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Index

Particulars Pg. No.

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Inauguration Ceremony 4

Eminent Lectures

Mrs. Vandana Chavan 7

Ms. Rakhi Bakshi 8

Shri. Prakash Javadekar 9

Dr. Sujit Minachekar 10

Shri. Wajahat Habibullah 11

Local Field Visits

Field Visit to Baramati and Katewadi 13

Field Visit: Lavasa 17

Gram Panchayat – Peth 19

Vigyan Ashram at Pabal Visit 20

Shree Sanjiwini Old Age Home, Pune 21

Academic Team 22

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Inauguration Ceremony

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Inauguration Ceremony

Pune: "Right to Information (RTI) is not a weapon against government. It is a tool to make the government help the people," said Wajahat Habibullah, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities of the central government He was delivering lecture on 'Governance in India with special reference to Minorities' at the formal commencement of 8th batch of MPG (Masters Program in Government) course, at MIT-SOG on 7th November 2012. Prof. Hari Narke, Director, Mahatma Phule Chair at University of Pune; Vinita Deshmukh, senior journalist and RTI activist; Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder & Executive President of MAEER's MIT Group of Institutions; Rahul V. Karad, Chief Initiator and Dean of MIT School of Government; Dr. Sanjay Upadhye, Executive Director of World Peace Center; Dr. S. N. Pathan, Strategic Advisor of World Peace Centre; Dr. R.M. Chitnis, Officiating Director of MIT-SOG were present on the dais Shri. Habibullah said, "While using RTI, one must remember that the act is only 7 years old. Democracy requires an informed citizenry and transparency of information, which are vital to its functioning. Election is only one step in politics. One needs to get the confidence of the people to become successful in politics. The power of information has given us the opportunity to impart change. With the help of a PowerPoint Presentation, Habibullah described the key concepts of RTI. He took overview of the Panchayati Raj institutions. While answering to the questions of the MPG-08 participants, he told that the independence of the residents of Jammu & Kashmir can only be obtained while remaining in the union of India. Prof. Narke said, "In India, there are three centers of discrimination and exploitation: religion, gender and caste. India is the country where caste system originated. We are unable to make policies, because we do not have the state-wise OBC data. Caste system is also a type of corruption. For the minorities, provision in the budget is more necessary than merely the speeches." Vineeta Deshmukh said, "We require good, educated politicians. We need politicians to serve the country and not to work as if they are running their own business. If the youth joins politics, the field would remain clean." Rahul Karad said, "After more than 60 years of independence, there should be discussion about good governance in the country. MPG should emerge as an MBA program in politics." Prof. Dr. Karad also expressed his views. The MPG-08 participants Piyush Mishra and Balaji Ramamurti expressed their views. The function was compeered by Ramesh Bhat and the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Chitnis. MAEER’s MIT School of Government, Pune commences its Eighth Batch of One-Year Full Time Master’s Program in Government (MPG-08) Pune: ‚Educated and committed leaders are required to strengthen our democracy. They need to be cultivated, by providing training in governance,‛ said Rahul V. Karad, Chief Initiator and Dean of MIT School of Government. He was addressing the students at the inaugural function of 8th batch of MPG (Masters Program in Government) course, at MIT, on 5th September 2012. Dr. Sanjay Upadhye, Executive Director of World Peace Center, MAEER’s MIT and Dr. R.M. Chitnis, Officiating Director, MIT-SOG were also present on the dais. Congratulating the students for participating in MPG course, Mr. Karad said, ‚If there are institutions for political science, social science and bureaucracy, why not one for governance? This was the thought that came to my mind in 2005 and MIT School of

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Government was started. It is the first institute in Asia, to initiate this one-of-its-kind course providing education in governance. It is not a placement-oriented program. It is for those youngsters who wish to make their career in politics. For the last few years, the course has emerged as a brand. The concept has proved to be successful.‛ Mr. Karad added, ‚In 2003 elections, I was thrilled to see youngsters joining politics at early age. In politics, very few leaders are young, but in other sectors a large number of youngsters are seen performing. After 65 years of independence, we have to emphasize on good governance.‛ Advising students to be free from prejudice, Dr. Upadhye said, ‚Be the leader and breed the leader. You can acquire knowledge only with subconscious mind. King Chandragupta got training at the school of Arya Chanakya. Lord Ram and Lord Krishna got training at the schools of Rishi Vishwamitra and Rishi Sandeepani respectively. These were schools of government (SOGs) only. Today, India needs young leaders. All of us are aware of the negative side of politics. But, at MIT-SOG, you will learn positive side of politics.‛ Course Head Prof. R. Radhakrishnan introduced the students. A student Piyush Mishra expressed his views. The function was compeered by Vanisree Ramanathan and vote of thanks was proposed by Vidyabhushan Arya.

