కనీసం రాష్ట్రపతి పాలనైనా రెండు రాష్ట్రాల ప్రజల మధ్య సామరస్యాన్ని, సుహృద్భావాన్ని పెంచాలి: జేపీ

Lok Satta welcomes President’s rule

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said there is no alternative to President’s rule in the murky circumstances prevailing in Andhra Pradesh.

In a media statement, Dr. JP pointed out that the Government has ceased to exist in the State for the last two years with Ministers squabbling among themselves forgetting their collective responsibility and the Legislature becoming dysfunctional for the last four years.

The Central leadership, which has derailed the economy and is steeped in corruption, has succeeded merely in destabilizing Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. JP hoped that amity and good will will be restored between people of the two States – Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at least under President’s rule. Steps should be taken to restore governance, ensure a bright future for the people of the two States, and help them get over the nightmare they have gone through.

Tribute to Janamaddi

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said the passing away of Janamaddi Hanumacchastry is a great loss to Telugu language and literature. His services as founder secretary of the CP Brown Library at Kadapa are remarkable, added Dr. JP.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party from 23rd to 25th Feb 2014

2014-02-23

TheHansIndia - What Lok Satta proposed

2014-02-24

Eenadu - లోక్ సత్తాలో రెండు కమిటీలు

2014-02-25

Andhrabhoomi - రెండు రాష్ట్రాలకు లోక్ సత్తా కమిటీలు

Andhrajyothy - రెండు రాష్ట్రాల్లోను లోక్ సత్తా చారిత్రక అవసరం

Eenadu - రెండు రాష్ట్రాల్లో లోక్ సత్తా చారిత్రాత్మక అవసరం: కటారి

MetroIndia - Lok Satta forms panels for Telangana, residuary AP

NamastheTelangana - లోక్ సత్తా సమన్వయ కమిటీలు ఏర్పాటు

Prajasakthi - రెండు రాష్ట్రాల్లో సమన్వయ కమిటీల ఏర్పాటు

TheHansIndia - LSP regional panels for T, Seemandhra

TheIndianExpress - LSP Forms Two State Panels

Vaartha - రెండు రాష్ట్రాల్లోనూ లోక్ సత్తా సమన్వయ కమిటీల ఏర్పాటు

Visalandhra - రెండు రాష్ట్రాల్లో లోక్ సత్తా చారిత్రక అవసరం

రెండు రాష్ట్రాలలోనూ లోక్ సత్తా చారిత్రక అవసరం

Lok Satta forms committees for Telangana and AP

The Lok Satta Party has constituted two coordination committees -- one each for Andhra Pradesh and the other for Telangana– as the first step towards realizing the dreams and aspirations of the people in the two States.

Announcing this in a media statement, State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao said that the Lok Satta is the first party to form two committees for the two States. The two committees will meet at Guntur and Hyderabad on March 2.

The decision to form the two coordination committees, taken by the party’s State working Committee on February 23, was approved by the party’s national working Committee on February 24.

The Andhra Pradesh Coordination Committee has State party Vice President D. V. V. S. Varma as Convener and regional Vice Presidents Y. D. Rama Rao and Omkar and Secretary Bhisetty Babji as Co-conveners.

The Telangana Coordination Committee has regional Vice President Bandaru Ramamohan Rao as Convener and Secretary Nandipet Ravinder as Co-convener.

State Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao and General Secretary P. Ravi Maruth will be members of the two coordination committees until official committees are elected formally.

State Working Committee members will have the option to join either of the committees.

The coordination committees will co-opt not more than seven members giving representation to youth, women and weaker sections.

The State Executive Committee decided to co-opt Mr. G. Raja Reddy, Dr. P. R. Rao and Mr. V. Vijayender Reddy as members of the Telangana Coordination Committee.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that Lok Satta’s new politics is a historic necessity to realize people’s aspirations and dreams. Because of the indefatigable efforts put in by the party team led by Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan at both the State and national levels, justice has been rendered to the extent possible to the Seemandhra region even as the Telangana State is formed. The Union Government which sought to bifurcate the State as per its wishes was forced to accept Lok Satta amendments to a large extent. The BJP which adopted Lok Satta suggestions as its own fought for them in the Rajya Sabha, he added.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on 22nd Feb 2014

Andhraboomi - ఆంధ్ర రాజధాని అంశాన్ని శాసనసభకు వదిలేయాలి: జేపీ

Andhrajyothy - లోక్ సత్తా కృషి ఫలించింది

Andhraprabha - తెలుగు తేజం యాత్ర పునః ప్రారంభం

Eenadu - మా సవరణలే ప్రతిఫలించాయి

Metro India - Lok Satta Party is proud that it has secured the economic future of Telugu people. Most of the amendments LSP had suggested to the bill have been incorporated

Metro India - Lok Satta ensured economic future of Telugus: JP

Namasthe Telangana - విభజనపై లోతైన వ్యూహం: జేపీ

Prajasakthi - మా కృషి ఫలించింది: లోక్ సత్తా

Sakshi - అసెంబ్లీ నిర్ణయం మేరకే రాజధాని: జేపీ

Surya - తెలుగు ప్రజల భవిష్యత్తును పరిరక్షించాం

The Hans India - We ensured justice to all 3 regions: JP

The Hindu - LSP secured future of Telugus: JP

Vaartha - తెలుగు ప్రజల ఆర్థిక భవితను పరిరక్షించిన లోక్ సత్తా

తెలుగు ప్రజల ఆర్థిక భవిష్యత్తుని పరిరక్షించిన లోక్ సత్తా, పార్టీ సవరణల ఆమోదం పట్ల జేపీ హర్షం

Lok Satta has ensured the economic future of Telugu People, asserts Dr.JP

The Lok Satta Party is legitimately proud that it has secured the economic future of the Telugu people. Most of the amendments LokSatta had suggested to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill have been incorporated, its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan asserted today.

Addressing a media conference, Dr. JP wanted people to ponder once again whether a vote to the Lok Satta will go waste. Has any one of the 293 others for whom the people voted in the last Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections has made a single suggestion to resolve the issues arising out of the State’s bifurcation? The credit for making rational, logical, constructive and practicable proposals when division of the State became inevitable goes solely to the Lok Satta, Dr. JP said.

Dr. JP maintained that the Lok Satta has ensured justice to all the three regions of the State through its amendments. However, people can realize their dreams only when they change the very nature of politics. If they continue to patronize politics of money power, dynasty, caste and religion, there won’t be any change in their lives. They should vote for the Lok Satta which can provide leaders of integrity, competence and vision. Dr JP called upon the youth, and enlightened sections to utilize the LokSatta platform, emerge as leaders and promote the prosperity and future of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States.

Dr. JP complimented the BJP for owning up the amendments proposed by the Lok Satta and ensuring that most of them are incorporated in the Bifurcation Bill. He also complimented some leaders in the Congress who belatedly realized the consequences of their decision to bifurcate the State and initiated damage control measures.

