 |
|
|
World Bank funds down the drain?
Traders voice fears about service tax
Destination Delhi
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
health watch
Report sought on ‘sale’ of junk food in schools
Contribution of Sahibzadas recalled
Call to name flyover after Delhi’s first CM
High-tech hope for amputees
Artscape
Now, spy cameras to monitor busy market
Governor calls for cheaper power
|
|
World Bank funds down the drain?
Faridabad, December 26 However, no visible progress seems to have been made by the enquiry that had been started by the Vigilance Department about one and half years ago to find the reasons
and the persons responsible for the substandard and poor work. The MLA from Ballabhgarh, Mr Rajinder Singh Beesla, has demanded immediate action against all those involved in what he alleged the ‘biggest scam’ in recent years. The World Bank project had been approved by the state government in 1994-95 and the construction work, which started in November 1999, was completed in December 2001. The work was supervised reportedly by the Construction Division (No 33) of the Irrigation Department with an expenditure of about Rs five crore on the lining and another Rs 60 lakhs spent on replacement of old and outdated pumps. “While the purpose of the scheme was to supply water to the farmers of the tail-end villages like Alipur, Mothuka Chandpur, Bahadurpur, Garonda, Chhainsa, Mohammadpur, Narahwali, Heerapur, Mohna and Aterna the farmers of the region were dismayed when the water failed to reach their fields, even after completion of the project,” says Beesla, who had been instrumental in getting the scheme sanctioned from the government. He claimed that this distributory could have proved beneficial to the farmers of about three to four dozen villages, had it been constructed and lined properly. He claimed that the huge funds spent on the project had gone waste
as the distributory had several inherent faults as it collapses when the department tries to run it with
full discharge. He said the breaching, which had taken several times, reflects the quality of the work and the ‘nexus’ of the corrupt officials and the agency that did this work. As the matter was taken up in the state Assembly, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary, who had been attached with the Chief Minister to look after the affairs of the Irrigation Department, had conducted an on the spot visit and assured a proper action after a probe. Moreover, a complaint had also been lodged by the MLA of the segment regarding the wrong construction and lining of the Kheri Kalan minor distributory, a 12-km long channel also covered in the same project. It is reported that the scheme, which is incurring an expenditure of Rs one crore, also failed to feed the tail-end villages due to wrong levelling accompanied with substandard work. It is learnt that the payment was released even before the formal inauguration of the projects. When contacted, the Superintending Engineer of the Irrigation Department here, Mr J. P Singhal, claimed that water had reached the tail-end at certain occasions, but said he had no knowledge of the vigilance enquiry into the project.
|
|
Traders voice fears about service tax
New Delhi, December 26 The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an apex body of the trading community, while deploring such a action of the Union Government, has made it clear that the trading community will not accept service tax since they are not service providers and, hence, do not come under the ambit of the service tax net, a spokesman said. Talking to mediapersons, the CAIT secretary-general, Mr Praveen Khandelwal, said that the Union Government, through a gazette notification on December 3, made trade and industry liable to pay service tax and according to the act the traders will have to get themselves registered under Excise Act, failure of which will attract severe penalties. Mr Khandelwal said that though the service tax was arbitrarily imposed on trade, but it has not been made public to traders at the official level. The service tax on traders will be operative from January 1, 2005. Further, he pointed out that while presenting the Budget, the Union Finance Minister, under para 149 of his Budget speech, had made it clear that the service tax would be imposed on transport booking agents. Then, how did the question of levying a service tax on the traders arise? The Laghu Udyog Bharti had moved the Supreme Court on this issue. The apex court, in turn, had ruled that the service provider will be responsible for the service tax. The notification of Union Government imposing the service tax on traders was certainly a contravention of the apex court ruling, the body pointed out. Mr Khandelwal added that the trading community in the country was agitated and nationwide meetings were being held amongst trade federations and chambers. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) will make efforts to immediately meet the Union Finance Minister and Chairmen, Central Board of Excise and Customs. Moreover, traders across the country are gearing up for a nationwide agitation against
such a move of the Union Government.
|
|
Spl service soon for non-English speaking tourist
Tribune News Service
The Delhi Government has embarked on an ambitious plan to make information about the city and its places of tourist attraction available in French, Spanish, German and, possibly, even in Japanese and Chinese. “The work on compiling the information in the European languages has already started and we hope to start the services in February,” said Delhi Minister for Tourism and Education Arvinder Singh Lovely. He said Chinese and Japanese were likely to be added to the list of the prospective visitors to whom such services are to be provided. The information will be available on websites and in computerised kiosks in offices of Delhi Transport and Tourism Development Corporation (DTTDC). Mr Lovely said there were plans to set up similar kiosks at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here and at inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs) for the benefit of tourists on the move. Besides details about tourist attractions in the Capital, there will also be information about how to get around the city and hotels. Outlining other plans of Delhi Government to make the city more attractive for tourists, Mr Lovely said there is a proposal to appoint magistrates to ensure cleanliness at heritage sites and protect them from encroachment. “A bird sanctuary will also be established in Chawla in south-west Delhi. We have already appointed a consultant to chalk out the details in this regard,” he said. For the benefit of tourists who like to keep late hours, the Coffee Homes of DTTDC spread across the city will operate round the clock from next year, though it has not yet been decided from when the new timings will take effect. “We want to renovate all the Coffee Homes before they are opened for 24 hours. Presently, work is going on in the establishment in R K Puram in south Delhi which will be the first Coffee Home to remain open round the clock,” Mr Lovely said. The government has plans to introduce a radio taxi service that would include luxury vehicles like limousines to provide international standard transport to visitors coming to Delhi. Besides, there are also plans to introduce special services for tourists to important religious places like Haridwar, Rishikesh and Vrindavan.
