ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ సంక్షోభాన్ని పరిష్కరించగల పార్టీ లోక్ సత్తా మాత్రమే: జేపీ

Lok Satta is the only party that can resolve AP crisis: Dr.JP

The Union Government has dismally failed to address the disastrous financial implications of the proposed reorganization of Andhra Pradesh, charged Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today.

Administration will come to a standstill with employees not getting their salaries and development and welfare schemes grinding to a halt if the financial issues are not addressed. The Center which sent the AP Reorganization Bill to the Legislature should have found a solution to the financial problems that arise. Instead, it has chosen to ignore the issue altogether.

Dr. JP called upon political parties, media, academic circles and civic society organizations to mount a united struggle against the Union Government to ensure that justice is done to all the regions through a comprehensive and amicable solution. The Lok Satta is committed to speaking truth, and finding a fair, equitable and effective solution, he added

Dr. JP pointed out that all the political parties have vitiated the political atmosphere with an eye on votes and seats in elections and not bothering about the future of Telugu people.

Dr. JP said that as per the President’s reference of the Reorganization Bill, the Legislature as a whole has to express its view by having a general debate and then members should express their views by taking up a clause-wise discussion.

Dr. JP presented a wealth of data to drive home the financial implications of the State’s division.

As per the data available for the financial year 2012-13, Andhra Pradesh’s total revenue receipts comprising State’s tax and non-tax revenue, share in Central taxes and Central grants come to Rs.1,03,830.28 crore. The total receipts go up to Rs.1,27,566.74 crore if public debt, PF receipts and loans and advances are included. Against that, the total expenditure is Rs.1,29,440.92 crore.

Of the total receipts, the non-divisible receipts, that is the receipts the State as a whole gets including share in Central taxes, Central grants, market borrowings etc work out to Rs.58,679.83 crore.

Dr. JP analyzed that Coastal Andhra will have a surplus of Rs.684 crore, Rayalaseema a deficit of Rs.7,005 crore, Telangana excluding Hyderabad a deficit of Rs.8,407 crore and Hyderabad a surplus of Rs.12,854 crore if their divisible and on-divisible receipts and expenditure are taken into account.

Dr. JP demanded that the grave problem of deficits be addressed before the Center goes ahead with its decision to bifurcate the State.

He recalled that he had written a letter to the Speaker by pointing out that Legislature members cannot express their views unless they are provided information on the financial implications.

Dr. JP said that in the days to come the Lok Satta will offer its solution to the problem. The problem can be addressed if all the stakeholders come together to work out a comprehensive and amicable solution.

Conveying his New Year greetings to all Telugu speaking people, he expressed the confidence that they will live in amity and harmony in 2014 realizing that all of them speak the same language and share the same culture.

State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao, General Secretary Ravi Maruth and Secretary Nandipet Ravinder took part in the media conference.

Presentation on AP Revenue

ఒంటరిపోరుకే లోక్ సత్తా మొగ్గు

Courtesy: Eenadu

బిల్లుపై చర్చలో పార్టీ విధానం ఖరారు చేసేందుకు లోక్ సత్తా రాష్ట్ర కార్యవర్గ అత్యవసర సమావేశం

Lok Satta considering amendments to AP Reorganization Bill

The Working Committee of the State Lok Satta Party began its two-day session here today to finalize its stand on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2013, coming up for discussion in the Legislature on January 3.

The Working Committee is considering amendments the party should move to the Bill to safeguard the interests of the three regions in the State. It is also discussing alternative solutions like carving out Rayalaseema also as a separate State and extending it special economic status provided to most backward States.

State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao said in a media statement that the Working Committee is discussing the present political crisis in the State caused by the bankrupt policies of traditional parties. Since a solution to the crisis lies only in alternative politics, the Lok Satta Party will draw up an action program to emerge as an alternative political force.

The Working Committee reviewed the campaign launched by the party on December 21 on Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu, liquor menace and drinking water problems. Leaders who took part in the program reported that the plight of poor and middle class families who have fallen victim of the liquor menace is worse then imagined by them. They have run into women who have become widows at a young age because of their spouses’ liquor addiction. Field trials showed that bacteria are present in drinking water at many places. Even as the trials were under way, about 100 people of Malkapuram in Visakhapatnam fell ill because of drinking contaminated water. The Working Committee felt that programs on the three issues should be taken up on a wider scale.

