Press Briefing Monday, 5th September 2011

Shri Manish Tewari addressed the media today.

Shri Manish Tewari said that today is the birthday of our former President Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. We would like to congratulate millions and millions of teachers and academicians around the country who have been working selflessly to transform India into a knowledge economy and a knowledge super power. As you are aware that the UPA alliance government has been committed to transforming the educational paradigm not only has it been a focus area of the UPA government but we also have backed it with more than appropriate financial allocations. In 2004-05 when the UPA assumed office, the central plan allocation on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was increased from Rs. 1951 crores to Rs. 3057 crores over the previous year. In 2011-12, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan allocation stands at Rs.21,000 Crores. It is an increase of 976% or an 11 fold increase. Similarly in 2004-05, the Mid-day scheme allocation was increased to Rs. 1675 crores over the previous year’s figure of Rs. 1175 crores. In 2011-12, the central plan allocation stands at Rs. 10,380 crores – an increase of 783% or a 9 fold increase. Coupled with the Right to Education Act and host of other measures which the UPA government has taken over the last several years, we would like to appeal to all stakeholders in the education sector to stand with the government and see that that our objective and resolve to see that every child in every corner of the country is educated, stands fulfilled.

On the question of the reaction of the Congress party over the wiki leak cables with regard to UP Chief Minister, Shri Tewari said our stand on wiki leaks has always been consistent notwithstanding as to whom they may concern. We do not dignify the leaks with a comment.

On another question on the reaction of the Congress party over the arrest of Reddy brothers and the reaction of BJP, Shri Tewari said I have seen the press reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation have initiated certain action. Since it is a continuing investigation, I think the appropriate people to update you with regard to the progress of the investigation would be the CBI. Insofar as the facts about Bellary are concerned, I think all facts are there in the public space. There is nothing more to add to it.

Shri Tewari further said I think that is the obvious and expected reaction from the BJP and I don’t think much credence needs to be given to that. What is imperative is that there is unfolding investigation and the correct and appropriate people who will keep you updated about the investigation would be the officers of the CBI concerned.

To a further question on the reaction of the Congress party over the statement of the BJP that they will not allow the House to function unless the appointment of Lokayukta in Gujarat is revoked, Shri Tewari said as far as the appointment of Lokayukta in Gujarat is concerned, the Governor must have consulted before such appointment. Since the matter is pending in the court and is subjudice, it would be appropriate to allow us to let it reach its logical conclusion.

On the question of the reaction of the Congress party on Ms. Mamata Banerjee not accompanying PM on Bangladesh tour, Shri Tewari said since the Foreign Secretary reacted to it earlier in the afternoon, I don’t think there is any need for me to really amplify to what the government has said. If at all there are certain teething issues with regard to interpretation of certain agreements which are in the pipeline, I am sure that they would be resolved through mutual consultation and dialogue.

Shri Tewari further said I am not privy to the consultation process or the discussion process in this particular instance but as I do understand, in a federal set-up especially when agreements of import are entered into, there is an appropriate consultation mechanism which is gone through with before decisions are arrived at. I would like to caveat it by saying that the right people to be reacting to it in detail would be the people in government who are seized of the issue and are dealing but of course, if there are teething problems, those would be resolved through consultation.

Shri Tewari also said since I am not personally privy to the discussions which have taken place, I think I would leave it to appropriate people in the government who are dealing with it in great detail and further said off the cuff reaction would be decidedly inappropriate.

On the question over Jaganmohan Reddy meeting all the opposition leaders in connection with his CBI case, Shri Tewari said insofar as Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy wanting to meet a cross section of political leadership is concerned, I think it is a free country. Everybody is entitled to meet anybody they feel like. Insofar as the allegations of vendetta by the CBI are concerned, I think we have seen the story play itself out over the last six years that whenever there is an investigation which is inconvenient to the opposition, this charge resurfaces with an amazing degree of regularity unfortunately when the shoe is on the other foot the CBI becomes an angel which should be extolled. I think the double standards of the opposition are fairly evident for everybody to see what they are for.

To a further question as to health condition of the Congress President, Shri Tewari said I would flag this for the attention of the Chairperson of the Media Department and as and when we have certain information for you, I am sure that he would personally keep you updated.
 

(Tom Vadakkan)
Secretary, AICC