The Opposition in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday criticised the Government for printing numerals in Devnagri script on new currency notes issued after demonetisation thereby alienating non-Hindi speaking population of the country. Other issues like prominent people following trolls having “venomous and misogynist” messages and lakhs of people duped by ponzi schemes also figured.
Raising the issue of Devnagri, T Shiva(DMK) alleged that the Government was giving preference to Hindi speaking groups leading to a feeling of alienation amongst non-Hindi speaking population. He said the country was huge and diverse and using Devnagri on currency notes was a hasty step besides violation of provisions of Constitution.
Urging the Government to use international numerals on the currency notes and maintain status quo, Shiva also termed as “preposterous” printing Swacch Bharat campaign on the notes. The entire Opposition associated with Shiva.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was followed on Twitter by certain unknown trolls who write “venomous, misogynist" stuff besides issuing “murderous threats” and wanted to know if Government sends advisory to such people occupying high offices not to follow such trolls. He, however, clarified that the Prime Minister himself did not write anything wrong.
Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, said no curbs can be imposed on anyone in a free country like India where there is freedom of speech and expression. Not satisfied by the minister's reply, the TMC leader said "none of us want that to be curbed" but he expressed dissatisfaction with the reply.
Harivansh (JD-U) raised the issue of Rs 3,700 crore online ponzi scam in Noida saying over six lakh people were duped. He also said many eminent personalities including film actors were allegedly associated with the scheme.
Many members including Prabhat Jha(BJP) associated themselves with the JD-U member. Expressing concern over such on-line frauds, Jha urged the Government to take remedial steps.
Rising number of attack on journalists was flagged by KTS Tulsi (nominated), who said the attacks tantamount to muzzling the freedom of expression and speech. Ahir, however, dismissed Tulsi's assertion and informed the House that while 114 incidents were reported in 2014 and in 2015, 28 cases were registered in this regard.