like 
vegetables 
& fruit
plants like Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and 
in pots 
to be free birds 
& swim to be healthy.
from a few mentions in some Buddhist texts, Ashoka’s great empire was
all but forgotten, until in 1837 a young British administrator in
Calcutta managed decipher engravings on a range of mysterious stone
pillars that were scattered around India. These monumental stone pillars
were up to 80ft high, and some were found thousands of miles apart. In
what was the first example of writing in Indian history, the British
administrator discovered that the pillars were inscribed with advice
from Ashoka, on how to live a good life and with examples of what
Ashoka had achieved across his empire. These statements, or edicts, were
inscribed both on the stone pillars and also on large rocks, all across
the empire, in several different languages – even Greek.
pillars revealed clear evidence that this great ruler’s empire was not
due to vast armies and battles, but welfare. They provide evidence that
the king was the first (and only) whose conquest was not by force but by
the value of ideas and the welfare of the empire’s citizens – and the
cornerstone of this scheme to improve people’s lives was by planting
roadside trees.
roads I have had banyan trees planted so that they can give shade to
animals and men, and I have had mango groves planted.”
is believed that state funds were used for the tree planting programme
along the roads, and to ensure that the projects were carried out
correctly, Ashoka would go on frequent tree inspection tours and he
expected his district officers to follow his example.
it is unlikely that many, if any, trees from this time remain, to
confirm the scale of the tree planting. However, to have gone to the
trouble and expense of the stone pillars, and for tree planting to form a
key headline on them, we can reliably confer that roadside trees were a
key policy of the empire and that the level of the tree planting was
substantial. To give some comparison, this would be akin to modern
political parties putting street tree planting above policy pledges on
health services, the economy, education and housing. Likewise, it is
reasonable to assume the street trees must have been welcomed and would
have formed a highly valued aspect of citizens lives.
street tree is defined as a tree located next to or within a public
road. They provide a wide range of social, environmental and economic
benefits and managing them is a major undertaking and cost for local
authorities, with much political debate relating to their presence and
management. The definition of urban forestry involves the planned,
systematic and integrated management of these trees. Although we
wouldn’t easily recognise this environment as ‘urban’ by today’s
standards, these definitions perfectly fit what was undertaken over 2000
years ago. As well as his other achievements, Ashoka has to be credited
as developing arboriculture in India, he was the first, and possibly
only, person to devise and implement an empire-wide roadside tree
planting policy.
(/əˈʃoʊkə/; Brahmi: 𑀅𑀲𑁄𑀓, Asoka, IAST: Aśoka), also known as Ashoka
the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, son of
Bindusara, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268
to 232 BCE. Ashoka promoted the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia.
Considered by many to be one of India’s greatest emperors, Ashoka
expanded Chandragupta’s empire to reign over territory stretching from
present-day Afghanistan in the west to present-day Bangladesh in the
east. It covered the entire Indian subcontinent except for parts of
present-day Tamil Nadu. The empire’s capital was Pataliputra (in
Magadha, present-day Patna), with provincial capitals at Takshashila
(later Taxila) and Ujjain. Ashoka, after the war of Kalinga, got upset
with the bloodshed and vowed to never fight again. He patronized
Buddhism during his reign.
waged a particularly destructive war against the state of Kalinga
(modern Odisha), which he conquered in about 260 BCE. According to an
interpretation of his Edicts, he converted to Buddhism after witnessing
the mass deaths of the Kalinga War, which he had waged out of a desire
for conquest and which reportedly directly resulted in more than 100,000
deaths and 150,000 deportations.He is remembered for erecting the
Ashoka pillars and spreading his Edicts,for sending Buddhist monks to
Sri Lanka and Central Asia,and for establishing monuments marking
several significant sites in the life of Gautama Buddha.
the Edicts of Ashoka, biographical information about him relies on
legends written centuries later, such as the 2nd-century CE Ashokavadana
(”Narrative of Ashoka”, a part of the Divyavadana), and in the Sri
Lankan text Mahavamsa (”Great Chronicle”). The emblem of the modern
Republic of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka. His
Sanskrit name “Aśoka” means “painless, without sorrow” (the a privativum
and śoka, “pain, distress”). In his edicts, he is referred to as
Devānāmpriya (Pali Devānaṃpiya or “the Beloved of the Gods”), and
Priyadarśin or Priyadarshi (Pali Piyadasī or “He who regards everyone
with affection”). His fondness for a tree is the reason for his name
being connected to the “Ashoka tree” or Saraca asoca, and this is
referenced in the Ashokavadana.
The Outline of History (1920), H.G. Wells wrote, “Amidst the tens of
thousands of names of monarchs that crowd the columns of history, their
majesties and graciousnesses and serenities and royal highnesses and the
like, the name of Ashoka shines, and shines, almost alone, a star.”
and fruit plants in pots to overcome hunger the worst kind of illness as said by the Awakened One. Like Ashoka the Great plant fruit bearing trees 
all over the world 
(/əˈʃoʊkə/; Brahmi: 𑀅𑀲𑁄𑀓, Asoka,[5] IAST: Aśoka), also known as
Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, son of
Bindusara, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268
to 232 BCE.[6][7] Ashoka promoted the spread of Buddhism across
anci…..
is commonly believed that street trees originated in the capital cities
of Europe in the 1500s. First in France, then Holland and then to
London and the rest of the continent. This European history of street
trees is rightly uncontested. However, there is compelling evidence of a
vast network of managed street trees, from over 2000 years ago. A
massive programme of tree planting and arboricultural management along
routes over many thousands of miles across India and South Asia. A
scheme that would surpass even the most ambitious of today’s tree
planting projects and one that can lay claim to the practice of
arboriculture beginning in India, over 1500 years before the first trees
were planted on the streets of Europe.
the Great reigned from 269 BC to 232 BC. He was the third emperor of
the Maurya dynasty and is now considered ancient India’s greatest ruler
and the key figure in spreading Buddhism across the globe. At the
greatest extent, his empire expanded into India’s central and southern
regions, along the Himalayas to the north, into Assam to the east, and
to the west into what is now Afghanistan, with his influence reaching as
far as Greece and North Africa.
