Is BJP in support of terrorists?

"I can't speak on the point of view of BJP. But one question I would like to ask them. Are they in support of terrorists? That is the question they will have to answer to the nation," Moily told reporters while responding to a query on the issue outside Parliament today.

The Madhya Pradesh government had ruled out the possibility of handing over the investigations to the NIA without mentioning any reason for the refusal.

"There is no question of handing over the probe into Joshi's murder to the NIA," state Home Minister Uma Shankar Gupta had said.

The Law Minister said, "Are they in favour of terrorists or do they advocate the case of terrorists... terrorist issue is a terrorist issue. The question is how can BJP afford to support the terrorists. This is a very simple question. They owe this explanation to the nation."

Joshi, a suspect in the Samjhauta Express blast case, was shot dead in Dewas in Madhya Pradesh on December 29,2007.

Fifty-nine people were killed when bombs went off in two coaches of the Samjhauta Express, running between Delhi and Lahore, around midnight on February 18, 2007 at Diwana near Panipat, 80 km north of Delhi.

According to the state police chargesheet, Joshi was killed in 2007 by fellow Hindu hardliners including Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for his "high-handedness and the fear" that his arrest would unmask right-wing plotters of explosions in several parts of the country.

If we have a bad traffic on roads, who is responsible for that; if a mothers son dies in road accident who is responsible for that; it's corruption, corrupt police department, corrupt system which is responsible for that. If there is no speed control who is responsible for that; what the state government is doing in this regard. If the police department is corrupt and do not investigate a case properly, who is responsible for that. If there is heavy encroachment on national highways and public roads which is also the cause of death in road accident who is responsible for that. If there is big holes on roads who is responsible for that. Are the state governments there to make our life safe or they are there to enjoy the evil power. Who is responsible for the deaths of police men in so-called naxal attacks. Why the hell the state government is not providing them with enough ammunition. Why the state government is not adhering to all the recommendation to lessen the deaths of police men and also to minimize the violation of human rights. Why our government is so weak. Do they think they have purchased the votes with hundred rupee notes.

Violence against our women should be severely punished.

As per our Constitution, the responsibility for maintenance of public order and peace rests with the states. But, in view of the complex and ever changing nature of problems we face, states often need Central assistance in these areas. It is only through a process of continuous and meaningful interaction between the Centre and the states that problems of left-wing extremism, cross-border terrorism and religious fundamentalism can be tackled and tackled effectively. Let me reaffirm today that the Central government stands committed to assisting states in all possible ways in these areas. But, while the Centre can provide resources, guidance and information, the basic task of modernizing state police forces, inducting better equipment, improving the quality of police personnel and strengthening the infrastructure available to them requires the attention of the State Governments. Funds are not a constraint, as the thirteenth Finance Commission has recommended substantial grants and the Central government continues making its contribution to augment the resources of the states. What is needed is a recognition of this problem, focused attention on these issues and a commitment to improving the professionalism and the quality of our police forces. Ultimately, it is a police man on the ground who will deliver results and he has to be equipped and treated well to have the morale and the capacity to deal with the problems of internal security. I hope to see some useful recommendations emerging out of your deliberations on these issues.


Corruption strikes at the roots of good governance. It is an impediment to faster growth. It dilutes, if not negates, our efforts at social inclusion. It dents our international image and it demeans us before our own people. This is a challenge which has to be faced frontally, boldly and quickly. As you might be aware, we have set up a Group of Ministers to look into all measures, legal or administrative, to tackle this menace. Two bills have already been introduced in Parliament relating to judicial accountability and the protection of whistle blowers. Along with legislation, the necessary revamp of administrative practices and procedures needs to be fast-tracked. A systemic response that reduces opportunities for corruption needs to be put in place. It is now well documented that the introduction of competition, greater choice and modern technology can cut down the opportunities for corruption in a very meaningful manner. Delays, another major cause, can be addressed to a large extent by effective decentralization and delegation of power and responsibility. All these issues require your wholehearted attention and I have no doubt that if all of us work together we can bring about vast improvements in governance.

We should also make full use of technology to improve the delivery of our schemes. Technological advances, including broadband connectivity and mobile phones, provide opportunities and tools for better monitoring, improved communication and greater transparency. Unique identification numbers and the extension of the business correspondence model of commercial banks to remote areas should help in prevention of leakages and promote financial inclusion. These are tools and options at your disposal and it is up to you to use them effectively and imaginatively.