Dr. JP recalled that when the Government did not furnish the data the LokSatta sought on the financial implications of bifurcation, the party had to collect and collate data and present it to all those who mattered ranging from the President and Prime Minister to leaders of the Congress and the BJP. All those who took part in the debate in the Rajya Sabha had quoted the data furnished by him.

The greatest problem the residuary or new Andhra Pradesh faced concerned the huge deficit it faces following Hyderabad city which enjoys a surplus of Rs.13000 crore becoming part of Telangana. The challenge is to compensate for the loss of future AP State, without sharing revenues of Hyderabad city. The Center has now offered to make good the deficit. Thus, the overall resources of Telugu people will be enhanced leading to a win-win solution.

To promote industrialization, the Lok Satta had suggested that North Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema be declared as Special Category Regions and extended all incentives granted to Special Category States. The Union Government has agreed to treat the entire residuary Andhra Pradesh as a Special Category State. It will result in huge transfer of funds from the Center to the new State as also huge grants for Centrally-sponsored schemes.

Future Andhra Pradesh state will now get tax exemptions in excise duty and corporate income tax on par with states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal. This will boost industrialization and job creation. Rayalaseema and North Coastal AP will also get special assistance for economic development on par with Bundelkhand.

On Polavaram, the Center has agreed to include most of Bhadrachalam division in Andhra Pradesh to ensure that the project can be completed without any hassles. It has also ensured continuation of all ongoing projects based on surplus water in the Krishna basin benefiting both the States.

The Center has agreed to take up establishment of a 4000-mw thermal power plant and construction of roads in Telangana. It has made firm commitments in place of vague promises on establishment of educational institutions and creation of infrastructure facilities in residuary Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. JP said that the Center and main opposition party have also agreed to amend the Constitution if courts strike down entrustment of law and order in Hyderabad City to the Governor as unconstitutional.

Dr. JP underlined that people have to remain vigilant and ensure that whichever party comes to power at the Center will redeem all the commitments made by the present UPA Government.

Dr. JP appealed to people of Seemandhra to shed their sense of loss over Hyderabad city becoming part of Telangana. Barring Government jobs, every Indian will continue to enjoy all the facilities they have been enjoying in Hyderabad city.

“There is the great task of fulfilling the aspirations of Telangana youth in front of us. And there is the greater task of helping future Andhra Pradesh overcome the sense of loss, acquire confidence, and promote prosperity. Both States should emerge as the top two States in India in a decade. That should be our goal. The LokSatta is ready to stand by the people to fulfill this dream”, Dr JP asserted.

State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao, Vice President D. V. V. S. Varma, Working Committee member Nandipet Ravinder and Yuva Satta President P. Sivaji took part in the media conference.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on 20th Feb 2014

Andhra jyothy - గొడ్డలితో 'నరికినట్టు'..

Eenadu - రాష్ట్రపతి పాలనే మంచిది

Metro India - Centre duty-bound to meet Seemandhra revenue deficit

Prajasakthi - రాష్ట్రపతి పాలనే మేలు

Sakshi - రాష్ట్రంలో రాష్ట్రపతి పాలనే మేలు: జేపీ

Surya - ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ఆదాయ లోటును కేంద్రమే భర్తీ చేయాలి

The Hans India - JP demands Centre to address revenue deficit of Seemandhra

The Hindu - Prez rule a necessity: JP

The Indian Express - Centre Should Address State's Revenue Deficit: JP

Vaartha - గవర్నర్ కు శాంతిభద్రతల బాధ్యత రాజ్యాంగరీత్యా చెల్లదు: జేపీ

Lok Satta Times Feb 16th-28th, 2014

Lok Satta Times Feb 16th-28th, 2014 can be downloaded from the following link.

http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2014-02-16-28.pdf

మిగిలిన ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ఆదాయ లోటును కేంద్రమే భర్తీ చేయాలి: జేపీ

Center duty-bound to meet deficit of Residuary Andhra Pradesh: Dr.JP

The Union Government is solely responsible for addressing the revenue deficit the residuary Andhra Pradesh will face as a direct consequence of its decision to create Telangana, said Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today.

Addressing a media conference, Dr. JP disclosed that leaders of both the ruling UPA and the main Opposition BJP have welcomed the specific suggestions made by the Lok Satta Party to address the deficit issue and promised to incorporate them in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill.

Dr. JP said that the Union Government seems to be trying to wriggle out of its commitment under the pretext it involves huge expenditure.

The Lok Satta Party had conclusively established that the residuary Andhra Pradesh will face a revenue deficit of Rs.7000 crore according to 2012-13 data and perhaps Rs.10000 crore at present, whereas Hyderabad city which forms part of Telangana will have a surplus of Rs.13000 crore. How does the Center which opted for Andhra Pradesh bifurcation expect the residuary Andhra Pradesh to carry on its administration with such a huge deficit?

Dr. JP demanded that the Union Government should take care of residuary Andhra Pradesh’s deficit for the next 10 years by making provisions in the reorganization Bill. Has not the Union Government claimed that it is undertaking bifurcation for ensuring the progress of the two States?

Dr. JP reiterated his suggestion that Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra be treated on par with Special Category States and extended excise and corporate income tax concessions and investment and freight subsidies to promote industrialization. Development of Ramayapatnam port and the building of a new capital in less than 10 years are the other suggestions made by the Lok Satta.

Dr. JP said that the Constitution should be amended if the Governor were to be entrusted with law and order as was done in the case of Arunachal Pradesh.

Dr. JP maintained that the UPA used a blunt bludgeon and a battle axe instead of a sharp scalpel to carve Andhra Pradesh into two States and ignored the consequences flowing out of its action. Even now, it is not late to do justice to all the regions of the State by adopting the amendments suggested by the Lok Satta.

Dr. JP acknowledged that the Union Government has accepted its suggestions on execution of the Polavaram project, continuation of ongoing Krishna river projects in both the regions, establishment of a 4000 mw thermal power station and construction of roads in Telangana and providing fast connectivity between Hyderabad and the new capital of residuary Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. JP pointed out that the people have paid a heavy price for the unbridled and unabashed quest for power of the traditional parties. Politics should revolve round people and not leaders. Politics should result in administration being taken to people’s door-step, elimination of corruption, eradication of poverty, provision of quality education and healthcare to all, maintenance of rule of law, creation of jobs and livelihoods. The need of the hour is political leadership with integrity, maturity and competence.

Dr. JP appealed to people to utilize the Lok Satta as their platform and become partners in rewriting the grammar of politics. He wanted the media to re-instill confidence in people in their future and not fuel their despair and disappointment over the recent developments.

Replying to a question, he said imposition of President’s rule is ideal in the wake of Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy’s resignation as Chief Minister.

