Thursday, May 31, 2012
Vote for Dr. Lenin
Please vote for Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi/PVCHR, my organisation, for the Human Dignity Award. http://www.human-
When you click the link, you can see the number of votes. Press on Thank you and you cast your vote. You can also post your comment below. Please mobilise your friends if you believe or support the cause of my organisation
When you click the link, you can see the number of votes. Press on Thank you and you cast your vote. You can also post your comment below. Please mobilise your friends if you believe or support the cause of my organisation
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
On the complain of PVCHR activist in one case National Human Rights Commission ordered compensation of Rs. 4163283 to the next kin of deceased person and 150000 Rs to the injured person
| Case Details of File Number: 1227/7/10/2012 | |
| Diary Number | 32199 |
| Name of the Complainant | SHIRIN SHABANA KHAN, MEMBER SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM |
| Address | MANAVADHIKAR JAN NIGRANI SAMITI, SA 4/2 A, DAULATPUR, |
| VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH | |
| Name of the Victim | WORKERS OF BHARTI FIRE WORK |
| Address | BHARTI FIRE WORKS FACTORY, MOUGAL MAJRA, |
| KARNAL , HARYANA | |
| Place of Incident | MOUGAL MAJRA |
| KARNAL , HARYANA | |
| Date of Incident | 8/22/2011 |
| Direction issued by the Commission | A similar linked Case No. 2620/7/10/2011 has already been closed by the Commission vide proceeding dated 01.03.2012. The present case No. 1227/7/10/2012 be clubbed with Case No. 2620/7/10/2011 and be closed. PROCEEDING DATED 1-3-12 IN CASE NO. 2620/7/10/2011 ENCLOSED. This proceeding shall be read in continuation with the earlier proceedings of the Commission dated 16.11.2011. Er. R.P. Malhotra claiming himself to be State Convenor of BJP, Human Rights Cell, Haryana has drawn the attention of the Commission on the basis of a news report published in The Tribune dated 23.8.20911 titled "5 workers charred to death". It was reported in the news clipping that four persons died on the spot and fifth one in the hospital due to serious burn injuries caused by explosion in Bharati Fireworks Factory at Mougal Majara Village in District Karnal. On the said petition, the Commission vide its order dated 12.9.2011 directed that a notice be issued to SP, Karnal, Haryana calling for his report. SP, Karnal vide communication dated 30.9.2011, reported that the investigation of this case was got done through Dy.SP, Karnal. Thereupon, a crime No. 229 u/s 304/308/34 IPC and 9B Explosive Substance Act has been registered at PS Kunjpora. Two accused Pankaj and Harishchand Bharati have already been arrested. The investigation of the crime is still going on. SP, Karnal was again directed to submit a detained report intimating the outcome of the investigation. He will also inform whether any compensation has been paid to the next of the kin of the victims by the owner of the factory? If so, what amount has been paid. SP, Karnal vide communication dated 30.12.2011 has reported that the prosecution branch has changed the offence from u/s 304/308 IPC to u/s 304A/337 IPC against the accused persons. The investigation of the case is still going on. The next of the kin of the deceased and injured victims have been awarded compensation as follows:- 1) Bittoo - Rs. 5,09,921/- 2) Dilip Kumar - Rs. 5,04,560/- 3) Ram Avtar - Rs. 4,14,843/- 4) Shanti Devi - Rs. 4,68,475/- 5) Gauri Devi - Rs. 4,77,057/- 6) Ramesh Ram - Rs. 3,89,712/- 7) Shakunti Devi - Rs. 4,02,050/- 8) Arvind - Rs. 4,92,105/- 9) Shankar - Rs. 5,04,560/- Each injured person has been awarded compensation of Rs. 1,50,000/-. The compensation awarded to the next of the kin of the deceased and injured persons are sufficient to meet the needs of justice. The criminal case registered against the accused persons is still going on and it will take its own time. The machinery of law has already been set in motion. No further intervention of the Commission is called for. The case is closed. |
| Action Taken | Concluded and No Further Action Required (Dated 5/2/2012 ) |
| Status on 5/29/2012 | The Case is Closed. |
Note: For further details kindly contact National Human Rights Commission, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, PIN 110001 Tel.No. 23385368 Fax No. 23384863 E-Mail: covdnhrc@hub.nic.in
Monday, May 28, 2012
"Testimony Ceremonies in Asia: Integrating Spirituality in Testimonial Therapy for Torture Survivors in India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and the Philippines"
Dear all,
I am happy to inform you about the online publication (with open access) of the article "Testimony Ceremonies in Asia: Integrating Spirituality in Testimonial Therapy for Torture Survivors in India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and the Philippines". The article is based on the action research work of Dr.Inger Agger of RCT,Dr.Victor Igreja,Dr.Rachel Kiehle And Dr. Peter B.Polatin of RCT have done together. The article will later appear in print in the journal Transcultural Psychiatry. You are welcome to distribute it. Below you will find the link to the article.
http://tps.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/25/1363461512447138.full.pdf+html
With warm regards,
Lenin
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 passed – Children in India get a new Law
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, has been passed by the Lok Sabha today, 22nd May, 2012. The Bill was earlier passed by the Rajya Sabha on 10th May, 2012.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 has been drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For the first time, a special law has been passed to address the issue of sexual offences against children.
Sexual offences are currently covered under different sections of IPC. The IPC does not provide for all types of sexual offences against children and, more importantly, does not distinguish between adult and child victims.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. These offences have been clearly defined for the first time in law. The Act provides for stringent punishments, which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence. The punishments range from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying periods. There is also provision for fine, which is to be decided by the Court.
An offence is treated as "aggravated" when committed by a person in a position of trust or authority of child such as a member of security forces, police officer, public servant, etc.
Punishments for Offences covered in the Act are:
- Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3) – Not less than seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 4)
- Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 5) – Not less than ten years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 6)
- Sexual Assault (Section 7) – Not less than three years which may extend to five years, and fine (Section 8 )
- Aggravated Sexual Assault (Section 9) – Not less than five years which may extend to seven years, and fine (Section 10)
- Sexual Harassment of the Child (Section 11) – Three years and fine (Section 12)
- Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13) – Five years and fine and in the event of subsequent conviction, seven years and fine (Section 14 (1))
The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts for trial of offences under the Act, keeping the best interest of the child as of paramount importance at every stage of the judicial process. The Act incorporates child friendly procedures for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and trial of offences. These include:
- Recording the statement of the child at the residence of the child or at the place of his choice, preferably by a woman police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector
- No child to be detained in the police station in the night for any reason.
- Police officer to not be in uniform while recording the statement of the child
- The statement of the child to be recorded as spoken by the child
- Assistance of an interpreter or translator or an expert as per the need of the child
- Assistance of special educator or any person familiar with the manner of communication of the child in case child is disabled
- Medical examination of the child to be conducted in the presence of the parent of the child or any other person in whom the child has trust or confidence.
- In case the victim is a girl child, the medical examination shall be conducted by a woman doctor.
- Frequent breaks for the child during trial
- Child not to be called repeatedly to testify
- No aggressive questioning or character assassination of the child
- In-camera trial of cases
The Act recognizes that the intent to commit an offence, even when unsuccessful for whatever reason, needs to be penalized. The attempt to commit an offence under the Act has been made liable for punishment for upto half the punishment prescribed for the commission of the offence. The Act also provides for punishment for abetment of the offence, which is the same as for the commission of the offence. This would cover trafficking of children for sexual purposes.
For the more heinous offences of Penetrative Sexual Assault, Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault, the burden of proof is shifted on the accused. This provision has been made keeping in view the greater vulnerability and innocence of children. At the same time, to prevent misuse of the law, punishment has been provided for making false complaint or proving false information with malicious intent. Such punishment has been kept relatively light (six months) to encourage reporting. If false complaint is made against a child, punishment is higher (one year).
The media has been barred from disclosing the identity of the child without the permission of the Special Court. The punishment for breaching this provision by media may be from six months to one year.
For speedy trial, the Act provides for the evidence of the child to be recorded within a period of 30 days. Also, the Special Court is to complete the trial within a period of one year, as far as possible.