Ashoka Maurya
the elephant (previous form of the Buddha), the tree under which
AWAKenment happened, and the burial mound where the Buddha died
(obverse). 3rd century BC
Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict inscription at Girnar
are standing back to back. On the far side there is an Elephant and a
Lion instead. The wheel “Ashoka Chakra” from its base has been placed
onto the center of the National Flag of India.
2552nd SACRED BUDDHA JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS 2008
VESAK
Kindly Note:
On 19th May 2008 at 09:15 P.M.Bangalore Akashavani Kendra will broadcast Poojya Ananda Bhante’s Discourse on Life of Buddha and His Peace Message
On 18-05-2008 Sunday 9:30 PMAt Maha Bodhi Society, Gandhinagar, Bangalore-9
DISABLED SERVICE DAY was observed by Launching of the Malaria Prevention Program with Donation of wheel chairs and blessings by Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita Founder President, Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore
Chief Guests were Shri P.L.Nanjundaswamy Chairman, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital
Founder Member, Pancajanya Vidyapeetha Welfare Trust & Navachetana Social & Educational Society
&
Dr.R.M.Verma
Emeritus Neuro Surgeon
Taking Care of a Sick Monk
MAHABODHI MALARIA PREVENTION PROGRAM of
Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore
On the Sacred Buddha Purnima Day 500 mosquito nets will be distributed to poor people in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh for malaria prevention. This will be a continued yearlong program. Join us by generously contributing to this program.
19-05-2008 Monday 9:00 AM
Venue: Maha Bodhi Society, Gandhinagar, Bangalore-9
SACRED BUDDHA PURNIMA DAY
Siri Maha Bodhi Puja
Vishwa Maitri Stupa Puja
Buddha Puja at Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara, Pindapata Puja
Undertaking of Tisarana, Atthasila and Pancasila
Laying of Foundation for
MAHABODHI MAHA DVARA
And Dhamma Desana
By
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita
Founder President, Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore .
Presentation of the
Sacred Pali Tipitaka in Kannada Script
to Mahabodhi Library by Devotees
TIPITAKA PARAYANA
Year long chanting of ‘SACRED PALI TIPITAKA’
At Mahabodhi Vihara everyday
Inauguration of Tipitaka Parayana by
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita
Honoring
Upasaka A.M.Rajanna
Donor of Mahabodhi Mahadvara
11 AM Sanghadana
12 Noon Meals for devotees
(Service by Dr.D.Ramachandrappa, Chairman and Managing Director, Yellamma Dasappa Hospital , Bangalore )
1:00 PM Film Show
2:30 PM Dhamma Deeksha
19-05-2008 Monday 5:30 PM
Venue: Maha Bodhi Society, Gandhinagar, Bangalore-9
SACRED BUDDHA JAYANTI
Symposium on
THE BUDDHA’S RELEVANCE TO TODAY’S WORLD
Buddha Puja and Blessings by
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita
Founder President, Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore
Chief Guests
Release of book “Life’s Great Blessings-12”
Honorable Justice Shri N.Santosh Hegde
Lokayukta, Karnataka State
Release of book “Life’s Great Blessings -13”
Shri C.Anjanaya Reddy IPS (DGP Retd)
Vice Chairman, Ananda Buddha Vihara, Secunderabad
Former Managing Director, AP Tourism Corporation Ltd.
& Director General Vigilance and Enforcement
Release of “Satipatthana Sutta – Foundations of Mindfulness” by
Shri Molkalmooru Sreenivasa Murthy
Kannada Buddhist Writer
Deepa Puja
We thank all the donors who have generously helped us to make these programs successful.
AN APPEAL
We seek your generous donations for the welfare activities of the Maha Bodhi Society and for the 2552nd Sacred Buddha Jayanti Celebrations. May your dana conduce to your well being, peace and prosperity! May you be happy!
BUDDHA PURNIMA DAY 19-5-2008
10 AM : Buddha Puja, Bodhi Puja, Stupa Puja
At 4 PM
HOSPITAL DANA SERVICE AT K.R.HOSPITAL, MYSORE
Service Led by
Upasika Smt.Parvatamma
Upasaka Shri Kalaiah
Blessings by
Venerable Aggadhammo Bhanteji
Address for correspondence and donations:
Maha Bodhi Society
14, Kalidasa Road , Gandhinagar, Bangalore-560009, India
Tel: 080-22250684, Fax: 080-22264438
Email: info@mahabodhi.info
2552nd SACRED BUDDHAJAYANTI
CELEBRATIONS 2008
ON 20-05-2008
Namo Buddha
Asoka Dhamma Dutha Buddhist Society, Trust
Buddha Vihar & Sri. H.M. Gangadaraiah
Memorial Meditation Centre
Gotham Nagar, Opp. KSRTC Bus Depot,
Kolar Gold Fields -563 113
President and Members of ADDBS are cordially inviting the gracious presence of Sarv Samaj on the occasion of the Buddha Jayanti Celebration at the above Buddhist Society, Trust, Buddha Vihar & Sri. H.M.Gangadharaiah Memorial Meditation Centre, Gotham Nagar, Opp. KSRTC Bus Depot,Kolar Gold Fields -563 113 on Tuesday the 20th May 2008 at 5.00 P.M. Presence of one and all on the occasion is solicited.
