48 Buddha’s Own Words
PURIFY MIND- Path for All Societies to Attain Eternal Bliss by propagating BUDDHA’S OWN WORDS
Fruits & 
Vegetables Growers Party
mindful meditative 
swimming 
to overcome hunger illness.
capsicum 
cucumber 
carrot 
bean vegetables 
& fruit 
plants 
& trees 
all over the world 
& be happy 
& proud
like an elephant 
like what Sujata who fed hungry Buddha, Manimegali who fed the poor
with her Amudha Surabhi, Ashoka the Great who planted Fruit Bearing trees
all over his empire. Maha Mayawati said she will bring back Ashokan
rule by changing the face of the country first.
sarvajan.ambedkar.org
propagate BUDDHA’S OWN WORDS
karunge.” We will make the whole world Awakened Universe.
On Fear
“There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.”
On Your Mind
There is nothing so disobedient as an undisciplined mind, and there is nothing so obedient as a disciplined mind.”
“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded
on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts. If a man speak or act with
an evil thought, suffering follows him as the wheel follows the hoof of
the beast that draws the wagon…. If a man speak or act with a good
thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.”
“Whatever a monk keeps pursuing with his thinking and pondering, that becomes the inclination of his awareness.”
“Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.”
“In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create
distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.”
“Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering
follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that
draws it.”
“Remembering a wrong is like carrying a burden on the mind.”
On Achieving Awakenment
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
“A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he
is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.”
“Purity or impurity depends on oneself, no one can purify another.”
“Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.”
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
“What is evil? Killing is evil, lying is evil, slandering is evil,
abuse is evil, gossip is evil, envy is evil, hatred is evil, to cling to
false doctrine is evil; all these things are evil. And what is the root
of evil? Desire is the root of evil, illusion is the root of evil.”
“To insist on a spiritual practice that served you in the past is to
carry the raft on your back after you have crossed the river.”
“If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone.”
“Stop, stop. Do not speak. The ultimate truth is not even to think.”
“The one in whom no longer exist the craving and thirst that
perpetuate becoming; how could you track that Awakened one, trackless,
and of limitless range.”
“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.”
“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.”
“The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground”On Living In The Present Moment
On Compassion
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life
of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being
shared.”
“Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.”
“As rain falls equally on the just and the unjust, do not burden your
heart with judgement but rain your kindness equally on all.”
“A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”
“If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?”
“Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to others.”
“Give, even if you only have a little.”
“Life is so very difficult. How can we be anything but kind?”
“We will develop and cultivate the liberation of mind by loving
kindness, make it our vehicle, make it our basis, stabilize it, exercise
ourselves in it, and fully perfect it.”
“As rain falls equally on the just and the unjust, do not burden your
heart with judgments but rain your kindness equally on all.”
“Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception.”
On Your Words
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”
“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.”
“The tongue like a sharp knife… Kills without drawing blood.”
“Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.”
“If you propose to speak always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind.”
“Like a fine flower, beautiful to look at but without scent, fine
words are fruitless in a man who does not act in accordance with them.”
“Speak only endearing speech, speech that is welcomed. Speech, when it brings no evil to others, is a pleasant thing.”
On Doubt
“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt
separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and
breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it
is a sword that kills.”
“Even as a solid rock is unshaken by the wind, so are the wise unshaken by praise or blame.”
On Your Ideas
“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no
matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your
own common sense.”
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
“Just as the great ocean has one taste, the taste of salt, so also
this teaching and discipline has one taste, the taste of liberation.”
“Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who is
tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law.”
“Our theories of the eternal are as valuable as are those which a
chick which has not broken its way through its shell might form of the
outside world.”
(Tired of commonplace advice to “think positively” and “dream big” to
achieve what you want in life? Check out our free video training on the
hidden trap of trying to improve yourself. Register here.)
On Suffering
“Pain is certain, suffering is optional.”
“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.”
“The root of suffering is attachment.”
Thich Nhat Hanh retells the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha in the highly recommended book, Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha.
On Your Self
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
“Doubt everything. Find your own light.”
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no
matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your
own common sense.”
“If you truly loved yourself, you could never hurt another.”
“Do not look for a sanctuary in anyone except your self.”
“There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.”
“Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy.”
“Most problems, if you give them enough time and space, will eventually wear themselves out”
“Irrigators channel waters; fletchers straighten arrows; carpenters bend wood; the wise master themselves.”
“Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.”
“You yourself must strive. The Buddhas only point the way.”
“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.”
“She who knows life flows, feels no wear or tear, needs no mending or repair.”
“I am the miracle.”
On Gratitude
“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot at
least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we
didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us
all be thankful.”
“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.”
“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.”
(Do you want to read a counter-intuitive perspective on why gratitude
isn’t as important as people think it is? Check out our interview with
the world-renowned shaman Rudá Iandê. Read it here.).
On Meditation
“Meditate… do not delay, lest you later regret it.”
On Death
“Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.”
“Live every act fully, as if it were your last.”
“To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.”
On Happiness
“One who acts on truth is happy in this world and beyond.”
“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.”
“A man asked Gautama Buddha, ‘I want happiness.’ Buddha said, ‘First
remove I, that’s Ego, then remove want, that’s Desire. See now you are
left with only Happiness.’ ”
“To support mother and father, to cherish wife and child and to have a simple livelihood; this is the good luck.”
On Changing the World
“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life and one life can change the world.”
(Do you want to change the world? You first need to embrace your
inner beast. Learn how to do this from the world-renowned shaman Rudá
Iandê in our free masterclass. Register here.)
On Friends and Relationships
“An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast;
a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your
mind.”
“Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let them resolutely pursue a solitary course.”
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.”
On Being Noble
“One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings one is called noble.”
“Being deeply learned and skilled, being well trained and using well spoken words: this is good luck.”
To learn more about meditation techniques and Buddhist wisdom, check out our no-nonsense guide to using Buddhism and eastern philosophy for a better life here.
On Anger
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of
throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
“Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind.”
“Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence.”
For The Gain of the Many and For the Welfare of the Many Sarvajan Hithaya Sarvajan Sukhaya Maha Mayawati as CM of UP herself regularly monitored development and progress of welfare programmes as Centre was not cooperating with State ever since the BSP Government came into power in UP .
Apart from being a CM, she was also the national president of BSP. So she took care of the party in other states as well as
in UP.
She had no hassles handling UP. Forso many years, the state has been ruled
by non-BSP parties which is why it is so backward. In my first term as
the CM, in four months I did the work of four years.
All
Awakened Aboriginal societies consider her as the PM of this country
because she became eligible to be so because of her best governance of
UP by way of distributing the wealth of the State proportionately among
all societies as enshrined in our Marvellous Modern Constitution, This
was not tolerated by just 0.1%
foreigners kicked out from Bene Israel, Tibet, Africa, Western Europe,
Western Germany South Russia, Eastern Europe, Hungary chitpavan brahmins
who are number one terrorists of the world who are violent, militant,
praciticing hatred, anger, jealousy delusion, stupidity remotely
controlling all the non-BSP parties which tdid not like BSP to acquire
the Master Key against 99.9% all awakened aboriginal societies. So they
tampered the fraud EVMs to gobble power. But they are not recognised by
the societies. They feel only the BSP movement can take care of them.
through
Free Online Agricultural University for Awakened Ashoka Fruits & Vegetables Growers Party
mindful meditative swimming to overcome hunger illness. capsicum cucumber carrot bean vegetables & fruit plants & trees all over the world & be happy & proud like an elephant like what Sujata who fed hungry Buddha, Manimegali who fed the poor
with her Amudha Surabhi, Ashoka the Great who planted Fruit Bearing trees
all over his empire. Maha Mayawati said she will bring back Ashokan
rule by changing the face of the country first.
ahead, other parties will be hurt. First the Congress, then BJP. Non - BSP parties wanted a seat adjustment. and asked for a national-level alliance but BSP was not ready. She said
people do not want it.
In 1996 with the Congress, it was they who needed BSP when they had an
alliance.BSP’s votes were transferred to them but their votes were not
transferred to BSP. That is when BSP decided that if they don’t gain
anything out of this, then why should they go in for an alliance? Everyone
gains from BSP but they gained nothing from them..
BJP told Maha Mayawati in 2003 that it wanted to see her as CM
forever. She understood that they wanted her to remain in UP while they
ruled at the Centre. They wanted her to support them in 60 out of 80
seats in the state in the event of a mid-term poll. She said no. They put
political pressure on her and embroiled her in the Taj Corridor case.
