A Political and Economic Dictionary of South Asia

Jivanta Schottli, Subrata K. Mitra, Siegried Wolf

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN: 9781857432107
• eBook ISBN: 9781135355753
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Economic Theory
• Index: Business

Thanks to its emerging markets, nuclearization and the internet revolution, South Asia is increasingly at the forefront of current affairs. This invaluable reference source seeks to make the region accessible to business travellers as well as to the general reader. The range of subjects to be covered includes major political processes and events of South Asia (elections and electoral politics, political slang, political parties, diplomacy and territorial divisions), domestic and foreign policy, key personalities, political and economic institutions, sub-national groupings and units (regions, cities, provinces and rural entities), ethnicity and identity, and legal systems (laws and court cases).

Key features:

* Terms, which are frequently misunderstood in the political and economic processes of South Asia, are explained clearly and succinctly

* More than 1, 000 entries, covering the key debates, issues, concepts and institutions.

Entries include:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Caste System, Corruption, dalits, Electoral System, Federalism, Hindu-Muslim relation, India-US Relation, Kashmir, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Nuclearization, Privatization, Reserve Bank of India, Sikh, Untouchability, Urbanization, Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Countries covered in this volume include:

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

A

Adhaalath Party

In August 2005 the Adhaalath Party, or Justice Party, became the third political party to officially register in the Maldives. The party was founded by Sheikh Hussein Rasheed Ahmed and is currently led by Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari, with a major aim being the conservation of Islam in the Maldives. Following conflicting reports, it is unclear whether the political standpoint of the Adhaalath Party is closer to that of the Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP), which supports the government, or to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which has tended to take a more opposing stance.

Adhikari, Man Mohan

Man Mohan Adhikari (1920-99), Prime Minister of Nepal from 1994 until 1995, was a politician who dedicated much of his life to the fight against authoritarian rule and the Nepalese monarchy. As leader of the Communist Party of Nepal—Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN—UML), Adhikari served as the first communist Prime Minister in Nepal, one of the few, and possibly the first, democratically-elected communists in the world to hold national office. During his time in office he initiated a number of reforms, including the Build-Your-Own-Village programme, to direct money to poor villages. Following his involvement in the struggle for Indian independence from the British, Adhikari returned to Nepal in 1946, and in the same year established the All-Nepal Trade Union Congress which led to Nepal's first, historical trade union movement on 4 March 1947. He later took a stand against the autocratic, party-less Panchayat system, and helped bring the communists into mainstream politics after the transition to democracy in 1990 ended King Birendra's almost 20 years of absolute rule. In recognition of his service, Adhikari received a royal honour at his funeral procession, the only Prime Minister in Nepal ever to have received this level of recognition.

Aditya Birla Group

Having been founded as a cotton trading business in the mid-19th century, Shiv Narayan Birla's initial enterprise grew into India's second largest business group, with constituent flagship companies in heavy industries, telecommunications and finance. Under the leadership of former chairman Aditya Birla, the Birla Group is the world's largest producer of viscose staple fibre, the largest refiner of palm oil and, at home, the largest producer of aluminium in the private sector. A US $7,590m. conglomerate, more than 30% of its revenues flow from its operations across the world.