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Eminent Lectures

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DATE: February 18, 2013 GUEST SPEAKER: Mrs. Vandana Chavan DESIGNATION: Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha SUBJECT: The NCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Mrs. Vandana Chavan addressed and interacted with the MPG-08 participants of MIT School of Government (MIT-SOG).

Mrs. Chavan emphasized the need of professionalism in politics. She mentioned that today’s politics is changing and we need to practice issue-based politics. She stressed on the need to be firm on one’s point of view. In this context, she spoke about her own stand on protecting Pune hills from illegal construction. She

faced opposition even in her own party on this issue but finally the argument survived and her stand was vindicated. She advised the aspiring leaders that the only way to succeed in politics is to work honestly and consistently and it pays you in long run. Mrs. Chavan also highlighted the issues like environment and women-friendly cities. The subway, lifts in high rise buildings should be made in such a way that women can freely move there without any fear or danger. In today’s times, according to Mrs. Chavan there is more scope for youth in politics as politics in future will be based on real issues and not only on populist issues. Therefore, youth should look at politics with positive approach and keep working honestly. She expressed satisfaction about the participants of MIT School of Government who aspire to join politics despite many of them having professional degrees and satisfaction.

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DATE: February 9, 2013 GUEST SPEAKER: Ms. Rakhi Bakshi DESIGNATION: Journalist & former Media Advisor to Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha SUBJECT: Role of Media in current scenario Ms. Rakhi Bakshi, renowned Journalist and former Media Advisor to Honorable Speaker of Lok Sabha, Mrs. Meira Kumar; visited MIT School of Government on February 9, 2013. She shared her views on ‘Role of Media in Current Scenario’ with the participants of MPG-08. On this occasion, she shared her experience of her tenure as a Media Adviser and guided students about its responsibilities. While talking about the role of media, she said, ‚Innovation and new ideas are still lacking in media. Media doesn’t have a sustained path to take up the issues which is faced by our country, in a responsible manner‛. Citing examples of Delhi Rape Case and Anna Hazare Movement, she said,

‚currently our media is Delhi-centric and if

something happens in Delhi then only it becomes national news, otherwise it is not being noticed by national TV. She also elaborated about the media trials

where media is assuming the role of judge and interfering in areas where it is not expected.

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DATE: February 1, 2013 GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Prakash Javadekar DESIGNATION: BJP Spokesperson SUBJECT: Role of a Spokesperson in a Political Party The National Spokesperson of BJP, Mr Prakash Javadekar interacted with the participants of MPG-08 of MIT School of Government (MIT-SOG). Mr Javadekar elaborated on the ‘Role of a Spokesperson in a Political party’. The MIT-SOG participants learnt that the position of a Spokesperson is very responsible and carry importance in the context of political communication. A spokesperson has to be updated with all the concerning issues of nation and everyday developments on these fronts. Citing his own example, he said that he read around eighteen newspapers a day and also watched television news. When spokesperson issues any statement he has to be very careful about the facts and figures. He should not issue the statement based only on the media report otherwise he might issue an incorrect statement putting himself and party in awkward situation. Following the lecture by Mr Javadekar, the MIT-SOG students interacted with him by asking several queries. They asked questions about the current situation of BJP in view of forthcoming Lok Sabha election, alliances and its strategy.

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DATE: November 3, 2012 GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Sujit Minachekar DESIGNATION: Shiv Sena, MLA SUBJECT: Proper planning necessary for effective campaigning

‚Proper planning including paper work is necessary for effective campaigning. It makes your election strategy successful,‛ said Dr. Sujit Minachekar, Shiv Sena MLA from Hatkanangle constituency of Western Maharashtra. He was delivering lecture on ‘Election Strategy and Campaigning Methodology’ to the participants of eighth

batch of Master’s Program in Government (MPG-08), at MIT in Pune, on 3rd November 2012. Dr. R.M. Chitnis, Officiating Director, MIT-SOG was present on this occasion. Dr. Minachekar said, ‚Group campaigning, prior planning and following schedule of Padyatras punctually should be a part of the election strategy. The activists should be carefully selected by the contestant and they should be trained properly. The must-haves for a campaign include good photographer, leaflet with brief write-up, personal visits for corrections, politeness and allotment of work to activists as per their interests. The contestant should get the information about the history of various communities.‛ Speaking about the survey of the constituency, Dr. Minachekar said, ‚The aspirant candidate should have the bio-data of the sitting MLA with him and should know why he got elected. The aspirant should know who the other contenders for the candidature within the party are and how to compete with them. The survey will take at least a month. While gathering the information, you can create propaganda.‛ Dr. Minachekar introduced the members of his core team; including Sanjay Chawgule, Dr. Sheetal Patil, Shashank Bhat, Ajit Katkar and Dilip Khedkar. The function was compered by Avinash Bedekar and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Rajendra Bharadwaj.

