Tourism sector warns Govt against quota

Indian Association of Tour Operators has warned the government that medical tourism, that is now growing at the rate of 30% and slated to emerge as a $2 milliom-dollor industry, will be severely affected if it encouraged quota system. Extending full support to the students protesting against quota, IATO president Subhash Goyal urged the President of India not to succumb to pressure by the UPA government in issuing an ordinance to introduce quota system through the back door.

PM should not make immature appeal

Doctors and students protesting against the proposed caste-based quota in institutions of higher learning have rejected the appeal made by PM to call off their agitation. They have instead called for nationwide blackout for 15 minutes on Monday evening. They have asked all citizens to switch off their TV sets and lights between 8 and 8.15 PM on Monday.

The appeal was totally immature and in all probability meant to be rejected. Let us see what one AIIMS doctor said “While giving an impression that they are for negotiations on one hand, the government is planning to break the back of our movement by threatening to terminate contracts”. This dual policy is one of the reasons, which has forced the protestors to harden their stand. Another reason is that PM had nothing concrete to offer. The seat increase lollipop is nothing but a dirty gimmick against the demands of the protesters. PM had not addressed any of their demands in his appeal – rollback of proposed OBC quotas, review of existing reservation policy by a non-political committee and a concrete statement by the PM on the issue of reservation.

Now before making an appeal for calling off the agitation PM should have something to show about his sincerity, transparency and governance with a human face.