PANAJI: Mr Shantaram Naik, MP, in a private member’s bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, has sought amendment to the Preamble and Article 1 of the Constitution of India, to name India as Bharat.
In sub-clause 1 of Article 1 of the Constitution of India, substitute the word "Bharat" for the words "India, that is Bharat," says one of the provisions of Mr Naik’s bill.
In his statement of objects and reasons, Mr Naik says, "India" denotes a territorial concept whereas "Bharat" signifies much more than the mere territories of India. When we praise our country we say, "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and not "India ki Jai".
Grounds for changing the name of the country into simply "Bharat" are many but, more than the grounds, or the reasons, it is the sense of patriotism, that the name generates and, electrifies the people of this country, that is relevant. "Jahan dal dal par sone ki chidiyan karatin hai savera wo Bharat desh hai mera," so goes the lyrics of a poet, says Mr Naik in his statement.
Through another private member’s bill, Mr Naik has sought enhanced punishment for those, who publicise and market their drugs which are either harmful or contain no medical ingredients.
"Illiterate masses of this country are taken for a ride by quacks and touts who claim magical remedies for various diseases," Mr Naik says in his statement attached to the bill.
Womenfolk of the country are lured to make them believe that various medical problems related to them can be cured with the ‘medicines’ that these quacks prescribe, he says. The MP further says that unfortunately, some practitioners blend their treatment with divine blessings thus spreading superstitions at the same time.
Section 7 of the Drugs and Magical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 as it exists today provides in the case of a first conviction, with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both and in the case of a subsequent conviction, with imprisonment, which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
However, Mr Naik has suggested one year imprisonment for first offence and five years for subsequent offence. Through a third bill seeking amendment to Consumer Protection Act, 1986, Mr Naik has sought to introduce a provision that District Foras should also hold sittings at taluka levels.