Lok Satta leaders Irama Murthy, Nandipet Ravinder and Mohd. Ghose took part in the media conference.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on 19th Feb 2014

Andhrajyothy - భవిష్యత్తుపై దృష్టి పెడదాం

Eenadu - విభజన తీరు బాగోలేదు: జేపీ

MetroIndia - let us focus on future, JP appeals to Telugus

PrajaSakthi - భవిష్యత్తుపై దృష్టి పెడదాం: జేపీ

గతం మీద కాదు, భవిష్యత్తు మీద దృష్టి పెడదాం - తెలుగు ప్రజలకు జేపీ విజ్ఞప్తి

Let us focus on future and not past, Dr.JP appeals to Telugu people

“It is not a time for either triumphalism or sorrow; it is the time for resolute, united action to build a better future for all Telugu people”, said Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today on the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in the Lok Sabha. “Now we must focus on future and not the past.”

In a media statement, Dr. JP appealed to Telugu people not to allow seeds of discord to affect our lives and livelihood. “The political games the parties play should not affect the future of our society. Telugus have a long and distinguished history, distinct culture, language and literature. The bonds of unity among people are much stronger than political boundaries that are drawn. We must all work for the betterment of all the three regions in the coming years. We must all raise our voice together if an issue that affects all Telugu people arises and ensure that the future is secure.”

Commenting on the way the Bill has been passed, Dr. JP said it is a classic case of how a new State is not to be formed. “It is well known that creation of a Telangana State has been a long pending demand of people in Telangana region. While forming a State, it is necessary to ensure that there are no winners or losers and that all people emerge as winners. Unfortunately, the UPA Government and the Lok Sabha have failed to reconcile the conflicting interests of all the three regions in the State.”

Dr. JP said, “A wise and enlightened leadership would have handled the sensitive issue with foresight, vision and wisdom and carried all the three regions with it. But the way the whole issue is handled and the Bill drafted and passed by the Lok Sabha is a classic case of how a new State should not be formed.”

Dr. JP recalled the Lok Satta Party had suggested specific amendments to ensure a sound economic future for all the regions of the State and see to it that deficits do not plague either State in the coming years. Both the UPA Government and the main Opposition party have publicly acknowledged the strength of the issues raised and repeatedly assured incorporation of the amendments in the Bill.

“However, there is no clarity on the final provisions in the Bill. Both the Government and the main Opposition Party should have reached out to the nation and given confidence to all the three regions that the provisions have been incorporated. They have, however, failed to do so. It is vital that these provisions are incorporated in full measure in a credible and transparent manner.”

Dr. JP pointed out the Lok Satta has all along maintained that creation of a new State will not alter anything significantly. A lot of work needs to be done to bring Government to people, give economic opportunity to every child, create jobs, end corruption and re-instil confidence in the democratic process.”

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on 18th Feb 2014

Eenadu - 'మౌలికం'గా బాగాలేదు

MetroIndia - AP's requests for infra projects ignored in Union budget: JP

Prajasakthi - మౌలికం పట్టని కేంద్ర బడ్జెట్: లోక్ సత్తా

Surya - ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ అభ్యర్థనలను పట్టించుకోని కేంద్ర బడ్జెట్

TheHansIndia - JP dubs Chidu's budget as gloomy, disappointing

TheHindu - Union Budget a big letdown

The Indian Express - Budget is Disappointing, Offers Nothing for AP: JP

Vaartha - మౌలిక వసతుల ప్రాజెక్టుల కోసం రాష్ట్ర అభ్యర్థనల్ని పట్టించుకోని కేంద్ర బడ్జెట్: జేపీ

Visalandhra - రాష్ట్ర అభ్యర్థనేదీ? : జేపీ

మౌలిక వసతుల ప్రాజెక్టుల కోసం ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ చేసిన అభ్యర్థనల్ని పట్టించుకోని కేంద్ర బడ్జెట్: జేపీ

AP’s requests for infrastructure projects ignored in Union Budget: Dr.JP

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today regretted that Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in his Vote-on-Account Budget for 2014-15 totally ignored the requests for many infrastructure projects to address regional imbalances in Andhra Pradesh. There was not even a mention of the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor.

In a media statement, Dr. JP described the overall budget as gloomy and disappointing. The only silver lining is that the Finance Minister has shown signs of fiscal consolidation after years of dithering. He has limited the fiscal deficit in 2013-14 to 4.6 percent of GDP by deferring some liabilities.

“What is most disturbing is the fall in manufacturing and mining which give a boost to the economy and create employment. At a time tens of millions of young people have remained unemployed, the much-advertised National Skill Development Corporation has imparted skills to a mere 77000 people. Scores of projects entailing investments of lakhs of crores of rupees continue to languish. All that the Government has done in the last one year is to contain the damage caused by prolonged policy paralysis.”

Dr. JP said that agriculture has recorded commendable growth thanks to good monsoons, and not due to any Government efforts. The Union Finance Minister has not made any effort to reduce pulses and edible oil imports or boost their indigenous production through fiscal measures and incentives. He has not made any attempt to promote value addition through processing, considering the continuing food inflation despite the spurt in agricultural production.

Dr. JP said: “The Finance Minister has sought to conceal the UPA government’s fiscal profligacy, shallowness of public policy and absence of resolve to strengthen the economy by rhetorical flourishes. However the fact remains that this is a desperate attempt to defend a weak record in a decade of lost opportunity.”

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on 16th and 17th Feb 2014

2014-02-17

Eenadu - Members Joining in Lok Satta Party

Eenadu - జేపీ.. ఆటో నడిపి..

NamastheTelangana - సమస్యల పరిష్కారం కోసమే ముఖాముఖి: 'జేపీ'

Sakshi - జేపీ.. ఆటో

Sakshi - అసంఘటితరంగ కార్మికులకు బీమా సౌకర్యం: జేపీ

Surya - మీ బతుకుబండికి లోక్ సత్తా భరోసా

TheHansIndia - JP promises livelihood security in unorganized sector

TheIndianExpress - JP interacts with Carpenters, Masons

Vaartha - రానున్న ఎన్నికల్లో సత్తా చూపేందుకు సిద్ధమవుతున్న లోక్ సత్తా

2014-02-16

Sakshi - అసంఘటిత రంగంలోని కార్మికులను ఆదుకోవాలి

Vaartha - అసంఘటిత కార్మికులను ఆదుకోవడంలో ప్రభుత్వం పూర్తిగా విఫలం: జేపీ

మీ బతుకుబండికి లోక్ సత్తా రూట్ లోనే భరోసా, లారీ, ఆటో, ప్రైవేటు బస్సు డ్రైవర్లు, క్లీనర్లతో జేపీ

Transport workers pour out their woes to Dr.JP

The Lok Satta Party is drawing up a comprehensive and practicable plan to ensure livelihood security to nearly one crore families engaged in the unorganized sector in the State, its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan announced here today.

