NEW DELHI: K. Rajamel’ u. chairman of the SC/ST Commission of the Govt of India has (Statesman, July 6) expressed concern at the dismal record of implementation of plans for the uplift of SC/STs. “I can state frankly and with full sense of responsibility that very often the plan formulation is more of ritualistic exercise which makes pleasant reading but is unrelated to the specific needs of the beneficiaries for whom it is designed”, he said while inaugurating the second conference of the directors for SC/STs serving in various States.
NEW DELHI: In a carefully worded statement, which is virtually ignored by the “national press”, Justice M. H. Beg. chairman of the Minorities Commission which is not yet given the statutory status, here on July 17. complained that the Commission is suffering for want of co-operation. He also complained of denigration of the Commission. Some of its internal recommendations have not been accepted by the govt. There are fears that already the Ruling Class has ignored the Minorities Commission & Justice Beg. like its previous chairman who resigned in disgust, is also finding the office not so happy.
Hindus are pro-Jew? BOMBAY: According to a report in the Sunday Observer (July 24) a majority of 60% of the people interviewed in a Bombay opinion poll felt that India, should have full diplomatic relations with. Israel.
Why Ambedkar criticised Gandhi?
BANGALORE: Ambedkar differed with Gandhi “as the latter did not think of eradicating untouchability by the abolition of caste”, Vice-President Hidayatullah said here on July 17 unveiling a portrait of Ambedkar in the State Assembly hall. “Gandhi considered the ‘caste sys tem as inherent in human nature and that it was reduced by Hinduism to a science.”
RSS enters Goa.
PANAJI: Health Minister Wilfred Desouza told the State Assembly on July 14 that he suspected the RSS behind the students agitation regarding admissions to Goa medical college (Times of India)
RSS Opposes Vajpayee as BJP chief BOMBAY: BJP has not abandoned its search for a new president in place of Vajpayee, reports Clarity (July 7). Opposition is from RSS members of BJP who want it to abandon “Gandhian socialism” and take to militant Hinduism
Muslim SOS to UNO BOMBAY: Sunday Observer (July 11) in an article by Aness Chishti says that a meeting of the Majlise-Mushawarat held in June has “given clear indications of a definite res lignment of orthodox Muslim forces in what probably is the preparation for a major political move on a wide scale”. The meeting discussed a move to take the issue of largescale killing of Muslims in India to the UNO. The Govt. has failed to protect the life and property of Muslims & therefore Muslims must prepare to protect themselves The ailing, aged Mufti Atiqur Rehman, president of the organisation, was removed and Zulifiquarullah, a Minister in the Janata govt, presided. Moulana Hasan Ali Nadvi. Minnataullah Rahmani of Bihar, Abdul Lais Islahi and Moulana Mohammed Yusuf were present.
Dalits to Resume Varsity Stir
BOMBAY: Prof. Arun Kamble, Dalit Panther leader, announced here on July 23 that an indefinite satyagraha will be launched outside legislature hall from Sept. 6 to press for the long-pending demand to rename Marathwada University after Dr. Ambedkar. All the 36 bodies of pro-changers will hold a massive public meeting in Bombay on Aug. 15 to discuss the satyagraha plan. Meanwhile, Dalit Liberation Army headed by Prof. Jogendra Kawde has observed “Save Democracy Day on July 27 to highlight the demand to rename the university.
Brahmins Oppose Reservations
MADRAS: N. Katiraman, president of the TN Brahmins Association, on July 11 demanded scrapping of the State Govi’s reservation policy as Brahmin and other high caste students even with very high marks are not able to get seats in educational institutions. “This has created lot of heartburn among Brahmin and other high castes”. He predicted that these high caste students may “turn as rebels” (Statesman)
Caste spoils mid-day meal scheme
MADRAS: The mid-day meal scheme launched by the TN govt. on July 1 has run into trouble in some parts of the State as high caste parents refused to send their children to feeding centres as they had to eat sitting along with low caste children. Dalits refused to send their children insisiting that the centre be shifted to their localities as their children were facing trouble in centres located in Hindu localities. Hindus threatened non-cooperation as the food in these centres are cooked by dalit women. (Times of India, July 13)
Brahmin & non-Brahmin Battle MADRAS: The people of Salem in TN. divided neatly into Brahmins and non- Brahmins over the issue of installation of statute, have come to a settlement. The dispute arose over non-Brahmins’ demanding installation of K. Kamaraj statue at particular place where the Brahmins demanded instillation of the statute of Varadachari a Brahmin leader. The dispute led to violent attacks with the RSS siding the Brahmins. The govt., which was in a serious dilemma, finally resolved the dispute by siding with the non-Brahmins and acceding to their demand.
Chinese delegation
DEHRADUN: A six-member Chinese delegation led by Wang Pi-nan will visit India in October in connection with the second national convention of the India- China Friendship Association to be held in New Delhi The Chinese delegation’s visit is the follow-up of the visit to China by a nine-member Indian delegation headed by 8. B. Mandal, president of the India-China Friendship Association, in May 1981. (Times of India, July 26)
NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, assured a delegation of Buddhists that a decision on their demand for giving reservation in service to scheduled castes converted to Buddhism wilt be taken shortly.
(Times of India, July 15)
DEHRA DUN: The Prime Minister had an audience with Maa Anandmayee at her Rajpur ashram. Mra Gandhi was with Maa Anandmayee for nearly 20 minutes & rece- ived her blessings. Later she had lunch at the ashram. Rajiv Gandhi and his wife, Mrs Sonia Gandhi also received her blessings.
