India has dared to go where no one has gone before
India has become the first country to hoist its flag on the southern pole of the moon. Such achievements are for the entire nation, and we must rise above our differences in politics.
The following are excerpts from Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Kartikeya Sharma’s interventions in the budget session of Parliament.
MOTION OF THANKS ON THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Honorable President Droupadi Murmu ji for her motivational speech. Her words have shed light on the welfare schemes underway in our country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has made significant progress in various sectors over the past decade, including the ideals of the Bhagavad Gita. The mantra of “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas” epitomizes the policies of this government.
In spite of the biggest pandemic the world has seen in the last hundred years, leading to global economic problems, India has marched ahead. Recently, the IMF has courted India as the bright spot, with the Indian economy contributing about 16% of the world’s economic growth. India has succeeded in maintaining a GDP growth rate of over 7.5% consistently for two quarters, showcasing its resilience and capability. On the diplomatic front, by hosting the G20 summit, India has strengthened its position on the global stage and reaffirmed its commitment to cooperative efforts for world peace and prosperity, with a commitment to technological advancement and digital integration. The Indian government has rapidly implemented 5G technology, ensuring that every citizen can benefit from the digital age.
There has been significant progress in financial transactions through digital means, with a record 1,200 crore transactions conducted via UPI and Rs 34 lakh crores transferred to debit and digital transactions. The shift towards a cashless economy ensures inclusive financial access for all sections of society. Sir, when I was 11 years old, I remember a quote from a very famous American show called Star Trek, which said “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” Sir, honestly, I never thought that such a statement would be possible in the Indian context. But today, I can proudly say that India has dared to go where no one has gone before. India has become the first country to hoist its flag on the southern pole of the moon. Sir, such achievements are for the entire nation, and we must rise above our differences in politics.
Acknowledging such historic achievements, as many members, including me, sitting in this august House, might be forgotten in the passage of history. But such events are enshrined in history forever. As former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said, science and technology are the means to realise our dreams. And the current government is living up to this ideology through its actions. But sadly, Sir, as Honorable Prime Minister has so aptly mentioned, few in the Opposition are able to recognise the country’s achievements. They are fixated on this cancel culture and have failed to recognize all these achievements.
I would like to mention certain facts. Thanks to Prime Minister Modi’s vision, leadership projects like Atal Setu have expanded the foundation infrastructure in India significantly. National highways, which were 91,287 kilometers in 2014, have increased to 146,000 km by 2023, a growth of 59%. Similarly, the Railways have also increased from 21,413 km to 1 lakh, 4,647 km. So as a lifeline of our nation, the Indian Railways has undergone a significant transformation with over 25,000 kilometers of railway tracks being laid.
Even the aviation sector has achieved historic milestones. From 16 IITS, 13 IIMS, and 9 IIITS and 7 AIIMS in 2014 to 23 IITS, 21 IIMS, 25 IIITS, and 23 AIIMS have been made in the last ten years, reflecting the commitment to excellence in higher education and health care services. The list is endless. Whether I talk about Ayushman Bharat, which is the world’s largest health care program, or the world’s largest food security program, which is feeding more than 80 crore people, the government has ensured that all the schemes reach the people equitably, regardless of social status or religious identity. This has ensured the people are integrated into the financial, social, economic fabric of this country, which is crucial for building the idea of a nation.
Whether I talk about Swachh Bharat Mission, which has completed 110 million toilets, or various other provisions that the government has achieved. The list is endless, but some people can’t see it. Prime Minister Modi has instilled a sense of nationalism and patriotism among the youth with campaigns like Make in India, Self-reliant India, and Startup India, inspiring the youth to contribute towards the country’s development.
The Prime Minister has also made efforts under his government to promote Indian culture and heritage, bringing yoga to the center stage of the world. It is imperative to acknowledge the return of Lord Shri Ram to his home, Ayodhya, which has been eagerly awaited by crores of citizens across the nation, including those from Haryana. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the government and the Prime Minister for making it possible to fulfill the sentiments and expectations of all the citizens, bearing witness to this historic moment. Personally, I believe that the divine smile of the Lord signifies the arrival of good times to come for us.