మద్యం బాధిత కుటుంబాలకు భరోసా

Courtesy: Eenadu

మద్యానికి వ్యతిరేకంగా రాష్ట్ర వ్యాప్త ఉద్యమం: లోక్ సత్తా

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

విభజన బిల్లులో రాజ్యాంగ ఉల్లంఘనలు

Courtesy: Eenadu

జీవితాలను ప్రభావితం చేసినవారే హీరోలు

Courtesy: Eenadu

నిస్వార్థపరుల్ని ఎన్నుకోవాలి

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

సాంప్రదాయ పార్టీలకు పాతరేయండి, సుపరిపాలనకు ఓటేయండి: లోక్ సత్తా

Throw out Traditional parties and vote for good governance: Lok Satta

The Lok Satta Party today called upon Andhra Pradesh voters to teach a lesson to traditional parties which have forfeited their right to rule the State.

Unable to resolve their internal crisis on the Telangana issue, these parties have turned the State into a cauldron by fueling animosities among people of different regions, said State Lok Satta Party Vice President D. V. V. S. Varma and General Secretary Ravi Maruth.

They told a media conference here that the State will fall from the frying pan into fire if people were to entrust them with power once again.

With elections round the corner, leaders of different parties are trying to save their skin by jumping out of sinking boats. Their single point program is getting re-elected in the upcoming elections and it has nothing to do with any principles.

Mr. Varma and Mr. Maruth pointed out that the traditional parties have been playing with the lives of people for the last three years. With administration at a standstill, people’s problems are going unattended. They are forced to drink unsafe water, going by samples collected by Lok Satta volunteers all over the State. Industrial production has suffered a setback even as 26 lakh educated unemployed are looking for jobs.

The Lok Satta leaders appealed to people to elect those who are wedded to ethical politics and capable of providing good governance and not those who are jumping ships to safeguard their positions.

In reply to a question, Mr. Ravi Maruth said that the Lok Satta worked for the success of the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi elections since they shared common goals. It does not view AAP as a rival.

Lok Satta leaders Eeda Chennaiah and Nandipet Ravinder took part in the media conference.

ఢిల్లీలో ఆమ్ ఆద్మీ పార్టీని గెలిపించినట్టు మన రాష్ట్రంలో లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీని గెలిపించుకోలేమా?

మద్యంపై లోక్ సత్తా సమరభేరి

Courtesy: Eenadu

కాపురాలు కూల్చిన మద్యం

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

Lok Satta Times Dec 16th-31st, 2013

Lok Satta Times Dec 16th-31st, 2013 can be downloaded from the following link.

http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2013-12-16-31.pdf

ఢిల్లీ ఓటర్లను ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ఓటర్లు అనుసరించాలి: లోక్ సత్తా

AP voters should emulate their Delhi counterparts: Lok Satta

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today whole-heartedly congratulated Mr. Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on accepting the Lt. Governor’s invitation to form the Government of the Union Territory of Delhi.

“AAP led by Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and a large band of young, committed volunteers has written a new chapter in the evolution of Indian democracy,” said Dr. JP in a media statement.

Underlining that creation of new ethical and rational politics for the next generation is the need of the hour Dr. JP recalled that the Lok Satta Party had been founded with that objective.

“AAP’s spectacular debut in electoral politics is a significant step forward for transforming the politics of the country.”

Saying that Delhi voters deserve all congratulations and gratitude for supporting new politics, Dr. JP said, “Now it is for voters elsewhere, particularly in troubled Andhra Pradesh, to rise as one and reject politics of money power and sectarianism and utilize the voting power to transform politics.”

Dr. JP wished all the success to the AAP Government in fulfilling people’s aspirations.

