Jamaat-e-Islamis Daawat,in its editorial on September 19,writes: Highlighting the need for austerity is nothing new. Emphasis has been given on austerity in the past too. But,as all these efforts have been for the sake of public consumption and for fooling the people,they have never yielded any positive result. This exercise of show or drama for some time,and that too with no interest and even questionable intentions,has always reached its logical conclusion. The same thing is happening this time. The paper has criticised talk of austerity on the one hand and huge amounts being spent on decoration and renovation of government offices on the other.
Talking of two central ministers stay in five star hotels for 100 days,Kolkata and Delhi-based Akhbar-e-Mastriq in its editorial entitled,Stay in Sheesh Mahal of our honourable ministers (September 10),comments: The important thing in this matter is not why these ministers were staying in hotels and how much money was being spent on them by the government or by themselves. The real issue is that a wrong message is going to the country that when it is facing drought conditions and a large number of farmers are committing suicide,why two honourable ministers of the government were enjoying the luxury of five star hotels. The paper adds: Fortunately,an example was set by Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee. There is a need for strictly adhering to this example.
Delhi-based Jadeed Khabar,in an editorial (September 17) asks: The question is why the area of austerity in governments non-plan expenditure should be kept restricted to expenses on travels? Why should it not include the grand style of residences of ministers and other political leaders and many unnecessary expenditures?
Delhi-based Hamara Samaj,however,in a front page signed editorial by the editor,Khalid Anwar (September 16),has come down heavily on the present talk of austerity. It says: The Congress party has launched an unmindful (jaahilana) campaign in the name of simplicity and control on expenditure for which not only the people of the country but all policymakers with love for this country will have to pay in future if not now. We do not know why control on legitimate expenditure is being termed as an act of wisdom. If the prime minister starts travelling on foot,this can be useful to the extent of publicity for the Congress Party but it can certainly not be beneficial for a country with one-fourth of the worlds population.
Whispers about the Chinese
Rashtriya Sahara,in its editorial on September 15 says that continuing incursions on the border do indicate that the intentions of China are not noble (iraade nek nahin hein). But it is not known why our government is refusing to take any serious notice of these activities and,in fact,the government is contradicting the reports in the media concerning these activities… Recently,a high official of the Indian army had expressed the view that we cannot defeat China. But the question of defeat or victory comes up only in a direct war. Presently the question is if we are able even to foil the Chinese incursions and defend ourselves against the Chinese activities on the borders.
CJIs prescription against corruption
The Chief Justice Justice K.G. Balakrishnans plea for a stronger law to fight corruption among government functionaries has been commented upon widely. Akhbar-e-Mashriq,in its editorial (September 14),writes: In the field of economic growth,India is making rapid strides compared to many countries of the world. But with regard to corruption and bribery,it is even now on top of the list. The paper notes the statement of the CJI that it takes an extraordinarily long time in getting permission for initiating legal proceedings and there being many hurdles in this process. The paper says that what the CJI has said is not only an eye opener but it also presents a picture of his helplessness.
Delhi,Lucknow,Dehradun and Mumbai-based daily Sahafat,in its editorial on September 16 writes: The statement of Chief Justice Balakrishnan… is correct. The law minister has expressed the view that there is no weakness in the law even though the Santhanam Commission has pointed out the lacunae in Section 311 and the corrupt officials have always used this section for their defence. Law Minister Veerappa Moily has said that there is enough scope for punishing corrupt officials through sections 309 and 310,and he would consult the prime minister in this regard.