To provide for relief and rehabilitation of the child, as soon as the complaint is made to the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) or local police, these will make immediate arrangements to give the child, care and protection such as admitting the child into shelter home or to the nearest hospital within twenty-four hours of the report. The SJPU or the local police are also required to report the matter to the Child Welfare Committee within 24 hours of recording the complaint, for long term rehabilitation of the child.
The Act casts a duty on the Central and State Governments to spread awareness through media including the television, radio and the print media at regular intervals to make the general public, children as well as their parents and guardians aware of the provisions of this Act.
The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) have been made the designated authority to monitor the implementation of the Act.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Code of Conduct for Police in India
http://expertscolumn.com/content/code-condust-police-india
A Code of Conductwas prescribed for the police, by the National Police Commission(NPC) which was based on one, adopted in conference by the InspectorsGeneral of Police (IsGP) in 1960( IsGP Conference is an annual feature. All the IGP's of State Police and other Central and Para Military Police Forces meet annually in a conference and deliberate upon the contemporary issues facing police. The recommendations are forwarded to the Ministry of Home, Govt. of India.). In order that the role and duties of the police in the Criminal Justice System may be clearly defined the National Police Commission recommended that the basic role and duties of the Police may be incorporated in the revised Police Act. It recommended for adoption, the Code of Conduct adopted at the Conference of the IsGP in 1960 and circulated to the State Governments. The Code has the following clauses:
1. The police must bear faithful allegiance to the Constitution of India and respect and uphold the rights of the citizens as guaranteed in it.
2. The police are essentially a law enforcement agency. The law should be enforced firmly without fear, favour, malice or vindictiveness.
3. The police should recognize and respect the limitations of their powers and functions and should not usurp the functions of the judiciary and sit in judgment on cases.
4. In securing the observance of law or in maintaining order the police should use the methods of persuasion, advice and warning. Should these fail, the absolute minimum force required should be used.
5. The prime duty of the police is to prevent crime and disorder.
6. Police must remember that they are members of the public and they give full time attention to duties which normally every citizen should perform.
7. The police should realize that the efficient performance of their duties will be dependent on the extent of ready cooperation they receive from the public.
8. The police should be sympathetic and considerate to all people and should be constantly mindful of their welfare.
9. The police shall always place duty before self, remain calm and good humoured, whatever the provocation and be ready to sacrifice their lives in protecting those of others.
10. The police should always be courteous and well mannered, dependable and unattached and should have dignity and courage. They should cultivate character and trust of the people.
11. Police should maintain a high standard of discipline and display unstinted obedience to superiors and loyalty to the force.
12. (As amended by the National Police Commission) The Police should recognize that their full utility is best ensured by maintaining high order of discipline, faithful performance of duties according to law and implicit obedience to direction of commanding ranks and loyalty to the force and by keeping themselves in a state of constant training and preparedness.
MHA - Model Code of Conduct - Indian Police
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Use of ICT for Empowering the Survivors of Torture: The PVCHR Experience
http://www.pvchr.net/2012/05/use-of-ict-for-empowering-survivors-of.html
http://www.pvchr.asia/?id=71
Use of ICT for Empowering the Survivors of Torture: The PVCHR Experience
By Dr Mohanlal Panda, Ph.D*
It was Diwali, festival of lights for the Hindus. Millions of Indians were preparing to celebrate the festival. Two activists Sandhya and Mithiles of, Shikher Prashikshan Sansthan called Dr. Lenin, Director, People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and informed that people of Musahar community were dying of starvation in Damahi village of Jangal Mahal, under Rajgarh Block in, Mirzapur District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Based on this information, PVCHR, a member of the Uttar Pradesh State level Right to Food Campaign, formed a five members fact finding team that visited the village on 1st November 2005. The village is 24 km. away from close urban centre, Chunar. The team had to leave their car on the way to walk for 1.5 km to reach the village.
First, the team met Ramchander who narrated his case in front of the camera:
I am Ramchander (18 Years) S/o. Sri Rajnarayan- I have 4 brothers, one of them is handicapped. I have no land. My mother was ill. She had been suffering from chronic hunger and related ailments. Taking debt, I managed medical treatment for my mother. She had taken no food for 5 days before she died. But, neither any official from Block nor village head nor any doctor came to my house. Village head says that he has purchased the vote and he does not care the poor people. Hardly, I find work in an agricultural field throughout the whole year. Our livelihoods depend upon collection of dry woods from the jungles. Early in the morning, often we go to the Jungle without food to collect dry woods. In the evening after returning from jungle I go to market to sell the bundle of dry woods. Next day, by selling the dry woods I earn Rs.50 to Rs.70 (Less than two USD). I mean for two days work, I earn Rs.50 to Rs.70. There is no hospital in the village or nearby area. In emergency we have to go to Ahraura (a nearest market). Often patients die in the half way. There is no resource of drinking water in the village. We bring water to drink from the nearby river. I do work in the stone quarry of Rakesh Patel at Shakteshgarh. For medical treatment of my mother and for other essential requirements, I have taken a debt of Rs.10,000/- from my employer Rakesh Patel. He pays only Rs.5 to 6 out of Rs.10, which is actual wage rate. If one dares to leave the work, certainly would be beaten. Thus, goes on the testimony of Ramchander........
The team met many other Musahar People facing hunger in that village. Amravati a 12 Years old girl from Musahar community told that she used to go the Jungle to collect dry woods. But, these days, often she has to live without food. Ramdulari, from the Chamar community narrated how, Lallan Patel and his goons destroyed her plants damaging vegetable (parwal) worth Rs.10,000/- by force and took possession of that piece of land which was in the name of her mother. Police took no action against Lallan. Krishnavati Kol told that when Musahars and Kols demanded their rights from the administration, they were called Naxalites. Instead of listening the truth and their sufferings they were beaten badly and taken away by the police. Each villager has a story to tell, a story where in the name of nation building the elites systematically kill the poor. And this process is not confined to this village of Musahars only.
How poor people are forced to live with a sense of victimhood
The development agenda followed by states in India, present a broad range of economic advancement and social diversity while maintaining uniform democratic practices. But, what varies among these states is the functioning of the institutions, created to reflect and protect the democratic aspiration of the people. These 'variations' are rooted in 'resultant' legislative failure and mis-directed 'trajectory' of development planning.
It is not just a coincidence that while the numbers of rich have increased in the state, the number of landless people has multiplied, so are the areas under the control of non state actors. According to the report of the Ministry of Home Affairs, 2010-11, "Left Wing Extremists operate in the vacuum created by functional inadequacies of field level governance structures, espouse local demands and take advantage of prevalent dissatisfaction and feelings of perceived neglect and injustice among the under privileged and remote segments of population." This is also echoed by the Supreme Court bench in their recent judgement on a 23 years old case, fought for 'adequate compensation' between tribals of Sundergarh, Odisha and Mahanadi Coal Field Limited (MCL), a Public Sector Company. The Honourable Supreme Court asked the State "Why the state's perception and vision of development are at such great odds with the people it purports to develop? And why are their rights do dispensable? ".The situation is no different for the people of Darlipali, of Jharsuguda district who have been fighting with the same MCL for their 'right to proper rehabilitation and adequate compensation'. Although they are among the fortunate few who were not physically displaced by the company, they are nevertheless surrounded by the coal mines and the consequent pollution. These tribals are helplessly watching one by one among them losing their battle for survival. Their case relating to 'adequate rehabilitation' is still subjudice.
Why a poor tribal, dalits or a women is subject to humiliation or torture in every parts of the country. Sometime this happens to them as an individual and sometimes the entire group or the entire community remain at the receiving end of torture. This is done both physically and psychologically to disintegrate them as an individual, so that they stop living like a normal human being. Torture is used by the prevalent exploitative social structure and institutions as an instrument of social control that takes the dignity away from the poor.
Musahars, now known as 'Rat eater community' is a nomadic group which fought with British, and Kings to protect their freedom. They never embraced slavery till the state decided to protect its forest resource and the Musahars were forced to settle down. (Refer gazetteer). Till few years back no starvation death has been recorded in this community. The livelihood problems started when they were not stopped by the forest department to enter into the forest to collect leaves. The Phulpur police record refers them as hard working, fearless and a dangerous community. Police looks for every opportunity to implicate the community members on cases of petty theft and send them into the prison. In more than 90 percent of cases of torture against the Musahars, PVCHR has found that fake cases has been filed due to collusion between local mafia and police/local administration. The prison officials also desperately need them for doing the menial work like cleaning the toilet and sweeping the complex. The PVCHR fact finding team also found that Musahars are not even eligible for red cards as the state does not consider them very poor. Many of the starving population of the community even do not qualify to be considered for white card meaning they are not below poverty line.