Dr. JP interacted with workers engaged in the private transport tractor at different places in Hyderabad today as part of the party’s bid to evolve a people’s manifesto for the ensuing general elections.

Private bus drivers and cleaners told Dr. JP at Kukatpally that they do not have any place to rest during the day after they complete their night journey. They do not enjoy any ESI and PF benefits. They have to reckon with harassment by police and transport personnel. Their families are forced to starve if they fall ill or meet with an accident. They have not been able provide good education to their children because of meager incomes.

Truck drivers and owners at Moosapet truck parking centre told Dr. JP that no politician has bothered about them so far, although they play a significant role in keeping the economy moving. In their anxiety to adhere to restrictions on entry into cities, they resort to over-speeding and meet with accidents. The third party insurance premium is high and private financiers charge 36 percent interest on loans for purchase of trucks. They badly need pensions.

Auto rickshaw drivers at Secunderabad railway station told Dr. JP that they had to waste four to five hours to get CNG as there are only a few filling stations in the city. Police harassment and fines have become routine. The driver does not get any insurance benefit in case of an accident although the vehicle has third party insurance. They have to spend a fortune on providing private school education to their children.

Dr. JP steered an auto along with a driver for a while.

In his interactions, Dr. JP said that nearly two million people are engaged in the unorganized transport sector in the State. The Lok Satta Party is committed to turning a new leaf in the lives of people in the unorganized sector. They should vote for a party which takes care of their well being and not one which is concerned with leaders’ prosperity.

Kukatpally Lok Satta Party President Kommu Satteyya and Sanatnagar MLA contestant Hyma Praveen were among those who accompanied Dr. JP.

On Monday, February 17, Dr. JP will be interacting with employees of shops and establishments in Sanatnagar and employees of private schools and healthcare facilities in Musheerabad.

రూ.1000 కోట్ల నిధులున్నా సంక్షేమం సున్న - భవన నిర్మాణ కార్మికుల సమస్యలు తెలుసుకున్న జేపీ

Lok Satta leaders interact with unorganized workers

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan and State unitPresident Katari Srinivasa Rao today began interacting with people engaged in the unorganized sector as part of their bid to draft an election manifesto that addresses their problems and fulfils their aspirations.

The two leaders interacted with casual workers (adda coolies), carpenters and masons in Seri Lingampalli constituency and electricians and other building workers in Jubilee Hills constituency. Dr. JP tried his hand with a carpenter’s chisel and a mason’s trowel during his visit.

Women workers pointed out that there has been no change in their lives whichever party happens to be in power. They have to reckon with insecure jobs, accidents at workplaces and liquor addiction of their spouses. Carpenters bemoaned that they are not adequately compensated for their work and as a result they have not been able to take care of the education and healthcare needs of their children. Masons said that although five masons died in accidents every day in Hyderabad, none is coming to the rescue of their families. They demanded that safety regulations be strictly implemented to prevent accidents.

Dr. JP said that the State Government has collected Rs.1023 crore from builders towards a welfare fund for construction workers but spent Rs.63 crore only on them so far.

Dr. JP told the workers that real politics should aim at eradicating poverty. He sought their support for the Lok Satta Party which is committed to ushering in a new dawn in the lives of unorganized workers.

Among those who accompanied Dr. JP and Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao were Mr. Gorti Srinivas, GHMC unit Vice President and Mr. Bontu Sambireddy, party contestant from Jubilee Hills constituency.

On Sunday (February 16), Dr. JP and other leaders will be interacting with workers engaged in the private transport sector in Kukatpalli (9-11 a.m.) and Sanatnagar (12 noon) constituencies and at Secunderabad railway station (1 p.m.).

లక్ష్మునాయుడి ఆమరణ దీక్షను విరమింపచేసిన జేపీ

Lok Satta leader calls off fast

Mr. Reddi Lakshmu Naidu, Lok Satta Party leader of Cheepurupalli, called off his indefinite fast today following intervention of Lok Satta Party’s national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan.

Mr. Lakshmu Naidu had begun his fast on February 12 to protest the attack on Dr. JP at Andhra Bhavan in New Delhi the previous day by some Telangana lawyers.

Learning of Mr. Lakshmu Naidu’s deteriorating health, Dr. JP who was interacting with workers in the unorganized sector at Chandanagar here, called him up over phone and advised him to give up the fast. There is no point in young people staking their health on the issue since the law will take care of miscreants who attacked him, Dr. JP told Mr. Lakshmu Naidu. Instead, he should focus on the lofty goals of the party, Dr. JP added.

Following Dr. JP’s instructions to North Coastal Andhra party leader Bhisetty Babji, Vizianagaram district unit leaders D. Sai Parthasaradhi, Chintalapudi and Appala Raju visited Cheepurupalli and made Mr. Lakshmu Naidu end his fast.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on Feb 15th, 2014

AndhraJyothy - తొలి ప్రేమెంత మధురమో తొలి ఓటు అంత ముఖ్యం

Eenadu - జనం నుంచి అజెండా

Eenadu - దేశాన్ని ప్రేమించే వారే నిజమైన హీరోలు

MetroIndia - Lok Satta to drwa up a people's manifesto

TheHansIndia - LSP plans people's manifesto

TheHindu - LSP to draw up people's manifesto

Vaartha - నేటి నుండి జేపీ 'జనం నుండి అజెండా'

దేశాన్ని ప్రేమించే వారే నిజమైన హీరోలు

Courtesy: Eenadu

15 నుంచి జేపీ 'జనం నుంచి అజెండా', ఎన్నికల మేనిఫెస్టోకి లోక్ సత్తా శ్రీకారం

Lok Satta to draw up a People’s manifesto

The Lok Satta Party, which is ahead of all other parties in naming candidates for 25 seats in the 2014 elections to the Legislative Assembly, is now gearing up itself to finalize a ‘Janam nunchi agenda” (a people’s manifesto) to realize the dreams and aspirations of different sections of people.

As a first step, Lok Satta Party’s national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, State President Katari Srinivasa Rao and other leaders will be interacting with mostly disadvantaged and voiceless people engaged in the unorganized sector in Hyderabad city for four days beginning tomorrow, Saturday (February 15).

According to Lok Satta Party estimates, there are nearly a crore of people in the unorganized sector in Andhra Pradesh, Broadly they come under the categories of building and other construction workers like carpenters, plumbers and electricians, motor transport workers including taxi and auto drivers, employees of shops and establishments including private schools and healthcare institutions, self-employed people ranging from barbers and tailors to potters and weavers and senior citizens.

“This is only the beginning in our bid to draft a manifesto of the people and for the people. We will meet other sections like youth, women and farmers in the days to come all over the State,” said a top Lok Satta Paty leader.