They also lodged a disproportionate assets case
against her. Then BJP went out and the Congress came to power. Income tax appellate had given her a clean chit years ago being held over since 2004.
Vajpayee cheated BSP in 1997, when BSP and BJP had a power-sharing arrangement in UP. They are dhokebaaz (not to be trusted) and jhoote
(liars). When Maha mayawati was CM, she did not try to break their party and even
gave them the post of the speaker. But six months later, they tried to
break BSP’s MLAs. Just as they cheated her, she cheated them. She said in
Parliament that she will abstain and then the next day voted against them
(NDA government in 1998). She said to herself, she will destroy them in the
entire country. If Vajpayee can do it, so can she saam daam dand bhed ke saath (with affection, money, punishment and divide). Just as he did to her.
She said she will make western UP,
Poorvanchal, Bundelkhand. BSP favours small states, it supported
Uttarakhand. Let the Central Government be ready, we will quickly pass
it in the state Assembly. When BSP forms the government at the Centre, It
will make small states.
BSP’s biggest enemy—All of them SP BJP Congress and their allies. She said BSP didn’t need an alliance with any party.
sukhino vaa khemino hontu
sabbe sattaa bhavantu sukhitattaa
may all beings be happy and secure
may their minds be wholesome
C.M. will herself regularly monitor development and progress of welfare programmes in N.O.I.D.A.
Lucknow : 08
January, 2008 The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Km. Mayawati conducted
surprise check at the district hospital of Gautam Buddha Nagar
(N.O.I.D.A.) today. During her visit she received a number of complaints
regarding the maintenance and poor condition of the hospital. She found
that the surgical ward, dental/E.N.T./O.P.D. and other wards were in
poor condition and very dirty. The distribution of the medicines was not
up to the mark. There was no proper arrangement of treatment of the
patients at the hospital. Owing to the indifference of the doctors she
ordered immediate suspension of Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. H.M.
Kansal. Km. Mayawati also ordered suspension of A.D.M., Land
Acquisition, Mr. Manvendra Singh with immediate effect as a large number
of complaints had been received against him. The Chief Minister, after
conducting surprise check at the district hospital, inspected the under
construction campus of the Gautam Buddha University at the Greater
N.O.I.D.A. and took detailed stock of the situation from the Vice
Chancellor Mr. R.S. Nirjhar regarding the future shape and schemes of
the University. She also inspected the park situated in front of sector
15 A and 16 A. She was informed that earlier there was a beautiful park
here, which was in poor condition now and was also facing encroachment.
The local residents, present on the occasion, informed the C.M. that
since there was no boundary wall in this area the people were facing
difficulties while visiting park. They also demanded that beautification
of the park should also be carried out, on which the C.M. directed the
officers of N.O.I.D.A. to take immediate action. Thereafter, the C.M.
addressed a public gathering at sector 18 of N.O.I.D.A. and said that
the State Government was committed to the interests of the farmers. All
the sections of the society would be provided security, she stated. The
State Government had set up a committee headed by the Commissioner for
compensation, she added. She said that after consulting the people’s
representatives and farmers the appropriate rate of compensation would
be decided within a month’s time. She said that the villages would be
developed like sectors and facilities like sewer, drainage, water and
power supply would also be provided. She said that the quota of the
farmers in the developed sectors would be increased to 17.5 per cent
from existing 12.5 per cent. Referring to those villages where the
farmers were not provided residential plots; Km. Mayawati said that all
of them should be provided residential plots by March 31, 2008 by
launching a drive. She said that the officers had been directed to take
reasonable action by re-examining the cases where the farmers complain
that their locality had been acquired. The action should be taken by
March 2008, she emphasised. She said that in future the team of officers
would visit the villages before acquisition and discuss the matter with
the farmers and the people’s representatives and thereafter send the
proposal to the Government. Strict action would be initiated against
land mafias and officers if they tried to encroach upon the land of the
Authority, she warned. The Chief Minister said that Rs. One crore had
been sanctioned for the N.O.I.D.A. police administration with a view to
improving the law and order of the area and also to provide modern
equipment to the local police. She directed the officers to provide
modern equipment to the police within a month. She also directed the
officers to submit a work plan by 28 February 2008 for the modernisation
of traffic, parking, sanitation, beautification, transport, power and
water supply of N.O.I.D.A. She said that the work plan would be
effectively implemented from March 1, 2008. Km. Mayawati, in her
address, said that when she came into power people thought that she
would not visit N.O.I.D.A. and they would do their own things. She said
that she would herself monitor the development of N.O.I.D.A. She said
that the officers of the Authority had been directed regarding the
problems of the residents of the Atta rural area and said that the
proper action should be taken only after the disposal of the cases
pending in the court. She said that the State Government had been formed
on the basis of Sarvajan Hitai, Sarvajan Sukhai therefore no decision
against the wishes of the people would be taken. The M.P./ Chairman U.P.
State Advisory Council Mr. Satish Chandra Mishra, Cabinet Secretary
Sashank Skekar Singh and other senior officers were present on the
occassion.
Centre not cooperating with State ever since the BSP Government came into power in UP : CM
New Delhi : 7
January 2008 The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Km. Mayawati said that
ever since the BSP Government had come into power in the State, the
Centre had not extended any cooperation. Because of that the State
Government was unable to accelerate the process of development in U.P.
and also because of the Centre’s apathy the interests of the people of
the State were being neglected. Terming the comments made by the Central
Government and people belonging to Congress Party regarding the State
Government as baseless and unnecessary, the C.M. cited those issues and
cases in detail through which the State Government had made several
requests and demands to the Centre during the last eight months. The
Centre had not taken any constructive step to consider these requests
and demands made by the State Government. The Chief Minister was
interacting with the media persons at the country’s capital here today.
Referring to the federal system of the country, she said that the states
had to rely upon the Centre to a large extent for their development.
She said that without the Centre’s cooperation no state could achieve
requisite development despite its all-possible efforts. Giving a
chronological description of the Government’s efforts for seeking
Centre’s cooperation regarding State’s development, Km. Mayawati said
that within a few days after coming into power, she had made a courtesy
call to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. During the meeting she
had apprised him of the conditions prevailing in the State. She had
sought Centre’s cooperation on several important issues which included
sanction of coal blocks for new power plants, urban development,
tourism, setting up of an international airport at Jewar (Aligarh) and
central assistance for financial balance. She said that despite the
assurances made by the Prime Minister, no constructive action had been
initiated so far on most of the requests of the State. Referring to the
efforts made by the Government to meet the challenge of power shortage
in the State, the C.M. said that despite constraints several power
projects had been initiated by the U.P. Government in public, private
and joint sectors. Owing to the non-cooperative attitude of the Central
Government, the energy crisis of the State could not be solved. Giving
proof to support her statement, she said that the Centre was setting up
eight ultra mega power projects of 4000 MW each in the country, but not
even a single plant was being sanctioned for U.P. Referring to the
letter written to the Prime Minister in this regard, she said that from
such kind of projects a state gets 50-60 per cent of power generated.
And this allocation of power solved energy blues of a State to a great
extent. Citing her request made to the Union Government for providing
1000 MW of power from the Central Pool to meet the power demand of the
State, Km. Mayawati said that the Centre did not pay any heed to it.
