Monday, 17 February
Dainik Jagran comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks on Article 370 and the amended citizenship law. He said that he was not going to back down and added that these decisions were made in the interest of the nation and every sovereign country had the right to do so.
According to the daily, those who believe that the protests will put any kind of pressure on the government are mistaken. This has been proven by PM Modi’s comments. It adds that it is better to wait for the Supreme Court’s decision, which has started hearing petitions on the CAA, since it is not possible for a government to withdraw a law passed and notified by Parliament.
Amar Ujala writes about AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s third innings as the chief minister of Delhi. It argues that numerous challenges await the new government, and thus Kejriwal has more responsibility than before. The severe level of air pollution in the city and women’s security are most pertinent issues, he needs to focus on.
Tuesday, 18 February
On the proposed National Education Policy, which is going to be released in March, Dainik Bhaskar states that the central government taking cognisance of the fact that children are not mentally prepared enough for primary school, is revolutionary.
It quotes ASAR, a non-governmental organisation working on education, and highlights that only a few children are able to comprehend the facts that are stated in government or Anganwadi schools. According to scientists, a child’s brain develops in the first eight years. The Government of India understood this deficiency and now an effort is being made to develop pre-primary learning courses as well as training teachers.
Dainik Jagran comments on the Shaheen Bagh protests. The Supreme Court had said that people have the right to protest but they cannot obstruct a road and Jagran concurs with this. People should understand that every right has its limitations. Furthermore, this strike is testing the patience of the general public.
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Wednesday, 19 February
According to Amar Ujala, the fourth state budget of the Yogi Adityanath-led government is the biggest ever of Uttar Pradesh. The government has allotted Rs 5,12,860 crore to the Budget with an emphasis on infrastructure. However, it notes that whether this will give employment a boost, remains to be seen.
Dainik Bhaskar reflects on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on the BJP defeat in Delhi. At a book launch, Bhagwat quoted Gandhi and said that if a mistake has been committed then they should atone for it by taking responsibility for the mistake. The Sangh chief said that Gandhi used to call himself a staunch Sanatani Hindu. The Sanatan Hindu does not distinguish between those who follow different religions.
Thursday, 20 February
Dainik Jagran calls for the implementation of the proposed education policy as soon as possible. It writes that reforms in education are the need of the hour and in fact, according to the Modi government’s promises, should have come in its first term. Education enhances the ability of students to learn and build a better personality. Unfortunately, even our higher education is unable to do so and thus, there is a need for radical changes.
Dainik Bhaskar calls Supreme Court’s decision, directing political parties to publish details of the criminal background all its candidates, ineffective. In the last 15 years, the chance of criminals winning elections has increased more than any good candidate. During this period, the number of criminals reaching Parliament increased from 125 to 236. In fact, there is first a need to create a healthy public opinion, people should have logic and scientific thinking and the second step is making information available to all.
Friday, 21 February
Amar Ujala states that despite the possibility of no agreement on trade during US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to India, both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi will discuss bilateral issues as well as international issues, in which the two share common interests. India has to be cautious about this attitude of the US President. There is a need to increase mutual understanding between the two countries regarding the situation in West Asia and China-Pakistan.
Dainik Bhaskar, on the politicisation of officers, writes that the Modi government has appointed people (experts) from outside to join the posts of joint secretary and above. A sample of the politicisation of officers was found in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh. A senior IAS officer in UP advocated canceling the proposal to increase the block of civil defense on the basis of population because according to him it would benefit the Muslims, whose number has increased in the last 50 years.
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