The other area is the administration’s response to the special needs and problems of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, women and other vulnerable groups of our society. Speaking to Chief Ministers three days ago, I had said that it is a shame that atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes still continue in our country. I expect all Chief Secretaries to lead their administration in preventing such atrocities and ensuring punishment to the perpetrators when they do occur. I expect a similar sensitive and responsive attitude towards the issue of violence against our women.

Every terrorist and every terrorist group will be pursued and brought before the law and punished

"We all need to be conscious of the fact that serious challenges and threats -- primarily from left-wing extremism, cross-border terrorism, religious fundamentalism and ethinic violence -- still persist," Singh said in his inaugural address.

He also said he was happy to note that the National Investigative Agency, created in the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, has gained much ground "in unravelling the activities of new terror groups", besides unearthing the fake indian currency networks operating from across borders.

Chidambaram, who was complimented by the PM for better internal security situation, said, "there are a number of modules operating within the country; and new groups have raised their heads that are suspected to be behind some terrorist attacks that took place in recent years".

Stating that one cannot shy away from naming these groups or exposing their designs, the home minister said, "Whatever their religious affiliations, I have no hesitation in condemning every group that resorts to terror as a means of advancing dubious religious causes or fundamentalist goals. Our policy in this regard is clear: every terrorist and every terrorist group will be pursued and brought before the law and punished."

Asked by reporters later as to what he meant by saying "new groups", Chidambaram avoided any elaboration saying, "I have already said in my speech what I had to say".

The PM in his inaugural speech also urged states "to have much greater coordination of responsers and resources between Central and state forces", asking them "to consider increasing the number of joint operations by state police forces" with the assistance of Central forces.

Singh also asked Chidambaram to make Delhi Police a model for other state forces to emulate by taking steps like friendly policing and stressed on the need to have "guidelines" for community policing. 

Terrorism and communalism of all types is a threat India. We need to remain vigilant against acts of terrorism of all kinds, no matter who commits them._______Rahul Gandhi

The United States will not abandon the people of Afghanistan—or the region—to the violent extremists who threaten us all.

As we work to advance our shared prosperity, we can partner to address a second priority—our shared security. In Mumbai, I met with the courageous families and survivors of that barbaric attack. And here in this Parliament, which was itself targeted because of the democracy it represents, we honor the memory of all those who have been taken from us, including American citizens on 26/11 and Indian citizens on 9/11.

This is the bond we share. It’s why we insist that nothing ever justifies the slaughter of innocent men, women and children. It’s why we’re working together, more closely than ever, to prevent terrorist attacks and to deepen our cooperation even further. And it’s why, as strong and resilient societies, we refuse to live in fear, we will not sacrifice the values and rule of law that defines us, and we will never waver in the defense of our people.

America’s fight against al Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates is why we persevere in Afghanistan, where major development assistance from India has improved the lives of the Afghan people. We’re making progress in our mission to break the Taliban’s momentum and to train Afghan forces so they can take the lead for their security. And while I have made it clear that American forces will begin the transition to Afghan responsibility next summer, I have also made it clear that America’s commitment to the Afghan people will endure. The United States will not abandon the people of Afghanistan—or the region—to the violent extremists who threaten us all.

Our strategy to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates has to succeed on both sides of the border. That is why we have worked with the Pakistani government to address the threat of terrorist networks in the border region. The Pakistani government increasingly recognizes that these networks are not just a threat outside of Pakistan—they are a threat to the Pakistani people, who have suffered greatly at the hands of violent extremists.

And we will continue to insist to Pakistan's leaders that terrorist safe-havens within their borders are unacceptable, and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice. We must also recognize that all of us have and interest in both an Afghanistan and a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic—and none more so than India.

In pursuit of regional security, we will continue to welcome dialogue between India and Pakistan, even as we recognize that disputes between your two countries can only be resolved by the people of your two countries.

India and US will go forward with confidence to defeat terrorism

Those who target the innocents they are for nothing but death and destruction

My advice to you is that we must remain ever vigilant and continue to build at the central and state levels, our capacity in counter-terrorism

“There is the recently uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts of the past,” Mr Chidambaram said while addressing a conference of police chiefs. 


“My advice to you is that we must remain ever vigilant and continue to build at the central and state levels, our capacity in counter-terrorism,” he said in his inaugural address to the 45th meet of the chiefs of state police and central paramilitary forces here. 