Referring to the demand of allotting separate blocks for coal linkage
for new power projects in the State, she said that the same was
allocated with three states jointly. Regarding Rajiv Gandhi Rural
Electrification Scheme, she said that the Centre had not provided any
amount last year. She said that for improving the power distribution
system of the State schemes costing Rs. 500 crore under the APDRP were
pending with the Centre. Reacting to the baseless and unnecessary
comments made by several Central Ministers and people belonging to the
Congress Party regarding the power shortage and deficiencies in other
areas, the C.M. said that it clearly indicated that the Central
Government and the Congress Party were not cooperating with the State on
one hand, while on the other both were acting irresponsibly. The Chief
Minister, mentioning her meeting with the Prime Minister of India
regarding her demand for Rs. 80,000 special package for allowing
development of Bundelkhand and eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh,
regretted that Central Government had so far not initiated any action
for sanction of the package. Pointing to the insensitive attitude of the
Central Government towards the demand of Rs. 7016 crore package for
relief and development of works in Bundelkhand region, the Chief
Minister said that this included Rs. 2049 crore for relief, employment
generation and other development works and Rs. 4867 crore for medium and
long term projects. Highlighting the negligent attitude of the Central
Government for safeguarding the interests of farmers, the Chief Minister
said that the Government of Uttar Pradesh initiated action for ensuring
availability of fertilisers according to the needs of the farmers as
soon as it came into power. The sequence of events started with her
first meeting with the Prime Minister after the formation of her
government in the state. But the negligent attitude of the Union
Government, which started with her meeting with the Prime Minister, was
still going on despite the commitment of State Government for
safeguarding the interest of the farmers. The Chief Minister said that
as against the demand of economic assistance of Rs. 16,000 crore a sum
of Rs. 6,500 crore was made available by the Central Government. A
demand of Rs. 1900 crore was made in the meeting of the National
Development Council held in the month of May last year, for agriculture,
irrigation, cooperative, fertiliser industry and adding to the income
of the farmers, the Central Government had yet not taken any action on
such important issues. She said that the assistance of Rs. 19,000 crore
which was to be received from Central Government has yet not been
received. The Chief Minister said that for checking out the devastation
caused by the floods of the rivers originating from Nepal in eastern
districts of Uttar Pradesh, a sum of Rs. 2200 crore was demanded from
Central Government by formulating action plan and for rehabilitation,
but the Union Government had so far not initiated any action in this
connection. Referring to the efforts made by the Government for the
development of the State and also for the welfare of various categories
of the country, the C.M. said that her government had written to the
Central Government to provide benefits of reservation to the Dalit
Christians, but the Centre had not responded so far. She had also
requested the Centre to fulfil the reservation backlog all over the
country, to make provision of reservation in the private sector, provide
reservation facility to the poor people of the upper caste, but the
Centre had not taken a constructive action in this regard. On the
occasion, the Chief Minister said that keeping the interests of the
Sarva Samaj, the State Government had taken a historic decision to
provide reservation facility in the units being set up in private sector
with the cooperation of the State Government. In the units being set up
in the private sector receiving special facilities from the Government,
10 per cent of the employment would be given to each of the SC, OBC and
religious minorities and poor people of the upper castes. Besides,
under the new practical and realistic economic policy, provisions have
been made to implement reservation policy applicable in the government
services to the disinvested enterprises/undertakings/institutions. The
Chief Minister said that the State Government had requested for CBI
inquiry in cases like food grains scam, Raju Pal murder case, Madarsa
case under Kareli police station, Allahabad and Shashi murder case of
Faizabad, from the Centre, but no action had been taken so far by the
Union Government. Besides, Km. Mayawati said that the State Government
was providing full cooperation to the Centre to deal with terrorism. She
said that the Union Government should also support the State Government
to deal with it. She said that since the Centre was unable to
effectively keep a vigil on the international borders, the terrorists
were infiltrating in the country. These terrorists were posing threats
to the internal security of the country. If the borders of the country
were effectively guarded then these terrorist could not have infiltrated
in the country. The C.M. said that the security and development were
the top priorities of any State or Socity and they should not be
compromised at any cost. These issues should be taken as of national
interest. She said if the Centre was serious towards the development of
Uttar Pradesh then it would have taken our proposals seriously and
approved them immedeately.
U.P. joins the economic mainstream of the country with the implementation of VAT : Chief Minister
Lucknow :
January 01, 2008 Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Km. Mayawati, while
providing information regarding the historical decision of VAT becoming
effective in the State from the very first day of the new year, has said
that with this the Government of Bahujan Samaj Party has ensured the
inclusion of Uttar Pradesh into the national economic mainstream. She
expressed confidence that the VAT regime of U.P. will yield best results
in India and will also play an important role in the development of
industry and commerce. Km. Mayawati was today addressing media
representatives at her official residence 5-Kalidas Marg, regarding the
decision of implementation of VAT system. She said that her Government,
by following the dictum of ‘Sarvajan Hitay-Sarvajan Sukhay’ is committed
to the welfare of Sarva Samaj. With this motive the Government accorded
sanction to the introduction of VAT, so that the common man gets
quality items of his daily need at minimum prices. The Chief Minister
expressed confidence that by introducing VAT and making the tax
structure of U.P. at par with other States, illegal transportation of
goods will be curbed and all, including the common public, farmers,
industries and traders will benefit. The Chief Minister made it clear
that with the implementation of VAT, tax rates have been reduced with
the motive of helping farmers, industry and common man. She has called
upon the manufacturers and the traders to pass on the benefit of this
tax reduction to the consumers. Chief Minister, Km. Mayawati also told
that keeping in view the needs of the common man, tax rate on 91 items
has been reduced in VAT. The tax applicable on kerosene oil distributed
under the public distribution has been reduced to four per cent from the
previous tax of 10 per cent. Tax on all milk products, medicines,
bicycles and matches has been reduced from 8 per cent to 4 per cent.
Traditional Chikan clothes, Banarasi Sarees as well as clothes prepared
from handloom have been totally exempted from tax. Pen, computers,
computer stationery- the items use by students have also been provided a
tax reduction. Bangles, vermilion (sindoor) and bindi have also been
made tax-free. The tax applicable on sewing machine has been reduced to 4
per cent from the previous rate of 10 per cent. Cosmetics, on which a
tax of 16 per cent was applicable under the previous tax structure will
now invite a reduced tax of 12 and half per cent. Under VAT, the State
Government has exempted all varieties of seeds and agriculture
implements from tax and has also reduced tax on chemical fertilizers,
insecticides, pesticides as well as water pumps where a reduced tax of 4
per cent will be applicable. Coarse food grains like Jwar, Bajra, Makka
and Jau have been totally exempted from tax. The tax on tractor and
tractor-trolley has been reduced to 4 per cent from the previous rate of
5 per cent. Tax on all industrial produce as well as in items used in
information technology have been reduced to 4 per cent. While referring
to the decision of her previous government to implement VAT in the
State, the Chief Minister said that her Government had made the
necessary preparations but the Centre did not take any decision at that
time. The result was that VAT could not be made effective in the State.
Km. Mayawati said that from 01 April, 2005 majority of States and Union
Territories opted for the VAT regime but the preceding government of the
State while succumbing to the pressure of certain selfish elements
failed to implement it in U.P., because this transparent system, capable
of curbing tax-evasion is completely in public interest. The result was
that the development of new industry was adversely affected and
industrialists as well as traders also suffered. In spite of concessions
being provided to the industries they had to pay it tax of two and a
half per cent on raw material which was affecting the industrial
production of the State. No new industries were being set up in U.P. and
the already established industries were also migrating to other states.
Only certain selfish elements benefited from the non-implementation of
VAT, while petty traders and consumers underwent exploitation. This
amply clarifies that why the previous government of the State hobnobbed
with these elements. While terming the behaviour of some trade leaders
and the bundh, dharna, agitation, hunger strike etc. sponsored by them
as totally wrong and irresponsible, the Chief Minister regretted that
these leaders were misguiding traders. The parties of these leaders were
ruling in those states where the VAT had already been implemented. Most
of the states of the country were governed either by the BJP or
Congress party or supported by these parties and VAT had been
implemented in all these states. Referring to the neighbouring states of
U.P., she said that in Delhi and Haryana, the Congress is at the helm
of affairs and BJP governments are ruling Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Himanchal Pradesh and Rajasthan states. The governments of BJP alliance
are ruling in Punjab and Bihar states. She said that some elements are
publicising that tax rate in Uttar Pradesh is higher than neighbouring
states which is completely misleading and baseless. She made it clear
that in comparison with the neighbouring states these rates are much
less in U.P.. This is a conspiracy to malign the government of Uttar
Pradesh and confuse the common man, she added. The C.M. said that there
are arrangements under VAT rules, that if any problem arises after the
implementation of VAT, then a pragmatic and legal solution would be
found immediately. The Chief Minister said that her party’s government
was serious regarding the interests of small traders. Therefore, it had
increased the registration limit from Rs. 2 or 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh,
keeping in view to bailing out the small traders from the tax. For the
traders, having the sales up to Rs. 50 lakh, settlement scheme had been
implemented and the arrangements have been made for refunding the amount
into the bank accounts of the traders directly within 30 days. The one
per cent development tax levied on trading, having a turn over of more
than Rs. 50 lakh has been abolished She said that after the
implementation of VAT the self-tax assessment would be made in all cases
and all the tax rebate forms had been abolished. She said that her
government was committed for a transparent tax system in which the
honest taxpayers would get full protection and honour. Referring to the
historical decisions and arrangements for the all-round development of
industries and welfare of traders, the Chief Minister said that there
were many decisions, which were not implemented in other States. She
referred to the decisions of abolition of provision against prosecution
of traders, establishing a settlement commission for immediate disposal
of cases of more then Rs. one lakh tax and penalty amount, setting up of
State Tax Board for effective tax policy etc. Km. Mayawati said that
Commercial Tax Department had already set up modern computerised trader
facility centre and registration cell for the facility of taxpayers and
all the departmental works would be fully computerised in the next six
months. The Chief Minister said that commercial tax comprises about 58
per cent in the total revenue of the State. 10 per cent growth rate has
been fixed for the State under the 11th Five Year Plan for which heavy
capital is needed. This situation necessitated implementation for a
tax-system, having less rates of taxes and capable of collection of more
and more tax revenue. With the implementation of VAT, interest of each
and every section would be protected in the State.The Chief Minister
said that with the implementation of VAT, 15 rates of trade taxes were
reduced to four. Rates of taxes have been reduced on 91 articles. Tax
rates of 75 articles have remained unchanged.Only 20 articles are such
of which rates have increased but the option of reconsidering this rate
is still open.