A very senior member was talking about how many times Lord Ram’s name was taken in the President’s address. Sir, I come from Haryana. In Haryana, we have a way of greeting people. We say “Ram Ram” when we meet someone. That is the traditional norm. Irrespective of caste, colour, religion, or creed, so I would like to urge the members not to take it in a different context and realise that it is a matter of faith and it is a matter of culture and custom.
Finally, as we reflect on the remarkable journey of a country’s progress, it is impossible to overlook the significant role that has been demonstrated by the government and the Prime Minister. In the end, I would like to mention another point… Sir, in the address of a senior Member of Parliament and a dear friend who also comes from the same fraternity… I am from the media industry, spoke about that. How media has been completely castigated and is playing a role which is only playing to the gallery of the government. Even give acronym to media and called it Modia. I would like to request you that such statements should not be encouraged in the House because media is the fourth pillar of our democracy. And whenever the democracy has been challenged historically, it is media which has come to the forefront to save the democracy and the values and principles of democracy, whether it was during the Emergency period, whether it has been any other point where the country and the people of the country have needed it. Media has always risen to the occasion. To paint and castigate the media in a particular light and showcase it in a particular manner is unfortunate. I would strongly urge the chair to look at that instance in disregard, that remark from this. Thank you very
much.
CONCERN OVER REFUSAL BY HOSPITALS TO RELEASE DEAD BODIES DUE TO PENDING BILLS
There are umpteen saddening stories narrating the insensitive instances of refusal by a hospital to release the dead body to the family due to outstanding bills. The aggrieved family, already traumatized with the loss, are subjected to further distress for immediate commercial recovery. A report by the Lancet Commission on the value of death published in the year 2022 states that “In situations where a family is unable to pay hospital medical bill, hospital staff will often refuse to release the body of the deceased until the payment is made.” The Geneva Convention and the UN Commission on Human Rights make it legally binding providing for explicit provisions relating to the proper management, dignified treatment, and disposal of dead bodies, as well as respect for the needs of families. Earlier, answering my question, the Hon’ble Minister informed this House that there is no such legal provision authorizing any hospital to withhold dead body in lieu of pending bills. Therefore, I urge this august House to deliberate on this situation that will bring some relief to the mourning families. I also request the Minister concerned to evaluate and issue guidelines for immediate release of dead bodies and subsequent period for clearing the dues. Suggestively, penalties for the defaulting hospitals that violate the said guidelines should also be incorporated for ensuring strict compliance. There is a growing consensus at international level that all patients must enjoy certain basic rights. In other words, the patient is entitled to certain amount of protection to be ensured by physicians, healthcare providers and the State, which have been codified in various societies and countries in the form of Charters of Patient’s Rights. The Patient’s Rights Charter, as approved by National Council for Clinical Establishments, is available in public domain and needs to be promoted in good spirit. Further, we can collectively implement a few steps: spread awareness about the Patient’s Rights Charter and the rights that the families of the deceased have in such situations. The Patient’s Rights Charter enlists 17 rights of a patient including Right to Information, whereby every patient has a right to adequate relevant information about the disease; Right to Records and Reports; Right to Emergency Medical Care; Right to Informed Consent; Right to Confidentiality; Right to Second Opinion; Right to Take Discharge of Patient, or receive body of deceased from hospital and more. Enforce hospitals to display the charter in important areas of the hospital so that accountability is held. Treat violation of the Charter with firm laws, as non release of dead bodies is treated akin to violation of habeas corpus. Create a national helpline to assist the mourning families in such unfortunate times. Create a national corpus fund and have the hospitals come onboard this fund. More importantly let’s incentivize the hospitals and doctor community so that they are encouraged to follow the Patient’s Rights Charter.
The Prime Minister has also made efforts under his government to promote Indian culture and heritage, bringing yoga to the center stage of the world. It is imperative to acknowledge the return of Lord Shri Ram to his home, Ayodhya, which has been eagerly awaited by crores of citizens across the nation, including those from Haryana.