In the interim

The Interim Budget has not created any enthusiasm. Rashtriya Sahara, in an editorial entitled, ‘Interim Budget disappoints everyone’ (Feb 18) writes: “Keeping the general elections in view the government has focussed its attention largely on providing employment in rural areas, the social sector, and, along with giving importance to face future situations like terrorist attack in Mumbai, allocating more funds for defence.” The paper notes that 64 per cent of the allocation for National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) could not be utilised till the end of 2008. The situation was similar for projects connected with improvement of National Highways, modernisation of airports and sea ports. Not only were allocated funds not fully utilised, these projects have been mismanaged through defective planning, delays and lack of accountability, the paper says. Jadeed Khabar points out that 40 per cent of the fund that was allocated for the welfare of minorities has not so far been utilised. There has been reduction in allocation for scholarships under the Ministry of Minority Affairs for ten-plus students and for professional courses, the paper observes.  

Jai ho

The award of eight Oscars to Slumdog Millionaire, particularly for three Indians, has been hailed. Hindustan Express, in its editorial (Feb 24) has described it as “a matter of great delight for the country”. It has also taken on those who criticised the “exploitation” of poverty in India. It writes: “A British filmmaker comes face to face with the life in the jhoppar- patti of Mumbai and his eyes see the dark side of this life, something you are unable for see. On the contrary, when this film comes before you, you are unable to gather the courage to see the wound on your face and make the film a target of your criticism by saying that only Indian poverty has been shown in the film. Will you now perceive this hell? Will you gather the courage to fight this darkness or, intoxicated by the delight of Oscar, wait for another Slumdog Millionnaire?” Hyderabad-based Siasat writes: “Viewed with the spectacles of reality, the film truly captures life in the slum areas and of Muslim families of Mumbai”. 

... contd.