With the video documentation of starvation death (later titled: How India kills its own people) PVCHR filed petition in the office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Chief Minister of UP. Instead of speaking on behalf of the victims, the priority was to get the victims speak for themselves. For a kind of organisation like this was an improved advocacy strategy. As a result, all the 52 families got land of a bigha (26140 Sq meter ) each, red card for receiving highly subsidised food grains what is more important, a district level office visited the village for the first time. The entire struggle for citizen's right to life in the case of Musahars exposed the fear of nexus between the state and non state actors and the impunity they enjoy. It also brought into focus the discriminatory practices by the state, structured violence against the marginalised community and prevalence of 'mind of caste'[i] in the social and institutional structure.
The case of Bhanwari Devi illustrates the role of caste and gender bias in India's justice system. A grassroots worker or sathin with the Rajasthan Government's Women's Development Programme (WDP), Bhanwari reported the child marriage of a 1-year-old girl. On September 22, 1992, in retaliation, members of the child's family gang raped Bhanwari in front of her husband. These individuals were acquitted, with the judge stating that since "rape is usually committed by teenagers, and since the accused are middle-aged and therefore respectable, they could not have committed the crime. An upper-caste man could not have defiled himself by raping a lower-caste woman."[ii]
Resentment against the state's relentless assaults on the rights and freedom of the impoverished people in the form of displacement, hunger death, loss of land for mining and industries, detention and custodial violence were manifested through small or big agitations. These people primarily comprised of marginalised and disadvantaged groups like tribals, dalits, or the economically backward sections comprise of the majority of the victims of various types of human rights violations. Declining responsiveness of the justice delivery institutions and decreasing faith by the majority of the population belonging to the marginalised groups who incidentally form the backbone of the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalite Movement or the Maoist movement in the state raises the fear of state being perceived to be sliding into a dysfunctional state.
Besides impact of neo liberal economic policy and discriminatory social structure influenced by mind of caste, the 'culture of impunity' enjoyed by the state and non state actors has its origin in (1) economic development in the state did not accompany investment on democracy and strengthening of institutional accountability; (2) mineral based industrial policies without regulatory mechanism generated vast amount of black money subsequently, used for circumventing institutional monitoring as well as justice process; (3) deliberate act of sabotage by the state machinery on the civil society groups which believed in initiating consultative process among the victims – marginalised groups and organise agitate for their rights.
Rights make it clear that violations are neither inevitable nor natural, but arise from deliberate decisions and policies. By demanding explanations and accountability, human rights expose the hidden priorities and structures behind violations.[iii]
The neo liberal economic framework that drives the policies and functions of the state and international institutions have also helped development of a new set of non state actors to perpetuate violence in the society while safeguarding the property and interest of the rich. This is a direct linkage between policies on privatization and growing influences of the large business houses or MNCs. The state autonomy has been curtailed and people's life makes no consequences.
The UN Special Rapporteur in his Second Progress Report on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights reaffirmed how Structural Adjustment Policies have been devastating to the vulnerable sections of the population, such as the poor, women and the children. The Special Rapporteur's report concludes that "the relative decline of national sovereignty and domestic control over local economic processes and resources and the corresponding growth in the level to which the international financial agencies directly influence domestic policy decisions are clearly aspects of the adjustment process which conclusively affect economic, social, and cultural rights."[iv]
The most important challenge is to secure people's right to state accountability and this cannot be achieved without recognising the exploitative character of the society and the state. Worst, the change has to come or to be initiated by the people who are already in the higher echelon of the power structure. Reform, for them, means managing and not resolving the challenge in hand. If coerced, they would prefer peripheral changes leaving the larger structure intact. Changes that are regarded as a threat to the immediate interests of those who determine economic and social priorities are unlikely to be enacted.[v] Thus, some political and economic structures turn out to be extremely difficult to alter. This needs that court, elected representatives, media, and civil society groups should go beyond from their traditional role to that of a social engineer for building solidarity and social reconciliation. Information technology could be a powerful facilitator in this regard. Part of restructuring political systems, therefore, is empowering weaker parties to negotiate solutions to deep-rooted structural problems.[vi]
PVCHR's Strategy: Breaking the silence
The U.S. State Department's annual report for 1999 on human rights practice around the world describes human rights and democracy—along with "money and the Internet"— as one of the three universal languages of globalization.[vii]Human rights have gone global not because it serves the interests of the powerful but primarily because it has advanced the interests of the powerless. It has gone global by going local, imbedding itself in the soil of cultures and world views independent of the West, in order to sustain ordinary people's struggles against unjust states and oppressive social practices.[viii]
Rooted in the local culture, PVCHR's work on human rights believed in improving through learning. Distance and time are two factors that influenced PVCHR's strategy. As an NGO, it realised that the distance between Varanasi and Lucknow (State capital of Uttar Pradesh) and Delhi never ends when it comes to seek justice for the victims. Minutes become years, thanks to our justice system and responses of the institutions. The frustration and desperation to do something to bridge the time gap forced the organisation to experiment new ideas. It started with the case of hunger death of Musahars, where PVCHR used the video documentation of the testimonies of the victims in its petition to the State government and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The victims themselves were the evidence and it worked wonder for the victims. On camera, a mother's tear does not lie when she narrates about the death of her child whom she could not feed. The team in PVCHR could, in one stroke, through the video set the tone for serious advocacy and the state had to answer many uncomfortable questions in the media. The evidence presented in the case was self explanatory and the media persons liked it. After this story, media came back to PVCHR for more information on hunger and stories of malnutrition. The available information helped in media advocacy. In some cases, with web input from PVCHR some journalists gave new treatment to their old stories.
PVCHR.Blogspot.com started when hardly any NGO, in India was amplifying its stories/successful interventions through the internet. There was no deliberate strategy behind sending the good work through bulk mail. Till one day, the head of a Delhi based NGO working on Human Rights, asked Dr. Lenin, why he mails all the information of his work back in Varanasi to so many people? He also advised (warned) that big names in the NGO sector who are incidentally in the list of recipient may not like the ordinary information he keeps sending. Dr. Lenin candidly answered, if someone does not like he/she can delete the mail or write PVCHR not to send mails again and nothing of that sort has happened. Later on the former made an honest confession that he does not like the victim's empowerment work of PVCHR. What he really did not like was the new stories of struggle by the survivors and support provided by PVCHR in setting the process of 'access to justice' were uploaded in regular interval. This was an occasion for Dr. Lenin and others in PVCHR for serious introspection. Does the advice reflect mind of caste?
For PVCHR, victims remain at the centre of its work. It believes in empowerment of powerless and that is where the organisation derives its legitimacy. Internet and other mediums have contributed immensely in different way to strengthen advocacy revolution. All form of information and communication technology including the digital ICT like computer, internet, mobile phone, and 'new social media' like face-book and twitter, known as 'Liberation Technology'[ix] is used by the organisation to seek freedom from discriminations and violence.
Use of technology has given freedom to express to all the volunteers in organisation. It has helped them in shedding their inhibitions. They have learned to express themselves in every possible way. An office staff wanted to be in the face-book was helped by his colleagues. Every day he looks at the information uploaded in the home page and marks 'like' which he finds interesting. When asked about what he feels about the FB, with pride in his face he says that it has given an opportunity to express him. It does not matter whether he can write in the timeline or not. Rohit, the computer operator, who comes from a poor Dalit family, uploads his photograph in which he is wearing a blue shirt and posed in a blue background, a colour that represents Bahujan Samaj Party, (BSP). He feels close to the colour as the party has given pride to the dalits in the society. As a technology it has democratised the institution by providing equal opportunity to take up issues and work for the victims. Till 2010, it was only Dr. Lenin who was filing complaints in the Human Rights institutions and the State administration. Now there are six more persons who joined Dr. Lenin to file complaints on human rights violations. Their trainings have made them aware of the fact that if they succeed in saving somebody's life, they strengthen the constitution of the country, if the perpetrator succeeds, they fail the constitution. Availability of technology has provided the volunteers of PVCHR to amplify the urgency of securing the life of the probable victim through urgent appeals. In many cases the victims or probable victims has escaped suffering or torture or even secured his or her life due to international visibility of the case. By using messages through SMS to the higher police authorities and other administrative authorities, on impending encounter (extra judicial killing), volunteers have saved lives of the poor people.