Buddha Pooja, Tisarana, Pancasila and Dhamma Discource
IN PRESENCE OF :
Venerable Poojya Ananda Bhanteji
Vice President, and other Monks of Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore
Guest of Honor :
Sri. Lakshminarayana IAS
Commissioner for Transport, Govt. of karnataka, Bangalore
Sri. Molakalmuru Sreenivasamurthy
Kannada Buddhist Writer, Bangalore
Dhana by :
Dr. ramani Poorneson & Family Poornima Nursing Home
Smt. Jayalakshmi Manivachagam & Family
Director, Longevite Health Care, Bangalore
Sri.Chandrasekar & Family A.R.T.O., Bangalore
Sri.R.Kannan & Family Muskum KGF
In the Service of Dhamma
Trustees, Executive Members and Friends
Services of Free Health Checkup & Treatment Camp at the above premises may be availed on 20-05-2008 between 9.00 a.m.& 4.00 p.m. Sponsored by LONGEVITE HEALTH CARE Lady Curzon Road, Bangalore -560 001
Upasakas/Upasikas are requested to bring flowers,incence sticks, Candles to perform Pooja.
B Media 4 Sarvajan Hitaya Sarvajan Sukhaya
Triple Gem Study Circle analysis predicts 130 seats for BSP because of Price Rise and anti-incumbency factors on Congress, BJP and JD(S) and because of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Ms Mayawati’s performance to be repeated in Karnataka
So Vote For BSP
The Marvel of the Dhamma
Ashoka Maurya
Jyotirao Phule
Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj
Jai Bheem BSP Jai Bharath
An “Appeal”
To The People of Karnataka for
Legislative Assembly Election – 2008
Kumari Mayawati
National President
Bahujan Samaj Party
Brothers and Sisters,
It is well known to every one the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is the only party in the country, which “believes in doing rather than saying“.
It is for this reason that our party, unlike other parties, does not release any tempting “Election Manifestoes” and instead, issues “Appeal” to the people in general and voters in particular to ensure their vote and support for BSP in order to fulfill the remaining commitments for completing its missionary goal by adopting the path shown by Saints, Gurus and Mahapurush (Great men) born in different periods in the Bahujan Samaj like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj, Narayana Guru, Periyar Ramaswamy Ji, Baba Saheb Dr.Ambedkar and more recently Manyawar Shri Kanshi Ram ji.
This we do with an aim to earn good results for the party in the elections and to achieve power to rule so that with the help of the “Master Key of Political Power” we become master of our own destiny and could ensure work and proper welfare of the poor, deprived and downtrodden sections of the society belonging to all castes and religions i.e.”Sarv Samaj”. Param pujya Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar has beautifully and wonderfully explained about the significance of the “Master Key of the Political Power”, declaring that the political power is such a “Master Key” through which all problems can be solved and also doors of progress and prosperity can be opened up.
Following this principle of Babasaheb Dr.Ambedkar, our party is contesting, on its’ own strength, KARNATAKA Legislative Assembly General Elections-2008. The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has a total number of 224 seats and the BSP is contesting on almost all the seats on its own. BSP has not at all entered into any kind of alliance or seat adjustments with any other party in this election. So, we are fighting this election on all seats on our own.
But, the pertinent question which arises here is, as to why there is a necessity for the people of the State of Karnataka to cast their votes in favour of the BSP only, rather than voting for the Congress, B.J.P. or their supporting parties? We have to understand this issue very clearly for an outstanding performance. .
In this regard, I am of the view that BSP is the only Party in the country whose “Principles & Policies” and also its “style of functioning” suits very much the interests of the people belonging to “Sarv Samaj” (all sections of the society). On the other hand, other political parties make too many promises to people just before the elections or in the election year but they never translate them into reality for the true welfare of them, leaving most of their lofty electoral promises confined to papers only, rather than getting them implemented in practical terms.
It is for this very reason that, even after 60 years of independence, the “Social and Economic” condition of people belonging to Bahujan Samaj, which comprises of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Class (OBCs) and Religious Minorities such as Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Parsis and Buddhists have not significantly improved due to faulty economic policies adopted by various governments of castiest leaders of different political parties, even though the population of these sections of society is very large and for this reason , we call them as “Bahujan Samaj”.
Here, I am especially talking about their wrong and erratic economic policies, mainly because at the centre as well as in most of the States, Governments’ were formed with the monetary or otherwise help of big capitalist powers and for this very reason, these parties, after coming to power, as a “return gift” to them formulated their “Economic Policies” in subservience of these capitalists, fully ignoring the interests and welfare of general public.
Due to this kind of unjust behaviour of the governments of Congress, BJP and their supporting parties, the economic condition of people belonging to Bahujan Samaj as well as poor people of “Savarn Samaj” i.e. the upper castes is turning from bad to worse. The malice is still continuing, rendering more and more such people unemployed and live a life under the darkness of poverty.
In view of the complexity and seriousness of such kind of problems, these deprived and exploited sections of the people revolted in such a manner to form a separate political party of their own called as (the Bahujan Samaj Party-BSP) under the leadership of Manyawar Shri Kanshi Ram Ji on April, 1984, basing its ideology on policy and progrmmes of Great Baba sahib Dr. Ambedkar. And quiet obviously, with the massive support and cooperation of all the sections of the society, the BSP has acquired a “National Status” and has grown enough to be officially by the Election Commission of India as one of the main national political parties of India .
Not only this, our party also gradually expanded its mass base and graduated to send its representatives in Parliament, apart from winning assembly elections in various States of the Country. In Uttar Pradesh, which is the biggest State of India in terms of the size of the population, the BSP under the leader ship of mine had formed government four times. And all the four times, the governments of our party has worked with full devotion and dedication to provide “justice” to all, besides giving impetus and dynamism to the issue of ”Development” in the State.
Giving priority to weaker sections of the society in the process, with an aim to improve “Social and Economic” condition of the underprivileged sections of the society and poor people belonging to Sarv Samaj, our party Government in Uttar Pradesh, for the first time in the country, constituted separate “Welfare” Departments” in 1995 right at the inception of the first BSP government.
And the aspect of development were given new meaning when 25,000 villages, having predominantly Original Inhabitants of Jambudvipa i.e. the Great Prabuddha Bharath (SC/STs) population, were selected for “Dr.Ambedkar Village Development Scheme” to develop them fully with all kind of basic amenities and infrastructure facilities. The process is going on and gradually all the villages of the State will be taken for such kind of developmental activities all over the State, surely changing the very face and of course the life of the rural poor in real terms. Presently, however, the name of this scheme has been changed as “Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar U.P. Gramsabha Samagra Vikas Yojana (Gramsabha Integrated Development Scheme.)”.