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DATE: November 7, 2012 GUEST SPEAKER: Shri. Wajahat Habibullah DESIGNATION: Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Central Government SUBJECT: Governance in India with special reference to Minorities Right to Information (RTI) is not a weapon against government. It is a tool to make the government help the people, said Wajahat Habibullah, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities of the Central Government. He was delivering lecture on ‘Governance in India with special reference to Minorities’ at the formal commencement of 8th batch of MPG (Masters program in government) course, at MITSOG on 7th November 2012. Mr. Habibullah said, While using RTI, one must remember that the act is only 7 years old. Democracy requires an informed citizenry and transparency of information, which are vital to its functioning. Election is only one step in politics. One needs to get the confidence of the people to become successful in politics. The power of information has given us the opportunity to impart change. With the help of a PowerPoint Presentation, Habibullah described the key concepts of RTI. He took overview of the Panchayati Raj institutions. While answering to the questions of the MPG-08 participants, he told that the independence of the residents of Jammu & Kashmir can only be obtained while remaining in the union of India.

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Local Field Visits

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Field Visit to Baramati and Katewadi The Panchayat Samiti is a second significant tier in Panchayati Raj. The participants of MIT School of Government after visiting the Pethgaon Grampanchayat chose the Baramati Panchayat Samiti to study the structure and function of this office. It was important to know the structure and composition of Panchayt Samiti, the relation between the elected officials and appointed officials and also the relation between the Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Samiti. It was a privilege of the MIT School of Government to as the meeting of Panchayat Samiti was scheduled on that day. The participants could see the interaction between the elected officials and the departmental officers. Besides the Panchayat samiti, the MIT SOG participants also visited the office of NCA (Nationalist Congress party), Vidya Pratishathan, Textile park and Katewadi village. This visit was very enriching for the SOG participants as they could see the

different facets of development. It exposed them to the vibrant ambience of a [political office, academic environment, industrial development around the rural area and an ideal village. The participants were mesmerized that a dynamic leadership and aware citizens can bring development to any region irrespective of its

geographical and economic barriers. To many of our participants, the levels of development process in and around Baramati was a wonder. They were comparing their state with Baramati’s pattern of development and convinced that able leadership is a stepping stone for any sectors of development. NCP Office Visit As the MITSOG participants reached to Baramati NCP office at 11 am the meeting of NCP office bearers was concluded. The office bearers were standing in the gate as the participants entered the office. They warmly welcomed the aspiring leaders and they directly led them towards the stage. A career guidance program for college students was in progress. When the SOG participants walked towards the stage the students were clapping and were impressed with the way they carried themselves. Later the office bearers welcomed the participants by offering flowers to each one.

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Mr. Sambhaji Holkar, the Taluka President of NCP interacted with the participants and explained that the NCP office offers such career guidance programs, especially for competitive examination to the students from rural areas. Three of the SOG participants expressed the purpose of the visit to Baramati and about the SOG course. In the interaction with NCP office bearers it was revealed that only political activities are not enough to strength your base in among the masses. It also has to undertake several activities of social, educational and environmental relevance as the time is changing. This seemed to be very positive development in the context that the political parties can’t isolate themselves from the burning issues in society and only concentrate on the populist issues. Panchayat Samiti Coincidently, on 12 the October was the day for Panchayat Samiti meeting in Baramati. It was the monthly meeting of the elected officials and the departmental officers. Mr Karan Khalate, the young member of Panchayat Samiti led us in the Panhcyat Samiti’s conference hall. He narrated about the composition, different offices and responsibilities of the Panchayat Samiti through a Power Point Presentations. There were 14 members of Panchayat Samiti out of which ten belonged to the NCP. The BDO (Bloc development Officer) Mr Rahul kalbhor was not in the office as he had to for some other meeting. The meeting was chaired by the chairman Dr Pratibhatai Nevse . The participants witnessed in the meeting how the departmental officers have to brief about the implementation of the program and decisions taken during the previous meetings. It was an example of the bureaucratic responsibility to the legislature. The specialist departmental officers report to the Block developmental Officer who is recruited through the State Service Commission. The Panchayat Samiti as a legislative body work on the proposals of Gram Panchayats and recommend thee proposal to the Zilla Parishad. Vidya Pratishthan The visit to Vidya Pratishthan was a pleasant experience for the MIT SOG participants. It was beyond the imagination that such a sprawling campus of 156 acres, housing 23 Institutions, where 18,000 students are learning. They came to know that once upon a time it was a dry, desolate and rocky landmass once upon a time has been turned into a beautiful academic campus.