బలవంతంగా కలిపి ఉంచటం, బలవంతంగా విభజించటం సరికాదు - లోక్ సత్తా స్పష్టీకరణ

Delhi’s dictat on bifurcation Unacceptable: Lok Satta

The Lok Satta Party welcomes formation of new States if they are meant to serve public interest and not of the ruling party, its State President Katari Srinivasa Rao and General Secretary Ravi Maruth told a media conference here today. They made it clear that the Lok Satta is taking strong exception to the dictatorial manner in which Delhi is seeking to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. The Lok Satta welcomes carving out of one or more States as part of a comprehensive and amicable settlement.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao condemned distorted reports in a section of the media about the Lok Satta stand as articulated in the AP NGOs’ all-party meeting in Hyderabad on December 21. He recalled that the Lok Satta has taken a consistent stand in the meetings convened by the Telangana JAC and the TRLD also.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao underlined that the State can neither be kept united nor bifurcated forcibly since it threatens the federal set-up and democracy. The Congress has, however, taken up bifurcation process two years and a half after the Srikrishna Committee submitted its report with an eye on votes and seats in elections, and not out of love for Telangana people. The Center has sent an incomprehensive bifurcation Bill to the Assembly after fuelling animosities among people of different regions of the State.

Mr. Ravi Maruth asked why the Chief Minister has not sought public opinion on formation of Telangana at Rachchabandas he has conducted. He said the Lok Satta respects the sentiments of Telangana people for a separate State. At the same time, hasty bifurcation of the State without rendering justice to backward areas in north Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, sorting out financial and river water problems is unwarranted. Again, going ahead with formation of a new State without obtaining the endorsement of the Legislature will lead to grave consequences.

Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao announced assistance of Rs.50000 to Dubagunta Rosamma, who is down with a serious kidney ailment. It may be recalled that the Lok Satta had lunched a movement against unbridled liquor consumption in association with Rosamma of Dubagunta in Nellore district.

Party Vice President Allu Ramesh Reddy took part in the media conference.

పెరాలసిస్ ప్రభుత్వానికి ఉత్తమ పాలన అవార్డా: ప్రశ్నించిన లోక్ సత్తా

Good governance award to AP Joke of the year: Lok Satta

The Andhra Pradesh Government bagging India Today’s ‘Best performing State in governance’ award is the biggest joke of the year, commented Lok Satta Party Vice President D. V. V. S. Varma today.

In a media statement, Mr. Varma said it was strange that India Today has chosen to confer the award on Andhra Pradesh in which the Cabinet has not been able to meet regularly, the legislature cannot conduct its sessions smoothly, employees have gone on long-drawn strikes, common man’s life has been disrupted and almost all key issues continue to remain unresolved.

“Absence of governance is perhaps tantamount to good governance in India Today’s assessment”, commented Mr. Varma wryly.

Mr. Varma pointed out that the Kiran Kumar Reddy Government which revels in announcing one scheme after another has miserably failed in implementing them. The Chief Minister who announced Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu scheme to boost his image by promising 15 lakh jobs to youth in three years has not been able to provide even four lakh ordinary jobs.

Mr. Varma asked whether the Chief Minister who talks of extending three percent and interest-free loans to self-help group women claim they have become economically self-reliant. Is he unaware of the plight of women who have become victims of microfinance institutions and their spouses to liquor addiction? He has not been able to fulfill his promise to provide bank loans to tenants. There is a wide chasm between Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy’s promises and performance.

Mr. Varam said it is pertinent to point out that Union Rural Development Minister told the Chief Minister on his face that his Government has failed to devolve powers and resources on local governments.

To assert that a Chief Minister who does not draw a distinction between development schemes and populist sops has provided good governance is ridiculous, concludes Mr. Varma.

రాజీవ్ యువకిరణాలు, మద్యం, తాగునీరుపై 21నుంచి లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ ఆందోళనా కార్యక్రమాలు

Lok Satta to expose Govt. Failures from Dec. 21

The Lok Satta Party is launching an action program from December 21 in all the three regions of the State for three months to expose how the Government has been taking youth for a ride in the name of Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu, ruining people’s lives by encouraging unbridled liquor consumption and playing havoc with people’s health by failing to supply safe drinking water.

Four party teams led by top leaders will be going round various places to lead and involve people in the agitation, according to a statement issued by State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao here today.

Messrs Katari Srinivasa Rao, D. Lakshmi, Allu Ramesh Reddy and Narra Sridhar will be visiting Kukatpally and Serilingampalli in Hyderabad on December 21, Prakasam and Nellore districts on December 23 and 24 and Krishna and Guntur districts on December 28 and 29.

Messrs Ravi Maruth, Y. D. Rama Rao, D. V. V. S. Varma and Allu Ramesh Reddy will visit Sanatnagar and Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad on December 21 and 22, Visakhapatnam on December 26 and 27 and East Godavari on December 28 and 29.