Similarly, an ambitious “Urban Integrated Development Scheme” has been formulated in the name of “Manyawar Shri Kanshi Ram Ji”. Under this scheme, small towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh are being developed in a systematic manner and within time bound period. But under both these schemes, all the activities are being speeded up as much as the economic condition of the State allows. These developmental activities could well get further momentum and much speed if the Central Government fulfills its obligations of providing funds for the purpose.
Apart of this, priority has been accorded especially to Original Inhabitants of Jambudvipa i.e. The Great Prabuddha Bharath (SC/STs) and other exploited sections of the “Sarv Samaj” in all other developmental activities. The homeless and poor people were allotted vacant land, besides possession has also been ensured to landless poor for the purpose of farming/agriculture on that land. About 20 lakh poor people have so far been benefited from this decision of the government in the State, and this work is still continuously in progress.
In addition, my government has taken an unprecedented and historic decision to provide with more than one lakh permanent government jobs in rural areas for the Valmiki community of Scheduled Castes. By this decision, all the 1.08 lakh revenue village of Uttar Pradesh will have at least one Sarkari Safai Karmachari, and the person appointed will be from the same village in most of the cases… This besides meeting employment problem will also make a sea change in the health atmosphere of rural areas for it will ensure cleanliness and help eradicate diseases spreading due to unhygienic conditions.
And, so far the issue of giving boost to education is concerned, the government of our party, for the first time in the country, took a policy decision to grant scholarship to the children of persons belonging to poor Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and also to poor children of Other Backward Classes and Religious Minorities, especially to the poor children belonging to Muslim community.
The scholarship amount has also been doubled in view of the rising inflation and cost of living; besides that the amount of scholarship is being distributed to students immediately after their admission. Our government also arranged free coaching to ensure their admissions in the prestigious institutions and for high-grade prestigious jobs like IAS, IPS. PCS etc.
Along with the above facilities, for the first time in the State, 25% of the State budget has been allocated separately for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the State.
Besides, in order to infuse the sense of security among the people belonging to Bahujan Samaj, a policy of reservation has been introduced for the first time in the postings at the police stations in each and every district. Under the new provision, police officers belonging to SC/STs, for the first time in the country, will be getting 25 percent of such posts of police station will go to the people belonging to OBCs and 5 percent to officers from Religious Minorities (Muslims) in all the districts of the State. This system of governance is still continuing in the State with a slight modification.
And especially, full care has been made towards protecting, in all spheres of life, the interests and welfare of the Muslims, which is the largest section of Religious Minorities in the State. Apart from their economic development, the safety and security of their lives and Religion has also been fully ensured. In addition, our government was first in the country ensuring government jobs to economically weaker Muslims by including them in category of other Backward Classes (OBCs) and issuing government order facilitating release of caste certificates accordingly.
“New Positive Reservation Initiatives”
In The Interest of Sarv Samaj
You know very well that “where there is will, there is way.” That is why for the first time in the country, the BSP government of Uttar Pradesh has taken “ New Positive Reservation Initiatives”
In The Interest of Sarv Samaj
i.e. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBC), Religious Minorities and Upper caste, for it is more than evident that the benefit of reservation, which was provided on account of the untiring efforts of Param Pujya Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimarao Ambedkar, to the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Castes (OBCs) in the Government jobs under the Constitution of India, was not reaching fully to the dire needy people because of anti-reservation attitude of the Congress, BJP and their supporting parties.
Not only this, various Government Departments and Institutions are being handed over to the Private Sectors for the past several years on the pretext of poor economic condition of the government, without ensuring provision of the same kind of reservation in the privatised firm/sector at any level. And, if this current state of affairs/practice of handing over the government departments and Institutions to Private Sector continues, a day will come when the constitutional facility of reservation will cease to exist.
Taking this issue of great importance very seriously, the Government of my party in Uttar Pradesh wrote several letters to the Government of India and requested that before the privatization of various Government and public sector institutions, the same quantum of reservation for those sections of society should be ensured as they were already getting in the Government sector and institutions. But no Government of any party has so far acceded to our contention and our party is “seriously concerned” and “worried” about this issue.
But the people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Schedule Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) will be happy to know that throughout the country, it is only the Government of my party, the BSP in Uttar Pradesh which was fulfilled these tasks, which are as follows:
· Public-Private- Partnership (P.P.P.) is the main component of “all inclusive” realistic and practical economic policy of my government in Uttar Pradesh.
· All the Schemes/projects/ industries with partnership with state government, the State Government would have a maximum partnership of 49 percent of 11 percent.
· The provision of job reservation in enterprises developed on Public-Private Partnership model will continue in the proportion and manner as the State Government has been providing quota which is in the government jobs 21 percent for Scheduled Castes, 02 percent for Scheduled Tribes and 27 percent for Other Backward Classes.
· The interests of employees will be fully safeguarded in the projects/enterprise s established under PPP model.
· Now along with this, the Uttar Pradesh Government of my party has applied the policy of “Sarvjan Hitai –Sarvjan Sukhai” (Progress and Prosperity for all) also in the area of the reservation. In pursuance of this policy, our government has taken historical initiative to provide the benefits of reservation to all the poor and needy people belonging to all castes and the implementation of this new system has already been taken up in the right earnest in Uttar Pradesh. This step has been taken for the first time in the country.
· Under it, if the services rendered by the Govt. Departments, Corporations, Authorities, Councils and other Semi-government institutions or the maintenance of their establishment are substituted by outsourcing, then the contract to be executed for the said purpose would include the provision of providing 21 percent of jobs created through this out sourcing to the persons of Scheduled Castes, 2 percent to the persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes and 27 percent to Other Backward Classes.
