Indian Parliament: A Temple of Democracy?

By Thomas M Marak, Social Activist

Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet, famously wrote in his book, “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” As the 18th Lok Sabha Election approaches, set to decide the fate of the world’s largest electorate on April 19th, I have encountered numerous questions regarding my stance on political parties and candidates. With growing concerns over controversial decisions made by the ruling government and the vulnerability of the parliament, it’s evident that neutrality in such crucial times may have severe consequences.

Consider a simple story: Once, a Lion King convened all the jungle animals for a meeting and declared without discussion that all must obey the king’s mandates and pay taxes. When objections arose from animals like the Ape, Crocodile, and Eagle, the Fox cleverly silenced them, showcasing how decisions were predetermined, leaving little room for dissent.

In the current Lok Sabha, hastily passed bills are turned into Acts, implemented through rules drafted by the government, with minimal discussion. Shockingly, only a fraction of bills and the Union Budget are thoroughly debated. This raises questions about the purpose of Parliament and its role in fostering meaningful discourse rather than mere disruptions.

The sanctity of institutions like the judiciary, Election Commission, Reserve Bank of India, and others must be upheld to ensure impartial decision-making in the interest of all citizens. However, recent events, such as demonetization and exploitation of institutions, indicate a concerning trend towards pork-barrel politics and ideological battles.

The looming question revolves around whether a revised Hindutva Constitution would mandate a Uniform Civil Code, potentially eroding the diversity of India’s pluralistic society. Furthermore, concerns persist about the preservation of Article 370 and the erosion of parliamentary democracy, exemplified by scripted Presidential addresses and the classification of India as an “Electoral Autocracy” in the Democracy Report 2024.

In the face of such challenges, it’s essential to recognize the importance of politics guided by principles rather than mere power games. As Shakespeare’s soothsayer warned, “Beware of the Ides of March.” Similarly, we must heed the warning signs and safeguard the democratic fabric of our nation before it’s too late.

(The views expressed are the personal opinions of the writer)

32 applicants for coal prospecting license

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 22: At present, there are 32 applicants who have submitted their application as per the SOP issued by the Government on March 5, 2021, for the grant of a prospecting license for coal.

Out of these 17 applicants have received approval from the Central government and they are now in the exploration stage for generating a Geological Report before obtaining mining leases, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said in his reply to a starred question tabled in the Assembly on Friday.

Further, 4 out of the 17 approved applicants, after they have submitted their Geological Report, have received prior approval of the Central government for a mining lease in the State and the presentation of the Mining plan is completed and approval of the mining plans is awaited, he said while informing that 15 applicants are yet to obtain prior approval of the Central government for prospecting license.

Govt assures stop to illegal coal transportation

Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong assured that the state police will ensure illegal mining and transportation of coal is stopped at any cost.

Tynsong told reporters that one needs to understand that even if the state police are present 24×7, criminal activities still keep on happening.

“We don’t know when the thief is coming to our house so you need to understand that. You know humanly speaking we are trying our best and we will make sure that illegal mining activities stop at any cost,” he said.

On the Meghalaya High Court’s order for the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to check illegal transportation of coal in Meghalaya, Tynsong however said the state police is equipped enough to handle the situation in the state.

“Let me assure the people of the state that the state police are equipped enough to handle any situation,” he added.

If the government would appeal against the court order, the deputy chief minister however said, “That I can’t say anything right now because in fact a letter has been sent even to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to the concerned organization where ultimately they are not able to provide additional forces.”

On March 20, the Meghalaya High Court asked the CISF to indicate its readiness to check the illegal transportation of coal in Meghalaya.

While hearing a PIL, the Court was informed that the logistics to be prepared for the deployment of 10 companies of CISF would take at least four weeks. It was also informed that CISF will be proceeding on the basis that the deployment would be necessary for at least two to three years before the State augments its human resources to take over the task.

Since the selection of personnel, arrangement of even temporary accommodation and the like may require some time, it is hoped that a disciplined force as the CISF indicates within a fortnight from the date as to how deployment on the ground can be ensured within four weeks from today.

The Court had said that since the State had indicated plans to construct or otherwise provide accommodation for CAPF personnel, the State should cooperate in the process and provide basic accommodation to the CISF personnel, including the commandants of the companies.

It had also directed that CISF should identify or engage one or more persons to be in charge by rotation and said, “Such personnel should obtain an appointment with Justice Katakey and, in the presence of representatives of the State, work out the places and modalities for ultimately deploying the 10 companies.”