Author: PTI
Publication: The Times of India
Date: June 3, 2011
URL: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-03/india/29616731_1_baba-ramdev-yoga-guru-black-money
A desperate government's efforts failed on
Friday to achieve any breakthrough with Baba Ramdev deciding to go ahead with
his indefinite fast here from Saturday amidst indications that a compromise
was likely in a day or two.
For nearly five hours, two senior Union ministers
Kapil Sibal and Subodh Kant Sahay negotiated with the yoga guru over his demands
on eradication of corruption at a posh hotel, a venue totally different from
Delhi airport where two days ago these two ministers with two others had attempted
to placate him.
After the talks, Sibal said "we had constructive
dialogue on several issues and the government has addressed all the issues
Baba has raised in writing. Most of these issues are of national concern and
the government is already seized of many of them".
However, immediately thereafter, Baba Ramdev
went to the Ramlila Maidan, venue of his indefinite fast, where he told a
congregation that government has agreed to most of his demands.
He said, however, that he will go ahead with
the fast till all his demands are met completely.
Observing that they "have not yet reached
a compromise", Ramdev said "I will sit on fast (from tomorrow)."
Assuring that his agitation will be "peaceful,
legal and constitutional", the yoga guru said it will not turn violent
but nobody should try to malign the campaign.
The ministers also discussed with Ramdev
the action taken by government so far to get back the black money which included
commissioning of a study which will indicate the sectors and mode of generation
of ill-gotten money and recommend measures for its prevention and control.
The study, to be completed in 18 months,
will also assess extent of black money within the country and stashed overseas
and its impact on national security, said the official paper carrying structured
response of the government to Ramdev's demands.
About proposed actions on the black money
issue, it said a committee, constituted by the government, will consult all
stakeholders and submit its report within six months.
"The committee will examine the measures
to strengthen the existing legal and administrative framework to deal with
the menace of generation of black money through illegal means, including declaring
wealth generated illegally as national asset and enacting/amending laws to
confiscate and recover assets and providing exemplary punishment against its
perpetrators," it said.
As a consensus eluded at the meeting between
the government and Ramdev, the former said any further suggestions will be
duly considered.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government geared up
facilities like water, power and sanitation services at the Ram Lila Maidan
where yoga guru Baba Ramdev will hold his indefinite fast against corruption
from Saturday.
"We have made all the arrangements like
supply of water and power at Ram Lila Maidan. We have told MCD to ensure proper
sanitation in the area," Dikshit said.
Dikshit met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
on Friday and the issue of Ramdev's fast figured in the meeting.
"We will do whatever is necessary. We
will provide all the basic amenities at the Ramlila ground. Issues like security
and ensuring proper traffic flow will be taken care of by Delhi Police,"
she added.
A Cabinet meeting on Wednesday discussed
problems like traffic chaos which might occur due to the protest as a large
number of people are expected to gather at the site.
The Cabinet had entrusted the Delhi Jal Board
to provide adequate water supply at the site, while the power distribution
company concerned was asked to ensure lighting in the area.