· In the Industrial Units, Educational Institutions, Infrastructure/ Service Sector Projects, Disinvested Units are being set up in which the private sector is provided land, subsidy, state aid or assets by the Government or any of its government departments, then as per the “voluntary” and “mutual agreement”, the employers have to provide 10 percent of the total jobs created in the projects to the persons of Scheduled Castes, 10 percent to Other Backward Classes, including Backwards of Religious Minorities and 10 percent to the economically weaker persons of the Upper Castes
· Over 30 thousand posts of backlog have so far been filled by my part’s government in Uttar Pradesh. Recruitment on remaining posts is in progress.
· Besides, it is to be clear in mind that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) Act, 1989, has been enacted by the Government of India, hence a central act, and no State Government can make any alternation in this Act nor repeal it. The State Government of Uttar Pradesh has ensured strict enforcement of this law.
· My Government has done everything possible regarding implementation of reservation policy.
· The Government of India has also been asked to fill the vacant posts in Government Services in accordance with the policy of reservation. The policy of reservation should be extended to private and other sectors and it should be included in the ninth Schedule of Constitution as a safeguard.
· We have also urged the Government of India to amend the Constitution for providing benefits of reservation to the people belonging to upper castes living below the poverty line. But, the attitude of the Congress and BJP and its supporting parties has been throughout negative.
· But for that matter, I would like to fully assure the people of upper castes that the day the government of our party come to power at the centre, they will be given the benefit of reservation, similar to the pattern which has been introduced by us in Uttar Pradesh and this will be done without their asking for it, and will also make all positive efforts for the eradication of their poverty and un-employment. And, you all know very well about the style of functioning of my party that whatever we say, we do the same. In other words, there is no difference in our party’s saying and doing.
· Besides, Adequate additional reservation should also be provided to such persons of Scheduled Castes who were converted to Muslim or Christian religion, but maintaining the present share of quota of prescribed reservation for the Scheduled Castes. For this, necessary amendment should be made in the Constitution to relax the total limit of 50 percent reservation as laid down by Hon. Supreme Court and this amendment will be included in the 9th schedule of the Constitution so that this arrangement becomes a permanent feature.
So far as the matter of providing Social Security to the people is concerned, my party’s government in Uttar Pradesh is very serious and sensitive over the issue… That is why immediately after assumption of power my government increased to double the amount of pension to old age persons and farmers from Rs.150 to Rs.300. And also the number of beneficiaries was raised to 24 lakh from 20 lakh, for which sum of Rs. 1410 crores has been earmarked in the budget.
Similarly, labourers , who belong to the poorest and weaker section of the society and mostly fall under the category of farming labour, were not being cared properly as they belong to unorganized sector, but my government has raised their daily remuneration wage to Rs.100 from a meager of Rs.58, which they were getting previously.
And, over the issue of plight of farmers and farming becoming less remunerative day by day and thereby ultimately affecting our self-reliance on food, my party is in full sympathy with the farming community. It is beyond any doubt that the governments of the Congress, the BJP and their supporting parties during their rule in the past 60 years have done a criminal act of ignoring farm and farmers. In the course of promotion of heavy industries, there was a criminal neglect of farm sectors and farmers’ requirements.
This is also a tragedy that in the course of developing heavy industries particularly in the tribal areas, where the native people were deprived even from the fourth class jobs, adding more burden on their life to ensure protection of the interests of tribals & farmers.
Besides, my government has taken a stand that the Self-esteem and Self-respect of the unemployed youth will not be ridiculed every month by providing them meager ‘unemployment allowance’. Instead, our party wants them to live with pride, as they would instead be provided permanent jobs, with the creation of job opportunities, for which Regional Rural Employment Centre will be established.
And education is another area that has been accorded top most priority by my government in Uttar Pradesh. It is with this reason a decision was taken without any delay to recruit 88,000 teachers to help improve the standards of education. The process of recruitment of such a large number teachers in just one go is on.
In addition of all these, my government has paid attention in according full respect and honour to Sants, Gurus and Mahapurush born in Bahujan Samaj at different period of times such as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, Narayana Guru, Periar Ramaswamy, Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and more recently Manyawar Shri Kanshi Ram Ji. A number of new Districts, Universities, Memorials, Museums and other important public places and institutions have been named and erected in their name to perpetuate the memory of their hard-faught struggles.
And in this connection, you all know very well that no government, be it the government of the Congress, the BJP or their supporting parties, ever gave proper respect and regards to the Sants, Gurus and Mahapurush born in the Bahujan Samaj.
And regrettably, the castiest mentality of these political parties still persists. . The biggest proof of it is that the Congress party, ruling at the centre did not even declare one or two days holiday nor they ordered flying of national flag half mast in the mourning of Manyawar Shri Kanshi Ram Ji, the creator and founder of the BSP movement.. And the BJP and other opposition parties remained a mute spectator to all this.
In brief, the lesson to our people of all this happenings is that if the people belonging to Bahujan Samaj and those of Savarn Samaj (upper castes) living in your state of Karnataka want to create an atmosphere like that of Uttar Pradesh for leading a life full of self-esteem, respect and dignity, they will also have to capture the “Master Key of political power” in their hands by ensuring good results in the general election being held in your State.
Therefore keeping all these factual propositions in mind, I earnestly “APPEAL” to the supporters of the BSP to follow the above mentioned suggestions in order to make an all out effort to achieve party’s goal of capturing power in order to get rid of their poverty, helplessness, backwardness, unemployment, injustice and exploitation by making your own government in your State, following the true path shown to you by your messiah Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar on the basis of exercise of franchise based on the concept of “One Man-One Vote” given to you by Baba Saheb himself and thus fulfill the unfinished task of Manyawar Shri. Kanshi Ram Ji.
In other words, you should understand your Messiah’s message properly and utilize the right to vote wisely to help yourself so that you could form a government of your own party in your State which will in real terms help improve your socio-economic condition as well as of education, besides ensuring a civilized self-esteem life to you. In the meantime, this could be also help improve the economic condition of the Upper castes people.