Advani, Lal Krishna

Lal Krishna Advani has been a prominent Indian politician and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Lok Sabha. He is a close associate of Atal Behari Vajpayee. During his early career, he was known for his advocacy of a strong 'Hindu revivalist policy' which included a redefinition of Indian nationalism and a hard line against Pakistan. Accused of raising the emotions on the issue of Ayodhya, he created in 1990 and 1992 a major controversy by leading a 'Rath Yatra' (chariot journey) across India to the city of Ayodhya. The second procession in 1992 culminated in the destruction of the 'Babri Mosque'. Advani was arrested and accused of encouraging communal conflicts, detrimental to the secular basis of India. However, after the formation of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 1999, Advani, like many other senior politicians, came to realize that without broad-based electoral support the BJP could never maintain a strong position of power. In this context his contribution to the party has been remarkable. He pursued the cause of Hindu revivalism with a clever electoral strategy and established a distinct but also flexible political and ideological identity. In addition, Advani provides his party with successful mass-mobilization techniques and a broad social base in the northern Hindi-speaking states ('Hindi Belt'). Born in 1929 in Karachi, Advani started his political career as a journalist, joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1942 and rose from within its ranks to hold key positions in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and its successor BJP. He was president in 1970-72 (BJS), 1973-77 (BJS), 1986-91 (BJP) and 1993-98 (BJP); and general-secretary and leader of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha in 1980-86, before joining the Janata Party, holding a cabinet position (Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting—1977-79) in the Janata Government of 1977. Between 1970 and 1989 Advani was a member of the Rajya Sabha (four terms) and, from 1979 until 1981, leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha; and he was elected to the ninth, 10th, 12th and 13th Lok Sabha. He held in the 13th Lok Sabha (1999-2004) the offices of Union Cabinet Minister, Home Affairs (1998-99, 13 October 1999-) and Deputy Prime Minister (since 1 July 2002) in the BJP-led coalition government. During a trip to Pakistan in June 2005 Advani became one of the few major Indian political leaders to visit Jinnah's mausoleum. However, his positive comments on Jinnah created uproar within his own party as well as the ruling Congress party. After months of controversy Advani decided to step down as party president by the end of 2005.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action or positive discrimination gives specific preference to groups considered to be disadvantaged by the Hindu social structure (caste system) in India. The main target groups are Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and, more recently, Other Backward Classes (OBCs). To compensate for their social, economic and political inequality a quota of 22.5% of all government jobs, seats in educational institutions that have complete or partial government funding and electoral constituencies at all levels of government is reserved for SCs and STs. Enshrined in the Constitution under Article 15 (4) and Article 16 (4), the quota is roughly proportionate to their share in the population, a provision largely due to Dr B. R. Ambedkar. The issue of quotas for OBCs was less clear-cut and following those of various other commissions, the Mandal Commission's report of 1980/81 recommended extending reservations to the OBCs with a quota of 27%. Implementation of this recommendation began in 1991 and caused extensive public protests. Although it is debatable whether affirmative action has brought about material and social betterment for 'backward' and 'discriminated' groups, it has been argued that a noticeable change has been achieved in the electoral sphere where members of SCs and STs have been brought into central roles that were unimaginable for them a few decades ago.

Agartala Conspiracy Case

Framed by the Pakistani government in January 1968 during the Ayub Khan regime, the Agartala conspiracy case implicated Awami League chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, together with 35 serving and former members of the armed forces and high government officials. They were accused of conspiring to bring about the secession of the east wing from Pakistan through armed revolt, with the help of the Indian government. The Pakistani government alleged that the accused had plotted against the country's national interest in a conspiracy initiated in the city of Agartala, India. In a separate declaration, the Home Department implicated Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the conspiracy. He, together with many others, was detained in February 1969 and named as the prime conspirator. Initially, the government had planned a court martial, but it later opted to bring charges under civil law. The case began to be heard on 19 June 1968 before a special tribunal. However, confronted by a mass movement in East Pakistan, the Pakistani government decided to withdraw the case on 22 February 1969, thereafter releasing unconditionally all of the accused, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. (See Bangla Movement; Bangladesh Liberation War).

Agrani Bank

Agrani Bank, one of three government-owned commercial banks in Bangladesh, has 891 branches, including 10 corporate and 30 authorized dealer branches which are responsible for foreign exchange. It commenced operations on 26 March 1972 with the assets and liabilities of the erstwhile Habib Bank Ltd and Commerce Bank Ltd, under the promulgation of Presidential Order No. 26 of 1972. In addition to traditional banking services, the Agrani Bank is involved in various income-generating and economic development projects.

Agricultural Development Bank Nepal (ADBN)

The Agricultural Development Bank Nepal (ADBN), previously the Co-operative Bank, was established in 1968 under the ADBN Act of 1967. Principally involved in development finances, ADBN mainly provides short-, medium- and long-term agricultural credit to individual farmers, groups of farmers, corporate bodies and village committees to enhance agricultural productivity. ADBN is an autonomous organization, supervised by the Ministry of Finance. Since 1984 it has also undertaken commercial banking operations in an attempt to mobilize urban resources for rural development.

Ahimsa

The term ahimsa refers to a concept of non-violence which advocates respect towards all kind of life. It has its origin in Sanskrit and is derived from the word ahims: a-, meaning 'not' and hims meaning 'injury'. As a religious doctrine it is primarily in practice in Hinduism, Buddhism and, particularly, Jainism. At the political level Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi utilized ahimsa as a key concept for mass mobilization in the independence movement. Based on ahimsa to challenge the British colonial ruler, he introduced the concept of satyagraha as a peaceful protest, in which it is aimed not to offend anybody or perceive anybody as an enemy. Five decades after Gandhi's assassination by a Hindu fanatic ahimsa continues to be a part of political culture and rhetoric in India.

Ahmadiyya/Ahmadis

An Islamic sect founded in the mid-19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Today the Ahmadiyya community comprises roughly 4m. adherents in Pakistan. The fundamental difference between Ahmadis and the Sunni Muslim majority concerns the identity of the Promised Messiah, the reformer who the Prophet Muhammad foretold would appear after him. In 1973, during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's rule, a constitutional amendment effectively defined the Ahmadis as 'non-Muslim' and under Zia ul-Haq in 1978 a separate electorate system for non-Muslims, including Ahmadis, was installed. Persecution of and violence against the Ahmadis in Pakistan and partly in Bangladesh continues to be an issue. (See All-Pakistan Muslim Parties Convention; Anti-Ahmadiyya Movement.)