Combined efforts of Centre and State necessary to deal with terrorism
Lucknow :
January 01, 2008 The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Km. Mayawati, while
condemning the terrorist attack on the Group Centre of the Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out this morning in Rampur district,
said that the combined efforts of the Centre and the State were needed
to deal with terrorism. She has announced an economic assistance of Rs. 1
lakh to the family members of the each deceased on behalf of the State
Government and directed the officers to take all precautionary measures
through out the State to check repeat of such incidents. It may be
recalled that some unknown persons entered the Group Centre of the CRPF
around 2:45 a.m. and opened firing at sentry post, guard room and
control room in which seven CRPF jawans and one unknown person were
killed. Besides, three CRPF jawans, one civil police constable of Civil
Lines police station and a home guard were seriously wounded in the
accident. Proper medical attention was being provided to the injured
persons. The senior officers had reached the spot and extensive search
was being conducted in the area. Km. Mayawati has condemned the
incident. She has directed the officers to arrest the guilty at the
earliest and provide better medical care to the injured person. She said
that the terrorists were trying to weaken the democracy by carrying out
such attack, but we would never allow their intentions to succeed. She
further said that the Centre had been requested to provide help to the
State so that it could tight the terrorism effectively.
INTERVIEW WITH MAYAWATI
Dressed in a simple yellow salwar kameez, the glow on
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s face reflects her electoral
high. Fresh from her rallies in the faraway south, she spoke to India Today Editor Prabhu Chawla and Assistant Editor Priya Sahgal about her plans. Excerpts:
Q. Why are you going beyond UP and touring different parts of the country as well?
A.
Apart from being a chief minister, I am also the national president of
my party. So I have to take care of the party in other states as well as
in UP.
Q. But Uttar Pradesh is such a backward state. Shouldn’t you concentrate more on it?
A.
I have no hassles handling UP. For 57 years, the state has been ruled
by non-BSP parties which is why it is so backward. In my first term as
the chief minister, in four months I did the work of four years.
Q. Is the next prime minister going to be from the state?
A. (laughs) I will change the face of Uttar Pradesh first.
A.
I am not scared while I am in Uttar Pradesh. But after BSP got an
absolute majority there and began making inroads in other states, the
other parties got unhappy. That’s why they keep telling me to stay in UP
where I have my own Government and I can be safe. But if I don’t go out
of UP how will my party increase its base? The Uttar Pradesh Government
wrote to the Central Government on the basis of intelligence reports
and asked for SPG (Special Protection Group) cover for me. The Centre in
turn asked why does she need the cover? She is the chief minister and
should stay in the state. Why do they forget that I am the national
president of a party as well?
Q. So you are saying your enemies want to limit you to UP?
A.
Yes, but they will soon themselves be limited to a few states. When I
ask the Centre for security they say yes, there is a need but we can’t
give it as it’s a rule that SPG can only be given to PMs, ex-PMs and
their families.
Q. Have you asked for the SPG Act to be amended?
A.
I am not a PM or an ex-PM or the child of an ex-PM. If they can make an
amendment for an ex-PM’s family, then why not for a Dalit’s daughter? I
am a hard-working girl.
Q. You talked about the danger from a Congress leader. Who is he?
A.
There is one Atiq Ahmad who is being protected by a Congress leader in
Delhi. I will reveal his name when the time is right. When there is a
warrant against Ahmad and we want to arrest him, why are they hiding
him?
Q. You are a popular Dalit leader. Why should anyone harm you?
A.
It’s to do with the way BSP is racing ahead. Obviously, when BSP rushes
ahead, other parties will be hurt. First the Congress, then BJP.
Q. Should Narendra Modi be given SPG cover too? You do concede he is more in danger than you are.
A. That is for the Gujarat state intelligence and the Central Government to decide.
Q. In 2004, before the elections, Sonia Gandhi did come and ask you for seat adjustments.
A.
Yes, they wanted a seat adjustment. That is correct. Sonia did come and
ask for a national-level alliance but we were not ready. I said my
people do not want it. She was very samajhdaar (understanding), she did not grumble. She understood.
Q. What is your relationship with the Congress?
A.
I don’t need anything from the Congress or BJP. My party fights alone.
In 1996 with the Congress, it was they who needed us when we had an
alliance. Our votes were transferred to them but their votes were not
transferred to us. That is when we decided that if we don’t gain
anything out of this, then why should we go in for an alliance? Everyone
gains from us but we gain from none.
Q. But Rahul feels that the 1996 alliance
harmed the Congress. Do you feel that the Congress has become more
anti-BSP under Rahul?
A. What difference does that make? Let it be. We all saw what happened back in May 2004.
A.
Where is the blackmail in asking for SPG for my security? I am not
asking for money for myself, for a house or a bungalow. I have only
raised issues that are for the good of the people of UP. You call that
blackmail?
Financial aid is not blackmail. What reply will I give
to the people of my state who will ask us why are we supporting the
Centre that is not giving us any aid?
BJP told me in 2003 that it wanted to see me as CM
forever. I understood that they wanted me to remain in UP while they
ruled at the Centre. They wanted me to support them in 60 out of 80
seats in the state in the event of a mid-term poll. I said no. They put
political pressure on me and embroiled me in the Taj Corridor case.
They also lodged a disproportionate assets case
against me. Then BJP went out and the Congress came to power. You know
income tax appellate had given me a clean chit one-and-half years ago.
What has happened now is only the confirmation of the tribunal’s order.
Why was the clean chit being held over since 2004?
A. They cheated me in 1997, when BSP and BJP had a power-sharing arrangement in UP. They are dhokebaaz (not to be trusted) and jhoote
(liars). When I was CM, I did not try to break their party and even
gave them the post of the speaker. But six months later, they tried to
break my MLAs. Just as they cheated me, I cheated them. I said in
Parliament that I will abstain and then the next day voted against them
(NDA government in 1998). I said to myself, I will destroy you in the
entire country. If Vajpayeeji can do it, so can I saam daam dand bhed ke saath (with affection, money, punishment and divide). Just as he did to me.
Q. Others states are improving, but UP stays where it is.
A. Look at UP’s size and the population of other states. Himachal’s is only 55 lakh, while UP’s is 17 crore.
Q. So do you think UP should be divided into smaller states?
A.
I have no objections. If the Centre is ready, we will make western UP,
Poorvanchal, Bundelkhand. Our party favours small states, we supported
Uttarakhand. Let the Central Government be ready, we will quickly pass
it in the state Assembly. When we form the government at the Centre, we
will make small states.
Q. So who is your biggest enemy— Mulayam, BJP or the Congress?
A. All of them and their allies.
Q. Will you not compromise with any of them?
A. The question does not arise. We don’t need an alliance with any party.
Q. Tomorrow, to become PM you may need allies. But here you are fighting with everyone.
A. BSP has no enemies.
Q. Who are your friends ?
A. Desh ki aam junta (the public).
Q. Will you withdraw support from the Congress?
A.
We have put our demands in front of them. First, I will celebrate my
birthday, cut my cake, accept the wishes of the people and then decide.
Q. Don’t you think your birthday parties are rather extravagant?
A.
My birthday is celebrated in a way that no other leader’s is. People
donate money in my name. My birthday will be celebrated all over India,
in each state. And on this day, we will help widows, the handicapped and
the poor.
Q. They also collect money in your name for the party.
A.
Other parties ask big industrialists for help, I take help from my
workers. That’s the difference. I say openly I collect from our
membership drive.
