WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

1. Men and women are like two wheels of a carriage. There is no chance for a country to progress unless the condition of women improves. Swami Vivekananda said ,it is not possible for a bird to fly with only one wing but still the society tries to cut off one wing by denying women from their right full place .

2. Our ancient scriptures assigned women a place higher than man. They were allowed to freely participate in all the Yagna and religious ceremonies along with men. The custom of ‘swaymvar’ gave full liberty to girls to choose their life partner in those days. However, in the middle age women were only used for procreation and for raising kids. They were restricted within the four walls of the house. ‘satiprata’ was one of the major tragedy in a woman’s life in those days. Fortunately after independence, women have actively worked for bureaucracy and helped the nation progress.

3. In modern scenario, even after 65 years of independence, where women are contributing 48.2%of the total population they contribute only 10.6% seats in Lok Sabha election. However, 33% women reservation bill is on its way to be passed from 1996. The present reservation percent is much lower than many of the developed and developing nations.

4. The condition of women has been improving year by year. NGO'S are playing a significant role to empower women through vocational training. Many government policies like “STEP” in 1987, “SWASHAKHI” in 1998 and SWAYAM SIDHA” in 2001 have been launched to empower women.

5. The year 2001 was declared as ‘women empowerment year’ and women are proving their efficiency in various fields but still have miles to go in order to achieve any significant results. Many amendments have been made in the laws related to women. In 2010, the union ministry, proposed a few changes in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1995. The most important change was that by the end of a divorce, a woman will get a share in her spouse’s property that was acquired after their marriage. However, implementation, is the most important part, even the illiterate woman should be made aware of this amendment. In Oct 2012, the Mumbai High Court passed a judgment that every father should take care of his daughter till she gets married despite being a major.

6. Only education will help women compete with men. They should be liberated from atrocities and for this the psychology and attitude of men towards women should be changed and judiciary should be strengthened. Women have always shown steady progress in the last decade. Some of the women who have set their mark are Priya Jhingam (the first woman to join the Indian Army), Pratibha Patil (the first woman to become the president of India), Punita Arora (the first woman to don the highest rank of lieutenant general) and many more.

7. Conclusion: In the present scenario there is a crying need of equalization of women in India, because women can write the destiny of any nation. However, women are still neglected from their fundamental rights. The literacy rate of women is still low as compared to men. We must make sure that every girl is educated because it is rightly said that when a man is educated he alone gets literate but when a woman is educated the entire family gets literate. A literate woman will help control population, fulfill SSA and educate their children to strengthen the nation’s future. Finally I want to say that once women get their due respect and rightful position in society, then no one can stop India, march on the road of prosperity and become a superpower in near future.

INDIA IN NEXT 5 YEARS

There are many ways by which I can explain that this country will be a superpower in coming 5-10 year.

Analyzing the current scenario, there are 3 areas where India spends the most, which are:-

(a) Defence Equipment purchase; (b) Gold & (c) Crude Oil

Talking about Defence Manufacturing; Sir, today, India is the largest purchaser of weapon in the world. About 60% of its defense requirements are met from foreign countries, costing a huge burden on our economy. To cut this expenditure down, the Govt has opened defense equipment manufacture to the pvt sector. The FDI has also been expanded. This has encouraged the mega manufacturers of the world to collaborate with the Indian manufactures to produce weapon on Indian soil. Besides bringing in technology to this country, it will also provide thousands of job at all levels. This will also help in building domestic capabilities, bolster exports and add experience and expertise to the workers. Manufacturing in our own country will lower down the cost price of the product and also reduce dependencies. If one man get employment, he generates employment for nine others and GDP picks up momentum. More jobs mean lesser Naxalism and Terrorism. People living standard will also improve and they will provide good education to their children. When people start getting good education and improve their skill, it will also help our country to manufacture goods in our country. It will also save foreign exchange and because of which, the Govt will be able to build sufficient infrastructure, adding further impetus to growth.

