Memorandum to Justice Verma Committee: Suggestions on amendments to criminal laws relating to security of women
Public Interest Foundation submitted a memorandum to Justice Verma Committee pertaining to suggestions on amendments to criminal laws relating to security of women. The memorandum can be viewed here. (An abridged version of the memorandum was published in the New Indian Express on 4th February, 2013)
‘It is not a juvenile offence’
Dear Mr. Editor, We, the Members of the Governing Council of Public Interest Foundation, wish to highlight our comments on recent report of Justice Verma Committee with specific reference to misdeeds of rape and brutality committed by a juvenile offender. The subject matter is of great public importance as it may unleash serious anti-social behavior [...]
No place for Doubting Thomases in the State Funding for elections
In a parliamentary democracy the citizens have the political rights constitutionally ensured to make all important choice in government formation by participating in the election process. The role of political parties is critical as they mobilize public support on their ideology, programme and promises. The scale of support is manifested through election process. Political parties [...]
Why bureaucracy baulks at decisions, should omit draconian provisions in Prevention of Corruption Act
Our Prime Minister has time and again appealed to bureaucrats for taking fair and objective decisions based on sound evidence and designed to serve the national interest. Manmohan Singh exhorted civil servants to fight the tendency of not taking decisions because of the fear that things might go wrong and the civil servants might be [...]
Empowering poor children
The Right to Education Act, 2009, is a landmark Act, but certain crucial provisions of it for the empowerment of marginalised children have not been implemented ever for the session of 2012-‘13, three years after the Act was notified. This is due to certain ambiguities, which could have been avoided with timely intervention and joint [...]
Nripendra Misra: An auction that did not flop
The media has unanimously declared the recent auction of 2G spectrum held on November 12, 2012 a flop. Unfortunately, the auction results are also being flagged to flog the Comptroller & Auditor General’s report on the 2G licence allocation of January 2008. It is relevant to analyse the auction results and revisit the CAG report [...]
A spectrum blow to telecom
Telecom services have been loudly acclaimed as the success story of economic policy in India. The National Telecom Policy 2012 has proclaimed that the availability of “affordable and effective communications” for the common man is at the core of the agenda. In a knowledge-intensive global scenario, telecommunication is the key driver of economic and social [...]
Why Wait for the Centre? States need to take lead in reforms
By Nripendra Misra and Brijesh Kumar The Indian growth story is widely perceived to have hit a road block. One of the widely held and repeatedly affirmed reasons is the inability of the Central Government to undertake long overdue reforms. In the last few weeks the Government of India has taken several decisions to ward [...]
Mission Development for Uttar Pradesh
There is a new wave of enthusiasm for development in Uttar Pradesh with the arrival of a young, modern thinking Chief Minister. The key governance issues are being addressed by the new government. However, the economic measures are necessary for reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities and providing a platform to realize the highest potential. Nearly [...]
Setting standards and salaries
Our Parliament, as the highest democratic public office, is expected to set standards for probity, accountability and transparency. The salaries and allowances of our MPs are regulated through the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers Act, 1952. It has been amended 28 times since its inception. The process involves a proposal by the Cabinet for the [...]