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| Call “INDIA” “BHARAT”, Shantaram Naik’s Private Member’s Bill Posted: 27 Aug 2010 07:36 AM PDT Mr Shantaram Naik M.P. in a private member's bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, has sought amendment to the Preamble and Article 1 of the Constitution of India, to name India as "Bharat". In sub-clause 1 of article 1 of the Constitution of India, substitute the word "Bharat" for the words "India, that is Bharat" says one of the provisions of Mr Naik's bill. In his statement of objects and reasons, Mr Naik says, "India" denotes a territorial concept whereas "Bharat" signifies much more that the mere territories of India. When we praise our country we say, "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and not "India ki Jai". Grounds for changing the name of the country into simply "Bharat" are many but, more that the grounds, or the reasons , it is the sense of patriotism, that the name generates and, electrifies the people of this country , that is relevant. "Jahan dal dal par sone ki chidiyan karatin hai savera wo bharat desh hai mera" , so goes the lyrics of a poet, says Mr Naik in his statement of objects and reasons. Through another private members member's bill, Mr Naik has sought enhanced punishment for those who publicise and market their drugs which are either harmful or contain no medical ingredients. Illiterate masses of this country are taken for a ride by quacks and touts who claim magical remedies for various deceases. Medical remedies, which includes a talisman, mantra, kavacha, and any other charm of any kind which is alleged to possess miraculous powers for or in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of any disease in human beings or animals are claimed by certain practioners openely either in their 'dispensaries' which they open in hotels or even on streets, Mr Naik says in his statement attached to the bill Women folk of the country are lured to make them believe that various medical problems related to them can be cured with the 'medicines' that these quacks prescribe., he says. Mr Naik further says that unfortunately, some practitioners blend their treatment with divine blessings thus spreading superstitions at the same time. Section 7 of the Drugs and Megical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 as it exists today provides in the case of a first conviction, with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both and in the case of a subsequent conviction, with imprisonment which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both. However Mr Naik has suggested one year imprisonment for first offence and five years for subsequent offence. Through a third bill seeking amendment to Consumer Protection Act, 1986, Mr Naik has sought to introduce a provision that District Foras should also hold sittings at taluka levels. |
| Hotel and hospitality institutes on the rise in Goa Posted: 27 Aug 2010 07:27 AM PDT Goa’s pristine beaches have always been a top draw for visitors the world over, but when it came to learning how to attend to those tourists, it would always be outside the state. The landscape is beginning to change, though. Tourism and hospitality institutes are setting up shop in the tiny coastal state. Over the past five years, more than eight hotel and hospitality institutes have set up base here, taking the total to over 15. In the same period, more than 300 new hotels have registered to launch operations in the state. All this, despite tourist inflow dropping by nearly 30%, post the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the economic slow-down, pointing to the state's untapped potential. For institutes catering to tourism and hospitality, the environment seems perfect: Robust year-round tourism activity, with hotels from starred resorts to boutique homes providing the training ground. Most tourism training institutes started during the late 1990s in places with year-round tourist traffic. Even as Goa is considered to be the world's favourite holiday destination, private institutes first set up base in Agra, Shillong and Kerala, ostensibly because these have greater domestic tourist traffic. While more than 62 lakh domestic tourists visit Kerala every year; the number of Indian travellers to Goa is a little over 30 lakh. Similarly, Rajasthan and Agra receive an average 10 million Indian travellers annually. Goa, though, has other pluses apart from the untapped potential: A fairly large English-speaking population, activities like the International Film Festival of India and the state-sponsored wine festival. Besides, studying in Goa is often a style statement for students from the rest of the country. "Tourism being the economy's mainstay, it is easier for people here to accept the service industry as a career path. So, unlike places like Kerala and Kolkata, where people focus on courses like engineering, our institute has been easily accepted here," says IIAS School of Management assistant vice-president Aniruddha Das. Indeed, Goa's association with tourism is long, and runs deep. The local population has not only interacted, but also earned its income from long-stay tourists who have been flocking to the state since the 1960s. Most homes along the northern coast have let out rooms to guests, sometimes even moving into neighbouring villages to open up to tourists. Nearly 12% of the state's 14 lakh people work abroad, mainly in the service industry, according to a recent Goa migration study. Their families back home are also in some way associated with tourism — from letting out bikes on hire or serving as local tourist guides while serving their guests authentic Goan food. Courtesy: ET |
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