Liberation technology, also known as "accountability technology"[x] helped PVCHR countering impunity. Many videos of police torture and audio of threat by state and non state actors to the victims were uploaded in free sites like You Tube. This has acted as strong evidence in proving impunity against the state law enforcing agencies. One such video of right wing Hindu fundamentalist group engaged in riot against minority Muslims in Moradabad was uploaded in the You-tube. The National Commission for Minorities took cognizance of the case and asked the state to identify the policemen silently watching the rioters. These videos also received comments from the viewers, thus, widening the scope of debate.
Technology also initiated other kinds of accountability for the organisation. It demanded accountability for content it uploads in public domain. With the help of technology the organisation initiated silent uprising to upscale its work. Each staff and volunteer got opportunity to identify his/her work space, strategy to fulfil its commitment to the survivors, accommodating claims and counter claims among themselves, contributed to team work, helped in standardising the language of communication within the organisation, significantly affecting the nature, frequency, speed, and cost of interaction and adhere to the value of the organisation. It is because of technology, PVCHR could protect its integrity against massive onslaught of a vicious and false campaign. By putting all the documents relating to Organisational Development (OD) process of the organisation in the website, it highlighted the representative character of the management which included 50 percent mandatory representation for women and the internal decision making process. This also helped in countering the propaganda that the organisation belongs to Lenin and Shruti and they are the final authority.
ICT have strengthened the work of Human Rights Defenders for the victims. Highlighting the migration and hunger death of Muslim Varanasi saree weavers have resulted in government of India offering 2000cr relief package to the weavers. Lack of infrastructure sometimes fails the use of technology. In 2010, a timely call by Dr. Lenin saved the life of a person from being killed in a fake encounter, but last year, in 2011, the local police targeted the man again. Sensing the danger he tried to contact Dr. Lenin again. Unfortunately, during that time Dr. Lenin was travelling in the interior area without mobile connectivity. By the time he returned to network coverage area and checked his mail he found an urgent message from a relative of the person. When he tried to contact the person, the encounter had already taken place. It is a different matter that the organisation has been fighting for the justice for the victim's family, but a precious life could not be saved. Electronic evidence helps building trust with the survivors. Even the National Human Rights Commission has initiated process of acknowledging complaints through SMS service. For NHRC it might have been a way to reduce burden of their staff to produce hundreds of pages of acknowledgement letter, but it has also contributed immensely towards the building institutional accountability and enhancement of its image.
Strengthens politics of the survivors
The communication among victims, HRDs and the State through use of IT has limited the influence of the perpetrator living within the state structure. The new found solidarity among dalits, tribals, minority groups and progressive upper caste people have unnerved the elites in the society. Globalisation helped in movement of technology, capital and skilled human power but it never worked for 'globalisation of justice'. As long as victim's voice is restricted and suppressed, there will be no peace and development. Fighting impunity is more important than addressing issues of governance. No amount of governance reform in a corrupt society will improve the life of its citizens unless there is functioning justice system. In 2002 the Supreme Court had one Dalit out of 26 judges, while the High Courts had 25 Dalits out of 625 positions.[xi] Also illustrative of the lack of Dalit and lower-caste representation in the judiciary is the fact that Brahmins, who comprise just 5 to 9 percent of India's 1 billion people, fill 78 percent of India's judicial posts.[xii] A survey conducted by Delhi-based NGO Sakshi found that 64 percent of judges believe that "women themselves are partly responsible for the violence they face."[xiii]
The prevalence of caste and gender bias among India's judges is another factor which imperils the right of Dalits to equal treatment before organs administering justice under Article 5 of ICERD. Such bias has resulted in improperly conducted trials, including acquittals that blatantly ignore evidence and witness testimony and entrench the system of impunity that greets perpetrators of violence against Dalits.[xiv]
PVCHR's initiative to reach out to the communities of victims among the dalits, minorities and progressive upper caste and make a beginning of a caste reconciliation process is the outcome of its learning at the grassroots. Through the testimonial movement and 'neo- dalits movement'[xv] it is trying to amplify the voice of the survivors from ground zero to the international level. Information technology has played a very vital role in connecting the dalit children with the school children in Germany. Girls from the Muslims community are now getting training from PVCHR on use of ICT to protect the male members from harassment from the security agencies. Sharing the testimonies among the survivors not only resulted in formation of a network but also believing that the other's suffering is more than mine.
Conclusion:
Historically, all the movements that fought for freedom and justice succeeded in changing the nature of governance. In the age of liberation technology, it is not easy to influence people and mobilise them. Rich and middle class Indians will never succeed in organising and running a movement because they themselves are the beneficiaries of the exploitative system. Their support to movements in the cyber world or on the street is a desperate attempt to be seen amidst others is an opportunist decision. Only victims who is the producer and a sufferer can come together to build movements and change the system. They can carry with them all those forces who believe in a casteless society to build a new nation free from exploitation by the state and society. They will succeed as long as they follow the words of Baba Sahib Ambedkar: First agitate, and then organise. Any such movement will bound to generate popular and technological support to succeed, God willing.
* The writer serves in the organisation as an Advisor and responsible for Advocacy strategies. He holds PhD in International relation from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
End Note:
[i] In that Country the law of religion, the laws of the land, and the law of honour, are all united and consolidated in one, and bind a man eternally to the rule of what is calledhis caste. Edmund Burke
(ii] Human Rights Watch, Broken People, p. p. 176 (citing "In Brief: Recent Rape Cases," in Kali's Yug (New Delhi), November, 1996, p. 20).
[iii] Confronting the Impunity of Non-State Actors: New Fields for the Promotion of Human Rights, Chris Jochnick, Human Rights Quarterly 21 (1999), The Johns Hopkins University Press, Page 60
[iv] The Realization of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Second Progress Report Submitted by Mr. Danilo Turk, Special Rapporteur, U.N. ESCOR, Comm'n on Hum. Rts., Sub-Comm'n on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, 43d Sess., Agenda Item 8, I1 85, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1991/17 (1991).
[v] Burton, John. Conflict: Resolution and Provention. (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1990), Page. 237.
[vi] Richard E. Rubenstein, "Conflict Resolution and the Structural Sources of Conflict," in Conflict Resolution: Dynamics, Process, and Structure, ed. Ho-Won Jeong. (Vermont: Ashgate Publishing Co., 1999), 181
[vii] United States Department of State, 1999 Country Reports on Human Rights ,Washington, D.C., 1999, Introduction.
[viii] United States Department of State, 1999 Country Reports on Human Rights (Washington, D.C., 1999), introduction. Page 290
[ix] Liberation technology, Larry Diamond, Journal of Democracy Volume 21, Number 3 July 2010, © 2010 National Endowment for Democracy and The Johns Hopkins University Press
[x] Ibid.
[xi] Cited in R.D. Sharma, "Crime against Women," The Hindu, May 15, 2001, http://www.sarid.net/religious-dimension/gender-and-religion/04-30-crime-agaist-women.htm (accessed February 7, 2007).
[xii] Gospel for Asia, "Facts about Dalits," undated, http://www.gfa.org/gfa/dalit-facts (accessed February 7, 2007).
[xiii] Cited in R.D. Sharma, "Crime against Women," The Hindu, May 15, 2001,
http://www.sarid.net/religious-dimension/gender-and-religion/04-30-crime-agaist-women.htm (accessed February 7, 2007
[xiv] ] India, Hidden Apartheid, Caste Discrimination against India's "Untouchables", Shadow report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of racial Discrimination, Centre for Human Rights and Global Justice, nyu school of law, Published by Human Rights Watch, Vol. 19, No. 3 (C), February, 2007, Page 53.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Fwd: Watch: Uttar Pradesh DIG 'endorses' honour killing"
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Shabana - <shabana@pvchr.asia>
Date: Fri, May 11, 2012 at 1:04 PM
Subject: re:Watch: Uttar Pradesh DIG 'endorses' honour killing"
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, Lenin Raghuvanshi <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
From: Shabana - <shabana@pvchr.asia>
Date: Fri, May 11, 2012 at 1:04 PM
Subject: re:Watch: Uttar Pradesh DIG 'endorses' honour killing"
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: akpnhrc@yahoo.com, Lenin Raghuvanshi <pvchr.india@gmail.com>
To,
Chairperson
National Human Rights COmmission
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
I want to bring in your kind attention towards the news published in online newspaper daily bhaskar "Watch: Uttar Pradesh DIG 'endorses' honour killing" on 9 May, 2012 http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/UP-caught-on-camera-up-dig-honours-honour-killing-3239263.html?RHS-top_news=
Saharanpur/New Delhi: A senior police officer in Uttar Pradesh has stoked a fresh controversy by advocating honour killings, media reports said.
