated that liberalisation necessitates tough measures however he observed that sincere efforts were needed for modernisation of the industry and only in extreme cases privatisation alternatives should be explored. Shri Atmaram Patel suggested that the Government should find out ways and means of increasing the number of profit making units as compared to the loss making units. Shri Dinsha Patel stated that the Government should concentrate more on reducing losses and while making the units viable the Government should ensure that the employment opportunities rise.

    More than 9 crore children who are less than 5 years will be covered in the first special round of polio vaccination to be held in eight high risk States viz; Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal on 27^th February,2000 (Sunday). Over 3.25 lakh booths will be set up in these States for the successful conduct of polio immunisation. About 15 lakh personnel will be deployed for this special campaign against polio. These States have been directed by the Centre to gear up their official machinery to carry out the polio immunisation programme successfully.

    During the first nation-wide round of polio immunisation programme held on October 24,1999 and the subsequent three nation-wide rounds held in the months of November, December, 1999 and January,2000, more than 14.5 crore children have been covered. This is 14 per cent more than the total number of beneficiaries of the pulse polio immunisation programme held in the year 1998. This is the significant achievement which could reach the hitherto uncovered children numbering over one crore all over the country. This could be possible by the intensive house to house vaccination programme.

    During 1999-2000, the number of rounds in the annual PPI were increased from 2 to 4 nation-wide with a further 2 additional rounds of 8 high risk States. Each round lasts for more than 3 days with addition of house to house components. These intensified rounds have been able to reach additional number of children hitherto missed.

    The battle against polio has entered a crucial phase. When the polio is on the verge of eradication, the role of partners assumes the considerable importance for sustaining the efforts already made.

    Shri Manohar Joshi, the Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, has called for dynamic market responses by Suzuki Corporation in view of competitive automobile market in the country. Shri O. Suzuki, chairman, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan during his interaction with the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises here today has assured the Minister that the Maruti Udyog Limited is fully geared to meet the challenges arising out of changing customer preferences. Efforts have been made to produce environmental friendly cars and to provide sophisticated and latest customer friendly features in most of the models of Maruti while keeping the prices competitive for meeting requirements for all segments of the market.

    Shri T.S. Vijayaraghavan, Secretary, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Shri Jagdish Khattar, Managing Director, Maruti Udyog Ltd and Shri Pradip Kumar, Joint Secretary in the Ministry were also present on the occasion. Earlier during his interaction with the Minister Shri Suzuki expressed confidence on further penetrating into the sophisticated Indian automobile market with the launching of wagon-R and Baleno.

    Previously, a draft notification was issued on updating the existing notification for mineral water, bringing it in the line with the international standards prescribed for that product. The present notification seeks to lay down specification for any packaged drinking water other than mineral water, sold in sachets, bottles, sealed cups etc. These specifications are in line with the international standards fixed for Codex for packaged drinking water.

    As per the new specification, packaged drinking water can be treated through various processes specified in the notification like decantation, filtration etc. or a combination of these various processes. It shall be sold only in clean colourless, transparent and tamperproof bottles or containers made of polyethylene conforming to BIS standards specifically laid down for this purpose or in sterile glass bottles suitable for preventing possible adulteration or contamination. All such containers shall be BIS-certified.

    The specification of the product includes permissible levels of contaminants / impurities including micro-biological parameters. Every container used for packing shall be conspicuously labeled as ‘packaged drinking water’ and no claim concerning medicinal effects or other beneficial effects relating to the health of the consumer can be displayed. The draft rules also seek to prohibit the use of any statement or of any pictorial device that can create confusion in the mind of the public or mislead them about the nature, origin, composition or properties of water on the containe5r of the product.

    The manufacture, sale or exhibiting for sale of packaged drinking water will only be allowed henceforth under the BIS certification mark. This measure will help promote monitoring and enforcement of quality right from the stage of manufacturing.

    This is yet another measure initiated in the interest of public health. Any comments or suggestions in this regard may please be forwarded to the Ministry of Health, Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi-110011.

CLEAN AND CHEAP POWER FROM RIVER BHAGIRITHI

    Central Electricity Authority (CEA), has given techno-economic clearance to Maneri Bhali Stage-II Hydro-Electric power project of 304 MW in Uttar Pradesh to be executed by the newly formed Uttar Pradesh Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. The project would utilise the waters of the river Bhagirathi down stream of stage I project of same name at Uttarkashi in Garhwal Himalayas. The project envisages construction of barrage across the river Bhagirithi to divert water into a 16 km long tunnel and make this drop down 280 metres to generate 304 MW of power. The power generated would meet the peaking requirements of the Northern grid. The project would take four years to complete and first unit of the same will start generating by January 2004. The environmental and rehabilitation problems are not expected with the execution of this project. The project will cost Rs. 1250 crore to build and UPJUNL would contribute about Rs. 400 crore as equity and remaining fund requirements would be provided as loan from Power Finance Corporation and UP Government. The cost of generation will be very attractive at Rs. 1.20 per unit only.

    A study was conducted at Chhajawa in South Eastern Rajasthan by the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Dehradun to determine the on-farm changes after the implementation of watershed development works. The analysis indicated increase in gross cropped area from 336 to 528 hectare, improvement in yields of different crops from 95 to 309 percent, the number of wells from 16 to 62, the gross irrigated area from 33 to 377 hectare and the tree density has increased from 0.6 to 5.3 trees/hectare.

    The area under different crops revealed qualitative change in favour of more remunerative crop from traditional crops. It was also observed that improved water regime encouraged the farmers to invest more towards farm mechanization.