As for Crude oil; India is dependent on other countries for crude oil. A lot of crude oil is spent in running motors, & generators to generate electricity & in transportation sector. To overcome generation of sufficient electricity, we are going for large scale nuclear, Solar and Wind energy. Nuclear Power is the 4th largest source of electricity in India after thermal, hydroelectric, and renewable sources of electricity. As of 2016, India has signed civil nuclear agreements with 13 countries. India now envisages to increase the contribution of nuclear power for electricity generation capacity from 2.8% to 9 % within 25 years. By 2020, India’s installed nuclear power generation capacity will increase to 20 GW. Solar power is also a fast growing industry in India. In Jan 2015, the Indian govt expanded its solar plans. We invested US$100 billion which will increase our present capacity from 8.6 GW (2016) to 100 GW by 2020. When ample amount of energy will be produced, then requirement of crude oil will decrease & we will save lot of money Which will enhance our GDP.

Now talking about Gold; Traditionally, India is the second largest purchaser of Gold in the world. Presently the country is working on Monetization of Gold. The Govt is on the path to motivate people to put their Gold in Banks. The govt wants to wean away people from physical holding of gold and has already implemented liberal gold monetization scheme and sovereign gold bond scheme. The moment we will control this gold purchasing, then we will also be able to curb the smuggling of gold.The temples in India hold huge quantum of Gold. Once gold reaches the bank, India will be in a position to raise its economy also check huge amount of corruption.

Few Other Indicators

(a) Road Constructuion: It has risen from 2 Km/day to 28Km/day since May 2014.

(b) Electrification of Villages: All villages will be electrified by the end of 2017.

NOTE: The cumulative effect of the above two will be humungous growth of rural India. A well connected Village with sufficient electricity, will shift the Industry to rural area, as land, labour and raw material will be available in plenty and at a fat far cheaper rate. Apart from agriculture, the farmer will have a second source of income i.e, Industry.

(c) Coal: Within a year of this govt coming to powers, we have moved away from coal importing nation to coal sufficient nation. This is an example of good governance.

(d) GST is on the verge of implementation. One Nation one Tax is likely to boost the GDP by at least 2 %. It will cut down prices as also corruption as no one will like to under-invoice their produce.

(e) Make in India, Skill India, Start up India, Stand up India and Digital India will make India a place to invest.

(f) Demonetization: A bold and much needed move by the Govt, which although, has been badly implemented, is bound to give us a rich dividends. There is always a great pain in transition stage, especially when it is not executed well. But this is the first mega step towards a clean and corruption free India and it will clean us a lot.

These are only a few Indications, which makes me believe that India will be a super power in 5 to 10 yrs.

ROLE OF MEDIA

1.The mass media today comprises newspapers, books, radio, television, cinema, internet, E-Mail, Fax etc.  Although the use of Internet, E-Mail and Fax seems to be a recent phenomenon, the other mediums have existed with each other for many decades. Though the audio visual medium scores over the written words still the latter holds it’s own advantages.  The media has the NEWS (North, East, West, South) the ability to go through the remotest part of the earth and can make us feel its pressure in every place.  In 1990's Americans and her allies waged wars on Iraq and it was televised world over.  One could see the effect of deadly weapons, reaction of the masses and the final outcome.

2. The print media enjoys great readership.  The advent of the audio – visual media has never threatened its existence.  Some of the journalists, in-fact enjoy great fan following and are respected for their work.  Indians have the credit in winning noble prizes, the booker prize and other awards from the literacy circles.

3. It is no doubt the job of the media is to inform readers about everything about everybody, but the media should also remember that people need some privacy too.  Another criticism is that some newspapers indulge into yellow journalism. The print media have to understand their power and responsibility.  The media could make great impact on its readers.  So it should shoulder the responsibility of presenting the true picture and not scandalize it.

4. The audio-visual media scores over the written media because it takes the viewer at the place of action.  Developing countries like India can rely on media for the mass communication.  The media can be used to disseminate information and impart and to illiterate masses. The media can aid public involvement through advocating and transforming knowledge, skills and techniques to the people.  Awareness about the various rural development programs can be achieved by using the media.  Lack of awareness about the different programs is responsible for the low key progress, which binders the national development process.

5. Gentlemen, media enjoys a wide reach, it is also helping in national development.  It should present news in unbiased manners before the audience, dispassionate in presenting the actual story for the benefit or information of masses.

RIGHT TO EDUCATION

1.The historic bill-Right to Education was passed in parliament on 4th August 2009. It confers upon every Indian child between the age of 6 and 14 years, to access free education in govt. elementary schools.

2. It provides 25% reservation of seats for the students of disadvantaged groups in all schools. This rule is also applicable for private run schools for whom the govt. will pay the expenses.