The Lok Satta Party believes in making people self-reliant, in contrast to traditional parties which try to woo them in elections by offering sops.

During their interaction with various sections of people, Lok Satta leaders would like to get a feedback on their problems, aspirations and ambitions and ways of addressing them.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on Feb 12th and 14th, 2014

2014-02-14

Andhra Jyothy - MLA's Group Photo

Eenadu - ఇలాంటి పార్టీలు ఇంకా కావాలా..?

Namasthe Telangana - MLA's Group Photo

The Hans India - MLA's Group Photo


2014-02-12

Andhra Jyothy - కల్తీ కల్లు తాగిన బాధితులకు పరామర్శ

Eenadu - బాధితులకు సర్కార్ సహాయం అందించాలి: లోక్ సత్తా

Visalandhra - కల్తీ కల్లు తాగి 30 మందికి అస్వస్థత

ఇలాంటి పార్టీలు ఇంకా కావాలా..?

Courtesy: Eenadu

బాధితులకు సర్కార్ సహాయం అందించాలి: లోక్ సత్తా

Courtesy: Eenadu

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on Feb 13th, 2014

Andhrajyothy - జేపీపై దాడి అమానుషం

Andhrajyothy - జేపీకి భద్రత కోసం డీజీపీని కలిసిన నేతలు

Eenadu - జేపీపై దాడి సరికాదు

Eenadu - సీమకు ప్రత్యేక ప్రతిపత్తికి అభ్యంతరమేంటి?

Eenadu - డీజీపీని కలిసిన లోక్ సత్తా నేతలు

NamastheTelangana - జేపీకి సెక్యూరిటీని పునరుద్ధరించాలి

Sakshi - అన్ని ప్రాంతాలకు న్యాయాన్ని కోరుతున్నాం

Vaartha - ప్రశాంత వాతావరణంలో సమస్యను పరిష్కరించుకుందాం: జేపీ

Vaartha - జేపీపై దాడి ప్రజాస్వామ్యంపై జరిగిన దాడి

Vaartha - జేపీపై దాడికి చంద్రబాబు ఖండన

జేపీపై దాడి చేసినవారిని అరెస్టు చేయాలి: లోక్ సత్తా

Attackers on Dr. JP should be Arrested: Lok Satta Party

The Lok Satta Party today demanded Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy to ensure that those guilty of attacking its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi on February 11 are arrested and punished.

Taking part in a party dharna at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park here today to protest against the attack on Dr. JP, State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao also demanded that stringent action be taken against police personnel who indulged in violence and abusive language against Lok Satta workers observing a peaceful protest at Ambedkar statue near Liberty on the night of February 11.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao pointed out that the Lok Satta Party has never indulged in double speak and all along maintained that the State cannot be kept either united or separated forcibly. Dr. JP has the distinction of unveiling a comprehensive and amicable solution that takes care of the interests of all the regions in the State. Instead of appreciating him, some Telangana protagonists have chosen to indulge in physical assault on Dr. JP, he said.

Expressing solidarity with the Lok Satta Party, Mr. N. Tulasi Reddy of the Congress said attempts to extinguish freedom of speech would lead to untoward consequences. Mr. Linga Reddy of the TDP described the attack on Dr. JP as undemocratic. Mr. Venkata Reddy of the MCPI (U) expressed his support for the Lok Satta cause.

Among those who took part in the sit-in were Lok Satta’s state vice-president Allu Ramesh Reddy, secretary Nandipet Ravinder, Mahila Satta, Yuva Satta State Presidents N. Saroja Devi, P. Shivaji Raju, GHMC unit President Dosapati Ramu, vice- presidents G. Srinivas, P. Bhavani, party leaders K. Gangadhara Rao, Hyma Praveen, B. Sambi Reddy, N. Nagendra Babu and Rohit Kumar.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao and other Lok Satta Party leaders met Director General of Police B. Prasada Rao and sought suspension of Saifabad Circle Inspector Umender who indulged in physical and verbal violence against party workers including women and media personnel.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao told the DGP that the Lok Satta has never indulged in agitations that disrupt law and order and people’s lives in its 18-year history. When it was peacefully protesting against the attack on Dr. JP on the night of February 11, Saifabad police pounced on them without any provocation and indulged in physical and verbal violence. The party’s GHMC unit President, Mr. Dosapati Ramu, sustained injuries in the police action.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers on Feb 11th and 12th, 2014

2014-Feb-12

Andhra Jyothy - కాలరు పట్టి.. గుంజి కిందపడేసి..

Andhra Jyothy - జేపీపై తెలంగాణ వాదుల దాడికి నిరసనగా ఆందోళన

Andhra Jyothy - సోదరుల మధ్య చిచ్చుపెట్టి వినోదమా?: జేపీ

Andhra Jyothy - కల్తీ కల్లు తాగిన బాధితులకు పరామర్శ

Eenadu - జేపీపై దాడికి యత్నం Part - 2

Eenadu - జేపీపై దాడి హేయమైన చర్య: లోక్ సత్తా

Eenadu - నాంపల్లి పోలీస్ స్టేషన్ లో లోక్ సత్తా నేతల నిరసన

Eenadu - బాధితులకు సర్కార్ సహాయం అందించాలి: లోక్ సత్తా

Metro India - Jayaprakash attacked

Metro India - Even Telangana people will not condone the attack on Dr.JP, who is being appreciated by almost all political parties for his constructive suggestions - Katari Srinivasa Rao

Namasthe Telangana - తెలంగాణపై స్పష్టత ఇవ్వండి

Sakshi - ఏపీ భవన్ లో జేపీపై దాడి Part - 2

Metro India - జేపీపై దాడిని నిరసిస్తూ లోక్ సత్తా ఆందోళన

The Hans India - JP faces wrath of T protesters

The Hindu - Attack on Lok Satta chief triggers protest

Vaartha - ఢిల్లీలో జేపీపై 'టి' లాయర్ల దౌర్జన్యం

Visalandhra - కల్తీ కల్లు తాగి 30 మందికి అస్వస్థత

2014-Feb-11

Andhra Jyothy - అధికారం కోసం రాష్ట్రాన్ని వల్లకాడు చేస్తారు: జేపీ

Eenadu - ఓట్లు రాలే అంశాలకే ప్రాధాన్యమా: జేపీ

Eenadu - నెట్టింట నాడి పట్టేనంట

Metro India - People should vote for LSP if they are interested in good education, quality healthcare, employment and law and order - Dr.JP

ఢిల్లీలో జేపీపై 'టి' లాయర్ల దౌర్జన్యం

Courtesy: Vaartha

Attack on Lok Satta chief triggers protest

Courtesy: The Hindu

JP faces wrath of T protesters

Courtesy: The Hans India

ఏపీ భవన్ లో జేపీపై దాడి

Courtesy: Sakshi

నాంపల్లి పోలీస్ స్టేషన్ లో లోక్ సత్తా నేతల నిరసన

Courtesy: Eenadu

జేపీపై దాడికి యత్నం

Courtesy: Eenadu

కాలరు పట్టి.. గుంజి కిందపడేసి..

