Jairam Ramesh advises NGO leader to stay away from politics

Times View - Can't farewell social work
Counter View - Activists are not politicians


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Jairam-Ramesh-advises-NGO-leader-to-stay-away-from-politics/articleshow/12235940.cms

-The Times of India, March 13, 2012

Engage, don't vilify

"PM Manmohan Singh's remarks about foreign-funded NGOs stalling the introduction of genetically modified food and the commissioning of the Kudankulam nuclear power project are bound to be taken seriously by his supporters and detractors alike. "

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Engage, don't vilify: When Dr. Singh, who has a reputation for reticence on sensitive subjects, drops dark hints about a foreign hand, it is surely something that needs to be substantiated and, if necessary, followed up with action. However, the idea that NGOs with ‘foreign' links are fuelling the protests seems more expedient than convincing.

The government needs to engage with people in a transparent and constructive manner and allay their fears with facts and arguments rather than innuendo and slander.

Baby, Battered

Who takes care of abandoned children?

Baby, Battered

-The Times of India, February 1, 2012

The story of children in India is not to the least encouraging. The two-year-old Falak, who was brutally bruised and battered now fights for survival in AIIMS.

The case of Falak echoes the plight of many a children who are either abandoned, trafficked, or sold in sex trade. In fact, to highlight the gory fact, the number of such cases have risen, "notwithstanding countless laws passed to protect them."

"This large-scale abuse and neglect of children has to end. But the question is: Should we leave the problem to the state to resolve it?"

The answer may well lie in an approach that involves both state and non-state agencies.