Sounding upbeat about the falling levels of violence in the north-eastern states, Mr Chidambaram said the region accounted for the government’s best record of achievement. “...In 2010, we have seen a dramatic decline in the number of incidents and in the number of casualties. 

Mr. Modi should stop providing misleading information to the people of India, when he said that there hasn't been any legal reform in the recent past. Each country has its own way of development and growth. It will be sheer foolishness if we adopt western ways and reforms in our country straight away. If America has been successful in gaining control over terrorism, so do we in some aspect, but comparing ourselves with America and thrashing the efforts of government is not a healthy practice. American politicians don't wear Dhoti -Kurta, then why does Mr. Modi wear those stuffs. They speak English, but why doesn't Mr. Modi speak so always.

Our Government will fully discharge its responsibility to protect each and every citizen of our country

Despite our many strengths, we face some serious challenges. We should resolve today that we will meet these challenges as one people. Our society often gets divided in the name of religion, State, caste or language. We should resolve that we will not allow divisions in our society under any circumstance. Tolerance and generosity have been a part of our traditions. We should strengthen these traditions. As we progress economically our society should also become more sensitive. We should be modern and progressive in our outlook.


Our Government wants a food safety net in which no citizen of ours would go hungry. This requires enhanced agricultural production which is possible only by increasing productivity. Our country has not witnessed any big technological breakthrough in agriculture after the Green Revolution. We need technology which would address the needs of dry land agriculture. In addition, our agriculture should also be able to deal with new challenges like climate change, falling levels of ground water and deteriorating quality of soil. In the history of Indian agriculture, Norman Borlaug commands a special place. About 40 to 50 years back he developed new and more productive seeds of wheat. Under the leadership of Smt. Indira Gandhiji, India achieved the Green Revolution by adopting these seeds. I am happy to announce that the Borlaug Institute of South Asia is being established in India. This institute would facilitate availability of new and improved seeds and new technology to the farmers of India and other countries of South Asia.


In the 63 years after independence, India has covered a long distance on the path of development. But our destination is still far away. A large part of our population still suffers from persistent poverty, hunger and disease. When our Government came to power in 2004, we resolved to build a new India under a progressive social agenda. We wanted the fruits of development to reach the common man. We initiated programmes especially targeted to the welfare of the socially and economically backward sections of our society. We still stand committed to the welfare of the poor, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, minorities, women and other backward sections of our society. But today we do not need many new programmes to achieve our goals. However, we do need to implement the schemes we have already started more effectively, minimizing the chances of corruption and misuse of public money. We want to achieve this in partnership with the State Governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions and civil society groups.


Secularism is one of the pillars of our democracy. It has been the tradition of our country and society to treat all religions with equal respect. For centuries India has welcomed new religions and all have flourished here. Secularism is also our constitutional obligation. Our Government is committed to maintain communal peace and harmony. We also consider it our duty to protect the minorities and provide for their special needs. This is why we have started many new programmes in the last four years for the welfare of our brothers and sisters belonging to the minority communities. These include scholarships for minority students and special programmes for the development of districts which have a high concentration of minorities. These schemes have shown good results. We will vigorously take this work forward.


We have been giving special attention to education and health in the last six years. Improvement in these two areas is an important component of our strategy for inclusive growth. It is also necessary for higher economic growth in the years to come. After independence, these two areas could not get the importance they deserved. We tried to change this state of affairs in the 11th Plan. Today, almost every child in our country has access to primary education. Now, we need to pay more attention to secondary and higher education. We also need to improve the quality of education at all levels. It is our endeavour that every child, irrespective of whether he is rich or poor and which section of the society he belongs to, should be given an education that enables him to realize his potential and makes him a responsible citizen of our country. We will continue to implement the new schemes that we have started in the last six years in the areas of education and health with sincerity and hard work and in partnership with the State Governments. We will soon bring a Bill to Parliament for constitution of two separate councils in higher education and health respectively so that reforms in these two areas can be accelerated.


Nutritious food and good health services are necessary but not enough for ensuring good health of our citizens. We also need cleanliness and good sanitation in our villages, towns and cities. There are many diseases which would be difficult to prevent otherwise. The truth is that our country lags behind in this area. I consider it a primary responsibility of all our citizens to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around them. I would like our children to be taught the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in schools from the very beginning under a campaign for a Clean India. I appeal to the State Governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions, civil society groups and common citizens to make this campaign successful.


