Indian Parliament’s winter session is scheduled from November 19, 2009 till December 22, 2009.
Important updates on some bills which needs urgent attention….
1- The National Commission for Heritage Sites Bill, 2009
UNESCO Guidelines under the signed conventions must have been followed while developing this bill.
There must be provision to protect the independent interest of important sites which have meaningful symbols to national and international heritage. Complying with the Constitutional and UNESCO’s diversity and freedom of expression rules, the bill should reflect on the caste, tribe and religion’s existing vulnerabilities.
Eg. First school in India started by Savitribai Phule at Bhidewada is now taken over by real estate developer and converted it into a mall. In spite of protests from SC/ST organizations hardly any action has been taken by the government, though the venue of this first school was located in Bhide wada (a home given by Brahmin community person), no other community protested to protect this heritage. Jotiba Phule wada is removed from the the heritage protection (public-private)list of the Pune Muncipal corporation history. Many of the Buddhist sites are being converted into real estate properties or at dismal state.
There is need
- to protect the sanctity and originality of the heritage sites,
- to place adequate accountability to protect these sites.
- Ensure strict audit of foreign and domestic money investment for heritage sites.
- It is pertinent to do the survey in India to list the important sites and list down possible threats; also it is important to documents the social, cultural relevance of such sites.
- It is also very important to have representation of responsible experts from SC/ST/OBC community on the board of the Heritage commission
2. The Companies Bill, 2009
- Inclusion of Affirmative action policy in private, public and private-public companies
- Inclusive policy for SC/STs in private and public contracts to remove existing discriminatory policy.
- Periodic social audit of the companies by independent government bodies
- Some political parties had promised such policies before elections, they have moral responsibility to support a legislation without violating basic rights of SC/ST population.
3. The Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2007
Need for reintroduction of this bill with strong proposal for efficient mechanism to protect the rights of SC/ST and other vulnerable communities. Many upcoming, current development projects must be developed after proper rehabilitation of the vulnerable population who are most of the time SC/ST and other backward castes. Eg. Nandi-Gram, Urban redevelopment, SEZs etc
4. The Provisions of the Municipalities (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Bill, 2001
