Shantaram Naik M.P. has reintroduced a Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha on thrusday seeking to replace the word “India” occurring in the constitution by word “Bharat”. Naik’s earlier bill on the subject introduced in the Rajya Sabha had lapsed on account of his term coming to an end, however, after his re -election he has reintroduced the bill. In the statement of objects and reasons attached to the bill , Mr Naik states “India” denotes a territorial concept whereas “Bharat” signifies much more that 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 that 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 said statement. Mr Naik also moved another bill to amend the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954 to enhance the punishment under the act ..
In the statement of objects and reasons Mr Naik says, illiterate masses of this country are taken for a ride by quacks and touts who claim magical remedies for various deceases. They publicise and market their drugs which are either harmful or contain no medical ingredients.Medical remedies which includes a talisman, mantra, kavacha, and any other charm of any kind which is alleged to possess miraculous powers for or in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of any disease in human beings or animals are claimed by certain practitioners openly either in their ‘dispensaries’ which they open in hotels or even on streets.Women folk 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.
Unfortunately, some practitioners blend their treatment with divine blessings thus spreading superstitions at the same time. Section 7 of the Drugs and Megical 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. This gives option to the magistrate to impose a mere fine on