There has been much discussion recently on the issue of internal security. If law and order in any part of India deteriorates or peace and harmony gets disturbed, the common man is adversely affected. Therefore, it is one of the primary responsibilities of any government to maintain law and order so that the citizens can live and earn their livelihood in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Naxalism is a serious challenge to our internal security. I pay tribute to the men and officers of our security forces who have became martyrs in the attacks by naxalites in the last few months. I have stated this before and I say it again - our Government will fully discharge its responsibility to protect each and every citizen of our country. We will deal firmly with those who resort to violence. We will provide all possible help to State Governments to maintain the rule of law in areas affected by naxalism. I once again appeal to naxalites to abjure violence, come for talks with the Government and join hands with us to accelerate social and economic development. A few days back I took a meeting with the Chief Ministers of States affected by naxalism. We will fully implement the consensus that emerged in that meeting. I would like to repeat here a point that I made in that meeting. It is imperative that Centre and States work together to meet the challenge of naxalism. It would be very difficult for any State to tackle this problem without cooperation from the Centre and coordination between States. We all need to rise above our personal and political interests to meet this challenge.


In Jammu and Kashmir, we are ready to talk to every person or group which abjures violence. Kashmir is an integral part of India. Within this framework, we are ready to move forward in any talks which would increase the partnership of the common man in governance and also enhance their welfare. Recently, some young men have lost their lives in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. We deeply regret this. The years of violence should now end. Such violence would not benefit anyone. I believe that India's democracy has the generosity and flexibility to be able to address the concerns of any area or group in the country. I recently participated in a meeting with political parties from Jammu and Kashmir. We will endeavour to take this process forward. I would like to convey to our countrymen, especially our citizens in Jammu and Kashmir and in the North East, that they should adopt democratic means to join hands with us for their and country's welfare.


I would also like to say something which is related to our glorious cultural traditions. The use of harsh and unpleasant words in our political discourse has increased in recent days. This is against our traditions of generosity, humility and tolerance. Criticism has a place of its own in a democracy and in a progressive society. However, criticism should not be undignified. We should have the capacity to reconcile opposite points of view on important issues through debate and discussion. I would request all political parties to consider this issue.


'JAI HIND'

Centre to spend Rs 15,000 cr for infrastructure in courts

"The Cabinet note on the issue is ready. The programme upon approval would be implemented over a period of four years," Moily said at a conference of advocates and human rights delegates on the theme "Law as an instrument of Economic and Social Change" here


Government was contemplating setting up five regional consultative centres to prepare faculty and improve curriculum in legal education in Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and Goa, he said, adding, it was also working on a plan with the Chief Justice of India to ensure that the delay in disposal of cases does not exceed beyond three years. 

Fourteen National Law School of Universities would be added to as many existing in the country in the coming years, he said. 

In the wake of increase in the number of honour killings in parts of the country, Moily said a bill to prevent such crimes was in the offing and being drafted.

Primary role and responsibility to fight Left-wing extremism lay with the state governments

The central government, he said, will assist the states in "every way - including deploying central paramilitary forces, sharing intelligence and funding - for both development schemes and security needs".


"The government is confident that the problem of Left-wing extremism will be met with determination and overcome in the next three years," Chidambaram said at the third meeting of the panel on the Maoist problem.


It was agreed to continue with the two-pronged strategy of development and police action.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has repeatedly described the Maoist problem as the "gravest" security threat India faces.

According to home ministry data, the Leftist rebels have carried out at least 500 attacks, killing nearly 350 people in nine states in the last three months. Chhattisgarh has recorded the highest number of such strikes, parliament was told on Wednesday.

Describing the Maoists, the Home Minister said that, they conduct their business in violation of the laws, they collect rents, but don’t pay taxes and direct that money against the State.

He also stressed that Naxal affected states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh needed some more time to built, as those states are passing through a very difficult phase.

Expressing unhappiness with the progress of the anti-naxal operations, Chidambaram said that he was not fully satisfied with the results. He admitted that there are some areas where the security forces need to be more active.

The development of our nation is to a large extent the responsibility of our teachers.

I am especially happy to be amongst the academic fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir. On any such occasion, I recall my early days as a teacher as well as a student. It is my belief that there is no profession nobler than teaching. The development of our nation is to a large extent the responsibility of our teachers. I salute the entire teaching fraternity today. Those engaged in imparting higher education often have to work in adverse conditions, which include insufficient funds, inadequate infrastructure and other difficulties.