Messrs N. Ravinder and Eeda Chennaiah will visit L. B. Nagar on December 21, Malkajigiri on December 22, Uppal on December 23 and Rajendranagar on December 24, all in Hyderabad.

Messrs Bandaru Ramamohan Rao and N. Ravinder will visit Yellareddy in Nizamabad district on December 28, Husnabad in Karimnagar district on December 29 and Nandyal in Kurnool district on December 30.

తిమింగలాల్ని పట్టుకుంటేనే లోక్ పాల్ బలమైన సందేశాన్నివ్వగలదు: లోక్ సత్తా

Lokpal should catch big fish to send a strong message: Lok Satta

While whole-heartedly welcoming the passage of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament, Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said that it would be deemed a success only if a dozen corrupt high-level politicians and civil servants are sentenced to rigorous imprisonment and their properties confiscated annually.

In a media statement, Dr. JP pointed out that such deterrent punishment would send a strong message to the entire nation on the Government’s commitment to fight corruption.

Dr. JP reiterated the Lok Satta Party contention that there is no alternative to creation of an independent, empowered Lokayukta at the State level because that is where corruption is omnipresent and hurts the common man most. Andhra Pradesh, for instance, has only a toothless Lokayukta.

The passage of the Lokpal should be regarded as only a beginning in the war against corruption. The war can become full-fledged only when a stringent law on the lines of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act (SAFEMA) is in place providing for confiscation of the entire property of the corrupt.

The Lokpal law should be supplemented with a law to guarantee Government services as a matter of right to every citizen with provision imposition of penalty for failure to deliver services. A Bill drafted by the Lok Satta in this regard at the instance of the Parliamentary Committee is before Parliament.

Dr. JP also demanded that laws, rules and regulations should be ushered in to ensure that all scarce natural resources like telecom spectrum, iron ore and coal mines are allocated in a competitive and transparent manner.

According to Dr. JP, the Lokpal law will cover about 2000 high-level politicians and civil servants at the Central level. The Central Vigilance Commission will deal with lower level employees under the superintendence of the Lokpal.

Dr. JP recalled with happiness that most of the recommendations made by the Lok Satta Round Table 2011 on the Lokpal have been incorporated in the amended Bill. Some of the best legal brains in the country including the late Justice J. S. Verma and Justice M. N. Venkatachalaiah took part in the Round Table and suggested changes in the Lokpal Bill conceived by the Government.

ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ పునర్వ్యవస్థీకరణ బిల్లుపై చర్చకు ముందు తగిన సమాచారమివ్వాలని స్పీకర్ కు జేపీ లేఖ

Dr.JP's Letter to Speaker on AP Reorganization Bill

Date: 16th December, 2013

From:
Dr Jayaprakash Narayan,
Member, AP Legislative Assembly
Kukatpalle (046) Assembly Constituency

To
The Honourable Speaker,
AP Legislative Assembly.


Sir,

Sub: Furnishing of prior information before commencing discussion on AP Reorganization Bill-2013 – Reg.

The AP Reorganization Bill-2013, referred by the Hon’ble President to the State Legislature is a momentous Bill of great significance, and potentially long-term, profound consequences. As such, the Members are entitled to full information in advance, and opportunity to study the provisions of the Bill as well as relevant information before the discussion commences. In particular, the following information is absolutely essential before member can express any meaningful views:

1. The Statement of objects and reasons.
2. The Financial Memorandum.
3. Ways and means position, revenues, grants and revenue and plan expenditure in respect of Hyderabad city (GHMC), and the three regions of the State – Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana.
4. The staff position in each region – the number of posts, department wise; the existing staff and their origin – region wise and zone wise; vacancies in each region.
5. The pension liabilities of each region and GHMC area.
6. The asset valuation and location of assets in respect of major corporations; debt and other liabilities of these corporations.
7. Revenue deficits attributable to Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, GHMC area, and Telangana region excluding GHMC area.
8. Other relevant details to facilitate careful, objective and dispassionate examination of the Bill.

I request you to kindly direct that the above information may be furnished to me as a member, as well as other members, before discussion is taken up in the House.