|
|
Gas leak in ice unit, nine hospitalised
New Delhi, December 26 According to the police sources, the trouble erupted in an ice factory in the area. Suddenly people started coming out of the factory, shouting that there was a gas leakage. Some of the employees even had their faces covered with a wet cloth, so that they do not inhale the noxious gas. However, nine people were affected after they inhaled the gas that is used in the manufacture of ice. One woman, who was living next door, was also affected. Immediately the fire department and the local police were informed and the victims were taken to the Hindu Rao and Vinayak Hospital, where the condition of the patients is said to be stable. The police officials said that they were investigating the incident and were yet to ascertain the cause of the leakage. The police have arrested Jagjit Singh Chopra, the owner of the factory, and registered a case against him. Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off.
|
|
Early diagnosis needed in cases
of liver malfunction
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, December 26 Speaking on liver diseases at a recent seminar, Dr. Nirmal Kumar pointed out that you can not diagnose liver disease in many patients on the basis of elevated level of a single enzyme. The patient who has an abnormality in liver function test should be evaluated in detail. Another Dr. AS Soin, Sr. Transplant Surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, pointed out that in India liver transplantation is one of the treatment options available to the patient of end liver disease and acute liver failure. He said the main obstacles in this modality of treatment were the limited availability of donors, cost of therapy and time period in which the donor should be available, particularly in cases of acute liver failure. The HOD of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr. YK Chawla, said that artificial liver support acts as a bridge to liver transplantation but due to high cost very few centres in our country are using this modality of treatment.
|
|
Report sought on ‘sale’ of junk food in schools
New Delhi, December 26 The NGO approached the Commission after the Education Department gave a “general response” to its query on the extent of implementation of the ban order. The NGO had cited a study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here that linked diseases like obesity, hypertension and diabetes to consumption of junk food. However, instead of giving a pointed reply to the NGO, the Department simply said: ‘‘In none of the Government/Government-aided schools, junk
food and aerated drinks are available”. The Department admitted before the Commission that “There are unaided schools or prominent public schools where such products are available on sale through the canteens and that this lacunae needs to
be plugged.” The Commission has now asked the Education Department to provide the information sought by the NGO by January 20, 2005, the next date of hearing.
National meet on scientific awareness In furtherance of the objectives of the Government of India’s Year of Scientific Awareness-2004, the Scientists and Engineers Wing of the Brahma Kumari Institution’s Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation is organizing a National Conference on “Scientific Awareness Towards Holistic Development” at the Vigyan Bhavan today. The aim of the conference is to infuse scientific temper and to develop capacity for informed decision-making towards holistic development among scientists, engineers, technocrats and R&D personnel in the country. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shriprakash Jaiswal is expected to address the gathering in which at least 2,500 professionals and experts from the fields of Science and Technology and Engineering from across the country are taking part. The conference is being sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and is being supported by NHPC, Government of India.
|
|
Contribution of Sahibzadas recalled
New Delhi, December 26 On this occasion, the DSGMC decided that they it create awareness among the Sikh children about the sacrifices of four Sahibzadas. Awards have been constituted in the names of four Sahibzadas, which will be distributed among proper Gursikhs who observe Rahet Maryada. On the occasion, Balbir Singh of Canada and Rajinder Singh Ghuman were also presented with Siropas. DSGMC President Paramjit Singh Sarna underscored that a martyr lays down his life for the sake religion, national pride and also to protect the oppressed people. DSGMC General Secretary, Ravinder Singh Khrana, DSGMC-member, Jathedar Avtar Singh Hit, Principal, Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce Jaspal Singh and Ashok Singh Baghria also addressed the gathering.
|
|
Call to name flyover after Delhi’s first CM
New Delhi, December 26 Shakurpur village is the birth place of Chaudhary Brahm Prakash and Britannia Chowk itself is situated on the land of the village which is also traditionally known as Shakurpur Chowk. The naming of the flyover in memory of the first chief minister of the national Capital would not only be respecting the sentiments of the local people, but would also be appreciated by the citizens of Delhi. Sajjan Kumar said that it would be appropriate to name the flyover after Chaudhary Brahm Prakash to remind the coming generations of the dedicated services rendered by him.