Education is the strength and recognizing this fact it was thought to make education easily available to the children of the farmers, laborers and the villagers. Shri. Sharad Pawar, with the goal the making education accessible to the poor and deserving, laid the foundation of `Vidya Pratishthan’ almost 30 years ago. It was learnt that the institution has given firm financial support to various other educational institution in

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Baramati area. In 1972, Vidya Pratishthan began its journey by offering scholarships to bright students coming from weaker economic background.

It has many scholars in various fields of knowledge and has brought a remarkable change in rural education system. It is affiliated to University of Pune and Bar Council of India. The rural India needs such educational foundation so that the rural students can easily access the educational facilities. They won’t have to depend on the urban centers for their educational needs. Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park Ltd. It is set up over sprawling 60-acres of land which houses small domestic garment manufacturers. BHTPL is situated in MIDC region of Baramati. During the interaction with officers at Textile park, the participants were thoroughly informed about the project. It was established by a group of entrepreneurs under the patronage of Mrs. Sunetra Ajit Pawar. BHTPL consists of a comprehensive group of textile oriented units specializing in functions such as Garmenting, Apparel Printing & Packaging, Home Furnishing, Embroidery and Technical textile within the Textile Park. It also has a series of smaller units available as ancillary support units. The park was commissioned successfully in scheduled 18 months time frame. The establishment of BHTPL also aimed at economization of the production costs. The Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and also makes available local, skilled and trained labour. There is a provision for transport services for women traveling from relatively longer distances. The Park has a Solar Power generation unit for generating solar electricity. The park has set up ultra modern common facility center which includes a training centre for training of all women employees, bank extension counter for various banking needs, and R&D and Quality Centre for designing of world class products. The participants came to know that Mrs. Sunetra Pawar helped create a separate unit called Hirkani Vastra Pravaran Mahila Sahakari Sanstha to promote the cause of underprivileged women through financial empowerment. With the help of this unit she has now created employment opportunities for the women from close by villages and, helped them become respectable breadwinners for their families and gain financial independence. Katewadi Village In the evening the SOG team eached to Katewadi, the ‘model village’. It was learnt that this honor came its way for having well-maintained roads, toilets in every house under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan’ scheme, solid waste management, underground

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drainage system, school, community centre and well-maintained primary health centre. ‘Save Girl Campaign- The Primary Health Centre resembles any well maintained specialty hospital. This centre runs a special scheme called ‘Save Girl’. Under the scheme the pregnant women in the surrounding villages are surveyed after they fourteenth week of pregnancy. If any abortion takes place since then, its cause and place is verified. After the inquiry, it is confirmed if the case is of infanticide. It is the first eco-village in the state. Under the eco-village plan, it promotes community livestock management, solid waste management, provision of community blocks, and sewage treatment by green bridge technology, energy conservation through biogas power generation and solar street lighting system. The impressive building of Gram Panchayat is an example of the power of rural leadership. The building itself is an indication of the progress, prosperity and community development program. Inside the Gram Panchayat several award certificates regarding the government schemes have been displayed on the wall. The pictures of earlier katewadi that was underdeveloped and unplanned indicates how much the village has progressed under the leadership and initiative of Mrs. Sunetra Pawar.

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Visit to Lavasa

Lavasa development project in Maharashtra is the topic of public concern, both in terms of procurement of land, and damage to the environment. The participants of the MPG-08 had a unique opportunity to visit the first planned hill station at Lavasa. The project has been undertaken by the Hindustan Construction Company.

