Lone to meet Annan on APHC’s behalf

Sparks fly at Punjab Cabinet meeting
Chandigarh, March 12
There were sparks at the meeting of the Punjab Council of Ministers held here today over certain amendments and changes that the Department of Excise and Taxation sought in the excise policy for 2001-2002 that the Council had approved only on March 7.

No new taxes in Haryana Budget
Gimmickry, says Bhajan Lal
Chandigarh, March 12
The Haryana Budget for 2001-2002 shows a deficit of Rs 54.93 crore on year’s account, with the next financial year to close with a cumulative deficit of Rs 288.79 crore, which the Finance Minister, Prof. Sampat Singh, hopes to cover by adopting economy measures, increased share of the state in Central taxes and buoyancy in the state’s economy.

SEBI restrains BSE board
Mumbai, March 12
In an unprecedented punitive action, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, tonight came down heavily on the governing board of the Bombay Stock Exchange restraining its officiating President Deena Mehta and six others from acting as directors until further notice in the wake of the persisting stock market meltdown.

SC stays order on poll reforms
New Delhi, March 12
The Supreme Court today stayed the operation of a judgement of the Delhi High Court directing the Election Commission to ensure that all prospective legislators make public the assets owned by them, their spouses and dependents, their educational qualifications, any criminal charge against them and publicise them in media.