writes M. Kaiser
WOMEN SECURITY MAY IMPROVE
The incident of Delhi gang rape followed by the violent protest by the people has put pressure on government to assure safeguard of women and provide them safe atmosphere. It is imperative for government now we must make our women safe and secure’. It is not a matter of rape alone, but about respect that is given to women in public places, homes or at work. What is also disturbing is the fact that it is not only in the capital city where women are accorded scant respect, but that it is widespread across the country in varying degrees.
As an independent nation, even if India may not provide basic roti, kapdaaurmakan to all, it must ensure respect and security of women which is their basic right.
It is now time to initiate action to eradicate the menace of ill-treating of women. We have several women in positions of power and influence in the country including Members of Parliament, leaders, educationists, women entrepreneurs, artists and social activists who should come together on an urgent basis to evolve a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue.
In 2013 hopes would be high that now both Central as well as State government would take women safety on high priority.
ECONOMY MAY IMPROVE
The Great Recession or the global recession of 2009 is a marked global economic decline that began in December 2007 and took a particularly sharp downward turn in September 2008. The global recession affected the entire world economy. In 2012 the economic side effects continue to provide obstacles to full recovery from the Great Recession. The year 2013 gives a ray of hope that the picture may improve.
A global recession has resulted in a sharp drop in international trade, rising unemployment and slumping commodity prices. India has also been the victim of global recession especially and in year 2012 there witnessed a decline in growth rate.
The inflation rate also remained high in 2012 and now people hope that this may come down in 2013. Government is bound to take measures that will improve countries economic scenario and also provide respite from the inflation.
PAKISTAN ELECTION
In 2013 current National Assembly of Pakistan will complete its tenure and general elections would be held. Pakistani people in particular and people in other countries in general are very hopeful about the 2013 elections.
Political parties and pundits are catching the election fever as the current PPP-led coalition government in Pakistan is nearing the end of its term in February 2013.
Campaign rallies are being held across the country by major political parties including Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League factions (PML N & Q), Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), MuttahidaQaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP), JamiatUlama Islam (JUI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and others like Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), etc.
Having been around for 15 years, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) can finally say that it is their time now. They say that they can sweep the elections. The other strong contender in the arena is the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Though they are facing criticism from all angles; even its own members, section of political analysts are predicting the party to retain power during the 2013 general election.
DEVELOPMENTAL WORK IN J&K MAY GAIN PACE
There are some hopes for people of Kashmir also in 2013. One such hope is that the developmental work may gain pace and the incomplete or yet to be started developmental work would be taken on fast track basis. As 2013 is a crucial year for the current NC- Congress coalition government because of elections in 2014. Hence experts believe that this year government may try to create a good impression in the minds of people which would help them in coming elections supposed to be held next year.
NO CHANGE IN KASHMIR ISSUE
Hopes regarding resolution of the Kashmir issue has almost vanished now and nothing much can be expected towards it. Albeit there are few changes in the peace scenario like arrival of tourism, decline in militancy etc. But the basic issue remains at status quo, India still claim that JK is its integral part, army is not ready to operate here without AFSPA and also the un-ending conflict between State`s leadership be it pro-freedom or mainstream towards resolution, all suggest that year 2013 would be just like another year without any change necessary important for solution.