But to create such an atmosphere in your State, you have to acquire the “Master Key of Political Power” in your hands, like people have done in the Stae of Uttar Pradesh and you will have show good result in the coming Assembly elections in your State. And to achieve this great goal of success in the assembly election, you will have to be cautious and alert from various nasty tricks and Saam-Daam-Dand- bhed like nefarious designs of the opposition parties during the elections, because these parties can go to any extent to damage our party.
And I want to warn you that these opposition parties will go all out and will make all efforts to sabotage the voting of Savarn Samaj inn favour of BSP and for this purpose , these parties will propagate our “Ideology and Principles” in a wrong, vicious and twisted manner among these sections of society.
Therefore, I consider it important to explain the ideology and principles of B.S.P. I would also like to clarify here that the ideology and principles of our party “are not against any caste or creed”. B.S.P. wants to change the unequal social order of this country based on “caste” and wants to establish here a “Samatamulak Samaj Vyavastha” ( A Social Order based on Equality), which is in the interest of this country and Sarv Samaj.
For this, we have to change the Jaatwadi (casteist)mentality of Savarn (High Castes) Hindus and on the basis of Samajik Bhaichara (Social Brotherhood) we have to take them also along with us and only then “Samtamulak Samaj Vyavastha” can be established in this country in accordance with the thinking of the architect of Indian Constitution, Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar and only after that Sarv Samaj will be unified and disparities or casteism in the society will be completely eradicated forever.
Along with this, they will get full opportunity to move in every walk of life. The members of our party should always remain cautious from different kind of rumours, which may be spread by opposition parties during elections.
Apart from the above, I also appeal to all of you – “Beware that your vote is invaluable. No vote should be allowed to be purchased. No vote should be allowed to be looted. No vote should be left out from being cast and no selfish person should misuse your vote on account of defrauding or misleading you in the name of caste, money, religion or emotions.
Hence, to save democracy you have to give power into hands of right person to safeguard the interests of your KARNATAKA State, so that you may formulate the policy of :Sarvajan Hitai – Sarvjan Sukhai” in all the areas and make the poor and unemployed persons of Bahujan Samaj and Savarn Samaj happy.”
In the end, keeping in view all the above mentioned observations, I “Appeal” to the supporters and well wishers of my party that you should not be misled by any alluring promises of Election Manifestoes of opposition parties and that you should follow the appeal of B.S.P. which is your own party, to make the candidates of B.S.P. victorious in the General Assembly Elections of KARNATAKA by pressing the button against “Elephant” (Haathi), the election symbol of B.S.P. I hope and expect that you will accept my “Appeal” and act accordingly.
Km Mayawati
National President,
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
In the Interest of Sarv Samaj, Contribute your Physical, Mental and Economic Might in Favour of BSP to Help its Ideology And Policies Reach its “Ultimate Destination”
Vote for the Candidates of
Bahujan Samaj Party
Make B.S.P. successful by pressing the button opposite Election Symbol – Elephant (Haathi)
B.S.P. Ki Kya Pehchaan !
Neela Jhanda, Haathi Nishaan !!
The Identity of BSP is
Blue Flag & Elephant Symbol
Jai Bheem Jai Kansiram Jai Bharath
Mayawati Sister’s
Appeal for Karnataka Brothers & Sisters
To Vote for Elephant Symbolised BSP Candidates
We say what we do and do what we say
Which is the way to be Happy and Gay
That is Sarva Jan Hithay Sarvajan Sukhay
Before the commencement of election the other political party
For a short while give you a goodie
From Exploitation & discrimination you get away
For progress of a diversified society
And for a developmental ruling assuring safety
Since BSP born from ashes of untouchability
Promises to wipe out your tears and provide you safety
Until you are all supportively behind this mission of
Sarvajan Hithay
Sarvajan Sukhay
Kindly visit:
http://sarvajan. ambedkar. org
Even after 60 years of Independence !
Because of UPA, NDA and their Supporting Parties Sins !
Such as not providing constitutional amendment to provide reservation even to the poor among the forward castes !
Non-inclusion of Original Inhabitants of Jambudvipa that is the Great Prabuddha Bharath Christians !
And poor Muslims in the SC/ST category for giving them reservation in various sectors !
Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party responsible for the backwardness of SC/STs !
Over five decades of rule, the Congress did not consider poor people as this Country’s citizens !
The BJP gave prominence only to the rich and neglected the economically weaker sections !
Both parties receive funds from capitalists during elections !
They later frame policies suiting their needs but not favouring the poor after their selections !
Thereby not the earning of the workers !
But the prices rises !
Hence !
BSP wins !
For allotting three acres of land to each poor and landless !
Benefiting over 25 lakh families !
Filled all the backlog posts reserved for SC/STs and backward classes !
Constituted separate welfare departments for all backward communties !
for their social and economic advancement,to ensure that they receive all the government benefits !
Deprived of a right and De-Franchised
left out: Voters whose names were missing from the voters’ list, which prevented them from exercising their franchise, showing their identity cards during the repoll
Election Commission India
Elections
Now the people of India must have the Right To Information from the Election Commission know as to how many million people were elegible to vote in 2009 and 2008 Karnataka Assembly elections. There is no official information on the exact number of people whose names are not found in the voter’s list.
We the people - these are the most important words in our constitution. Everything depends on us- the voters,who have an opportunity and the right to choose our representatives, demand accountability and determine the direction of growth and governance of the country. Several problems have surfaced in the gigantic task of conducting elections in < ?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />
Active participation of citizens is an absolute prerequisite to make the electoral system more representative, fair, transparent and free from all the other ills. Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “nobody can hurt you without your consent” which in this context can be rephrased as “nobody can marginalise you without your cooperation
Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy on Thursday fixed the responsibility for preparation of error-free voters list, ahead of the election to Karnataka Assembly, on political parties. Speaking to reporters here, Mr Gopalaswamy said the political parties would be given two separate lists on February seven for deletion and additions to be made in the final list.
‘’They will be given two weeks time for raising objections to removing and adding names of the voters for the final list to be prepared on March ten,'’ he said.