Screening of A film-The participants of School of Government were welcomed by the officials at Information Centre. They briefed on the details of the project, relevance, facilities, precautions, challenges and future phases of development. They informed that 100 square kilometers of land is being developed for Lavasa city in three stages. . The participants came to know that the Lavasa project will be ready by 2020. The city is expecting a population of 2 lakhs that will comprise of five towns built on seven hills. The Dasve town (First Phase) is ready and the second phase of Mugaon is in progress. An informative documentary was screened on Lavasa project details wherein the justification of the Lavasa project was presented. The film also includes the opinion of Mr Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman and the Managing Director of HCC, who explained the need of new townships in India which will have sixty percent of urban population by 2040. The presentation was followed by the question and answer sessions. The questions were regarding land acquisition, water resources, ownership and facilities. The aspiring leaders of SOG took this opportunity to explore the nitty-gritty of the project. Their main query was regarding the displaced population the presenter answered that about the rehabilitation and the facilities given to the displaced native population, such as providing jobs in Lavasa and providing educational facilities to their children. They have also been provided with the accommodation near Dasve town.

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Bambusa- The SOG participants visited the Bambusa, a project of making Bamboo products. It was informed that the Bamboo trees that are available in plenty are used to manufacture furniture and handicrafts. This provides employment to the natives. After the Bambusa visit the participants visited the Dasve site. They visited all international

standard hospitality wings of Lavasa that included Ekaant, Fortune, and Mercure and International Convention Centre. They also enjoyed the water sports, entertainment areas and visited residential apartments, Hotel Management institute, parks and gardens and game arcade. One day field visit to Lavasa and the surrounding green hills, and the scenic beauty of the first hill city of India is thought provoking to the young minds both in terms of India’s development path and in terms of the fate of the displacement of native population and their rehabilitation.

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Gram Panchayat – Peth

Participants of MPG-08, MIT School of Government paid a visit to Gram Panchayat – Peth (Taluka Haveli, District Pune) on 26th September 2012. Participants were warmly welcomed by Sarpanch, Dy.Sarpanch, Ex.Sarpanch, Members of Panchayat and Gram Sabha, Aangan Badi workers and villagers. Participants visited places like Panchayat Office,

Burial ground, School and Anganwadi. The Peth village is an example of a development, social initiative and community development. Participants got an opportunity to interact with Mr. Panduram Chaudhry, Sarpanch (Village Head), Mr. Raghunath Chaudhry, District President of Tanta Mukti Samiti (TMS), Mrs. Anita, Deputy Sarpanch, Mr. Vikas Lavande, State Coordinator, YUKRAND and Editor- in- Chief ‘Samaj Satta’, Mr. Madhavrao Chaudry, former Sarpanch (Received ‘Ideal Sarpanch’ Award), Mrs. Shital, Gram Sevak (appointed by Government) and Mr. Shivajiram Chaudhry, senior citizen. During the interaction, participants observed that how the positive leadership and community participation can bring a village in mainstream developmental process. Gram Panchayat was formed in year 2000. Participants got a chance to see the Gram Panchayat which has been awarded ‘Nirmal Gram Award’ in 2008-09. The Peth is a liquor-free village.

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Vigyan Ashram at Pabal visit

The MPG-08 Batch visited the Vigyan Ashram at Pabal on 8th Feb. 2013. Vigyan Ashram is a school where students are trained for 1 year in the various divisions mentioned below. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) gives certificates to students of Vigyan Ashram after assessing them through exams.

Vigyan Ashram is open to anyone who is willing to learn. It has no entry criteria, since it does not want to shun the chance for anyone who wants to learn. The SOG participants learned about various training method for school children who are trained there to apply their skill for practical purpose. Vigyan Ashram believes that once trained, villages and rural areas can provide opportunities of employment for the students who are trained to work in multiple areas. The following were some of the projects completed by students in Vigyan Ashram. 1. Houses constructed by Students. 2. Animal Husbandry farms maintained with proper documentation 3. Ready-made foods prepared and sold by students. The SOG participants also learnt about the Fablab was created with tie-up with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to provide Technological assistance to rural areas. Initially, it was about explaining the problems faced by rural areas to students of MIT and to get solutions through Technology. Soon both parties understood that, forget about solutions it became very difficult to make students of MIT understand the problems faced by rural areas. This was partly due to the technological backwardness prevailing in India, especially rural India.

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'Shree Sanjiwini Old Age Home' Pune Students of MIT School of Government paid a visit to 'Shree Sanjiwini Old Age Home' at Wadgaon Sheri, Pune to celebrate Christmas with the senior citizens. MPG-08 students namely Piyush Mishra, Balaji Ramamurthy, Shivprasad Bukey and Drabir Narayan Ghosh distributed cakes and sweets to the residents and staff of Old Age Home. The students also presented a shawl to each member as a Christmas gift. The inmates of old age home blessed these students.

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Academic Team

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Director:

Prof. R. M. Chitnis

Faculties:

Mrs. Vanisree Ramanathan

Mr. Vidyabhushan Arya

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