3. It calls upon each school to provide play fields, drinking water, toilets and library as well as to ensure 1:40 teacher student ratio. It bans capitation fees and the screening and interview of parents and students before admission. It has also declared corporal punishment to students unlawful.

4. However, it has been observed that the law implementation has been very sluggish. For example many schools in Maharashtra have not provided the basic facilities mentioned in this act like drinking water, upgrading the curriculum, etc. It is one of the nine lagging states who have not taken stern steps to implement the law. In Goa, 27,639 students are not covered under the RTE. Many of the Pvt schools are not showing interest in being a part of this movement at the time, when the deadline set for them by the govt. is coming close.

5. To implement this law in the entire nation, we need huge budgetary allocation. We must promote parent teacher association to be monitored by a strict bureaucracy. Absenteeism of teachers and inefficient methodology must be taken care of so that we could provide better education to our children. The pay for teachers which is very low now must be upgraded so that the best brains take on the profession of teaching. This law, if implemented efficiently, can change the fate of the entire nation.

NATIONAL DISASTER

1. National disasters do occur sometime or the other and are common to mankind .But in our country the frequency of disaster are quit often certain disasters are quit often. Certain Disasters are beyond the control of human beings and some can be controlled by planning and taking adequate Measures. These can be Classified as:-

(a) Natural calamities like earthquakes, typhoons and hoods.

(b) Epidemics.

(c) War like Situations.

2. Natural Calamities

India is highly prone to natural calamities. It has the glaciers on Himalayas in the north, Thar Desert in the west, thick jungles in the North-East, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Ocean in the South. State like Bihar and Assam are highly prone to Hoods with result in loss of life and property in large seat. Large Typhoons affect eastern coastal state like Orissa, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh, Uttranchal, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are prone to earthquakes.  All these disasters are expected to be minimized by our National Disaster Management Committee which comprises of ministers, Bureaucrats, eminent scientists and experts. The job of this committee is to study these areas and suggest suitable measures to minimize the loss. Contingency plans have been drawn giving the resources and responsibility to meet these types of disasters.  Also general public, student at Schools and colleges are to be taught, how to react in such situations.

3. Epidemics

Spread of epidemics or large scale diseases are not unknown to India. These can assume very dangerous proportions and wipe out the whole village or a large area within a short span of time. Polio, AIDS, Birds Flue, Swine Flue, Malaria or Dangue seem round the corner at all times. These can be prevented and controlled by the adoption of proper methods of hygiene sanitation proper medicines. Public awareness campaign should be organized to educate the public about hygiene and sanitation and proper medicines.

4. War Like Situations

Every time we fight a war, it hits our economy. Since independence, first war with Pakistan generally known as kabaili (Tribes of Kabul) action took place in 1948. In 1962, the Second was fought between India and China. Three more which followed were again between India and Pakistan in1965 was code named as 'op Riddle' of 1971 was 'OP CACTUS LILY’ and of 1999 was `OP VIJAY’. As and when the war taxes place resources are diverted to defence during the war, the economy of the country suffers. In addition, low-intensity conflicts (LIC) or insurgency which we are being fought in Jammu and Kashmir and north East is also a drain to our resources So during the war in LIC situations, the civilians should be trained so that they can be employed as part of the civil defense in border areas or in areas or in areas in depth.

5. Managing the disaster is very important as it can be reduce casualties and chaos, we should have contingency plan at each level and practiced from time to time.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY OF INDIA

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is an autonomous agency of the Govt of India, responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways, totalling over 92,851.05 kms in length. It is also responsible for the toll collection on several highways. The current Chairman of NHAI is Mr Raghav Chandra (IAS).

Recent developments in NHAI

1. To cut down on delays in highway projects, NHAI has decentralised power, by authorising regional officers to undertake urgent repair works of up to Rs 1 crore, besides hiring of equipment and workers of up to Rs 10 lakh in a given project.

2. India has over one lakh kilometres of national highways (NHs), but there is no scientific road network pattern and drivers can't take a straight road to reach from one place to the other. To address this, NHAI has prepared a grid of 27 horizontal and vertical national highway corridors at a distance of every 250 km crisscrossing the entire country. All these stretches will be of four lanes and will provide more road space for seamless transport.