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

జేపీపై తెలంగాణ న్యాయవాదుల దాడి అనాగరికం, తీవ్రంగా ఖండించిన లోక్ సత్తా

Attack on Dr.JP barbaric: Katari

The Lok Satta Party termed the attack on its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan by Telangana lawyers in Delhi earlier in the day as barbaric.

In a media statement, State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao deplored that the lawyers, instead of exposing those who triggered, nurtured and nourished the crisis in the State, chose to attack Dr. JP who unveiled a comprehensive, amicable and practicable solution that takes care of the interests of all regions of the State.

He demanded that action be taken against the lawyers who took law into their own hands and acted like rowdies.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao pointed out that even Telangana people will not condone the attack on Dr. JP, who is being appreciated by almost all political parties for his constructive suggestions. Telangana has become a festering sore for many years because of such undemocratic and wayward acts.

Lok Satta Party workers conducted a demonstration at Dr.Ambedkar statue on Tank Bund to protest against the attack on Dr. JP.

Asking all democratic forces to condemn the attack on Dr. JP, Mr. Srinivasa Rao called upon party workers to conduct demonstrations at Ambedkar statues all over the State on February 12.

ప్రాంతీయ ఆందోళనలున్నా జిల్లాల వారీ బడ్జెట్, తలసరి కేటాయింపులు ఏవీ?: జేపీ

11,12న న్యూఢిల్లీలో జరిగే సీవీసీ స్వర్ణోత్సవాలలో ప్రసంగించనున్న జేపీ

Dr.JP to address CVC seminar on combating corruption

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan will be taking part in a Central Vigilance Commission plenary session on ‘Strengthening frameworks for improving the anti-corruption climate in India’ in New Delhi on February 11.

The Central Vigilance Commission is organizing a national seminar at Vigyan Bhawan on ‘Combating Corruption - Role of accountability institutions, investigating agencies, civic society and media’ to mark its golden jubilee.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will take part in the inaugural session.

Perfunctory budget glosses over people’s real problems: Lok Satta

Lok Satta Party national President and legislator Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan dubbed the vote-on-account budget presented in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on February 10 as perfunctory.

Addressing a media conference, Dr. JP said the budget does not take cognizance of people’s discontent triggered by growing unemployment, rising prices and decelerating industry. There is no change in its priorities or an attempt at evaluating the outcomes of its budget allocations.

Dr. JP said that although the State is facing a crisis in the wake of bifurcation, the Finance Minister has not given region and district-wise figures concerning revenue and expenditure to facilitate a meaningful debate and a resolution of knotty financial problems.

Dr. JP explained that the Government which claims to spend Rs.28000 crore on welfare schemes like subsidized rice supply, fee reimbursement, pensions for the disadvantaged and Arogyasri, is anticipating a revenue of Rs.20000 on sale of liquor. Apparently, it is not concerned about ruining people’s physical and financial health by unabashedly promoting liquor consumption.

The Government is not bothered about educational standards although it plans to spend Rs.27400 crore on education. It does not appreciate that poverty cannot be eradicated, caste and gender bias eliminated and wealth created unless every child has access to quality education.

The Government has allocated Rs.8400 crore to the electricity sector, most of it towards covering losses of power distribution companies. This is on top of the Rs.15000 crore additional tariff imposed on consumers. The Government has not focused on improving power supply by undertaking measures like energy auditing, distribution improvement and separation of transformers for domestic and agricultural consumption. If a mere Rs.3000 crore were to be spent per year for three to four years on such measures, the Government can save up to Rs.5000 crore a year.

The Government has allocated Rs.23312 crore towards execution of irrigation projects under jalayagnam during 2014-15. With this, the expenditure on Jalayagnam will touch one lakh crore. It is taking up projects merely to benefit contractors as also those in power. According to his information, thousands of crores were paid illegally in one project alone. In the process, it has not bothered to evaluate the feasibility and viability of projects like Pranahita and Chevella. The project is now estimated to cost Rs.46000 crore and require 3750 mw of power.

The Government spends Rs.5000 crore on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme every year. Yet it has not utilized the funds on tapping rainwater and improving the groundwater table in the upland areas of the State.

The Government, which introduced a Rs.183000-crore budget does not have funds to establish forensic labs at the rate of one in every district, women police stations and village courts. Although it has at its disposal Rs.1000 crore collected from builders, it has not taken up any schemes to benefit workers in the construction sector.

Dr. JP pointed out that no party other than the Lok Satta has focused on real issues facing the public, engaged as they are in slinging mud at each other. If people are interested in good education, quality healthcare, employment and law and order, they should support the Lok Satta in the coming elections. All other parties are interested in merely continuing the status quo. Absurd promises are made to people – like loan waivers – with an eye on vote banks. All that such schemes will accomplish is bankrupting the State, even as poverty is perpetuated.

Dr. JP disclosed he is in touch with the Finance Commission on allocation of one-third of Central funds to the State to local bodies. It works out to nearly Rs.16000 crore out of the Rs.48900 crore anticipated by the State. Such an allocation will enable local bodies to address people’s problems without their having to run after legislators and Ministers.

State Lok Satta Party Vice Presidents D. V. V. S. Varma and Bandaru Ramamohana Rao shared the dais with Dr. JP.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party in News Papers Feb 6th - Feb 10th, 2014

Feb 10th, 2014

Eenadu - వారసత్వ రాజకీయాల్ని తిరస్కరించండి

Metro India - Shun dynastic politics, JP tells youth

Namasthe Telangana - వారసత్వ రాజకీయాల్ని తిరస్కరించండి: జేపీ

The Hans India - Overthrow dynastic politics: JP tells youth


Feb 9th, 2014

Andhra Jyothy - సీమకూ 'భద్రాచలం' న్యాయం!: జేపీ

Eenadu - మాటలతో మాయ

Metro India- Bifurcation bill is a let-down: JP

Namasthe Telangana - మా ప్రతిపాదనలు అమలు చేయండి: జేపీ

Sakshi - ఆమ్ ఆద్మీ పార్టీతో మాకు పొసగదు: జేపీ

The Hans India - Centre apathetic to Seemandhra: JP - Page 2


Feb 8th, 2014

Eenadu - 'శీతల గిడ్డంగుల' రుణ కుంభకోణ దోషుల్ని శిక్షించాలి: లోక్ సత్తా

Eenadu - జేపీ!.. మంచి సూచనలు చేశారు: జైరాం


Feb 7th, 2014

Andhra Jyothy - లోక్ సత్తా స్క్రీనింగ్ కమిటీల నియామకం

Eenadu - అభ్యర్థుల ఎంపికకు లోక్ సత్తా వడపోత కమిటీలు

The Hans India - LSP forms panels to screen Assembly candidates

The Hindu - LSP poll panels to select candidates


Feb 6th, 2014

Indian Express - LSP Woman Leader for Harvard Meet

Metro India - Harvard invites Lok Satta leader

కుటుంబ వారసత్వపు రాజకీయాల్ని నిర్ద్వంద్వంగా తిరస్కరించండి: జేపీ

Shun dynastic politics, Dr.JP tells youth

The Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today called upon youth to shun dynastic politics unequivocally.

