Opinion Remote-controlled Raja

The lead article in Organiser attacks the UPA government for irregularities in the export of non-basmati rice to African countries. It says a GoM constituted to consider a distress call from some African countries over escalating food prices allowed the export of non-basmati rice on “humanitarian” grounds. The ban on the export of this quality of rice was lifted only for these African countries and three PSUs. The State Trading Corporation,MMTC and Projects Equipment Commodities Ltd. were allowed this export between 2007 and 2009. “In a brazen violation of norms,the PSUs allowed private suppliers to directly negotiate and strike deals with the African countries. While the PSUs got a margin of 1 to 1.5 per cent,private suppliers walked away with anything between 26 to 40 per cent profit. A commerce ministry inquiry into this exposed the fraud,” it says. “Is there no limit to the greed of the UPA towards public money? If people at the helm believe that nemesis will never catch up with them,they are living in a fool’s paradise. It is a fact that the track record of public accountability of our politicians has not been very inspiring. But like the proverbial last straw,one of these heists is going to be the last nail in the coffin of the UPA,” it adds.

Cancun promise

An article in the RSS’s Hindi journal,Panchjanya,laments the dilution of India’s position on climate change at the just-concluded Cancun conference. It says that India seems to have decided to go along with the US,while deviating from its long-stated positions and getting ready to let its actions scrutinised by international agencies. Furthermore,going against a well-considered policy,environment minister Jairam Ramesh has said that India was ready to take on legally-binding commitments to reduce the growth of its greenhouse gas emissions. “Experts are surprised by his statement. This will not only permanently change India’s climate policy but also will have deep impact on the country’s economy,” it says. The article says the UPA had assured Parliament that India would not take any legally-binding commitments to reduce its emissions. “Ramesh’s statement has weakened India’s position. This is not right for our future,” it says.

Compiled by Manoj C.G.

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