Satish Kumar Mathur, DIG, Saharanpur Range, was caught on camera expressing that if his own sister ever eloped he would kill her or commit suicide.
Mathur gave this shocking remark to a complainant, whose daughter had allegedly run away. DIG Saharanpur Range was on a routine inspection of police stations when he offered this suggestion.
Mathur said that this is a matter of great shame and if anybody's sister or daughter flees away, then he should commit suicide by getting drowned in water. If she was his sister, then he would have shot her dead or would kill himself.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has reacted sharply on the DIG's comments over honour killing. The NCW has sought DIG's suspension following his controversial remarks.
Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari has also demanded strict action against Saharanpur DIG.
Therefore it is a kind request to direct for the disciplinary action under the police act and rules related to code or conduct. It is also direct the state that no Government official should issue this type of statement.
Thanking You
Sincerely Yours
Shruti Nagvanshi
Managing Trustee
Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights
Shirin Shabana Khan
Senior Member of Management Committee
PVCHR
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
compensation to the victim
| Case Details of File Number: 4969/30/0/2011 | |
| Diary Number | 25964 |
| Name of the Complainant | DR. LENIN, GENERAL SECRETARY |
| Address | MANAVADHIKAR JAN NIGRANI SAMITI, S.A. 4/2A, DAULATPUR, |
| VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH | |
| Name of the Victim | KULDEEP |
| Address | DELHI, |
| DELHI , DELHI | |
| Place of Incident | GOVINDPURI |
| DELHI , DELHI | |
| Date of Incident | 9/11/2011 |
| Direction issued by the Commission | This proceeding shall be read in continuation with the earlier proceedings of the Commission dated 13.2.2012 where it directed as under:- "Let a final reminder be sent to the Joint Secretary(Home), UT Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi calling upon him to submit the requisite report within two weeks without fail, failing which coercive process will be issued." In response, a letter dated 24.2.2012 has been received from Director (Delhi), Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi stating therein that no separate compensation was announced by the then Home Minister and Shri Kuldeep Singh has already received a total assistance of Rs. 3 lakhs (Rs. 2 lakhs from DTC and Rs. 1 lakh from Government of NCT of Delhi). A Case No. 5229/30/0/2011 was registered on the basis of newspaper report. The same case has been closed by the Commission vide order dated 27.1.2012 (copy annexed). This case is also closed. |
| Action Taken | Concluded and No Further Action Required (Dated 4/10/2012 ) |
| Status on 5/9/2012 | The Case is Closed. |
Note: For further details kindly contact National Human Rights Commission, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, PIN 110001 Tel.No. 23385368 Fax No. 23384863 E-Mail: covdnhrc@hub.nic.in
Disclaimer: Neither NHRC nor NIC is responsible for any inadvertent error that may have crept in the Complaint Information being published on NET. The Complaint Information on net is for immediate information to the Complainants/ Victims.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Fwd: Why Dalits cannot get a haircut in their own village?
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Shabana - <shabana@pvchr.asia>
Date: Tue, May 8, 2012 at 10:07 AM
Subject: Why Dalits cannot get a haircut in their own village?
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: Lenin Raghuvanshi <pvchr.india@gmail.com>, akpnhrc@yahoo.com
From: Shabana - <shabana@pvchr.asia>
Date: Tue, May 8, 2012 at 10:07 AM
Subject: Why Dalits cannot get a haircut in their own village?
To: jrlawnhrc@hub.nic.in
Cc: Lenin Raghuvanshi <pvchr.india@gmail.com>, akpnhrc@yahoo.com
To,
The Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
I want to bring in your kind attention towards the news published in Yahoo video on 3 May, 2012 Why Dalits cannot get a haircut in their own village?
Caste on Camera
Y! Editor's note: New voices, transforming societies, that's the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2012. Here's an example of video activism which actually does what journalists try and do, which is get at least two sides of a story. In partnership with Video Volunteers, we bring you a series called Caste on camera.
In this video, Sanjay Parmar shows a subtle reality that makes the most casual of things, a hair-cut, a contested untouchable space in Gujarat. In a world of furious sound bytes, the silences of the status quo speak loud and clear.
Video Volunteers
Notes from the Video Volunteers team
"The question is simple - why do the Dalits of the village have to go all the way to the nearest city for a haircut when there are three barber shops right there? I posed this question to both an educated Dalit boy from the village and a non-Dalit barber. The barber hems and haws until his prejudice is split wide open, even in his denials. The Dalit youth, ends up saying a lot, despite being in an understandable, evasive hurry. This is the silent vocabulary of caste, of both the oppressed and the oppressor. This is how people really speak when they speak of caste. This is the status quo that must be challenged. This is where the camera comes in between," says Parmar.
Sanjay Parmar has been a longstanding Dalit activist. He first understood the power of the camera when he began making educational videos aimed to empower and educate Dalit children in rural Gujarat. A few years later, he emerged as a full fledged video activist using his camera to document and questioning caste prejudices. The videos he made would be screened for the community who would then decide on a plan to bring about social change.
If you'd like to know more , see ARTICLE 17, a campaign launched by Video Volunteers this April, to urge the National Commission for Schedule Castes, (the government body that is constitutionally appointed to direct and implement the safeguards against untouchability), to prosecute such cases.
Video Volunteers is a team that continues to attempt igniting ideas and reality with the power of the camera.
Therefore it is a kind request please take appropriate action at earliest to end this type of inhumane untouchability practice and case should be registered under SC/ST PoA Act and ensure the rights of the Scheduled Caste. Under rule no. 7 of SC/ST Act the investigation should be done by the Dy. Superintend of Police and report should be submitted to investigation officer within 30 days. Under rule no. 8 State Government should formed Sc/St cell. Under rule no. 9 State Government should appoint a nodal officer to ensure the rehabilitation of victim and elimination of untouchability practices.
Thanking You
Sincerely Yours
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Secretary General
Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights
Sa 4/2 A Daulatpur, Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh
Mobile No: +91-9935599333
Email: lenin@pvchr.asia
Sunday, May 6, 2012
रंगीनियों का खुला बाजार और डॉ0 लेनिन की रिपोर्ट में किया पर्दाफाश!