    The following is the text of the speech of the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the release function of a book written by noted journalist, Shri Kuldip Nayar titled 'The Martyr: Bhagat Singh - Experiments in Revolution' here today :

    "Writing a book, especially a book based on historical details, is by no means an easy job. Often, it involves hard labour, more so because documents are not easy to come by.

    Shri Kuldip Nayar has obviously put in a lot of hard work while writing his new book, ‘The Martyr: Bhagat Singh – Experiments in Revolution’. With few contemporaries alive to render the oral history of the life and times of Shahid Bhagat Singh and official records difficult to trace, it must have taken a great deal of effort to put together the story of this brave revolutionary, who became a legend in his lifetime and continues to remain a hero of India’s freedom struggle.

    I got a copy of the book yesterday afternoon and have read portions of it. I commend Shri Nayar’s effort. I also commend the publishers, Har-Anand, for doing an excellent job in publishing this book.

    As we all know, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged on March 23, 1931. They were given the death sentence in the Lahore conspiracy case. By all accounts it was a farcical trial. The British Governor-General promulgated an ordinance to establish a special tribunal to try the Lahore conspiracy case, while denying the accused the right of appeal to the High Court. It was nothing but outright abuse of the judicial process.

    Shahid Bhagat Singh’s story has a lesson for all of us in contemporary India. He had serious political differences with Lala Lajpat Rai, but these differences did not in any way diminish his respect for Lalaji.

    Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally beaten up by the Superintendent of Police, J.S. Scott, while leading a demonstration against the Simon Commission. He died of fatal injuries on November 17, 1928. Enraged by this brutality, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Chandra Shekhar Azad decided to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death by killing Scott.

    In the event, it was another police officer, Saunders, who was shot dead by them in a case of mistaken identity.

    The British were left clueless about this killing and, in all probability, Bhagat Singh would never have been arrested and executed if he had not decided to throw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on 8^th April, 1929, to protest against two draconian Bills. Ironically, it was a poster proclaiming why the British police officer was killed, hand-written by Bhagat Singh, which enabled the British to pin Saunders' killing on Bhagat Singh and his comrades.

    History tells us that the three young men showed neither remorse nor fear while they were being taken to the gallows at Lahore Central Jail, but happily embraced death, shouting 'Inquilab Zindabad'.

    Shri Nayar’s book is both a tribute to Shahid Bhagat Singh as well as a contribution to the limited history of Indian revolutionaries whose role in the freedom struggle has often been either ignored or minimised.

    While commending Shri Nayar's efforts to tell the story Bhagat Singh's daring revolutionary acts, I wish to add that I disagree with the author's views on either the Bengal revolutionaries or the Maharashtra revolutionaries, especially the Chapekar brothers or Veer Savarkar. Bengal revolutionaries, for instance, those who belonged to Anushilan Samiti, and their compatriots in Maharashtra were as fiercely patriotic as anybody else and were motivated by a single purpose – freedom of their motherland from oppressive British rule.

    Indeed, revolutionaries like Surya Sen, Aurobindo Ghosh, Ashfaqulla Khan and Ram Prasad Bismil had fired the imagination of the young generation of their time and continue to inspire today’s generation. The mass protests against the partition of Bengal by Curzon, in many ways, laid the foundation of the struggle for 'swadeshi', 'swabhiman' and 'swaraj', inspiring both radicals and those who subscribed to Gandhi's non-violence.

    With these words, I am happy to release the first copy of Shri Nayar’s book and commend it to all those who are interested in the history of India’s struggle for freedom.

Thank you".

'8'

    The Union Education Ministry is planning to take certain initiatives to raise additional resources for education. These include setting up of National, State and District level education funds, flexible donor pattern mechanism and funding of schools instead of running them. This was disclosed by the Education Secretary, Shri M.K. Kaw while addressing a conference of Chairpersons of Boards of School Education organised jointly by NCERT, CBSE and the Council of Boards of Secondary Education, here today. The Conference is debating the National Curriculum framework for school education prepared by the NCERT.

    Shri Kaw said that education funds at the three levels will form another source of funding apart from central and state fundings to raise additional resources for education. He pointed out that non-resident Indians, people of Indian origin, foreign citizens and foreign donor agencies want to contribute to India's education programmes and to facilitate this a flexible donor pattern mechanism is being evolved. By this it would be made easier to adopt a child, a school or a village for the sake of education. The Secretary said that it will not be healthy to think that Government alone should do every thing i.e. right from erecting structures to staffing and running schools. Hence he said, while encouraging privatisation, it is also planned to fund schools like those of missionary’s instead of actually running them. The Education Secretary also revealed that the Finance Ministry has been impressed upon to provide enhanced allocation for education in the general budget being presented to Parliament next week.

    Shri Kaw also spoke of some other initiatives which include Educational Voucher Scheme and Scholarship Voucher Scheme. Under these, families living below povertyline would be covered. They can collect the voucher from government functionaries and get their children admitted in government or private school. The voucher will serve as cash. He said, this scheme will help increase the private initiatives in setting up more schools and thereby contributing to universalization of education. Scholarship Vouchers will be given to those for whom it is being extended. Shri Kaw expressed the hope that with these steps and the government budget we can improve the quality of education in the country.

    The other suggestions made by Shri Kaw include, reducing the load on school children, examination reforms with good practices, better grading system, national evaluation set up, standardization of curriculum and a national library movement to promote reading habit. Shri Kaw said that we should sustain the rising interest in education while keeping it away from controversies and baseless apprehensions. He favoured dismantling of control systems in education and disfavoured getting bogged down by rules and regulations. If we can do this he said India can achieve universalisation of education in a much shorter period than expected.