‘’It will be the responsibility of the political parties to ensure the final list did not contain discrepancies any more as the EC has adopted a new mechanism for producing error-free list,'’ he said.
To a question on whether the elections would be postponed in case of a delay in the implementation of the report of Mr Justice Kuldeep Singh who headed Delimitation Commission, he said the EC did not work on the basis of ‘ifs and buts’ and as of now, it would conduct the elections before May 28.
‘’The Commission is concerned about the voter’s list as there are only additions and no deletions in the list.
‘’This is the reason I sent Deputy Election Commissioner R Bhattacharya, who is in charge for Karnataka, to oversee the whole exercise,'’ Mr Gopalaswamy said.
The EC would hold elections before May 28, as the state completes six months under President’s Rule on the date, he said.
In the draft list submitted by the State Election Commission (SEC) names of 3.48 lakh voters had been deleted while 9.27 lakh new voters had been added as of yesterday.
Mr Gopalaswamy and his Deputies Navin Chawla and S Y Qureshi have been here for the last two days reviewing the voters list and preparedness of the official machinery to hold elections, following the detection of large number of bogus voters in the voter’s list.
Earlier, Congress and the BJP submitted memorandum to the CEC urging him to provide error-free voters list and elections be held in the stipulated time.
He replied in the affirmative when asked whether he would take action against the officials for their ‘lapses’ in preparation of the voter’s list.
Voters list mess in poll-bound Karnataka
Bangalore , Jan 5 - A family with 90 voters and a town with 30,000 voters in a population of 36,500! These are just some of the glitches in the voters list in poll-bound Karnataka. R. Bhattacharya, deputy election commissioner at the Election Commission of India has been in Bangalore for the last three days having talks with state election officials on steps to ensure proper voters list ahead of polls to the 224-member assembly expected in April/May.
The irregularities in the voters list pointed out by people and political parties has forced the state election commission to cancel its plans to release the final list on Jan 10.
Bhattacharya met state chief electoral officer R. Ramaseshan, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (Greater Bangalore City Corporation) commissioner S. Subramanya and senior officials from several districts and told them of the Election Commission’s displeasure over the way the voters lists had been prepared.
The state officials now plan to revise the lists and publish them by the end of this month. They have sought the help of voters to point out anomalies.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Mallikharjun Kharge Friday mentioned the instance of one family in north Karnataka having 90 voters on the list and of Humnabad town in Bidar district that has 30,000 voters in a population of 36,500.
More than 7,000 in the town are school-going children, yet there are 30,000 names in the voters list.
Another Congress leader H.K. Patil said there could be around four million bogus names in the voters list. Karnataka’s population is estimated at 55 million and voting population at around 42 million.
The two other main political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal-Secular also allege there are many irregularities in the list. The three parties have urged the state and central election officials to rectify the anomalies
Reforms could ensure more voter turnout
Research could throw up answers for poor poll percentage
Poll percentage could improve if the Government makes a ‘determined attempt’ to bring in reforms
‘Involvement of Resident Welfare Associations, NGOs and other concerned citizens would help’
MYSORE: The voter turnout in the second phase of the elections held in ten districts has been put at 60 per cent, which is a drop of six per cent from the first phase of polls. What could be the reason for voter apathy? Can reforms set right the apathy and ensure people turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise?
Social activist Vasanthkumar Mysoormath, who conducted voter awareness movements in 1999, 2004 and 2008 elections (first phase), has echoed Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer P. Manivannan’s reported view that research has to be conducted on poor poll percentage.
“It is high time that such an exercise is undertaken by the Government of India. A number of election reforms are long-pending before the Centre.
The Election Commission itself has forwarded some suggestions that are pending since many years now,” said Mr. Mysoormath, who was the presiding officer in more than 10 elections.
Mr. Mysoormath, who retired from the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, maintained that the poll percentage can be substantially improved if the Government makes a “determined attempt” to bring in reforms as recommended by the Election Commission and experts over the years.
He, too, had made certain suggestions for improving the poll percentage.
Missing names
Many eligible voters have been denied their right to vote because their names were missing, although they held Elector’s Photo Identity Cards (EPIC).
“Why should they keep running around in circles to obtain updated EPICs every time there is an election, only to be turned down because the revised rolls do not contain their names,” he asked.
The money and energy spent for enumeration and preparation of electoral rolls with the help of teachers and government officials has time and again failed to produce the required results.
This needs to be answered because public money is being splurged to prepare incorrect rolls and to deny the citizens their right to vote, he said.
Involvement
It is also time for the citizens to behave in a responsible manner and involve themselves at the grassroots level to help the EC set right the perennial problem, he said.
The three-tier system applicable to rural areas viz., zilla, taluk and gram panchayats, is absent in urban areas. To fill this gap, involvement of Resident Welfare Associations/ NGOs and other concerned citizens would help.
Better network
“Street committees with volunteers from the residents in a street are the need of the hour.
They, in turn, can coordinate with ward committees for enumeration and compilation of near-perfect electoral rolls and also for assessing the works and projects that need attention and for projecting their demands and grievances with the concerned service providers,” Mr. Mysoormath suggested.
Sensitising youth
The youth of the country has exhibited rank apathy due to their feeling that “politics is a dirty business”.
Many have expressed disgust over the behaviour of politicians in Parliament/Assemblies.
‘Not bothered’
“The youth have not bothered even to register themselves as voters because of the cumbersome procedure and running around to get an EPIC which nevertheless becomes useless by the next election. This attitude needs to be changed,” he said.
Political will
What the country needs is political will to bring necessary legislation through amendment to those rule books that govern elections.
“Countries like Turkey and Australia have compulsory voting and the turnout is about 90-plus per cent. What made those countries prescribe such a rule and how it is implemented may be studied and adopted in our country also,” he said.
Incentives
Can incentives attract voters?
Some incentive is bound to attract at least a percentage of people to stop being apathetic and cynical and proceed to vote.