Our young women and men are the future of our country and we have high expectations from them. You are in a vibrant India which is ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. My generation would not have even dreamt of the opportunities and convenience of technology available in the country today. I am of the firm opinion that in the years to come the avenues available for your intellectual, emotional, cultural and professional development will multiply manifold in a new, strong Jammu and Kashmir and India.

As a result of our efforts, Rail services have commenced in the Kashmir valley. Work is on full swing to provide rail connectivity to Banihal pass and the difficult terrain ahead of it. The Mughal road has been opened for single lane traffic now and nearly half of the work is complete for its double laning. As far as power generation is concerned, I am happy that the 450 megawatt Baglihar-I power project has been commissioned. The Centre has decided to link Ladakh with the National grid and the Union Cabinet has given a go ahead to the Rs. 473 crore Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative. All 14 degree colleges sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s economic reconstruction programme have started working. Six out of nine ITIs for girls have been completed. Thousands of employment opportunities have been generated in the Central Para Military forces, under National Rural Health Mission, in Railways and in many other government departments. But I believe that there is still more to be done.

However, there are a handful of people who do not want any political process for empowering people to succeed. This is the reason that attempts to disturb the lives of the people in the valley still continue from across the line of control. Whenever such incidents happen, they spread terror and cause disruption in the life of people. Our security agencies are forced to act in the wake of such incidents. During the process sometimes innocent civilians have to suffer, but whenever such incidents happen it becomes necessary to act against those responsible for them. I am aware of some complaints related to human rights. On this issue, the Government policy is to protect the human rights of the people even when dealing with terrorism. The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been strictly instructed to respect the rights of the civilians. We will act to remove any deficiency in the implementation of these instructions.

 


 

We are ready to talk to representatives of every section who are opposed to terrorism and violence

"We want the talks process to move forward. We are ready to talk to representatives of every section who are opposed to terrorism and violence," Manmohan Singh said while addressing a convocation of an agricultural university here.

Making a fresh offer of talks to those in Jammu and Kashmir who shun violence, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said attempts continued to be made from “across the Line of Control” to cause disturbances in the State.

“Meaningful talks between the two countries, which can lead to a resolution of old issues, are possible only when Pakistan doesn’t let its territory to be used for acts of terror against India,” Dr. Singh said.

Talking in the context of Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, “Today, I would like to say to our neighbours across the Line of Control that they should help in creating an environment in which people from both the sides can live in peace and harmony and work together.”

Referring to his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in Thimphu last month, he said “both the countries accepted that there is trust deficit between us” and they agreed that “this distance” must be reduced.

He said Mr. Gilani had assured him that Pakistan will not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against India.

 

 

Let not criticism – sometimes justified, often unjustified -- deter or demoralise you

Chhattisgarh is going through a difficult time. In the last 8 weeks, there have been 28 major incidents of violence in this State. Many lives have been lost; many more have been injured. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and I pray for the recovery of the injured. I wish to tell the people of Chhattisgarh that, in this period of difficulty, the Central Government stands by you. We are ready and willing to render all assistance possible in order that Chhattisgarh will be able to overcome the challenges to the security of its people.

Policing a country of over 1.1 billion people is not an easy task. Policing a country in a troubled neighbourhood makes the task more difficult. And policing a country with insufficient police stations and inadequate and ill-equipped police forces makes the task almost formidable. Today, therefore, I wish to share with you some thoughts on the state of policing in India and ask you, in this Congress spread over three days, to reflect on the subject.

Let me begin with the size of the State police forces. I shall use broad and approximate numbers. According to figures given to the Central Government, the total number of sanctioned posts as on March 31, 2010, in all ranks, is about 21 lakhs. Of these, about 3,35,000 posts are vacant. Thus, the police: population ratio for the whole country is about 160 per 100,000 persons. This ratio, much lower than the international norm, conceals more than it reveals. It is an average. In a State like Bihar the number is about 75; in UP it is about 115; in Andhra Pradesh it is about 125; in Orissa it is about 135; in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, two States most affected by Left Wing Extremism, the number is about 205.