Politics should revolve round education, healthcare, employment and basic necessities and not certain families and their wealth making, he said welcoming about 150 young men and women from Malkajgiri constituency and 50 others from social media into the Lok Satta Party.

Dr. JP said that politics should help the youth to shine anywhere in the world by equipping them with skills and knowledge. The Lok Satta Party alone can usher in real politics that fulfil the aspirations of tens of millions of people in the country.

Dr. JP pointed out that India created a mere two million jobs in the last 25 years as against 200 million in China. Sixty percent of the workforce in India continues to be in the unorganized sector and a mere 11 percent in the industrial sector. The Lok Satta has been waging a relentless battle to usher in politics that promises a better future for people.

Mr. Ch. Purnachandra Rao, former sarpanch of Bodulabanda in Nelakondapalli mandal of Khammam district, also joined the Lok Satta Party.

Lok Satta Party GHMC unit President Dosapati Ramu, State Yuva Satta President P. Sivaji Raju and LB Nagar unit President Jannepalli Srinivasa Reddy took part in the media conference.

కొండను తవ్వి ఎలకను పట్టినట్టు పునర్విభజన బిల్లు: జేపీ

Bifurcation Bill is a let-down: Dr.JP

The Union Cabinet has displayed neither competence and capacity nor seriousness and sincerity in addressing the problems being triggered by its decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh, charged Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today.

Addressing a media conference, Dr. JP said the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation Bill cleared by the Union Cabinet along with amendments on February 7 is a total disappointment. It has singularly failed to adopt the specific, constructive and practicable solutions offered by the Lok Satta Party in its representations. The Union Cabinet has let down people as also their representatives by going back on its promise to incorporate provisions that ensure a bright future for all Telugu speaking people.

Dr. JP said the Bill has not addressed the huge revenue deficit the residuary Andhra Pradesh will face consequent to Hyderabad city becoming part of Telangana. While Hyderabad city enjoys a revenue surplus of Rs.13,000 crore, the residuary Andhra Pradesh has a deficit of Rs.7000 crore going by 2012-13 data. The deficit is expected to shoot up to more than Rs.10000 crore in 2014-15. The Union Government which has caused the problem because of its decision to bifurcate the State is duty bound to provide a solution too. If the Union Government is serious, it should earmark funds for at least a decade from the Consolidated Fund of India to the residuary Andhra Pradesh towards meeting its deficit and make a beginning by making allocation in the Vote on Account budget to be introduced in Parliament soon.

The Lok Satta, he recalled, had suggested that backward Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions be treated on par with Special Category States and extended all excise duty and corporate income tax exemptions and provided other incentives like investment and freight subsidies to promote industrialization.

Dr. JP said that the incentives given to Special Category States could be extended to backward regions through a simple executive order. But no such commitment is made in the law.

The Center should concede the demand of people of Kurnool and Ananthapur districts for their merger with Telangana State and assuage their fears over river waters etc. The Center has rightly chosen not to merge Bhadrachalam town with residuary Andhra Pradesh complying with people’s wishes. Why does it not extend the same logic and concede the near unanimous demand of Kurnool and Anantapur people and their representatives?

Dr. JP pointed out that there has been no firm commitment from the Center on improving infrastructure facilities in Andhra Pradesh. It has promised to merely examine or consider all the suggestions relating to development of Ramayapatnam and other ports, establishment of steel plants, building of aVisakhapatnam-Chennai industrial corridor, creation of Visakhapatnam railway zone residuary Andhra Pradesh, development of Metro Rail facilities in Visakhapatnam and Guntur-Tenali-Vijayawada areas, and the establishment of a green field oil refinery.

The Bill cleared by the Union Government is again silent on amending the Constitution to provide safety and security of people in Hyderabad hailing from other region. It has not incorporated even suggestions made by the State Governor. It merely entrusts the Governor with law and order responsibilities in Hyderabad, which is constitutionally questionable.

The only two demands of Lok Satta incorporated in the Bill are transferring in submission areas of polavaram project is residual AP, and ensuring execution of surplus water defendant projects in Rayalaseema and Telangana regions.

Dr JP emphasized that the AP Reorganization Bill should incorporate four key provisions to address the legitimate concerns of Telugu people. These are red lines that cannot be crossed, and if these provisions are not there, the Bill cannot go forward. These provisions are:

• A categorical, legally-binding commitment to meet the revenue deficits of Residual AP from Consolidated Fund of India.
• Tax exemptions to promote investments in Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra, on par with Special Category States.
• Merger of Ananthapur and Kurnool districts in Telangana State.
• Irrevocable commitment to build the infrastructure projects in the Thirteenth Schedule of the Bill with central funds in a period of five years.
• In addition, stronger legal mechanisms to protect the rights of all citizens in and around Hyderabad city should be incorporated to assuage fears and concerns about economic security.

If the Union government is sincere about its commitments to Telugu people, it should honour them in deed, instead of indulging in lip sympathy. If the government does not act on these issues, it must be construed that the Congress party and the Union government are only interested in cynically manipulating people’s psyche for electoral gains, and in indulging in gamesmanship at the cost of all regions of AP.

Replying to a question, Dr. JP unequivocally rejected any electoral tie-up with the TDP or other traditional parties since all of them believe in politics of dynasty and money power, espouse disastrous economic policies and are equally responsible for the current political mess in the State. He also ruled out Lok Satta alliance with AAP which is pursuing juvenile politics in its governance. Asked if he was contesting for the Lok Sabha from Malkajgiri, Dr. JP said the question is premature. The focus now should be to resolve the crisis in the State in an amicable manner by a win-win approach. Electoral politics will come later, and are of very little consequence at this stage.

Dr. JP disclosed he is in touch with MPs from the State as also top BJP leaders on ensuring that the Bill addresses all the problems raised by the Lok Satta.

Lok Satta leaders M. Satyanarayana, P. Sivaji and I. Anantalakshmi took part in the media conference.

Not dharna, here’s 5 ways police reform can actually be done

(Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan was a member of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission that was set up in August 2005 and which submitted its report - 5th Report titled ‘Public Order’ - to GOI in June 2007)

Shining Path: Over the past 4 decades, there have been a multitude of Committees, Reports and Recommendations with clearly laid out roadmaps supported by detailed descriptions on the kind of design and overhaul that is needed. Also, we have the SC directives on Police reforms [Prakash Singh & Others vs Union of India & Others, 2006], that could have been a starting point towards change. Yet there has been very little action – what do you think are the chief hurdles in implementation?