Q. Even big industrialists don’t spend so much on their birthdays.
A. I don’t spend. It’s the party that does all the celebrations.
Q. Is Sonia Gandhi invited?
A. Does anyone send out invitations? People come on their own.
| Rampur terror attack: 2 CRPF men to be suspended | |
| Friday, 11 January , 2008, 23:25 | |
| New Delhi: Two senior officials of the Central Reserve Police Force are to be placed under suspension in connection with the terror attack on the Rampur recruitment centre of the force in Uttar Pradesh which left eight persons dead. |
|
its nod to the file seeking disciplinary action against the two
officials of the paramilitary force, sources said.
There was no official word either from the Ministry or from the CRPF on this.
On the New Year’s day, seven CRPF personnel and a civilian were killed when heavily armed militants stormed the centre.
The Uttar Pradesh government has charged a few CRPF
men with helping the militants to storm the camp while the paramilitary
force alleged a vehicle that ferried the ultras to the spot carried the
flag of a major political party.
The UP police questioned two CRPF personnel, including one from Jammu and Kashmir, in this connection.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lucknow/Airports_alerted_across_state/articleshow/2684747.cms
Airports alerted across state
9 Jan 2008, 0310 hrs IST
,Pervez Iqbal Siddiqui ,TNN
airports in Uttar Pradesh following fresh intelligence inputs of a
terror strike on the lines of Kandhar hijacking. Once bitten twice shy,
the security agencies in the state this time are leaving no stone
unturned to eliminate all possibilities of a terror strike, especially
after the attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Group Centre
(GC) at Rampur.
After a foiled attempt to hold hostage, the All
India Congress Party national general secretary Rahul Gandhi - which
was grounded with the arrest of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fedayeens
(suicide bombers) by the Special Task Force (STF) in Lucknow in
November, the terror outfits are now believed to be planning another
attempt to rescue some of their important leaders lodged in different
jails across India. The arrested fedayeen had revealed during
interrogation that the plan was to hold Rahul hostage and demand release
of 45 LeT points men lodged in jails.
On the basis of this
lead, the intelligence agencies have sounded a high alert across all
airports, especially in Uttar Pradesh.
Confirming intelligence
inputs seeking alert at airports, director general of police (DGP)
Vikram Singh told TOI that directives had been issued to the authorities
concerned to initiate proper action in this regard. He however refused
to comment on whether the intelligence agencies had expressed
possibilities of a Kandhar type of hijacking originating from Uttar
Pradesh.
“We have advised the authorities to appraise us on
requirement of manpower for security purposes outside the periphery of
the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) manned area at the
airports. If required, we will make arrangements accordingly to provide
these installations with additional security personnel,” Vikram Singh
said. Sources in the civil aviation department (UP) said that all
airports which were presently operational had been asked to make special
arrangements to keep a constant watch on security arrangements around
their premises and also told to ensure that the security aspect was not
compromised at any cost.
“Additional PAC has been deployed on
the boundaries of the Amausi airport touching the civilian localities
from the runway end. Patrolling has been intensified in the area even
during the night even though there are usually no scheduled flights
during that part of the day,” Vikram Singh said talking to TOI.
Director
Amausi Airport SD Awasthi, who is in-charge of the CISF security
paraphernalia around the airport, when contacted on Tuesday said that
special arrangements had been made to foil any terror strike at the
airport. “We have enhanced surveillance inside and around the airport
premises and we are also keeping a close watch on vehicles approaching
the airport and closely monitoring the movement of the occupants inside
the premises on the slightest of suspicion,” Awasthi said.
Quick
Reaction Teams (QRTs), anti-sabotage squads (ASS) and bomb disposal
squads (BDS) of the CISF and UP Police have been put on standby in case
of an emergency, while senior officials are keeping a round-the-clock
vigil on the security arrangements on the premises.
| Maya flooded with donations ahead of birthday bash |
5 Jan 2008, 0000 hrs IST
,TNNA day after income-tax appellate tribunal gave her a clean chit on
receiving cash and properties as gifts, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and
BSP chief Mayawati on Friday received huge donations from party MPs and
MLAs as part of the fund collection drive for her birthday on January
15.
The fund will be used
for expanding party’s base in “other parts of the country” and for the
next Lok Sabha elections. The donations were given when the MLAs and MPs
held a meeting with Mayawati to review BSP’s performance in the
recently concluded Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections and
Ballia Lok Sabha byelection.
Each MLA/MP has been asked to collect Rs 3 lakh, to be donated on Mayawati’s birthday for the party fund.
Her birthday will be celebrated as party’s financial assistance day.
The target, a BSP source said, is to collect at least Rs 12 crore, almost double the amount collected last year.
Sources
said while many legislators have made their contributions, some came
with just gifts on Thursday. The remaining MLAs and MPs will donate
their collections by January 15.
Online edition of India’s National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 12, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Government
has decided to install computers in 2,500 schools in the State under the
information and communications technology scheme.
“Under the scheme, about 2,500
government and government aided secondary schools would receive a
financial aid of Rs. 6.70 lakh,” Principal Secretary Secondary Education
AK Mishra said here on Friday.
The students, undergoing computer training, would not be charged anything, he added.
U.P. sends reminder to Centre
Special Correspondent
LUCKNOW: The U.P. government has sent a
reminder to the Centre pressing for SPG cover to Chief Minister
Mayawati. A letter was sent last week.
Principal Secretary (Home), J.N. Chamber, said the demand was made after assessment of intelligence inputs on threat perception.
SPG cover a must: Mayawati
Special Correspondent
| Party meet adopts motion censuring UPA government |
REITERATES DEMAND: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on her way to address a press conference, amid tight security, in Lucknow on Wednesday.
LUCKNOW: Having threatened to review
BSP support to the United Progressive Alliance government over its
refusal to extend her SPG cover, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati
on Wednesday reiterated her claim for enhanced security, even if the
relevant Parliament Act had to be amended.
In view of the terrorist threats to her
life, which were based on intelligence inputs, the Special Protection
Group cover was an absolute must, she told a press conference here.
Though her government was in power in
Uttar Pradesh, where security concerns were adequately addressed, it was
the Centre’s responsibility to provide her security in other States
which she visited for party work.
Earlier, a meeting of BSP legislators
and MPs not only condemned the attitude of the Congress and the UPA
government but also passed a censure motion.
The Chief Minster was authorised to
take the final decision on withdrawal of support. She said a decision
would be taken at a meeting, attended by all-India office-bearers of the
BSP, in New Delhi after January 15.
“They are trying to create terror”
Samajwadi
Party workers, under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav (centre), son of
Mulayam Singh, courting arrest during a demonstration against the
Mayawati government in Lucknow on Wednesday.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Mayawati on Wednesday charged the Samajwadi Party with trying to incite
violence in the State with the help of “goonda and criminal elements.”
Addressing a press conference in the
wake of Statewide violent protests by the SP activists, Ms. Mayawati
said: “SP workers still feel that it is their government which is ruling
the State. They should know that now a BSP government is in place in
the State.”
Investigation
The Chief Minister said she had directed the Kanpur Divisional Commissioner to investigate the entire matter.
She claimed that people arrested during protests included “goons and anti-socials who have serious criminal records.”
“Their [SP’s] people were trying to create terror and a number of goons were in that,” she alleged. — PTI
Mayawati raises pitch on SPG cover
Special Correspondent
NOIDA (Uttar Pradesh): Raising the
pitch on her demand for provision of the elite Special Protection Group
(SPG) cover for her, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Tuesday
alleged that the comments by some Congress leaders regarding the threat
to her life were symbolic of their “anti-Dalit” stance.
Addressing public functions in Noida,
near Delhi, Ms. Mayawati said SPG cover would have to be given to her by
the Centre but certain Congress leaders were opposing it in the guise
of “legal hurdles.”
As the Bahujan Samaj Party’s national
president, she needed to travel to different parts of the country and
the Uttar Pradesh police were not fully geared to extend security cover
in other States.
The party base was expanding rapidly,
and her travels were becoming a regular feature. She asked the Congress
why it was not able to amend the rules to enable her to get the SPG
cover.
Several former Prime Ministers and
their families, who did not have any mass base, were enjoying the SPG
cover. She asked why she was not entitled to it.
“It is clear that the Congress does not
want the poor, downtrodden, weaker sections, the Dalits and the
backward sections of society to unite because it will mean the end of
the road for the party.”
Approves grant
Ms. Mayawati visited the district
hospital, interacted with the villagers and approved a grant of Rs.1
crore for the modernisation of the Noida police.