Further, the distribution of the police force among the police stations is badly skewed. First of all, there are not enough police stations. Even where there is a police station, the strength of the police force in a station is often no more than 20 persons. In some of the districts most affected by Left Wing Extremism, the police station exists only in name. I do not wish to name the States or the police stations but, believe me, there are police stations where the Station House has been blown up; there are police stations where there are no more than 8 men; and even these 8 or less men do not hold any weapons for fear of the weapons being looted. You will recall the case of Lalgarh police station in district West Midnapore in West Bengal. That police station was closed – and locked from the inside – for several months until the CRPF ‘liberated’ it.

Let me turn to the training imparted to our police forces in the States. Most States have barely sufficient capacity to impart basic training to newly recruited constables. It is not often realised that the capacity of the training institutes limits the number of constables that can be recruited in any year in that State. The result is that States are barely able to recruit the number of policemen and women necessary to fill vacancies that arise due to normal attrition – retirement, resignation, disablement or death. How will States be able to add to the net strength of their Police Forces? Unless capacity is increased manifold, States will not be able to fill the huge number of vacancies – estimated at 3,35,000 – and increase their sanctioned strength. Hence, the first order of business is to enhance the capacity of training institutes in the States to at least double the present capacity and to recruit at least double the number of policemen and women that are being recruited, at present, every year.

Even if the States do that, that would only take care of basic training. That basic training is not adequate to meet the new challenges to security such as terrorism, insurgency and Left Wing Extremism. Besides, specialised schools are necessary to train the police forces in forensic investigation, detective training, intelligence gathering, cyber crime and so on. I do not find States addressing these new and growing requirements. So far as the Central Government is concerned, in order to assist the State Governments, we have decided to set up one Central Academy for Police Training (CAPT) with a capacity to train 2,600 personnel; two Central Detective Training Schools (CDTS), each with a capacity to train 400 personnel; and twenty Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist Schools (CIAT) each with a capacity to train 1,000 personnel, in a year. While CAPT and CDTS will take some time to be established, three CIAT schools are operational and twelve more are likely to be completed in the current year. You will note that all of the above adds to a total training capacity of 23,400 personnel per year, and that is hardly sufficient for a force level of nearly 21 lakhs for all the States put together. Obviously, more needs to be done, and this can be done only if the States set apart more resources for augmenting training capacity.

The Central Government had also urged the States to adopt the salient recommendations of the National Police Commission. Some of these recommendations, I may remind you, are mandatory by an order of the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, the progress is halting. Let me take three recommendations: enactment of a new Police Act based on the Model Police Act; constitution of a State Police Establishment Board and setting up a Police Complaints Board. Only twelve States have enacted a new Police Act, only fourteen States have constituted the Police Establishment Board and only ten States have set up the Police Complaints Board. I am afraid there is a long distance to go before we can say that the States have implemented the recommendations of the National Police Commission.

I shall conclude my remarks with a brief reference to technology. Technology is the best force multiplier. It also relieves police personnel from routine and repetitive chores and allows them to concentrate on tasks that require application of intelligence, analysis, forecasting and planning. Technology can be inducted quickly into functions such as surveillance, communication, data management, inventory management and personnel management. Advanced technologies are available and can be used for data collation and correlation, data mining, analysis and prediction. Towards these objectives, the Central Government is implementing, in collaboration with the State Governments, the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project that will lay the basic framework and provide the connectivity throughout the country. NATGRID will employ advanced technology and help take the quality of policing to a higher level. And when the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is set up, that body will also induct very advanced technologies into its processes and functions.

I am conscious of the fact that what I have stated so far is not an exposition of any subject that would qualify as a ‘science’. It may be more appropriate to describe the matters on which I have spoken as belonging to the realm of ‘commonsense’. Later today, and in the next two days, you will discuss matters relating to modernisation, counter terrorism, Left Wing Extremism, data management and future policing. I want you to know that despite criticism from every quarter – from hapless citizen to arm chair pundit, from defence lawyer to learned judge, from political parties to civil society organisations and from editorial writers to television anchors – you should be proud to wear your uniform and perform your duties. Because, when hit by a crisis or a tragedy, everyone – and I mean everyone -- turns to the police. More often than not the presence of a policeman is reassuring. More often than not the deployment of the police force restores law and order and security. More often than not the policeman turns out to be a friend and protector. And, let us remember, in a conflict situation, the person most likely to make the supreme sacrifice is a policeman. Therefore, let not criticism – sometimes justified, often unjustified -- deter or demoralise you. Your obligation is to the law. As long as you enforce the law, uphold human rights, use no more than the minimum force that is necessary, and act without fear or favour you can hold your head high as a member of the police force.

