Monday, October 19, 1998

Shekhawat to be BJP’s
CM candidate
JAIPUR, Oct 18 — BJP President Kushabhau Thakre declared here today that Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will be BJP CM even after the coming Vidhan Sabha elections in Rajasthan.

IA explains its wobbling
NEW DELHI, Oct 18 — Faced with growing competition in the domestic sector, Indian Airlines has for the first time initiated direct communication with the passengers to explain them its problems.

President's greetings on Divali
NEW DELHI, Oct 18 — President K R Narayanan, Vice-President Krishan Kant and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee have greeted the nation on the occasion of Divali.

200 cr flood relief for Andhra

HYDERABAD, Oct 18 (PTI) — The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee today announced a central assistance of Rs 200 crore for the flood-ravaged Andhra Pradesh and promised all possible help to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people.

After a two-hour long aerial survey of the affected areas, Mr Vajpayee told reporters here that the flood situation in the state was "unprecedented and grim" and promised further financial help after submission of a report by a central team.

The central team, to be despatched after Divali, would be asked to submit its report within 10 days, Prime Minister said, adding: 'The challenge of nature's fury has to be met jointly by the Centre and state governments. We will not allow money to come in the way of the effective rehabilitation of the victims.'

Quoting a memorandum submitted to him by the state government, Mr Vajpayee said 230 persons had so far lost their lives. Over 76,000 persons from 97 villages in the worst-affected Krishna, Guntur and Nalgonda districts were evacuated to safer places and crops in 7.5 lakh hectares were damaged in heavy rain in the state in the past 15 days.

The Prime Minister said he would examine how much funds could be granted for Andhra Pradesh under various central schemes like the Jawahar Rojgar Yojna (JRY), the Indira Avaas Yojna (IAY) and the Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS).

He also announced Rs 50 crore assistance for Karnataka which also experienced flood fury and promised to release further instalments, if necessary, based on central team's assessment report.

Deviating from the original schedule, Mr Vajpayee left for an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Karnataka covering Bidar and Gulbarga districts.

The Prime Minister had earlier reviewed flood situation with officials at the airport and met the delegations from both states before embarking on an aerial survey.

Appreciating the state government's efforts in providing swift relief and succour to the victims, he said the Centre would evolve a long-term policy to tackle natural calamities.

"The floods in Andhra Pradesh have been unprecedented in terms of dimension and magnitude as nature has hit the state in all its fury. People of the state should not feel that they are alone the entire country is with them", Mr Vajpayee said.

When pointed out that the state government had requested for Rs 500 crore immediate central assistance, he said: "I have to take care of the supply position".

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who accompanied Mr Vajpayee on the aerial survey, welcomed the announcement of central assistance as a 'kind gesture'. As per the preliminary assessment, the state had suffered a loss to the tune of Rs 2,235 crore, Mr Naidu said.

Campaign by schools hits crackers’ sale
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Oct 18 — Campaign against crackers launched in 1500 government and private schools in the Capital by Nature’s Soul, a local non-governmental organisation has begun to show results.

The campaign which started on August 25 from Kendriya Vidyalaya, JNU Campus includes solemn pledges, signed commitments, informal discussions, competitions, demonstrations and Dasehra holiday projects of spreading message in the neighbourhood.

The campaign is aimed at controlling pollution and rehabilitation of children working in the cracker industry.

Mr Sanjeev Walia, Director of Nature’s Soul told The Tribune that the campaign had covered 50 lakh school students. He said, “the effectiveness of the campaign can be gauged from the mood of the children. They are very sure that they will not fire a single cracker.”

Most school children have surprised their parents by announcing their resolve not to buy crackers. Wasteful expenditure apart, the children based their decision on protecting their counterparts working in firework factories in Sivakasi and Meerut.

Babu Lal Gupta who runs a fireworks shop in Mayur Vihar says that the campaign has affected the sale of crackers. “Last year, I sold crackers worth Rs seven lakh. This festive season, I have sold stock worth Rs four lakh,” he said.

Parents fed up with dissuading children from bursting crackers are only too happy with sudden change in their attitude.

Mrs Nupur Bartwal says she was surprised when her five-year-old daughter, Harshita studying in Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram told her that she would not buy any firework. “She is not willing to buy any crackers.”

Mrs Bartwal says that children studying in the school have sent postcards to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, vowing that they would not burst crackers.

Kanika Sohal, a class VI student of Amity International School, Noida said after seeing a play on the dangers children working in fireworks industries are exposed to, she has decided to celebrate Divali without crackers. The play was staged in her school last week.

But, some children are not sure whether they would be able to resist the temptation of setting of crackers.