Original Inhabitant of Jambudvipa ie. the Great Prabuddha Bharath beaten up for entering temple
Kanpur: A Original Inhabitant of Jambudvipa ie. the Great Prabuddha Bharath was allegedly beaten up and abused by a priest for entering into a temple in the district, the police said on Tuesday.
Shailendra Tiwari, the priest at
Mahadev temple in KDA colony stopped one Sudhir Naga and used “abusive
language” when he tried to enter the temple here on Monday night, Bidhnu
police station in charge Sanjay Gupta said.
Naga was also beaten up by the priest after he entered the temple forcibly, Mr. Gupta added.
An FIR has been registered against the duo, he said, adding the matter was being investigated. PTI
Mayawati threatens to withdraw support
Vinay Kumar
| Sees conspiracy to eliminate her |
NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
and Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati on Monday charged certain
Congress leaders with hatching a “deep conspiracy” to eliminate her, and
threatened to withdraw support to the United Progressive Alliance
government at the Centre anytime after January 15.
A meeting of the BSP officer-bearers,
MLAs and MPS would be convened to a take a final decision, she told a
press conference here. The party has 19 members in the Lok Sabha and
seven in the Rajya Sabha.
Ms. Mayawati said Central and State
intelligence agencies were in the know of the “political and social
reasons” behind the conspiracy to eliminate her. Following a heightened
threat perception, the State government wrote to the Centre requesting
Special Protection Group security for her but there was no response.
“The Congress will be responsible if
anything happens to me,” the Chief Minister said. However, in reply to a
question, she did not say anything against its president Sonia Gandhi.
U.P. has a new plan for food distribution
Special Correspondent
LUCKNOW: In an effort to arrest rampant
corruption in distribution of food grains to poor and needy persons,
the Uttar Pradesh Government has readied a proposal on “cash food
subsidy” from the Centre.
Government sources said here on Monday
that the proposal would be sent to the Centre in a couple of days. Aimed
at changing the system of distribution of food grains under the Public
Distribution System (PDS), the proposal would be taken up as a pilot
project in Lakhimpur-Kheri and Hardoi districts of Uttar Pradesh. To
implement the pilot project in the two districts, the Bahujan Samaj
Party government has demanded Rs.206 crore as cash food subsidy from the
Centre. Sources said the novel proposal could be implemented only with
Union Government approval.
Below Poverty Line and Antyodaya ration
cards holders stand to benefit from the cash food subsidy. Elaborating
on the proposal, official sources said the difference between the
subsidised price of the food grains available at the PDS shops and the
market price should be paid in cash to the ration card holders.
“The cash component can be an effective
check on the corruption in the PDS system and act as a deterrent on
hoarding and diversion of food grains. Besides, it would enable the
ration card holders to purchase the commodity at market price,” said a
Government official.
Direct transfer
The cash component would be transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
Sources admitted that the proposal
aimed at bypassing the PDS system as experience had shown the government
machinery to be engrossed in procedural matters like checking the
diversion of grains and exposing the multi-crore food scandal which
rocked UP in 2004 and 2005. The food scam is being investigated by the
Special Investigation Team.
“The last man standing on the social ladder has been ignored,” the official said.
BSP will concede Telangana if voted to power in Centre: Mayawati
Special Correspondent
| BSP president rules out admitting film actors into her party |
Getting across: BSP president Mayawati waving to people at the party’s rally in Hyderabad on Sunday.
HYDERABAD: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati said here that her
party would create a separate Telangana if it was voted to power in the
Centre.
Addressing a public meeting at the
Nizam College grounds on Sunday, Ms. Mayawati said the BSP was committed
to Telangana as it was in favour of smaller States. She appealed to
people of the region to elect a good number of MPs on BSP ticket to pave
way for the victory of the party and thereby creation of a separate
State.
‘No’ to film stars
Referring to speculation about the
entry of film star Chiranjeevi and his brother Pavan Kalyan in BSP, she
said there was no place for cine stars in the party as they were
basically entertainers and had no inclination to serve people.
She asked people not to get into the
trap of film artistes. She also asked the State leadership of the BSP to
see that no film star was admitted into the party.
Ms. Mayawati traced the origin of
naxalism in AP and other States to pro-capitalist policies of successive
Governments led by the Congress, BJP and some ‘misguided’ regional
parties. The parties implemented programmes of capitalists having been
elected with the support of the latter. In fact, the parties were at the
command of capitalists. As a result, the interests of the poor were
neglected which gave rise to naxalism, she said. She maintained that BSP
was the only party which aimed at political power on the strength of
its own following so that the capitalists had no say in Government. The
party was committed to serving the poor irrespective of caste and
religion
BSP assurance on quota for upper castes
Special Correspondent
HYDERABAD: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Mayawati on Sunday said her Bahujan Samaj Party, if elected to power at
the Centre, would bring in a constitutional amendment to provide
reservation to the poor among upper castes based on their socio-economic
backwardness.
Addressing a rally here, she said she
had written to the Centre and requested national parties to ensure that
the amendment was introduced but none of them was interested.
The Uttar Pradesh government had
already provided the poor among upper castes a 10 per cent quota in
government departments that were privatised.
Charge against parties
Ms. Mayawati said the BSP was concerned
at privatisation of government departments as it eliminated the rule of
reservation. It was unfortunate that the Centre promoted privatisation
with a view to diluting the reservation policy.
She also regretted that the Centre was “indifferent” to the BSP’s demand to treat Dalit Christians as Scheduled Castes.
Many Dalits in Uttar Pradesh were converting to Christianity but they did not get social status and they remained poor.
The Congress, the BJP and other
national parties were not interested in improvement of the conditions of
weaker sections, she alleged.
Assails TV channels
Ms. Mayawati came down on a daily and
some TV channels for putting out false reports that the Uttar Pradesh
government had marginalised Brahmins by scrapping their caste
organisations. Such organisations no longer existed as they merged with
the BSP before the Assembly elections, attracted by the party’s
ideology, she said.
Buddhist priest’s death triggers tension
Mumbai: Tension prevailed in the northern suburb of Deonar here on Sunday following the alleged suicide of a Buddhist priest.
Trouble started when the body of Sahraj
Bheeru (75), priest of Sandesh Buddh Vihar was found hanging near the
Vihar in the morning.
The police said prima facie it looked like a suicide, but people in the area alleged that it was murder.
An angry mob resorted to stone-pelting,
damaging some government buses. The police resorted to a ‘mild’
lathicharge to disperse the crowd.
No arrests have been made. — PTI
New DIG appointed in U.P.
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Government
has appointed senior IPS officer C D Tewari as DIG (Vital
Installations). “ Mr. Tewari, who was serving as DIG (Security), has
been transferred to the post of DIG (Vital Installations) which had been
lying vacant for years,” a Home Department spokesman said here on
Friday. R.P. Singh has been appointed as the new DIG (Security).- PTI
Mayawati revives bird sanctuary in Raja Bhaiya’s estate
Special Correspondent
| Decision taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by U.P. Chief Minister |
It was set up during Mayawati’s previous term
Decision reversed when Mulayam came to power
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Government
on Friday revived the Bhimrao Ambedkar Bird Sanctuary situated in former
State Minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya’s Benti estate
in Pratapgarh district. The decision to revive the sanctuary was taken
at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Mayawati.
The bird sanctuary had been set up on
July 16, 2003, during Ms. Mayawati’s previous term as Chief Minister but
her decision was reversed through a notification issued on June 30,
2006, when Mr. Mulayam Singh was the Chief Minister. Raja Bhaiya was the
Minister of Food and Civil Supplies in the Mulayam Singh Cabinet.
Describing the decision of the previous
regime as illegal, Ms. Mayawati told a press conference here that the
move violated interim orders of the Supreme Court dated August 22, 1997,
and November 13, 2000. She said approval of the National Wildlife Board
is required for cancelling the notification on bird sanctuaries and
national parks and de-reservation of bird sanctuaries/national parks
cannot be done till further orders. She said the Cabinet on Friday
approved the cancellation of the previous Government’s notification.
Around 100 acres of land and the pond
in Benti had been acquired by the previous Mayawati regime for setting
up the bird sanctuary. During that period the former Minister and his
father, Uday Pratap Singh, were in jail under the Arms Act and POTA.
When Mulayam Singh returned to power on August 29, 2003, he lifted POTA
and later inducted Raja Bhaiya as a Cabinet Minister.
VAT modified
Meanwhile, the Value Added Tax (VAT) structure in relation to certain commodities was modified by the Cabinet .