Terrorists blow up bus in Dantewada, 50 killed

The attack, which took place at around 16:45 hrs, was seen as yet another violation of Standard Operating Procedures which prohibit policemen and SPOs to travel in civilian vehicles.

Religious terrorism would never be under control________Chidambaram

Pointing at the terror threats from jihadi forces, he said the idea of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan needed to be redefined as the terrorists also took inspiration from the Middle-east.
"It (jihadi terrorism) is not just from across the border in Pakistan but extends beyond to the middle-east also. We have to redefine what cross-border terrorism means," Chidambaram said at a book release function in New Delhi.
He said insurgency in the Northeast was the third internal threat but added that it was almost under control.
India had the means to "contain, control and resolve" the insurgency in the Northeastern states and Maoist menace in Central India but religious terrorism would never be under control, he said pointing out that there were new dimensions of terror groups such as from Hindu fundamentalist and to a small extent from the Sikh groups.

The government intended to build a new India through the Panchayats by empowering the villages

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said challenges posed by Maoists could be countered by empowering the rural poor and marginalised sections through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

“We should pay special attention to ensure that PRIs function effectively in remote and backward areas, which include tribal areas. This will help us in tackling the challenges such as the Maoist menace,” he said inaugurating a conference to celebrate the National Panchayati Raj Day.

Mr. Singh said participation of panchayats in various development programmes was essential as “they understand the local needs.”

“Panchayats not only make direct participation possible for the marginalised section of society in governance, but also play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of government institutions and officials,” he added.

Describing the day as “historic” for PRIs, he said it was on this day in 1993 that the 73rd Constitutional Amendment was implemented to enable the three-tier panchayats to take responsibility of governance.

“This has made decentralisation (of power) possible up to the grassroots level. The impact of the 73rd amendment is now very clearly visible. It has empowered the common man and poor, and has brought about changes in the power equations in rural India,” he said.

Expressing happiness over the regular conduct of panchayat elections, Mr. Singh said over 28 lakh people have now officially become part of the country’s democracy through about 600 district panchayats, 6,000 intermediate panchayats and 2.3 lakh gram panchayats.

Noting that 33 per cent reservation for women has been implemented in the PRIs, the Prime Minister said it was a matter of pride for the country that today about 10 lakh women work in rural India as elected representatives, which is more than the number of reserved seats.

“With the implementation of the proposed 50 per cent quota for women in PRIs, their number is expected to increase to 14 lakh in these institutions,” he added.

The Prime Minister said apart from the women’s reservation in PRIs, there are arrangements for providing quota for SCs and STs in proportion to their population, while some states have provided reservation to OBCs too.

“The objective of all these measures is to enhance direct participation of weaker sections in governance,” he said.

Mr. Singh said PRIs have been given special importance in the implementation of various government schemes in the 11th Five-Year Plan as they understood the local issues well.

“Our government is aware of the difficulties being faced by Panchayats. It has been our continuous endeavour that basic facilities are provided to PRIs and arrangements for (devolution of) funds, functions and functionaries be made to them,” he said.

“This will help giving a new shape to the services rendered by the Panchayats,” he said.

Noting that the government had under the 13th Finance Commission announced a share to the Panchayats from tax collections, the Prime Minister said this would give PRIs the status of local self-governance units in the real sense.

Expressing the hope that the conference would discuss all the issues, which were inevitable for making PRIs more effective and transparent, he said the recommendations of the meet would be seriously looked into and after examination, the government would take necessary action.

Earlier, Mr. Singh presented awards for Effective Implementation of Panchayats’ Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme to Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Sikkim.

He also released a two-volume report for 2010 on the status of Panchayati Raj.

Rural Development and Pachayati Raj Minister C.P. Joshi said the government intended to build a new India through the Panchayats by empowering the villages.

Mr. Joshi said time had come for another Constitutional Amendment to empower the rural people by making devolution of power to PRIs mandatory.

He said there was need to bring changes at the grassroots level by setting Human Development Index standards and pointed out that NREGA had given opportunity to the rural poor to improve their economic and social status.

The government, he said, would soon launch a National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) for socio-economic development in rural India.

Pachayati Raj Secretary A.N.P. Sinha urged the Prime Minister to increase the plan allocation for the ministry, which had not been done for the last three years.

He said a meeting of the newly constituted National Advisory Council (NAC) under UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi should be convened to discuss a road map for PRIs.