My speech at the release of “Reclaiming the Republic” manifesto

Reclaiming the Republic: A manifesto of the most essential and urgent reforms in law, policy and institutions required to save and reclaim our Republic, which is threatened today. Prepared by concerned citizens like Justice AP Shah, Gopal Gandhi, Prabhat Patnaik, Yogendra Yadav, Harsh Mander, Anjali Bhardwaj and me.

Video credits – Scroll.in
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Manifesto for change: ‘Reclaiming the Republic: 19 issues for elections 2019’
1) Doing away with antiquated and draconian laws like Section 124A (sedition) and 499 (criminal defamation).
2) Electoral reforms aimed at reducing the influence of money power in elections.
3) Media reforms aimed at making the media freer, more diverse and accountable through an independent regulator.
4) Universal basic services and social security for all citizens.
5) A “new deal” for the farmers comprising assured income, freedom from indebtedness and sustainable farm practices.
6) Turning Right to Education into a reality.
7) Well endowed, regulated and autonomous higher educational institutions.
8) Affordable and accessible health care for all through public health delivery system.
9) Extension and expansion of MNREGA to guarantee to every adult at least 150 days of work a year at minimum wages.
10) All vacancies must be filled in education, health and other essential public services.
11) Additional expenditure on these to be met by active fiscal strategy for raising resources.
12) An independent and empowered Environment Commission to lay down environmental standards and regulations and ensure their compliance.
13) Assure minimum critical presence of women in decision making.
14) Enact a comprehensive anti-discrimination law.
15) Special programmes for most vulnerable social groups.
16) Anti-corruption measures - Undo the regressive amendments made to the Prevention of Corruption Act, set up the Lokpal in a transparent manner, operationalise the Whistle Blowers Protection Act and enact the Grievance Redressal Bill.
17) Strengthen accountability and transparency.
18) Making the judiciary more independent, efficient, transparent, representative and accountable. Independent judicial appointment commissions to select judges, independent judicial complaints commission, professional court management team and video recording of court proceedings.
19) Police reforms fully in accordance with the seven directions of the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case.

Endorsed by Members of Reclaiming the Republic, February 2019.

Justice AP Shah (Chairperson)
Prashant Bhushan (Convenor)
Anjali Bhardwaj (Convenor)
Aakar Patel
Aruna Roy
Bezwada Wilson
Deepak Nayyar
EAS Sarma
Gopal Guru
Gopal Gandhi
Harsh Mander
Jayati Ghosh
Kavitha Kuruganti
Krishna Kumar
Nikhil Dey
Paul Divakar
Prabhat Patnaik
P Sainath
SP Shukla
Srinath Reddy
Sujatha Rao
Sakthi Selvaraj
Ravi Chopra
Syeda Hameed
Vipul Mudgal
Wajahat Habibullah
Yogendra Yadav

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