Yours sincerely,


Jayaprakash Narayan

Dr. JP seeks relevant info on AP Reorganization Bill prior to discussion

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, Kukatpally legislator and Lok Satta Party national President, today requested the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to furnish him and other Members information on a number of aspects of the AP Reorganization Bill-2013 to facilitate a meaningful discussion.

Describing it as a Bill of great significance with potentially long-term and profound consequences, Dr. JP told the Speaker that the Members are entitled to full information in advance and an opportunity to study its provisions and relevant information before the discussion commences.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Dr. JP said the following information is “absolutely essential” to facilitate “a careful, objective and dispassionate examination” of the Bill:

1. The Statement of Objects and Reasons
2. The Financial Memorandum
3. Ways and means position, revenues, grants and revenue and Plan expenditure in respect of Hyderabad city (GHMC), and the three regions of the State – Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana
4. The staff position in each region – the number of posts, department-wise; the existing staff and their origin region-wise and zone-wise; vacancies in each region
5. The pension liabilities of each region and GHMC area
6. The asset valuation and location of assets in respect of major corporations; debt and other liabilities of these corporations
7. Revenue deficits attributable to Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, GHMC area, and Telangana region excluding GHMC area
8. Other relevant details

మార్పుకి సమయం వచ్చింది, 2014కి సమయం, వనరులు ఇవ్వండి - రాష్ట్ర ప్రజలకు జేపీ పిలుపు

Lok Satta Party to make a splash in 2014 elections: Dr.JP

The Lok Sattta Party will make a splash in the 2014 elections in Andhra Pradesh by launching an aggressive campaign, declared its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today.

Addressing media conference at the conclusion of the State party Executive Committee meeting, Dr. JP appealed to people to make the Lok Satta as their platform for changing the nature of politics. The party needs thousands of volunteers and crores of rupees to emerge as an alternative political force. “I will take personal responsibility for utilizing every rupee you contribute and accounting for it transparently,” added Dr. JP.

Dr. JP said that thanks to Lok Satta’s campaign for the last 17 years people who hitherto shunned politics are coming forward to change the nature of politics by casting their votes. The Lok Satta can proudly claim that it is the first in the country to popularize the concept that politics is a noble endeavor and that people with integrity, competence and resources should plunge into politics to transform its nature. The conditions today are conducive for the Lok Satta to make a difference.

Dr. JP recalled that the movement launched by the Lok Satta for alternative politics has gained traction and produced results. The Lok Satta has been largely responsible for electoral reforms ranging from enrolment of voters and disclosure of contestants’ antecedents to collection of funds, prevention of defections and imposition of a ceiling on the size of Cabinets. It has played a stellar role in the ushering in of laws on autonomy for cooperatives, constitution of local courts, the National Health Mission, appointment of Lokpal and higher judiciary.

The Lok Satta, said Dr. JP, has a strong agenda that focuses on eradication of poverty and corruption, decentralization of power and resources, provision of Government services as a matter of right, quality education and healthcare for all, mitigating the liquor menace, 24-hour power supply, job opportunities for youth and ensuring remunerative prices to farmers for their produce.

The Lok Satta will take its agenda to the last man so that it can emerge as a strong alternative force in the next elections and change the nature of politics.

In reply to a question, Dr. JP said that the Lok Satta has close ties with the Aam Aadmi Party. It will decide on alliances at the time of elections.

State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao said that the party would devote the next few months before the elections to agitate on three important problems plaguing people. It will expose how youth have been taken for a ride in the name of Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu, unbridled liquor consumption has been ruining people and urban dwellers are exposed to a host of diseases because of unsafe drinking water.

Dr. JP added that the Government’s total expenditure on all welfare schemes ranging from supply of rice at one rupee a kg and free power supply to farmers to tuition fee reimbursement and Aarogyasri amounted to Rs.23000 crore. In contrast, the Government realized revenue of Rs.20000 crore on liquor while people spent nearly Rs.40000 crore on liquor consumption.

Dr. V. S. S. N Murthy, pediatrician, Dr. Rohini Murthy, gynecologist of Amalapuram, joined the Lok Satta Party today.

Mr. Ravi Maruth, General Secretary and Bandaru Ramamohan Rao, Vice President, took part in the media meet.