http://basantipurtimes.blogspot.in/2012/05/0.html
मुंबई से एक्सकैलिबर स्टीवेंस विश्वास
भारत में भ्रष्टाचार के विविध आयाम और बाजार, राजनीति से लेकर जीवन के हर क्षेत्र में उसकी इंद्रधनुषी छटा पर हाय तौबा मचाने वाले लोग खुली अर्थ व्यवस्था के भी पैरोकार हैं। इनमें से अनेक विशेषज्ञ खुले बाजार के मुताबिक रिश्वत और कमीशन को वैधानिक बनाकर भ्रष्टाचार पर अंकुश लगाने की राह भी बताते हैं। अपने पद और स्थिति का फायदा उठाने की अजब दास्तां निजता की पवित्रता में तब्दी ल हो जाती है जबकि नागरिकों की
निजता और संप्रभुता, उनके नागरिक और मानव अधिकारों के हनन को खुले बाजार की समृद्धि का द्योतक बताया जाता है। भ्रष्टाचार की इस पवित्र गंगा का उद्गम वैश्वक पूंजी है, इस हकीकत को मानने में कारपोरेट लाबिंग और कारपोरेट सरकार व व्यवस्था के पैरोकारों को खास तकलीफ होती है। हमारे तमाम नीति निर्धारकों और आम आदमी के भाग्य विधाता के तार जिस अंतरराष्ट्रीय मुद्राकोष से जुड़ते हैं, उसके गलियारे में बिखरी रंगीनियों के साझेदार बनने से उन्हें कौन रोक सकता है?अपनी बिंदास जीवनशैली के कारण सरेआम बदनाम होने वाले ईएमएफ के पूर्व प्रमुख दोमिनिक स्त्रॉस कान की मुश्किलें फिर से बढ़ सकती हैं। फ्रांस के अभियोजकों ने कहा कि वे कुछ गवाहों के उस दावे की जांच कर रहे हैं कि स्त्रॉस कान वाशिंगटन में सेक्स पार्टी के दौरान सामूहिक बलात्कार में संलिप्त थे। जिस्मफरोशी से जुड़े संगठित गिरोह चलाने के मामले में स्त्रॉस कान, दो कारोबारियों और एक पुलिस प्रमुख को पहले ही आरोपी बनाया गया है।
उत्तरी फ्रांस के शहर लिले में स्थित अभियोजन कार्यालय के एक प्रवक्ता ने कहा कि जांच मजिस्ट्रेट ने कुछ सबूत सौंपे हैं, जिनके आधार पर इन लोगों के खिलाफ सामूहिक बलात्कार का मामला दर्ज किया जा सकता है।वर्ष 2010 के दिसंबर में वाशिंगटन में सेक्स पार्टी आयोजित की गई थी। इसमें शामिल बेल्जियम की एक यौनकर्मी ने आरोप लगाया था कि उस पार्टी में उसकी मर्जी के खिलाफ उसे यौन संबंध बनाने के लिए मजबूर किया गया। इस पार्टी में स्ट्रॉस कान मौजूद थे। पार्टी में शामिल एक अन्य स्कॉर्ट ने भी आंशिक तौर पर इस बात की पुष्टि की है कि उस दौरान सामूहिक बलात्कार किया गया था।
मुंबई से एक्सकैलिबर स्टीवेंस विश्वास
भारत में भ्रष्टाचार के विविध आयाम और बाजार, राजनीति से लेकर जीवन के हर क्षेत्र में उसकी इंद्रधनुषी छटा पर हाय तौबा मचाने वाले लोग खुली अर्थ व्यवस्था के भी पैरोकार हैं। इनमें से अनेक विशेषज्ञ खुले बाजार के मुताबिक रिश्वत और कमीशन को वैधानिक बनाकर भ्रष्टाचार पर अंकुश लगाने की राह भी बताते हैं। अपने पद और स्थिति का फायदा उठाने की अजब दास्तां निजता की पवित्रता में तब्दी ल हो जाती है जबकि नागरिकों की
निजता और संप्रभुता, उनके नागरिक और मानव अधिकारों के हनन को खुले बाजार की समृद्धि का द्योतक बताया जाता है। भ्रष्टाचार की इस पवित्र गंगा का उद्गम वैश्वक पूंजी है, इस हकीकत को मानने में कारपोरेट लाबिंग और कारपोरेट सरकार व व्यवस्था के पैरोकारों को खास तकलीफ होती है। हमारे तमाम नीति निर्धारकों और आम आदमी के भाग्य विधाता के तार जिस अंतरराष्ट्रीय मुद्राकोष से जुड़ते हैं, उसके गलियारे में बिखरी रंगीनियों के साझेदार बनने से उन्हें कौन रोक सकता है?अपनी बिंदास जीवनशैली के कारण सरेआम बदनाम होने वाले ईएमएफ के पूर्व प्रमुख दोमिनिक स्त्रॉस कान की मुश्किलें फिर से बढ़ सकती हैं। फ्रांस के अभियोजकों ने कहा कि वे कुछ गवाहों के उस दावे की जांच कर रहे हैं कि स्त्रॉस कान वाशिंगटन में सेक्स पार्टी के दौरान सामूहिक बलात्कार में संलिप्त थे। जिस्मफरोशी से जुड़े संगठित गिरोह चलाने के मामले में स्त्रॉस कान, दो कारोबारियों और एक पुलिस प्रमुख को पहले ही आरोपी बनाया गया है।
उत्तरी फ्रांस के शहर लिले में स्थित अभियोजन कार्यालय के एक प्रवक्ता ने कहा कि जांच मजिस्ट्रेट ने कुछ सबूत सौंपे हैं, जिनके आधार पर इन लोगों के खिलाफ सामूहिक बलात्कार का मामला दर्ज किया जा सकता है।वर्ष 2010 के दिसंबर में वाशिंगटन में सेक्स पार्टी आयोजित की गई थी। इसमें शामिल बेल्जियम की एक यौनकर्मी ने आरोप लगाया था कि उस पार्टी में उसकी मर्जी के खिलाफ उसे यौन संबंध बनाने के लिए मजबूर किया गया। इस पार्टी में स्ट्रॉस कान मौजूद थे। पार्टी में शामिल एक अन्य स्कॉर्ट ने भी आंशिक तौर पर इस बात की पुष्टि की है कि उस दौरान सामूहिक बलात्कार किया गया था।
फर्क सिर्फ इतना है कि अमेरिका या पश्चिमी दोशों में जहां भल क्लिंटन को भी कटघरे में खड़ा किया जा सकता है, वहां भारत में आप भंवरी देवी का मामला हो या सेकेस सीडी कांड, किसाका बाल बांका नहीं कर सकते।खुला बाजार की महिमा ऐसी है कि न्याय का भी खुला बाजार चालू है। इस सिलसिले में डॉ0 लेनिन रघुवंशी की रिपोर्ट गौर करने लायक है , जिसमें भारतीय न्याय व्यवस्था की एक बानगी पेश की गयी है।
भारत में कोई अचरज नहीं कि कुछ प्रावधानों पर कई मंत्रियों के असंतोष के चलते कार्यस्थल पर महिलाओं के यौन उत्पीड़न (रोकथाम, निषेध और निवारण) विधेयक में संशोधन को केंद्रीय कैबिनेट की मंजूरी नहीं मिल पाई।सूत्रों ने बताया कि इसलिए विधेयक को गृह मंत्री पी चिदंबरम की अध्यक्षता वाले मंत्रियों के समूह को भेज दिया गया है।मानव संसाधन मंत्री कपिल सिब्बल और महिला एवं बाल विकास मंत्री कृष्णा तीरथ उस मंत्रियों के समूह के अन्य सदस्य हैं जो इस मुद्दे पर गौर करेगा।विधेयक में घरेलू सहायकों और श्रमिकों को इस विधेयक के दायरे में लाने का प्रस्ताव है।
उम्मीद है कि यौन उत्पीड़न के मामले में घरेलू सहायकों के रूप में पंजीकृत 47.5 लाख महिलाओं को शीघ्र निस्तारण मुहैया कराएगा।एक वरिष्ठ मंत्री ने पहचान गुप्त रखने की शर्त पर कहा,'विधेयक पर कुछ चर्चा की आवश्यकता है. आप उसे पूरी तरह से एकपक्षीय नहीं कर सकते।'सूत्रों ने कहा कि सदस्यों की मुख्य आपत्ति यह थी कि विधेयक में सभी बातें शिकायतकर्ताओं के पक्ष में हैं और बेगुनाही साबित करने की जिम्मेदारी नियोक्ताओं पर है जो कि झूठे शिकायतों को बढ़ावा दे सकता है।