Meha, a class XI student of New Greenfield Public School, Saket says that the school authorities circulated a message from the Prime Minister dissuading students from bursting crackers. “Posters on our school walls say that we should not use crackers made by children. But how does one distinguish between crackers manufactured by children and adults? And, my boycotting crackers would have a negligible effect. So, why should I not celebrate Divali with crackers?,” she asked.

Anand Mahajan, a student of St. Cecilia school in Vikaspuri said that the school authorities assured them a memorable weekend by allowing them to burst crackers on Saturday.

Pleading ignorance about the noisy celebrations in St. Cecilia, Mr Sanjeev Walia, Director of Nature’s Soul said that some schools like St. Anthony, Hauz Khas went door-to door dissuading adults from buying crackers for their children.

Asked whether Nature’s Soul plans to launch a similar campaign in other cities, Mr Walia said, “some NGOs have approached us for guidance in initiating such a movement. We approached schools in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida but did not get any response.”

Central aid to states
Revision of Gadgil formula ruled out

NEW DELHI, Oct 18 — Revision of the Gadgil Mukherjee formula for the distribution of Central Assistance for State Plans has been ruled out for the present by the Planning Commission. However, suggestions of the states, in this regard will be placed before the National Development Council, according to sources in the Planning Commission.

During discussions between Chief Ministers of various states and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission on the finalisation of the Annual Plan 1998-99, some of the Chief Ministers pressed the demand that the formula should be further revised, in the interests of ensuring a just and fair distribution of plan allocations to the States.

A similar demand had been made during the finalisation of Annual Plan for 1997-98. But there was no unanimity on how the revised formula should be implemented. One view was that states with better performance in fiscal management resource mobilisation should be suitably rewarded. An alternative view was that since developed states are able to attract more private investment, backward states should be given more consideration in Central assistance.

The Planning Commission has already made it clear to the states that any revision of the formula requires approval of the National Development Council, sources said. However, the Commission has informed the Chief Ministers that it proposed to finalise its approach in the shape of a note, and place it before the National Development Council for its consideration.

According to sources, Chief Ministers of some states have sent detailed notes to the Commission stating their views on the need for revision, but the Commission has found no agreement among the states on the approach to be adopted. — IPA

Shekhawat to be BJP’s CM candidate
From a Reporter

JAIPUR, Oct 18 — BJP President Kushabhau Thakre declared here today that Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will be BJP CM even after the coming Vidhan Sabha elections in Rajasthan.

Talking to reporters he said here today that when we say that the BJP would not project anybody as the future CM in this state it was not because the party had something else in mind. “Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is the key figure of our party in the state. He is a projected CM irrespective of our declaration to this effect or not”, the party president observed.

In the beginning he said that the party would fight Vidhan Sabha election under Shekhawat’s leadership. But whether he will lead the Legislative Party even after the elections? Mr Thakre said “this has been the party policy to not declare anybody as prospective CM”. The MLAs will elect their leader after election. Then why did you project Ms Sushma Swaraj as next CM of Delhi? He replied, “case of Delhi is different. Delhi is like extension of Jaipur where only 5 per cent of population is rural. As against Rajasthan’s vast expansion and rural background Delhi is an urban area. There is always a difference between rural and urban areas.”

On subsequent question however Mr Thakre said that there was no necessity of party declaring Mr Shekhawat as next CM too since people consider him to be the CM. During his Chief Ministership Rajasthan marched forward and development works had been executed in each and every village. He said that his party was a worker-based party and the workers who were in a state of some nervousness after the last Lok Sabha elections had overcome the trauma. They have regained confidence and there is a sea of difference between the conditions a few months ago and now, he said.

Party President also hinted today that it might make seat adjustments with some of the parties in Rajasthan who were the BJP’s allies at the Centre. He said that there was no harm in leaving some seats for allies where they could win. After all it is the responsibility of the BJP in the state to see that Congress got defeated at the hustings.

He also said that expansion of the Union Cabinet would take place soon. When a reporter asked that the BJP and other parties were regularly speaking of Cabinet expansion but the PM had never opened his mouth in this regard, Mr Thakre said. His party feels that Cabinet must be expanded. We have however clarified to the PM that expansion or otherwise is his sole prerogative.” We have told Atalji clearly that “you take whomsoever you want.

HC stops Ganga Plan, orders review

NEW DELHI, Oct 18 (PTI) — The Allahabad High Court has stayed the implementation of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) pending a thorough reassessment of the entire project by an expert group following indications of “improper planning and failure of the scheme almost everywhere and in particular at the holy city of Varanasi”.

The court has also ordered audit of the Rs 500 crore spent on the GAP so far, by a team of seven officers, headed by Samir Gupta — a retired official of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) office.

Passing orders last week on a petition by two Municipal Corporators of the Varanasi Nagar Nigam, alleging total failure of the GAP, a Division Bench comprising Mr Justice Giridhar Malaviya and Mr Justice K.D. Shahi said, “it is now almost clear that on account of failure of the scheme everywhere and in particular in Varanasi, pollution instead of being controlled, had multiplied”.