3. NHAI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organisation for satellite mapping of highways.

Conclusion
Road construction in India has accelerated to an all-time high pace of 30 kilometres per day. Investor interest in the roads and highways sector has grown in recent months after the govt resolved four major issues responsible for stalled projects or slow progress. Land acquisition has been expedited and in the first five months of this financial year 4,272 sq km have been acquired.

Good roads mean easier proximity & faster development

INDIA IN COMING 10 YEARS

As an Indian I do believe that in the next ten years India will be a super power. The progress that the country has made in the past ten years indicates its rapid development in near future. Being the youngest population and the largest democracy we can definitely guarantee that in the next ten years India will be a superpower.

Here are some of the latest developments that the country has made in the last few years in various sectors:

Agriculture: Indian agriculture has undergone rapid transformation in the past two decades. India has emerged as a major player in the global agriculture market. In the last five years, the country’s agriculture exports have tripled from around Rs 80,000 crore to Rs 2.32 trillion. About 65% of India population is dependent on agriculture and so to develop this majority, our ministers tried to increase the then 2% agricultural growth to 4% in the 11th five yr plan. Eventually this target was achieved in June-09. To maintain it in 2009-10, the 1st general budget of 15th Lok Sabha, our F.M. Mr. P. Mukherjee announced an increased budgetary. Allocation of Rs 3, 25,000 crores as against Rs 2, 87,000 crores in the previous budget, also 500 mobile soil testing laboratory, Cartostat satellite especially for agriculture to boost agricultural growth. Agricultural contributes to 19% of India’s GDP and also boosts of being the second largest granary. SAARC and BIMSTEC countries urged India to establish food banks for them. This will develop India’s relations with these countries. Also improving the financial stability of our farmers. Indian government has also started a plethora of flagship schemes. In the general budget 2009-10, the flagship schemes have been allotted humongous amount of money.

Literacy: The Literacy rate of India was 65.38% in 2001 which shooted up by 9% in 2011. The Right to Education Bill which was passed in 2009 has boosted the literacy rate tremendously. To improve the literacy percent, H&D minister Mr. Kapil Sibal tried to standardize the entire education system. In the general budget of 2009-10, Rs 2800 crore per year for 14 proposed national universities for research and development was allotted. In the 11th five year plan, 30 new universities in which 16 with broad band connectivity, 370 new colleges for rural areas, 08 new IITs, 07 IIMs, 05 IIS, 44,000 primary schools, 1500 I.T.I and 1100 polytechnic schools were planned. India’s lead in IT sector is unmatchable.

Privatisation: Private investors have invested in various sectors of telecommunication, power generation, airport, ports, roads and railways. Increase in privatisation resultantly increases employment. It also encourages businessmen to invest in and earn more.

Space technology: India has entered the elite group of nations when it launched modern missiles and satellites. ISRO has been constantly developing modern air craft’s and fighter planes.

Policies to curb poverty: To boost the rural infrastructure, construction of roads, provide electricity & clean drinking water, houses for B.P.L and create slum free cities. In the general budget of 2009-10, Rs 27,800 Crore for Bharat Nirman comprising of Rs 12,000 Crore for P.M.G.S.Y (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana), Rs 7,000 crore for R.G.G.V.Y (Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidutikaran Yojana), Rs 8,800 crore for I.A.Y (Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana) have been allotted for the development of urban areas and to create a slum free area, Rs 12,887 Crore has been allotted under J.N.U.R.M. (Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission).

Foreign relations: In Services sector, we have established bilateral trade ties with 13 countries amounting of $ 300 Billion in 2008, which was completed in 2010. India also signed the civil nuclear co-operation with 4 countries (USA, France, Australia, and Kazakhstan). Geographically India is situated at centre of BIMSTEC and SAARC countries and controlling 18 countries through SAARC, BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries, also controlling ¼ part of world market. India has also signed many agreements with its neighbouring countries. Though there are some neighbouring countries that do not want India to progress, however, it is important to build relations with them. During his second presidential term, Mr. Barack Obama said that India will be a part of his plans for America. This means that India has started creating a global impact and status for its own.

Though there are some short comings, but we must remember that no country is perfect. We have to work hard to bring India to near perfect. The fourth pillar of democracy, ‘media’ is keeping a close watch on the three pillars, the legislative, executive and judiciary. The increasing power of media can be used as a weapon to empower India to become a super power in the next ten years.