इस बीच ग्लोबल हिंदुत्व के समर्थकों के लिए खुश खबरी है कि अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति बराक ओबामा छह नवंबर को होने वाले राष्ट्रपति चुनाव को लेकर रिपब्लिकन पार्टी के संभावित उम्मीदवार मिट रोमनी से वर्जीनिया राज्य में आगे चल रहे हैं। एक नए सर्वेक्षण में यह बात कही गई है। द वाशिंगटन पोस्ट अखबार द्वारा कराए गए सर्वेक्षण के मुताबिक ओबामा प्रशासन की नीतियों को लेकर लोग विभाजित हैं। सर्वेक्षण में 51 प्रतिशत ने ओबामा का समर्थन किया, जबकि 44 प्रतिशत ने रोमनी का। अब यह कोई छुपा रहस्य नहीं है कि हिंदुत्ववादी तोकतों की वाशिंगटन के नीति निर्धारम में क्या और कितनी भूमिका है। भारत में आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव में इसका असर देखा जा सकता है , जबकि बाजार समर्थित राष्ट्रपति मिल जाने के बाद बाजार को अपनी पसंद की सरकार बनाने के मौके होंगे।
इसीलिए आर्थिक सुधारों को लेकर इतनी मारामारी है और बाजार की धड़कनों के साथ नत्थी है संसदीय लोकतंत्र।क्षेत्रीय क्षत्रपों की मर्जी भी बाजार से जुड़ी हैं, यह समझना कोई मुश्किल नहीं है। मुलायम और ममता को पटाने के लिए यूपीए की सांसें जरूर फूल रही हैं।पर इल क्षत्रपों की मांगें भी आर्थिक है। यानी पैसा दो और वोट लो। मसलन ममता बनर्जी ने कहा कि उम्मीदवार का नाम तय हो जाने के बाद उनकी पार्टी इस बारे में विचार करेगी। पीएम से मुलाकात के बाद बनर्जी ने कहा, 'राष्ट्रपति चुनाव पर हमारे सभी विकल्प खुले हैं. अभी इस चुनाव में काफी समय बचा है और उम्मीदवार तय हो जाने पर हम इस बारे में विचार करेंगे।'क्या वित्त मंत्री प्रणब मुखर्जी राष्ट्रपति बनने की रेस में नहीं हैं? क्या वो रेस में हैं लेकिन खुलकर कुछ बोलना नहीं चाहते हैं? ये सवाल इसलिए खड़े हुए हैं क्योंकि राष्ट्रपति चुनाव को लेकर अपनी उम्मीदवारी की खबरों को प्रणब मुखर्जी ने अटकलें करार दिया है। बैंकॉक में एशियन डेवलपमेंट बैंक के सम्मेलन से हिस्सा लेकर लौटे प्रणब मुखर्जी से जब राष्ट्रपति पद की उम्मीदवारी को लेकर सवाल पूछा गया तो उन्होंने कहा कि सब अटकलें हैं।प्रणव यूपीए के नहीं, बाजार के उम्मीदवार हैं । उनके विकल्प के तौर पर सैम पित्रौदा को ओबीसी अवतार के रुप में भी पेश किया जा रहा है।बाजार के आगे किसी की नहीं चलती, मुस्लिम वोट बैंक समीकरण की भी नहीं। ऐसा मुलायम ने किसी भी समुदाय से राष्ट्रपति बनाये जाने की राय पर सहमति देकर साफ कर दिया है। प्रणव को समर्थन देने का संकेत देते हुए वामपंथियों ने भी बाजार की ही मिजाजपुर्सी की है।बिहार के मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार ने बिहार को विशेष राज्य का दर्जा देने के लिए नया मापदंड निर्धारित करने और विशेषज्ञों की नई समिति बनाने की मांग की। नई दिल्ली रवाना होने से पहले हवाई अड्डे पर संवाददाताओं से नीतीश ने कहा कि बिहार विशेष राज्य के दर्जा का हकदार है। उन्होंने कहा कि केंद्र को विशेष राज्य का दर्जा देने के लिए नए मापदंड निर्धारित करनी चाहिए और विशेषज्ञों की नई कमेटी बनानी चाहिए।
इस बीच सेनसेक्स की चाल खुले बाजार की रफ्तार बढ़ाने के लिए लगातार कारपोरेट लाबिइंग का बेहतरीन औजार साबित हो रही है। दलाल स्ट्रीट में शुक्रवार को लगातार तीसरे सत्र में गिरावट का दौर जारी रहा। मॉरीशस कर संधि की समीक्षा को लेकर नए सिरे से उपजी चिंता और कमजोर रुपये को देखते हुए निवेशकों ने जोरदार बिकवाली की। इससे बंबई शेयर बाजार [बीएसई] का सेंसेक्स 320.11 अंक यानी 1.87 प्रतिशत लुढ़ककर तीन महीने में पहली बार 17000 अंक के मनोवैज्ञानिक स्तर से नीचे आ गया। बीएसई का यह संवेदी सूचकांक 16831.08 अंक पर बंद हुआ। गुरुवार को यह 17151.19 अंक पर बंद हुआ था।
दूसरी ओर विनिवेश के लक्ष्य पर ठहराव में खड़ी ए्र इंडिया का बाजा अब अमेरिका में भी बजने लगा है।अमेरिका के परिवहन विभाग ने उड़ान में विलंब से सम्बंधित जानकारी यात्रियों को उपलब्ध न कराने पर भारत की सरकारी विमानन कम्पनी एयर इंडिया पर 80,000 डॉलर का जुर्माना लगाया है।यात्रियों के विमान में बैठने के बाद उड़ान में होने वाली देरी को रोकने के लिए विभाग ने अगस्त 2011 में इस नियम को लागू किया था।विभाग ने कहा कि हवाईपट्टी से उड़ान में होने वाली देरी एवं ग्राहक सेवा से सम्बंधित जानकारियां अपनी वेबसाइट पर डालने में असफल होने पर एयर इंडिया पर यह जुर्माना लगाया गया है। विभाग ने बताया कि विमानन कम्पनी अपने वैकल्पिक शुल्क के बारे में भी यात्रियों पर्याप्त जानकारी देने में नाकाम हुई है।एयर इंडिया ऐसी पहली विदेशी कम्पनी है जिस पर विभाग ने अर्थदंड लगाया है। अमेरिकी परिवहन सचिव रे लाहूड ने कहा कि हमारे नए
विमानन उपभोक्ता नियम यात्रियों को विमान की सेवाओं और शुल्क के बारे में पूरी जानकारी सुनिश्चित कराने में मदद करते हैं।उन्होंने कहा कि विमानन कम्पनियां हमारे नियमों का पालन कर रही हैं, इसे सुनिश्चित करने के लिए हम लगातार अपनी निगरानी जारी रखेंगे।
डॉ0 लेनिन रघुवंशी की रिपोर्ट में पेश है उस प्रेमा देवी की ख़ुदबयानी जिसकी सोलह साल की बेटी के साथ सामूहिक बलात्कार हुआ और जब थाने वो में रपट लिखाने पहुंची तो दीवान साहब ने बलात्कार पीडिता को कहा 'ये तो प्रेम प्रपंच का मामला है। देख नहीं रहे हो, कैसा कपड़ा पहनी है। काहे अपने माँ-बाप को परेशान करती हो। बता दो कि तुमसे गलती हो गयी है, तुम अपनी मर्जी से गयी थी'।सरोकार में छपी रपटसे साफ जाहिर है छोटे से छोटे ओहदे पर काबिज किसी भी शख्स के लिए महिलाउत्पीड़न विशेषाधिकार है। पेश है यह रपट, जिसे सर्वोच्च स्तर तक लागू समझा जाना चाहिए।डॉ0 लेनिन रघुवंशी 'मानवाधिकार जन निगरानी समिति' के महासचिव हैं और वंचितों के अधिकारों पर इनके कामों के लिये इन्हें 'वाइमर ह्युमन राइट्स अवॉर्ड', जर्मनी एवं 'ग्वांजू ह्युमन राइट्स अवॉर्ड', दक्षिण कोरिया से नवाज़ा गया है. इनसे pvchr.india@gmail.com पर संपर्क साधा जा सकता है।