15న లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ రాష్ట్ర కార్యవర్గ సమావేశం

Lok Satta to draw up action plan

The State Working Committee of the Lok Satta Party is meeting at the State headquarters tomorrow, with State party President Katari Srinivasa Rao in the chair.

The committee will draw up a course of action against the backdrop of mounting public issues in the State and the growing support for new political culture.

The party’s national President, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, will take part in the meeting.

కొన్ని లోపాలున్నా సవరించిన లోక్ పాల్ బిల్లు ఆహ్వానించదగ్గదే: లోక్ సత్తా

Amended Lokpal Bill welcome despite lacunae: Lok Satta

The Lok Satta Party today welcomed introduction of the amended Lokpal Bill in the Rajya Sabha providing for constitution of a strong, independent and effective institution to combat corruption among politicians and civil servants in the Union Government and Parliament.

In a media statement, Lok Sata Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said the amended Lokpal Bill incorporates most of the recommendations made by the Round Table conducted by the Lok Satta in 2011.

The Lokpal Bill in its present form, however, suffers from certain lacunae. For instance, the Government has dropped provisions relating to appointment of Lokayuktas at the State level following opposition from certain parties.

Dr. JP pointed out that real corruption which affects the common man takes place at the State and local levels and it can be tackled only with the creation of strong Lokayuktas at the State level and Ombudsmen at the district level. The Government of India, having ratified the UN Convention against Corruption, is empowered to enact a law providing for strong anti corruption mechanisms at the State level too. All those committed to fighting corruption should mount struggles for creation of Lokayuktas in States now, said Dr. JP.

Dr. JP that the Lok Pal Bill does not incorporate provisions for service guarantee and imposition of penalty for failure to deliver services to ordinary citizens. The matter can be addressed by the Service Guarantee Bill which the Lok Satta has drafted at the instance of the Parliamentary Committee. The Bill should be enacted into law soon as part of the mission to combat corruption.

Dr. JP said the provisions in the Lokpal Bill relating to confiscation of properties of the corrupt are not strong enough and suggested that a Bill drafted by the Law Commission on the lines of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act (SAFEMA) be introduced in Parliament.

Dr. JP said that the BJP is right in objecting to transfer of CBI officials investigating Lokpal cases without Lokpal consent. The Government should concede the plea and make Lokpal’s concurrence mandatory for carrying out such transfers. The BJP, however, is wrong in opposing the provision that gives an opportunity to public servants to explain themselves before a full investigation is ordered. Otherwise, honest officials will be subject to unwarranted humiliation. In addition, the Lokpal will be overburdened with cases which might be dropped later for want of evidence.

Dr. JP appealed to all parties to join hands and enact the law. He recalled that the amended Lokpal Bill provides for the appointment of a high-powered panel to appoint the Lokpal as suggested by the Lok Satta Round Table 2011. The panel comprises the Prime Minister, Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Justice of India and an eminent person nominated by the four. The CBI Director is to be appointed by a panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice. There is provision for Directorates of Inquiry and Prosecution.

Dr. JP said that since a number of salutary provisions have been incorporated in the amended Bill, it should be enacted into law without further delay. It is almost one year since the Union Government conceived the law, Dr. JP pointed out.

Dr. JP appealed to Anna Hazare to withdraw the fast provided this law is enacted, or a firm commitment in writing is made by the Government and Opposition. The Lok Satta is deputing a team of senior leaders led by Mr. Surendra Srivastav, national General Secretary, to call on Anna, express support, and explain Lok Satta’s stand.

లోక్ పాల్, సర్వీస్ గ్యారంటీ, జ్యుడీషియల్ నియామకాల కమిషన్ ఈ మూడు చట్టాల్నీ ఎన్నికలకు ముందే పార్లమెంట్ తీసుకురావాలి

హైమాప్రవీణ్ పై దాడి చేసిన వారిని అరెస్టు చేయాలి: జేపీ

Courtesy: Namasthe Telangana

పేదలకు అండగా నిలిచామనే దాడులు: జేపీ

Courtesy: Eenadu

హైమాప్రవీణ్ పై దాడి పిరికిపందల చర్య: సాంబిరెడ్డి

ఓటు కొనుగోలుతోనే అవినీతి

Courtesy: Namasthe Telangana

ప్రజా చైతన్యంతోనే అవినీతి అంతం: జేపీ

Courtesy: Eenadu

ఆమ్ ఆద్మీ విజయం... కొత్త రాజకీయానికి గొప్ప మలుపు: జేపీ

Read the writing on the wall and quit immediately, Dr.JP tells Manmohan

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today demanded that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh resign immediately as he has lost the moral right to rule the country even for a day longer. The sooner he quits the better it is for the politics, economy and governance of the country.