Ahmed, Tajuddin

Ahmed (1925-75) was Prime Minister of Bangladesh in exile. At the onset of the military crackdown, he left Dhaka on 25 March 1971 and organized the Bangladesh Liberation War from Indian territory. He is credited with having convinced Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, to aid the liberation movement and to recognize Bangladesh even before Indian troops marched into East Pakistan's territory in December 1971. Once Bangladesh gained independence he returned to become Prime Minister, and subsequently held various ministerial posts after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned from Pakistan to become Prime Minister. Furthermore, he played a significant role in the constitutional process of the country. Ahmed was a close associate of Mujibur Rahman but had to step down from the Cabinet on 26 October 1974 owing to internal politics. After the assassination of Mujibur Rahman on 15 August 1975 (August Coup), he was arrested on 23 August and murdered within Dhaka Central Jail on 3 November, following the counter coup of Khalid Musharif, together with three other national leaders, Syed Nazrul Islam, A. H. M. Qamaruzzaman and M. Mansur Ali.

Aid-to-Bangladesh Consortium

Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on foreign aid for its development programmes. Japan, the USA, Middle Eastern and European countries are major aid donors to the country. The World Bank organized in October 1974 a consortium known as the Bangladesh Aid Group, comprising 26 international financial institutions and foreign governments interested in supporting the country's development activities. During the annual Bangladesh Aid meeting donors announce their annual commitment to Bangladesh, based on an assessment of the country's economy and an evaluation of the annual development programme. Dissatisfaction with the country's socio-economic development and the unstable law and order situation led to a recent decision to base future aid commitments on the government's success in improving stability and security.

Aid-to-India Consortium

The Aid-to-india Consortium was formed in 1958 by the World Bank Group and 13 countries, including Austria, Britain, Canada, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the USA, to co-ordinate foreign assistance to India. Aid was bilateral and mostly for specific development projects. In 1993 it was replaced by the India Development Forum. Backed by the World Bank, it has held annual meetings world-wide gathering Indian government officials and donor representatives together.

Aid-to-Pakistan Consortium

In 1960 the World Bank established the Aid-to-Pakistan Consortium because of Pakistan's dependence on foreign assistance. The consortium held 92% of Pakistan's outstanding disbursed debt in June 1991. Member states included the USA, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and international organizations such as the World Bank and the ADB.

Akali Dal

Akali Dal (Eternal Party), also known as Shiromani Akali Dal, is a regional political party claiming to represent India's Sikhs. It describes itself as a moderate Sikh party and is controlled by the dominant Jat Sikh farming community of Punjab. Founded in 1920 as a political-religious movement, the Akali Dal sought to promote the political voice of Sikhs in issues pertaining to their interests, in particular to return the control of gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to the orthodox Sikh religious community, and to promote a return to the roots of the Sikh religion.

Following Partition and the reorganization of the states after independence, the charismatic Akali Dal leader, Master Tara Singh, launched the 'Punjabi Suba agitation' to form a state in which Sikhs would be a majority. In 1966 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi granted the demand and out of the state of Punjab was formed a Sikh-majority Punjab, with the Hindu-majority areas divided between Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. In 1967 Akali nominee Gurnam Singh took over as chief minister of Punjab. Over the next decade the political development of the Akali Dal was severely hampered by intervention from the ruling Congress party which, on various occasions, dismissed Akali state governments, as well as factionalism within the party. In the 1980s militancy and the demand for Khalistan, an independent Sikh state (a movement led by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale) added to the Akali Dai's troubles. The party continues to play a major role in state politics and has its headquarters in Amritsar. (See Operation Blue Star.)

Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP—All India Students Council) was founded soon after India's independence and formally registered on 9 July 1949. One of the fastest growing student organizations, it is affiliated with the Sangh Parivar and is one of the major political bodies at Indian universities. Its political activities on the campus encompass issues such as terrorism in Kashmir, migration into the border states from abroad, reservation and Mandal recommendations, unemployment and the economic reconstruction of India. The ABVP contests elections for student unions and has attempted to enter various university administration forums. (See Jammu and Kashmir; Kashmir Dispute.)

Aksai Chin

Located in the north-eastern section of Ladakh district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, about 38,000 sq km of the area known as Aksai Chin is a contested part of the border between India and China. A legacy of the British times, the border had remained informally delimited and was thus open to interpretation. There was ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Foreword
• Contents
• Abbreviations
• Notes on the Entries
• The Dictionary
• Appendix: Country-by-Country List of Entries