मैं प्रेमा देवी, पत्नी-लालमणि भारद्वाज, ग्राम-असवारी, पोस्ट-कुआर बाजार, ब्लॉक-बड़ागाँव, थाना-फूलपुर, तहसील-पिण्डरा, जिला-वाराणसी (उ0प्र0) की रहने वाली हूँ। मेरी उम्र-55 वर्ष है। हमारे दो लड़की और एक लड़का है। पति मुम्बई में काम करते हैं। बेटा भी उन्हीं के साथ काम करता है। मैं अपने दोनों लड़कियों के साथ अपने घर पर रहती हूँ. बड़ी लड़की संजू 25 साल की है. उसकी शादी हो चुकी है, आती-जाती रहती है. छोटी नीलम 16 साल की है और शाहजहाँ गर्ल्स इण्टर कालेज कुआर में कक्षा दसवीं में पढ़ती थी। गाँव में लड़के-लड़कियों के ग़लत सम्बन्धों के बारे में सुन कर नीलम का विवाह मैं जल्दी करना चाहती थी।
16 सितम्बर, 2010 को नीलम की शादी के लिए रिश्ता वाले आए. हमारी लड़की नीलम उन्हें पसन्द आ गयी। उन्होंने हमारी लड़की को पाँच सौ एक रुपये तथा साथ में मिठाईयाँ भी दिये। इसके बाद शाम लगभग चार बजे तक वापस अपने घर चले गये। उसी दिन शाम के लगभग सात बजे हमारी बेटी नीलम शौच के लिए पड़ोस की एक लड़की के साथ जाने लगी। तब मैंने नीलम से कहा कि लौटते वक़्त रोड की दुकान से एक माचिस लेते आना और जल्दी आना। पर घंटा बीत जाने पर भी नीलम नहीं आयी। मैं चिंतित हो रही थी। अपनी बड़ी संजू से मैंने कहा कि देखो अभी तक नीलम नही आयी। संजू ने कहा कि हो सकता है कि वो अपनी सहेली के घर चली गयी होगी। कुछ समय और बीत गया। इस बार मैंने संजू से कुछ नहीं कहा क्योंकि उसके पेट में 5 माह का गर्भ था। मैं स्वंय नीलम को खोजने रोड की तरफ़ निकल पड़ी। वहाँ न मिलने पर मैं उसकी सहेली के घर गयी। वहाँ भी नीलम नहीं मिली।
मेरी चिन्ता बढने लगी। तब तक पता चला कि नीलम को मोटर साईकिल पर सवार दो लोगों ने दबोचकर जबरदस्ती मुँह दबाकर उठा ले गये। यह सुनते ही सड़क के बीचोंबीच मैं गश के कारण गिर पड़ी। मेरा माथा फट गया। तब तक चार पाँच लोग आ गये। फिर मैं एकाएक उठी, सबके पैर पकड़ने लगी कि जरा देखें कि मेरी बेटी को कौन उठाकर ले गया, किधर उठा कर ले गया। उस समय सावन-भादो का घनघोर अंधेरा था।
मैं पगली की तरह सड़क पर इधर-उधर दौड़-दौड़ कर नीलम को खोजने लगी। लेकिन हमारी बेटी का पता नही चला। मैं भागकर अपने घर आयी। आस-पड़ोस के ताना-मेहना के डर से रो भी नहीं पा रही थी। अपने घर में ही सर पटक-पटक कर भगवान का पूजा करने लगी। कुछ-कुछ देर में घर से बाहर, अगल-ब़गल, इधर-उधर घूम-घूम कर ढूंढती रही कि कहीं हमारी बेटी नीलम मिल जाये। जब कहीं नही मिली तब हमें लगा कि हमारा हार्ट अटैक हो
जायेगा।
घर में कोई आदमी नहीं था नीलम को कहीं ढूँढे या पता करे। मैं अपने कलेजे पर पत्थर रख कर घर में बैठ गयी। आँख से आँसू तो गिर रहे थे मगर मुँह से आवाज़ नही़ आ रही थी। जब-जब कुत्ता भौंकता या खड़खड़ाहट की आवाज़ आती थी तो मैं अपना जंगला खोल लेती थी, बाहर निकल कर ढूंढने लगती थी।
घनघोर अंधेरी रात में कुछ भी दिखाई नहीं देता था। फिर जंगला उसी प्रकार खोल कर बैठी रहती थी। दर्द से मेरा सिर फटा जा रहा था। उस समय तक हमारे सिर से खून टपकता रहा था। बैठे-बैठे भोर के लगभग तीन बज गये। तभी ज़ोर से मेरा जंगला खड़खड़ाया और धड़ाम से गिरा। मैं दौड़कर बाहर निकली। जमीन पर टटोलने लगी। हमारे हाथों से एक शरीर टकरायी, वह नीलम थी। मैं अपने हाथों से उसके बदन व कपड़ो को टटोलने लगी। हमें लगा कि कोई उसे चाकू मारकर फेंक दिया। उसके दोनों हाथों को पकड़कर जमीन से घसीटते हुए घर के अन्दर ले गयी। उसका सिर हिला-डुला कर देखने लगी। नीलम एक दम बेहोशी की हालत में पानी में लथपथ थी। संजू और मैंने उसके कपड़े बदले। फिर रजाई और कम्बल से उसे पूरी तरह ढक दिया। कुछ देर बाद नीलम ने कराहना शुरू कर दिया। हमलोगों ने उससे पूछा कि तुम्हारे साथ क्या हुआ, बताओ। डरो मत, जो हुआ साफ-साफ बताओ।
मगर नीलम कुछ नहीं बोली। फिर भी मैं लगातार प्रयास करती रही कि नीलम कुछ बोले कि कौन-कौन उठाकर ले गये थे, कहाँ ले गये थे। मगर भय से वो कुछ नहीं बोली। इसके बाद अहिरानी गाँव के सुरेश से मंगला जी को सुबह अपने घर बुलवायी। उनके आने पर नीलम से हम लोगों ने घुमा फिरा कर कुछ सवाल पूछे। तब नीलम ने बताया कि छोटेलाल पटेल और एक अन्य आदमी मुझे जबरदस्ती उठाकर ले गये और हमारा रेप किया। किसी तरह से मैं अपना जान बचा कर वहाँ से भागी। और फिर उसकी आँखों से झर-झर आंसू बहने लगे। हम सब भी रोने लगे।
इसके बाद मैं और मेरी बेटी नीलम थाना-फूलपुर में एफ0आई0आर0 कराने गयी। थाना-फूलपुर में मुंशी (दीवान) हमें समझाने लगा कि एफ0आई0आर0 मत कराओ नहीं तो इसका विवाह-शादी कहाँ होगा और इससे कौन शादी करेगा। तब तक दूसरा मुंशी (दीवान) कहने लगा, 'यह अपनी मर्जी से भाग गयी थी। इसका रेप नहीं हुआ है। यह प्रेम-प्रपंच का मामला है। देख नहीं रहे हो, कैसा कपड़ा पहनी है। काहे अपने माँ-बाप को परेशान करती हो। बता दो कि तुमसे गलती हो गयी है, तुम अपनी मर्जी से गयी थी।' उसकी बातों को सुनकर हमारी बेटी फिर रोने लगी। तब दूसरे दीवान ने कहा, 'देखो कैसे नखड़ा कर रही है।' इसके बाद थाने के एस0आई0 आये और कठिराँव चौकी के अंतर्गत असवारी गाँव में जाने के लिए चौकी इंचार्ज बाल गोविन्द मिश्र को उन्होंने वायरलेस से सूचना दी।
चौकी इंचार्ज असवारी गाँव गये। छानबीन की और बताया किया कि लड़की के साथ रेप नहीं हुआ है, इसके साथ छेड़छाड़ हुआ है। तब छेड़छाड़ का मुकदमा पंजीकृत कराये और उसक मेडिकल बनाने हेतु पी0एच0सी0 पिण्डरा मगार्ड के साथ भेज दिये। वहाँ महिला डॉ. न होने के कारण मेडिकल नहीं हो सका। फिर जिला चिकित्सालय में मेडिकल हुआ। इसके बाद मैं नीलम के साथ वापस गाँव गयी। गाँव का कोई भी व्यक्ति मिता था तब उससे पूरी तरह नज़र नहीं मिला पाती थी।
पड़ोस के लोग नीलम को ताना मारने लगे। हमारी बेटी नीलम हमसे आकर सारी बातें बताती है। लेकिन छोटेलाल पटेल की गिरफ्तारी का भय सबको बनने लगा है। नीलम के साथ जहाँ रेप हुआ, उधर मेरा खेत पड़ता है। जब-जब अपने खेत की तरफ़ जाती हूँ, हमें अपनी बेटी की दर्दनाक बातें सोच कर सब कुछ याद आ जाता है। उस समय हमें कुछ भी दिखाई नहीं देता है और चक्कर आने लगता है। अपनी पीड़ा बता कर मेरी आँखो से आँसू गिरने लगते हैं। पर आपसे अपनी तकलीफ बांटकर कुछ हल्का महसूस कर रही हूं। बस यही सोचती रहती हूँ कि हमारे साथ जो घिनौना और अमानवीय कृत्य हुआ है, उसकी भरपायी कैसे हो पायेगी? कैसे न्याय मिल पाएगा मेरी बेटी को अब कैसे सब कुछ सामान्य हो जाएगा? हालांकि मैंने न्याय की उम्मीद छोड़ी नहीं है।
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