Research tie-up with US varsity
New Delhi:
|
|
High-tech hope for amputees
New Delhi, December 26 According to the data available, around 40 lakh people are living abnormal life due to the amputation. Now, newer technology in prosthetics and orthotics has given some hope to these persons. Good thing is that the new high-tech equipment is now easily available in India and more than a thousand people benefit from this. In fact, by using these high-tech equipment one can lead a perfect normal life, even a person can also take part in sports activities. According to Endolite’s Director, Brig. V. K. Bajaj, after amputation in the hospital, rehabilitation works are normally in the hands of NGOs. With the availability of cutting-edge technology in prosthetic and orthotic equipment, it raises hope for those 10 per cent patients, who can afford this treatment. In prosthetic, there is equipment like ‘Adaptive Knee’, which is computerised technology for responsive knee control. A smart card allows alternative programmes for specific activities. It can sense the terrain and respond with the right speed and support. Besides, there is IP+, which automatically adjusts the swing of the knee to match the amputee’s walking speed and it requires less energy consumption. For upper limb, there is new high-tech equipment, which covers cosmetic, mechanical, servo and myo electric system. Powered with lithium batteries, the myo electric hand ensures efficient control and power conservation, a company official claimed.
|
|
Art lover’s calendar will be chock-full in 2005
Ravi Bhatia Tribune News Service
New Delhi, December 26 With only a few days left for the New Year to dawn, the curators of the over two dozen art galleries that have mushroomed in the region over the last few years are busy giving final touches to their respective calendars and tapping corporate sponsors for organising a slew of exclusive shows for the benefit of both artists and art lovers in the days to come. Taking the lead in this endeavor is Delhi artist and poet Rooma Mehra who is holding the tenth one-woman show of paintings and reliefs at the Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Centre, here from January 1 to January 5, 2005. Appropriately entitled, ‘Towards a New Dawn—-,,’ the exhibition will have on display some of the most exquisite offerings in the realm of art. Described as an artist who has faith in the power of nature, God and positive energy of life, Rooma’s art is inspired by her poetry and vice versa. Also at the Palm Court Gallery is an ongoing exhibition of pen and ink creations by a young Delhi artist, Dhanur Goyal, who has excelled in sketching landscapes. The exhibition, which was inaugurated on December 25 is on till December 29, 2004 and is titled, “ Illusive Perceptions from Ladhak to Realisation”. Dhanur, a 22-year-old graduate of the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, is a self-taught artist who has mastered the art of pen and ink paintings through persistence. Each painting has more than 10,000 lines, which often give meaning and character to an underlying simple theme. The Sakshi Art Gallery here is showcasing the work of artist Trupti Patel in an exhibition entitled ‘Fluent Consciousness.’ The exhibition, which was inaugurated on December 18, will continue till January 4, 2005. Living legend The Minister of Culture and I and B, Mr Jaipal Reddy, presented the Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof. Sankho Chaudhuri for promoting sculpture as an Art form at a ceremony here last week. Prof. Sankho Chaudhuri imbibed the basic traditions of fine Arts and carried them further towards modernity. This natural synthesis is consistently expressed in the rhythm of his sculptures. Whether it is wood, metal or marble, clay or stone, simple curves and contours of his figures and objects are his signature. He is a living legend who has enriched Fine Arts in India. The ceremony was held on the occasion of Legends of India Fine Arts Exhibition -Canvas 2004, which concluded on December 24, with `woman’ as the theme. This exhibition displayed 16 different ways in which a woman is perceived. Each artist with her or his distinct world-view has depicted woman as a gender different from man, as an individual amidst the masses, and as another significant half without which the Purush, the male, is incomplete. Each work manifests a part of the whole, whatever be the medium. Together, they present the woman as a whole by complementing each other. On this occasion, six generations of artists were present with their works. Prof Sankho Chaudhuri with his lyrical curves in marble, Satish Gujral and Laxman Pal with their colourful palettes; Lalitha Lajmi and Gopi Gajwani’s controlled treatment; Jatin Das and Shamshad’s strong and yet subtle statements were among the few. Legends of India has taken extra care in order to ensure that upcoming artists and sculptors get an opportunity to share the platform with the living legends.
|
|
Now, spy cameras to monitor busy market
Noida, December 26 According to the SSP, Piyush Mortia of Gautam Budha Nagar, these cameras are connected with a master monitor installed at Sector-18 based police post. In case of any suspicious activity, the operator of the monitor will flash a message to the concerned beat constable and patrolling party of the area. The camera can take pictures at a distance of about 1.5 km because of very sophisticated zoom facility. These pictures can be preserved for 50 days. “This system is already in practice in developed countries like America and England and delivering very good results. We are planning to introduce this service in other parts of the city in a phased manner to make the city security proof.” he said. Recently, the Noida police also added another feature in its security set up by introducing SMS service. “Under this service, one will have to make simply a SMS at toll free number 9818861100.”
|
|
Governor calls for cheaper power
Faridabad, December 26
The Governor was here on a visit to the Gas Power Station of the National Thermal Power Station (NTPC) at Mujheri village of Ballabhgarh sub-division here today.
|
|
Shop owners protest with toy guns
New Delhi, December 26
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
New Delhi, December 26