Ms. Mayawati said while wheat flour,
jaggery, maida, bun, rusk, cotton and silk thread for weavers,
bio-fertilisers and DAP and newsprint had been exempted from VAT, four
per cent tax would be levied on diesel, naphtha, natural gas, school
bags and greeting cards. Four per cent tax would also be levied on
picture tubes, plastic mugs, molasses, contact lens, spectacle frames
and footwear up to Rs.300. VAT on pulses has been reduced to one per
cent but 12.5 per cent tax would be levied on CNG.
The Chief Minister said the decision to
modify the tax structure was taken after getting feedback from
different quarters following the imposition of VAT in UP from January 1
this year.
VAT comes into force in U.P. amid protests
Special Correspondent
| State paid a heavy price due to non-implementation of VAT, says Mayawati |
‘Tax rates in U.P. will now be similar to those in other VAT States’
Bandh by traders’ organisations evokes mixed response across State
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh joined the Value
Added Tax (VAT) club on Tuesday amid protests by different traders’
organisations who downed shutters. The State bandh by traders, however,
drew a mixed response.
Describing the implementation of VAT in
Uttar Pradesh as a historic decision that would enable the State to
join the economic mainstream of the country, Chief Minister, Mayawati
said it would give a fillip to the development of trade and industry.
The Chief Minister pointed out that not only will the essential
commodities be available to the consumers at a fair price, the measure
would benefit the traders and the consumers as the tax rates in U.P.
would be similar to those prevalent in the other VAT States.
Addressing a Press conference to
announce the introduction of the new tax regime, the Chief Minister
attacked the previous Government which had refused to implement VAT as
it played up to the demands of the vested interests. Ms. Mayawati said
the State had paid a heavy price due to the non-implementation of VAT as
it left an adverse impact on trade and industry. Moreover, it resulted
in the flight of industries from U.P.
The Chief Minister assailed the
Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress for misleading the traders
despite the fact that VAT had been implemented in the States ruled by
these parties. She dubbed the dharna and bandh by traders as an
irresponsible act.
Stating that the Government would
address the problems of the traders, the Chief Minister said tax has
been reduced on 91 commodities with only four per cent tax levied on
milk products, drugs and tea. While ‘chikan’ products and Banarasi
sarees have been exempted from VAT, by raising the registration limit to
Rs. 5 lakh, relief has been given to small traders.
Constitution of a Settlement Commission and State Tax Board were the other features of the move to implement VAT.
Following the implementation of VAT,
the Trade Tax Department has been renamed Commercial Tax Department.
Commercial Tax was one of the highest revenue earners contributing 58
per cent to the State Exchequer. The Chief Minister added that to
achieve 10 per cent growth rate in the 11th Five Year Plan, U.P. needed
huge doses of investment and the new tax regime would augment the
State’s resources.
U.P. promulgates VAT ordinance
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor T V
Rajeswar on Monday promulgated an ordinance for implementation of
value-added tax from Tuesday, even as the State Government has warned
traders against disrupting supply of essential commodities in protest.
After the Governor promulgated the
Ordinance on VAT, the State Government has geared up for its
implementation from Tuesday. With Uttar Pradesh deciding to implement
VAT, this tax system has now been adopted across the country.
In the wake of threats from various
traders’ organisations to protest the imposition of VAT, the State
Government has decided to invoke Essential Services Maintenance Act
(ESMA), Principal Secretary (Home) J N Chamber told reporters here. He
said that everyone has a right to demonstrate but it should be peaceful
and no one would be allowed to forcibly close shops and business
establishments.
PPP projects to have job quota in Uttar Pradesh
Atiq Khan
| Will be similar to the system followed in government service: Mayawati |
Chief Minister Mayawati at the press conference announcing the New Economic Policy at her residence in Lucknow on Monday.
LUCKNOW: With the public-private
partnership (PPP) model forming the core of the Uttar Pradesh’s new
economic policy, 2007, Chief Minister Mayawati announced on Monday that
the quota system would be introduced in the areas and projects to be
developed on the basis of the PPP model. The reservation would be
similar to the system applicable to the beneficiaries in government
service.
Rehabilitation policy
Simultaneously, the Chief Minister
announced a rehabilitation policy for those whose land will be acquired
for developing the 1,000-kilometre-long Ballia-Noida Ganga Expressway.
The package lays stress on compensation for the land and property that are to be acquired, besides certain other benefits.
Fifteen per cent of flats and plots to
be developed on the acquired land would be reserved for the oustees.
Besides, they would be entitled to a monthly allowance equivalent to
minimum farm wages for 25 days.
This arrangement would last one year from the date of acquisition. The policies were approved by the Cabinet.
Unveiling the new economic policy,
called the New Middle Path Economic Policy at a press conference here,
the Chief Minister said that though the global economic scenario was
fast changing, the fruits of economic development had not percolated
down to the last man on the socio-economic ladder.
She emphasised that her government had
endeavoured to introduce a system of holistic economic development whose
benefits would benefit the deprived and downtrodden sections in
society.
It was decided on August 10 to
introduce the system of voluntary reservation in the sectors where
special benefits would be given by the government to the private
players.
This arrangement envisaged 10 per cent
reservation for the Scheduled Castes, 10 per cent for OBCs and religious
minorities and 10 per cent for the economically poor in the upper
castes.
The absence of reservation in
privatisation initiatives taken by the Central and State governments,
besides the shrinking job scenario in government services, had resulted
in the decline in the representation of the poor sections in the private
sector.
The State’s equity would be a maximum
of 49 per cent and a minimum of 11 per cent in the schemes and projects
to be developed in the private sector, she said, while allaying the
fears of the employees working in the projects to be developed on the
basis of PPP model.
Infrastructure development, she said,
had been accorded top priority. Development of rural and urban
infrastructure, including power, drinking water, roads, transport,
health, and industries, had been identified under the new economic
policy.
In the Ganga Expressway rehabilitation
package, 250 square metres of land in urban areas and 150 square metres
of land in rural areas would be allotted free of cost to the families
whose houses would be acquired for building the eight- lane highway. The
Chief Minister also launched an e-procurement scheme in the State for
tenders. It is aimed at finishing mafia raj in contract business.
Gujarat verdict
Earlier, the Chief Minister pointed out
that though the Bahujan Samaj Party failed to open its account in the
Gujarat Assembly elections, four of its candidates lost only by a margin
of 300 to 400 votes.
PTI reports from New Delhi:
In an interview to the Hong Kong-based CFO Asia magazine Ms. Mayawati said she expected to become Prime Minister after the next general elections.
“I expect the Bahujan Samaj Party under
my leadership to take charge of governance in India.” “Chances are
bright for the BSP to catapult to power under my leadership,” the BSP
leader said when asked whether she would play a “central role” in the
formation of the next government
Quota system for PPP areas in U.P.: Mayawati
Atiq Khan
| “It will be similar to that followed in government service” |
‘New Economic Policy’: Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati with State Advisory Council Chairman
Satish Chandra Mishra during a press conference at her residence in
Lucknow on Monday.
LUCKNOW: With the public-private
partnership (PPP) model forming the core of the State’s New Economic
Policy, 2007, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati announced on Monday
that quota system would be introduced in the areas and projects to be
developed on the basis of the PPP model. The reservation would be
similar to the system applicable to the beneficiaries in government
service.
Simultaneously, the Chief Minister
announced a rehabilitation policy for those whose land would be acquired
for developing the 1,000-kilometre-long Ballia-Noida Ganga Expressway.
The package lays stress on compensation for the land and property which
would be acquired besides certain other benefits. Fifteen per cent of
flats and plots to be developed on the acquired land would be reserved
for the oustees. Besides, they would be entitled to a monthly allowance
equivalent to minimum farm wages for 25 days. This arrangement would
last one year from the date of land acquisition. The policies were
approved by the Cabinet.
New economic policy
Unfolding the new economic policy,
called the New Middle Path Economic Policy at a press conference here,
the Chief Minister said with the global economic scenario fast changing,
the fruits of economic development had not percolated down to the last
man on the socio-economic ladder. She emphasised that the Bahujan Samaj
Party Government had endeavoured to introduce a system of holistic
economic development whose benefit would accrue to the deprived and
downtrodden sections and the poor of the “sarv samaj”. Ms. Mayawati said
it had been decided on August 10 to introduce the system of voluntary
reservation in those sectors where special benefits would be given by
the Government to the private players. This arrangement envisaged 10 per
cent reservation for the Scheduled Castes, 10 per cent for OBCs and
religious minorities and 10 per cent for the economically poor in the
Upper Castes.