Addressing a media conference on the outcome of the Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh Assembly elections, Dr. JP asked the Prime Minister to appreciate that the people have unequivocally rejected the Congress which has ruined the economy, divided the country, and is steeped in monumental corruption and dynastic politics.

Dr. JP said that the Aam Admi Party’s spectacular show marks the beginning of the end of traditional politics. It is a victory for the movement launched by the Lok Satta Party 17 years ago for ushering in alternative politics. The traditional parties should introspect and mend their politics instead of viewing AAP’s performance as a political challenge. They should recognize that the days of garnering votes through vote buying, fielding criminals and perpetuating dynasties are over.

Dr. JP said that people were seething with indignation over UPA rule for more than nine years now. It was for the first time after 1977 -- barring the 1984 extraordinary election in the wake of Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s assassination -- that people had given a second term for the ruling party. UPA’s failures have been colossal. It has failed to fulfill its promises on providing quality education and healthcare, eradicating poverty, creating livelihood opportunities, decentralizing administration and mitigating corruption. The economy is in a shambles. To cite one instance, power projects involving an investment of Rs.4,80,000 crore are stalled for want of clearances and gas and coal.

People’s resentment against the Congress is so deep that they roundly defeated the Shiela Dikshit’s Government despite its relatively better performance and decimated it in Rajasthan. And they rewarded the relatively good BJP Governance in both Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. The BJP’s victories cannot be attributed to a single person like Mr. Narender Modi and added that success has many fathers.

Dr. JP, who whole-heartedly congratulated the Aam Admi Party and its President Arvind Kejriwal, said the Lok Satta felt proud of its achievement in Delhi because it represented a triumph of alternative politics pioneered by the Lok Satta. The AAP debut is compelling in that it could withstand the money power, influence and organizational strength of traditional parties.

Although the Lok Satta has been the architect of many reforms, it has failed in marketing its accomplishments. It has been in the forefront in the movements for ensuring remunerative prices to farmers, restricting liquor consumption, decentralization of administration and per capita devolution of funds on local bodies, formation of village courts and extension of Government services to citizens as a matter of right. Yet, it has not mastered the art of taking its successes to people and succeed in elections like the AAP. It will have to attract poorer sections without committing any mistakes in the process.

Dr. JP said the cosmopolitan nature of Delhi and its high per capita incomes and it being the epicenter of agitations against corruption and atrocities on women have enabled the AAP to stage its impressive show. In contrast, the situation in Andhra Pradesh is highly polarized with all traditional parties exploiting caste, religion, region and language and offering money, liquor and sops for votes.

In reply to a question, Dr. JP said that the Lok Satta would think of electoral alliances if they were to help it accomplish its goals and pursue its agenda.

Dr. JP said that one heartening feature of the elections in the four States is that people who have hitherto detested politics and politicians have exercised their franchise.

State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao, Vice Presidents D. V. V. S. Varma and Y. D. Rama Rao, General Secretary Ravi Martuh and Disciplinary Committee Secretary L. V. Ramaraju took part in the media meet.

అవినీతిని ఎదుర్కోవటంపై 9న లోక్ సత్తా ఆధ్వర్యంలో సమావేశం

Lok Satta Conference on Combating Corruption

To mark the International Anti Corruption Day on December 9, the Lok Satta movement is organizing a conference of prominent citizens of Hyderabad at 3-00 p.m. at the Press Club, Basheer Bagh.

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan will be opening the conference to be presided over by Mr. Anwar Khan (social activist).

The participants include Prof. K. Nageswar (MLC), Mr. M. Padmanabha Reddy (Forum for Good Governance), Dr. V. B. J. Rao Chelikani (social activist), Mr. T. L. Narasimha Rao (Lok Satta), Mr. Venugopal Reddy (Ekalavya Foundation), Mr. K. Srinivasa Reddy (senior journalist), Mr. Mazhar Hussain (COVA), Mr. R. Venkat Reddy (M. V. Foundation), Mr. Loknath (Jai Bharat), and N. Premkumar (CASA).

