In India, as in many parts of the global South, local funding for human rights is dismal. Though historically Indians have always contributed to charity, much of this goes to temples and mosques and churches. Temples all across India are extremely rich and get contributions of solid gold. Vijay Malya, the owner of a Kingfisher Airlines, which has been grounded and declared bankrupt, had not paid his crew and owes a huge amount to the government. But on his birthday two years ago, Malya went to a temple and donated three kilograms of gold. His employees were hurt and angry. Some rich people also contribute to charitable hospitals, usually to help poorer sections of their own caste or religious group, or donate occasionally to schools or colleges. But, as a rule, the rich do not invest in programs for reducing poverty or community empowerment. Social divisions and desire for ownership of resources brings them into conflict with the poorer sections struggling to claim their bit of the pie. Unfortunately in India, the elite and the educated middle class continue to control the state institutions that are meant to protect democracy and promote human rights. Their class interests and prejudices harden them against reforms, the rule of law, accountability and reconciliation. To build an equitable and inclusive society, the new government in Delhi needs to seriously rethink the Foreign Contribution Act, as well as implement its constitutional promises of equality.opendemocracy.net/openglobalrights/lenin-raghuvanshi/in-india-pervasive-paranoia-blocks-progress-on-human-rights
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:27:20 +0000
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