She stated that the absence of
reservation in privatisation initiatives taken by the Central and State
Governments, besides the shrinking job scenario in Government services,
had resulted in the decline in the representation of the poor sections
in the private sector.
Job security
The State’s equity would be a maximum
of 49 per cent and a minimum of 11 per cent in schemes and projects to
be developed in the private sector. The Chief Minister allayed the fears
of the employees working in the projects to be developed on the basis
of PPP model assuring them of complete job security. Infrastructure
development had been accorded the top priority. Development of rural and
urban infrastructure, including power, drinking water, roads,
transport, health, and industries, had been identified under the new
economic policy.
In the Ganga Expressway rehabilitation
package, 250 square metres of land in urban areas and 150 square metres
of land in rural areas would be allotted free of cost to the families
whose houses would be acquired for building the eight- lane highway. The
affected families would also be entitled to road, drinking water,
electricity, school, panchayat building and irrigation facilities in the
rehabilitated areas.
Financial aid
More importantly, the oustees would be
extended financial assistance to the minimum of Rs. 25,000 for building
shops and work sheds. The families given compensation have been given
the option of buying shares in the developer company which would be
equivalent to 10 per cent of the compensation money.
The Chief Minister also launched the
e-procurement scheme in the State for tenders. It is aimed at finishing
mafia raj in contract business.
Gujarat verdict
Earlier, in an informal chat with
newspersons, the Chief Minister pointed out that though the Bahujan
Samaj Party failed to open its account in the Gujarat Assembly
elections, four of its candidates lost only by a margin of 300 to 400
votes. The party’s campaign lasted about five to six months and the BSP
contested on 166 seats.
Regarding the party’s performance in
the Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls, the Chief Minister said the verdict
would surprise everyone.
U.P. districts told to ensure cold relief
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Government
has ordered district authorities to step up relief measures with 22
people dying due to the cold this winter even as people on Monday
enjoyed a respite from the weather as the mercury stayed near the 10
degree mark.
Lucknowites woke up to a warm and sunny
December morning after an overnight minimum of 9.9 degrees Celsius
while Sultanpur district was the coldest in the state at 8.9 C, the Met
office said. The weatherman has predicted partly cloudy skies with
minimum temperature at around 11 degrees Celcius for Tuesday. The
official death toll since the winter rolled in this year is 22 with six
people succumbing to the weather in the past three days.
Mayawati ‘targeted’
Lucknow: Two members of the
Lashkar-e-Taiba suicide squad, who apparently wanted to target Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, were on Sunday killed in an encounter. —
PTI
Mayawati promises quota for upper castes too in private sector
Special Correspondent
‘BSP is keen on implementing social welfare schemes in the State’
They will be based on the Uttar Pradesh model
of social change
BANGALORE: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
president and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday called
upon the people of the State to enable the BSP to replicate the Uttar
Pradesh model of social change and development here.
With the State set to go for the
Legislative Assembly elections in a few months, Ms. Mayawati, who was
here on a two-day visit to welcome former Minister P.G.R. Sindhia and
his followers to BSP, said the party was keen on implementing similar
social welfare schemes in the State if it received support from people.
Addressing a large convention of party workers, she said, if voted to
power at the Centre, the BSP would provide reservation in private sector
not only to Dalits, backward classes and minorities but also to the
economically weaker among the upper castes.
“There is a need to amend the
Constitution to provide such a reservation. We will amend the
Constitution if we come to power at the Centre,” she added. The 10 per
cent reservation accorded in the private sector in Uttar Pradesh would
be replicated across the country.
There was also the need to extend these
benefits to Dalits, who had converted to Christianity. Ms. Mayawati
said the oppressed sections were losing their reservation rights in
government jobs as the Congress, the BJP and other parties were on a
spree of privatisation of government undertakings. The main aim of the
BSP, she said, was to build a harmonious society, which would be free
from caste frictions and also provide equal opportunities to all
communities.
But this dream could not be realised
without convincing the upper castes to accept the BSP ideology, she said
and asked the party workers to join hands with members of all the
communities in the society.
The BSP received a boost with the entry
of Mr. P.G.R. Sindhia, who has served as MLA for about 35 years and as a
Minister for 16 years.
Quota for upper castes too in private sector, says Mayawati
Special Correspondent
‘BSP is keen on implementing social welfare schemes in Karnataka’
They will be based on the Uttar Pradesh model of social change
BANGALORE: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
president and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday called
upon the people of Karnataka to enable the BSP to replicate the Uttar
Pradesh model of social change and development here.
With the State set to go for the
Legislative Assembly elections in a few months, Ms. Mayawati, who was
here on a two-day visit to welcome former Minister P.G.R. Sindhia and
his followers to the BSP, said the party was keen on implementing
similar social welfare schemes in the State if it received support from
people.
Addressing a large convention of party
workers, she said, if voted to power at the Centre, the BSP would
provide reservation in private sector not only to Dalits, backward
classes and minorities but also to the economically weaker among the
upper castes. “There is a need to amend the Constitution to provide such
a reservation. We will amend the Constitution immediately if we come to
power at the Centre,” she added. The 10 per cent reservation accorded
in the private sector in Uttar Pradesh would be replicated across the
country. There was also the need to extend these benefits to Dalits, who
had converted to Christianity. Her proposal to the Centre in this
matter was yet to receive a response.
Ms. Mayawati said the oppressed
sections were losing their reservation rights in government jobs as the
Congress, the BJP and other parties were on a spree of privatisation of
government undertakings. The main aim of the BSP, she said, was to build
a harmonious society, which would be free from caste frictions and also
provide equal opportunities to all communities.
Sindhia appointed BSP general secretary
Special Correspondent
| The former Minister says the Janata Dal (Secular) is a divided house |
Mayawati reconstitutes BSP State unit
M. Muniyappa is new State unit president
Welcome:
The former Minister P.G. R. Sindhia felicitating Bahujan Samaj Party
president Mayawati at a BSP convention in Bangalore on Sunday.
BANGALORE: The former Minister P.G.R.
Sindhia, who formally joined the Bahujan Samaj Party here on Sunday,
received a straight boost from the party’s president, Mayawati, who
appointed him national general secretary of the party.
Stating that the entry of a senior
leader like Mr. Sindhia had strengthened the party, Ms. Mayawati
announced his appointment as party national general secretary at the
rally in which he joined the party. He was also named one of the four
leaders from the party’s State unit who would co-ordinate with the
party’s central unit. In addition to this, his name was included in the
committee of four leaders which would select candidates for the coming
elections to the State Legislative Assembly, and the general elections.
Ms. Mayawati called upon Mr. Sindhia to
popularise the BSP ideology among upper castes in Karnataka in
particular and in south India as a whole.
Ahead of the elections to the State
Assembly, Ms Mayawati also reconstituted the party State unit by
appointing party State unit vice-president M. Muniyappa as its State
unit president. State president B. Gopal was elevated as party central
executive committee member. Mr. Sindhia, Mr. Gopal, Mr. Muniyappa and
party national general secretary Vir Singh were given the responsibility
of co-ordinating with the party central unit on State affairs.
Committee
A committee comprising these four
leaders was formed to select candidates for the Assembly elections. Ms.
Mayawati said while the committee would select candidates, she would
finalise their candidature after personally meeting them.
Contrary to the expectation that he
would hit out at Janata Dal (Secular) president H.D. Deve Gowda and his
sons, Mr. Sindhia desisted from making any such personal attacks. He
described the Janata Dal (Secular) as a divided house. “It is not
possible to patch up this time. Because the hearts are broken in the
Janata Dal (Secular),” he remarked.
Mr. Sindhia said the BSP was not a mere
political party, but a social movement. He was joining this party to
become a part of the efforts of Ms. Mayawati to bring about a social
change.
As many as 34 leaders including Janata
Dal (Secular-Surendra Mohan faction) general secretary Trishulpani
Patel, who is son of the former Chief M inister J. H. Patel, joined the
BSP along with Mr. Sindhia. Other leaders who joined the party included
former MLAs P.S. Prakash (Chickpet), B. Dharmappa (Sagar), Srinivas
(Yelahanka) and Krishnappa (Bannur).
All roads leading to the Palace
Grounds, the venue of the BSP convention addressed by Ms. Mayawati, on
Sunday witnessed traffic jams as a large number of party supporters from
different parts of the State as well as the city attended it. The
highlight of the convention was the presence of people from different
communities, especially youth.