The participants will speak on the importance of institutional arrangements, the Right to Information Act, citizen’s charters and civil society organizations in combating corruption.

ఫెడరలిజంపై దాడి నుంచి దేశాన్ని రక్షించండి: జేపీ

Save the country from onslaught on federalism: Dr.JP

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today appealed to the President of India and all parties in Parliament to save the country from the onslaught mounted by the UPA Government against federalism.

Addressing a media conference on the Bill adopted by the Union Cabinet to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh, Dr. JP said that the President of India has to act as bridge between States and the Center. If the Andhra Pradesh Legislature rejects the Bill to bifurcate the State, the President has to take note of it and refrain from recommending its passage by Parliament. All political parties in Parliament should realize the threat to federalism posed by the minority UPA Government’s unilateral and dictatorial decision to divide Andhra Pradesh.

Quoting the saying that ‘fools rush in where angels fear to tread,’ Dr. JP said that the Union Government has chosen to divide the State without working out a consensus among all regions.

Dr. JP recalled that in respect of formation of States so far, the Union Government has always obtained the prior consent of the State or followed the recommendations of a commission or committee before it created any State. The Union Government has now chosen to set a dangerous precedent that threatens to undermine the unity and federal character of the country. India has become a de facto unitary nation with the Union Cabinet decision.

Dr. JP pointed out that the Union Governments in the past had brought about a consensus among all regions before it divided any State through patient negotiation. Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav who asserted that Jharkhand could be formed only over his dead body himself came round to moving the division resolution in the Assembly after negotiations.

Dr. JP said that the UPA Government has decided to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh without addressing attendant problems. The 120-page Union Cabinet is silent on addressing problems of the most backward region of Rayalaseema. It does not say how the residual Andhra Pradesh is to be run with an annual revenue deficit of Rs.7000 crore following the loss of Hyderabad.

Dr. JP appealed to people to voice their protest peacefully without resorting to violence or disrupting normal life. Theirs is a fight against the egoistic Delhi rulers and for preserving the federal set-up.

Replying to a question, Dr. JP said that there should be voting in the Legislature on the bifurcation Bill or the members’ views taken in writing. When asked whether Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema legislators who are in a majority would ever allow formation of Telangana, Dr. JP pointed out that all the States hitherto formed had only minority members in the Legislature. But a concensus was arrived at through patient negotiations.

Dr. JP reiterated that the Lok Satta would welcome formation of Telangana as part of a comprehensive and amicable settlement among all regions of the State. The UPA Government has decided to bifurcate the State not out of love for the people of Telangana but with an eye on votes and seats in the next general elections.

State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao, Vice President Y. D. Rama Rao and Secretary Nandipet Ravinder took part in the media meet.

అన్ని సరిహద్దుల్నీ అధిగమించిన మండేలా - జేపీ నివాళి

Mandela, an iconic hero: Dr.JP

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said today that “moral giant and iconic hero” Nelson Mandela, along with Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, “will continue to inspire millions across the world since true heroism transcends all barriers.”

In a media statement, Dr. JP said that Mandela had no trace of prejudice or bitterness. He proved that love, human dignity and strength of spirit can conquer all and shape history. He symbolized the best of humanity and had been the mankind’s conscience keeper for decades. His zest for life is legendary, Dr, JP added.

Lok Satta Times Dec 1st-15th, 2013

Lok Satta Times Dec 1st-15th, 2013 can be downloaded from the following link.

http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2013-12-01-15.pdf

ఫెడరల్ స్ఫూర్తిని, తెలుగు ప్రజల ప్రయోజనాల్ని పరిరక్షించేందుకు శాయశక్తులా కృషి: కటారి

చదువుతో పాటు సమాజాన్ని అధ్యయనం చేయాలి

Courtesy: Eenadu

వైద్య విద్యార్థులకు ఏకాగ్రత అవసరం

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

ఇష్టమొచ్చిన రీతిలో విభజిస్తే అడ్డుకుంటాం: జేపీ

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ని విభజించే ముందు శాసనసభ ఆమోదాన్ని తీసుకోవాలి: రాష్ట్రపతికి జేపీ లేఖ