“A system may be prescribed: those who vote may be given a certificate by the EC for claiming say one or two per cent reduction in their electricity bills or water bills or property tax for a certain period after an election. If the percentage of voting can be increased by spending a few crores, then it will be well worth trying,” said Mr. Mysoormath.
EC has failed to check flow of money
Election Commission has failed to check distribution of money and other articles among voters. Mine lords, members of land mafia and anti-social elements were controlling the elections, which a dangerous development in democracy.
Major political parties had no moral right to go before the electorate as they had forgotten the basic principles of politics.
four polling booths in Bellary alleged rigging during the second phase of Karnataka assembly elections.
Tribal organisations, demand, disqualification, of candidates
Adivasi Swayattategagi Rastriya Rangha (ASRR)
and Nagarahole Tribal Rights Samithi have urged the Election
Commission to disqualify three candidates contesting from H D Kote
(Reserve) Assembly Constituency for allegedly producing false caste
certificates.
According to a press note issued by Samithi Convenor P K Ramu,
the candidates Mr Chikkanna (Congress), Mr Chikkaveera Nayaka (BJP)
and (Mr Doddanayaka (JD-S) had contested the Assembly elections from
this reserved constituency for tribals and urged the Commission to
disqualify and file criminal cases against them.
Earlier, based on a complaint filed by the public, Deputy
Commissioner and District Election Officer P Manivannan had
suspended H D Kote Tahasildar T Vijya and ordered a departmental
inquiry against her for issuing S T certificate to BJP candidate
Chikkaveera Naika.
They alleged that all three candidates had tampered with the
school documents and produced the false caste certificates during
the time of the election process and contested from H D Kote.
The Assistant Commissioner of Hunsur Sub Division M R Ravi had
submitted a report to the district election officer alleging
tampering with the records by the three candidates to claim the
Scheduled Tribe status to contest the election.
In his report, Mr Ravi stated the Tahsildar of H D Kote had
issued controversial caste certificates without verifying the
original documents and failed to follow the procedures before
issuing them.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer
P Manivannan said the report had been sent to the Election
Commission for further action.
An altercation ensued and the Border Security Force (BSF), who could not understand Kannada manhandled the voter and pushed him out. A group of people gathered and the situation was tense for a while. However, special observer Raymond Peter arrived on the spot. The voter and the local people mobbed his car and represented the case. The situation was brought under control.
Will voters be confused as they will have to look for their choice of candidates in two EVMs?
“No. Each candidate has been allotted with a number and a symbol. Voters will have to know that number. But in case of national parties, voters go by the symbol. In 2004, two EVMs were used in each booth as elections to the Assembly and Lok Sabha were held simultaneously. A voter will have to spend a second or two just to read the symbols as there would be two EVMs,” he said.
A tour around Bellary city showed that none of the independents are campaigning. Even major political party leaders admit that no independent is serious about the elections. Then why do they pay Rs 5,000 as deposit and enter the fray? A senior Congress leader said, “Majority of the independent candidates are dummy. They contest and approach us (major parties) for money to withdraw their nominations. This time none withdrew their papers. Each candidate is allowed to use only four vehicles for campaigning. This EC restriction has come as a major hurdle for us to campaign. So, we have kept the vehicles of independent candidates at our disposal. Of course, we have their money. This is done in by all major parties. Many of the independents are fielded by national parties”.
Another challenge being faced by the officials is to weed out the bogus student ID cards. The EC has listed 20 types of identity cards which can be used for casting vote. A voter has to produce any one of these to exercise his franchise. Students are allowed to produce their college ID card.
In the first phase of polling, students were found producing fake ID cards. So, the EC has sent mails to all the DCs to check the veracity of students’ ID card. “We have held a meeting with the principals of all colleges in Bellary and have directed them to ensure that their colleges are not found issuing bogus cards. If fake cards are found, then principals of such colleges will face criminal action,” said Aravind Srivastv, Deputy Commissioner, Bellary.
Security
Giving protection to polling booths in Bellary city is also a major challenge to officials. Each booth will be monitored by para military personnel because each one of the total 211 polling booths in the city is branded as hypersensitive, said Srivastav.
As many as 7,244 government staff has been drawn for election duty on March 16. Of this, 1,811 are presiding officers.
In fact, no staff is allowed to work in their home town or village. They have been allotted postings on a random basis. Till May 15 morning, they would not know where they will be posted. All these measures are taken to see that fare and free elections are held in the district, added Mr Srivastav.
Speaking to reporters he said 16,616 persons have been arrested since April 1 and bonds have been obtained from them for good behaviour.
He said as many as 56,000 police personnel will be deployed in the second phase of elections to be held for 66 constituencies on May 16. This includes 21,000 civil police, 10,000 Home Guards, 22,000 para military forces and 3,000 KSRP personnel.
a total of 214 Central Para Military Force (CPMF) companies have been allotted to 66 Assembly constituencies in 10 districts, that include 21 for Raichur, Koppal (15) Uttara Kannada (18), Bellary (31), Chitradurga (18), Davanagere (24), Shimoga (22), Udupi (18), Chikmagalur (20) and Dakshina Kannada (27).
One mobile squad will be provided for every 20 polling stations. Each mobile squad comprises one police sub-inspector, one head constable, three constables and one Home Guard.
In all, there will be 650 mobile squads for all constituencies, Bidari said.
The CPMF pickets with one head constable, four constables/two head constables and 10 PCs will be posted in sensitive areas. Each constituency will have a striking force consisting one platoon of KSRP, he informed.
Polling booths
Bidari said out of the 12,271 polling stations in phase two, 3,754 have been classified as hypersensitive and 4,282 have been considered as sensitive. For every hypersensitive and sensitive booth, two uniformed police personnel and for every normal booth, one police personnel will be deployed.
In the December 2006 byelection to the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency, Peter was the election observer and was known for dealing any violation of poll code of conduct with an iron hand.
The appointment of Peter in Bellary takes significance following allegations that voters are being lured with cash by mine owners. All the 211 polling stations in Bellary City has been declared as hypersensitive