Dr.JP: Police reforms are possibly the hardest of governance reforms to accomplish in the Indian situation. First, there is deep institutional reluctance to make rule of law real, because much of the power of the executive in a centralized, dysfunctional system is derived from the control of police.

Second, ours is a system of compensatory errors. The distortions of one segment or agency of government are set right or neutralized by perversions in another agency! Therefore, there is always fear of upsetting the applecart.

And finally, there is no single step which symbolizes police reform. Many inter-related reforms are needed, and an intricate web of linkages and checks and balances should be in place. Our politicians and bureaucracy have lost the capacity for patient, systematic institution building.

We want a quick fix – a law or a scheme, launched with big flourish. That simply will not work anywhere. Take the Right to Education Act, for instance. Our educational delivery is among the worst in the world. But we claim to have engineered a revolution!

Shining Path: Recent events in Delhi were pregnant with the possibilities of this issue being mainstreamed. Your views?

Dr.JP: Not necessarily. The Delhi events are more about political drama and blame throwing. To the extent that they deal with the police administration, it is more a fight for wresting control from the Union to the UT. There is no real effort to restructure the police and make them effective instrument of rule of law.

Shining Path: Coming to the specifics now, from amongst the multitude of recommendations highlighted in various reports on Police reforms, could you enumerate the five that are the most important by way of impact/effectiveness?

Dr.JP: First on my list would be separating crime investigation from the other wings of police dealing with law and order. While institutional linkages between them are necessary, crime investigation is about gathering and sifting evidence, and it has to be treated as a quasi-judicial function, and should be led by an autonomous, but accountable body.

Second, there should be checks and balances. An autonomous, rogue police force will be a disaster. Therefore, accountability and monitoring should be ensured by suitable institutional mechanisms.

Third, there should be radical change in personnel policies. In the investigation wing, the recruitment should be only at officer level, starting with ASI; and constabulary should be recruited only for riot police, and for repetitive, monotonous tasks. The overall police-population ratio is about 130 per one lakh population, and we need to enhance it at least by 50% to meet the challenges of growing urbanization. Every district should have a forensic laboratory, and we should rely on teams and tasks, with effective mobility and communication. Women police officers need to be recruited and should at least constitute 33% new recruitment. Neighbourhood watch groups and volunteer corps should be institutionally involved to deal with patrolling, petty crime and citizen safety.

Fourth, prosecution wing should be made independent. Each district should have a District Attorney drawn from judiciary, with a tenure of five years. All investigation and prosecution should be under the guidance and supervision of the DA. This will ensure autonomy, efficiency, protection of human rights and better coordination with the criminal courts.

Fifth, all small crime should be handled at the local police and neighbourhood level. The crime investigation wing, equivalent of CB, CID in most states now, should not be burdened with petty crime. All such petty offences should be tried in local courts – created for at least one per 50,000 population – by summary procedure. There local courts should function as an integral part of independent justice system, but must be able to render speedy justice inexpensively.

These five steps will radically and seamlessly restructure the police, and will yield dramatic outcomes. The challenge of India is to restore the culture of rule of law, and make police and justice accessible, effective and credible. The Administrative Reforms Commission gave a very practical road map.

Shining Path: Police being a state subject [with exceptions], are there any states that have taken the lead – relatively speaking - on implementing the specific reform measures, which the other state governments can benchmark themselves against?

Dr.JP: Not really. A few states like Maharashtra, Kerala etc have made some efforts for some time. But much of the discussion is centred around the appointment of DGP. Most states pay lip sympathy to the Supreme Court directive (click here), but have learned to kill the spirit of it. There is no single silver bullet to change the culture of policing in India. A series of well-coordinated steps are required as outlined above.

Shining Path: Are there any global best practices pertaining to any aspect of Police administration that you would like to highlight?

Dr.JP: There are a few important lessons to be learnt from experience elsewhere. In most advanced democracies, interference in crime investigation, and an effort to direct or influence investigation are treated as obstruction of justice, and punished severely. Nixon had to resign as the US President because his aides obstructed justice.

In the UK, in the Campbell affair, the government took a partisan decision to withdraw prosecution, and it had to resign in 1924. Since then, no government or minister dared to interfere in crime investigation. We need strong legal provisions to deter politicians or bureaucrats from obstructing justice.

Many countries, while giving police autonomy, made sure that there are layers of accountability. New South Wales in Australia has at least two layers of independent, effective monitoring to prevent abuse of authority. Police is the only coercive arm of the State internally, and a rogue police force would be an unmitigated disaster. Autonomy, effective accountability and prevention of abuse of the powers of life and death that police often exercise should go together.

Shining Path: A transformative movement usually needs a widely respected and visible evangelist who changes the discourse on a certain issue and takes it in the direction that serves the cause the best. Do we have any such potential evangelists who can and should make it their single-point agenda to raise public consciousness on this issue across geographies and cross-sections of the population?

Dr.JP: Law and order, crime investigation and police are state subjects in our constitutional scheme. Therefore one massive national movement will not help. Not can these reforms happen in one fell swoop. Detailed, intricate arrangements are needed. And we cannot suddenly erase existing structures.

The good news is, urban India is demanding better policing, protection of human rights and speedy justice. Rapid urbanization is sensitizing us to the need for fair, humane and effective policing.

We need a grand bargain. Judiciary, in some form should have greater legitimate say in crime investigation. Legislator should cease to function as disguised executive, and have greater say in legislation and oversight of government. The executive should regain control of policy and delivery, free from needless judicial shackles.

Shining Path: Do you think the Indian mainstream media, vibrant as it is, can play a slightly more constructive role by separating signal from the cackle of white noise on important issues pertaining to systemic reforms?

Dr.JP: Mark Twain said: Often a hen that only laid an egg cackles as if she has laid an asteroid. This is particularly true of this day and age, when instant gratification and hyper stimulation of the senses seem to be the norm. But I am certain that viewers and readers are increasingly going to demand from government delivery, and from media a better public discourse.

As incomes rise and the young are exposed to the rest of the world, media will play a far more creative, mature role in reshaping our institutions of governance.

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan (founding President, Lok Satta Party) is the MLA from Kukatpally, Hyderabad. He earlier served as a Member, National Advisory Council to Govt. of India and a Member, 2nd Administration Reforms Commission (rank of a Union Minister of State). He also served in the IAS for 17 distinguished years in various capacities including as the Secretary to both the Chief Minister and Governor. He is a physician by training. He can be contacted at: @JP_LOKSATTA [Twitter] or jp@loksattaparty.com [e-mail].

Courtesy: First Post