The sorry state of affairs, the court observed, was because the work was undertaken without getting the project report prepared in consultation with experts who should have examined various aspects to ensure the money spent on the project was well-utilised.

“Accordingly it has become necessary to stop all work till the entire project is carefully examined and scrutinised by a group of environmental experts,” the court said.

IA explains its wobbling

NEW DELHI, Oct 18 (PTI) — Faced with growing competition in the domestic sector, Indian Airlines (IA) has for the first time initiated direct communication with the passengers to explain them its problems.

On the occasion of Divali, IA has brought out a tabloid titled “welcome aboard” to provide to the travellers basic information about its working as well as to tell them of the difficulties being faced by the public sector airlines, which till recently had market monopoly in the country.

The four-page glossy publication tells the passengers, through direct interviews with a pilot, an air-hostess and an engineer — representing the three main operational departments — the day-to-day problems being faced by it while keeping the 52-aircraft fleet flying-fit to carry 22,000 passengers daily to 59 domestic and 17 international destinations.

Through an intimate letter the official spokesman explains the reasons behind the recent fare hike by 11.2 per cent.

It had become necessary to meet the growing input costs, many of which, he says, “are beyond the control of the airlines.”

“Perhaps you are aware that over 87 per cent of the costs of the airlines are on account of prices fixed by other agencies,” the letter says.

President's greetings on Divali

NEW DELHI, Oct 18 (UNI) — President K R Narayanan, Vice-President Krishan Kant and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee have greeted the nation on the occasion of Divali.

In his message, Mr Narayanan expressed the hope that the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to all our people and light into their lives.

The Vice-President said Divali brought the people of India closer together in a sub-conscious unity of purpose, which is central to our ethos and culture, and expressed the hope that this festival 'will illuminate our path'.

Greeting his fellow citizens on this joyous occasion, Mr Vajpayee expressed the hope that Divali will 'dispel darkness and usher in a new era of peace, prosperity and happiness in all homes'.

Ban on ‘Satanic Verses’ to stay
ALLAHABAD: The Vajpayee led government would not lift ban on the controversial book “Satanic Verses” authored by India born British writer Salman Rushdie, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Saturday. “The government did not and would not lift ban on the controversial book,” Mr Naqvi told PTI. He described as “totally baseless” the report that the BJP-led government at the Centre was thinking of lifting ban on the book. “It (report) was nothing but to tarnish image of BJP among Muslims,” he added. — (PTI)

Tripathi IGNOU Pro-VC
NEW DELHI: Dr K N Tripathi of Delhi University has taken over as one of the Pro-Vice-Chancellors of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Dr Tripathi, a Professor of Electronic Science, was officer on special duty (OSD) at the university’s Institute of Informatics and Communication at south campus before he joined IGNOU. He was also the warden of Delhi University’s International Students’ House, an IGNOU release said here on Sunday. — (PTI)

Environmentalist honoured
NEW DELHI: Noted environmentalist Vandana Shiva will receive the Medal of Presidency of Italian Republic for her contribution to social progress and development. Dr Shiva was honoured with the commemorative medal by Thailand Princess Mahachakri Siridhorn on the occasion of 18th World Food Day organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation Regional Office for Asia and Pacific on October 16. The award was in recognition of her contribution towards ensuring food security for the poor and marginalised people. — (UNI)

Rare surgery on 40-day child
TIRUPATI: In a rare surgery, a “mediastinal dermoid” tumour was successfully removed from a 40-day-old infant by doctors at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMs), here recently. It was the first time that the Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Department of the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)-run SVIMs had performed the surgery on an infant. The 3/5 inch tumour had compressed the upper middle lobes of the lung causing difficulty to the child, in taking food, an SVIMs release said on Saturday. — (UNI)

Stone-age traces unearthed
CHENNAI: Traces of the stone-age civilisation have been unearthed at the Peddur lake near Alangayam on the foothills of Javadhu hills, 130 km from here. Two stone tools, measuring 17 cm and 13 cm long, discovered by Mr Pulendran, a teacher at the Alangayam Government Secondary School, proves to be a mute witness to the by-gone era. The antiques have been deposited with the Vellore museum, according to official sources. — (UNI)

Merlin Award for Sorcar Junior
CALCUTTA: Celebrity trickster P C Sorcar Junior has become the first Indian to win the ‘Merlin Award’ instituted by world’s largest magicians’ forum, the International Magicians Society (IMS). The IMS has chosen Sorcar Junior this year for conjuring “world’s greatest magic show”, an IMS message announcing the award said. “We honour you and your contribution to the art of magic,” IMS chairman Tony Hassini said in the letter. — (PTI)